Rolling coverage of the day’s political developments as they happen
Corbyn imposes 3-line whip on Labour MPs to back article 50 bill
‘Sometimes opposites attract’ - May on how she can work with Trump
Former Labour MP Tam Dalyell dies, aged 84
7.34pm GMT
Returning to the tributes being paid to Tam Dalyell, who has died aged 84:
Sad to hear of the death of my friend Tam Dalyell, a titan of parliamentary scrutiny, fearless in pursuit of truth. Thoughts with his family
Very sad to hear of the death of former Labour MP, Tam Dalyell - a real giant of Scottish politics. My thoughts are with his family.
Very sorry to hear of the death of Tam Dalyell. He was unique - thoughtful, gracious, dignified and utterly tenacious.
Hear Hear. #RIP Tam Dalyell. An old school gentleman of the left - hugely respected by all especially those who disagreed w him. #Legend https://t.co/8PDBPfp6Bb
Very sorry to learn about death of former Labour MP Tam Dalyell. A fantastic parliamentarian and gentleman. RIP. https://t.co/riL6hT5OWu
So sorry to hear that Tam Dalyell has passed away. One of the true giants of Scottish Politics and originator of the West Lothian Question
Chatted to Tam Dalyell a few months ago at a local event and he was v generous & kind, he will be missed across the political spectrum.
So sad to hear of the death of Tam Dalyell. Showed me great kindness when I was first elected. Principled and a total one off.
7.20pm GMT
Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, has responded to Theresa May’s “opposites attract” comment:
Opposites may attract, but most people will be repulsed to see our prime minister cosying up to Trump. This is a man who demonises minorities, belittles women and wants to bring back torture.
Being the first world leader to meet with him isn’t a badge of honour, it’s a mark of shame.
6.56pm GMT
In the US, following Theresa May’s indication that the UK could start tearing down trade barriers between it and the US even before Britain leaves the EU, Donald Trump has said he will pursue bilateral trade deals that include clauses to allow a 30-day termination notice.
“Believe me, we’re going to have a lot of trade deals,” the US president told a gathering of Republican lawmakers. “If that particular country doesn’t treat us fairly, we send them a 30-day termination, notice of termination.”
6.50pm GMT
We’ll bring more reaction to the sad news of Tam Dalyell’s death as it emerges.
6.45pm GMT
Dalyell was known for his persistent questioning of Margaret Thatcher over the sinking of the General Belgrano during the Falklands War and, in all, he spent 43 years as a member of parliament. The statement from his family read:
Tam Dalyell devoted his life to public service in Scotland, in the UK, and beyond. He made an enormous contribution in many spheres. He will be much missed both publicly, and more importantly personally, by his family and many friends.
6.38pm GMT
Some sad news from Westminster: the former Labour MP Tam Dalyell has died aged 84, a family spokesman has told the Press Association. He had suffered a short illness.
6.24pm GMT
The prime minister has indicated the government will try to find some wriggle room in the rules that prevent EU members states from pursuing formal talks on trade deals with third parties.
Theresa May suggested the UK and America would be able to start tearing down trade barriers even before Britain leaves the bloc, according to a Press Association report.
6.16pm GMT
In London, details are emerging of the amendments to the Brexit bill that Labour plans to propose.
My colleague in Westminster, Peter Walker, reports that they will focus on guaranteeing workers’ rights and securing access to the single market, as well as committing the government to regular impact assessments on the effects of leaving it.
6.11pm GMT
The fuller May quotes show she genuinely is arguing there are political parallels between her and Trump. Tricky ground. https://t.co/z8yBqu4bNj
5.55pm GMT
Theresa May said she can strike up a strong working relationship with Donald Trump because “opposites attract,” as she prepares to become the first world leader to meet the new US president on Friday.
Amid concerns in the UK about whether she is “grovelling” to Trump, who sparked fresh outrage on Wednesday when he expressed support for the effectiveness of torture, May told reporters on a plane to the US on Thursday that the two would get on.
Conservative MPs I've spoken to accept May has little choice but to strike up strong relationship with Trump: but tone on this trip matters.
5.50pm GMT
Labour has released details of the the amendments it will table to the article 50 bill. It is focusing on seven demands. Here is the list from Labour’s press release. The bold type is from the Labour release.
1 -Allow a meaningful vote in Parliament on the final Brexit deal. Labour’s amendment would ensure that the House of Commons has the first say on any proposed deal and that the consent of Parliament would be required before the deal is referred to the European Council and Parliament.
2 - Establish a number of key principles the Government must seek to negotiate during the process, including protecting workers’ rights, securing full tariff and impediment free access to the Single Market.
Labour’s amendments will significantly improve the government’s bill – in particular by ensuring the House of Commons has the first say on the final Brexit deal and that there are regular opportunities to hold the government to account.
Labour’s amendments will also seek to ensure the prime minister secures the best deal for the whole country – including tariff and impediment free access to the single market and that there is no drop in workers’ rights. We will also vigorously oppose any plans to reduce powers to tackle tax avoidance or evasion’.
5.43pm GMT
Tulip Siddiq has resigned as shadow early years minister so that she can vote against the article 50 bill, my colleague Jessica Elgot reports.
Related: Labour MP Tulip Siddiq resigns from frontbench over article 50 vote
5.39pm GMT
Theresa May’s plane has just landed in the US. And reporters have been tweeting some of the comments she made in a briefing on the plane.
These are from BuzzFeed’s Jim Waterson.
Just landed in Philadelphia with Theresa May. En-route she talked to journalists about her and Trump, so here's a flavour....
Theresa May asked how she can form a strong relationship with Donald Trump: "Haven't you ever noticed - sometimes opposites attract."
Theresa May on Trump's torture comments: "We condemn torture and my view on that won't change whether I'm talking to you or the President."
Theresa May on similarities between her and Trump's politics: "We both share a desire to ensure that governments are working for everyone."
5.12pm GMT
The fact that Donald Trump and Theresa May are holding a joint press conference is something of a surprise. Earlier this week Number 10 sources were playing down the prospect of such an event happening.
Prime ministers and presidents often hold press conferences when they meet, but not always. Theresa May herself is not very keen on opening herself up to questioning in this way. And Trump himself thinks that journalists are “among the most dishonest human beings on the earth.”
4.52pm GMT
Donald Trump and Theresa May are going to hold a joint press conference tomorrow, the White House has said.
White House says President Trump will hold a news conference with Theresa May tomorrow
4.48pm GMT
Spencer Livermore, the Labour peer and the party’s 2015 general election campaign director, is using Twitter to suggest that Labour should oppose the article 50 bill.
This narrow bill disguises the breadth of May's objective: she wants a mandate for hard-right Tory policies, which Labour should deny her. pic.twitter.com/NngdHkYFRo
4.45pm GMT
The Labour MP Stephen Doughty says he won’t vote for the article 50 bill.
Given lack of Gov assurances, attempts to curtail debate + most importantly views of constituents, can't vote for Art 50 Bill or timetable.
4.41pm GMT
The BBC’s Norman Smith thinks Jeremy Corbyn is managing to contain the threatened rebellion over article 50.
Distinct sound of wannabe Labour rebels falling into line behind @jeremycorbyn and backing the Brexit bill
4.36pm GMT
Clive Lewis has shifted his stance on article 50 quite considerably over the last seven days. A week ago he told his local paper, the Eastern Daily Press, that he could not vote for an article 50 bill on the basis of the government’s current plans. He told the paper:
It is safe to say that I am deeply concerned at the direction that Theresa May and the Conservative government is taking these negotiations, and the developments that are taking place. I am very mindful of what the majority of constituents in Norwich South voted for, which is remain. I don’t think what is currently on the table, given the irreversibility of article 50, means that signing article 50 under these conditions is in the best interests of people in Norwich or the country. However it is the job of the opposition to see what we can get between now and March 31 in terms of assurances and guarantees and I think that will be critical to many people when they come to make their decision on this vote.
4.32pm GMT
Clive Lewis, the shadow business secretary, has now announced that he will vote for the article 50 bill at second reading. That was not obvious to those who heard him at today’s shadow cabinet, according to an account given to the Guardian. (See 12.40pm.) Lewis said:
I have been clear throughout that I respect the result of the referendum and will, therefore, join my colleagues in voting for the bill on its second reading.
However, Theresa May does not have a mandate to dictate the terms of Brexit without listening to the British people. The whole country should be involved in determining our shared future, which is why Labour has fought for the British people to have a say, through parliament.
4.27pm GMT
As Jeremy Corbyn acknowledged in his interview earlier, the article 50 vote is difficult for the party because it has MPs representing strongly pro-remain constituencies as well as strongly pro-leave constituencies. Here is a chart showing the 10 most pro-remain Labour constituencies, with the pro-remain majority (in yellow)
4.11pm GMT
An earlier post said that Chris Skidmore, a Cabinet Office minister, had answered a particular question at Brexit questions. That was because the BBC Parliament channel caption said it was Skidmore. But in fact it was Robin Walker, a Brexit minister. I’m sorry about that. I’ve corrected the earlier post. (See 9.56am.) Skidmore and Walker look quite similar.
4.03pm GMT
Cat Smith, the shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs, has confirmed that she will vote for the article 50 bill.
@joepike @jeremycorbyn @GranadaReports that won't be an issue, I'll be voting with the whip at second reading next week.
3.56pm GMT
The Labour MP Steve Reed has given an unusually candid justification for his party not blocking the article 50 bill.
If Labour blocks Art50 May will call election & on current polls Labour will lose seats to Tories/UKIP who will then make Brexit deal worse
3.49pm GMT
This is from Sky’s Beth Rigby. Cat Smith is the shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs. As my colleague Jessica Elgot report, she is one of the people who reported spoke against the plan to impose a three-line whip at today’s shadow cabinet meeting.
NEW: Cat Smith's office say she's staying on. "She has no intention of resigning and intents to vote with the whip" Awaiting Lewis & Stevens
3.41pm GMT
The Lib Dems say they will be tabling their own reasoned amendment opposing the second reading of the article 50 bill, but they have not released the text yet.
3.37pm GMT
The Labour MP for Cambridge, Daniel Zeichner, has confirmed that he will defy the party whip and vote against article 50. Zeichner is a shadow transport minister. This tweet is from the BBC’s Tom Barton.
Cambridge MP @DanielZeichner tells me he will defy @jeremycorbyn's 3-line whip and vote against Article 50
3.34pm GMT
Labour will not oppose the second reading of the article 50 bill but there will be a vote at 7pm next Wednesday, at the end of the two-day debate, because the SNP and other opposition parties are tabling reasoned amendments. Parties use reasoned amendments when, instead of simply voting against a bill at second reason, they want to vote against but at the same time explain their reasons.
According to the SNP, their reasoned amendment will say that the bill should not get a second reading “because the UK government has failed to properly consult with the devolved administrations and has so far failed to produce a white Ppper on its plan for Brexit.”
That this House declines to give a second reading to the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill because it fails to provide enduring legal protection to the economic and social interests of the people of the United Kingdom in the event of exit from the European Union, fails in particular to guarantee the UK’s future membership of both the single market and the customs union, essential to the future prosperity of the UK, thereby failing to ensure continuation of free movement and the existing reciprocal rights enjoyed by EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in EU member states, fails to guarantee maintenance of environmental regulation at least as strong as current EU regulation, fails to prevent a race to the bottom on corporate taxation and on workers’ and consumers’ rights, fails to guarantee young people rights to work, travel and study in the EU at least equal to those they enjoy now, otherwise fails to adequately address the immense constitutional implications of withdrawal from the EU, including the future of the Good Friday Agreement, fails to adequately address the almost certain need for a transitional arrangement with the EU, and fails to guarantee a ratification referendum on any withdrawal agreements negotiated with the other EU member states.
3.07pm GMT
With many MPs condemning Donald Trump over his comments about waterboarding, the Conservative MP Bob Stewart has defended torture and given details of how he acted as torturer while serving as a solider in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. Asked on BBC Five Live whether torture can ever be justified he said:
I think it is sometimes. Before 1977 I was a soldier in Northern Ireland and there were five forbidden techniques introduced in 1977 some of which I had used prior that: spread eagling, sleep deprivation. So technically as you look at it today I was a kind of a torturer.
Of course it was acceptable then. It is now unacceptable and now it is defined as torture.
Sleep deprivation, lack of food, perhaps as I’ve done showing people pictures of their friends that have been blown up, that sort of thing.
No one likes torture, not even Trump likes torture, but the fact of the matter is sometimes it might work. And sometimes it might be justified.
I wonder whether everyone listening to this programme would consider a certain amount of persuasion. I don’t agree with waterboarding, but a certain amount of persuasion might be justified if someone for example had the knowledge about where a nuclear weapon was going to explode in London was. That is where I suggest that people might say a certain amount of persuasion could be justified.
You have to think very carefully about what pressure you can put on people in order to get that information to stop people’s lives being lost.
2.47pm GMT
Here’s my colleague Jessica Elgot’s full story on Jeremy Corbyn’s decision to impose a three-line whip on Labour MPs to vote for the article 50 bill.
Related: Article 50: Labour MPs consider resigning over Corbyn's three-line whip
2.02pm GMT
According to a senior Labour source, Labour will not order its MPs to vote against the government programme motion allowing just five days for all the Commons debates on the article 50 bill. The source said that the timetable was set by the government, and that Labour’s priority has been to ensure that enough time is set aside for its amendments to get debated at committee and report stage.
Labour whips seem to be happy with the time they have been given. But the decision not to vote against the programme motion will anger Ben Bradshaw (see 12.58pm) and other Labour MPs who think the party should oppose it so that more time can be set aside for debate.
1.52pm GMT
Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, has told Sky News that the article 50 vote will be hard for Labour.
Emily Thornberry on possible front bench resignations: I'm not saying this is easy this is hard... but this is a national party" #Brexitbill
1.46pm GMT
Tulip Siddiq, shadow minister for early years, has said she will resign from the front bench if she has to in order to be able to vote against article 50, Sky’s Beth Rigby reports.
NEW Tulip Siddiq tells me she'll resign from front bench if 3 line whip. MPs saying Clive Lewis/Cat Smith/Dawn Butler/Jo Stevens'll quit too
NEW: Dawn Butler refused to confirm that she would obey a three-line whip on the Article 50 bill – “[I’m] not taking surveys on this”
1.22pm GMT
Jeremy Corbyn has recorded a short clip for broadcasters about the article 50 bill. It’s just been shown on Sky. Asked if the party would impose a three-line whip telling its MPs to vote for the bill, he at first replied:
It will be a clear decision that we want all of our MPs to support the article 50 vote when it comes up next week.
It’s clearly a three-line whip. It is a vote on the article 50 ... We will put out a statement today to our members that we want them to vote for article 50.
I fully understand the pressures and issues that members are under, those who represent leave constituencies and those who represent remain constituencies. Labour is in the almost unique position of having MPs representing constituencies in both directions and very strongly in both directions.
I say to everyone unite around the important issues of jobs, economy, security, rights, justice, those issues, and we will frame that relationship with Europe in the future, outside the Europe but in concert with friends, whether those countries are in the EU or outside the EU. That’s the message we’re putting out. And I’m asking all of our MPs not to block article 50 but to make sure it goes through next week.
1.12pm GMT
Jeremy Corbyn has just confirmed in an interview with Sky News that he will impose a three-line whip telling Labour MPs to back the article 50 bill.
I will post the quotes in a moment.
1.09pm GMT
The Labour MP Louise Ellman has announced that she will vote against triggering article 50.
Last night I spoke to @BBCNWT about my decision to vote against triggering #Article50. Liverpool Riverside voted overwhelmingly to Remain. pic.twitter.com/kVlBF0Y5Hp
1.09pm GMT
Theresa May is probably currently over the Atlantic on her way to America and Donald Trump. In an article about her visit, my colleague Polly Toynbee thinks she should be reading Trump’s book.
On her flight, she should read [Trump’s] obnoxious book, The Art of the Deal, where the other guy is always shafted. Sure, he’ll promise a deal and she’ll come home pretending triumph. But in hammering out the terms, detail by detail, we shall eat humble pie made of genetically modified, hormone-injected meat. Our City of London, our public services, our NHS risk being devoured by predatory US companies, with any resistance adjudicated by a US trade court far more onerous than the shared European court of justice she derides.
Related: On her flight May should read Trump’s book: the other guy is always shafted | Polly Toynbee
12.58pm GMT
On the Daily Politics Andrew Neil has just told Labour’s Ben Bradshaw about Jessica Elgot’s story about Jeremy Corbyn imposing a three-line whip on the article 50 bill. Bradshaw replied:
Well, I think that’s a great pity. I can’t support that. I don’t know why we’re doing that. We’re supposed to be an opposition. An opposition’s job is to oppose and to scrutinise.
12.40pm GMT
Jeremy Corbyn will impose a three-line whip on MPs to vote in favour of triggering Article 50 when the bill comes before parliament next week, after a tense shadow cabinet meeting, the Guardian understands.
Shadow cabinet ministers are understood to have opposed the move, with others argue for a free vote on the issue given the difference of opinion in the party. Senior figures warned there may be resignations from the front bench.
12.35pm GMT
The House of Commons website has also published the explanatory notes that go with the article 50 bill.
They are not too long but, irritatingly, they have been posted page by page, not as a single document. So here they are in full.
1 The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill (“the Bill”) has 2 clauses. A summary of, and background to, the Bill is provided below.
12.25pm GMT
David Davis, the Brexit secretary, has issued this statement about the bill.
The British people have made the decision to leave the EU and this government is determined to get on with the job of delivering it.
So today we have introduced a bill in parliament which will allow us to formally trigger Article 50 by the end of March.
12.22pm GMT
The article 50 bill has just been published.
Here is the text on parliament’s website.
The EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill - An historic day & the culmination of somany peoples' endeavours #Brexit pic.twitter.com/ESQsvxFCHF
12.17pm GMT
The article 50 bill, or the European Union(notice of withdrawal) bill, to give it its formal title, has just had its first Commons reading.
There is no debate at first reading. Instead, following the usual practice, the deputy Speaker, Eleanor Laing, announced: “Presentation of bill - Mr Secretary David Davis.” Davis, who was on the front bench, rose, and a clerk read out the title of the bill. Laing then said: “Second reading, what day?” A government whip shouted “tomorrow”, which is what they always say, even though the second reading is not tomorrow, but Tuesday next week. (I can’t remember why it happens like that; it’s one of the many barmy eccentricities of parliament.”
12.05pm GMT
Labour’s Kevin Brennan asks for an assurance that MPs will get more time to debate the article 50 bill than peers.
Lidington says the House of Lords has its own procedures. The government cannot restrict how long it takes. But he says MPs will have the final say.
12.02pm GMT
This is from the Labour MP Helen Goodman.
Government showing contempt for parliament in offering only 3 days for committe stage of #Article50 for #Brexit bill.
11.59am GMT
The SNP’s Alex Salmond says the time set aside for the article 50 debate is disgraceful. He asks if the white paper will be published before the debate.
Lidington says the people voted to leave the EU. Some MPs may not like that, but they have to accept it.
11.57am GMT
Labour’s Ben Bradshaw has tweeted this. It means he wants Labour as a party to vote against the programme motion that MPs will have to pass agreeing the five-day timetable for the article 50 bill.
Every @UKLabour back bencher speaking has opposed Tory plan to curtail debate on Brexit Bill/ #Article50. Hope @labourwhips are listening.
11.50am GMT
Labour’s Mike Gapes says Lidington will recall the “many, many days” spend debating the Maastricht treaty. Did Lidington look at how much time was set aside for debating Europe when the Commons voted to join the EEC in the 1970s.
Lidington says the Maastricht debates were not the Commons’ greatest moment of glory.
11.47am GMT
Anna Soubry, a Conservative, asks if the Labour front bench will back the government’s programme motion for the bill.
Lidington says he cannot discuss what conversations have taken place between the usual channels (ie, the whips). But he says what Labour figures have made statements about the bill that have often been contradictory.
11.45am GMT
Labour’s Chuka Umunna says the timetable laid down for the article 50 debate proves the point that the late Lord Hailsham made about government’s acting like an “elective dictatorship”. Why is the government trying to muzzle MPs, he asks.
Lidington says that in December last year MPs voted not just in favour of the government being able to trigger article 50, but also in favour of the March timetable. This bill will make that possible.
11.41am GMT
The Lib Dem MP Tom Brake asks if there will be a money resolution to go with the bill.
Lidington says the prime minister does not need any extra financial resources to trigger article 50.
11.40am GMT
Labour’s Chris Leslie says the amount of time being set aside for the article 50 debate is one eighth of the amount of time set aside for the Maastricht bill. The Single European Act, the Amsterdam treaty and the Lisbon treaty all got much more too, he says.
Lidington accuses Leslie of “synthetic” outrage. He says those debates were about ratifying treaties. This is much more straightforward, he says.
11.38am GMT
Sir Edward Leigh, a Conservative, says that MPs should not complain about getting five days to debate a two-clause bill. He says that on Tuesday next week the debate will go on until midnight. (Normally the debate would end at 10pm.)
Lidington confirms the Commons will sit until midnight on Tuesday.
11.35am GMT
The Labour MP David Lammy is also accusing the government of showing “contempt for parliament” by not setting aside more time for the article 50 debate.
2 days to debate 2nd Reading of Brexit Bill shows contempt for Parliamentary sovereignty. Most important decision taken for generations
11.34am GMT
Asked how much time will be set aside on each of the days when the article 50 bill is being debated, Lidington says the government will try to ensure that the time set aside does not get eaten up by statements and urgent questions.
11.32am GMT
Labour’s Ben Bradshaw says Brexit is the most important issue facing the country for a generation. Having just three days for the committee and report stages is completely unacceptable, he says. It is a “contempt of parliament”. He says he hopes MPs will vote against the programme motion.
Lidington says Labour voted to hold the referendum.
11.31am GMT
Sir Oliver Letwin, the Conservative former Cabinet Office minister, asks Lidington if the government will resist every amendment tabled during the article 50 bill’s report stage.
Lidington says the bill is a simple one, just giving the government the authority to trigger article 50. But he does not directly address the question.
11.25am GMT
The Labour MP Ben Bradshaw has described the amount of time set aside for the article 50 bill as a “disgrace”.
The Tories' restriction of debate on detail of #Article50 to just 3 days is a disgrace. @UKLabour must oppose this contempt for Parliament
Not enough. We had much more on Maastricht. https://t.co/UzduEOMKHc
11.16am GMT
David Lidington, the leader of the Commons, has just told MPs that MPs will get five days to debate the article 50 bill.
He said the second reading debate would take place over two days, on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. That means that the key second reading vote will be on Wednesday.
11.04am GMT
While David Davis was taking questions in the Commons, Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, was giving evidence to a Lords committee. Here are the key points so far, with tweets from the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour, the Mail’s Matt Dathan, the Telegraph’s Steven Swinford and PoliticsHome’s Emilio Casalicchio.
Boris Johnson says Donald Trump has made no new official pronouncements or policy, but UK position on torture is unchanged.
Asked about Trump's support for torture, Boris says 'we have to be v careful with this' as we've not seen 'any policy changes/pronouncements pic.twitter.com/LpuWMc0Ds9
Boris Johnson "The PM in Commons was very clear that our principled position and objection to torture is unchanged".
Boris Johnson says that Donald Trump has put Britain 'at the front of the line' for a trade deal. Says he is 'very hopeful' for relationship
Johnson dodges question on Trump's plan to ban refugees, but says warnings of reprisals deserves to be heard loud and clear in White House.
Boris Johnson says UK no longer in a "long slow glissando of post-war decline, introversion and shrinking horizons".
Johnson on Syria calls for election or plebiscite in which 11m IDPs are fully entitled to vote. "We believe in democracy".
Johnson says after a Syrian, probably federal, peace settlement he can imagine that UK would want to be involved as peacekeepers.
Boris Johnson remarkably softer on Russia since Syria peace talks. "We cannot constantly push them away and demonise them". At Lords Cttee.
10.33am GMT
Nigel Huddleston, a Conservative, asks if the government will be seeking visa-free travel between the UK and the EU after Brexit.
David Jones says the government hopes to put in place “frictionless” arrangements.
10.29am GMT
The Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney asks if the government will publish an impact assessment on the effect of leaving the single market.
David Jones, the Brexit minister, says the government will not be publishing impact assessments that might be helpful to people with whom it is negotiating.
10.27am GMT
Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, says Labour will table an amendment to the bill asking Davis to publish reports to parliament every two months on progress in the Brexit talks.
Davis says he has given five statement in the Commons since getting his job. Asking MPs to hear from him every two months might be a rather unambitious aim, he says.
10.21am GMT
Republican senator John Thune, who will chair Theresa May’s meeting with Republicans in Philadelphia later, said he hoped that Brexit would be a chance to “develop a really strong bilateral trade agreement between the US-UK.”
Hinting that Republicans in congress were less convinced that Trump about the need for a new era of America First protectionism, Thune told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
The new administration obviously has a bold agenda but most of that agenda has to be done in collaboration with Congress where we believe in open trade, we believe in alliances that are so important to our national security and we’ll continue to pursue policies that are jointly beneficial.
There are certain things the US administration can accomplish by executive action. But there are certain things that are accomplished with the collaboration of congress and trade agreements are one of those. We are very committed as a nation to exports for our economy and the world economy as well.
Donald Trump should withdraw and Mike Pence should be our nominee effective immediately.
10.20am GMT
Labour’s Vicky Foxcroft says every trade agreement has an independent trade dispute mechanism. Does this issue need to be addressed?
Davis says there are a range of models that the UK and the EU could choose. They are looking at agreed arbitration mechanisms. That is not the same as the ECJ, he suggests.
10.18am GMT
Sir Simon Burns, a Conservative, asks Davis if he can say what the problems are that have led to a few EU member states stopping an early deal on protecting the rights of EU nationals living in the UK.
Davis says he is not able to say exactly what their problems are.
10.15am GMT
The Ukip MP Douglas Carswell asks if the government will listen to scientists, not just big business, when replacing the clinical trials directive.
Davis agrees. He says he thinks the original EU directive was poorly drafted.
10.14am GMT
Labour’s Chi Onwurah says the prime minister is meeting a president who defends torture. Will the government adopt a moral position?
Davis says Onwurah knows his stance on torture. The government does not condone or accept torture under any circumstances.
10.12am GMT
The SNP MP Stuart Donaldson asks what assessment the government has made of the impact of EU nationals having to leave on public services.
Davis says the government does not intend EU nationals living in the UK to to have to leave.
10.10am GMT
Jeremy Corbyn has used Twitter to say that Theresa May must condemn waterboarding when she visits Donald Trump in Washington.
. @theresa_may when you meet @realDonaldTrump, you must put our values, not America first.
Say no to Waterboarding. It's torture
10.02am GMT
The Labour MP Stella Creasy says it is “extraordinary” that David Davis cannot commit to publishing the white paper before MPs debate the article 50 bill. (See 9.49am.)
Just extraordinary- the biggest change in our country's status for a generation and they want to rush legislation through blind #brexithaos https://t.co/kcM4LvlfHX
10.00am GMT
Charlie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover, says the government may end up having to impose tariffs. Does Davis agree that, using modern technology, you can do this without having to collect tariffs at the border.
Davis says Elphicke is right.
In Commons making case that we can be ready to manage an efficient border if EU will not agree a zero tarriff trade deal after #Brexit
9.58am GMT
Labour’s Helen Goodman asks when MPs will be able to consider the cost of setting up new agencies to replace the EU ones.
Davis says this may come up in legislation. The government will talk about the costs and benefits of various options.
9.58am GMT
Michael Gove, the Conservative former justice secretary and leading Vote Leave campaigner, says article 50 requires the EU to consider what sort of future relationship it will have with the UK. He urges the government to show “generosity” and to tell the EU that the UK will offer them tariff-free trade.
Davis says this is what the government wants to achieve.
9.56am GMT
Sir Oliver Letwin, the former Cabinet Office minister, asks if the government will publish its plans for high-skilled immigration as soon as possible.
Robin Walker, a Brexit minister, says it would be good to sort this out quickly.
9.52am GMT
Asked if the white paper will include plans for a seasonal agricultural workers scheme, to allow farmers to hire foreign labour, the Brexit minister David Jones says this is one option that is being considered.
9.49am GMT
The Conservative Anna Soubry asks when the white paper will be published.
Davis said it will be published “as expeditious as it can be”.
9.44am GMT
Labour’s Hilary Benn, chair of the Brexit committee, says a UK-EU trade deal would need an arbitration mechanism. Would it be the European court of justice? If not, what would it be?
Davis says there would need to be an arbitration mechanism, although mediation would come first. But there is a difference between an arbitration mechanism and a court that reaches into every area of national life.
9.43am GMT
David Davis, the Brexit secretary, is taking Brexit questions in the Commons.
The Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire asks how firms can have confidence in the government’s ability to negotiate good trade deals when we have hardly any trade negotiators.
9.38am GMT
And Nick Clegg, the former Lib Dem leader and former deputy prime minister, has criticised Theresa May for meeting President Trump and the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, while turning down an invitation to address the Irish parliament.
So, PM rushes to be photographed with Trump and Erdogan but won’t find time to speak to Irish Dail. Has No.10 completely lost the plot?
9.27am GMT
The Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston has also used Twitter to make it clear that she does not think Theresa May should be praising Donald Trump’s leadership.
You cannot lead on a global stage by advocating torture, disgusting racial stereotyping & turning back the clock on women's rights worldwide https://t.co/LqNQ08Lgbu
8.58am GMT
Theresa May is flying to America this morning and will be meeting Donald Trump tomorrow. Downing Street have briefed extracts from a speech she will give to Republicans later today praising the new president. She will say:
So as we rediscover our confidence together – as you renew your nation just as we renew ours – we have the opportunity, indeed the responsibility, to renew the special relationship for this new age. We have the opportunity to lead, together, again.
Related: Theresa May to seek special deal with Trump in White House visit
Please don't do this Theresa. UK can work with US without praising him. Really hoping you are better than this https://t.co/RgMoTk9nth
Nothing shd shock me anymore but am so disturbed that @Number10gov thinks it's OK to brief TMay "praising" Trump just as he endorses torture https://t.co/Zt8Yw3zuv9
As all we know, love & admire about the US falls under a dark shadow, Mrs May arrives in Washington in supplication. We should all quaich.
Trump announces migration ban on Muslims, the Mexican wall & the return of torture. Theresa May hails his election as a "moment of renewal". https://t.co/zgp6uEa5vP
Appalling error by May to grovel to #Trump for trade deal. He wants to destroy #freetrade
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