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As it happenedended

Theresa May rules out Norway-style plan B, as minister admits no-deal Brexit would not be a 'walk in the park' - as it happened

Ashley Cowburn
Political Correspondent
,Benjamin Kentish
Friday 30 November 2018 05:13 EST
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Liam Fox says no-deal Brexit wouldn't be a 'walk in the park'

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A no-deal Brexit wouldn't be a "disaster" but would also not be a "walk in the park", according to the cabinet minister Liam Fox who has offered his lukewarm backing for Theresa May's agreement.

The international trade secretary said the prime minister's deal offered the right "balance", but added he did not "for a second pretend to be enthusiastic" about the backstop - put in place as an insurance policy to prevent a hard border in Ireland.

The remarks from the prominent Brexiteer came as Ms May arrived in Buenos Aires for the G20 summit alongside other world leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Before her scheduled meeting with the crown prince on Friday evening, the prime minister defended her decision to hold talks with the Saudi ruler, despite accusations he ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

“I’m intending to speak with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia,” she told reporters ahead of landing in Argentina.

“The message that I will give will be the message that we have consistently given on this issue, but also on the issue of Yemen.

“In relation to Mr Khashoggi, we want to see a full and transparent investigation in relation to what happened and those responsible held to account."

This liveblog is now closed, but you can see how the day's events unfolded above

Ashley Cowburn30 November 2018 14:38
Benjamin Kentish30 November 2018 14:52
Ashley Cowburn30 November 2018 15:03

Speaking on TalkRADIO, Labour's shadow chancellor, John McDonnell , was asked if May's deal is voted down, and it leads to another public ballot, should there be an option to "throw the whole thing out" and stop Brexit altogether.

He said: "The ballot paper will be determined by Parliament. It's difficult to see Parliament deciding if there is to be a choice that they wouldn't have at least some sort of Remain option on there.

"But it will be determined by Parliament if we get to that state."

Ashley Cowburn30 November 2018 15:32

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