Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended1528308289

Brexit - as it happened: David Davis accuses EU of 'shooting itself in the foot' over security cooperation

All the latest updates from Westminster as they happened

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 06 June 2018 15:00 BST
Comments
✕
Close
David Davis wants post-Brexit relationship with Europe that 'recognises the history' and 'stands the test of time'

David Davis has accused the EU of "shooting itself in the foot to see if the gun works" by weakening security ties with the UK after Brexit.

In a speech in London, the Brexit secretary criticised the European Commission for putting legal precedents ahead of practical considerations, after it emerged that Brussels has threatened to kick Britain out of its Galileo satellite navigation programme, which it helped to fund.

He also revealed the cabinet was still split over the "backstop" proposals, which would keep the whole of the UK in the customs union until a permanent solution is found to the Irish border issue.

It comes as Jeremy Corbyn criticised Theresa May over the government's delay in laying out its Brexit plans in more detail, demanding when the government will publish its white paper on the UK's future relationship with the EU.

Labour is facing its own Brexit troubles as splits emerged over plans to shift its approach to leaving the EU.

Ahead of a Commons showdown on the government's flagship legislation, the Labour leadership has sought to quell pro-EU rebels in the ranks, by tabling a bid for a Norway-style deal where Britain retains full access to the single market.

However critics said the efforts were "nowhere near enough", and called for support for a cross-party amendment from the Lords, which could effectively keep Britain in the single market.

See below for live updates

1528278617

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 10:50
1528279274

Senior Remain-backing MPs are launching a paper on the "fallacy" of easy post-Brexit trade, as we reported this morning.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 11:01
1528279643

EU citizens have appeared before the Brexit committee and faced some interesting criticism from Tory MPs.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 11:07
1528280174

New development here from the Open Britain event. Labour's Chuka Umunna reveals that 12 Tory MPs have tabled a rebel amendment to one of the major Brexit bills.

The Trade Bill is one of three big Brexit bills - including the flagship EU (Withdrawal) Bill - which the government has to get through parliament to prepare for leaving the EU.

This amendment refers to the European Economic Area (EEA) which effectively keeps Britain in the single market. The fact that 12 rebels have backed it shows growing support on the Tory benches for such a move. Theresa May has ruled out staying in the single market.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 11:16
1528281396

PMQs is fast approaching and Jeremy Corbyn has no shortage of options for his six questions to the prime minister.

The Labour leader has focused on Brexit several times in recent weeks but it would be very easy for Mr Corbyn to score hits over the ongoing rail chaos in the north of England.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling has drawn fury from MPs over major disruption to Govia Thameslink Rail and Northern trains, which has seen thousands of cancellations and delays since a new timetable has been brought in.

Here's the batting list for backbench MPs for PMQs:

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 11:36
1528282644

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 11:57
1528283197

And we are off!

Theresa May pays tribute to those killed in the London Bridge terror attacks, after the anniversary of the attack on Sunday.

Tory Alex Chalk has the first question, asking the PM to praise the fact that the number of children growing up in workless households is at a record low.

May says employment is at a record high under her government and 1m fewer people are in absolute poverty since 2010.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 12:06
1528283334

Jeremy Corbyn also pays tribute to those caught up in the London Bridge attacks and thanks emergency workers for their efforts.

Surprisingly, he goes in on Brexit. He asks if a white paper will be published before the withdrawal bill next week.

May says there will be lots of detail in the paper but doesn't say when.

Corbyn hits back, asking the PM what her negotiating strategy is on Brexit. He says it must be debated in the House before a key EU summit in June.

May asks him to rule out a second referendum and says she is delivering on Brexit for voters.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 12:08
1528283489

Corbyn is dogged on the white paper, saying it is 'nowhere to be seen'. He then asks about customs - max fac and customs partnership options - and asks when they will be told.

May says she has set out her plans on customs and she is delivering on Brexit. She goes for Corbyn again on Labour's stance on a second referendum.

Corbyn says the opposition is not dealing with the negotiations but sadly neither is the government. He asks about David Davis' buffer zone plan.

May says negotiations continue with the EU on all issues.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 12:11
1528283719

Corbyn says the buffer zone united all of Ireland in opposition.

He then asks whether the transition period will end in 2020. May says 'yes'.

He says the government has 'delivered more cancellations than Northern rail' and compares its actions on customs and transition to 'our shambolic privatised railways'.

He asks: "Which will last longer, the Northern Rail franchise or her premiership?"

May quotes Keir Starmer this morning on Labour divisions and accuses the party of trying to frustrate the Brexit process at every stage.

Lizzy Buchan6 June 2018 12:15

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in