14th Mar 2019 https://nfind.uk/brexit_cliff_edge/index.php/newsletter=24 brexit_cliff_edge

Jobs at Risk

The Guardian Allie Renison head of Europe and trade at the Institute of Directors said that while cutting tariffs unilaterally was a necessary and welcome part of a countrys trade policy the government had failed to do it in an open and consultative way. The belated cackhanded way in which the government has handled its nodeal planning is one of the main reasons why many businesses will not be prepared for this outcome by 29 March Renison said. Politicians should be under no illusion this package of mitigating measures do not help make the case for no deal. They are rather a reminder of the spike in invidious choices we would face as a country amidst a backdrop of chaos. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/uk-firms-react-with-fury-to-cack-handed-no-deal-brexit-plan?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other 13th Mar 2019

Jobs at Risk

Forbes Forbes questions some of the assumptions that underpin the Moodys and Fitch reports into the prospects of the UK automotive sector under a No Deal Brexit scenario. The author feels initial trade disruption would spark an agreed solution of sorts pretty quickly and a set of agreed tariff rules would reduce the sting until a full agreement could be reached. Therefore he believes the impact predicted by Moodys and Fitch is overstated at best https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilwinton/2019/03/12/no-deal-brexit-would-decimate-britains-auto-industry-or-maybe-not/ 13th Mar 2019

Jobs at Risk

The New European The governments nodeal TV adverts have been compared by Labour to Corporal Jones warnings in Dads Army not to panic. But shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said the possibility of thousands of job losses is no joke. He told the Commons today The country is hanging on a nodeal cliffedge and today we read the governments latest idea a ludicrous TV advert saying to the public from Friday onwards dont panic. A bit like Corporal Jones in Dads Army. But this is not the Home Guard in the 1940s is it And the prospect of thousands of job losses and the shortages of food and medicine and so on its no joke. https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/dads-army-comparison-brexit-tv-advert-1-5935789 14th Mar 2019

Economic Impact

Exchange Rates.org.uk https://www.exchangerates.org.uk/news/25014/pound-euro-exchange-rate-rebounds-ahead-of-mp-vote-on-nodeal-brexit.html 13th Mar 2019

Economic Impact

Reuters Sterling shot higher on Wednesday after British lawmakers voted resoundingly against leaving the European Union in 16 days time without a transition agreement. Britains parliament voted against the risk of a nodeal Brexit 24 hours after a second defeat for Prime Minister Theresa Mays divorce agreement left Britain heading into the unknown. Lawmakers will vote on Thursday on delaying Britains EU departure beyond March 29. The pound strengthened on hopes of a delayed Brexit a move which investors said could increase Mays chances of getting her deal with the EU through parliament or lead to Brexit being called off altogether if a second referendum is held. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-sterling/sterling-leaps-after-uk-lawmakers-vote-down-no-deal-brexit-idUKKBN1QU0RR?il=0 13th Mar 2019

Economic Impact

ig.com The Dow Jones is up as the UK Parliament voted 321278 against the UK leaving the European Union EU without a plan in place. This comes just a day after rejecting another Brexit deal from UK Prime Minister Theresa May. https://www.ig.com/no/nyheter-og-trading-ideer/indekser-nyheter/dow-jones-up-as-uk-parliament-rejects-no-deal-brexit-190313 13th Mar 2019

Economic Impact

The Guardian Ministers have voiced concern that already stretched police resources will be diverted from Britains cities to help contend with any traffic and transport problems arising in Kent from a nodeal Brexit affecting the Channel ports. The plans form part of Operation Snow Bunting which aims to coordinate the policing response to Brexit but Whitehall sources said there was unhappiness in cabinet with the idea of diverting so many officers to the county. I cant believe we are planning to take officers off the street at a time knife crime is rising one cabinet source said arguing that the public will start to understand the impact of a nodeal Brexit as the government finally spells out its plans. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/12/brexit-transport-crisis-could-leave-cities-short-of-police 13th Mar 2019

Economic Impact

The Guardian The underlying causes of this and all the other crises underfunding poverty and soaring need are inevitably never addressed in these panicky forays. That nearly nine years of austerity cuts are themselves a turbogenerator of far more costly demand for services in social care housing benefit support mental health services and child protection to name just a few is for ministers a truth that must remain universally unacknowledged. That the cuts drive crime hunger and ill health is even more forcefully ignored. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/13/public-services-investment-brexit-austerity-philip-hammond 13th Mar 2019

Economic Impact

ig.com Tariffs would be maintained to protect some industries such as poultry some dairy products agriculture and meat products such as beef and poultry. This would mean that 82 of imports from the EU would be tarifffree lower than the current 100. The UK government also said that they will not introduce any new checks or controls or require customs declarations for any goods moving from across the border from Ireland to Northern Ireland in the event of a nodeal Brexit. https://www.ig.com/no/nyheter-og-trading-ideer/andre-nyheter/uk-to-remove-tariffs--waive-irish-border-checks-in-no-deal-brexi-190313 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

AOL.co.uk https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2019/03/13/business-leaders-welcome-rejection-of-no-deal-brexit-but-urge-ac/ 14th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Belfast Telegraph Business leaders welcomed MPs vote to reject a nodeal Brexit under any circumstances but urged the Government to turn it into action. The pound appeared to rise significantly after the vote on Wednesday as fluctuations in Sterling were driven by politics instead of economics according to one expert. MPs have voted in the interests of businesses and households by voting to rule out leaving the European Union without a deal according to the City of London Corporations policy chairwoman Catherine McGuinness. The move is a victory for common sense she said. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/business-leaders-welcome-rejection-of-nodeal-brexit-but-urge-action-37911496.html 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Belfast Telegraph The two main retail bodies in Northern Ireland and the Republic have welcome the rejection of a nodeal Brexit in the Commons On Wednesday night a majority of MPs voted in favour of an amended motion ruling out the UK leaving the EU without a deal at any time and under any circumstance. While the motion is not legallybinding Retail NI chief executive Glynn Roberts said it provides some degree of certainty for businesses and said the Commons must now agree to seek an extension to the Article 50 departure date of March 29. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/retailers-welcome-commons-nodeal-brexit-rejection-37911355.html 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

IBC365 In either a deal or no deal scenario the cost of the governments current immigration proposals could see work relocated away from Soho denting the health of the wider creative industries. If there is a downturn in the UK VFX industry as a result of a restricted talent pool I believe the loss will not only be an economic one says Antony Hunt CEO of the Cinesite Group. The UK film industry will also lose some of the soft power or cultural influence we currently have in the world. That loss cannot be quantified but will be hard felt. https://www.ibc.org/production/uk-vfx-industry-weighs-the-cost-of-brexit/3652.article 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

BBC A nodeal Brexit has always meant that the UK would have greater flexibility to set its own trade tariffs. The government has now set out its plans on how it would take advantage of that opportunity. It has said it will cut tariffs to zero on 87 of the goods it imports if the UK leaves the European Union with no deal in place. Business Secretary Greg Clark told the BBC before Wednesdays publication of the plans that the changes would have big implications for some sectors https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47554026 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Guardian Ministers could potentially consider some type of postBrexit ID card system for the UK the immigration minister has said saying this would be a response to the sheer complexity of residence rules once free movement ends. Giving evidence to the EU home affairs subcommittee in the House of Lords Caroline Nokes said particular difficulties could arise in the event of a nodeal Brexit as there would be seven separate ways under which EU nationals could legally be in the UK. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/id-cards-a-possibility-after-brexit-says-uk-immigration-minister 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Sky News Morrisons has revealed evidence of hoarding by customers as the clock ticks down to Brexit with the outcome still unclear. With just 16 days to go until the UK is due to leave the EU the supermarket chain admitted it had seen sales growth in the high single digits for some essential items. Chief executive David Potts said Weve seen quite a tick up in painkillers and toilet rolls this financial year. Whether thats got any bearing on how people are feeling about the Brexit process I dont know. https://news.sky.com/story/morrisons-gives-out-more-goodies-to-investors-as-profits-surge-11663850 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Sky News As the outcome of Brexit remains unknown people in Derby are putting holidays on hold as they wait to understand what they might need when travelling to the European Union. https://news.sky.com/story/holidays-on-hold-and-uncertainty-over-pets-as-brexit-confusion-continues-11663952 13th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Guardian With just 16 days until Brexit evidence is emerging of deep tensions in Whitehall as the civil service battles to plan for a nodeal scenario. Civil servants say they have been frustrated by political paralysis gripped by interdepartmental rows and shorn of key staff while trying to implement the biggest change to the states machinery since the second world war. Bob Kerslake a former head of the civil service said the root of this frustration was the failure of UK politicians to decide on a plan to leave the EU. For every task in hand there are at least two streams the deal and the no deal and with it a duplication of tasks. What I am getting from them is a desire to serve the government but they cannot do so without instruction and time is running out to prepare properly one way or the other. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/civil-service-stressed-and-floundering-amid-brexit-paralysis 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Spectator Theresa Mays extension motion makes clear that she intends to bring her deal back for another vote in the next seven days. The motion states that if a meaningful vote has been passed by the 20th of March then the government will request a short technical extension to pass the necessary Brexit legislation. This request would be made at the European Council meeting next Thursday. But if no deal has been passed by the 20th the UK would request a much longer extension which would require the UK to participate in the EU Parliament elections. https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/03/meaningful-vote-3-in-the-next-seven-days/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Independent There will be more MPs voting for a nodeal Brexit because they think the government needs to use the threat of the economic disruption it would cause as negotiating leverage in the final days of talks with the EU but the outcome is nevertheless about as certain as it can be. But even if parliament votes against it tonight as we expect the UK could still leave the EU without an agreement. The votes tonight are merely expressions of opinion. As the prime minister pointed out last night the only way to be sure of avoiding a nodeal Brexit is for the Commons to vote for something else. It has to vote either for a deal or to delay Brexit. The only way to take nodeal off the table permanently other than approving a deal would be to revoke the Article 50 notice that is to cancel Brexit altogether. And there isnt a majority in the Commons for that either yet. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-no-deal-vote-today-theresa-may-commons-article-50-delay-a8820426.html 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Yvette Cooper said that she decided to press an amendment that ruled out no deal because Theresa May has refused to consult or build consensus and refused to allow votes on other Brexit options. It fell upon the Labour backbencher to push the no to no deal amendment to a vote after its initial sponsor Conservative MP Caroline Spelman had said she wanted to let it drop in favour of the governments weaker proposal that only ruled out exiting without a deal on 29 March. As a result Cooper said the House of Commons has voted decisively tonight against the chaos of no deal a defeat that she said will force the prime minister to resolve the Brexit crisis or leave backbenchers to try to take control of the process. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/yvette-cooper-amendment-was-a-vote-against-chaos-of-no-deal 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Daily Mail Jeremy Corbyn has said a Brexit delay is now inevitable after MPs rejected both Theresa Mays withdrawal agreement and a nodeal exit. The Labour leader said Article 50 would be extended but said a delay with no clear objective was not a solution. Speaking in the Commons he called on Parliament to take control saying Labour would take part in crossparty talks to find a compromise solution with 16 days to go until Brexit day. He did not renew his calls for a general election but raised the prospect of a possible second referendum on Brexit. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6806197/Jeremy-Corbyn-says-Brexit-delay-inevitable.html 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Reuters The government must come up with plans to allow parliament to vote on a series of options to break the impasse over Brexit or lawmakers will take over Britains departure from the European Union a Labour MP said on Wednesday. The government should come forward with plans to hold indicative votes on different options including a customs union so we can get on with this said Yvette Cooper a lawmaker who has led efforts to wrest control of Brexit from the government. If the prime minister wont sort this out and build some consensus on the way forward then Parliament will need to instead she said in a statement. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-labour-lawmaker/give-us-brexit-options-or-parliament-will-take-over-brexit-labour-mp-idUKKCN1QU2WX?feedType=RSS&ampfeedName=topNews 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

@Peston @SteveBakerHW reminds @Peston that the law currently states were leaving the EU on the 29th March and the ERG may have something up their sleeves to keep it that way Peston https://twitter.com/itvpeston/status/1105974620551708672 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian A group of MPs is planning to force indicative votes in parliament on a series of Brexit options including a second referendum and a softer departure as several cabinet ministers suggested it could be the only way to resolve the political impasse. If MPs vote down the possibility of a nodeal Brexit on Wednesday night they will vote on Thursday on whether to seek an extension to article 50. Efforts are under way to persuade Theresa May to announce plans then to hold debates on Brexit options the following week in order to determine a new path for parliament during a short extension. If May does not propose indicative votes herself a coalition of MPs including the Conservative Sir Oliver Letwin and Labours Stephen Kinnock plan to force the votes by laying down an amendment on Thursday that would pave the way for legislation to ensure the votes took place. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/group-of-mps-plan-to-force-indicative-votes-on-brexit-options 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Sky News Speaker of the House John Bercow revealed that the Governments motion proposes extending the deadline for Brexit to 30 June. The European parliaments new term is due to begin on 2 July. The government does have the power to revoke Article 50 but it has to be done before exit date and the EU wont agree to an extension unless a specific pathway for the UK to follow is made clear to them https://news.sky.com/story/brexit-crisis-what-will-happen-if-article-50-is-extended-11663332 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Senior Tory Eurosceptics believe they and the Democratic Unionist party could be persuaded to back Theresa Mays Brexit deal if Geoffrey Cox the attorney general gave clearer legal advice about how the UK could withdraw from an international treaty. It is understood the DUP is back in talks with senior government figures about what it would take for them to back Mays deal at a third Commons vote. A party source said Channels are open. However discussions are taking place around a point that Jacob ReesMogg the ERG chair raised in the House of Commons before Tuesdays vote relating to how article 62 of the Vienna convention could be used. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/erg-signals-it-could-back-may-brexit-deal-legal-advice-is-clearer 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Independent There is a fundamental choice at this point. Leave on the terms the government has reached with the EU or see sense and remain in the EU. A Final Say would settle that question https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-vote-theresa-may-final-say-referendum-parliament-article-50-a8821921.html 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Veto by a country such as Italy or Poland could lead to a nodeal Brexit this month...Leave.EU touted its connections with Eurosceptic forces in Europe on Wednesday tweeting The British establishment would do well to remember the Eurosceptic scene is a closeknit group across the continent and on the rise some are now in power If our politicians betray Brexit and vote for delay Matteo Salvini can defend the 17.4 million and veto Salvini is Italys deputy prime minister and a Eurosceptic. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/brexiters-lobby-for-european-veto-of-article-50-extension 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

ITV News Ministers who defied the government by abstaining in the nodeal Brexit vote should resign according to a Tory MP. Andrea Jenkyns called on the likes of Amber Rudd David Gauke and Greg Clark to step down after they failed to back the government despite being whipped. MPs voted to take nodeal off the table entirely under all circumstances. Despite being whipped Downing Street has decided not to sack ministers who abstained something which has caused outcry in the Conservative Party. https://www.itv.com/news/2019-03-13/theresa-may-brexit-no-deal-mps-commons-eu-european-union-parliament-vote/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

New Statesman The only way to avoid a hard collision is to open your parachute in the case of Brexit that means either revoking Article 50 and cancelling Brexit or ratifying some form of exit agreement. MPs dont like Mays deal but they are yet to assert themselves in favour of another. May has blundered her way into crisis but the smell of failure isnt only coming from the government but from the legislature as well. https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/03/mps-have-taken-control-brexit-process-they-dont-know-what-do-it 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Yahoo! Theresa May has held out the prospect of a third meaningful vote on her EU Withdrawal Agreement within the next week after MPs dramatically voted to rule out a nodeal Brexit. A Government motion for debate in the House of Commons on Thursday offers to seek a oneoff extension delaying Brexit to June 30 if MPs approve the deal negotiated with the EU by next Wednesday. But the Prime Minister warned if the deal which has already been twice rejected by massive majorities is not approved a longer extension will be needed requiring Britain to take part in the European Parliament elections in May. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/mps-could-vote-again-may-210452095.html 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Metro The next 24 hours will be crucial in deciding when and if the UK leaves the EU. Tomorrow MPs will vote on whether Parliament wants to seek an extension to Article 50 delaying the UKs departure beyond the current March 29 deadline. In order to get an extension the Prime Minister will have to convince the other 27 EU states to support it. They will probably agree to it if the extension means theres a prospect of a deal being reached or alternatively a second Brexit referendum or general election being called. https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/13/will-happen-now-mps-rejected-no-deal-brexit-8899253/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Politics Home The Prime Minister said MPs have just seven days to back her deal or face the risk of the UK remaining in the EU for years. Mrs Mays desperate gambit came after the Commons defied her to vote to permanently rule out a nodeal Brexit. Up to 20 ministers including four Cabinet ministers defied a threeline whip to abstain on the key vote. But in a clear sign that Tory Party discipline has completely broken down they were assured that they would not be sacked for doing so. https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/theresa-may/news/102511/brexit-be-delayed-least-three 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Sky News MPs have voted to rule out a nodeal Brexit in all circumstances with Theresa May warning of a lengthy delay to the UKs departure from the EU. The prime minister suffered fresh humiliation in the House of Commons on Wednesday night accompanied by a ministerial resignation as MPs voted rejected leaving without a withdrawal agreement in a 321278 vote. Although nonbinding the result comes as a fresh blow for Mrs May who had only supported the rejection of a nodeal Brexit on 29 March. MPs spurned her proposition by instead backing the ruling out of no deal completely. https://news.sky.com/story/mps-to-vote-on-brexit-delay-as-pm-warns-of-lengthy-extension-to-article-50-11664419 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Scotsman The idea that the US is anxiously poring over every twist and turn of Brexit so that negotiations can be started on an exclusive trade deal is fiction. The US administration is more interested in weakening the EU as it drives towards the Trump ideals of economic nationalism bilateral trade deals and MAGA Make America Great Again a euphemism for protectionism dismantling regulations and lowering standards. The US wants two of the biggest industry groups pharmaceuticals and agriculture who are powerful lobbyists on Capitol Hill to be let loose in the UK. https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/six-reasons-why-brexit-britain-can-t-trust-donald-trump-henry-mcleish-1-4887908 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Sky News According to the Commons rule book Erskine May there is a clear precedent that a matter once decided upon by MPs cannot be considered again in the same session of parliament which usually lasts a year this current session has gone on for longer and will expire in the summer. Buried deep within on page 397 there lies A motion or an amendment which is the same in substance as a question which has been decided during a session may not be brought forward again during that same session. It continues Whether the second motion is substantively the same as the first is a matter for the chair. In principle then it would be in John Bercows gift to say that parliament has voted on a matter already and whether a second third or fourth iteration is sufficiently different to merit further consideration. https://news.sky.com/story/an-ancient-rule-means-bercow-could-take-drastic-action-on-brexit-11664555 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Reuters The British parliament on Wednesday rejected leaving the European Union without a deal further weakening Prime Minister Theresa May and paving the way for a vote that could delay Brexit until at least the end of June. After a day of high drama MPs defied the government by voting 321 to 278 in favour of a motion that ruled out a potentially disorderly nodeal Brexit under any circumstances. While the approved motion has no legal force and ultimately may not prevent a nodeal exit it carries considerable political force especially as it passed thanks to a rebellion by members of Mays own Conservative Party and her cabinet. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu/mps-defy-may-to-reject-no-deal-brexit-to-vote-on-three-month-delay-idUKKBN1QU0XT?feedType=RSS&ampfeedName=topNews 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Metro MPs are expected to delay Brexit for months after dramatically ruling out a no deal under any circumstances. In a surprise move the Commons voted 312 to 308 a majority of four in favour of stopping Britain crashing out of the European Union without a deal. And the vote was later confirmed by a more emphatic 321 votes to 278 overriding a Government motion which would have left no deal on the table after 29 March Britains scheduled departure date. https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/13/brexit-set-long-delay-mps-vote-reject-no-deal-completely-8899295/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Telegraph MPs have rejected the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a Brexit deal in any circumstances as Parliament took control of Britains divorce from the bloc. A crossparty amendment to do so narrowly passed despite the Conservative government whipping its MPs to block. Several ministers abstained and other Tory MPs supported it https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/03/13/no-deal-brexit-vote-latest-news-theresa-may-parliament-live/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Independent Britains departure from the EU looks set to be delayed until June after Theresa May launched a desperate lastditch bid to make MPs vote on her Brexit deal a third time. On a farcical night in Westminster Ms May was forced to concede she would go to Brussels and ask for the short extension but only if the Commons approves her deal next week. If MPs reject her deal at the third time of asking she warned that a longer extension would leave Britain at the mercy of EU demands for new concessions and mean the UK must take part in European elections in May. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-latest-news-vote-result-article-50-delay-theresa-may-no-deal-a8821961.html 13th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

BBC The BBCs assistant political editor Norman Smith said the chancellors comments are likely to be seen as support for moves by senior crossparty MPs to forge an alternative Brexit agreement. This could include holding a series of indicative votes on different options which would show what next steps MPs would be prepared to back. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47557768 14th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Sky News Theresa May is urging MPs to back a threemonth Brexit postponement or face the threat of a much longer delay in a desperate bid to persuade her proLeave rebels to back her withdrawal agreement next week. After a cabinet gang of four and several more ministers abstained and 17 backbenchers voted against the government in a Commons vote ruling out no deal the Prime Minister has issued an ultimatum to Tory Brexiteers. In what many MPs see as a last roll of the dice for the beleaguered PM and her Brexit deal she is effectively challenging her rebel MPs who have now defeated her deal twice Back me or risk losing Brexit altogether. https://news.sky.com/story/mps-to-vote-on-article-50-extension-as-may-warns-they-might-be-kissing-brexit-goodbye-11664792 14th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Reuters British Prime Minister Theresa May rejected a second referendum on leaving the European Union in a telephone call on Saturday Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Wednesday. I told her the best solution would be for Great Britain to stay in the European Union. Therefore I am convinced it is worth calling a new referendum Babis said on Twitter saying he had discussed Brexit with May at the weekend. She rejected this but according to me it is still not ruled out. British lawmakers handed May a second humiliating defeat for her Brexit plan on Tuesday plunging the country deeper into political crisis with almost no clues as to how it will emerge from the Brexit chaos. https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-czech/czech-pm-says-new-brexit-referendum-option-cannot-be-ruled-out-idUSKBN1QU16Y 14th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Scotsman The European Union has called for a clear answer from the UK about its next step in the Brexit process after MPs rejected Theresa Mays deal. The EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier again insisted there will be no further offer from Brussels apart from the deal already on the table and it is now the responsibility of the UK to suggest a way forward. https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/brexit-uk-must-make-up-its-mind-before-we-ll-says-yes-to-delay-1-4889132 14th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Daily Mail Theresa May has signalled she could hold a third vote on her Brexit plans as the only way to avoid a lengthy delay after MPs voted to reject No Deal on a dramatic night at Westminster. The PMs deal could be put to another vote as soon as next week despite being defeated twice already following Wednesdays fresh humiliation in the Commons where Remain MPs hijacked her plan to end the immediate risk of No Deal on March 29. Amid chaotic scenes MPs voted twice against No Deal as a raft of proEU ministers abandoned the PM in a crucial vote and abstained. In the main division MPs voted 321 to 278 to rule out No Deal. The new defeats prompted Mrs May to tell MPs they have a week to agree her Brexit deal or face delaying the countrys exit from the EU potentially for years. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6803599/Fifteen-Brexiteer-ministers-threaten-QUIT-force-job.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ampns_campaign=1490&ampito=1490 14th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Independent The Labour Party had originally believed in putting the agreed Parliamentary withdrawal agreement to the country in a referendum as part of its move towards backing a Second Referendum. Now that the deal has been comprehensively rejected twice by parliament it no longer does so its position has become less clear https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-news-labour-second-referendum-theresa-may-deal-corbyn-a8821896.html 14th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Sun Theresa May is under pressure to sack Remainer ministers tonight who defied her to block a No Deal Brexit. ExTory Vice Chair Ben Bradley called on the PM to get rid of those in her top team who abstained on the final Brexit vote tonight. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/brexit/8631770/theresa-may-urged-to-sack-remainer-rebels-who-defied-her-to-block-a-no-deal-brexit/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Telegraph Jeremy Corbyn announced crossparty Brexit talks in the immediate aftermath of Wednesdays Government defeats as Philip Hammond and Michael Gove suggested MPs should be offered indicative votes on the way forward. Mr Corbyn said MPs had decisively rejected both the Prime Ministers deal and the prospect of a nodeal divorce from the EU as he said Parliament must now take control. He said he will now meet with MPs from across the House of Commons to find a compromise solution. Meanwhile the Telegraph can disclose Mr Hammond warned Theresa May she should not waste time and capital on a third vote on her Brexit deal if it looks like it will be defeated. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/03/13/jeremy-corbyn-announces-cross-party-brexit-talks-labour-leader/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

New Statesman The problem is not that May has failed to deliver on the Leave campaigns promises the problem is that no prime minister could have done so. In 2016 the Brexiteers vowed to end free movement retain the economics benefits of EU membership withdraw the UK from the customs union and avoid a hard Irish border aims that were inherently irreconcilable. https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/03/blaming-theresa-may-and-eu-delusional-brexit-defeating-itself 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Independent Spains El Mundo claimed Britain is perhaps the European state where populism has most corrosively affected traditional parties. While Labour has moved towards Jeremy Corbyns Eurosceptic farleft position the Tories have entered into a process of internal decomposition it added https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/brexit-reaction-europe-papers-theresa-may-a8820711.html 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian A European commission spokesman offered a withering assessment of the decision by MPs to ignore Theresa Mays assertion that no deal was the default position unless there was a deal in place by the time of the UKs departure. We take note of the votes in the House of Commons this evening the spokesman said. There are only two ways to leave the EU with or without a deal. The EU is prepared for both. To take no deal off the table it is not enough to vote against no deal you have to agree to a deal. We have agreed a deal with the prime minister and the EU is ready to sign it. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/eu-extend-brexit-talks-complete-barnier-brussels-assurance 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Politics.co.uk It was as if all the qualities of the Brexit debate came together in perfect unison. It had everything the cynicism the inadequacy the lies the total collapse of moral or political authority. And it ended with the prime minister whipping her own MPs to defeat her and then inadvertently by force of her own errors voting for nodeal. It was a masterpiece of haplessness. Peak Brexit. Except that presumably things will somehow become even more ridiculous tomorrow. https://www.politics.co.uk/blogs/2019/03/13/may-loses-a-vote-against-herself-in-a-crazed-night-of-parlia 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Sky News Deep in the Commons rule book is a line that gives outspoken John Bercow the power to block a third vote on the PMs Brexit deal. Buried deep within on page 397 there lies A motion or an amendment which is the same in substance as a question which has been decided during a session may not be brought forward again during that same session. https://news.sky.com/story/an-ancient-rule-means-bercow-could-take-drastic-action-on-brexit-11664555 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

@Peston @AngelaRayner says it would be disastrous to go back to the people now on Brexit Peston https://twitter.com/itvpeston/status/1105977984094101504 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Evening Standard Crossparty MPs have hit out at the utter chaos of the Government after a vote to take a nodeal Brexit off the table. MPs voted to reject crashing out of the European Union without a deal under any circumstance. Mrs May was defeated by 321 votes to 278 a margin of 43 on a motion to rule out a nodeal Brexit at any time and under any circumstance. Work and pensions secretary Sarah Newton quit after defying the whips to vote for the crossparty proposal. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/mps-tell-of-utter-chaos-in-government-after-nodeal-brexit-taken-off-the-table-a4091141.html 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The New European MPs have voted to instruct the government to avoid a nodeal Brexit in any circumstance after voting for an amendment tabled by Dame Caroline Spellman Jack Dromey and Yvette Cooper. Despite Spellman indicating to the speaker she did not wish to move the move Cooper indicated she did want to continue with a vote. Consequently politicians voted in support of the motion by 312 votes to 308. But confusion reigned as the government was then forced to whip MPs against their motion after the amendment was passed. It still passed by 278 votes to 321 votes with 17 Tory MPs still supporting it and 11 ministers abstaining. Best for Britain supporter Rupa Huq MP said This is another significant rejection of the nodeal disaster option which would decimate industry costing thousands of jobs up and down the country and cripple key public services. https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/mps-vote-on-blocking-a-no-deal-brexit-in-the-house-of-commons-1-5936534 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

BBC In a night of high drama in the Commons MPs surprised the government and voted by 312 to 308 to reject a nodeal Brexit under any circumstances. The vote is not binding under current law the UK could still leave without a deal on 29 March. On Thursday MPs will vote on whether to ask the EU for permission to delay the date for departure. There could be a short extension or a much longer one depending on whether MPs backed the prime ministers existing withdrawal deal that has been agreed with the EU by 20 March the government says. That means Theresa May could make a third attempt to get her deal through Parliament in the next few days. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47562995 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian John Redwood MP defends the concept of a No Deal Brexit in an opinion article in which he dismisses a second referendum vote. A key point he maskes is leaving on 29 March will not mean leaving with no deal. There will be a range of deals. There are agreements in place for air transport to fly for lorries to cross borders for trade to continue under WTO rules and for cooperation to continue in various areas. As we leave more such arrangements will be agreed. The EU has as much interest as us in continuing the trade. No EU pharmaceutical company will refuse to sell us medicines and no UK port will block their passage to our hospitals. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/13/parliament-betraying-voters-clean-brexit-best-option-eu-john-redwood 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

New Statesman A party that was once capable of adapting to new forces has been trapped by its own rigidity. Paul Mason goes on to say the Labour Party has played a perfect hand at every stage of the Brexit debate. his article concludes if Parliament ends up at a Norwayplus solution it is so unlike what the xenophobic right fought for that it provides an even greater rationale for a second referendum to ratify it. If you would rather remain and reform the EU giving parliament a shot at a negotiated soft Brexit and putting it to the people is the only remaining route to that. https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/03/brexit-crisis-shows-conservatives-have-lost-ability-change 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Financial Times The defeat for the prime minister may help her win the war of attrition with hardliners in her Conservative party. She has always needed a moment of confrontation to narrow the choice between her Brexit deal and a long extension from Article 50. It now seems that moment will arrive next week. Mrs May will play on the fears of Brexiters about kicking back exit day. They know that public opinion is gently shifting and Britons may change their minds on holding a second referendum. https://www.ft.com/content/302d79d6-45bd-11e9-b168-96a37d002cd3 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian Theresa May will attempt one final desperate roll of the dice on her Brexit deal issuing a stark warning to mutinous Brexiters that they must approve her offer by next week or face a long article 50 extension. The prime minister was humiliated yet again amid chaotic scenes on Wednesday night in parliament as her cabinet ruptured three ways and MPs inflicted two more defeats on the government to demand no deal should be taken off the table permanently. In an unprecedented night of Tory splits four cabinet ministers Amber Rudd David Mundell David Gauke and Greg Clark defied their partys lastminute whip and refused to vote against the governments own motion after it was amended to rule out any prospect of nodeal Brexit. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/13/approve-my-deal-or-face-article-50-extension-may-warns-brexiters 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Politico British voters want Theresa May to resign as prime minister following the humiliating defeat of her Brexit deal and for MPs to block no deal while voting to extend Article 50 according to an exclusive snap poll. The POLITICOHanbury poll of 500 Britons carried out in the hours after the U.K. prime ministers deal was overwhelmingly rejected for a second time Tuesday evening reveals widespread discontent with the amended agreement May brought back to the Commons. The survey also shows growing support for nodeal and a second referendum as well as for remaining in the EU. https://www.politico.eu/article/poll-half-of-uk-voters-want-theresa-may-to-resign/ 13th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Daily Mirror If you have to blackmail the Prime Minister Cabinet and Parliament threaten your friends ignore the predictions of businessmen scientists and experts commit the grossest breach of campaign finance law in history steal peoples data rely on Russian bots fake news algorithms and racists paint lies on a bus and keep Chris Grayling in a job because he was one of the people who thought this was all a great idea then its almost certainly a festering dungheap of a plan and it should be ditched before the cack hits the spreading device. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/nobody-wants-brexit-its-time-14117958?utm_source=twitter.com&amputm_medium=social&amputm_campaign=sharebar 11th Mar 2019

Trade Deals/Negotiations

Financial Times The price of food and cars imported from Europe would jump under a nodeal Brexit UK officials revealed on Wednesday in a bid to pressure Conservative MPs to vote to prevent Britain leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement. The British government set out the longawaited trade plans after Theresa Mays exit agreement with the EU suffered a humiliating second defeat on Tuesday. The plans which would apply both to imports from the EU and from outside the bloc would eliminate 87 per cent of tariffs but introduce 10 per cent duties on cars and levies on beef chicken and pork as well as protections for the ceramics industry https://www.ft.com/content/d05189c8-455b-11e9-a965-23d669740bfb 13th Mar 2019

Trade Deals/Negotiations

Politico EU farmers particularly those from Ireland would find it much harder to compete and enter the U.K. market a major export destination for the country. Up to 65 percent of Irelands cheddar cheese exports go to the U.K. along with large shipments of butter and infant formula. In total 30 percent of Irelands dairy production is sold to the U.K according to Bord Bia the Irish Food Board. Irelands food exports to the U.K. made up 35 percent of the total in 2017. The proposed tariff levels are deeply unwelcome would put Irish butter and cheddar under severe pressure in the U.K. markets at current consumer price rates and would necessitate price increases at consumer level in the UK something that their government desperately wishes to avoid Dairy Industry Ireland said reacting to the announcement in London. https://www.politico.eu/article/ireland-no-deal-brexit-tariff-fears/ 13th Mar 2019

Trade Deals/Negotiations

Financial Times The price of food and cars imported from Europe would jump under a nodeal Brexit UK officials revealed on Wednesday in a bid to pressure Conservative MPs to vote to prevent Britain leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement. The British government set out the longawaited trade plans after Theresa Mays exit agreement with the EU suffered a humiliating second defeat on Tuesday. The plans which would apply both to imports from the EU and from outside the bloc would eliminate 87 per cent of tariffs but introduce 10 per cent duties on cars and levies on beef chicken and pork as well as protections for the ceramics industry. https://www.ft.com/content/d05189c8-455b-11e9-a965-23d669740bfb 13th Mar 2019

Trade Deals/Negotiations

Sky News After years of fruitlessly asking for certainty and clarity many across British business will again feel that theyve been presented with a complex brave new world and a headache. If these rules come in at the end of the month its hard to think anyone will be ready. https://news.sky.com/story/uk-firms-not-ready-for-massive-change-in-trade-tariffs-11663937 13th Mar 2019