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As it happenedended

UK politics - as it happened: House of Commons suspended as Theresa May's new Brexit plan published in chaotic scenes

Read all the latest updates from Westminster, as they happened

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Thursday 12 July 2018 11:00 EDT
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House of Commons suspended while government hands out copies of Brexit white paper

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The publication of Theresa May's new Brexit plan descended into chaos when speaker John Bercow had to suspend the Commons to allow MPs to see copies of the white paper.

Labour described it as an "utter shambles" that MPs were unable to read the 98-page document until Brexit secretary Dominic Raab appeared to give a statement on the plans, which could allow some EU migrants preferable treatment as part of future trade deals.

It comes as Tory rebels ramped up pressure on Ms May to scrap her new Brexit plan, which has already caused the resignations of Boris Johnson and David Davis, as well as several other Tory Eurosceptics.

In a show of strength, Eurosceptic backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg and allies have tabled a string of amendments to the government’s trade and customs bill, raising the threat of Commons defeats on Monday.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump was due to face major protests after he arrived in the UK for his much-anticipated working visit.

See below for live updates

Dominic Raab apologises for the late arrival of the white paper and says he will ensure it doesn't happen again.

He reminds Starmer that both parties stood on a manifesto that promised to leave the EU and also hits back at criticism from Labour over disunity in Tory ranks, pointing out that there have been 103 resignations from their front bench.

Of course I agree with the white paper, he says, and says it is part of the negotiations.

Free movement will end, he adds.

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 13:26

Tory Brexiteer Iain Duncan Smith says he has "deep misgivings" over what the government is proposing.

"Having voted to leave, I voted to leave, not to half leave."

Raab seeks to reassure him - 'Free movement will end'.

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 13:29

 Chief EU negotiator tweets:

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 13:35

Veteran Eurosceptic Bill Cash tells MPs he is also 'deeply worried' by the plans.

Former Brexit minister Steve Baker also stands up to criticise the plan, asking how Raab thinks he can negotiate this when the EU when it goes against parts of the European Communities Act.

Raab says there is no off-the-shelf model that would work.

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 13:36

Jacob Rees-Mogg, who chairs the pro-Brexit European Research Group, said it was “the greatest vassalage since King John paid homage to Phillip II at Le Goulet in 1200”.

In a statement, he said: "This white paper has not needed age to turn yellow. There are very few signs of the prime minister’s famous red lines.

"It is a pale imitation of the paper prepared by David Davis, a bad deal for Britain. It is not be something I would vote for nor is it what the British people voted for."

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 13:39

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 13:43

Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "At last, businesses have a more comprehensive understanding of the Government's aspirations for the UK's future relationship with the European Union.

"This vision should not have taken two years and three weeks to emerge, but it is nevertheless a welcome starting point for businesses.

"Momentum and pace are now needed to translate ambition into answers to the real-world, practical questions that businesses face.

"Even with the welcome direction of travel in the white paper, companies still don't know how they'll be paying VAT, how they can move people between offices or whether goods will get across borders with a minimum of fuss. It is incumbent on the two sides to work pragmatically and productively on the nuts-and-bolts detail of the future relationship over the coming weeks, drawing on business experience and expertise.

"Time is short - and for businesses it's results that count."

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 14:07

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 14:12

Reports suggest government whips are asking unhappy MPs to withdraw letters calling for a vote of no confidence in Theresa May... 48 letters are needed to trigger a contest, and No 10 fears critics of the prime minister could be close to reaching the threshold...

Kristin Hugo12 July 2018 14:26

The Scottish Government says the Brexit white paper offers "little reassurance" on what the impact of leaving the EU will be.

Culture, Tourism and External Affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Quite simply, these plans fall short and will harm our economy.

"As with the Chequers agreement, there is some evidence that the UK Government now realises the damage of leaving the EU, as well as the benefits that being in the EU, the Single Market and Custom Union has brought to the whole of the UK. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go before those risks are mitigated."

Lizzy Buchan12 July 2018 14:50

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