Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Theresa May meets opposition leaders to find way forward as Corbyn threatens further votes of no confidence

Ashley Cowburn
Thursday 17 January 2019 16:45 GMT
Comments
How MPs voted in the no-confidence motion against the Government

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Theresa May is set to meet opposition leaders and eurosceptics within her party as she attempts to find a way forward for Brexit after her plan suffered the biggest Commons defeat in history.

The prime minister called on politicians to “put self-interest aside” and work together after squeaking through a vote of no confidence called in the wake of Monday's defeat by a margin of just 19 votes, thanks to support from the DUP.

Last night Ms May held talks with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville-Roberts, but Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn refused to meet her until she rules out a no-deal Brexit.

Speaking in Hastings, Mr Corbyn repeated his position and confirmed that he would table repeat votes of no confidence to try to trigger a general election.

Labour will also push for a Commons vote on its own Brexit plan – a customs union, “strong” alignment with the single market and protected workers’ and environmental rights – later this month.

This liveblog has now closed, but scroll above to see how the day's events unfolded

Jeremy Corbyn has just taken to the podium in Hastings.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:20

Jeremy Corbyn says Theresa May needs to ditch her red-lines and "get serious" about her proposals for the future.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:21

A snap poll conducted in the wake of the crushing defeat of Theresa May's Brexit plan found a 12-point lead for remaining in the EU - the largest margin since the 2016 referendum.

The YouGov survey of more than 1,000 voters on Wednesday found 56% would now vote to stay in the EU, against 44% who want to leave.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:24

About 200 people are in Hastings listening to Corbyn speaking right now - he reiterates a point he has made several times, that Brexit has distracted from domestic issues.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:26

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:28

Mr Corbyn says that if their plans to hold a general election is blocked, they will look at our options, including a second referendum.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:31

Mr Corbyn said that after Mrs May's defeat in Parliament on Tuesday, it was "clear that her EU deal is now finished".

"There can be no question of tweaks or sweeteners from Brussels to bring it back to life," he said.

"The Prime Minister seems completely unable to grasp what has actually happened. She seems to be prepared to send the country hurtling towards a cliff edge.

"To get a deal that can command a majority in Parliament, Theresa May has to ditch the red lines and get serious about proposals for the future."

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:35

Our deputy political editor, Rob Merrick with his thoughts: 

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:38

Interestingly Jeremy Corbyn did say that if no agreement is reached, extending Article 50 is an option

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:44

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 11:45

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in