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
The Independent's main story on the sacking, from deputy political editor Rob Merrick.
Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt says "there was no alternative" to the dismissal of Gavin Williamson.
Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he said: "On a personal level I'm very sorry about what happened for Gavin's sake but given the gravity of the situation there was no other alternative outcome."
Change UK MP Sarah Wollaston also backs calls for a criminal investigation.
Following the non-binding vote by MPs to declare a climate emergency, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a statement: "This can set off a wave of action from parliaments and governments around the globe.
"We pledge to work as closely as possible with countries that are serious about ending the climate catastrophe and make clear to US President Donald Trump that he cannot ignore international agreements and action on the climate crisis."
Environment secretary Michael Gove has not officially declared an emergency but told the Commons that legislation on the issue is due "shortly".
New defence secretary Penny Mordaunt, who has previously served as minister of state for the armed forces, makes no mention of her predecessor in her statement.
"I'm delighted to be back at the Ministry of Defence," she says. "It is an honour and privilege to work with the best armed forces and defence civilians in the world."
What's the evidence against Gavin Williamson? The Independent's defence editor Kim Sengupta reports that the former defence minister had a phone conversation with the journalist who reported the Huawei leak.
That's all from The Independent on a day that's seen Gavin Williamson lose his job as defence secretary over the Huawei leak scandal.
Check back tomorrow for the latest on that story and all the other news from Westminster.
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