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As it happenedended

Brexit news - live: Theresa May heads to France amid howls of outrage from Tory Brexiteers at 'surrender' over customs union

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Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
,Zamira Rahim
Monday 08 April 2019 17:15 BST
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What does a no-deal Brexit mean?

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MPs have voted in favour of a new law to extend the Brexit process and prevent the UK from crashing out of the EU without a deal.

The Commons backed a series of Lords amendments to Labour MP Yvette Cooper's backbench bill on Monday night after it was rushed through both Houses of Parliament.

It came as prime minister Theresa may prepared for a whistle-stop tour of European capitals in a bid to secure a Brexit delay ahead of a crucial EU summit on Wednesday.

Ms May was warned not to "surrender" to Labour after a senior minister signalled she was planning to cave in to Jeremy Corbyn's customs union demands.

Tory divisions burst into the open when solicitor general Robert Buckland suggested the prime minister could compromise on a softer Brexit - triggering an immediate backlash from Eurosceptics.

Prominent Brexiteer Mark Francois called for a vote to allow Tory MPs to demonstrate they have "lost faith" in Ms May's leadership and warned she could "destroy" the party.

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Leaving Brexit to one side for a moment, as parliament is to welcome a new MP today.

On Friday, Ruth Jones was elected to represent Newport West for Labour after the death of veteran MP Paul Flynn in February. Jones is due to be sworn in as an MP this afternoon when the Commons sits.

She trained as a physiotherapist and is a former president of the Wales Trade Unions Congress (TUC). Jones previously contested the nearby seat of Monmouth, which is held by Tory MP David TC Davies.

To read a profile of her, click here.

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 12:22

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has suggested there could be an "exodus" of Labour members if the party were to agree to a Brexit deal which ended freedom of movement.

After a Twitter user claimed he would be part of a wave of departures under such circumstances, Ms Sturgeon responded: "I suspect this will be the view of many members/supporters of Scottish Labour should such a deal be done."

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 12:34

Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom is due to make a statement on the Commons business later today, which could prove interesting.

It might be to make time for a debate on extending article 50 tomorrow, if a bill to force the PM to seek another extension passes through the Lords tonight.

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 12:50

Prominent Brexiteer Mark Francois has written to the chair of the backbench Tory 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady, asking for an "indicative vote of confidence" to be held on Wednesday to allow MPs to demonstrate that they have lost faith in Theresa May's leadership.

In the letter, published on the Brexit Central website, the former Europe minister said he believed Ms May should resign as leader for the sake of "the existential future of our party and the destiny of our country".

"Enough is enough," wrote Mr Francois. "If she goes by Wednesday we can Leave on Friday."

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 13:05

This week is set to be a crunch week for Brexit talks: if the UK can’t get another extension, it crashes out on Friday without a deal (unless it decides to revoke Article 50).

EU leaders will decide whether to grant an extension – and how long it might be – at a meeting on Wednesday in Brussels.

Confused? Our Europe correspondent Jon Stone has you covered.

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 13:23

Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said he had "no doubt" there would be a Brexit development on the government's side today as talks continue.

He told theBBC: "We had exchanges over the weekend but not talks - there are no scheduled talks yet but I have no doubt things will develop today.

"At the moment we're waiting to see what the government is putting in the table as a proposal.

"All they have done so far is to indicate various things but not to change the political declaration, so the ball is in the government's court.

"We need to see what they come back with and when they do we will take a collective position on that."

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 13:40

Brexiteer Mark Francois has been roundly mocked by second referendum campaigners for calling for a confidence vote in the prime minister - after Brexiteers lost the first one.

Best for Britain supporter Layla Moran said: "Mark Francois has a point for once: how can a decision made prior to the full picture being revealed be binding when its consequences are so large?

"It's just a shame that Francois seems to want one thing for himself, while making it his job to prevent the same opportunity being extended to the public.

"Any decision on something as big as Brexit needs to scrutinised by the people. Whatever deal can be agreed on by politicians needs to have the public's sign off."

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 13:59

Worth remembering that most of the British public now back having a Final Say referendum on Brexit whatever the outcome eventually is, according to an exclusive poll for The Independent.

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 14:10

The Commons is about to sit for the day, beginning with housing questions. There will also be two urgent questions, one on access to medical cannabis and one on Libya.

Then there will be two statements - online harms and business.

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 14:25

Reports emerging that the PM has invited cabinet ministers into No10 for a Brexit briefing this afternoon.

Lizzy Buchan8 April 2019 14:45

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