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As it happenedended
6 years ago

Brexit: Government to publish forecasts comparing May's deal with remaining in EU

Ashley Cowburn
Monday 19 November 2018 04:35 EST
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Theresa May on leadership dispute: 'a change of leadership isn't going to make the negotiations any easier'

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MPs have forced the government to agree to publish analysis comparing the economic impact of Theresa May's Brexit deal with remaining the European Union.

Before MPs vote on Ms May's Brexit deal, the government will have to publish an analysis comparing the impact of the proposed agreement with the consequences of the alternative scenarios of a no-deal Brexit and remaining in the EU.

The cross-party amendment was backed by more than 70 MPs from six political parties, including enough Tory rebels to deprive Ms May of her majority.

Facing a certain defeat in the Commons, ministers caved and agreed to accept the motion.

6 years ago
Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 11:08
6 years ago

Theresa May is now speaking at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). She says there is one paramount issue facing the country at the moment - and no surprises - it's Brexit. 

May says she is confident a deal can be struck at the weekend during the EU council summit - and then a vote in the House of Commons in the days and weeks afterwards. 

The PM says the UK values the contribution of immigration in recent years - but once we've left the EU "we will be fully in control of who comes here" and says EU nationals will no longer be able to "jump the queue". She says immigration controls will be based on talent and skill. 

"We want an immigration system for the future that everyone can have confidence in," she adds.

Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 11:14
6 years ago

May says the new relationship with the EU must set the country on the path towards a more prosperous future. "Jobs depend on us getting this right," she says - and the government has unashamedly put the economy first in the negotiations.

Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 11:18
6 years ago

The PM says the most striking economic success story of the last few years is the "jobs miracle" in the UK. "Wages rose by 2.3 per cent - the biggest rise in a decade," she says. 

May says she got into politics to give people a fair shot to get on in life. "Businesses should be a force for good," she says urging business leaders to "step up" and invest in the future of the next generation. 

She says that businesses must do more to make the case for free markets - and the government will work with them "every step of the way".

Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 11:25
6 years ago

She is now taking questions - she tells the BBC "don't just listen to politicians - listen to what businesses say" in regards to people trashing the deal and calling for her resignation. 

She says she wants to deliver on the Brexit vote - and "the deal delivers on the Brexit vote". 

Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 11:36
6 years ago

On the transition period, May says it is important it is over by the next election, which is due in the summer of 2022. She adds that there is the option to extend the agreed period beyond December 2020 "for a short period of time".

This comes after Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said an extension of the transition - as permitted by the withdrawal agreement - could not be indefinite. 

"Any prolongation of the transition period, which requires agreement with the British on their financial contribution during any such period, but, anyway it can't be indefinite, it has to be a fixed period of time."

He added: "I believe that we will make a final and specific proposal for these purposes during the course of this week.

"So, we would fix a final moment for up to which we can have a single prolongation of the transition.

"And, of course, this will all be by mutual agreement between the United Kingdom and the 27 member states."

Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 11:49
6 years ago
Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 12:12
6 years ago
Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 12:40
6 years ago
Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 12:58
6 years ago

David Mundell, the Scottish secretary, has said a no-deal Brexit would be "catastrophic" for Scotland.

He told BBC Scotland: "I'm supporting the deal because I believe a no-deal outcome would be catastrophic for Scotland.

"I believe it would be a fundamental threat to the continuation of the United Kingdom and therefore in the round you have to weigh up all the issues.

"These are difficult and complex judgments but I'm not prepared to countenance a no-deal outcome for Scotland.

Ashley Cowburn19 November 2018 13:05

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