Brexit news: Jeremy Hunt claims Merkel is willing to look at new deal as PM hopeful lays out withdrawal plans
All the developments from Westminster on Monday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tory leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt has unveiled his 10-point plan to handle a no-deal Brexit, vowing to “cease all discussions” with Brussels on 30 September if the EU fails to budge.
He also claimed to have been told by the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, that she would be willing to look at any new Brexit the next British PM comes up with.
It came as his rival, Boris Johnson, was heckled at a garden centre and accused of misrepresenting the ideas of a 14th century Tunisian scholar after claiming he could cut taxes and increase revenue.
Meanwhile, pro-Jeremy Corbyn organisation Momentum has launched a fresh drive to unseat Mr Johnson – who could not name the amount paid under the living wage during his latest TV interview – at the next general election.
Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load:
This is what Jeremy Hunt said about getting rid of the Irish border backstop in the previous withdrawal agreement.
My impression having read many government documents on this is that it is, I think, overall it is technically possible and it's a question of creating a negotiating environment where it is also politically acceptable to the EU and to the government in the Republic of Ireland.
That is why I think if we send the right prime minister we have a chance.
Asked if a technological solution to border checks was possible before 2030, Mr Hunt replied: "I believe it's technically possible now."
Here's Jeremy Hunt's claim that Angela Merkel had told him she would look at his new Brexit plan.
The foreign secretary also talked about his "posh school" education.
"I went to a posh school, I had a fantastic education, and I was very lucky," he told Sky News.
"And I also felt deeply uncomfortable that because I was lucky enough to go to that school I might have better life chances than someone with equal talents, equal ambition, equal energy, who didn't have the chance to get such a great education.
"I am incredibly proud of the education reforms that have been championed by Michael Gove under this Conservative government that have improved the quality of state schools so that a number of them are as good as Charterhouse, the school I went to.
"And I think that's a fantastic reform, but I still think we have a national blind spot, and that's why I said I want education to be our social mission."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments