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As it happenedended

Brexit - as it happened: David Davis accuses EU of 'shooting itself in the foot' over security cooperation

All the latest updates from Westminster as they happened

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 06 June 2018 10:00 EDT
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David Davis wants post-Brexit relationship with Europe that 'recognises the history' and 'stands the test of time'

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David Davis has accused the EU of "shooting itself in the foot to see if the gun works" by weakening security ties with the UK after Brexit.

In a speech in London, the Brexit secretary criticised the European Commission for putting legal precedents ahead of practical considerations, after it emerged that Brussels has threatened to kick Britain out of its Galileo satellite navigation programme, which it helped to fund.

He also revealed the cabinet was still split over the "backstop" proposals, which would keep the whole of the UK in the customs union until a permanent solution is found to the Irish border issue.

It comes as Jeremy Corbyn criticised Theresa May over the government's delay in laying out its Brexit plans in more detail, demanding when the government will publish its white paper on the UK's future relationship with the EU.

Labour is facing its own Brexit troubles as splits emerged over plans to shift its approach to leaving the EU.

Ahead of a Commons showdown on the government's flagship legislation, the Labour leadership has sought to quell pro-EU rebels in the ranks, by tabling a bid for a Norway-style deal where Britain retains full access to the single market.

However critics said the efforts were "nowhere near enough", and called for support for a cross-party amendment from the Lords, which could effectively keep Britain in the single market.

See below for live updates

Davis is now taking questions. He is asked whether he can stay his job if he has not signed off the 'backstop' plan.

He says it is a matter for the PM and it is still a matter for Cabinet negotiations.

Asked if the backstop proposal will be published tomorrow, he says it is for a cabinet committee to decide and "it is not in my control".

Asked about the white paper, he says in debates in Whitehall on fast and slow, he normally votes for fast. The white paper will be published when it is ready and up to scratch.  It will not delay negotiations.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 16:39

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 16:42

Earlier, Downing Street said it did not expect proposals for a "backstop" arrangement to keep the Irish border open after Brexit to be needed.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "The backstop is there for if we have reached an agreement but extra time was required to implement it.

"But as the PM and others have said, we do not expect that to be the case."

Asked if David Davis had threatened to resign over the issue, he replied: "Not that I'm aware of, no."

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 16:43

Worried EU car manufacturers are already in talks about rejecting British-made parts because of Brexit, an industry leader has revealed.

The growing fear was that “lots of jobs disappear” because of Theresa May’s vow to leave the existing customs union, the head of a component supplying firm said.

More here: 

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 17:06

That's it for the day for the politics liveblog. Thanks for following!

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 17:29

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