Brexit news - LIVE: Jeremy Corbyn denies calling Theresa May 'stupid woman' after uproar in parliament
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Your support makes all the difference.Jeremy Corbyn today came under pressure to apologise after MPs accused him of calling the prime minister a “stupid woman” during a heated exchange in the Commons.
The Labour leader firmly denied he had made a misogynistic remark, claiming during a point of order later on Wednesday that he muttered “stupid people” under his breath to refer to all MPs.
It came as television cameras picked up Mr Corbyn during prime minister’s questions saying something to those next to him after Theresa May likened his attempt to force a vote of no confidence in her leadership to a pantomime.
The footage went viral on social media, but Mr Corbyn later flatly denied using the phrase, telling MPs gathered in the chamber: “I referred to those who I believe were seeking to turn a debate about the national crisis facing our country into a pantomime as “stupid people”.
“I did not use the words “stupid woman” about the Prime Minister or anyone else, and am completely opposed to the use of sexist or misogynist language in absolutely any form at all.”
Ms May had suggested Mr Corbyn apologise if he had indeed used “inappropriate language” as the row overshadowed a heated PMQs that focused on the ongoing Brexit impasse.
The row comes as Sajid Javid, the home secretary, conceded that a Conservative manifesto pledge to keep net migration to the “tens of thousands” has been left out of post-Brexit plans released on Wednesday afternoon.
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Sir Michael Fallon has become the latest senior Conservative MP to say her could not support a no-deal Brexit.
A female barrister has been appointed to carry out an independent inquiry into bullying and all forms of harassment within the House of Lords.
Naomi Ellenbogen's probe will look at workplace practices, as well as the nature and extent of bullying and harassment - including sexual harassment - by past and present staff.
Ms Ellenbogen will not be investigating individual complaints or reopening past cases but instead will provide recommendations to improve the handling of future complaints.
The QC, who also sits as a deputy High Court judge, will be asking current and former staff to come forward in confidence with information they have on bullying and harassment.
Her findings and recommendations will be presented to the House of Lords Commission in spring 2019.
Her appointment follows the decision by the Commission to launch an independent inquiry in November this year.
It comes in the wake of a series of parliamentary scandals including the case of former Liberal Democrat peer Lord Lester, who was censured for sexual harassment, which he has denied.
Lord Speaker Lord Fowler said Ms Ellenbogen's experience and expertise were "formidable", adding: "I would encourage anyone who has experienced bullying and harassment in the course of their work at or with the House of Lords to come forward.
"Bullying and harassment has no place in the House of Lords and I can give a categorical assurance that we will do everything we can to eliminate it."
This row is becoming increasingly surreal. American actor Rob Lowe, known for his roles in the West Wing and 80s films such as St Elmos Fire, has weighed in.
Marvellous picture from the Commons earlier, where John Bercow was trying to keep order among angry MPs.
The EU has unveiled a raft of measures to protect its “vital interests” in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The European Commission on Wednesday recommended 14 measures in a number of areas, including financial services, air transport, customs and climate policy.
Among the plans are emergency policies to “avoid full interruption of air traffic between the EU and the UK in the event of no deal”.
But the bloc warned that the last-minute plan “will only ensure basic connectivity”, signalling that there could still be significant disruption to flights.
One Labour MP has pointed out a slight mistake in the government's immigration white paper published this morning. A tad embarrassing for Home Office officials after its publication has been beset by delays over the last year.
Breaking: Former Labour whip Fiona Onasanya has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice following an Old Bailey retrial for lying to police to avoid a speeding charge.
Labour spokesperson: "Labour Party is deeply disappointed in Fiona Onasaya's behaviour. It falls well below what is expected of politicians. She should now resign."
She has been immediately suspended.
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