As the govt’s public diplomatic strategy collapses, Michael Gove takes to his feet for a statement on no deal preparations.
Gove tells a delighted house that with a no deal Brexit there will be a 9% cut in the price of importing grapes from South America. Happy days.
Michael Gove says the UK economy is “in a much better position” to withstand no deal Brexit thanks to govt action and preparations by business.
Gove: “very few EU states have been as generous as the UK with regards to citizens’ rights. We don’t believe citizens should be used as a bargaining chip.”
Of course, keeping no deal alive does precisely that. The whole point of it, as the govt often reminds us, is leverage.
Of course, keeping no deal alive does precisely that. The whole point of it, as the govt often reminds us, is leverage.
Starmer: “The prime minister should be here. The govt’s negotiations are collapsing before our eyes. The prime minister should be here to account for his actions. It’s no good pretending his proposals are going to work, it simply isn’t going to wash.”
Starmer: “last night there were reports the govt intended to withdraw cooperation in Northern Ireland [if negotiations broke down]. This is beneath contempt.”
Gove: “The hon gentleman asks where the PM is. He’s talking to our EU partners trying to seek a deal.”
Gove: “not a single question about no deal preparations from the honourable gentleman [Starmer]”
Shouts from opposition benches: “No because we’re not doing it!”
Shouts from opposition benches: “No because we’re not doing it!”
Gove says he offered open invite to opposition MPs to come and discuss no deal preparations with him, only Lady Herman and @leicesterliz came.
First question from Tory benches on Merkel phone call: “is she just making it up or speaking for the EU27.”
Unpleasant undertone to all this.
Unpleasant undertone to all this.
Tommy Sheppard reminds Gove that a no deal outcome would illegal: “maybe his document should be called preparedness for breaking the law?”
This debate is unreal. Gove updating on an outcome (no deal) which the House itself has effectively (for now at least) outlawed. Gove and govt (like their public ads) continue regardless. There have always been two sides of the Commons but now each seem to have its own truth.
.@hilarybennmp: “not withstanding hon. gentleman’s beguiling manner at the dispatch box, his statement today bears only a passing relationship to reality.”
Veteran Tory MP Roger Gale chastising govt for lack of commitment to UK citizens living in EU, especially their pension arrangements. Gove is v good in the Commons but is not having an easy time.
.@YvetteCooperMP lambasting whoever briefed @JGForsyth on UK withdrawing from NI security arrangements over negotiations. Says no one who briefed that (everyone assumes Cummings) should have a place in Downing St.
Uh oh. Barry Sheerman is getting angry again.
This is getting very tricky for govt. Andrew Mitchell asks Gove if the “tone and character” of the “quasi official briefings” coming out of Number 10 “is helpful”. Clearly a lot of disquiet on Tory benches about Downing St operation and especially Cummings.
