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As it happenedended

Brexit today - as it happened: Theresa May questioned on the latest EU negotiating position in the Commons

Follow all the latest updates from Westminster here

Ashley Cowburn
Political Correspondent
Monday 18 December 2017 09:47 GMT
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Theresa May arrives for the European Union summit in Brussels
Theresa May arrives for the European Union summit in Brussels (Reuters)

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Theresa May has met her most senior ministers in Cabinet to discuss - for the first time - what kind of trade deal the UK should pursue with the EU after Brexit.

The Prime Minister also addressed the House of Commons, telling MPs she will attempt to finalise free trade deals with countries outside the bloc “where possible” - setting her on collision course with Brussels.

But she was urged by the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to "face down" Cabinet ministers who want to scrap EU regulations which limit the working week.

He asked the Prime Minister to "categorically" offer assurances over her intent to maintain the standards of the Working Time Directive during any transition period and beyond. Ms May, replying after updating MPs, reiterated the Government intends to "enhance" workers' rights.

It comes after Stefaan De Rynck, an adviser to the EU’s top Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, told an audience in London that the post-withdrawal transition period is “not a given” as he highlighted tensions between London and Brussels.

Mr De Rynck said the EU's goal was to have a fully-written withdrawal treaty ready for ratification by October next year, but stressed many issues needed to be worked out in the tight timeframe and that Britain would not be allowed to pick and choose a “buffet” option.

This liveblog is now closed but you can see all of Monday's developments below.

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 12:19

The Independent's deputy political editor Rob Merrick is at Chatham House in London where Stefan de Rynck - an adviser to Michel Barnier - is giving a speech. He will later be taking questions and we'll bring you any updates.

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 12:21

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 12:31

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 12:34

This is the agenda in the Commons today - May's statement should begin around 3.30. 

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 12:42

Theresa May has congratulated Austria's new chancellor Sebastian Kurz on the formation of his government amid protests against his coalition with the right-wing nationalist Freedom Party.

Asked if Mrs May approved of the coalition, her official spokesman said: "As I would always say in relation to formation of governments in other countries, they are a matter for those countries."

He added: "The PM has this morning spoken to the new Austrian chancellor to congratulate him on the formation of his government.

"They agreed that they looked forward to working together, including during Austria's EU presidency which is due to take place in the second half of 2018." 

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 12:53
Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 13:15
Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 13:25
Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 13:35

The chief executive of investment bank Goldman Sachs has waded into the debate over whether a second Brexit referendum is needed, after new polling showed Britain turning its backs on EU withdrawal.

Lloyd Blankfein said he had to take an interest because the global bank “employs thousands of UK citizens”, after the survey for The Independent showed more voters now back staying in the EU than at any time since the June 2016 vote.

The poll conducted by BMG Research showed just 41 per cent still want Brexit, while 51 per cent now back staying in the union, with the lead buoyed by those who did not vote in 2016.

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 13:40

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