Brexit today - as it happened: Theresa May questioned on the latest EU negotiating position in the Commons
Follow all the latest updates from Westminster here
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Theresa May has met her most senior ministers in Cabinet to discuss - for the first time - what kind of trade deal the UK should pursue with the EU after Brexit.
The Prime Minister also addressed the House of Commons, telling MPs she will attempt to finalise free trade deals with countries outside the bloc “where possible” - setting her on collision course with Brussels.
But she was urged by the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to "face down" Cabinet ministers who want to scrap EU regulations which limit the working week.
He asked the Prime Minister to "categorically" offer assurances over her intent to maintain the standards of the Working Time Directive during any transition period and beyond. Ms May, replying after updating MPs, reiterated the Government intends to "enhance" workers' rights.
It comes after Stefaan De Rynck, an adviser to the EU’s top Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, told an audience in London that the post-withdrawal transition period is “not a given” as he highlighted tensions between London and Brussels.
Mr De Rynck said the EU's goal was to have a fully-written withdrawal treaty ready for ratification by October next year, but stressed many issues needed to be worked out in the tight timeframe and that Britain would not be allowed to pick and choose a “buffet” option.
This liveblog is now closed but you can see all of Monday's developments below.
This is from the Press Association after the speech by Stefaan De Rynck - an adviser to Michel Barnier.
The senior adviser to chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said that a post-withdrawal transition period is "not a given" as he pointed to tensions between Brussels and London.
Speaking at an event in London, Stefaan De Rynck said the EU's goal was to have a fully-written withdrawal treaty ready for ratification by October next year, but stressed many issues needed to be worked out in the tight timeframe and that Britain would not be allowed to pick and choose a "buffet" option.
"In that withdrawal treaty there could be a transitional arrangement, transition period, implementation period, which the Prime Minister refers to. That is not a given today, let's be very clear about that."
Mr De Rynck said there were tensions regarding sectors like the pharmaceutical industry and financial services.
"There is some tension between the ideas that emerge in this capital ... and if you look at the April guidelines of the European Council, which have been reconfirmed, you can feel some tension."
Here are some more key bits from Stefaan De Rynck's speech in London. The adviser to Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, was speaking at Chatham House.
Ahead of May's address to the Commons late (3.30pm), it's worth looking at some quotes from the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
In an interview with Prospect magazine, he made clear Britain will not be able to "cherry-pick" advantages of different trading models with the EU.
He said: "They have to realise there won't be any cherry picking.
"We won't mix up the various scenarios to create a specific one and accommodate their wishes, mixing, for instance, the advantages of the Norwegian model, member of the single market, with the simple requirements of the Canadian one.
"No way. They have to face the consequences of their own decision."
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/they-have-to-face-the-consequences-of-their-own-decision-michel-barnier-speaks-exclusively-on-the-uks-brexit-position
Liam Fox is under fire over £1m-plus plans to appoint new “trade commissioners” around the world, on gold-plated packages normally handed to the UK’s ambassadors.
The roles offer £120,000 salaries – akin to the pay for the most glittering ambassador jobs in France, Russia, Japan and at the United Nations – as well as lucrative home travel costs and private education for any children.
Theresa May is now updating the Commons on the progress of the Brexit negotations.
But first she is addressing Russia and events in Jerusalem. She says the peace process in Ukraine has stalled... she said the EU council agreed further sanctions on Russia for six months.
The PM also reiterated her Government's opposition to the US position of recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel - something that is also opposed by the European Union.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments