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As it happenedended

Brexit news: Tory leadership candidates deepen party splits over no-deal and cabinet appointments

Follow live updates from Westminster, as they happened

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 05 June 2019 16:59 BST
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Countdown to Brexit: How many days left until Britain leaves the EU?

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Conservative leadership hopefuls have clashed over whether to back a no-deal Brexit, as party bosses tightened the rules to limit the number of candidates to succeed Theresa May.

Esther McVey said she would only have "committed Brexiteers" in her cabinet until the UK was out of the EU, which she pledged would happen by 31 October, with or without a deal.

But rival candidate Matt Hancock said no deal is "not a credible option" as he pledged to go back to the EU to discuss the Irish border issue.

To follow events as they unfolded, see our live coverage below

Labour's Andy Slaughter hones in on the Babylon GP app, which he says is siphoning off funds needed by the NHS. How can constituents trust this government as Matt Hancock is a big fan.

Lidington says the NHS must embrace digital advances and new apps help it to work more efficiently.

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 12:37

More from Labour on Rebecca Long-Bailey's claims about climate denial.

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 12:39

Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts says the Trump visit shows the state of "things to come" outside the EU.

Lidington says Britain still wants a "very close" partnership with the EU.

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 12:45

Long-Bailey even gets praise from Tory blog Guido Fawkes, in a very surprising endorsement.

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 12:48

Tory MP Vicky Ford is nearly in tears when she pays tribute to her stepfather for his service in Normandy - and also to Theresa May for serving her country with dignity.

Lidington says he agrees with every word.

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 12:54

And that's your lot for the week. Follow our analysis now:

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 12:55

 Jeremy Hunt has released his leadership video, focusing on his entrepreneurial background. He visits the garage where he set up his firm Hotcourses in 1990. The educational listings firm eventually sold for millions.

In it, he talks about the "daily grind just to stay alive" when running a business and argues that these skills are needed in No10.

Hunt also claims a Brexit deal could be done before October - words he may live to regret.

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 13:13

But... Conservative leadership hopeful Rory Stewart has accused rivals, including Boris Johnson, of "misleading" voters about the prospects of negotiating a new Brexit deal.

The international development secretary said that other contenders in the race to replace Theresa May were not being "honest" about their plans, which he said amount to an offer of a no-deal departure from the EU on October 31.

More here:

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 13:29

Labour’s Brexit spokeswoman has told Jeremy Corbyn he must come off the fence and commit to a fresh referendum “now”.

Jenny Chapman - a long-time opponent of another public vote – said she was now convinced there was no alternative way to “resolve” the crisis.

Asked if the Labour leader should make the announcement “now”, Ms Chapman replied: “I think so - I think it should be now.”

More here:

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 13:49

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has confirmed his outfit will not join the far-right Europe of Nations and Freedom Group in the European Parliament.

The group is composed of right and far-right parties from across Europe such as Marine Le Pen's National Rally.

Mr Farage said: "Following a brief social meeting with a member of the ENF Group last week there has been much speculation, fuelled by that individual, that the Brexit Party will join them in their European Parliament Group.

"I can confirm that this is not the case and that the Brexit Party will not be joining the ENF Group."

Lizzy Buchan5 June 2019 14:06

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