19th Mar 2019 https://nfind.uk/brexit_cliff_edge/index.php/newsletter=27 brexit_cliff_edge

Jobs at Risk

Construction Index Administrators for Welsh construction group Dawnus say that while Brexit did not directly cause the business to fail it made it harder to save. Whilst the financial difficulties of the group were not a consequence of Brexit there is no doubt that Brexit uncertainty impacted the ability to rescue the business said administrators 700 people are affected across a number of sites in the UK https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/dawnus-administrators-cite-brexit 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Sky News A shortage of cancer specialists could be putting patients at risk according to a new report. The study from the Royal College of Radiologists RCR said cancer centres were reporting dire staffing levels with more than half of vacant posts being empty for more than a year. It said almost 1000 people are diagnosed with cancer every day and demand for radiotherapy is going up 2 every year while demand for chemotherapy is rising 4 a year. In 2018 there were 863 fulltime equivalent clinical oncology consultants working across the UKs 62 cancer centres. https://news.sky.com/story/cancer-doctor-shortage-threatens-patient-welfare-says-report-11669841 19th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Yorkshire Post Angry lorry drivers are set to stage a nationwide proBrexit goslow protest which could bring Britains motorways to a standstill. Truck and HGV drivers across the country are planning a series of demonstrations across the UK on Friday and Saturday threatening to disrupt rush hour traffic. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/transport/m1-and-all-major-roads-in-yorkshire-set-to-be-targeted-by-pro-brexit-go-slow-protests-1-9656922 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Reuters UK Uncertainty over eastern Europeans employment rights and how long they can stay combined with a fall in the value of the pound meant Germany and the Netherlands were now considered more attractive destinations. They go somewhere which is most straightforward and any even minor hurdles you put in their way is just nudging them ever closer to going somewhere else he said. With just 11 days to go until Britain is due to leave the EU the government is yet to agree a withdrawal arrangement or an extension meaning the risk of a disorderly nodeal Brexit cannot be ruled out. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-farming-labour-idUKKCN1QZ06R 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Guardian The UKs richest man expat Brexit supporter Jim Ratcliffe has enlisted Germanys BMW to supply engines for a British successor to the Land Rover Defender after handing the vehicle design contract to another German firm last year. Ineos the chemicals company Ratcliffe founded in 1998 that is responsible for his estimated 21bn fortune said BMW had joined a partnership aiming to build an uncompromising new 4x4 vehicle. He called the tieup with BMW a major step forward in its plans called Projekt Grenadier to build a vehicle to be marketed to customers around the world. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/18/land-rover-project-uk-brexit-billionaire-chooses-bmw-engine 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Guardian Police in Scotland will be ready to respond to any emergencies during an unprecedented set of circumstances after Brexit a senior officer has said with hundreds of officers ready to step in should protests or logistical issues arise. Assistant chief constable Steve Johnson Police Scotlands EU exit tactical commander said the force would be prepared to handle a range of potential challenges presented within the coming months. It included having 360 officers on standby to cover unforeseen eventualities. Johnson who met the Scottish justice secretary Humza Yousaf said preparations would extend to any delays at ports as well as possible political protests. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/18/hundreds-scottish-police-on-standby-brexit-fallout 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

BBC Action to ensure protection of wildlife and the environment is not lost after Brexit has been unveiled by the Welsh Government. It said it was committed to maintaining and enhancing existing standards. But a 12week consultation will ask how potential breaches of environmental law should be investigated in future. Nature groups have warned that time is running out to get these safeguards in place. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47575085 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

BBC Budget hotel chain Travelodge is targeting parents who want to return to work to fill a potential postBrexit staffing gap if EU worker numbers fall. It plans to open 100 new hotels creating 3000 jobs by 2023 and says it hopes to attract parents by offering flexible hours and school hour roles. The firm which in 2012 was on the brink of administration reported strong sales and profits for last year. Travelodge said sales rose 8.8 to 693.3m in 2018. Staff from the EU make up nearly a quarter of all jobs in the hospitality sector. But there are concerns that proposed regulations could dictate what type of workers are allowed to come to the UK after Brexit. The government is consulting on a minimum salary requirement of 30000 for foreign workers seeking fiveyear visas. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47605767 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Telegraph Looking around the situation in Europe can be an uncomfortable experience for those who believe in inclusive open and progressive societies. The rise of populism in many capitals and a growing disregard for evidencebased policymaking is worrying particularly for those of us working in universities with a mission to advance our collective knowledge base and to work collaboratively to meet the problems our societies face. No part of Europe is immune. We have seen discontent in France Italy and even in countries which in the last 30 to 40 years have been more stable politically like Germany and the UK. Universities spanning countries and sharing education and ideas can be the beginning of a process to put some of what has been lost together again once more https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/18/brexit-no-brexit-universities-must-bridge-across-europe-simmering/ 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Guardian Brexit anxiety has all but killed the traditional spring property revival pushing down asking prices across the UK by 0.8 in the year to March according to property website Rightmove. Inner London saw the sharpest falls followed by boroughs across the rest of the capital and surrounding counties as separate reports showed that Brexit uncertainty was also damaging UK exports and the broader economy. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/18/brexit-property-uk-asking-prices-fall-rightmove 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Swindon Advertiser In one risk assessment GWHs head of procurement warned hospital executives There could be difficulties in manufacturers sustaining support repair parts and documentation for devices if we are not part of an agreement with the EU. The hospital said it had contacted EUcitizens on the staff roster informing them of changes to the rules requiring nonUK nationals to pay for settled status. The staff turnover rate for EU nationals was lower now than it was sixmonthsago. Currently it stands at almost 19 per cent compared to 23 per cent half a year ago. https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/17502165.revealed-the-swindon-hospital-risk-assessments-for-no-deal-brexit/ 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Financial Times Ivor Ferguson has farmed quietly in Northern Irelands County Armagh for decades. But Brexit has thrust him into the political battle in faraway Westminster. https://www.ft.com/content/4a10a60e-48b3-11e9-bbc9-6917dce3dc62 17th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

Aljazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/children-rights-suffer-brexit-charity-warns-190318160824624.html 18th Mar 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Guardian Thousands of children of EU nationals risk becoming a new Windrush generation a childrens legal charity has said. They are concerned that vulnerable children could become undocumented in the same way as the Caribbean children who came to the UK decades ago only to suffer at the hands of the Home Offices hostile environment decades later. An estimated 900000 EU national children are in the UK with about 285000 born in the country. Coram Childrens Legal Centre fears that children in foster care in care homes and others from vulnerable families could slip through the net of the new Home Office registration scheme for EU nationals after Brexit. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/18/thousands-of-children-could-become-undocumented-after-brexit-new-windrush-generation 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Independent The one novel option that is now emerging from the fog of Brexit war is the grand compromise of a second referendum coupled with conditional approval of the May deal. This is the socalled KyleWilson amendment which has won the albeit confused support of Jeremy Corbyn who wants to vote Leave in the subsequent referendum but on Labour terms which do not of course exist. It is substantially different from previous meaningful votes because it has a national referendum attached to it a big move by anyones standards. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-eu-article-50-delay-theresa-may-a8828081.html 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Sky News Sky News senior political correspondent Jon Craig says the PM has more time to win over enough waverers and serial malcontents as she was not looking likely to get her deal through this week before the EU Summit https://news.sky.com/story/speakers-unchanged-brexit-deal-vote-ban-is-good-news-for-theresa-may-11669656 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian The EU is set to offer Theresa May a helping hand after her plan for a new meaningful vote was derailed by formally agreeing on a new delayed Brexit date at upcoming summit. This will focus her campaigning on seeking support for a deal and help sell the deal as different from the earlier two https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/18/eu-could-hand-may-lifeline-with-formal-offer-of-new-brexit-date 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

@Channel4News Commons Speaker John Bercow says Theresa May cannot hold a third vote on her Brexit deal if her motion is the same or very similar to the one that was heavily defeated last week citing convention dating back to 1604. https://twitter.com/Channel4News/status/1107680529762136066 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

@Brexit BLOCKED. Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow just said Theresa May will not be allowed to bring forward a third similar vote on her deal this week https://twitter.com/Brexit/status/1107668874923778048 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Sun Speaker John Bercow said bllcks to the British people by torpedoing Theresa Mays deal and forcing her to ask the EU to delay Brexit for up to a year. The shock ruling a year after a row over a Bollocks to Brexit car sticker was spotted in his wifes motor sparked jubilation from Labour Remainers pushing for a referendum. Amid scenes of chaos in Parliament he said a third vote on her Brexit deal could only take place if the offer before MPs was substantially different. He signalled updated legal advice would not be enough. senior Government figures revealed that the Ulster unionists took fright at Mr Bercows ruling. And they said there is now almost no chance at getting an agreement with the DUP over the line before a crunch EU summit on Thursday. Instead No10 sources said the PM was drawing up a letter to EU Council president Donald Tusk to make a formal request for the long delay instructed by Parliament last week if her deal still hadnt been passed by the Commons. But the PM will also ask Brussels for an escape clause to the delay expected to be between nine and 12 months. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/brexit/8666578/brexit-delay-theresa-may-john-bercow-third-vote/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

New Yorker The U.K. is in a panic over voters decision to withdraw from the E.U. But the pugnacious millionaire whose donationsand Trumpian scare tacticshelped sway Britons has no regrets. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/03/25/the-chaotic-triumph-of-arron-banks-the-bad-boy-of-brexit 25th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Sun A survey by The Sun has found that among the 75 rebels who voted against the PMs deal 32 said they would not back it if it was brought back to the Commons unchanged https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/brexit/8666550/brexit-theresa-may-deal-tory-rebels/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Daily Record A second referendum remains the best option to break the Brexit deadlock according to West Dunbartonshires MP. Martin DochertyHughes has called on the UK government to take immediate action to extend Article 50. The local SNP MP who voted against Theresa Mays proposed Brexit deal for a second time last week said he will not support a Tory hard Brexit that he claim hurts the jobs and living standards of his constituents in West Dunbartonshire. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/brexit-west-dunbartonshire-referendum-government-14154094 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Scotsman Leading Tory Brexiteer Jacob ReesMogg has warned Britain may never leave the European Union if Theresa Mays deal is voted down by MPs for a third time. Mr ReesMogg chairman of the influential Conservative European Research Group ERG said he still regarded the Prime Ministers Withdrawal Agreement as a very bad deal. However he expressed concern that if there was now a long delay to the UKs departure from the EU due to take place on March 29 Brexit could be thwarted altogether. No deal is better than a bad deal but a bad deal is better than remaining in the European Union he said during an LBC radio phonein. https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/brexit-jacob-rees-mogg-hints-at-backing-deal-1-4891229 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

iNews Theresa May is unfairly favouring Northern Ireland over Scotland and the UKs other devolved nations in the hope of forcing her Brexit deal through Nicola Sturgeon has said. In a letter to the Prime Minister she claimed the Governments actions on Brexit had done sustained and consistent damage to the idea that the UK was a partnership of equal nations. It seems clear that maintaining your majority in the UK Parliament comes before respect for the properly constituted governments Nicola Sturgeon The Scottish First Minister also accused Mrs May of putting her slim working majority at Westminster ahead of respecting the devolved governments by trying to win the DUPs support. Ms Sturgeon was responding to reports that the Government is preparing to offer Northern Ireland extra funding in a final desperate attempt to get its Brexit deal through the House of Commons. https://inews.co.uk/news/scotland/dup-influence-over-brexit-unacceptable-nicola-sturgeon-theresa-may/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The News Letter One of the key brains of the Brexit campaign has expressed concern that the DUP might do a Uturn on the backstop in return for money. In comments which are implicitly withering Dan Hannan said it was possible that the DUP would back down because unionism has a materialistic side. Two weeks ago Mr Hannan said that government strategists believe that the DUP is looking for an excuse to climb down and that if it does so the ERG will follow. Writing in The Daily Telegraph Mr Hannan a Tory intellectual who is respected on the right of the Conservative Party noted the reports of Mrs May hoping to induce the DUP to vote for a deal that has been expressly designed to weaken the Union. He said that under the backstop Northern Ireland would remain under the regulatory control of the EU but have no representation there. https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/brain-of-brexit-fears-dup-could-be-bought-into-backstop-u-turn-1-8854080 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

BBC A lot more work is required to get MPs to back Theresa Mays Brexit deal Jeremy Hunt has said amid uncertainty over whether it will be put to a vote for a third time this week. The foreign secretary said there were encouraging signs that opponents of the deal were slowly coming round. But he said another vote would only be held before Thursdays EU summit if ministers were confident of victory. A number of Brexiteers have signalled they will continue to oppose the deal. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson called for further changes to the terms of withdrawal which the EU has rejected while 22 Tory MPs have written to the Daily Telegraph saying that leaving without any agreement known as a nodeal exit on 29 March would actually be a good deal for the UK. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47607186 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Among the myriad absurdities of Brexit one has repeatedly taken the whole thing into the realms of the surreal the gifting of the whip hand to the Tory faction known as the European Research Group. At the start of yet another watershed week it is still this 90strong band of ideologues that holds the keys to both Theresa Mays political future and the fate of her deal. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/18/bitain-brexit-crisis-public-schools 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Politico.eu London is looking for creative some say dubious ways to bring opponents on board. Thats where Article 62 of the Vienna Convention a treaty that lays down the rules about international treaties or legal agreements between countries comes in. Under one option set out by the Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay the U.K. could make a statement saying that if there are unforeseen circumstances arising from the implementation of the backstop the U.K. would have the right to walk away. https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-prime-minister-theresa-may-turns-to-vienna-for-brexit-help-delay-irish-backstop/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Patel you might think given the nature of her departure might not be best thought of as a star turn on the future of British aid unless you are of course like her hosts the TaxPayers Alliance essentially illinformed and hostile to the idea of international development as most understand it. In endorsing the pressure groups new report which calls for a shift in priorities in British aid what Patel actually exposed was their profound shared misunderstanding of how aid works. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/mar/18/priti-patel-brazen-anti-aid-agenda-all-about-brexit 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Irish Times DUP says talks with UK government are focusing on legal assurances and not cash. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/brexit-no-vote-on-deal-this-week-without-dup-and-erg-support-1.3829665 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Express.co.uk Jacob ReesMogg disclosed who he thinks should take over trade negotiations between the UK and EU urging Theresa May to announce the change at the next European Council meeting. Mr ReesMogg believes Crawford Falconer who is currently the UKs Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser should step in for the next stage of Brexit negotiations. LBC host Nick Ferrari remarked Boris Johnson suggests that Theresa May needs to go back to Brussels to seek and I quote real change. Is he right Mr ReesMogg replied Well there is a council this week on March 21 on Thursday I think that will be an opportunity to say to them look you do not want the backstop we do not want the backstop lets put an end date in. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1101872/brexit-news-latest-uk-eu-jacob-rees-mogg-olly-robbins-john-bercow-commons-vote 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Evening Standard Theresa May is under growing pressure to postpone a third Brexit vote after a suggestion that she would replace her chief EU negotiator to get her deal through left her still facing defeat. A meaningful vote that was widely expected tomorrow night could now be held on Wednesday or moved to next week unless there is a major breakthrough this evening. In a desperate last ploy to save her deal Downing Street has told Tory MPs that Mrs Mays chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will quit if it goes through. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-mays-chief-brexit-negotiator-could-be-ousted-in-bid-to-save-deal-a4094491.html 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Theresa May could lose a third vote on her Brexit plan even if the Democratic Unionists back it in the Commons due to the number of Conservative rebels a former DUP minister has predicted. Amid a final scramble by the prime minister to bring her informal coalition partners onboard before a probable vote this week Jim Wells who was the DUPs minister for health in the Northern Ireland assembly said he believed up to 30 Tories would still vote against the plan. So even with the DUP support I think its inevitable that Theresa May if she pushes a third vote will go to yet another defeat he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/18/dup-backing-will-not-secure-may-brexit-deal-says-jim-wells 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian It is utterly inexcusable that a softer Brexit in the form of a customs union has not been subject to debate in the House of Commons. It is a condemnation of parliaments absurd polarisation and archaic submission to the government of the day. For Britain to proceed towards departing the EU without even voting on what was promised a frictionless leave would beggar belief. Now at least that option will be up for discussion. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/18/theresa-may-brexit-deal-fail-eu-compromise 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Evening Standard Theresa May is under growing pressure to postpone a third Brexit vote after a suggestion that she would replace her chief EU negotiator to get her deal through left her still facing defeat. A meaningful vote that was widely expected tomorrow night could now be held on Wednesday or moved to next week unless there is a major breakthrough this evening. In a desperate last ploy to save her deal Downing Street has told Tory MPs that Mrs Mays chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will quit if it goes through. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-mays-chief-brexit-negotiator-could-be-ousted-in-bid-to-save-deal-a4094491.html 18th Mar 2019

Political Shenanigans

Sky News Mr Bannon who since leaving the White House has become a sort of intellectual guru for nationalist uprisings in Europe also says Nigel Farage has more influence on Mr Trump than the British prime minister. He went on to heap praise on former foreign secretary Boris Johnson but for an unexpected reason. He said I think Boris Johnson would make a good prime minister. I think Boris Johnson is a guy with big ideas. I think hes the new recreated Boris Johnson whos lost 30 pounds hes got a new haircut hes a role model the way hes lost so much weight... very inspiring. https://news.sky.com/story/steve-bannon-talks-russia-brexit-2020-and-his-controversial-following-11668563 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Sky News Speaker John Bercow has warned Theresa May he will veto a third vote on her Brexit deal unless it is substantially different from the previous two versions. He cited a more than 400yearold Commons rule that blocks parliament being forced to vote on the same issue repeatedly in a short space of time. https://news.sky.com/story/theresa-may-warned-she-cannot-hold-another-vote-on-same-brexit-deal-11669533 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian The solicitor general Robert Buckland said the decision was a constitutional crisis and that the government might have to consider the drastic step of ending the parliamentary session early and restarting a new session. Were in a major constitutional crisis here ... This has given us quite a lot to think about in the immediate term. There are ways around this a prorogation of parliament and a new session but we are now talking about not just days but hours to 29 March Buckland told BBC News. Frankly we could have done without this but its something were going to have to negotiate with and deal with. Downing Street was blindsided by the announcement and unable to give a response at its regular afternoon briefing for journalists. The speaker did not forewarn us of the content of his statement or the fact that he was making one Mays spokeswoman said. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/18/brexit-john-bercow-rules-out-third-meaningful-vote-on-same-deal 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Express.co.uk The speaker of the House of Commons said MPs have expressed concerns about being asked to vote on Mrs Mays controversial deal more than once. He said unless her deal is revised he will prevent the third meaningful vote on it. He said It has been strongly rumoured that third and even possibly fourth meaningful vote motions will be attempted. Hence this statement is designed to signal what would be orderly and what would not. If the Government wishes to bring forward a new proposition that is neither the same nor substantially the same as that disposed of by the House on March 12 this would be entirely in order. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1101809/brexit-latest-news-brexit-statement-theresa-may-john-bercow 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Spectator Today the Speaker John Bercow dealt a harsh blow to the governments Brexit strategy after announcing that he would block a third vote on Theresa Mays withdrawal agreement unless it changed in a substantial way. Not content though with just one attack on the government the Speaker also found time to launch a dig at his favourite rival in the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom. I note that as the right honourable gentleman asks his question and I respond the leader of the house Leadsom is playing with her electronic device and so is the deputy chief whip Pincher. I didnt include him in the category of very senior people in the house but thats a debatable proposition. https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/03/watch-john-bercow-lays-into-andrea-leadsom/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

BBC Speaker John Bercow has thrown the UKs Brexit plans into further confusion by ruling out another vote on the PMs deal unless MPs are given a new motion. In a surprise ruling he said he would not allow a third meaningful vote in the coming days on substantially the same motion as MPs rejected last week. With 11 days to go before the UK is due to leave the EU ministers have warned of a looming constitutional crisis. The UK is currently due to leave the EU on 29 March. Theresa May has negotiated the withdrawal deal with the EU but it must also be agreed by MPs. They have voted against it twice and the government has been considering a third attempt to get it through Parliament. Mr Bercow cited a convention dating back to 1604 that a defeated motion could not be brought back in the same form during the course of a parliamentary session. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47614074 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

ITV News House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has ruled out another vote on Theresa Mays Brexit withdrawal agreement if the motion is substantially the same as last time. The ruling means Mays deal as it stands will not be put before MPs as anticipated would happen this week. Bercow said the government cannot resubmit to the House the same proposition or substantially the same proposition for a third time. The Speaker cited the Commons rulebook Erskine May as he set out a convention dating back to 1604 that a defeated motion cannot be brought back in the same form during the course of a parliamentary session. https://www.itv.com/news/2019-03-18/governments-brexit-deal-needs-substantial-changes-before-mps-can-vote-on-it-again/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Politics.co.uk John Bercow blew the whole thing apart. After years of petty sneers and active sabotages of parliament by the government he finally took his revenge. And it was huge dramatic constitutionallyexplosive and with farreaching repercussions for Brexit and British democracy. Once he was done the prime ministers strategy was in ruins. This was a long time coming. The referendum had created a new kind of sovereignty in British democracy. Since the English civil war in the 1600s sovereignty lay with parliament which gained its legitimacy through the elections held by the public. But the referendum result created a new form of political legitimacy that of direct democracy. https://www.politics.co.uk/blogs/2019/03/18/bercow-detonates-may-s-third-vote-with-dramatic-brexitinterv 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

ITV News House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has ruled out another vote on Theresa Mays Brexit withdrawal agreement if the motion is substantially the same as last time. The ruling means Mays deal as it stands will not be put before MPs as anticipated would happen this week. Bercow said the government cannot resubmit to the House the same proposition or substantially the same proposition for a third time. The Speaker cited the Commons rulebook Erskine May as he set out a convention dating back to 1604 that a defeated motion cannot be brought back in the same form during the course of a parliamentary session. https://www.channel4.com/news/conservative-mp-rachel-maclean-speaker-has-increased-risk-of-very-long-extension-or-no-deal 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

BBC Hes breaking the constitution quite the accusation laid at the door of John Bercows grand speakers apartments. Its notable because its the view of a government minister who is not one of those whose pulse quickens when discussing leaving or trying to stay in the European Union. There is of course precedent in the very wellthumbed copies of Erskine May the parliamentary rules for the speakers decision. Quoting decisions as far back as 1604 John Bercow was quite clear that governments are not meant to be able to keep asking parliament the same question in the hope of boring MPs into submission if they keep saying no. But as another member of the government put it mildly the speaker has a reputation for being interventionist and he has this afternoon chucked a hulking great spanner in the works. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47616477 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

@JolyonMaugham Heres the page from Erskine May which the Speaker is reading out. https://twitter.com/JolyonMaugham/status/1107667240785199105 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

BBC The EU has almost given up understanding whats going on in UK politics. This weekend Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte compared UK Prime Minister Theresa May to the Monty Python knight whose limbs get cut off in a duel but insists to his opponent that the fight was a draw. Elsewhere in the EU there is less attempted humour about the situation especially with the prospect of a lengthy delay to Brexit on the cards. The whole point of Article 50 which sets out the legal process for leaving the EU is to go a diplomatic contact from one of the UKs closest trading partners told me. The UK triggered Article 50 two years ago but it prevaricates debates with itself and hovers around on the EU stage. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-47610439 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Daily Mirror Nestled at the foot of the Gwent Valleys just north of Newport Cwmbran forms part of the safe Labour constituency of Torfaen. Residents voted by 59.8 to 40.2 to Leave at the 2016 referendum. It is typical of the traditional Labour heartlands which ... https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/frustrated-voters-labours-wales-heartlands-14153770 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian Although delay is on the cards wheels are in motion for the longplanned Brexit day. British MEPs have been told to clear their offices by 29 March as their passes will stop working soon after. Redundancy notices have been served to British MEP assistants although contract renewal notices are now in the works for some. Its uncertain its unnerving that we still dont have an answer one assistant said. If there is any kind of extension that is a bonus but for me Ive always been planning on 29 March. Outside the Brexit hothouse the reality has not fully hit home for everyone. Im getting invites to host events in Brussels in April the Labour MEP Seb Dance tweeted recently. What can I say There is a sort of resignation in the air in recent weeks he told the Guardian. It is not one I share. I have always said all along the odds are against stopping Brexit thats obvious but if anything is going to change it will be in the last few weeks. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/18/with-brexit-approaching-uks-voice-in-brussels-grows-quiet 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Telegraph In a letter published in the Daily Telegraph 23 Conservative MPs explained why they still wouldnt vote for Theresa Mays Brexit deal despite the alternative before them of a potentially lengthy delay to the whole idea. As longstanding supporters of leaving the EU they said that their moral course is clear. They argued that it is not their fault that they are now confronted by what they regard as two unacceptable choices a bad deal or a prolonged delay but it will be our fault if we cast a positive vote in favour of either for fear of the other. This statement has important implications and is also a fascinating argument. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/03/18/leave-mps-must-take-responsibility-horrors-long-brexit-delay/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Telegraph As a civil servant I can tell you large parts of the Whitehall machine are systematically working against leaving the EU. I have met thousands of civil servants in the past few years I can only recall five who voted for Brexit. At first I thought they were perhaps just staying quiet given the political climate but my worst fear was confirmed during the highprofile remainer Gina Millers successful court case to make sure Parliament has a say on the Brexit outcome https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/03/18/believe-civil-service-trying-sink-brexit-have-seen-inside/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

Metro EU officials are preparing contingency plans on how to deal with a hardline successor to Theresa May. European leaders revealed at the weekend that they have lost confidence in the prime ministers ability to govern and are concerned she will be replaced by a leader who will try and unpick the withdrawal agreement. During a meeting of EU ambassadors and senior officials on Friday the European Commissions secretary general Martin Selmayr raised the scenario of May leaving office. https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/17/eu-plans-for-theresa-mays-departure-after-losing-confidence-in-pm-8916055/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

LBC A Conservative MP says Theresa May should now call a snap general election in a bid to break the Brexit impasse. Crispin Blunt told Eddie Mair the Prime Minister should seek a new mandate from the electorate after Speaker John Bercow ruled MPs cant vote on her Brexit deal for a third time without substantial change. https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/eddie-mair/tory-mp-saystheresa-may-call-snap-election-brexit/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

RTE.ie The ignorance of so many at Westminster in this matter of the utmost national importance is truly staggering. And it is that revelation that many of my journalistic colleagues from across Europe have found most disturbing that so many British politicians are prepared to take such monumental decisions on the basis of such colossal ignorance of that which they claim is damaging their country. Know thy enemy is sound advice. They refuse to follow it. Just ask Sir Ivan Rogers when he is in Dublin next week. The celebration of the unlearned by the unprincipled the elevation of dogma over fact the rewarding of bullying over brains all have led the British political class to where they are now clawing at each other in last minute desperation seeking to find answers to questions that should have been asked and answered long before they set the Article 50 clock in motion. https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2019/0318/1036746-brexit-whelan-analysis/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The New European Despite statistics continually showing Brexit is leaving the British people worseoff Brexiteer Jacob ReesMogg says that it has made no difference to his financial situation. That the country as a whole in his view would see the benefit not just him https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/jacob-rees-mogg-says-bad-deal-better-than-remain-1-5943779 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

@ITVNews Brexit will not now occur. Ardent Leaver and Conservative MP James Gray gives his reaction to the speakers decision on a third meaningful vote. https://twitter.com/itvnews/status/1107706677363724288 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Independent Frances minister for European affairs says she has named her cat Brexit on account of its indecisive nature. Nathalie Loiseau told Le Journal du Dimanche that her pet meows loudly to be let out each morning but then refuses to go outside when she opens the door. The comments from the French governments lead in Brexit talks come ahead of a decision by EU leaders on whether to extend the Brexit negotiating period at the request of the UK. And this week will see a possible third rejection of Theresa Mays Brexit deal by the House of Commons. He wakes me up every morning meowing to death because he wants to go out and then when I open the door he stays put undecided and then glares at me when I put him out Ms Loiseau said. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/brexit-france-theresa-may-deal-nathalie-loiseau-cat-a8828026.html 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The Sun Hardline Tory Brexiteers have threatened Theresa May they will go on strike if she carries out her vow to delay Brexit by a year. No10 on Monday set a deadline of late on Tuesday for MPs to agree the PMs exit deal before Thursdays European summit. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/brexit/8666568/ 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

@ByDonkeys Day 3 of the MarchToLeave. Looks like were down to about 60 though could be some stragglers. Still no sign of @NigelFarage https://twitter.com/ByDonkeys/status/1107609109988339712 18th Mar 2019

Political Setbacks

The National One of the remarkable features of Brexit is that this rule has been broken. The Conservative party has wrenched itself asunder over an issue which most people in the UK didnt much care about before 2016. This group is desperate to pull Britain away from the European regulated space and drag it into the deregulated Americansphere where the winner takes it all and theyve already decided who the winner will be. And no its not you. First theres a large chunk of the media papers like the Telegraph and the Sun owned by multimillionaires who live respectively in the Channel Islands and the US and who have been the biggest institutions driving Brexit. Theres the people who funnelled dark money into the Leave campaigns the cash openDemocracy revealed which went through former Scottish Tory golden boy Richard Cook to the DUP and the cash which came through Arron Banks via Gibraltar and which weve spent much of the last two years tracing. https://www.thenational.scot/news/17506649.revealed-how-dark-money-split-the-tories-ruling-elite/?ref=twtrec 17th Mar 2019

Trade Deals/Negotiations

Reuters Britain on Monday reached an a deal with Iceland and Norway to allow trade to continue unchanged if it leaves the European Union without a deal trade secretary Liam Fox said. Britain is seeking to replicate around 40 EU bilateral trade deals ahead of its exit from the bloc. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-trade/uk-reaches-post-brexit-trade-agreement-with-iceland-and-norway-idUKKCN1QZ2C3 18th Mar 2019

Trade Deals/Negotiations

BBC The UK government set out its proposed tariffs if there is a no deal Brexit. Even if they arent applied they may indicate where negotiations will go after the Withdrawal Agreement phase. This united the Irish Northern Irish and UK business lobbies in fury at the consequences and lack of consultation though some farming interests can feel relieved. Some EU imports notably of cars and meat would become more expensive and foreign buyers of some UK exports would face price hikes requiring a sharp shift in the business model of these sectors in the UK. The next phase of negotiations could be cruel in exposing both the paucity of options facing the UK and the inexperience of Britains trade negotiators. And even more complex than goods trade is the more important services sector. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-47608760 18th Mar 2019