Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Brexit news - live: Andrea Leadsom resigns over Theresa May's withdrawal bill as PM clings to power

Premier to meet Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, on Friday

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
,Jon Sharman
Wednesday 22 May 2019 18:35 BST
Comments
How do European Elections work?

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.

Senior Tories told Theresa May "it is time to go" as 1922 Committee leader Sir Graham Brady revealed he would meet the PM on Friday.

The prime minister set out her proposals in the Commons but Tory and Labour MPs expressed fury at her plans for a second referendum.

Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom resigned from the cabinet with a "heavy heart", saying she no longer believed the government's approach to Brextit would "deliver on the referendum result".

Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load

SNP's Ian Blackford tears into the PM's Brexit plan, saying the new deal is "just a fantasy" and it is clear her "time is up". He says Scotland must vote SNP tomorrow.

May says the Tories are the only party guaranteeing no more referendums in Scotland.

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:23

In a sign of how unpleasant things are becoming...

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:25

Ex-minister Alistair Burt raises the concern of the diversion and theft of aid in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

May agrees with his concerns about the humanitarian situation in Yemen and says it is vital for all parties to ensure aid reaches the right places.

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:27

Tory former leader Iain Duncan Smith raises veterans in Northern Ireland again. This is a big issue for the Tory grassroots.

IDS, who served in Northern Ireland, asks how he can tell his old colleagues that the government has not abandoned them.

May says it is vital to ensure a "fair and just system" across the board. There is a "disproportionate" emphasis on police and armed forces, she says. She pays tribute to the service of the armed forces and says it is vital the government gets it right.

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:31

Labour's Karen Buck asks if the government should be preparing for a no-deal, as the Brexit secretary has said, or if she thinks no more money should be spent on it, like the chancellor.

May says the only way to avoid a no-deal Brexit is to vote for the deal.

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:33

1922 committee vice chairman Charles Walker gives May a bit of support, saying there is pent up investment waiting to come into the UK once her deal has been approved.

May says that is right and there will be a "deal dividend".

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:34

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:37

Former Tory cabinet minister Owen Paterson also raises the issue about prosecutions for ex-soldiers in Northern Ireland, making him one of several senior backbenchers to mention it today.

May says the government must find a process that is not flawed.

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:39

Tory Brexiteer Steve Baker elicits huge groans from MPs when he says it is vital to welcome Donald Trump for his visit next month.

May says it is very important to welcome the US president, especially because he is attending the D-Day commemorations in France.

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:41

Commons leader Andrea Leadsom has arrived (about 40 minutes in...) and takes her usual seat in front bench.

Brexiteer MPs have mostly not been asking about Brexit. Perhaps they are waiting for the PM's statement later?

Lizzy Buchan22 May 2019 12:43

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in