Brexit news: May sacks defence secretary Williamson over ‘unprecedented’ Huawei leak as MPs vote on climate change
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Your support makes all the difference.Theresa May has endured a day of intense scrutiny over her Brexit strategy ahead of an anticipated mauling in the local elections over delays to the UK's departure from the EU.
Ms May and Jeremy Corbyn held their last prime minister's questions clash ahead of Thursday's poll, as the Labour leader accused Ms May of failing to tackle the "burning injustices" she pledged to combat during her first day in office.
Amid mounting speculation that the prime minister could cave in to opposition demands, Ms May told senior backbenchers she hopes "a deal can be done" with Labour to find a consensus which can command a majority in parliament.
To see events as they unfolded, follow our live coverage below
Here's the official statement from Downing Street:
“The prime minister has this evening asked Gavin Williamson to leave the Government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of defence secretary and as a member of her cabinet.
“The prime minister’s decision has been informed by his conduct surrounding an investigation into the circumstances of the unauthorised disclosure of information from a meeting of the National Security Council.
“The prime minister thanks all members of the National Security Council for their full cooperation and candour during the investigation and considers the matter closed.”
Gavin Williamson had previously denied he was the source of the leak from the National Security Council of the decision to allow Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant, access to the UK’s 5G network.
However in that letter Theresa May said there was "compelling evidence" that he was responsible.
The letter in full reads: "Thank you for your time this evening. We discussed the investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of information from the National Security Council meeting on 23 April.
"This is an extremely serious matter, and a deeply disappointing one. It is vital for the operation of good government and for the UK's national interest in some of the most sensitive and important areas that the members of the NSC - from our Armed Forces, our Security and Intelligence Agencies, and the most senior level of Government - are able to have frank and detailed discussions in full confidence that the advice and analysis provided is not discussed or divulged beyond that trusted environment.
"That is why I commissioned the Cabinet Secretary to establish an investigation into the unprecedented leak from the NSC meeting last week, and why I expected everyone connected to it - Ministers and officials alike - to comply with it fully. You undertook to do so.
"I am therefore concerned by the manner in which you have engaged with this investigation. It has been conducted fairly, with the full co-operation of other NSC attendees.
"They have all answered questions, engaged properly, provided as much information as possible to assist with the investigation, and encouraged their staff to do the same. Your conduct has not been of the same standard as others.
"In our meeting this evening, I put to you the latest information from the investigation, which provides compelling evidence suggesting your responsibility for the unauthorised disclosure.
"No other, credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified."
International development secretary Penny Mordaunt has been appointed defence secretary following the sacking of Gavin Williamson.
Ms Mordaunt was another of the ministers reported to have objected strongly to the participation of Huawei in a key sector of the UK’s communications network
She is the UK's first ever female defence secretary.
Tom Watson has called for Gavin Williamson to be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act if he has indeed leaked from the National Security Council.
"And he should forgo his ministerial severance pay," the deputy Labour leader tweets.
Sir Vince Cable, the Lib Dem leader, said: "This story cannot begin and end with dismissal from office.
"What is at stake is the capacity of our security services to give advice at the highest level.
"This must now be referred to the Metropolitan Police for a thorough criminal investigation."
It's not clear whether the Downing Street statement that the prime minister "considers the matter closed" means that there will not be a criminal investigation.
The reshuffle continues as prisons minister Rory Stewart is appointed international development secretary.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are not - at this moment - carrying out an investigation into the leak.
"We’re aware of the media reports in relation to the leak and that is a matter for the National Security Council and the Cabinet Office to look at. At this time, we’re not carrying out an investigation. Clearly if at any stage we receive any information that would suggest criminal offences have been committed, then we will look into that."
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