Brexit news: Theresa May mocked over 'Groundhog Day' as she unveils plan B almost identical to original plan

Labour's Pat McFadden asks if Theresa May was opposed to a general election.

May says she has been clear that it is not the right policy 'at this time'. 

'That's what you said last time,' one MP shouts.

Peter Kyle, a prominent pro-EU campaigner, says there is only a very small majority of right wing people trying to undermine 'social cohesion' in order to prevent a people's vote.

"When did the Tory party start running away from fascists rather than standing up to them?"

May says that comment was beneath him. She opposes a second referendum because she thinks politicians should accept the result of such votes.

Tory former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab urged the PM to rule out revoking or extending Article 50 in order to "give businesses certainty and the public some finality".

May responded: "What I'm working for is to find a deal that will secure the support of this House such that we can leave and will leave the European Union on March 29."

Tory MP Heidi Allen later criticised Mrs May, saying her statement provided "no further information".

She said: "Surely we cannot go on for yet another week, wasting another two weeks in total without some direction, so many members of this House today have suggested a customs union, people's vote, indicative votes, the Prime Minister must commit to one of those next week."

May said she would "continue to have discussions" with MPs on a way forward.

Reaction is starting to emerge to May's announcement of plans to waive the £65 fee for EU citizens living in the UK after Brexit.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This was the right thing to do. But it’s an idea that should never have seen the light of day in the first place. It’s a pity it took the government so long to see sense.

“With all the talk of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, EU nationals have more than enough on their minds, without having to worry about coming up with the cash just so they can carry on living here.

“The settled status registration process must be simple and make European workers feel welcome. The UK simply cannot afford to lose valuable staff from its already strained health and social care sectors.”

Scottish External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased the PM has finally seen sense and accepted the argument from the Scottish Government, the 3million group and others that she should scrap this unfair fee, which should never have been suggested in the first place.

“But this does not change the fact that EU citizens should not be asked to apply simply to retain the rights that they already have to live, work and study in Scotland. This has caused real anxiety for EU citizens in Scotland, who contribute so much to our economy and society.

“Fees charged as part of the pilot scheme introduced today by the UK Government should be dropped immediately.”

Allie Renison, Head of Europe and Trade Policy at the Institute of Directors, said: “Unfortunately, as frustrating as the lack of progress is, few businesses were expecting significant clarity today. The only surprise about the PM’s statement, albeit a positive one, was the announcement the government would be waiving the fee for applying for settled status. It’s a welcome step, although the Government still needs to provide more guidance about how the scheme would work in the event of no deal.”

The announcement is a major victory for the3million campaign, which has been campaigning for the rights of EU citizens in the UK.

Theresa May's statement is now over, after a whopping two and half hours at the despatch box. More than 100 MPs asked a question, John Bercow says.

Defence minister Tobias Ellwood has made clear that he believes article 50 should be extended in this tweet - which drew inevitable comments about having cake and eating it...

The president of the European Council has revealed that he told David Cameron to “get real” over plans for the referendum that would see Britain vote to leave the EU and plunge the UK into political chaos.

In an interview for a new BBC documentary, Donald Tusk said he told the then prime minister that there was “no appetite” among other countries for changes to the EU just because the UK was going to hold a “stupid referendum”.

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