Boris Johnson news – live: Government to offer votes on ‘significant coronavirus measures’ after PM accused of ‘confusion’

Keir Starmer thinks asylum island idea ‘ludicrous’

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s team has dismissed the reported proposal to process asylum seekers on Ascension Island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean as a “ridiculous idea from an incompetent government”.

Speaking to reporters, Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “[He thinks] it is ludicrous and inhumane.

“It is completely impractical and it would be hugely expensive for taxpayers. It is a ridiculous idea from an incompetent government.”

EU rejects UK plan to avoid export tariffs on car industry

British car manufacturers could still face higher export tariffs even if there is a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU, according to a letter to the car industry from the UK’s chief negotiator.

David Frost said the European Commission had rejected proposals for components from non-EU countries used on UK car production lines to be considered British.

The No 10 negotiator admitted in a letter to the car industry that the UK had failed to persuade the EU to agree to the idea – adding that they “obviously cannot insist on it”.

This means that UK-manufactured vehicles that do not have enough British components will attract tariffs when exported to the EU.

Has the Speaker forced No 10 U-turn on Covid powers?

It looks the Tory rebels are getting what they want. The health secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly forged an agreement with backbenchers over more parliament scrutiny on shaping the coronavirus rules.  

It appears to amount to a significant U-turn. It was the scathing condemnation from Sir Lindsay Hoyle at today’s PMQs which sealed the government’s “climb down”, according to The Telegraph’s Christopher Hope.

Extra universal credit payment may be extended, minister hints

Work and pensions Secretary Theresa Coffey has hinted that a temporary rise in universal credit payment could be extended – after a coalition of charities warned cutting support risked plunging 700,000 people deeper into poverty.

Coffey said she wanted to keep a roof over people’s heads, and told MPs that as things stood the extra £20 a week given to universal credit claimants was due to come to an end in April.  

But, she added, “a lot of these discussions about what we continue to do with welfare support are still in active discussion with the Treasury”.

No 10 suggests compromise agreed with Tory rebels

Downing Street has signalled that the government has struck a compromise deal with Tory rebels who have been calling for meaningful votes on coronavirus restrictions.

Asked about criticism from Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, who accused the government of showing “contempt” for parliament by imposing rules, a No 10 spokesman said: “The prime minister and the health secretary have acknowledged that we’re looking at further ways to involve parliament in the process in advance

“We know how important it is for both houses to have to debate and scrutinise all coronavirus regulations … I’m sure you will hear more on this from the health secretary this afternoon.”

A source among the rebels also indicated that health secretary Matt Hancock will outline an agreement as he opens the Commons debate starting very shortly.

Lords bid to block ending of freedom of movement heavily defeated

A bid to block the ending of free movement post-Brexit has been heavily defeated in the House of Lords.

Peers rejected by 262 votes to 113, majority 149, a Green Party amendment to flagship immigration legislation, which also paves the way for a new points-based system following the UK's break with Brussels.

The upper chamber heard the move was effectively a "wrecking" measure that would "drive a coach and horses" through the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, which has already been through the Commons.

Hancock offers coronavirus act compromise

Matt Hancock has offered a compromise to MPs who are seeking greater scrutiny over coronavirus legislation - allowing votes on “significant national measures”

“I believe in the sovereignty of parliament - and I believe in the wisdom of this House as the cockpit of the nation,” he told the commons.

“I therefore propose that we change the approach to bringing in urgent measures. Today I can confirm that for significant national measures with affecting the whole of England or UK-wide we will consult parliament. Wherever possible we will hold votes before such regulations come into force.”

It comes ahead of a planned amendment to the coronavirus act that would see parliament vote on any future lockdown measures.

Government promises to hold votes ‘wherever possible’ on nationwide measures after Tory rebellion

Matt Hancock has unveiled a government concession giving MPs a say in “significant national measures” to tackle coronavirus, including holding votes wherever possible.

In response to mounting frustration over the introduction of new Covid-19 rules and a lack of parliamentary oversight, the health secretary said had listened to concerns raised by dozens of backbench Conservatives.

“I believe in the sovereignty of parliament - and I believe in the wisdom of this House as the cockpit of the nation,” he said.

More from our own Ashley Cowburn below:

Coronavirus concession welcomed by 1922 chair

Conservative MP Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, praised Matt Hancock for being "prepared to listen" regarding the importance of parliamentary scrutiny.

Sir Graham had been a rallying figure for MPs seeking to amend the coronavirus bill to give parliamentarians a greater say on virus legislation.

He told the Commons: "Can I also thank (Matt Hancock) for being prepared to listen and for the constructive conversations that we've had over the last couple of weeks.

"As he said, members on both sides of the House understand the importance of ministers having the freedom to act quickly when it's necessary, but we are grateful than he and other members of the Government have understood the importance of proper scrutiny in this place and the benefits that can bring to better government as well."

Mr Hancock responded: "I'm grateful to (Sir Graham) and I agree with him about the point about scrutiny and I'm very glad that we've been able to find a way to ensure that we can have that scrutiny and colleagues on all sides can have the opportunity to vote and we do so in a way though that still doesn't fetter the Government's need to act fast to keep people safe from this virus."

Coronavirus concession welcomed by 1922 chair

Conservative MP Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, praised Matt Hancock for being "prepared to listen" regarding the importance of parliamentary scrutiny.

Sir Graham had been a rallying figure for MPs seeking to amend the coronavirus bill to give parliamentarians a greater say on virus legislation.

He told the Commons: "Can I also thank (Matt Hancock) for being prepared to listen and for the constructive conversations that we've had over the last couple of weeks.

"As he said, members on both sides of the House understand the importance of ministers having the freedom to act quickly when it's necessary, but we are grateful than he and other members of the Government have understood the importance of proper scrutiny in this place and the benefits that can bring to better government as well."

Mr Hancock responded: "I'm grateful to (Sir Graham) and I agree with him about the point about scrutiny and I'm very glad that we've been able to find a way to ensure that we can have that scrutiny and colleagues on all sides can have the opportunity to vote and we do so in a way though that still doesn't fetter the Government's need to act fast to keep people safe from this virus."