After the PMs phone call with the Taoiseach, Irish DPM and Foreign Minister @simoncoveney has just said in Brussels “we are saying the deal that is there, the deal between UK and EU isn’t going to change, particularly the legal language of the Withdrawal treaty”.
“Particularly” leaves open the opportunity for a tweak to the non-legally binding political declaration, I would say. Maybe some sort of side letter - as was case with Gibraltar. But Ireland firm, as I said last night there’ll be no changes to Withdrawal Agreement & so backstop
Thread from last night:
*NEW EU27 source: “remains the case that there won’t be any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement”
Perhaps the PM has enough from the phone around to justify a delay to the vote to flesh out compromise in political declaration, that the PMOS has just denied is going to happen... Cabinet being consulted around now.
Via @Stone_SkyNews
European Commission spox:
“We have an agreement on the table. This deal is the best and only deal possible. *We will not renegotiate*.“
Can TM come to Brussels to renegotiate?
“We will not renegotiate the deal that's on the table right now. Thats v clear.”
European Commission spox:
“We have an agreement on the table. This deal is the best and only deal possible. *We will not renegotiate*.“
Can TM come to Brussels to renegotiate?
“We will not renegotiate the deal that's on the table right now. Thats v clear.”
PM to make previously unscheduled statement to Commons at 1530
Surely they’ll have to alter the programme motion - which will require a vote.
Indeed @CommonsLeader will also now make a statement after PM - clear indication on vote being delayed.
Very high stakes stuff.
Indeed @CommonsLeader will also now make a statement after PM - clear indication on vote being delayed.
Very high stakes stuff.
Our @KateEMcCann breaks from just outside Number 10 the news from Government sources that the vote will be pulled:
Former minister:
DUP’s Dodds
“Deferring the vote is only of any use if the Government is prepared to go to Brussels and insist on necessary changes to the Withdrawal Agreement. “
“Deferring the vote is only of any use if the Government is prepared to go to Brussels and insist on necessary changes to the Withdrawal Agreement. “
Varadkar says no changes to Withdrawal Agreement/ backstop
DUP sources: “we would prefer this to be brought to a head tomorrow”.
