Brexit - as it happened: Theresa May reiterates opposition to Donald Trump's Jerusalem move during phone call

All the latest updates from Westminster throughout Tuesday

Theresa May chairs meeting with cabinet on 'end state' with the EU

Welcome to The Independent’s politics liveblog. Theresa May has spoken with Donald Trump about his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and the need for a "swift" bilateral trade deal after Brexit.

Earlier, she met her full Cabinet and ministers set our their own visions for the UK’s relationship with the EU after Brexit.

The meeting lasted for an hour and 45 minutes and some 25 ministers spoke, according to the Prime Minister's official spokesman.

Discussions on the so-called “end state” come amid reports that the Prime Minister and her aides are planning a speech – similar to Lancaster House and Florence – where Ms May will set out the Government’s vision for future trade with the bloc.

Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, has also given another interview, insisting there will be no special arrangement to allow City firms to trade freely in the EU if Britain leaves the single market – a further blow to Ms May’s hopes of securing a bespoke deal with Brussels.

In comments likely to infuriate hardline Brexiteers, Mr Barnier said that the UK must follow all EU rules during the expected two-year transition period following the official date of Brexit in March 2019 - including laws introduced during that time with no British input into decisions.

Key Points

• Theresa May meets with Cabinet to discuss future relationship with EU
• 'No place' for the City of London's financial services in any Brexit trade deal, Michel Barnier warns
• But May hits back insisting Britain will get a bespoke deal
• EU may refuse to back Britain over the Falklands after Brexit, former UN ambassador warns
• May voices opposition to Trump's Jerusalem move during phone call

[19 December 2017 12:34 · Ashley Cowburn]

The Number 10 briefing is now underway. We'll be bringing you an update on those Cabinet discussions and any further details after 1pm. 

[19 December 2017 12:36 · Ashley Cowburn]

[19 December 2017 13:04 · Ashley Cowburn]

[19 December 2017 13:05 · Ashley Cowburn]

This is a clip of Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Home Affairs Select Committee in Westminster, grilling Twitter's VP earlier today. 

[19 December 2017 13:25 · Ashley Cowburn]

[19 December 2017 13:31 · Ashley Cowburn]

This is from my colleague Lizzy Buchan who has just been to the Downing Street briefing: 

Some 25 ministers spoke during today’s Cabinet detailed discussions, which lasted for an hour and 45 minutes, according the Prime Minister’s official spokesman.

At a regular Westminster briefing, Ms May’s spokesman said ministers were in agreement during the meeting and it was “clear what the Government wants to achieve” through the next phase of the Brexit talks.

He said: “The PM said the starting points for the discussion were the speeches at Lancaster House and at Florence which set the framework for the overall relationship we should seek with the EU.

“This is a new deep and special partnership, spanning both a new economic relationship and a new relationship on security.

“The PM said it was clear what the Cabinet’s objective is - a deal which secures the best possible trading terms with the EU, enables the UK to set rules that are right for our situation and facilitates ambitious third country trade deals.”

Ms May told ministers to be “creative” in coming up with proposals and it was clear that the Government wants to move quickly to find an agreement with Brussels.

Both David David, the Brexit Secretary, and the Prime Minister, agreed to seek “a bespoke deal” and Ms May ruled out replicating a European Economic Area model or a Canada-style trade deal, her spokesman said.

He added: “Further Cabinet discussions will take place earlier in the New Year on the future partnership and the precise nature of the implementation period.

“The PM, summing up, said the positions adopted by the Government would be in the national interest and she was confident of building a dynamic post-Brexit economy which will deliver growth, jobs, prosperity and a better future.”

[19 December 2017 13:39 · Ashley Cowburn]

[19 December 2017 14:10 · Kristin Hugo]

Top psephologist, BBC Exit Poll compiler and all round election demi God Professor John Curtice has published a new study on What the 2017 Election Tells Us.

His Centre for Social Research concludes that - don't panic - British politics is still all about left versus right, but it isn't just about that anymore.

  

[19 December 2017 14:20 · Ashley Cowburn]

[19 December 2017 14:39 · Ashley Cowburn]

Here is some reaction to today's Cabinet meeting. 

Chuka Umunna, a Labour MP and supporter of the pro-EU group Open Britain, “It is disgraceful and a dereliction of duty that the Cabinet has only today – eighteen months after the referendum – had an opening full discussion about what our future relationship with Europe should look like.

“The problem is clear. The Cabinet cannot agree among themselves about what Brexit outcome they want beyond an unrealistic ambition to have cake and eat it. Going into the most complex negotiations in modern British history without a clear plan of action is irresponsible and very unlikely to deliver what the Government promised – a deal that gives us the ‘exact same benefits’ as we enjoy now.

“Brexit is significantly more complex than anyone could have realised during the referendum campaign. As new facts continue to emerge and the costs spiral, people have every right to keep an open mind on whether Brexit as delivered matches what was promised, and whether it is really the right choice for the country.”

Tom Brake, the Liberal Democrats Brexit spokesperson, added: “By ruling out membership of the single market, Theresa May is threatening thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of tax revenue.

“Today’s rare display of Cabinet unity won’t fool anyone.

“We all know David Davis is incapable of negotiating a deal that will satisfy his own backbenchers while protecting people’s jobs and living standards.

“It is families across the country, not Conservative ministers, who will pay the price for this botched Brexit.