Archive for: Political Database

Today’s political headlines includes May blaming MPs for Brexit delay and EU countries prepared to block Brexit extension unless MPs approve deal. 

May blames MPs for Brexit delay
As The Times reports, Theresa May used a public statement last night to try and put pressure on MPs to back her Brexit deal, claiming that ‘you the public have had enough’ of arguments about Brexit when there are ‘real concerns’ about issues such as the NHS. She claimed that the Brexit extension she had requested was a ‘matter of great personal regret’, blaming MPs for the delay. Labour MP Wes Streeting claimed that May’s speech was ‘incendiary and irresponsible’ given the background of ‘very credible’ death threats to MPs. Prior to the address, May had convened a meeting of opposition leaders, but Jeremy Corbyn had walked out because Chukka Umunna, spokesperson for The Independent Group, was present.

EU countries prepared to block Brexit extension unless MPs approve deal
The Daily Telegraph reports that at least three EU countries, including France, are prepared to block any approval of Theresa May’s requested Brexit extension at today’s summit unless she can convince them that she has a credible strategy to pass her Brexit deal. European Council President Donald Tusk said that he thought that a short extension would be granted, subject to the Withdrawal Agreement being approved by the House of Commons.

Corbyn to meet Barnier
The Guardian says that Jeremy Corbyn will hold talks with the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier ahead of today’s European Council summit, outlining his Brexit vision and the progress of cross-party talks. He will also attend a gathering in Brussels of European socialist prime ministers and opposition leaders.

MPs to get fresh chance to take control of Brexit
The Financial Times says that on Monday MPs will get a further chance to take control of the Brexit process from the Government by voting on an amendment to a Brexit motion tabled by Theresa May. The amendment would allow indicative votes later in the week on different Brexit options and is similar to one which was narrowly rejected last week.

Hinds claims that truancy contributes to knife crime
The Daily Telegraph reports that Education Secretary Damian Hinds has denied claims that an increase in pupils being excluded from school is contributing to the rise in knife crime. He insisted that the situation is more complex, with truancy levels a ‘much bigger concern’, with absent students more at risk of committing crime and unable to be helped by schools.

Hancock criticised over genetic test claim
The Times says Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has been criticised after he claimed that his life may have been saved by a genetic test. Angela Culhane of Prostate Cancer UK warned about the accuracy of such tests, while David Curtis of University College London claimed that Hancock had ‘massively misinterpreted’ the meaning of his test results’ and had ended up wasting ‘the NHS’s scarce resources’.

Labour hints at fuel duty increase
The Sun reports that Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald has hinted that his party would end the nine year freeze of fuel duty, saying that it was ‘not a sensible approach’ when train and bus fares were rising. A spokesperson later clarified that the party was not pledging to do so. He also suggested that Air Passenger Duty might also increase.

NHS won’t be able to solve GP shortage
The Guardian carries details of a report by the health think tanks the King’s Fund, the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation which warns that the NHS will never be able to solve the GP shortage and that instead it will have to use the skills of other health professionals, such as pharmacists and physiotherapists, ‘much more widely and routinely’.

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Today’s political headlines covers Bercow ruling out a third meaningful vote, Brexiteers threaten strike, EU offers May helping hand and social media firms to be forced to hand over algorithms. 

Bercow rules out another meaningful vote
The Guardian claims that the Government has been ‘plunged into constitutional chaos’ after Speaker John Bercow ruled that another meaningful vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal would fall foul of a parliamentary convention dating back to 1604 which prevents MPs from voting on the same deal twice, suggesting that for a further vote to be allowed, the EU would have to agree to changes to the deal and that May will be forced to request a long extension to the Brexit negotiations. However, the Commons could use a ‘paving vote’ to set aside the convention, if it did wish to vote for May’s deal, while Solicitor General Robert Buckland suggested that the Government could end the parliamentary session early and begin a new one in order to re-run the vote.

Brexiteers threaten strike over delay
The Sun claims that as many as twenty ‘hardline’ Brexiteers have threatened to go ‘on strike’ on key votes if Theresa May agrees a year-long Brexit delay with the EU, pushing the Government to the ‘verge of collapse’. The paper has also conducted a survey of Conservative MPs who voted against May’s deal, and two-thirds of those who responded confirmed they would not back it if it was brought back to the Commons unamended.

EU offers May ‘helping hand’
The Guardian says that the EU is to give Theresa May ‘a helping hand’ by formally agreeing the length of the Brexit extension at its summit on Thursday and keeping this on offer until just before midnight on 29 March, when the UK is currently due to leave. Changing the date that the UK leaves the EU might be sufficient for John Bercow to allow the Government to hold another meaningful vote.

Social media firms to be forced to hand over algorithms
The Daily Telegraph says that the Government’s forthcoming white paper on online harms will give a new regulator the power to force firms to hand over algorithms showing how people are targeted with content based on their personal details, which may ‘reveal their role in fuelling self-harm and suicides’.

Industrial strategy criticised by MPs
The Financial Times carries details of a critical report by the Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee on the Government’s industrial strategy. It warns that there is a risk that the strategy will fail in its efforts to improve productivity levels because it is focusing on innovative sectors but neglecting others, such as hospitality and retail, and is too focused on London and South East England.

Jewish Labour Movement to hold no confidence vote in Corbyn
The Times says the Jewish Labour Movement, the Jewish affiliate of the Labour Party will debate a vote of no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn at its annual meeting in April. The motion says the party has a ‘culture of antisemitism’ and that Corbyn ‘is directly responsible’ so a ‘Labour government led by him would not be in the interest of British Jews’.

Lord Forsyth criticises loan charge
Speaking to the Financial Times, Lord Forsyth, Chair of the Lords Economics Affairs Committee, calls on the Government to scrap the retrospective aspect of the loan charge because ‘ordinary people are being ruined’. He argued that it should instead pursue the developers of tax avoidance schemes and the employers who used them.

Electric scooters could be allowed on roads
The Times reports that the Government will  launch a ‘wide-ranging review of traffic laws’ which could see electric scooters allowed on the roads for the first time and the speed limit for electric bicycles increased. The plans are contained in the Department for Transport’s Future of Mobility: Urban Strategy, published today.

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Today’s political headlines follows last night’s Brexit chaos and includes all the latest after MPs reject no-deal Brexit and prepare to vote on extension. 

MPs reject no-deal Brexit and prepare to vote on extension
As the BBC reports, MPs will vote later today on whether to ask the EU for permission to delay Brexit, following their decision to reject a no-deal Brexit in a non-binding vote last night. Thirteen ministers rebelled against the whip, abstaining against Government attempts to keep a no-deal Brexit on the table. Work and Pensions Minister Sarah Newton resigned and voted against the Government. Theresa May said that she would hold a third vote on her Brexit deal, which would require a short extension, but otherwise MPs will need to request a long extension and the UK would have to take part in the European Parliament elections.

Labour to hold cross-party talks to find Brexit compromise
The Daily Telegraph reports that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has announced cross-party talks to find a ‘compromise solution’ on Brexit and reach a ‘consensus’ amongst MPs. The paper adds that Chancellor Philip Hammond and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove have each appeared to endorse indicative votes to solve the impasse.

Government in talks with Brexiteers over deal
The Guardian says that the European Research Group and the DUP have re-entered talks with the Government as it bids for their support ahead of the next vote on the deal. They want more clarity from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox’s legal advice on the UK’s right to withdraw from a treaty under the Vienna Convention.

Brexiteers try to block People’s Vote
The Sun reports that Conservative, DUP and Labour opponents of a People’s Vote, led by the European Research Group, are joining forces to table an amendment to today’s vote which would rule it out. It claims that a second referendum would be ‘divisive and expensive’ and that the result of the first should be ‘respected’.

Hammond promises end to austerity, if MPs back deal
The Financial Times says that Chancellor Philip Hammond used yesterday’s Spring Statement to promise an end to austerity, so long as MPs back Theresa May’s Brexit deal. He said that growth forecasts have been downgraded for this year, but increased for 2021. Announcements included a £3bn affordable homes guarantee scheme, ending fossil-fuel heating in new houses, free sanitary products in schools and £100m to tackle knife crime.

Amesbury apologises for sharing antisemitic image
The Sun says that Labour’s Shadow Employment Minister Mike Amesbury has apologised after it emerged that he had shared an antisemitic image and referred to the ‘illuminati’ conspiracy theory on Facebook in 2013. He originally denied sharing the post, but later said that he had forgotten doing so and was ‘mortified’ by it.

Lord Steel admits to believing abuse allegations against Cyril Smith but doing nothing
The Guardian reports that the former Liberal leader Lord Steel has told the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse that he believed that allegations against Sir Cyril Smith were true but that he did nothing to assess if Smith was still a risk to children and allowed him to continue in office.

Johnson criticises spending on historic child abuse allegations
The Daily Mirror reports that Boris Johnson used an interview with LBC yesterday to claim that money spent on investigating historic child abuse allegations had been ‘spaffed up a wall’. Labour’s deputy chair Ian Lavery said the remarks were ‘an insult to every survivor of child sex abuse’, while the NSPCC described them as ‘an affront to victims’.

Vuelio Political Services clients were updated with vote results and Sarah Newton’s resignation as they happened.

Today’s political headlines include May securing an improved Brexit deal, Watson’s Future Britain Group holding its first meeting, the ICO using its powers to prevent a second Molly Russell and Begum’s mother pleads with Home Office. 

May secures ‘improved Brexit deal’
The Times says that Theresa May has claimed ‘victory’ in the Brexit negotiations after travelling to Strasbourg yesterday, having secured what she called an ‘improved Brexit deal’ ahead of a vote today, made up of three parts: a legal document giving more weight to guarantees that the backstop won’t be permanent, alterations to the political declaration committing negotiators to work to find alternatives to the backstop, and a unilateral statement explaining why the Government doesn’t expect the UK to be trapped in the backstop. The paper adds that the EU is preparing for a Brexit delay of at least a year.

Watson’s Future Britain Group holds first meeting
The BBC reports that Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson’s new Future Britain Group, established in the wake of the defections to The Independent Group, held its first meeting last night, which was attended by around 130 Labour politicians, including Lord Mandelson, Lord Kinnock and Yvette Cooper. Kinnock called for ‘democratic socialist values’ and ‘achievable, possible and affordable policies’.

Information Commissioner would use new powers to prevent a ‘second Molly Russell’
Interviewed by The Daily Telegraph, Elizabeth Denham, the Information Commissioner, has said that she would use new powers and block ‘addictive’ technology to ‘break’ the ‘cycle’ of children being exposed to ‘ever more provocative content’. She vowed to prevent a ‘second Molly Russell’, a 14-year-old girl for whose suicide Instagram has been accused of contributing towards.

Begum’s mother pleads for Home Office to reconsider its decision
The Guardian reports that the mother of Shamima Begum has written to the Home Office, requesting it to reconsider its decision to stop the 19-year-old who joined Isis of her British citizenship as an ‘act of mercy’. Yesterday, Home Secretary Sajid Javid rejected suggestions that he was responsible for the death of her baby.

Officials accused of trying to cover up costs of Johnson’s trip
The Daily Mirror claims that officials have been blamed for trying to cover up the cost of a trip made by Boris Johnson, then Foreign Secretary, to Afghanistan to avoid a vote on expanding Heathrow. The Foreign Office gave details to a member of the public while delaying journalists’ freedom of information requests, blaming an ‘IT issue’ for this, the details of which cannot be revealed owing to ‘national security’ concerns, and has now admitted breaking rules by internally identifying journalists’ requests.

Raab pitches for leadership in speech
The Times says that former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab ‘made his pitch for the Tory leadership’ in a speech yesterday. He called for a ‘second-chance society’, arguing that his life had taught him that ‘no one-off meritocratic process will ever be perfect’ and that young people need ‘a genuine opportunity to fulfil their potential’.

Grayling accused of keeping residents ‘in the dark’ over Heathrow noise pollution
The Daily Telegraph claims that lawyers for five London councils, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Greenpeace are to tell the High Court today that Transport Secretary Chris Grayling understated the impact of an expanded Heathrow Airport on residents in order to keep them ‘in the dark’ about the effect of noise pollution on them.

Stronger auditing regulator to be introduced
The Financial Times reports that Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark has announced that the audit regulator the Financial Reporting Council is to be replaced by a new Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority with greater powers, following the conclusions of a review by Sir John Kingman into the FRC.

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Today’s political headlines include May appealing to EU to help her deal pass, Zaghari-Ratcliffe granted diplomatic protection, Bradley accepts there are ‘no excuses’ for her comments and Conservatives scared they could lose 1,000 councillors in local elections. 

May appeals to EU to help her deal pass
The BBC reports that the Prime Minister will ask the EU to agree to legally binding changes to the backstop in order for her deal to pass through the House of Commons. She will tell EU negotiators that they will have a deciding role on whether the deal can pass next Wednesday. The EU has maintained the view that it is for the UK to come up with solutions to break the current deadlock.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe granted diplomatic protection
The Guardian reports on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe being granted diplomatic protection thus raising her case to the level of dispute between the UK and Iran, if she suffers any injury it will be seen as an injury to the UK. This comes after Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said her human rights were not being met after the denial of better medical treatment. Zaghari-Ratcliffe is currently serving a five-year prison sentence in Iran on charges of spying. Hunt said the decision was not one he took lightly and it is down to the lack of progress in the talks.

Bradley accepts there are ‘no excuses’ for her comments
Sky News reports on Northern Ireland Secretary, Karen Bradley, accepting there are ‘no excuses’ for the comments she made about killings by the police and military during the Troubles not being crimes. Bradley has been under pressure to resign for her comments and has had to clarify she is not referring to any case. Prosecutors will next week announce whether soldiers will face trial for the Bloody Sunday killings amplifying the impact of the remarks. Bradley apologised for the remarks and any offence he caused.

Conservatives scared they could lose 1,000 councillors in local elections
The Sun has an exclusive that reveals that senior figures in the Conservative Party are worried they could lose 1,000 councillors in the upcoming local elections. If this scenario does play out it is expected that critics of the Prime Minister will begin demanding she step aside. However those close to May in the Cabinet are asking her to reshuffle her top team after the elections and bring in some fresh faces.

IDS criticises Khan for handling of violent crime in London
The Express reports on remarks made by Iain Duncan Smith on the Mayor of London’s handling of violent crime in London, IDS said that Khan is playing political games and not taking responsibility for what is going on. Khan has defended himself from any criticism by saying that the Metropolitan Police have lost vast amounts of funding in the last few years and this is having a direct impact. In his remarks IDS spoke of the effectiveness of stop and search in stopping knife crime.

Bercow blocks release of bullying inquiry emails
The Huffington Post reports on John Bercow using a veto to block the release of his correspondence with officials concerning bullying in Parliament. The post has been trying to get hold of the correspondence as it is rumoured that Bercow and senior staff are seen as part of the problem in them. Bercow has been criticised for this move saying that it is preventing public discussion of the issues and is harming the confidence people will have in Parliament.

Conservative Leadership candidates posturing themselves
The Financial Times looks at the possible candidates to replace Theresa May as leader of the Conservative Party. They indicate that those who fancy the position for themselves are beginning to put themselves in the best possible position. The FT picks out Jeremy Hunt, Sajid Javid, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Dominic Raab, James Cleverly, Penny Mordaunt and Matt Hancock as those making moves. The report looks at the different direction each possible candidate would look to take the party in and who they would appeal to.

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Today’s political headlines include May’s latest attempts to woo Labour, Javid clashes with May and Hammond on knife crime, Home Office ‘remains complacent’ despite Windrush and Corbyn’s office accused of intervening in antisemitism investigations. 

May announces workers’ rights pledge as Labour MP vows to vote for her deal
The BBC says that Theresa May is to promise MPs that they will get to vote on any change to workers’ rights after Brexit, allowing them to choose whether to adopt new protections introduced by the EU. However, the TUC has warned that the plans are ‘flimsy procedural tweaks’ and that ‘our hard-won rights are still under threat’. The Daily Mirror adds that Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey accused the Government of an ‘attempt to bribe workers to back their botched Brexit deal’, although Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick told the paper that he would now be backing the deal.

Javid clashes with May and Hammond over knife crime
The Daily Telegraph claims that Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, clashed with a ‘defensive’ Theresa May over knife crime at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in a ‘testy’ exchange. Javid argued in favour of extra resources and expanded stop and search powers, but Chancellor Philip Hammond said the police should ‘prioritise’ current, rather than historic, cases. Writing in the paper, Javid says that it is ‘vital we give the police the powers they need’.

MPs say Home Office remains complacent despite Windrush
The Guardian carries details of a new report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee which finds that the Home Office remains complacent about ‘systemic and cultural problems’ despite the Windrush scandal and is making ‘life-changing decisions based on incorrect data’. It accuses the department of doing ‘as little, rather than as much, as possible’ to help those affected by its actions.

Corbyn’s office accused of intervening in antisemitism investigations
The Daily Telegraph says it has been told by a ‘former Labour official’ that ‘senior allies’ of Jeremy Corbyn routinely intervened in antisemitism investigations, with a leaked email showing that senior aides Seumas Milne, Katie Murphy and Andrew Murray had been copied into one case. Labour dismissed the claims as ‘malicious lies from a disgruntled former employee’, adding that Corbyn’s office had been asked to help clear a backlog of cases.

Chief Whip warns MPs could force soft Brexit
According to The Sun, the Chief Whip Julian Smith has warned the Cabinet that if Theresa May’s Brexit deal is rejected next week, MPs may take back control from the Government and force the UK into a softer Brexit and a customs union with the EU, through an extension to Article 50 followed by an ‘indicative vote’.

Hatton attends event with shadow cabinet members days after suspension
The Times reveals that Derek Hatton, who was suspended from the Labour Party over antisemitism allegations just days after being readmitted, attended a fundraising event in Liverpool alongside three shadow cabinet members within a week of his suspension. He was pictured sharing a table with the Labour Mayor of Liverpool City Council, Joe Anderson.

Independent Group in talks to form political party
The Daily Mirror reports that the Independent Group has confirmed that it has held talks with the Electoral Commission about forming a political party, although it has not set a ‘specific timeframe’ for doing so. Group spokesperson Chukka Umunna confirmed that the group wished to field candidates in the next general election.

New plan to tackle potholes targets utility firms
The Times reports that the Department for Transport is to unveil new plans to tackle potholes. Under the new policy, utility firms will be forced to maintain roads for five years after they dig them up, rather than two years as at present. New standards will also compel them to use tougher asphalt which is less prone to potholes.

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Today’s political headlines include the new fund for deprived communities facing bribe allegations, UKIP’s shift to the far-right, Cox abandons attempt to secure backstop changes and Chancellor to announce ‘windfall’ in Spring Statement. 

New fund for deprived communities faces Brexit deal bribe allegations
The Times says that a new £1.6bn fund for ‘struggling communities’ announced by the Government is being seen as an attempt to secure Labour MPs’ support of Theresa May’s Brexit deal. The Stronger Towns Fund, which will be spent over four years, faces criticism both from Labour MPs, who believe that it does not go far enough, and Conservative MPs, with Sheryll Murray suggesting that it was ‘pork-barrel politics’ targeted at Labour areas and disadvantaging ‘Conservative-voting communities’.

Investigation reveals UKIP’s shift to ‘far-right’
The Guardian leads with an investigation into UKIP, which finds that a membership surge has led the party to move to the far-right, with moderates replaced by those ‘attracted by an anti-Islam agenda based on street protest’. Membership has increased by 50% in the last year, but many senior figures and organisers have left, hampering the party’s election-fighting capabilities.

Cox abandons attempt to secure backstop time-limit or unilateral exit
The Daily Telegraph says it has been told that Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has abandoned his attempts to secure either an unilateral exit from or a time-limit on the Irish backstop, and is instead seeking an arbitration mechanism outside the European Court of Justice. This falls short of the demands of Brexiteers such as Bill Cash and Steve Baker, leading ministers to conclude that Theresa May will lose the next vote on her deal.

Chancellor to announce ‘windfall’ in Spring Statement
The Financial Times claims that Chancellor Philip Hammond is set to announce a ‘multibillion-pound windfall’ due to higher tax receipts in the Spring Statement next week, and that this could be spent on public services if a no-deal Brexit does not occur. There will be no new tax or spending announcements in the statement – instead the money would be made available to this year’s spending review.

Miller criticises NDA reforms
The Daily Telegraph reports that Maria Miller, Chair of the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, has said that Government plans to clarify the use of non-disclosure agreements do not go far enough if they ‘simply reiterate the existing law’. Consultation on the proposals opens today, but doesn’t cover sexual harassment at work as this is a civil offence.

Inquiry into politicians and child sexual abuse opens
The Guardian reports a three-week long inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuse involving politicians and officials begins today, including ‘potentially explosive’ claims about the whips’ offices withholding details of criminal offences. The Times adds that former MI5 Director-General Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller is to be questioned about the suppression of allegations relating to Sir Peter Morrison, once an aide to Margaret Thatcher.

Ministers to consult on junk food advert ‘watershed’
The Daily Telegraph says that ministers have approved the launch of a consultation on banning junk food adverts before 9pm in a bid to prevent children from being exposed to advertising for unhealthy foods. The plans are opposed by broadcasters, who believe that advertisers would spend money online instead.

Mann and Flint say as many as 35 Labour MPs could back May’s Brexit deal
The Sun says that Labour MP John Mann has claimed that up to 35 Labour MPs are prepared to support Theresa May’s Brexit deal because they wished to avoid both a no-deal Brexit and a second referendum, a stance which fellow Labour MP Caroline Flint agreed with.

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Today’s political headlines include May’s pledge to secure Labour support, Labour confirms backing for second referendum and Tory MPs rebel over plan for extending Brexit vote. 

May to make pledge on workers’ rights to secure Labour MPs’ support for Brexit deal
The Guardian says that Theresa May is expected to use a ministerial statement next week to set out a series of pledges on workers’ rights and to reduce restrictions on trade unions in a bid to secure Labour MPs’ backing for her Brexit deal/ Measures to be offered include a ‘non-regression lock’ after Brexit, votes by MPs on adopting future EU rules on workers’ rights, and a reporting mechanism involving trade unions and the CBI on these. Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary James Brokenshire is expected to announce a £1.6bn fund for towns and coastal communities before the next meaningful vote.

Labour confirms backing for second referendum
As the BBC reports, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that his party is now backing a new Brexit referendum after MPs voted against his Brexit plans, and that he would vote to remain a member of the EU. He added that he will continue to pursue ‘other available options’, such as a general election or Labour’s plan for a ‘close economic relationship’.

Tory MPs rebel over plan for vote on extending Brexit negotiations
The Daily Telegraph reports that over 100 Conservative MPs revelled yesterday against Government plans to give MPs a vote on extending Article 50 if Theresa May’s deal is rejected. 20 of them, including Esther McVey, voted against the proposal with a further 88 choosing to abstain in protest, including Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab and Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Norwegian sovereign wealth fund to increase investments in the UK despite Brexit
The Times says that Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, has decided to increase its exposure to British investments whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, claiming that the UK was still an attractive destination over the next 30 plus years. Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg welcomed the news, but Chris Leslie of the Independent Group said that Brexit meant that ‘British assets are in the global bargain basement’.

Economic sentiment lowest in six years over no-deal Brexit fears
The Financial Times reports that economic sentiment in the UK has fallen this month, reaching its lowest level in six years according to a European Commission indicator. The CBI said that the best way to improve this was to avoid a no-deal Brexit and agree ‘a deal that commands a majority in parliament and is acceptable to the EU and protects our economy’.

Williamson suspended after Labour MPs revolt over antisemitism
The Daily Mail claims that Labour only suspended its MP Chris Williamson for saying that the party was ‘too apologetic’ for antisemitism because 38 MPs and deputy leader Tom Watson pressed for this, with leader Jeremy Corbyn having initially ‘intervened personally to block his suspension’, pledging only to ‘investigate’ the remarks.

Burns under investigation over Thatcher library charity
The Times claims that Conservative MP Conor Burns is ‘under scrutiny’ from the Charity Commission over his involvement in a campaign to build a library and museum dedicated to Margaret Thatcher. Much of the money raised by the campaign has apparently instead been spent on other things, including student exchanges between the UK and the USA.

May to defend aid budget
The Sun says that Theresa May is to use a speech at a conference on Jordan today to defend the £14bn aid budget, pledging to continue spending 0.7% of GDP on foreign aid. She will promise that the UK will continue to be a ‘global champion’, spending aid ‘innovatively and in a way that delivers value of money for the UK taxpayer’.

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Today’s political headlines include Corbyn to support second referendum if MPs reject Labour’s Brexit plan, May to offer MPs Brexit delay, ministers call on May to rule out no-deal Brexit and UK would pay divorce bill in no-deal scenario. 

Corbyn to support second referendum if MPs reject Labour’s Brexit plan
The Guardian says that Jeremy Corbyn has ‘finally’ given Labour’s backing to a second Brexit referendum, in which remain would be an option. The party has said it will back such a vote if its Brexit proposals are rejected this week, in a move designed to stem defections to the Independent Group but which will lead to opposition from MPs with leave-voting seats.

May to offer MPs Brexit delay
The Financial Times reports that Theresa May is to ‘offer MPs the chance to take a no-deal Brexit off the table’, making a statement in the Commons later today in which she will say that there could be a ‘short’ delay in Brexit. This morning’s Cabinet will be presented with a new plan, with a ‘meaningful vote’ on a revised Brexit deal on March 12, and if this is rejected there would be a further vote between a no-deal Brexit or a ‘short extension’.

Ministers call on May to rule out no-deal Brexit to prevent a ‘disaster’
The Daily Mail claims that Theresa May is ready to rule out a no-deal Brexit after 23 dissident ministers met in the Commons last night to discuss how to prevent such as scenario. Up to 15 are believed to be prepared to resign, with ministers Richard Harrington, Margot James and Clare Perry writing in the paper that, if Parliament doesn’t agree a deal by March 13, May must extend the negotiations, or they ‘will have no choice other than to join MPs of all parties and fellow ministers in acting in the national interest to prevent a disaster’.

UK would pay ‘divorce bill’ in no-deal Brexit scenario
The Daily Telegraph says that a Cabinet committee dealing with preparations for a no-deal Brexit has signed off plans to settle a large part of the £39bn Brexit settlement even if there is a no-deal Brexit, despite the expectation of Brexiteers that it would not be payable in such a scenario. The Treasury has advised that at least part of the settlement is legally unavoidable and failing to honour the UK’s commitments would risk the UK’s debt rating.

New poll shows Independent Group and Lib Dems combined would outpoll Labour
The Times carries details of a new YouGov poll which shows that the combined level of support of the Independent Group and the Liberal Democrats is now higher than that of Labour. Labour are on 23%, the Independent Group (TIG) on 18% and the Liberal Democrats on 6%. However, the Conservatives are on 36%. Without TIG the Conservatives are on 41%, Labour are on 30% and the Lib Dems on 10%.

Shuker to convene the Independent Group
The Guardian reports that the Independent Group has selected Gavin Shuker as its convenor, having decided to postpone selecting a leader until later this year, when it hopes to have become a political party. Specialist spokesperson roles may be announced earlier, while the group has rebuffed suggestions from the Lib Dems that they might work together.

Government to protect sensitive sectors with tariffs
According to the Financial Times, the Government has decided to protect ‘sensitive agricultural and manufacturing sectors’ after a no-deal Brexit by maintaining tariffs, while dropping tariffs on most other goods. As 30% of the food consumed in the UK comes from the EU, this will push up prices for consumers.

May faces rebellion over EU citizens’ rights
The Daily Telegraph claims that Theresa May is facing a ‘major rebellion’ after over 130 MPs, including 60 Conservatives, backed an amendment to her Brexit motion demanding a written guarantee on the right of EU citizens in the UK in a no-deal Brexit scenario. Backers include both Brexiteers such as Jacob Rees-Mogg and pro-EU MPs including Dominic Grieve.

These political headlines are put together by Vuelio Political Services.

Today’s political headlines include Tory ministers and backbenchers warn they’ll revolt, more Labour MPs will defect if Corbyn doesn’t back second referendum and the Tories who want Umunna to lead Independent Group. 

Tory ministers and backbenchers warn they’ll revolt to support Brexit delay
The Guardian reports that up to 25 ministers may vote for a delay to Brexit next week unless Theresa May rules out a no-deal Brexit. They would not offer to resign, which would force May to decide on whether or not to sack them. The Daily Telegraph has obtained a leaked letter in which the 100-strong Brexit Delivery Group of moderate Conservative MPs has warned the Prime Minister that they are prepared to vote to delay Brexit if she doesn’t secure a deal, calling for a free vote on next week’s backbench amendment on a delay.

More Labour MPs will defect if Corbyn doesn’t back second referendum
According to The Times Jeremy Corbyn’s office has been wanted that dozens of Labour MPs could defect to the Independent Group unless he backs plans for a second referendum, including shadow ministers. They are calling on him to back an amendment to next week’s Brexit motion tabled by Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson which calls for such a vote.

Umunna should lead Independent Group, Tory defectors say
The Daily Telegraph claims that two of the Conservative defectors to the Independent Group, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry, have insisted that Chuka Ummuna should lead the group. Allen told the paper that he would get ‘the best’ out of the group, although further defections could change that. She also insisted the group wouldn’t become ‘a home for waifs and strays’ by admitting MPs who left Labour in controversial circumstances.

Minister backs ban on selling scratchcards to 16 and 17 year olds
The Sun reports that Sports Minister Mims Davies has suggested that the Government will act ‘soon’ to ban the sale of scratchcards to 16 and 17 year olds, as well as restricting betting and alcohol brands from advertising on football strips. She insists that the move is ‘not to stop people having fun’ but to protect the ‘most vulnerable’.

Juncker ‘not very optimistic’ about Brexit deal chances
The Daily Telegraph says that the EU has rejected a proposal from the Attorney General, Geoffrey Cox, which would have allowed the UK to leave the backstop without the EU’s consent. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker admitted he was ‘not very optimistic’ about the chances of a deal, adding that he was suffering from ‘Brexit fatigue’.

Prosecutions fall to lowest level ever recorded
The Times reports that prosecutions have fallen to their lowest number since records began nearly 50 years ago, despite increases in recorded crime. Victims’ rights campaigner Harry Fletcher told the paper that the fall was ‘clearly linked to cuts’, accusing the Government of damaging the ‘criminal justice system at every stage’.

Joan Ryan reported by Labour for alleged data protection breach
The Guardian says that Joan Ryan has been reported to the Information Commissioner by the Labour Party for accessing party systems after her defection to the Independent Group, a claim which she denies. As a result the party shut down access to two key campaigning tools yesterday.

Trade deals with Japan and Turkey won’t roll over
The Financial Times reports that the Government has confirmed that trade deals with Turkey and Japan will not be rolled over on exit day in the event of a no-deal Brexit, leading to the immediate imposition of tariffs. It also confirmed that it is still in talks with most of the 71 countries covered by EU trade agreements

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