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As it happenedended

Theresa May threatens 'no Brexit at all' as senior Tories put new referendum on table

All the latest updates from Westminster

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 21 November 2018 12:40 EST
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Theresa May threatens 'no Brexit at all' if deal rejected

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Theresa May has urged MPs to back her plans or face the prospect of "no Brexit at all" before heading to Brussels for talks with Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission.

Tory MPs lined up to demand the prime minister renegotiate parts of her Brexit deal during a fiery prime minister's questions session, where Ms May sought to sell the plan to her divided party.

Earlier, senior Tories including Amber Rudd and Damian Collins opened the door to a new referendum, as the prime ministers hopes of securing a parliamentary majority appeared to fade.

It also comes amid suggestions from Brussels that a summit to sign off on the draft withdrawal agreement on Sunday could be called off unless progress is made on finalising a political declaration on future relations.

If you want to follow events as they happened, see our live coverage below

Onto his fifth question, Corbyn says the 'shambles' Britain finds itself in were caused by the Tories and asks her if she is breaking her red lines on the Northern Ireland border.

May says the EU wanted this border but she has refused. She also repeats her point that he has no idea whats in the document.

Corbyn says the deal is "a failure". It fails May's red lines, Labour's six tests - big jeers here - and fails to impress the new Northern Ireland minister John Penrose, who said the deal was dead just hours before he took the post.

He says May should stand aside to allow Labour to negotiate a better deal.

May says she is delivering on the referendum vote while Labour plays politics.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:18

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:18

Tory MP Neil Parrish also has a pop at the deal, which he says is 'not good enough as it stands'. He particularly points to the £39bn divorce bill.

May says nothing is agreed until everything is agreed - but the UK has pledged to meet its legal obligations.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:24

Tory MP Alan Mak raises the case of two constituents who died after taking ecstasy and asks what the government is doing to crack down on drug dealing.

May says there are a number measures that go towards fighting drug dealing and use.

Mike Amesbury, Labour MP, says schools in his constituency have faced major budget cuts and says her claim 'austerity is over has as much credibility as her Brexit plan'.

May says schools are getting more cash.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:28

Conservative MP Bob Neill raises Gibraltar and asks for reassurance that the withdrawal agreement will protect its self-determination.

May says the government is 'steadfast' in its support for Gibraltar and its seeking a deal that works for the whole of the UK family.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:30

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:31

Labour MP Thangam Debbonnaire says there have been real-terms per pupil cuts in schools and asks 'how can the PM expect people to trust her on anything if she can't get her numbers right'.

May says that is not true and pupil funding is being protected.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:33

Tory grandee Sir Nicholas Soames asks the PM to try to retain the "closest possible ties" with Europe when she speaks to Jean Claude Juncker later.

PM says she will convey that message.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:35

Esther McVey, who quit the cabinet last week on Brexit, asks if the UK will be leaving the EU on March 2019 'come what may'.

May praises her for her work on disability rights and says the UK will leave on that date.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:37

My colleague Rob Merrick points out a clear problem with May's answer to Esther McVey.

Lizzy Buchan21 November 2018 12:38

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