Brexit news - live: Medicine charter flights and drug rationing may be enforced if UK leaves EU with no deal, government admits
Follow the latest updates on the debate
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
A no-deal Brexit could see charter planes used to fly in drugs to prop up the NHS and medicines given priority access through gridlocked ports, health secretary Matt Hancock has said.
The minister also revealed the government was consulting on plans for chemists to ration medication so that patients can retain access to vital treatments in the event of shortages caused by the UK’s withdrawal.
His remarks come as embattled prime minister Theresa May was criticised by backbench Tory rebels and the DUP over her “desperate” comprise efforts to attract support for her beleaguered deal.
Follow the latest on the day’s Brexit developments below:
Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load
The Liberal Democrats have launched a bid to force a second referendum by tabling an amendment to next week's crucial House of Commons vote.
But the move exposed divisions among supporters of a fresh poll, with the People's Vote campaign denouncing it as "deeply unhelpful" and accusing the Lib Dems of "political point-scoring".
The cross-party People's Vote group has been concentrating on ensuring prime minister Theresa May's package is rejected by Parliament before launching a push for a referendum at the point when they believe it will have maximum support.
The amendment, tabled by leader Sir Vince Cable with the backing of all Lib Dem MPs, would require the Government to take "all necessary steps" to prepare for a referendum with the options of leave or remain on the ballot paper.
Crucially, unlike another amendment tabled by Labour, it does not state that Ms May's deal and a no-deal Brexit should be ruled out.
This means that, if accepted by MPs, the Lib Dem amendment could result in Mrs May's plan being approved subject to confirmation in a referendum.
Lib Dem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: "The Liberal Democrats have led the campaign for a people's vote. We are proud to have tabled an amendment which, if passed, would ensure the people get the final say on Brexit.
"Whilst we have heard warm words from Labour MPs, including the shadow chancellor, Labour seem unlikely to support a final say despite it being popular with their voters and members. However, if Labour MPs and others who are concerned about the country's future want to join us, Liberal Democrats would welcome their support.
Responding to health secretary Matt Hancock's comments this morning, the CEO of trade body the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has warned stockpiling more medicines post-Brexit "is not the solution to this problem".Mike Thompson said drug firms were already doing everything in their power to maintain access to medicines under all Brexit scenarios but said "there are things which are out of our control".
"Today's update on potential border delays for six months in a 'no deal' scenario is stark," he added.
"Stockpiling more medicines is not the solution to this problem.
"While we welcome the Secretary of State's intention to prioritise the flow of medicines and vaccines, we need the detail.
"With just 16 weeks until the UK leaves the EU, we need the Government to take immediate action to open up alternative supply routes between the UK and Europe and tell companies so that they can make plans."
John McDonnell has dismissed suggestions by Len McCluskey, leader of Unite, that Labour supporting a fresh Brexit referendum would be seen as a betrayal of voters
John McDonnell also said he believed the EU would be willing to reopen negotiations if Theresa May's Brexit deal is voted down.
Speaking in Glasgow, he said:
"We believe that next week, when Theresa May's deal is voted down, Parliament will have the opportunity to explore other routes.
"We've offered a route that could gain sufficient support and that does mean reopening negotiations rapidly.
"It happened with regards to the Lisbon Treaty when a couple of countries had a referendum and took a different view."
A row has broken out among supporters of a fresh Brexit referendum after the Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment calling for the public to be given a Final Say, writes Rob Merrick...
Liam Fox's PPS, Mike Wood MP, has said he will resign unless Theresa May's proposed Brexit deal is altered before the meaningful vote on Tuesday
The ministerial aide told The Guardian:
“What I have indicated to the prime minister is that while I support most of the deal, I have some big issues with the backstop. If some of those aren’t addressed then I don’t think I will be able to support it.
“Clearly the ministerial code says that if I can’t support, I would have to resign. I am very much hoping that there are enough changes and reassurances by Tuesday for me to vote with the government."
More than 50 MPs and MEPs from 18 European countries have called for an EU-wide Magnitsky Act to tackle human rights abuses
That's all for today's live coverage - see you on Monday at the start of a huge week in Westminster, during which MPs will decide whether or not to approve Theresa May's Brexit deal.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments