Gordon Brown: No-deal Brexit could collapse British car manufacture overnight Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Boris Johnson's Halloween cliff edge could put tens of thousands of jobs at risk
Irish border after Brexit – all ideas are beset by issues says secret paper Exclusive: leaked report says at present there is no deliverable alternative to the backstop
All potential solutions to the post-Brexit Irish border are fraught with difficulty and would leave smaller businesses struggling to cope, experts have said, as leaked government papers outline major concerns just two months before Britain is due to leave the EU. A report summarising the findings of the government’s official “alternative arrangements” working groups concluded that there are issues with all the scenarios put forward to try to replace the backstop arrangement. There are also specific concerns over whether any technological solution could be delivered to monitor cross-border trade. Critics said the paper, seen by the Guardian, should “ring alarm bells” across government over how likely it is that alternative arrangements to the backstop will be found.
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The dossier marked “official-sensitive” prepared for the EU Exit Negotiations Board is dated 28 August. It details how the findings of all advisory groups informing the government on the Northern Irish border are being kept deliberately under wraps to try to avoid hampering Britain’s intended renegotiation of the backstop agreed to by Theresa May.
However, the damning report shows there is no single deliverable solution at present, despite the fact Johnson is almost a third of the way through the “30 days” target that the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, gave him to come up with a fresh border proposal. Johnson’s claim that a hard border could be avoided with mobile checks of livestock and crops was dismissed by experts as the most unlikely option to work. The report said: “Overall there were a number of concerns surrounding the deliverability of technological facilitations.” Questions were also raised over whether a trusted trader scheme – the current favourite for a border solution – would require infrastructure to set it up.
Most of the front pages feature pictures of Boris Johnson making his address outside 10 Downing Street. The headline in the Sun is "Boris snaps". The paper describes Mr Johnson's warning to Conservative rebels - not to force him into calling a snap general election - as a "Brexit showdown". According to the Guardian, Number 10 had been considering such a move for several days. But it was "crystallised" by the determination of Tory rebels to support legislation to prevent a no-deal departure. The Daily Mail and Financial Times find space in their Brexit coverage to focus on Project Yellowhammer - the Cabinet Office document outlining the government's plans for a no-deal departure. Ministers dismissed an earlier draft leaked last month, which predicted chaos at ports, and shortages of fresh food, medicines and fuel. The Mail and Financial Times report that officials have updated the plan - a new version of that was due to be released today. But they say the minister in charge of Brexit preparations, Michael Gove, has cancelled the publication because it makes similar warnings. A source tells the Financial Times "the whole thing was seen as far too pessimistic about no-deal". Assessments of Boris Johnson's podium moment, outside Downing Street yesterday, are varied. The Daily Telegraph sees his threat of a snap election as a "bold move". It believes he has "nothing to fear" because most people in the country want to get Brexit over and done with. It also says he should "take comfort from the anxiety and division of the opposition". There is similar confidence in the Sun. Under the headline "BoJo's defiance", its leader column says "voters will now see with crystal clarity Boris's absolute determination to uphold our democracy". It concludes that, after only seven weeks in office, Mr Johnson is "already a far better PM than his predecessor".
The i also highlights differences between the two leaders, arguing that while Theresa May played out her last days as Prime Minister, Brexit became "little more than background noise". But it believes that, following Mr Johnson's announcement, the political temperature is now at "boiling point". But the Daily Mirror argues a no-deal Brexit would be an "economic calamity" and describes Mr Johnson as a "Kamikaze PM" who should stop pretending that it is a viable option. It urges MPs to "vote for sanity" this week and rule out such a departure. The Guardian expresses a similar view. Its editorial says every government since 2016 has been driven mad by Brexit's central contradiction: that there is an economic price to pay for the UK to take back control of its borders. It says Mr Johnson "leads the most demented" administration to date.
The website, Politico, resorts to sports metaphors to describe the significance of the moment. "After a summer of shadow boxing," it says, "the bell has finally rung for the big parliamentary Brexit battle." Huffpost makes reference to the 1970s Clint Eastwood character, Dirty Harry, using as its headline his catchphrase, "do ya feel lucky, punk?". It believes that Mr Johnson "is certainly taking a massive risk".
Tory civil war erupts after Boris Johnson threatens snap election on Monday October 14 if Remainers vote to block No Deal today as Hammond dares PM to deselect him and Rudd warns him to not sack rebels
Boris Johnson has made a statement outside No10 on Monday amid frantic speculation about a snap election Ministers have been holding crisis talks as PM faces defeat at hands of Remainer MPs trying to block No Deal The PM warned he will never ask the EU for an extension beyond the current Brexit deadline of October 31 Mr Johnson declared a Commons vote today aiming to stop No Deal will be treated as a confidence issue He is expected to table a motion calling an election before the Brexit date if the government loses the battle The premier has also threatened to expel Tory MPs if they join the rebel alliance in the showdown today Amber Rudd, the Work and Pensions secretary, urged Mr Johnson not kick out MPs who try to stop No Deal Former Chancellor and Remainer Philip Hammond re-selected by his constituency association yesterday
Brexit plan Boris Johnson praised is branded 'untenable' in government document A leaked document suggests there is not yet a clear workable solution for the Irish border despite 59 days remaining to Brexit
A key part of a Brexit plan that Boris Johnson praised as "excellent" has been branded "untenable" in a leaked government document. The scathing verdict comes from a grim internal document, seen by the Mirror, that shows there are issues with a host of solutions to the Irish border.
A picture of the prime minister - tousling his hair with an anguished expression - fills the front of the Daily Mirror, along with the headline "Boris Loses Control". The tabloid says Mr Johnson's Brexit plans "blew up in his face" as rebel Conservatives sided with the opposition to defeat the government in Tuesday's Commons vote - marking the end of the "shortest Downing Street honeymoon ever". The Guardian calls the vote a "humiliation" for Mr Johnson - suggesting several Tories were emboldened, rather than deterred, by the threat of having the whip removed. John Crace writes: "Much more of this and letters will be piling up in the 1922 Committee demanding the return of Theresa May". For the i newspaper, the result of the vote was "another chaotic instalment in the march towards Brexit" - leaving the UK "more starved of certainty than it has ever been". The Daily Express is appalled by the rebellion, accusing the former chancellor, Philip Hammond, and other senior Tories of surrendering to the EU.
"They've turned their back on the historic referendum result and should bear the shame of what they have done for the rest of their lives," it argues in its editorial. The Daily Telegraph acknowledges that many readers will find their purge from the parliamentary Tory party "unpalatable" - but believes Downing Street had no choice. "With an election around the corner, Number 10 doesn't want to run the risk of winning a majority that includes enough Remainers to make it no majority at all," it says. The Financial Times says last night's events have left the Conservatives in a "state of disintegration", with "poison coursing through the bloodstream" of the party. Away from Brexit, several papers - including the Daily Mail - report on a major study linking diet drinks with an increased risk of dying early. The research, which looked at more than 450,000 people across Europe, found that death rates from any cause were 26% higher among people who consumed two or more diet drinks a day, compared with those who had less than one a month. The reasons are unclear, but previous studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners can trigger glucose intolerance and higher insulin levels in the blood.
The Times has the story of a lawyer who won the jackpot on the German version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" - after spending 16 years re-enacting the television quiz in his basement. Jan Stroh built a replica of the set and studied nearly 35-thousand past questions to prepare for his appearance on the programme, applying dozens of times before he was finally selected to take part. He plans to use some of his winnings to renovate his mock-up studio - and has treated himself to a tailored suit.
HAYSIE Posts: 6,685Member September 2 edited September 3
There is a big 48 hours coming up.
Boris is saying he doesn't want a general election, but seems likely to try and get one, assuming the opposition parties are successful in introducing legislation to stop no deal.
However getting one is not as easy as it used to be, as two thirds of MPs must vote in favour of one, a much higher bar than just passing a Brexit deal.
This means that if Labour vote against, there will be no election. and Boris will need a plan b.
He is threatening to kick the rebels out of his party, despite the fact they are only guilty of the same thing as he, half his cabinet, and many of his supporters in the leadership campaign, were guilty of.
The vast majority of the rebels voted to leave the EU, on all three occasions that Theresa Mays deal was voted on.
It was mainly the ERG that didn't, and they are facing no sanctions.
He continues to lie about the reason for suspending Parliament, while claiming that there has been progress towards getting a deal, whereas the EU claim that there have only been talks about talks.
According to the EU, nothing has changed, and no realistic solutions have been provided by our side, despite claims to the contrary from Boris.
Both he and Michael Gove have suggested that they would ignore any legislation that would stop us leaving without a deal in October, and there are no circumstances that would force Boris to request another extension from the EU.
There is also a suggestion that if he was successful in his quest for an election in mid October, that he may choose to subsequently amend the date in order for it to take place after we have left.
An election before Brexit will be problematic for the Tories, and Labour. The Brexit Party will take votes from both of them.
Delaying the election until we have left with no deal, could be worse for the Tories, assuming the expected chaos occurs.
Some experts believe that an election would solve nothing, result in no overall majority, even so split that a coalition wouldn't be possible, and leave us in a more embarrassing situation.
Who would have thought it possible?
What would happen next?
Yet another election?
This may force people to come around to thinking that another referendum would not be so bad after all, at least provide a definitive solution, which could have happened quite some time ago, and ended the frustration suffered by so many people.
It would appear that the legislation that the opposition parties are attempting to pass, will seek an extension until 31st January.
Rory Stewart reveals he was sacked by text message while he was winning Politician of the Year at GQ awards after voting against the government in last night's crunch vote
EW Rory Stewart (left, pictured outside the Houses of Parliament last night) was sacked from the Conservative Party by text message while receiving the GQ award for politician of the year. The 46-year-old former international development secretary had the whip withdrawn after voting against the Government yesterday evening. He is among the MPs attempting to block a No Deal Brexit after they defeated the Government to wrest control of the Commons agenda (centre). Mr Stewart called the decision to throw him out of the party 'astonishing' and said it was something 'you associate with other countries' rather than Britain. He received the news at the GQ Men on the Year Awards at the Tate Modern in London yesterday, where he posed for photographs with TV host Susanna Reid (right). Mr Stewart picked up his award from Good Morning Britain host Miss Reid at 10.50pm yesterday, just over half an hour after the vote was announced at 10.15pm.
Boris Johnson 'agreed plan to suspend Parliament two weeks BEFORE Downing Street denied it was under consideration' according to bombshell Brexit court documents
Boris Johnson agreed a plan in mid-August to suspend Parliament, two weeks before Downing Street denied the proposal was under consideration, explosive court documents suggest.
Boris Johnson 'was warned by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox that his demand to drop the Brexit backstop was "fantasy" and Dominic Cummings admitted re-negotiation is a "sham"'
Boris Johnson was reportedly warned by Geoffrey Cox that his plan to delete the backstop from the Brexit divorce deal was a 'complete fantasy'.
Brexit: Gove quote that 'no one voted for no deal' written in letters said to be visible from space Campaigners' 7,500-square metre portrait of Gove u-turn on beach 'visible from space'
The sand installation, on Redcar beach in North Yorkshire, is the latest in a series of stunts by campaigners Led By Donkeys which highlight the politicians' hypocrisy on Brexit (PA)
What have people actually voted for? To leave the EU. Number of people who campaigned for a "no deal" Brexit in 2016?-0. Fair to say no-one voted for something that absolutely no-one campaigned for.
Now let's look at "Democracy" within the Conservative Party.
In 2015, the then-PM (and supposedly the leader of our country) was told by an unelected group (the 1922 Committee) that he had to allow a free vote on leaving the EU, and had to allow all members to campaign freely. We voted to leave.
Unfortunately, we have not yet left the EU, because the deal agreed between the next democratically elected leader (May) and the EU was voted down by Conservative rebels, including most of the current Cabinet.
However, any Conservative who voted against our current (unelected) leader has been told they are no longer Conservatives. Not for wanting to Remain-many of those people want to leave-just for not wanting to endanger this country by leaving with No Deal.
So-in 4 years we have moved from a Party telling its Leader what to do, to a Leader redefining what it is to be a Conservative, which appears to be the very opposite of his own voting history.
Always nice to see someone tell Winston Churchill#s grandson that he doesn't understand what it is to be British, or Conservative. Or a former leadership contender that his views are strictly verboten. Pathetic.
There is only 1 thing that is certain. Haysie will still believe that a 2nd referendum is the answer
What have people actually voted for? To leave the EU. Number of people who campaigned for a "no deal" Brexit in 2016?-0. Fair to say no-one voted for something that absolutely no-one campaigned for.
Now let's look at "Democracy" within the Conservative Party.
In 2015, the then-PM (and supposedly the leader of our country) was told by an unelected group (the 1922 Committee) that he had to allow a free vote on leaving the EU, and had to allow all members to campaign freely. We voted to leave.
Unfortunately, we have not yet left the EU, because the deal agreed between the next democratically elected leader (May) and the EU was voted down by Conservative rebels, including most of the current Cabinet.
However, any Conservative who voted against our current (unelected) leader has been told they are no longer Conservatives. Not for wanting to Remain-many of those people want to leave-just for not wanting to endanger this country by leaving with No Deal.
So-in 4 years we have moved from a Party telling its Leader what to do, to a Leader redefining what it is to be a Conservative, which appears to be the very opposite of his own voting history.
Always nice to see someone tell Winston Churchill#s grandson that he doesn't understand what it is to be British, or Conservative. Or a former leadership contender that his views are strictly verboten. Pathetic.
There is only 1 thing that is certain. Haysie will still believe that a 2nd referendum is the answer
I agree with much of what you say.
In fact I made some similar points in my previous post.
To be clear on my opinion, it is based on what I believe is best for the country, rather than my personal circumstances.
I am retired now, and may be amongst the least affected by Brexit.
I believe that the best outcome would have been to have left, but with an agreement that maintained close ties with the EU.
The downside to this is that young people are overwhelmingly in favour of EU membership, and it would appear that our current favourable conditions wouldn't be retained if we rejoined in the future.
Although this is my favoured solution it has never been a real option.
It is as a result of this that I have put forward a referendum as a means of providing a solution.
Are there any real alternatives?
People can talk about solutions, that wont get through Parliament, or that the EU wont accept, until the cows come home, but they obviously don't solve anything.
Boris has been told that by the Attorney General that the removal of the backstop is a fantasy, yet he persists with this aim.
Many MPs support the membership of the Customs Union, but many others are adamant that we should opt for an independent trade policy. Both are not available, and any agreement unlikely.
The are real options when it comes to the Irish Border but not a majority in favour of any of them. We could rip up The Good Friday agreement and introduce a hard border in Ireland. Because of this the EU would allow an Irish Sea border, but the argument against is that this would split up the UK. Where else could you put a border? The solution is the backstop. The majority of MPs wont accept any of the solutions. How can a solution be provided when no agreement can be reached on this problem? Discussions on this subject have gone on for around 30 months, it is difficult to imagine that something new will suddenly come to light.
The ideal Brexit only ever existed in a country of cherry pickers, that wanted all the benefits of being members subsequent to leaving.
I think the Tory rebels have acted honourably, and in some cases been prepared to sacrifice their futures in the best interests of the country.
MPs have faced much criticism, but they have been put into a very difficult position.
So what happens next?
Is there a solution in sight?
I don't think so.
It seems that the opposition parties will get through the legislation forcing through an extension until the end of January, rule out no deal for a minute, and the impasse will continue.
Will we back in the same boat in January.
It is not clear that a general election will solve anything, or when we will get one.
So we could get an extension, a general election, and end up back in the same boat.
Yet a referendum based on a deal, no deal or remain, provides a solution.
I think that some of the electorate are coming around to supporting a no deal outcome, as they are under the illusion that this would be the end of the matter, except that of course it wouldn't be.
Sometimes in life you have to opt for an outcome, not because it is ideal, but because it is a solution.
Dominic Cummings ‘stank of booze in Jeremy Corbyn stand-off’
Labour MP Ms Smith commented on Twitter afterwards: “As one of several shadow cabinet members stood right next to Jeremy (who was on the phone at the time) I just thought there was some loud bloke who stunk of booze yelling at us.”
No wonder Theresa May was smiling, Boris Johnson’s chaotic Brexit means ‘nothing has changed’
Is it too soon to make a plea to bring back Theresa May? You remember her, surely. She looks pretty effective by current standards. “**** difficult woman”, for sure, publicly awkward, untalented dancer, yes all that, but she’d treat the Commons, the opposition and indeed her own party rather better than this lot.
Many of the front pages - including the Guardian, the Financial Times and the i newspaper - describe Mr Johnson as being "cornered". The Financial Times talks of "humbling" defeats for the prime minister as well as "growing anger" among Tory MPs about his handling of Brexit. For the Times, he faces an increasingly desperate battle to force an election, with his enemies plotting to trap him in office but without power. Yet writing inside, Jenni Russel argues that even though No 10 may not have foreseen the scale and the seriousness of the Conservative rebellion, Downing Street's strategy may still be on course. She thinks the calculation is that voters in swing towns won't care about the absence of the likes of Ken Clarke - and that Jeremy Corbyn will not be able to resist the appeal of a general election for long.
The Sun superimposes the face of Jeremy Corbyn onto the body of a rooster and asks: "Is this the most dangerous chicken in Britain?" The Daily Mail calls his decision not to back an election "the final insult". The word "hypocrite" looms large in the Daily Telegraph headline, while the Matt Cartoon depicts an ad van bearing the slogan: "Vote Labour - but not just yet". The paper's associate editor, Camilla Tominey, describes Mr Corbyn as "the campaigning veteran of the loud hailer" and says that in reality, he relishes the idea of going back to the polls. She thinks "It is the Brussels-loving Blairites in his party who are flapping like battery hens in their bid to block Brexit and force a second referendum." The Daily Mirror agrees that some senior Labour figures prefer the idea of allowing Mr Johnson to "limp on" - believing he would be politically damaged if he were unable to deliver Brexit by Halloween. Writing in the paper, Kevin Maguire praises the Labour leader for his performance at prime minister's questions. "Cool, calm and calculating Corbyn contrasted well with his flailing opponent," he says.
What have people actually voted for? To leave the EU. Number of people who campaigned for a "no deal" Brexit in 2016?-0. Fair to say no-one voted for something that absolutely no-one campaigned for.
Now let's look at "Democracy" within the Conservative Party.
In 2015, the then-PM (and supposedly the leader of our country) was told by an unelected group (the 1922 Committee) that he had to allow a free vote on leaving the EU, and had to allow all members to campaign freely. We voted to leave.
Unfortunately, we have not yet left the EU, because the deal agreed between the next democratically elected leader (May) and the EU was voted down by Conservative rebels, including most of the current Cabinet.
However, any Conservative who voted against our current (unelected) leader has been told they are no longer Conservatives. Not for wanting to Remain-many of those people want to leave-just for not wanting to endanger this country by leaving with No Deal.
So-in 4 years we have moved from a Party telling its Leader what to do, to a Leader redefining what it is to be a Conservative, which appears to be the very opposite of his own voting history.
Always nice to see someone tell Winston Churchill#s grandson that he doesn't understand what it is to be British, or Conservative. Or a former leadership contender that his views are strictly verboten. Pathetic.
There is only 1 thing that is certain. Haysie will still believe that a 2nd referendum is the answer
How about a Brexit solution then?
The current position is that we have an extension to block no deal, followed by an election, which may provide no solution.
I hope the opposition parties resist the Tory calls for an immediate election, and fall into the trap that Tony Blair laid out earlier in the week.
They have to wait until November to inflict maximum pain on Boris, ensuring that he suffers the humiliation of having to beg the EU for an extension, in addition to missing his "do or die", "no ifs or buts", October 31st deadline.
This would do him much harm in an election.
However the real solution is as follows,
All the opposition parties are in favour of at least another referendum, or stopping Brexit.
I believe all of them could reach an agreement on a referendum.
Labour seem to have adopted the position of favouring a referendum on any deal, including one that they might have negotiated post winning an election.
The opposition parties now have a majority in Parliament.
So why not go for a no confidence vote instead of an election?
Assuming they won it, they could form a coalition to take over from Boris.
They would do this with the express purpose of renegotiating a deal with the EU, extending for 6 months to accommodate a referendum, and hold an election, post referendum.
I would support anything that stops no deal, but there is no future in the continual extending of Article 50.
This would mean that the opposition parties would reach their aim. Probably kill off the Brexit Party as a definitive decision would result from the referendum.
I think that they would have to choose someone like Ken Clarke to lead the coalition, as Corbyn is not trusted enough to gain an agreement.
Keir Starmer could be the negotiator.
I would see this as a much better solution than going around in circles, and desperately avoiding no deal, at regular intervals.
Brexit would be over and done with post referendum.
The current alternatives seem pointless, and could end in disaster.
The DUP would become unimportant, and a solution to the Irish border easily found.
There is nothing undemocratic about using more democracy to get out of a hole.
Referendum detractors can argue about the will of the people all day long, but have no other solution. This is exactly the same as the Irish border arguments where people are prepared to argue against all real solutions, and cant offer a realistic alternative.
Those that argue against a referendum, have no real solutions, and will risk no deal at the end of some future extension.
Even a general election, although difficult to predict with any accuracy, currently looks like one half of the vote will be shared by the Tories, and the Brexit Party, the other half between Labour and the Lib Dems, and unlikely to provide an overall majority for any party.
I cant think of anything worse than a Tory/Brexit Party coalition, led by Boris, and with Nigel Farage as second in command.
This would probably result in no deal at the end of January.
Isnt it fantastic to see a cunning plan spectacularly backfire?
Boris is now absolutely desperate for an October election.
This would appear to be the only way of avoiding failure in his do or die deadline. In addition to facing the humiliation of having to ask for an EU extension to Article 50.
This in a week where he has sacked 21 MPs, and given up his majority.
He lost a vote calling for a general election yesterday.
The Tories have stopped the House of Lords delaying the legislation that stops no deal, due to this desperation
The HoL had planned to delay the passing of the Bill, until prorogation took place, ensuring that it bit the dust.
Prompted by Jeremy Corbyns comments regarding no election until the Bill receives Royal Assent, has forced the Tories to abandon the delaying tactics.
Boris probably thought that the prorogation was a cunning plan.
Not so much now, as it would appear that it doesn't allow him time to get the election through before the end of October.
I have watched a succession of arrogant Tory MPs this morning, accusing Labour of being scared of having an election, obviously thinking that the Labour leadership is too stupid to see through this.
A 5 year old child would see that the only way left to stop this legislation taking effect, and to leave the EU in October without a deal, is to win an election in mid October, and repeal the legislation.
Boris could be screwed by failing to achieve his do or die, no ifs of buts, leaving with or without a deal, on 31st October goal.
The prorogation plan seems to have shot him in the foot, as Parliament is suspended from Monday.
Sometimes what goes around, comes around, and is the price of being slippery.
Wouldn't you expect a PM that is genuinely looking to get a deal from the EU, to be spending time talking to them, rather than embarking on an general election campaign, touring Yorkshire?
Comments
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Boris Johnson's Halloween cliff edge could put tens of thousands of jobs at risk
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/gordon-brown-how-no-deal-19121534
Exclusive: leaked report says at present there is no deliverable alternative to the backstop
All potential solutions to the post-Brexit Irish border are fraught with difficulty and would leave smaller businesses struggling to cope, experts have said, as leaked government papers outline major concerns just two months before Britain is due to leave the EU.
A report summarising the findings of the government’s official “alternative arrangements” working groups concluded that there are issues with all the scenarios put forward to try to replace the backstop arrangement. There are also specific concerns over whether any technological solution could be delivered to monitor cross-border trade.
Critics said the paper, seen by the Guardian, should “ring alarm bells” across government over how likely it is that alternative arrangements to the backstop will be found.
Sign up to our Brexit weekly briefing
Read more
The dossier marked “official-sensitive” prepared for the EU Exit Negotiations Board is dated 28 August. It details how the findings of all advisory groups informing the government on the Northern Irish border are being kept deliberately under wraps to try to avoid hampering Britain’s intended renegotiation of the backstop agreed to by Theresa May.
However, the damning report shows there is no single deliverable solution at present, despite the fact Johnson is almost a third of the way through the “30 days” target that the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, gave him to come up with a fresh border proposal.
Johnson’s claim that a hard border could be avoided with mobile checks of livestock and crops was dismissed by experts as the most unlikely option to work. The report said: “Overall there were a number of concerns surrounding the deliverability of technological facilitations.”
Questions were also raised over whether a trusted trader scheme – the current favourite for a border solution – would require infrastructure to set it up.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/02/irish-border-after-brexit-all-ideas-beset-by-issues
Most of the front pages feature pictures of Boris Johnson making his address outside 10 Downing Street.
The headline in the Sun is "Boris snaps". The paper describes Mr Johnson's warning to Conservative rebels - not to force him into calling a snap general election - as a "Brexit showdown".
According to the Guardian, Number 10 had been considering such a move for several days. But it was "crystallised" by the determination of Tory rebels to support legislation to prevent a no-deal departure.
The Daily Mail and Financial Times find space in their Brexit coverage to focus on Project Yellowhammer - the Cabinet Office document outlining the government's plans for a no-deal departure. Ministers dismissed an earlier draft leaked last month, which predicted chaos at ports, and shortages of fresh food, medicines and fuel.
The Mail and Financial Times report that officials have updated the plan - a new version of that was due to be released today.
But they say the minister in charge of Brexit preparations, Michael Gove, has cancelled the publication because it makes similar warnings. A source tells the Financial Times "the whole thing was seen as far too pessimistic about no-deal".
Assessments of Boris Johnson's podium moment, outside Downing Street yesterday, are varied. The Daily Telegraph sees his threat of a snap election as a "bold move". It believes he has "nothing to fear" because most people in the country want to get Brexit over and done with. It also says he should "take comfort from the anxiety and division of the opposition".
There is similar confidence in the Sun. Under the headline "BoJo's defiance", its leader column says "voters will now see with crystal clarity Boris's absolute determination to uphold our democracy". It concludes that, after only seven weeks in office, Mr Johnson is "already a far better PM than his predecessor".
The i also highlights differences between the two leaders, arguing that while Theresa May played out her last days as Prime Minister, Brexit became "little more than background noise". But it believes that, following Mr Johnson's announcement, the political temperature is now at "boiling point".
But the Daily Mirror argues a no-deal Brexit would be an "economic calamity" and describes Mr Johnson as a "Kamikaze PM" who should stop pretending that it is a viable option. It urges MPs to "vote for sanity" this week and rule out such a departure.
The Guardian expresses a similar view. Its editorial says every government since 2016 has been driven mad by Brexit's central contradiction: that there is an economic price to pay for the UK to take back control of its borders. It says Mr Johnson "leads the most demented" administration to date.
The website, Politico, resorts to sports metaphors to describe the significance of the moment. "After a summer of shadow boxing," it says, "the bell has finally rung for the big parliamentary Brexit battle."
Huffpost makes reference to the 1970s Clint Eastwood character, Dirty Harry, using as its headline his catchphrase, "do ya feel lucky, punk?". It believes that Mr Johnson "is certainly taking a massive risk".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-49559673
No-deal Brexit looms as leak reveals Dominic Cummings considers EU negotiations a 'sham'
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/09/02/no-deal-brexit-looms-leak-reveals-dominic-cummings-considers/
Tory civil war erupts after Boris Johnson threatens snap election on Monday October 14 if Remainers vote to block No Deal today as Hammond dares PM to deselect him and Rudd warns him to not sack rebels
Boris Johnson has made a statement outside No10 on Monday amid frantic speculation about a snap election
Ministers have been holding crisis talks as PM faces defeat at hands of Remainer MPs trying to block No Deal
The PM warned he will never ask the EU for an extension beyond the current Brexit deadline of October 31
Mr Johnson declared a Commons vote today aiming to stop No Deal will be treated as a confidence issue
He is expected to table a motion calling an election before the Brexit date if the government loses the battle
The premier has also threatened to expel Tory MPs if they join the rebel alliance in the showdown today
Amber Rudd, the Work and Pensions secretary, urged Mr Johnson not kick out MPs who try to stop No Deal
Former Chancellor and Remainer Philip Hammond re-selected by his constituency association yesterday
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7420153/Boris-Johnson-threatens-call-ELECTION-Brexit.html
Brexit plan Boris Johnson praised is branded 'untenable' in government document
A leaked document suggests there is not yet a clear workable solution for the Irish border despite 59 days remaining to Brexit
A key part of a Brexit plan that Boris Johnson praised as "excellent" has been branded "untenable" in a leaked government document.
The scathing verdict comes from a grim internal document, seen by the Mirror, that shows there are issues with a host of solutions to the Irish border.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/brexit-plan-boris-johnson-praised-19166462
Pound falls below $1.20 in new 32-month low
A picture of the prime minister - tousling his hair with an anguished expression - fills the front of the Daily Mirror, along with the headline "Boris Loses Control".
The tabloid says Mr Johnson's Brexit plans "blew up in his face" as rebel Conservatives sided with the opposition to defeat the government in Tuesday's Commons vote - marking the end of the "shortest Downing Street honeymoon ever".
The Guardian calls the vote a "humiliation" for Mr Johnson - suggesting several Tories were emboldened, rather than deterred, by the threat of having the whip removed.
John Crace writes: "Much more of this and letters will be piling up in the 1922 Committee demanding the return of Theresa May".
For the i newspaper, the result of the vote was "another chaotic instalment in the march towards Brexit" - leaving the UK "more starved of certainty than it has ever been".
The Daily Express is appalled by the rebellion, accusing the former chancellor, Philip Hammond, and other senior Tories of surrendering to the EU.
"They've turned their back on the historic referendum result and should bear the shame of what they have done for the rest of their lives," it argues in its editorial.
The Daily Telegraph acknowledges that many readers will find their purge from the parliamentary Tory party "unpalatable" - but believes Downing Street had no choice.
"With an election around the corner, Number 10 doesn't want to run the risk of winning a majority that includes enough Remainers to make it no majority at all," it says.
The Financial Times says last night's events have left the Conservatives in a "state of disintegration", with "poison coursing through the bloodstream" of the party.
Away from Brexit, several papers - including the Daily Mail - report on a major study linking diet drinks with an increased risk of dying early.
The research, which looked at more than 450,000 people across Europe, found that death rates from any cause were 26% higher among people who consumed two or more diet drinks a day, compared with those who had less than one a month.
The reasons are unclear, but previous studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners can trigger glucose intolerance and higher insulin levels in the blood.
The Times has the story of a lawyer who won the jackpot on the German version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" - after spending 16 years re-enacting the television quiz in his basement.
Jan Stroh built a replica of the set and studied nearly 35-thousand past questions to prepare for his appearance on the programme, applying dozens of times before he was finally selected to take part.
He plans to use some of his winnings to renovate his mock-up studio - and has treated himself to a tailored suit.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-49574200
HAYSIE Posts: 6,685Member
September 2 edited September 3
There is a big 48 hours coming up.
Boris is saying he doesn't want a general election, but seems likely to try and get one, assuming the opposition parties are successful in introducing legislation to stop no deal.
However getting one is not as easy as it used to be, as two thirds of MPs must vote in favour of one, a much higher bar than just passing a Brexit deal.
This means that if Labour vote against, there will be no election. and Boris will need a plan b.
He is threatening to kick the rebels out of his party, despite the fact they are only guilty of the same thing as he, half his cabinet, and many of his supporters in the leadership campaign, were guilty of.
The vast majority of the rebels voted to leave the EU, on all three occasions that Theresa Mays deal was voted on.
It was mainly the ERG that didn't, and they are facing no sanctions.
He continues to lie about the reason for suspending Parliament, while claiming that there has been progress towards getting a deal, whereas the EU claim that there have only been talks about talks.
According to the EU, nothing has changed, and no realistic solutions have been provided by our side, despite claims to the contrary from Boris.
Both he and Michael Gove have suggested that they would ignore any legislation that would stop us leaving without a deal in October, and there are no circumstances that would force Boris to request another extension from the EU.
There is also a suggestion that if he was successful in his quest for an election in mid October, that he may choose to subsequently amend the date in order for it to take place after we have left.
An election before Brexit will be problematic for the Tories, and Labour. The Brexit Party will take votes from both of them.
Delaying the election until we have left with no deal, could be worse for the Tories, assuming the expected chaos occurs.
Some experts believe that an election would solve nothing, result in no overall majority, even so split that a coalition wouldn't be possible, and leave us in a more embarrassing situation.
Who would have thought it possible?
What would happen next?
Yet another election?
This may force people to come around to thinking that another referendum would not be so bad after all, at least provide a definitive solution, which could have happened quite some time ago, and ended the frustration suffered by so many people.
It would appear that the legislation that the opposition parties are attempting to pass, will seek an extension until 31st January.
What would happen then?
Very little is predictable.
EW Rory Stewart (left, pictured outside the Houses of Parliament last night) was sacked from the Conservative Party by text message while receiving the GQ award for politician of the year. The 46-year-old former international development secretary had the whip withdrawn after voting against the Government yesterday evening. He is among the MPs attempting to block a No Deal Brexit after they defeated the Government to wrest control of the Commons agenda (centre). Mr Stewart called the decision to throw him out of the party 'astonishing' and said it was something 'you associate with other countries' rather than Britain. He received the news at the GQ Men on the Year Awards at the Tate Modern in London yesterday, where he posed for photographs with TV host Susanna Reid (right). Mr Stewart picked up his award from Good Morning Britain host Miss Reid at 10.50pm yesterday, just over half an hour after the vote was announced at 10.15pm.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
Boris Johnson agreed a plan in mid-August to suspend Parliament, two weeks before Downing Street denied the proposal was under consideration, explosive court documents suggest.
Boris Johnson was reportedly warned by Geoffrey Cox that his plan to delete the backstop from the Brexit divorce deal was a 'complete fantasy'.
Campaigners' 7,500-square metre portrait of Gove u-turn on beach 'visible from space'
The sand installation, on Redcar beach in North Yorkshire, is the latest in a series of stunts by campaigners Led By Donkeys which highlight the politicians' hypocrisy on Brexit (PA)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/michael-gove-brexit-no-deal-portrait-sand-yorkshire-led-by-donkeys-a9088236.html
Number of people who campaigned for a "no deal" Brexit in 2016?-0.
Fair to say no-one voted for something that absolutely no-one campaigned for.
Now let's look at "Democracy" within the Conservative Party.
In 2015, the then-PM (and supposedly the leader of our country) was told by an unelected group (the 1922 Committee) that he had to allow a free vote on leaving the EU, and had to allow all members to campaign freely. We voted to leave.
Unfortunately, we have not yet left the EU, because the deal agreed between the next democratically elected leader (May) and the EU was voted down by Conservative rebels, including most of the current Cabinet.
However, any Conservative who voted against our current (unelected) leader has been told they are no longer Conservatives. Not for wanting to Remain-many of those people want to leave-just for not wanting to endanger this country by leaving with No Deal.
So-in 4 years we have moved from a Party telling its Leader what to do, to a Leader redefining what it is to be a Conservative, which appears to be the very opposite of his own voting history.
Always nice to see someone tell Winston Churchill#s grandson that he doesn't understand what it is to be British, or Conservative. Or a former leadership contender that his views are strictly verboten. Pathetic.
There is only 1 thing that is certain. Haysie will still believe that a 2nd referendum is the answer
In fact I made some similar points in my previous post.
To be clear on my opinion, it is based on what I believe is best for the country, rather than my personal circumstances.
I am retired now, and may be amongst the least affected by Brexit.
I believe that the best outcome would have been to have left, but with an agreement that maintained close ties with the EU.
The downside to this is that young people are overwhelmingly in favour of EU membership, and it would appear that our current favourable conditions wouldn't be retained if we rejoined in the future.
Although this is my favoured solution it has never been a real option.
It is as a result of this that I have put forward a referendum as a means of providing a solution.
Are there any real alternatives?
People can talk about solutions, that wont get through Parliament, or that the EU wont accept, until the cows come home, but they obviously don't solve anything.
Boris has been told that by the Attorney General that the removal of the backstop is a fantasy, yet he persists with this aim.
Many MPs support the membership of the Customs Union, but many others are adamant that we should opt for an independent trade policy. Both are not available, and any agreement unlikely.
The are real options when it comes to the Irish Border but not a majority in favour of any of them. We could rip up The Good Friday agreement and introduce a hard border in Ireland. Because of this the EU would allow an Irish Sea border, but the argument against is that this would split up the UK. Where else could you put a border? The solution is the backstop. The majority of MPs wont accept any of the solutions. How can a solution be provided when no agreement can be reached on this problem? Discussions on this subject have gone on for around 30 months, it is difficult to imagine that something new will suddenly come to light.
The ideal Brexit only ever existed in a country of cherry pickers, that wanted all the benefits of being members subsequent to leaving.
I think the Tory rebels have acted honourably, and in some cases been prepared to sacrifice their futures in the best interests of the country.
MPs have faced much criticism, but they have been put into a very difficult position.
So what happens next?
Is there a solution in sight?
I don't think so.
It seems that the opposition parties will get through the legislation forcing through an extension until the end of January, rule out no deal for a minute, and the impasse will continue.
Will we back in the same boat in January.
It is not clear that a general election will solve anything, or when we will get one.
So we could get an extension, a general election, and end up back in the same boat.
Yet a referendum based on a deal, no deal or remain, provides a solution.
I think that some of the electorate are coming around to supporting a no deal outcome, as they are under the illusion that this would be the end of the matter, except that of course it wouldn't be.
Sometimes in life you have to opt for an outcome, not because it is ideal, but because it is a solution.
Life is not always fair.
Labour MP Ms Smith commented on Twitter afterwards: “As one of several shadow cabinet members stood right next to Jeremy (who was on the phone at the time) I just thought there was some loud bloke who stunk of booze yelling at us.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/brexit/dominic-cummings-stank-of-booze-in-jeremy-corbyn-stand-off/ar-AAGNbkU?ocid=spartanntp
Is it too soon to make a plea to bring back Theresa May? You remember her, surely. She looks pretty effective by current standards. “**** difficult woman”, for sure, publicly awkward, untalented dancer, yes all that, but she’d treat the Commons, the opposition and indeed her own party rather better than this lot.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/no-wonder-theresa-may-was-smiling-boris-johnsons-chaotic-brexit-means-nothing-has-changed/ar-AAGMTAm?ocid=spartanntp
Many of the front pages - including the Guardian, the Financial Times and the i newspaper - describe Mr Johnson as being "cornered".
The Financial Times talks of "humbling" defeats for the prime minister as well as "growing anger" among Tory MPs about his handling of Brexit.
For the Times, he faces an increasingly desperate battle to force an election, with his enemies plotting to trap him in office but without power.
Yet writing inside, Jenni Russel argues that even though No 10 may not have foreseen the scale and the seriousness of the Conservative rebellion, Downing Street's strategy may still be on course.
She thinks the calculation is that voters in swing towns won't care about the absence of the likes of Ken Clarke - and that Jeremy Corbyn will not be able to resist the appeal of a general election for long.
The Sun superimposes the face of Jeremy Corbyn onto the body of a rooster and asks: "Is this the most dangerous chicken in Britain?"
The Daily Mail calls his decision not to back an election "the final insult". The word "hypocrite" looms large in the Daily Telegraph headline, while the Matt Cartoon depicts an ad van bearing the slogan: "Vote Labour - but not just yet".
The paper's associate editor, Camilla Tominey, describes Mr Corbyn as "the campaigning veteran of the loud hailer" and says that in reality, he relishes the idea of going back to the polls.
She thinks "It is the Brussels-loving Blairites in his party who are flapping like battery hens in their bid to block Brexit and force a second referendum."
The Daily Mirror agrees that some senior Labour figures prefer the idea of allowing Mr Johnson to "limp on" - believing he would be politically damaged if he were unable to deliver Brexit by Halloween.
Writing in the paper, Kevin Maguire praises the Labour leader for his performance at prime minister's questions. "Cool, calm and calculating Corbyn contrasted well with his flailing opponent," he says.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-49588171
How about a Brexit solution then?
The current position is that we have an extension to block no deal, followed by an election, which may provide no solution.
I hope the opposition parties resist the Tory calls for an immediate election, and fall into the trap that Tony Blair laid out earlier in the week.
They have to wait until November to inflict maximum pain on Boris, ensuring that he suffers the humiliation of having to beg the EU for an extension, in addition to missing his "do or die", "no ifs or buts", October 31st deadline.
This would do him much harm in an election.
However the real solution is as follows,
All the opposition parties are in favour of at least another referendum, or stopping Brexit.
I believe all of them could reach an agreement on a referendum.
Labour seem to have adopted the position of favouring a referendum on any deal, including one that they might have negotiated post winning an election.
The opposition parties now have a majority in Parliament.
So why not go for a no confidence vote instead of an election?
Assuming they won it, they could form a coalition to take over from Boris.
They would do this with the express purpose of renegotiating a deal with the EU, extending for 6 months to accommodate a referendum, and hold an election, post referendum.
I would support anything that stops no deal, but there is no future in the continual extending of Article 50.
This would mean that the opposition parties would reach their aim. Probably kill off the Brexit Party as a definitive decision would result from the referendum.
I think that they would have to choose someone like Ken Clarke to lead the coalition, as Corbyn is not trusted enough to gain an agreement.
Keir Starmer could be the negotiator.
I would see this as a much better solution than going around in circles, and desperately avoiding no deal, at regular intervals.
Brexit would be over and done with post referendum.
The current alternatives seem pointless, and could end in disaster.
The DUP would become unimportant, and a solution to the Irish border easily found.
There is nothing undemocratic about using more democracy to get out of a hole.
Referendum detractors can argue about the will of the people all day long, but have no other solution. This is exactly the same as the Irish border arguments where people are prepared to argue against all real solutions, and cant offer a realistic alternative.
Those that argue against a referendum, have no real solutions, and will risk no deal at the end of some future extension.
Even a general election, although difficult to predict with any accuracy, currently looks like one half of the vote will be shared by the Tories, and the Brexit Party, the other half between Labour and the Lib Dems, and unlikely to provide an overall majority for any party.
I cant think of anything worse than a Tory/Brexit Party coalition, led by Boris, and with Nigel Farage as second in command.
This would probably result in no deal at the end of January.
Boris is now absolutely desperate for an October election.
This would appear to be the only way of avoiding failure in his do or die deadline. In addition to facing the humiliation of having to ask for an EU extension to Article 50.
This in a week where he has sacked 21 MPs, and given up his majority.
He lost a vote calling for a general election yesterday.
The Tories have stopped the House of Lords delaying the legislation that stops no deal, due to this desperation
The HoL had planned to delay the passing of the Bill, until prorogation took place, ensuring that it bit the dust.
Prompted by Jeremy Corbyns comments regarding no election until the Bill receives Royal Assent, has forced the Tories to abandon the delaying tactics.
Boris probably thought that the prorogation was a cunning plan.
Not so much now, as it would appear that it doesn't allow him time to get the election through before the end of October.
I have watched a succession of arrogant Tory MPs this morning, accusing Labour of being scared of having an election, obviously thinking that the Labour leadership is too stupid to see through this.
A 5 year old child would see that the only way left to stop this legislation taking effect, and to leave the EU in October without a deal, is to win an election in mid October, and repeal the legislation.
Boris could be screwed by failing to achieve his do or die, no ifs of buts, leaving with or without a deal, on 31st October goal.
The prorogation plan seems to have shot him in the foot, as Parliament is suspended from Monday.
Sometimes what goes around, comes around, and is the price of being slippery.
Wouldn't you expect a PM that is genuinely looking to get a deal from the EU, to be spending time talking to them, rather than embarking on an general election campaign, touring Yorkshire?