Labour amendment defeat paves way for party supporting second referendum

On Labour MP Chris Williamson's remarks (see the previous post), a party spokesperson has just issued the following statement: “These comments are deeply offensive and inappropriate and fall below the standards we expect of MPs. Downplaying the problem of antisemitism makes it harder for us to tackle it. Chris Williamson should apologise immediately and withdraw his remarks.”

It is understood Labour's chief whip, Nick Brown, and the general secretary of Labour are consulting about what action to take next.

Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, joins the voices calling for Labour's Chris Williamson to be suspended. This is important because the unions are extremely influential in the Labour movement - and his comments will be being heard by the party bosses.

MPs are gearing up for ANOTHER key Brexit moment tonight, where they will have the chance to vote on the government's strategy.

But what is actually going on? 

In a nutshell, the Commons has been presented with a neutral motion by Theresa May - which basically says it has considered the Brexit process. MPs table amendments to this motion, where they will try to nudge the strategy in various directions.

It will be down to Speaker John Bercow which proposals are selected for a vote tonight. Any successful amendments will not have the force of law but will carry heavy political weight as a signal to Downing Street and Brussels of what kind of Brexit MPs are likely to approve.

Here are the key amendments:

Cooper

Labour former minister Yvette Cooper is trying to pin the PM down to the commitments she made to the Commons on Tuesday to give MPs the chance to delay Brexit if her deal is defeated.

May's promise was similar to an earlier plan by Ms Cooper and Tory Sir Oliver Letwin. While Sir Oliver said there was now "no need" for the Cooper-Letwin Bill, Ms Cooper said she would lay a cross-party amendment to secure confirmation of the PM's commitment.

Costa

Tory backbencher Alberto Costa is demanding Ms May seeks a treaty on citizens' rights after Brexit.

His amendment, which has the backing of around 60 Conservatives, calls for a separate agreement with the European Union to protect the rights of expats even if there is a no-deal Brexit. Labour is also expected to support the amendment.

Spelman/Dromey

Conservative MP Dame Caroline Spelman and Labour's Jack Dromey, who last month tabled a successful amendment opposing a no-deal Brexit, will table an amendment to "pave the way" for the Cooper/Letwin Bill to give MPs the opportunity to extend Article 50.

The pair said they would seek assurances from ministers to to secure confirmation of the Prime Minister's commitments during the debate on Wednesday.

They said if they receive the assurances they will not push the amendments to a vote.

Labour

Jeremy Corbyn's amendment will seek support for his party's five Brexit demands.

The party is calling for a permanent and comprehensive customs union with the EU; dynamic alignment on rights and protections, and commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes.

It is also seeking "unambiguous" agreements on the detail of future security arrangements and close alignment with the single market.

Leslie

MPs from The Independent Group (TIG), along with support from the SNP, Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru, have tabled an amendment to pave the way for a second EU referendum.

It would instruct the Prime Minister to table a motion for debate and a decision before March 8, setting out the steps necessary for preparing a public vote on whether to leave the EU on terms agreed by Parliament or remain a member.

TIG member Chris Leslie said the amendment would require Mrs May to "take the steps needed now so the public could take control and break through the Brexit gridlock".

SNP

The SNP's amendment requires the PM to immediately rule out a no-deal Brexit "under any and all circumstances" and regardless of exit date.

The party's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Parliament must take control and "force the UK Government to do the right thing by immediately ruling out a no-deal Brexit under any and all circumstances".

Sajid Javid has pledged the government will back a move to protect the rights of EU citizens if there is a no-deal Brexit – a day after Theresa May dismissed it.

The home secretary stunned and delighted a committee of MPs by saying there was “nothing” wrong with the amendment, tabled by a Tory MP.

However, he was blindsided when told the prime minister had suggested the government would fight the amendment, saying: “When did you hear that? From who.”

More here from our deputy political editor Rob Merrick, who is watching the Home Affairs Committee.

More senior Labour figures piling in to criticise Chris Williamson over his claims the party has 'given too much ground' on antisemitism.

Prime Minister's Questions has now started - May says she is working closely with international partners to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. 

You can follow the latest on the alarming situation here

Jeremy Corbyn says that growth forecasts are the slowest in a decade, and asks her wether she blames the handling of Brexit or austerity.

He says the Bank of England study shows there is a one in four chance of the UK economy falling into recession.

The PM responds, says there are "positives" created by the current government for the economy. She hits back, saying Labour would cause a "run on the pound". 

In his third question, Corbyn asks the PM to commit to end the benefit freeze. Naturally, Ms May does not answer the question.

Chris Williamson - the under-fire Labour MP - has issued an apology in the last few minutes, after footage emerged of him claiming his party had been "too apologetic" over accusations of antisemitism in its ranks.