BREXIT LIVE: Tory REBELLION launched at May"s deal - "British people are not stupid"
The breakthrough in talks was revealed this morning and the deal is due to be voted on in an emergency summit in Brussels on Sunday. Spain has demanded talks over the EU’s future relationship with British-owned Gibraltar is conducted separately those between the UK and the bloc in the latest attack on Prime Minister Theresa May’s draft proposal. Madrid has called for tighter wording on the text in Mrs May’s 585-page document to outline the way negotiations on Gibraltar’s relationship with the EU be conducted, which could threaten to stall the plan altogether.
But when diplomats argued there was no need to do so, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez retaliated and threatened to vote against the deal.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Josep Borrell backed this up and said: “Negotiations between the UK and EU do not apply to Gibraltar.”
But Ireland led calls for Spain to cease threats with foreign minister Simon Coveney saying: “The withdrawal text is agreed - it’s closed.”
However, the Brexit deal, due to be voted on on Sunday, has been met with fury by some Tory Brexiteers.
Follow the latest updates below...
3.55pm: Johnston calls on May to ‘junk the backstop’
Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said: "Can I regretfully point out to Mrs May that of course nothing in the political declaration changes the hard reality of the withdrawal agreement that gives the EU a continuing veto over the unilateral power of the entire United Kingdom to do free trade deals or to take back control of our laws.
"Can I therefore respectfully suggest it"d be better if we can accept the generalities and self-contradictions contained within this political declaration, but we should junk forthwith the backstop, upon which the future economic partnership - according to this political declaration - is to be based, and which makes a complete nonsense of Brexit."
Mrs May said her deal delivers what Mr Johnson wants, telling him: "The future relationship we have set out in the political declaration ends free movement, ends sending vast sums of money to the European Union every year and ends the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the United Kingdom, and it enables us to hold an independent trade policy and to negotiate trade deals around the whole of the world."
3.49pm update: DUP threaten to withdraw support over May’s backstop deal
DUP chief whip Sir Jeffrey Donaldson called on the Prime Minister to dump the backstop and come forward with the alternatives set out in the political declaration instead.
Sir Jeffrey said his party agreed with Chancellor Philip Hammond, who had said he did not think the backstop would be good for the UK economy or its union.
He said: "If she wants to have the support of my party for the withdrawal agreement then we need to see an end to the backstop and those alternative arrangements put in place."
Mrs May responded: "None of us want to see the backstop being used.
"The best way to ensure the backstop is not used is to get the future relationship into place.
"There are alternative arrangements and we will be working on those alternative arrangements and I"m happy to discuss with him and his colleagues what those alternative arrangements could be."
3.39pm: SNP fury over ‘discarded’ fishing rights
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford claimed Scotland"s fishing rights have been "thrown overboard as if they were discarded fish”.
He said: "So much for taking back control, more like trading away Scotland"s interests.
"This is an absolute dereliction of the promises Scottish Conservative members and Environment Secretary Michael Gove made to Scotland - shame on them."
He asked if Mrs May’s Scottish MPs and Scottish Secretary David Mundell had agreed to the political declaration.
He said: "Is it not the case that she"s just lost further critical votes on the deal because Scottish Tory MPs could not possibly vote in favour of this sell out of Scottish fishing interests?"
Mrs May reiterated the UK would become an "independent coastal state with control over our waters" before telling Mr Blackford: "I will tell him what a sell out of Scottish fishermen would be - it"s the policy of the Scottish National Party to stay in the Common Fisheries Policy."
3.33pm update: Brexit negotiations face Commons investigation
Tory Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash, who chairs the European scrutiny commitee, said members would be launching an inquiry into the Government’s handling of Brexit talks.
Sir Bill told the Commons the 26-document outlining the Brexit withdrawal agreement is “self-contradictory” because the ECJ will still have a role and will not enable complete independence for Britain.
3.20pm update: IDS calls for backstop amendments
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith told Mrs May he appreciated "enormously" her endeavours to deal with the Northern Irish backstop issue, but said: "The reality is that this not the Withdrawal Agreement”.
Speaking in the Commons, he said: “The Withdrawal Agreement will make it very clear that should we, even under these terms, struggle with a negotiation for a free trade arrangement and not complete that process, we will fall into the Northern Ireland backstop as it exists at the moment.
"And that will mean simply that we will be bound by those restrictions that force Northern Ireland into a separate arrangement and us into the customs union.
“I would hope that she would now consider that none of this is at all workable unless we get the Withdrawal Agreement now amended so that any arrangements we make strip out that backstop and leave us with that positive open border that we talked about."
3.08pm update: Corbyn slams May"s Brexit deal
Jeremy Corbyn criticised the Government over its Brexit deal and told the Commons the agreement fell short of the six tests it would need to pass to earn Labour’s support.
He said the 26-page document proved the Tory Brexit negotiations had failed and represented the "worst of all worlds".
Mr Corbyn said the deal amounted to "26 pages of waffle" that could have been written two years ago.
He said: "There are 19 extra pages but nothing has changed. The only certainty contained within these pages is that the transition period will have to be extended or we will end up with a backstop and no exit.
"It represents the worst of all worlds, no say over the rules that will continue to apply and no certainty to the future.
"We have 26 pages of waffle, this empty document could have been written two years ago."
He told MPs: “Just over a year ago we were told by the Government there would be a trade deal at the end of this process.
“Liam Fox said it would be ‘the easiest in human history’.
“Instead we have 26 pages of waffle.”
Mr Corbyn said the document was full of phrases like “we will look at” or “we will explore”.
He said: “The Government has managed less than one page for every month since the referendum.
“This is the blindfold Brexit we all feared. A leap in the dark."
3pm update: Theresa May begins Commons statement
Prime Minister Theresa May has outlined plans for Britain"s post-Brexit relationship with the EU to MPs.
She told the Commons she had negotiated a good deal for the UK.
It ends free movement once and for all and instead there will be skills-based immigration.
She said the jurisdiction of the ECJ in the UK will end.
Mrs May said the deal will create a free trade area with the EU unlike any other.
She told MPs: "The negotiations are now at a critical moment and all our efforts must be focused on working with our European partners to bring this process to a final conclusion in the interests of all our people.
"The British people want Brexit to be settled, they want a good deal that sets us on a course for a brighter future, and they want us to come together as a country and to move on to focus on the big issues at home, like our NHS.
"The deal that will enable us to do this is now within our grasp. In these crucial 72 hours ahead, I will do everything possible to deliver it for the British people."
2.35pm update: "The British people are not stupid" - backlash begins
Responding to suggestions in the political declaration that any trade deal should maintain a "level playing field" in areas like environmental and workplace protections, Brexit-backing Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns said: "The British people are not stupid. There will be a backlash if we deliver a deal such as this."
Another Tory, MP Desmond Swayne, responded on Twitter with the single word: "Serfdom."
Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said: "Sadly the greatest mistake since June 2016 was charging people who didn"t believe in Brexit with delivering Brexit.
"With great sadness I do not believe what is on offer is reconcilable with what people voted for. This is a bleak day for our country."
2pm update: Juncker tweets political declaration sent to Donald Tusk
Jean-Claude Juncker has tweeted a letter sent to Donald Tusk on Britain’s Brexit deal, which reads it has been “agreed at negotiator level”.
Mr Juncker said: “@EU_Commission agreed today the draft Political Declaration on the framework of the future EU-U.K. relationship.
“I have informed @eucopresident that this text is agreed at negotiator level and in principle at political level, subject to endorsement by Leaders on Sunday. #Brexit”
He added the letter, which he has signed off along with a text of the withdrawal agreement.
1.40pm update: GBP Sterling SOARS against euro as UK and EU reach Brexit breakthrough
The pound has surged against the euro this morning after a leaked document claimed EU and UK officials have agreed a Brexit deal in principle.
The pound has been reacting in a volatile manner to Brexit developments and this morning soared versus the euro as news of the leaked document emerged.
Sterling reached €1.130 against the euro upon the news breaking, according to data from Bloomberg, surging from as low as €1.120 earlier today.
1.20pm update: Spain will veto Brexit deal despite bilateral agreement on Gibraltar
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made a ferocious call to Theresa May to say that “the problem affects the essence of our country, of our nation”.
Spain and the UK have reached a bilateral preliminary agreement on Gibraltar. Both governments have closed the deal that will guide relations between Spain and Gibraltar post-Brexit.
The preliminary agreement, which is part of the Gibraltar Protocol in the draft Brexit deal, comprises four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one tax treaty, according to Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.
But despite this, Mr Sanchez said he will still vote against the deal on Sunday at the EU summit.
1.10pm update: Lib Dems blast May’s deal - ‘as aspirational as it is contradictory’
Lib Dem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake gave a statement on the party’s take on the deal, and said the entire process has gone from “fudge to farce”.
He said: “This document is as aspirational as it is contradictory. In reality, it tells us nothing new, and as we heard from the Spanish PM’s comments last night, people aren’t rallying behind this deal, home or away.
“This has gone from being a fudge to a farce. May needs to start telling some home truths, about what this deal really means for people in Britain, and British expats.”
He added: “The declaration - in trying to please all sides - pretends that the UK will be able to have its cake and eat it, combining a “single customs territory” and “alignment of rules” with an independent trade policy and an end to freedom of movement. This is not the case, and MPs should not be tricked into voting for the deal on this pretence.”
1pm update: Theresa May’s Brexit statement in full
“Last week we achieved a decisive breakthrough when we agreed with the European commission the terms for our smooth and orderly exit from the EU. Alongside that withdrawal agreement, we published an outline political declaration setting out the framework for our future relationship. Last night in Brussels I had a good, detailed discussion with President Juncker, in which I set out what was needed in that political declaration to deliver for the United Kingdom.
“We tasked our negotiating teams to continue working overnight, and as a result the text of that declaration has been agreed between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
“I have just updated the cabinet and I shall be making a statement to the House of Commons later this afternoon.
“This is the right deal for the UK. It delivers on the vote of the referendum. It brings back control of our borders, our money and our laws, and it does so while protecting jobs, protecting our security and protecting the integrity of the United Kingdom.
“The agreement we have reached is between the UK and the European commission. It is now up to the 27 leaders of the other EU member states to examine this agreement in the days leading up to the special EU council meeting on Sunday. I will speaking to my counterparts during that time, including meeting Chancellor Kurz of Austria here in Downing Street later today.
“Last night I spoke to the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, and I am confident that on Sunday we’ll be able to agree a deal that delivers for the whole UK family, including Gibraltar.
“On Saturday I will return to Brussels for further meetings with President Juncker, where we will discuss how to bring this process to a conclusion in the interests of all our people.
“The British people want this to be settled. They want a good deal that sets us on course for a brighter future. That deal is within our grasp, and I am determined to deliver it.”
12.40pm update: Theresa May makes statement outside No10
Prime Minister Theresa May has made a short statement outside No10 in which she echoed Donald Tusk’s announcement her draft deal has been agreed by the EU and said her deal protects “the integrity of the UK”.
She also made reference to Spain’s announcement to vote against the deal at the emergency EU summit on Sunday, and said she was “confident we’ll agree a deal that delivers for the whole of the EU family, including Gibraltar”.
She added: “The British people want a deal.
“That deal is within our grasp and I am determined to deliver it.”
12.30pm update: Spain announces it will vote AGAINST May’s Brexit proposal
Spain has ferociously hit back at news Theresa May’s Brexit deal has been agreed “in principle” by the EU, by announcing they will vote against it on Sunday’s EU summit.
Spain issued a warning they would veto May’s deal after diplomats rejected Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s demand for tighter wording around Gibraltar’s relationship with the EU post-brexit.
Now, he has furiously announced he will vote against the deal in retaliation.
12pm update: Nicola Sturgeon blasts May’s agreement - ‘Unicorns taking place of facts’
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has raged at Theresa May’s Brexit agreement and said the declaration involves “unicorns taking the place of facts”.
In an angry tweet, the SNP leader said: “Just read Political Declaration. Lots of unicorns taking the place of facts about the future relationship. “Fair play to the EU for pushing it as far as possible...but it adds up to a blindfold Brexit.”
She added: “Difficult issues unresolved - so extended transition/backstop almost certain.”
11.50am update: Fishing and access to waters row won’t be settled until 2020
Britain’s Brexit deal, which has been agreed “in principle” by the EU this morning, will not feature a final decision on fishing access and quota shares as that will be agreed in two years.
Sky News political editor Faisal Islam tweeted an image of part of the PM’s declaration called “fishing opportunities”, which read both sides should “cooperate bilaterally”.
It also read: “Parties will use their best endeavours to conclude and ratify their new fisheries agreement by 1 July 2020”.
11.43am update: May’s agreed Brexit deal fails to confirm ‘frictionless trade’
Leaked pages from Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal, which has been agreed “in principle” by the EU less than an hour ago, fails to confirm frictionless trade with the bloc.
It reads both sides “envisage having a trading relationship on goods that is as close as possible”, but the EU and the UK will be separate markets with regard to trade.
It also does not mention the common rulebook.
11.40am update: Austria visit show of support for the achieved Brexit agreement
Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s visit to No10 this afternoon is being seen as a show of support for the achieved Brexit withdrawal agreement, it has been said by the Federal Chancellery.
Austria said it supported the agreement as it was important to prevent a "hard Brexit" at any price.
The two heads of government would also talk about the EU special summit on 25 November and the shaping of future relations between the European Union and the UK.
The visit of the Chancellor to London takes place during a decisive phase in the EU exit process.
Last week, an agreement was reached on a draft withdrawal agreement in the ongoing Brexit negotiations since June 2017. May received a majority backing from her cabinet on Wednesday, but several members of the government resigned on Thursday in protest. Among them was Brexit minister Dominic Raab.
11.25am update: Highlights of May’s agreed deal leaked on Twitter
Highlights of Theresa May’s Brexit deal with the EU have been leaked on Twitter.
Sky News journalist Lewis Goodall tweeted some, including the decision to be in the European Investment Bank and visas.
He tweeted: “The Political Declaration is a hotchpotch. You can tell which bits the EU has written and which bits the UK has written. Points 21 and 22 sum this up nicely. UK: "We"ll be a distinct legal order!" EU: "Er yeah but our regulations and customs will be the same."
11.20am update: Theresa May to make a statement at 2.30am following an agreed Brexit deal with the EU
Prime Minister Theresa May will make a statement on Brexit to parliament at 1430 GMT on Thursday, the opposition Labour Party said on Twitter.
Britain and European Union political leaders have agreed in principle to a text setting out their future relationship that can be endorsed by EU leaders at a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said earlier.
11am update: Donald Tusk tweets ‘agreed’ Brexit deal with Britain
President of the European Council Donald Tusk has tweeted confirmation of an “agreed” Brexit deal between the EU and Britain.
He said: “I have just sent to EU27 a draft Political Declaration on the Future Relationship between EU and UK.
“The Commission President has informed me that it has been agreed at negotiators’ level and agreed in principle at political level, subject to the endorsement of the Leaders.”
Theresa May is expected to make a statement outside No10 today.
10.45am update: EU agrees ‘in principle’ to Theresa May’s Brexit deal
The EU have agreed “in principle” to Theresa May’s controversial Brexit deal this morning.
Referring to a text discussed this morning by Mrs May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU summit chair said in a statement: "The Commission president has informed me that it has been agreed at negotiators" level and agreed in principle at political level, subject to the endorsement of the leaders."
The text was shared with the 27 other governments of the European Union on Thursday morning.
10.30am update: Theresa May PULLS OUT of This Morning appearance over Brexit
Prime Minister Theresa May has pulled out of appearing on This Morning at the last minute over Brexit.
Host Philip Schofield explained she shunned the show at the last minute due to Brexit, hinting more pressing items had crept up her list of priorities.
Mr Schofield, who was presenting the show with Rochelle Humes, said Mrs May promised she would return at another time.
10.05am update: May’s proposal ‘infinitely better’ than no-deal scenario, says lobby group
Prime Minister Theresa May"s proposed Brexit deal is "infinitely better" than the alternative no-deal scenario that could inflict "severe and unpredictable" damage on the economy, the chairman of lobby group TheCityUK John McFarlane said.
Mr McFarlane told the group’s annual conference in Birmingham: “This has been recognised and the financial markets are telling us strongly about it.”
Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019, but the sides must yet approve a divorce deal and the accompanying outline of their future ties.
9.30am update: PM to appear on TV favourite This Morning in an hour
Prime Minister Theresa May will appear on ITV programme This Morning in an hour.
Mrs May will give an interview on the popular daytime television show on Brexit following her meeting with European Commissioner Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels yesterday.
After her appearance, she will meet with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at No10.
9.20am update: Health Secretary denies Brexit talks with Brussels are in trouble
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has denied the talks with Brussels on Britain"s withdrawal from the EU are in trouble.
He told BBC Radio 4"s Today programme: “We all know that EU negotiations always come down to the last minute.
“Last time I was in this studio you had Michel Barnier and he said to me "These deals always happen at the last minute possible - or sometimes a little bit afterwards." That is how the EU negotiates.”
Asked whether the planned summit in Brussels on Sunday could now slip to December, Mr Hancock said: "I certainly hope not."
He added: "My understanding is that good progress was made last night. Clearly we have got to get as good a deal as we possibly can at this stage."
8.40am update: Angela Merkel confirms Brussels summit shun on Sunday
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has reportedly confirmed she will shun an emergency EU summit on Sunday, meaning a text for Theresa May’s daft proposal must be agreed beforehand.
German diplomats told their EU colleagues in Brussels that the Christian Democratic Union leader would not be coming to the summit, a move she threatened yesterday if further negotiations were not concluded by this morning.
The news comes after the Prime Minister conceded there were further issues to resolve following her meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker yesterday.
8.15am update: Spain is ALL ALONE on this
Ireland’s Simon Coveney has urged Spain to scale back threats on the Brexit veto. He said last night: “If you reopen the Withdrawal Agreement for one issue, well then there is an avalanche of other asks, I am sure, that different countries will have.
“But that already appears to be in danger of happening.”
An EU diplomat said: “We are following the latest developments with growing concern and incomprehension,” said an EU diplomat. “Among the EU27 our Spanish friends are all alone on this.”
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