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WATCH: May throws herself on Labour’s mercy by dangling the prospect of a second referendum

“The Government will therefore include in rhe Withdrawal Agreement Bill at introduction a requirement to vote on whether to hold a second referendum.”

“One last chance” to deliver Brexit. The Prime Minister’s statement. Full text.

She offers second referendum and customs unions votes, entrenched workers’ rights and a backstop termination date.

Thursday’s vote. 1) Steven Holmes: I’m an Association Chairman – but see no other course than to vote for the Brexit Party

I have not given up on the Conservative Party, but believe at the present time that the Conservative Party has given up on me.

Thursday’s Vote 2) Angela Richardson: Why Brexiteers should vote Conservative

Change is coming to our Party. We have listened. Don’t endanger the country for the sake of the instant gratification of protest.

Andy Street: An industrial strategy in the West Midlands to kickstart an industrial revolution

The march of technology stops for nothing – not even Brexit – and the businesses and regions which embrace it will be the winners of the future.

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Board of the Charity Commission – and more

Further details enclosed.

Today’s One Nation Conservatives are as dreary as Baldwin, not as exciting as Disraeli

History shows that One Nation Conservatism, once espoused by Powell and Macleod, need not be wet.

LISTEN: The Moggcast. Rees-Mogg suggests that he may switch back – and oppose the Withdrawal Agreement Bill

Our inteviewee on the Brexit Party, his backing for Johnson, his new book…and why we should really be interviewing his sister.

Anthony Browne: Policy Gains from Brexit 2) Cutting VAT on domestic electricity

With average household energy bills around £1000 a year, it would be a cut of about £50 per year per family.

Jamie Rose: How we bucked the trend in Dover

We took ads on Facebook to trumpet our town’s success stories. It also helped that the local MP is recognised to be fighting for Brexit.

WATCH: McVey says that the Cabinet may “want to dismantle Brexit and get Remain through a back door”

The former Work and Pensions Secretary was speaking at a Blue Collar Conservatism event to promote her Tory leadership candidacy.

“Old threats return as new ones emerge.” Javid’s New Scotland Yard speech – full text

We are citizens of one of the safest countries in the world, and a genuine intelligence and security superpower.

David Shiels: What to look for in Ulster’s fiercely competitive European election

Ultimately, they may reveal less about Brexit and more about the longer-term trends in Northern Ireland’s political landscape.

The Australian Liberals know who their target voters are. The Conservatives don’t seem to have a clue.

Amidst the gathering leadership election debate, there is a lack of focus on who such voters are and where they live.

Nicky Morgan: Our country needs One Nation Toryism more than ever. And we will measure leadership candidates against its ideals.

I am clear that if the Party decides to focus its appeal mainly towards Brexit Party supporters, our demise will be swift.

Anthony Browne: Policy Gains from Brexit 1) We need more debate about what to do when we take back control

Most of the sound and furore about making it happen is all about means, but there has been virtually no debate about the ends.

Jamie Bartch: Labour mismanagement in Darlington gave us the chance to make Conservative gains

A much-hated traffic management experiment, called the Haughton Throughabout, imposes misery on many residents caught up in daily delays.

Liam Andrews: Don’t blame the Champions League Final ticket squeeze on the free market

The inevitable criticism of resale platforms is both frustrating and just wrong. Critical attention needs to be directed far more to the dealings of the primary market.

WATCH: Stewart says the Government must focus on “getting Labour votes” for the Brexit deal

He says that a no-deal exit “isn’t a destination”, but rather “a failure to reach a destination”.

WATCH: Soubry explains why Change UK has been branded a ‘sinking ship’ by its own candidate

“She is a Johnson, they have a bit of a history of saying stuff”.

WATCH: Cable sets out why he no longer thinks re-running the referendum is “seriously disrespectful” to the voters

The Liberal Democrat leader is part of Marr’s all-Remain line-up this morning.

WATCH: Barclay refuses to rule out a leadership bid

“I would say to my colleagues: focus on the day job. Concentrate on what is before us, on what we promised to the public. Ensure that we leave.”

Newslinks

Tuesday 21st May 2019

5 comments

The Cabinet meets today to mull an EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill. Is May preparing to concede to Corbyn on the Customs Union? And is Fox willing to walk if necessary?

“During a Cabinet meeting today, ministers will debate whether to allow Labour’s demand for the UK to continue to accept new EU laws on workers’ rights and environmental standards after Brexit. Theresa May is expected to warn ministers they may have to agree to a temporary customs union, which would hamper Britain’s ability to strike trade deals with non-EU countries, to secure enough Labour votes to pass the Withdrawal Agreement Bill next month. Allies of the PM fear the potential concessions are so significant that Leave ministers such as Liam Fox could walk out in protest if they are approved.” – Daily Mail

Hammond breaks cover to lead push against No Deal… – The Guardian
…But Barclay will push back for more No Deal preparations – Financial Times
The Commission says there will be no changes to the Withdrawal Agreement – Daily Express
Hancock woos Remainers over vote, Davis switches back to oppose the deal, Green urges alternative arrangements – The Sun
Juncker denies drink problem – Daily Mail
Thatcher: a very British revolution review – Daily Telegraph

Comment:

Democracy must not become a fight to the death – William Hague, Daily Telegraph
Teach them a lesson – Richard Littlejohn, Daily Mail
If politicians ignore voters, they shouldn’t be surprised what comes next – Stephen Pollard, Daily Express
What a pointless charade these elections will be – Daily Express Editorial

> Yesterday: Anthony Browne on Comment – Policy Gains from Brexit 1) We need more debate about what to do when we take back control

Could Labour abstain in the vote?

“Senior Conservative sources believe that Mr Corbyn could be persuaded to support the Withdrawal Agreement Bill at second reading or abstain, especially if Labour performs poorly in Thursday’s European elections. However, backers of a second referendum dismissed the proposals, arguing that they were being put forward by Brexiteers. They added that it would be hard even for hardline prime minister to secure a no-deal Brexit without holding an election or a second vote.” – The Times

Ashworth says second referendum is likely – The Times
Labour won’t investigate Geoffrey Robinson over spy claims – The Times
Former Minister Jane Kennedy says party is broken to the core – The Guardian
Labour in Birmingham 1) Khalid Mahmood insists that the Trojan Horse plot was real – Birmingham Post
Labour in Birmingham 2) Phillips row with Muslim protestors over LGBT education – Daily Mail

Heseltine has the whip removed (but he isn’t expelled)…

Continue to all today’s Newslinks