Brexit news – live: Boris Johnson’s renegotiation plan shot down by likely new EU chief, as Tories go to war over ambassador to US
Follow for live updates from Westminster
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.Senior Tories are at war over the appointment of a new ambassador to the US, as one ally of Boris Johnson accused Theresa May of being “in denial” over the fact she must soon give up the reins of power.
Mr Johnson has come under fire after it emerged that Sir Kim Darroch had decided to quit after Mr Johnson refused to support him during a televised leadership debate.
Elsewhere, Labour was plunged into fresh rows after whistleblowers claimed Jeremy Corbyn's team had interfered in the handling of antisemitism complaints.
See below for live updates
The nominee to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as EU commission president has vowed to defend the "precious" Irish backstop and signalled that she would not reopen Brexit talks.
At a hearing of MEPs in Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen took the same line as her predecessor, dashing hopes in Westminster that the EU would use the leadership handover to adjust its stance.
“I think it’s a good deal, but it is your responsibility and your noble task to sort this out,” the German politician told a remain-backing British MEP in the European Parliament.
TalkRadio has an interesting clip from Amber Rudd here, which appears to show a shift in her stance towards a no-deal Brexit.
Ms Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, has been a staunch critic of a disorderly Brexit but appears to be warming to it. Could she be trying to keep herself in the cabinet under a new PM?
Downing Street has refused to be drawn on whether Theresa May intends to appoint a new ambassador to the US before she leaves office.
The Prime Minister's spokesman said only that a successor to Sir Kim Darroch would be announced "in due course".
"The ambassador is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Foreign Secretary with the approval of the Queen," the spokesman said.
"In terms of this particular replacement, that will take place in due course."
"What do the votes for abortion and gay marriage in Northern Ireland mean for devolution," asks the Indy's Andrew Grice.
Read his analysis here:
Ursula von der Leyen, the nominee to be the next president of the European Commission, has signalled that she will not reopen Brexit negotiations - dealing a major to blow to Boris Johnson's and Jeremy Hunt's promises to renegotiate the current deal.
A no-deal Brexit is "not entirely within the control" of the UK, according to Liam Fox.
The international trade Secretary, asked by Conservative MP Andrew Lewer to explain why some nations such as Canada are "refusing" to roll-over existing EU trade agreements while others have done so.
He told the Commons: "Continuity of existing trade terms is in everybody's interest.
"I have to say when this House of Commons gives mixed signals about the possibility of a no-deal, quite understandably some of our trading partners wonder if it's actually worth investing in getting those continuity agreements.
"What I would say to those trading partners is that no-deal is not entirely within the control of the United Kingdom.
"We may end up in a no-deal exit from the European Union, it's in everybody's interests to have those safety nets in place."
Dr Fox later announced the intention to create a new trade commissioner for Australasia.
Hundreds of Tommy Robinson supporters have gathered outside parliament to demonstrate against his latest imprisonment. They shouted his name and "We want Tommy out", as well as levelling abuse at the police and the BBC. We'll have some images and video for you shortly.
Alistair Burt, the former Foreign Office minister, has said Iran is "looking for opportunities to poke sticks at others".
He tells BBC Radio 4's World At One: "You have a position where Iran's behaviour in the region has obviously caused concern and there has been action taken by the United States in relation to the nuclear agreement which is not having the desired effect in terms of getting Iran back to the negotiating table or anything else.
"Iran is doubling down and Iran is looking for opportunities to poke sticks at others and is succeeding in doing so.
"The risk of course is that something goes wrong and that one of these potential confrontations slips out of control."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments