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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Politics
Lizzy Buchan

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

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

Live Updates

17:03
That's it for the politics liveblog for the day. Thanks for following!
16:54
The Russell Group of 24 leading universities welcomed measures in the white paper on access to the UK for students and researchers, and on co-operation on science, innovation and education, but said it wanted to see details of how it would work.

A spokesman said it wanted to see "a light-touch system" for people coming to work or study for short periods, adding: "Close ties with our partners in Europe are essential for the UK's long-term economic health and to tackle global challenges facing our societies.

"It is through collaborative working that British and European universities and businesses have made great strides in medicine, public policy, engineering and technology.

"The flow of talent and ideas is the lifeblood of a successful knowledge economy and will be critical to the UK's success, post-Brexit."

16:41
Theresa May is hoping to hold a reception for the England football team at Downing Street, who won the hearts of the nation, despite being knocked out in last night's semi final against Croatia.

Asked if any receptions or celebrations were being planned, the PM's deputy spokeswoman said: "We would certainly like to host a reception for the England football team, who did so well in Russia, and that is something we are going to talk to the FA about."
16:35
My colleague Ashley Cowburn reports on an important u-turn on legal aid for unaccompanied migrant children.
 
16:25
Donald Trump’s UK visit is causing “mayhem” for British police with security operations costing millions of pounds, MPs have said.

Thousands of officers are being moved around the country to guard areas where the US president will make an appearance, as colleagues in their home forces have shifts extended and leave cancelled to cover their absence.

 More here:
16:08

Theresa May has bowed to EU pressure to keep the UK in the European Convention on Human Rights, in another move that will inflame the Tory right.

The Brexit white paper pledges that the government is “committed” to staying in the agreement – after Brussels said pulling out would jeopardise a future security deal.

More here:

15:45
Veteran Tory MP Nicholas Soames tweets a copy of the letter the PM sent to MPs on the white paper.
15:33
Over in the Lords, the government says it has no plans to introduce gender neutral peerages in the House of Lords.

Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb asked "what title a non-binary person, who does not identify as a man or woman, would have to take upon appointment to the House of Lords; and whether they intend to legislate to create gender neutral peerages."

Responding, Tory frontbencher Lord Young of Cookham said: "The style and titles of a peerage are determined by letters patent.

"Although based on traditional forms, these are adapted to reflect the individual circumstances of the person on whom the peerage is conferred."

He added: "The government does not have any plans to introduce gender neutral titles for peers or members of the House of Lords at the present time."

15:23
Economic editor Ben Chu has combed through the white paper to find out what the consequences could be for the UK economy.
 
Take a look at his useful explainer:
15:11
Donald Trump's visit is a classic case of bad timing for Theresa May, says Independent political commentator Andrew Grice.
 
Ironically, our ties with Europe need to be at their strongest, not weakest, when the US president visits the UK, he writes.
 
Read his column here:

Opinion: Donald Trump’s visit to the UK starting tomorrow is a classic case of bad timing for Theresa May

The IndependentIronically, our ties with Europe need to be at their strongest, not weakest, when the US president visits the UK
14:50
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."

14:26
Full story: Donald Trump again undermines Theresa May ahead of his UK trip - this time by suggesting the prime minister's Brexit plan might not be "what people voted for"
 

Trump undermines Theresa May's Brexit plan: 'I'm not sure that's what people voted for'

Brexit is turning a little differently - they seem to be getting involved at least partially with the EU'
14:26
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...
 
 
14:07
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."

13:39
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."
13:36
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.
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