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As it happenedended

Brexit news: Theresa May insists her EU exit plan is not dead before flying to Brussels for crucial meeting

Follow the latest updates

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 17 October 2018 17:35 BST
Comments
PMQs 171018

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Theresa May insisted her Chequers blueprint for Brexit was not "dead" hours before she travelled to Brussels to address EU leaders at a crucial summit.

Tackling Ms May at the weekly session of prime minister's questions, Jeremy Corbyn noted she had not mentioned "Chequers" in either her conference speech or in a recent update to the Commons on the state of the negotiations.

But, in her reply, Ms May said: "He asked me if the Chequers plan was dead, the answer is no."

Arriving at the EU summit, the prime minister said she believes a deal on the UK's orderly withdrawal from the EU remains "achievable", despite the deadlock in negotiations.

Ms May was due to address leaders of the 27 remaining EU states before they discuss Brexit in her absence at the European Council on Wednesday evening.

But leaders were openly saying that there would be "no breakthrough" at the summit, which was long billed as the "moment of truth" when a deal must be done to give time for ratification by the date of Brexit on March 29.

To follow the events as they unfolded, see our liveblog below

Before heading to Brussels, Theresa May will face Jeremy Corbyn for prime minister's questions. Will the Labour leader focus his questions on Brexit - or go in on something a bit more off-piste, as he sometimes does.

The PM has had a reasonably lucky draw this week, as no hardline Brexit troublemakers have got a question. 

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 10:55

Labour is to attempt to force the government to publish its analysis of the impact of universal credit on people's incomes.

The party will use an opposition day debate in the Commons to try to secure the release of the assessment drawn up by officials.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Margaret Greenwood said they would use the same arcane parliamentary procedure used last year to win the release of the Brexit impact assessment papers.

The move follows reports that Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey warned the cabinet some claimants could be £200 a month worse off under universal credit.

It also comes after the BBC reported that ministers were planning to further delay the full national roll-out of universal credit - which merges six benefits into one - amid concerns about the impact on low income families.

Labour is hoping to exploit worries among some Tory MPs to require ministers to set out their assessment of just how much people stand to lose.

Unlike most opposition day debates, the procedure being used means that the result will be binding on the government if it is defeated.

Ms Greenwood said: "Universal credit has pushed many families into poverty, debt and misery. Even Esther McVey has admitted that families will be worse off.

"The government must come clean about its plans and make public what they know about the impact of the roll-out of universal credit on vulnerable people and families."

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 11:12

Former PM Tony Blair and deputy PMs Nick Clegg and Michael Heseltine have written in several European newspapers about the need for another EU referendum.

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 11:35

PMQs is off!

First question from Conservative Sheryll Murray, who asks for the Government's full EU exit modelling.

May claims it is not 'practical or sensible' to publish full details before a deal

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 12:01

Jeremy Corbyn starts off by paying tribute to Labour peer Baroness Hollis, who died this week.

The Labour leader goes in on Brexit, and asks if the Chequers plan is dead - as the PM did not mention it.

May also pays tribute to Baroness Hollis - and responds" "No" on his question on Chequers. MPs laugh loudly.

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 12:03

Corbyn goes in on a warning from Philip Hammond that the UK would still have to pay the divorce bill even if it fails to secure an EU trade deal

May says she has been clear that 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'.

Corbyn asks if the Northern Irish backstop agreement still stands and it has been signed up to without any time limit.

May says the Irish border will be dealt with through 'the future relationship'.

Lots of noise in the chamber.

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 12:07

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 12:08

Corbyn says the car industry is clear that there must be a new customs union to ensure continued investment in manufacturing. Jobs are at risk. He asks why the PM won't back a customs union?

May says this is at the heart of her plans - frictionless trade - which will deliver on the result of the referendum. 

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 12:09

Corbyn says the PM and her government are "too weak and too divided" to protect jobs or ensure there is no hard border in Northern Ireland.

He asks whether she will put the interests of Britain first?

May says he keeps talking about jobs - why hasn't he mentioned the new unemployment figures? She claims it is at the lowest point in 14 years.

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 12:11

Tory MP Tim Loughton refers to his campaign to deliver civil partnerships for heterosexual couples. The PM announced this would happen at Conservative conference. He asks her to back amendments to his private members bill, to set out a timeline.

May says they are supporting him but there are some small amendments.

Lizzy Buchan17 October 2018 12:13

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