Theresa May under growing pressure as minister resigns in protest at 'humiliating' plan to extend Article 50
Follow for live updates from Westminster
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Theresa May faced fresh pressure over her Brexit strategy after farming minister George Eustice resigned from government to oppose any delay to Britain's exit day next month.
Mr Eustice said he had backed the prime minister through "a series of rather undignified retreats" but he was afraid that the prospect of a vote on extending article 50 would lead to the "final humiliation of our country".
His resignation came after MPs overwhelmingly voted to lock in the prime minister’s promise to give parliament a veto over a no-deal Brexit, while Ms May opened the door to a "limited" delay to Brexit.
In a letter to Ms May, Mr Eustice wrote: “Developments this week will lead to a sequence of events culminating in the EU dictating the terms of any extension requested and the final humiliation of our country.”
He continued: “If the position of parliament is now that we will refuse to leave without an agreement then we are somewhat stuck,” he wrote.
“This is uncomfortable for everyone, but we cannot negotiate a successful Brexit unless we are prepared to walk through the door.”
Meanwhile, Labour confirmed it will table bid for second referendum - and shadow chancellor John McDonnell said there was a chance of the vote could be won.
He told ITV: "“We are still going to argue that we want a general election, we are still going to argue we think our deal that we have put up was the best option.”
“But we realise... we have got to break this deadlock.”
It came as the row over antisemitism in Labour rumbled on, with Tom Watson, the party's deputy leader, saying Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger's decision to quit Labour over anti-Jewish abuse was the "worst day of shame" in the party's history.
As it happened...
NEW: Theresa May hails surge in non-EU migration to 15-year high as evidence of strong economy
The government is set to release a series of TV adverts explaining the possible impact of a no-deal Brexit to the public, the head of the Civil Service has said.
Cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill told MPs that the adverts would follow radio commercials that have been aired since January. The government has also began taking out adverts in newspapers.
Dismissing suggestions that the government's messaging is not working, he said:
"Individuals and citizens and businesses are making their own judgments.
"The information is available. We've been putting it out on the website for several months, that's now been complemented by some radio advertising. We have plans to bring through some television advertising as well.
"So there is a communications campaign, but of course citizens and businesses are aware of that but they also look at the front pages and the news bulletins and they make a judgment, their own judgments, about the likelihood of no deal on 29 March."
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the EU will only agree to extend Article 50 if the UK has a good reason.
Speaking after meeting Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, he said:
"If it is asked, European leaders will say 'What for?' and the duration of this potential extension will be linked to 'What for?'."
Cabinet ministers face losing Conservative backbench support over "difficulties policies" if they fail to deliver Brexit on March 29, the Commons has heard.
David Davies, Tory chairman of the Welsh Affairs Committee, insisted the UK must leave the EU by the end of next month - with or without a deal.
And the MP for Monmouth advised ministers they must play their role in delivering Brexit or risk losing support when they push their own ideas.
Speaking during the annual St David's Day debate, Mr Davies told the Commons: "The people of Britain and Wales have voted to leave the European Union and if there's been a failing, there's been a failing by the European Union for not being able to instil the confidence that they want in the people of this nation.
"I very much hope that all those who feel there's going to be some detrimental impact if we leave without a deal are willing to back the Prime Minister.
"I believe we must be out by the end of March and I hope all ministers and all Cabinet ministers are aware of that, and are aware that if they want our support for difficult policies we need to be out - with or without a deal - by the end of March."
It would be nice to think Theresa May has a plan, and is holding back some clever form of words until the time is right – but all the evidence is against it, writes Indy commentator John Rentoul.
Read his column here:
Labour veteran Kevin Barron says he is "disappointed" by the fact MPs have been given an inflation-busting pay rise.
BREAKING: Defra minister George Eustice has resigned in protest at a possible delay to Brexit.
A government minister has quit his job protesting that Theresa May opening the door to delaying Brexit threatens the UK's “humiliation”.
George Eustice resigned as farming minister, warning: “Developments this week will lead to a sequence of events culminating in the EU dictating the terms of any extension requested and the final humiliation of our country.”
STORY here:
Reaction is coming in to George Eustice's shock resignation over possible delays to Brexit.
Ex-Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: "It is odd that the Minster has resigned complaining about Brexit delays when his department has delayed new laws on agriculture and fisheries post-Brexit.
"But this clearly shows the Conservative Government is still hopelessly divided and that Theresa May's empty promises aren't helping. That's why we need to hand the decision back to the public, with an option to stay in the EU."
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford tweeted: "Another day another resignation from the UK government. Any illusion to strong and stable ended before it began but this is beyond parody.
"This is not a functioning government it is the Tory party at war with itself under a Prime Minister who can't give leadership."
Nigel Farage has announced plans for a 14-day "Brexit betrayal" march - culminating in a rally in Westminster on March 29.
The former Ukip leader will march from Sunderland to London, starting on March 16, alongside Leave Means Leave founder Richard Tice and Chairman John Longworth.
Mr Farage said: “The Westminster elite are in the process of betraying the British people over Brexit. All of us who want Britain to be a great country once again accept that we must be prepared to stand up for what we believe in and fight for our independence.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments