Rolling coverage of the day’s political developments as they happen, including the publication of the government’s Brexit white paper
John McDonnell’s Today interview - Summary
Afternoon summary
5.12pm GMT
Related: The white paper on Brexit: a wish list disguised as a strategy | Dan Roberts
5.03pm GMT
And Open Britain, which is campaigning for a “soft” Brexit, with Britain remaining in the single market (which Theresa May has ruled out) has sent out a briefing note identifying 16 problems with the white paper. Here is their list.
1 - There is still no meaningful parliamentary vote at the end of the article 50 process – amendments in committee stage are more important than ever.
2 - The government is aiming to cherry pick sectors within the single market and replicate existing arrangements, but this is a damaging approach our European partners will reject.
The government only promises to honour funding for projects signed after the autumn statement 2016 “if they provide strong value for money and are in line with domestic strategic priorities”. This means billions of pounds in funding could be denied to beneficiaries from the following funds (which are not covered by HMG guarantees): the European Regional Development Fund; the European Social Fund; the Youth Employment Initiative; the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development; the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund; the European Regional Development Fund (CAP Pillar 2).
4.50pm GMT
The Lib Dems have sent out a briefing note identifying five “black holes” in the government’s Brexit white paper. This is what they say about them.
1 - Single market: The paper states it will aim to ensure the current “common frameworks” that enable UK businesses to trade freely with the EU will continue after Brexit. But the only way to do that is to adopt all new EU regulations as well as those which already exist, and to have a way of enforcing the rules on both sides on a continuing basis. That’s what the EU court of justice currently does. What, if anything, is going to replace the ECJ and how will this be reconciled with Theresa May’s vow to end the ECJ’s influence in the UK?
2 - Customs union: The paper calls for a new customs arrangement with the EU that allows the UK to sign trade deals with other countries while keeping trade between the UK and the EU as “frictionless” as possible. This is at odds with trade minister Lord Price telling the German newspaper Die Welt that “there will be no cherry-picking” on the customs union.
4.45pm GMT
And here is the SNP’s Europe spokesman, Stephen Gethins, on the Brexit white paper. He said:
The white paper underlines the ‘boorach’ at the heart of government - it is nothing more than a laminated copy of Theresa May’s Lancaster House speech that offers no detail on the key issues seven months on from the EU referendum.
By comparison, the SNP Scottish government published their paper on the EU referendum outlining how Scotland can retain its place in Europe before Christmas.
4.37pm GMT
Here’s the statement that Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, has put out about the Brexit white paper.
Today’s white paper is indicative of the government’s whole approach to Brexit.
For months they have refused to publish a plan or allow proper scrutiny, and when they are finally forced to produce a White Paper it is rushed, limited and not well thought through.
4.30pm GMT
The Press Association has spoken to two political experts about John McDonnell’s argument that shadow cabinet ministers have to resign if they defy the whip but that this rule does not necessarily apply to other frontbenchers. (See 9.22am.)
This is from Prof Philip Cowley, of Queen Mary University of London, a specialist in parliamentary revolts.
It is fairly common to have a payroll vote where the payroll is whipped but backbenchers are allowed to vote as they like. I’m not aware of a ‘top-of-the-payroll vote’ before in which the line applies just to the cabinet but not to other people. Collective responsibility normally applies to everybody in the government or the shadow government ...
If whips and members of the shadow cabinet are allowed to rebel on a three-line whip, it becomes very difficult to instil any discipline down the line.
It is certainly not something that I have come across before and it does strike me as odd. The opposition would normally seek to be as disciplined as the government. Having shadow cabinet members voting against each other on all sorts of issues is hardly a sign that you are ready to take over the government of the country.
3.48pm GMT
The Daily Mirror’s Kevin Maguire has tweeted this about Diane Abbott and article 50.
Brexit flu convenient after Diane Abbott's Hackney North local Labour Party came within 2 votes of demanding she vote against Article 50!
3.41pm GMT
I posted the wrong link for Stephen Bush’s Diane Abbott profile at 3.26pm. I’ve put the right one there now, but you may need to refresh the page to get it to show up.
3.37pm GMT
In his BBC News interview the Labour MP John Mann also said that the shadow ministers and whips who defied orders and voted against the article bill should not be allowed to remain on the front bench. They should resign, or be sacked, he argued.
Jeremy Corbyn had called this right. Labour MPs, particularly those who have accepted jobs from him, like Diane Abbott and others, if they are not prepared to vote the way that Jeremy has told them to vote, then they shouldn’t be on the front bench. That’s what leadership is about. That’s what party discipline is about.
If you want to oppose, as Jeremy did many times in 30 years, opposed Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and Labour policies in power ... do so, but don’t try and keep your front bench positions at the same time. So I do hope that Diane Abbott will reflect on that. You can’t have it both ways in politics. The voters don’t like it when politicians and parties try to have it both ways.
3.26pm GMT
Since it is open season on Diane Abbott today, it is worth recommending this recent profile of her by Stephen Bush for the New Statesman which presents the case for Abbott very well.
2.58pm GMT
The Labour MP John Mann has accused Diane Abbott of “cowardice” and said she should apologise for missing the vote on the article 50 bill last night. In an interview with BBC News just now Mann made it clear that he did not accept her claim that she missed the vote because she was sick. She “bottled” the vote, he said.
It is quite extraordinary. We have some very, very ill people who have turned up to parliament to vote yesterday who are so sick they’ve not been able to carry on their work as MPs. made it there and they voted. She gave herself a sick note at 5 o’clock. I think we all know what is going on here. She bottled the vote. It’s cowardice.
People voted in different ways. One can argue whether they are right, they’re wrong. But you don’t abstain on the big votes. And it’s embarrassing to see that. She ought to be giving an apology to the Labour party for doing so. That is not leadership, that’s cowardice. She’s called it very, very badly ...
Related: Diane Abbott missed article 50 vote due to migraine, her office says
2.41pm GMT
When David Davis, the Brexit secretary, was taking questions in the Commons on the white paper he suggested that Britain would withdraw from the Prum convention, an anti-crime, data-sharing arrangement.
The Tory MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan asked if Davis would confirm that the UK would be “coming out of the Prum framework as it is now and building a new relationship for data-sharing to fight against crime and terrorism which ensures my constituents’ most personal data is no longer subject to the ECJ”.
Almost by definition, because we are coming out of the union that will happen, but that’s not to say that we will not be making new arrangements.
The Prum framework for people is a data exchange, it covers things like DNA and so on.
2.19pm GMT
There is a chart of page 32 of the report that suggests that people in the UK are entitled to 14 weeks of annual holiday.
1.58pm GMT
Here is my colleague Jon Henley’s summary of the white paper.
Related: Brexit white paper: key points explained | Jon Henley
1.57pm GMT
In her Lancaster House speech Theresa May said that the UK would not remain a full member of the customs union, but that she wanted the UK to have a customs agreement with the EU and that this might involve some aspects of CU membership. She did not really elaborate.
The white paper says much the same. Here are paragraphs 8.45 and 8.46.
In leaving the EU, the UK will seek a new customs arrangement with the EU, which enables us to make the most of the opportunities from trade with others and for trade between the UK and the EU to continue to be as frictionless as possible. There are a number of options for any new customs arrangement, including a completely new agreement, or for the UK to remain a signatory to some of the elements of the existing arrangements. The precise form of this new agreement will be the subject of negotiation.
It is in the interests of both the UK and the EU to have a mutually beneficial customs arrangement to ensure goods trade between the UK and EU can continue as much as possible as it does now. This will form a key part of our ambition for a new strategic partnership with the EU.
The UK is currently a member of the EU’s customs union. As we look to build our future customs relationship with the EU and the rest of the world, we start from a strong position. As a large trading nation, we possess a world-class customs system which handles imports and exports from all over the world. We already have highly efficient processes for freight arriving from the rest of the world – the vast majority of customs declarations in the UK are submitted electronically and are cleared rapidly. Only a small proportion cannot go through so rapidly, for instance where risk assessment indicates that compliance and enforcement checks are required at the border. The World Bank’s logistics performance index shows that HMRC operates one of the world’s most efficient customs regimes.
1.37pm GMT
And this is what the white paper says in paragraph 12.3, about no deal being better than a bad deal. (My bold type.)
We are confident that the UK and the EU can reach a positive deal on our future partnership, as this would be to the mutual benefit of both the UK and the EU, and we will approach the negotiations in this spirit. However, the Government is clear that no deal for the UK is better than a bad deal for the UK. In any eventuality we will ensure that our economic and other functions can continue, including by passing legislation as necessary to mitigate the effects of failing to reach a deal.
1.29pm GMT
This is what the white paper says, in paragraph 12.2, about a transitional agreement.
It is, however, in no one’s interests for there to be a cliff-edge for business or a threat to stability, as we change from our existing relationship to a new partnership with the EU. Instead, we want to have reached an agreement about our future partnership by the time the two year Article 50 process has concluded. From that point onwards, we believe a phased process of implementation, in which the UK, the EU institutions and Member States prepare for the new arrangements that will exist between us, will be in our mutual interest. This will give businesses enough time to plan and prepare for those new arrangements. This might be about our immigration controls, customs systems or the way in which we cooperate on criminal and civil justice matters. Or it might be about the future legal and regulatory framework for business. For each issue, the time we need to phase in the new arrangements may differ; some might be introduced very quickly, some might take longer. And the interim arrangements we rely upon are likely to be a matter of negotiation. The UK will not, however, seek some form of unlimited transitional status. That would not be good for the UK and nor would it be good for the EU.
1.22pm GMT
The section on immigration in the white paper is not long. But there are some points worth noting. Here are the key paragraphs (5.9 and 5.10.)
We are considering very carefully the options that are open to us to gain control of the numbers of people coming to the UK from the EU. As part of that, it is important that we understand the impacts on the different sectors of the economy and the labour market. We will, therefore, ensure that businesses and communities have the opportunity to contribute their views. Equally, we will need to understand the potential impacts of any proposed changes in all the parts of the UK. So we will build a comprehensive picture of the needs and interests of all parts of the UK and look to develop a system that works for all.
Implementing any new immigration arrangements for EU nationals and the support they receive will be complex and Parliament will have an important role in considering these matters further. There may be a phased process of implementation to prepare for the new arrangements. This would give businesses and individuals enough time to plan and prepare for those new arrangements.
We have already confirmed that existing EU students and those starting courses in 2016-17 and 2017-18 will continue to be eligible for student loans and home fee status for the duration of their course. We have also confirmed that research councils will continue to fund postgraduate students from the EU whose courses start in 2017-18.
1.12pm GMT
The white paper restates the government’s desire to keep an open border with Ireland. But it does not give a firm commitment on this. Note the word “aim” in paragraph 4.4.
We recognise that for the people of Northern Ireland and Ireland, the ability to move freely across the border is an essential part of daily life. When the UK leaves the EU we aim to have as seamless and frictionless a border as possible between Northern Ireland and Ireland, so that we can continue to see the trade and everyday movements we have seen up to now.
1.09pm GMT
The white paper says the government wants to ensure that “power sits closer to the people of the UK than ever before” after Brexit. This implies that the Scottish parliament, the Welsh assembly and the Northern Ireland assembly will get control over powers currently exercised by Brussels (like agriculture), but the white paper is not specific about exactly what powers will go where. These are paragraphs 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5.
The current devolution settlements were created in the context of the UK’s membership of the EU. All three settlements set out that devolved legislatures only have legislative competence – the ability to make law – in devolved policy areas as long as that law is compatible with EU law.
This has meant that, even in areas where the devolved legislatures and administrations currently have some competence, such as agriculture, environment and some transport issues, most rules are set through common EU legal and regulatory frameworks, devised and agreed in Brussels. When the UK leaves the EU, these rules will be set here in the UK by democratically elected representatives.
12.59pm GMT
This is what it says about guaranteeing the rights of EU nationals living in the UK. These are paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4. They do not go beyond what Theresa May has already said.
Securing the status of, and providing certainty to, EU nationals already in the UK and to UK nationals in the EU is one of this Government’s early priorities for the forthcoming negotiations. To this end, we have engaged a range of stakeholders, including expatriate groups, to ensure we understand the priorities of UK nationals living in EU countries. This is part of our preparations for a smooth and orderly withdrawal and we will continue to work closely with a range of organisations and individuals to achieve this. For example, we recognise the priority placed on easy access to healthcare by UK nationals living in the EU. We are also engaging closely with EU Member States, businesses and other organisations to ensure that we have a thorough understanding of issues concerning the status of EU nationals in the UK.
The Government would have liked to resolve this issue ahead of the formal negotiations. And although many EU Member States favour such an agreement, this has not proven possible. The UK remains ready to give people the certainty they want and reach a reciprocal deal with our European partners at the earliest opportunity. It is the right and fair thing to do.
12.53pm GMT
This is what the white paper says about parliament having a vote on the final deal.
The government will then put the final deal that is agreed between the UK and the EU to a vote in both Houses of Parliament.
12.49pm GMT
Here is what it looks like.
12.47pm GMT
Here is the Brexit department’s press statement on the white paper.
And here is the 77-page document (pdf).
12.45pm GMT
Davis says the government will continue to seek to build a national consensus around its plans.
It will continue to analyse the impact of Brexit on different parts of the economy.
12.44pm GMT
Davis says the white paper will make it clear that there will be separate legislation on immigration and customs.
It says the time needed to phase in new arrangements may vary in different areas, he says.
12.43pm GMT
Davis says the government will publish another white paper ahead of the great repeal bill.
12.43pm GMT
Davis says the UK cannot sign new trade deals while still in the EU. But it can prepare the ground for them.
He says trade deals require dispute resolution mechanisms.
12.42pm GMT
Davis says there are some particular themes in the white paper.
First, the UK wants the EU to succeed. That cannot be emphasised too much, he says.
12.41pm GMT
Davis says Theresa May set out the 12 principles that the government will follow when implementing Brexit in her recent Lancaster House speech.
12.38pm GMT
David Davis, the Brexit secretary, is making his Commons statement about the Brexit white paper.
He says the paper will be released today.
12.29pm GMT
The Bank of England has published its quarterly inflation report. And it has revised upwards its growth forecast for next quite significantly.
This is from my colleague Graeme Wearden on his business live blog.
The Bank of England has also raised its growth forecasts for the UK economy over the next two years.
It now expects GDP to rise by 2% this year, sharply higher than 1.4% previously expected.
Related: Bank of England raises growth forecast and leaves interest rates on hold - business live
11.53am GMT
Here is my colleague John Harris’s latest Anywhere but Westminster video. He has been speaking to EU migrants in East Anglia about what Brexit will mean.
11.51am GMT
Theresa May is to meet the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday, the prime minister’s spokeswoman announced at the morning lobby briefing.
Netanyahu is expected to be there for a late morning meeting and a working lunch. No news yet on whether there will be a press conference.
Of course, alongside that they are going to want to talk about a range of security and international issues, including the Middle East process.
And yes, I would expect the prime minister to set out the government’s position that we think that the continued increases in settlement activity undermines trust. Our focus is on how do we make work a two-state solution with an Israel that is safe from terrorism and a Palestinian state that is viable and sovereign.
11.46am GMT
On the night of the EU referendum Leave.EU, the pro-leave campaign funded by Arron Banks, released a poll. It hardly received any attention, partly because Leave.EU did not reveal anything about their methodology (they are not a member of the British Polling Council), partly because, coming from a campaigning outfit, people assumed it must be tainted, and partly because YouGov, a respected polling organisation, released another poll saying the opposite. But the Leave.EU one said leave was going to win by 52% to 48%, which turned out to be spot on.
Now Leave.EU, which backs Ukip, has released a new poll, covering the state of the parties in England and Wales and voting intention in the Stoke-on-Trent Central byelection. Here are the figures.
11.04am GMT
Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, is in Scotland today. As my colleague Severin Carrell reports, Fallon used a newspaper interview to rule out London agreeing to let the Scottish government hold a second independence referendum before backtracking somewhat on BBC Radio Scotland.
Related: Michael Fallon: British government could block a Scottish referendum
11.01am GMT
A spokeswoman for Diane Abbott has dismissed suggestions that there was anything bogus about the illness last night that led to her missing the vote on article 50. (See 10.34am.) She said that Abbott had been working in parliament as usual, and had spoken in the Westminster Hall debate, but that at around 5pm she developed a “really bad migraine” and had to go home. Abbott had been intending to vote, the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman also said that Abbott has cancelled engagements today because she is still unwell but expects to be in the Commons on Monday for the next article 50 votes.
10.34am GMT
The BBC’s Norman Smith has just dug out some video footage of Diane Abbott speaking in a debate in Westminster Hall yesterday on the government’s Prevent strategy. As Smith says, Abbott seems to have been feeling okay at that point in the afternoon.
10.12am GMT
According to Joe Murphy in the Evening Standard, Labour has lost its overall majority on Tower Hamlets council because one of its councillors, Andrew Cregan, has defected to the Lib Dems over article 50. Cregan told the paper:
I have been passionately pro-European as long as I can remember but, after a three-line whip for Brexit, I cannot see Labour any longer as an unambiguously pro-Europe party. That is not something I can agree with. It strikes at the very essence of why I got involved in politics.
10.04am GMT
Here are the key points from John McDonnell’s interview on Today.
Let’s be clear; we have said we will no obstruct the passage of article 50. But what we are saying is this is just the first stage.
We will review what exactly happens on the day of the third reading. That will be decided by the shadow cabinet.
Article 50 will go through. And here’s the irony; you will see the Labour party after article 50 uniting, coming together, to really tackle and oppose the government in their imposition of what we think will be a reckless Brexit. The irony of it is that I think you’ll see the Conservative party then splitting apart because, exactly as George Osborne said [in the debate yesterday], he disagrees, and a lot of others do, with the priorities that Theresa May has set, particularly their undermining of our economy ...
We are going to oppose what Theresa May is trying to inflict on this country. And we will have allies right the way across the House of Commons. And, by the sounds of it in the debate, George Osborne himself ...
She wasn’t very well. There wasn’t going to be a close vote. If there was a close vote we would be bringing even sick people back. But she wasn’t very well. She wasn’t in attendance.
We’ve all been down with various bugs over the last few weeks.
It’s not just us. I know the focus on us. The Liberal Democrats yesterday have only got nine MPs, but two of them opposed their leader, so they split in exactly the proportion as us.
9.29am GMT
It has just been confirmed that there will be a statement in the Commons on the Brexit white paper by David Davis, the Brexit secretary. It will come at about 12.15pm. There is a statement first on airport expansion, followed by the business statement.
Presumably the white paper will be published around the time Davis starts addressing MPs.
9.22am GMT
The main event today will be the publication of the government’s white paper on Brexit, although few people are expecting it to tell us anything significant about Theresa May’s plans that we did not already know. The fear is that it will be more of a blank paper than a white paper. But who knows? We’ll find out later.
In the meantime, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has been on the Today programme talking about what last night’s Brexit vote means for Labour. As our overnight splash says, a fifth of Labour MPs defied the whip and voted against the bill giving the government the authority to trigger article 50.
Related: Brexit: fifth of Labour MPs defy three line whip to vote against article 50 bill
What I’m saying is that if you are in the shadow cabinet or cabinet, the normal conventions will apply, you will be expected to resign. But for other positions, the normal process is that the chief whip will then report, and they will report after the legislation is through, on the process from there on in.
I’m not going to pre-empt what the whip is going to recommend.
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