to catch the speaker's eye, they are entitled to do so, but perhaps they could show a bit of respect. the public are watching this behaviour. mr speaker... studio: you are joining mr speaker... studio: you arejoining us on bbc news. you are watching live coverage from the house of commons of the prime minister's statement on the brexit strategy. this is the parliamentary leader of the scottish national party, responding to the prime minister's statement. we will recap on that statement in a moment, but let's rejoin the debate. the president of the eu commission said a miracle needs to happen for there to be any progress in these negotiations. meanwhile, the european parliament voted last week to stop negotiations moving onto the next phase, citing a lack of progress. mr speaker, the clock is running against the prime minister in more ways than one. an eu citizens rights, this government continues to drag its heels. there must now be, for the prime minister,

universal declaration that eu citizens in the uk can have their rights protected after exit day. no ifs, no buts, do it today. i urge the prime minister to listen to the voices of the devolved administration. we will not accept this legislation as it stands. a complete violation of the scotland act and biggest power grab since the devolution. indeed... just last week, mark kerr said that westminster was trying to break the founding principles of the devolution settlement. the snp set up devolution settlement. the snp set up three key tests of brexit for this government. one, as an absolute minimum we want continued membership for the single market and customs union. declarer now without delay that eu citizens rights are guaranteed and three, the government

must accept that, as it stands, they cannot proceed in their current form. will be prime minister live up to this or eu citizens rights now? i'm sure, as the honourable gentleman knows, there's a meeting next week of the jnc which brings devolved administrations together. there have been discussions between the first secretary of state and ministers in the scottish government and welsh government, as well as on and welsh government, as well as on an ongoing basis over summer. the honourable gentleman refers to citizens rights, may i remind him that during the scottish independence referendum, that he referred to in 2014, the first minister told eu nationals but if the eu did not allow an independent scotla nd the eu did not allow an independent scotland to rejoin, it was clear they would not do, eu nationals would lose the right to stay here. they shake their heads! they shake their heads that that was what the

first minster said at the time. i also say to the honourable gentleman, he references what i said in my statement but that was about the position of the united kingdom government in the uk's negotiations with the eu, scotland is part of the —— scotland as part of the uk.” welcome our honourable friend, the prime minister's statement today on the plans she has for the negotiations. can i press her a little bit on this, and ask her to elaborate a little bit further, that in the course of her statement she made it clear that the ball was back in the eu's court? is it not reasonable to expect that given all of the negotiations, discussions and progress made that the eu now should engage the united kingdom on what is beneficial to both them and us, which is an ongoing free trade arrangement to be done and completed

by march 2019? well, i thank my right honourable friend. he is absolutely right and what we see as an increasing interest in moving onto talking about that issue, he says will absolutely not just onto talking about that issue, he says will absolutely notjust being our interests but the interests of the eu. that is what is right for both of us. we wanted negotiated by march 2019 so the uk can come out of that eu and we know what that trade agreement would be. wedge can i ask the prime minister, she has said clearly that she believes that on her plans, we will be out of the customs union and single market by march 2019. that was not the impression i got from the florence speech. could she therefore explain how the arrangements that she is seeking for the transition differ from being members of the single market and customs union for the period of transition?|j market and customs union for the period of transition? i have to say to the right honourable gentleman,

when we leave in 2019, we will leave full membership of the single market. what we then want is a period of time where practical changes can be made as we move towards the end state, the trade agreement, that we will have agreed with the european union. we had to negotiate for the implementation period what the arrangements will be. i expect we have suggested that that should be a new agreement, an agreement that we should be able to operate on the same basis and under the same rules and regulations. thank you, mr speaker. my right honourable friend's florence speech laid out the principles of uk democracy and accountability in this house upon which all else depends. the opposition voted against the withdrawal and repeal bill, and the repeal of the european communities act 19 72. does she agree that our voters have every right to hear a

public explanation from the opposition, as to why they still subscribe and the eu's democratic system of lawmaking to a closed—door council of ministers where decisions are taken behind of ministers where decisions are ta ken behind closed of ministers where decisions are taken behind closed doors, largely in secrecy, which contrasts so vividly with what goes on in this house, with bills, amendments, and speeches and with votes recorded?|j speeches and with votes recorded?” say to my honourable friend, he is absolutely right to point the finger at the opposition on this. they vote against the very bill that would put that in place. not only do they do that in place. not only do they do that but in voting against the eu withdrawal bill, they have voted against bringing environmental regulations into uk law, and bringing workers' rights into uk

law. the labour party voting against bringing workers' rights into uk law, it is this government supporting them. the speaker: hilary benn! thank you very much, four days ago the deputy governor of the bank of england said the uk financial services industries says the uk needs a financial deal by christmas or else it will begin implementing contingency plans and the chancellor is well aware of that, to shift jobs and activities across the channel. telling them that the ball is now in the court of the eu does not exactly give those businesses the comfort and certainty they require. could the prime minister told the house what her plan now is to break the negotiation logjam and achieved that deal in time for it to do itsjob for a sector of the economy that employs over 1 million for a sector of the economy that employs over! million people?” for a sector of the economy that employs over1 million people? i say to the right honourable gentleman that what the florence speech did

was set out details on an implementation period and how we think it could operate. we now wait for the eu to respond to that detail that we have set out. i recognise the concerns the business has for an implementation period but i would say to the right honourable gentleman that the whole process is not helped by the vast majority of labour meps voting against moving onto the next phase of talks.” welcome the prime minister's statement that the government will press on with working out details for a no deal, that is prudent and there will be no cliff edge for british business. does the prime minister agree it will send a very good message to the eu that we can do that, but she offers something so much better and more positive which is in their interest to accept? but any deal they counter with us to be better than no deal? my right honourable friend is right, we have offered a very good arrangement for

the future to the eu. i think it is not only in our interests but theirs as well. as any prudent government would, we continued to make plans for every eventuality. i think that is only the sensible thing for us to do. pulu is it her understanding that if necessary it is possible to halt the article 50 process? the position was made clear in a case that went through the supreme court in relation to article 50, and the government made clear that we have no intention of revoking that. we will act on the boat of the british people. will my right honourable friend, as she wrestles with the inevitable compromises essential to securing the opportunities of brexit in the national interest and in view of this enormous administrative challenge, will she consider refining the machinery of government by creating a cabinet to drive forward the work across the

government, and retaining greater grip and control over the whole process? the government ministers meet ina process? the government ministers meet in a variety of forms to consider these particular issues before the florence speech, i was pleased the whole cabinet came together and signed up to that speech, and of course we have various discussions about various elements of negotiations but i can assure my right honourable friend that what we are aware of is the need to be able to make sure that we can make swift decisions were necessary in the negotiation process. may i press the prime minister to clarify her answer to my right honourable friend two extra? he wasn't asking on government policy but a very straightforward question —— of exeter. has the government received legal advice that the article 50 notice can be revoked? i said to the honourable gentleman in response that the position in relation to the

revocation of article 50 was addressed by the supreme court in a case that went before it. they were very clear about that, and we were clear as a government that we were not revoking and they were clear in their consideration of the case of no revocation of article 50. the speaker: anna soubry. may i congratulate the prime minister on her excellent florence speech. it was widely welcomed, not just by british business but also by people i believe across the country and it marked a real attempt by our prime minister to form the consensus of brexit between the 48% and 52% that everyone has been crying outwith. forgive my throat, mr speaker... laughter women with bad throats will not be silenced! cheering

i may have not heard this properly or understood, was the prime minister saying that by march 2019, if we haven't got a deal, as to the final brexit arrangements, then we willjump final brexit arrangements, then we will jump off a final brexit arrangements, then we willjump off a cliff and there will be no deal? or is she saying that we will go into a period of transition and during that time, those vital negotiations can continue? the period after march 2019 is an incremental eviction period to implement practical changes necessary “— implement practical changes necessary —— implement all period. as article 50 itself sets out, the expectation is that it is a two—year process to negotiate arrangements, negotiate withdrawal and take into account and know what the future relationship will be. so, i expect, and we are working on having that future arrangement negotiated by the

29th of march 2019. as i say, because chances are the details of that will come late in the process, it may not be possible for anyone, businesses or individuals, to have made practical steps necessary to get to that position. to get as smooth a possible withdrawal, so there is no cliff edge, we have a period of implementation and that moves us period of implementation and that moves us to the final arrangement which has been negotiated by march 2019. further to which has been negotiated by march 20 19. further to the which has been negotiated by march 2019. further to the question asked by my honourable friend committee memberfor by my honourable friend committee member for nottingham east, with respect to the prime minister, it was not about the gina miller case but was about government legal advice. can she tell the house whether the government has received legal advice that article 50 is reversible? perhaps i should have said this to his right honourable

friend committee member for said this to his right honourable friend committee memberfor exeter initially. of course, we do not comment on legal advice received, but the position was very clear in that case that the right honourable gentleman has referred to. the supreme court were very clear that they operated on the basis that article 50 would not be revoked. studio: this is the prime minister on the latest brexit strategies that she is wanting to set out at this point. stating clearly in her view that the ball is in the eu's court. other backbenchers will be making their points but we have covered quite a bit of brown. —— quite a bit of ground. there's take stock, the prime minister calling for a flexible and creative brexit agreement between the uk and european union. in that statement in the house of commons in the last hour, she said she has in mind a

dynamic and unique economic agreement beneficial to both parties and on security cooperation, she proposes a far—reaching partnership, and unprecedented in depth. she repeated her view that a period of implementation, what other people call a transition of around two yea rs, call a transition of around two years, that was wise for the uk and the framework for that period would be the current eu rules. that is a significant qualification made and underlined once again. the government publishing more white papers, setting up policy on trade and customs following brexit. but there are many questions, it is fair to say, still unanswered, judging by the question is being put by different people in the house, not just opposition benches, we heard kenneth clarke, and anna soubry, asking questions which seem to suggest that they felt there was not sufficient clarity on some of these very important issues. let's join our chief political correspondent

vicki young, to take stock. what was the most significant part of that statement by the prime minister for you? as you outline, a lot of this isa you? as you outline, a lot of this is a repetition of her speech in florence, a speech that changed the tone and the british government feel made concessions in various areas. they hoped it would kick—start talks. we are going into the fifth round brexit negotiations. it is clear the opposition believe there isa clear the opposition believe there is a stalemate, and some conservative mps, and the chat is all about it no deal. how prepared is the british government to walk away without any deal whatsoever? we heard that question asked of theresa may and i think significantly, as you say alongside the statement, there is the publication of these white papers on trade and the customs union and what could happen when we've left in 2019 or after a transition period. significantly, in newspapers, the press release from

the government says the paper on customs covers implementation of the 80 and exercise regimes in the event that no deal is reached. setting up steps the government would take to minimise disruption for businesses and travellers. i think it is significant that the government and even significant that the government and even impress releases they talk specifically about no deal. many would say that they are in a negotiation and there are concerned mps, look at what happened to david cameron before the referendum when he went to the eu, ask for a lot of things, he did not get much and a lot of them feel it was because he wasn't prepared to walk away from negotiations. what theresa may and the government seem to be doing here is that they are preparing for that scenario. you are not prepared to talk about the future relationships or trade, we have made these offers on eu citizens, offers on money, so it was then that. they are now trying to ramp up the pressure on

the eu. let's have a listen to what theresa may said earlier. as we look forward to the next age, the ball is in record but i am optimistic it will a positive response. what we are seeking is notjust the best possible deal for us, but i believe it will also be the best possible deal for our european friends too. so while progress will not always be smooth, by approaching these negotiations in a constructive way, in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, and with our sights set on the future, i believe we can prove the doomsayers wrong and i believe that we can seize the opportunities of this defining moment in the history of our nation. mr speaker, moment in the history of our nation. mrspeaker, a moment in the history of our nation. mr speaker, a lot of day—to—day cove rage mr speaker, a lot of day—to—day coverage is about process but this come on the other hand, is vitally important. i come on the other hand, is vitally important. lam come on the other hand, is vitally important. i am determined to deliver what the british people voted for and get it right. that is my duty as prime minister. it is our duty as a government, and it is what

we will do. i commend this statement to the house. theresa may sounded positive in the chamber there, insisting progress is being made. many, including labour leaderjeremy corbyn, think that no progress is being made and we are at a stalemate situation. of course, he could not resist laying into the prime minister over the difficulties she's had in the last week with squabbling among her cabinet. the florence speech demonstrated the scale of the mess that the government is making in these negotiations. 15 months on from the referendum, we are still no clear on what the future of this country will look like. the question must be asked, what on earth has the government been doing all this time? calling an election in which voters refused to give the prime minister the mandate that she wanted, since

then cabinet ministers have been squabbling amongst themselves, all that time. 15 months wasted. i am sure the prime minister wanted her speech in florence to bring life to be is critical negotiations. on the substance of the speech itself, i am pleased that the prime minister has taken labour's lead, and accepted... and accepted the need for transition as we leave the eu. however, mr speaker, it is still unclear what the prime minister in visages for a transitional period. or how long it will last. the prime minister has said any implementation or transitional period will be around two years. transitional period will be around two yea rs. we transitional period will be around two years. we know that is a contentious issue within her cabinet. there are some who would

like a more gradual exit. others, like a more gradual exit. others, like borisjohnson, like a more gradual exit. others, like boris johnson, say like a more gradual exit. others, like borisjohnson, say it should not be a second more than two years. the business community are concerned. if they do not have a clear idea by christmas of what the relationship will be in future, they have to make decisions about investment and jobs, which may not be good news for the uk. studio: vicki young, thank you. some more information coming through about that meeting between business leaders and the prime minister. quite a few agencies, including reuters, giving an account of what happened there, including the fact that business leaders at this meeting with the prime minister expressed concern about access to talent and staff, after brexit. and indeed during the transition period. with the prime minister apparently telling business leaders that she understood the need for clarity on brexit and the chancellor apparently

said that clarity was more important than perfection. and anotherfew lines from this meeting which are being fed out. the prime minister saying that she understands the need to secure mutual recognition of the uk and eu regulations. back came up in the house of commons. a few things coming out which are interesting for us to consider in parallel with the exchanges in the house of commons. let's go live to brussels. and speak to adam fleming. when the prime minister delivered that line, which we had been told to expect today, that the ball was in the eu's court, one wonders what their response will be? we got a response at the midday briefing which is given to journalists daily by the spokesman for the eu commission. he said that the ball was in the court of the uk and that is because basically the eu side of the equation are expecting the uk to do all of the hard work of

compromise this week. i will take you away from the dramatic political talk in westminster. what is happening in brussels for this fifth round of brexit negotiations is really detailed and painstaking technical work. about very narrow issues. i am given a good idea by eu officials about what is being discussed in the building behind me. today, on the issue of citizens rights, eu nationals living in the uk after brexit and how they are replicated for eu citizens on the rest of the continent, four key things remain to be settled as far as the eu sees it. they are the issue of family reunification, bringing family members in that are not even born yet when they settle in the uk. so future children of spouses. in the uk. so future children of spouses. then exporting benefits, can eu citizens living in the uk after brexit send their child benefits to another eu country where they are from? then the thorny issue

of the role of the european court of justice. what role, if any, do europeanjudges have justice. what role, if any, do european judges have in justice. what role, if any, do europeanjudges have in guaranteeing the rise agreed during the brexit process ? the rise agreed during the brexit process? and one that does not get a lot of attention, what is the administrative process for getting this settled status which will allow eu nationals to stay in the uk after brexit? other eu countries are really worried about what a cooling, complicated and administrative process citizens will have to go through to stay in the country after brexit. all of the politics between labour and different members of the cabinet, that's the detailed stuff being discussed here this week. that's very useful, adam fleming with consideration of the britton process in brussels. the high court in catalonia says it's asked for spanish national police to provide extra security at the court building, in case catalan leaders press ahead with a unilateral declaration of independence.

the catalan president, carles puigdemont, is due to address the regional parliament tomorrow. there are reports that some people have begun withdrawing money from their bank accounts because of concerns about the political situation. hundreds of thousands of people were on the streets of barcelona yesterday in a huge show of support for the unity of spain. officials in barcelona say the catalan president will restrict himself to making a ‘symbolic statement‘ tomorrow, recognising the desire for independence. live to barcelona and the bbc‘s tim wilcox. what is the latest on what is being said there? it is a time of great political uncertainty. and division, to be fair. the greatest constitutional crisis potentially since that attempted coup in spain in1981. as since that attempted coup in spain in 1981. as you say, we are waiting to hear from carles in 1981. as you say, we are waiting to hearfrom carles puigdemont tomorrow at 6pm local time to see what he will decide. will he declare

independence? if he does, mariano rajoy, the spanish prime minister, says he will impose home—rule from madrid. the world invoke article 155 to ta ke madrid. the world invoke article 155 to take control. let's look at potential scenarios. a collie missed for el mundo here, and also a lecturer. we'll ca rles for el mundo here, and also a lecturer. we'll carles puigdemont declare independence? he is in a vulnerable position and according to cata la n vulnerable position and according to catalan law, the referendum gave him the power to do that? he will be independent but do so in a room that leaves room for negotiation. they are hoping for someone to interfere and come here to mediate between the governments. the only way is essex and do that is by declaring independence tomorrow. —— the only way that they can do that. but they have made it clear that they do not wa nt have made it clear that they do not wantan have made it clear that they do not want an interlocutor, there will be no dialogue? that's precisely the

problem, brianna rahane and his government can only negotiate if someone forces them to. they are not willing to negotiate on these terms. what with the response be here? how concerned are you about how many people would come to the streets if madrid imposed rule again?” people would come to the streets if madrid imposed rule again? i think a lot of people will come out. we will see a huge amount of people trying to stop the arrangement by our president and all of these problems of social order. so, it is a potentially very serious flash point? it is. if they send policemen to arrest the government, i think a lot of people will go onto the streets and stop them from doing that. thank you very much indeed. as i say, we are watching for any announcement before the public announcement before the public announcement at 6pm tomorrow, it is announcement at 6pm tomorrow, it is a decisive moment for spain and the unity of this country. ten, thank

you. —— tim willcox, thank you. we will have the headlines in a moment and catch up with all of the sport, and there are some important football matches going on. but let's catch up with the weather. louise? the shade today is pretty much grey across the country. a lot of cloud around today. this was berkshire an hour or so ago. you can see that it stayed dry. the best of the sunshine has been across sheltered eastern areas, north—east england and eastern parts of scotland. we see rain gathering, moving in three scotla nd rain gathering, moving in three scotland and northern ireland. gradually drifting into northern england. not much left on that weather front as it pushes through central and southern areas by dawn tomorrow morning. a great start with cloud, some scattered showers in the south—west. but fingers crossed, cloud breaks up and more sunshine

breakthrough for many of us tomorrow. a more optimistic story. cold and rain gathers in the north—west. bringing in wet and windy weather. gales an exposed coasts, some heavy as it sinks out of scotla nd coasts, some heavy as it sinks out of scotland into england and wales by the end of wednesday. either side, brighter spells with some warmth to go with it too. things climb down towards the end of the week and warm up in the south. this is bbc news, the headlines. theresa may has said she wants a creative solution to establishing a new economic relationship with the eu after brexit, one that will ensure prosperity for all. the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in england and wales has been hearing how allegations against the late liberal mp sir cyril smith failed to impede his political career. the trial of an army sergeant

accused of trying to kill his wife, by tampering with her parachute, has heard more evidence about victoria cilliers' jump over salisbury plain. the high court in catalonia says it's asked for spanish national police to provide extra security at the court building in case catalan leaders press ahead with a unilateral declaration of independence. the actress meryl streep has spoken out against the producer, harvey weinstein, in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, which have resulted in him being fired from his own company. what is to catch up with this poor news, and crossed to the sports centre —— sport news. the tension is

building ahead of that crucial world cup qualifier tonight. wales may be without their star man gareth bail but their manager chris coleman says they have nothing to fear ahead of that crucial game tonight. the real madrid forward misses out with a ca lf madrid forward misses out with a calf strain, he did watch training, he will be in the stadium tonight. wales could even top the group with a win, but a defeat and martin o'neill's side will reach the play—offs. o'neill's side will reach the play-offs. it is a fantastic atmosphere, there is nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. the occasion is what it is, it is great for us to be involved in it, we have a game plan, we've always had a game plan and and our players have proved that they're very good at executing whatever game plan we put in front of them. wales without gareth bail, but concerns for ireland, who have

lost a key striker, shane long is out with a chip into the —— keep —— injury. whatever the case may be, at some point dell have to go for it. i assume you will be wide open in the second half. they have been called the gordon strachan to step down. he said that they were genetically behind, they drew 2—2 in slovenia. it is time for him to go, he has had two campaigns, it was his remit when he was brought to the national team as manager, and with his comment saying the disease is down to genetics that we didn't qualify is com pletely genetics that we didn't qualify is completely nonsensical. perhaps no

surprise that the tottenham striker harry kane has been named in the short list for the 2017 balloon d'or award which is given to the world's best player. the full list will be announced later today. the castleford tigers and england full—back zach hardaker has tested positive for cocaine. he will be left out, as england named their world cup squad. he has sympathies for his former player. you think what a shame that is for him, for england, he is a fantastic player. clearly it didn't help castleford. it's a tough one, i hope he pulls through this, but at the same time, don't mess about with drugs. just

don't mess about with drugs. just don't be stupid, everybody needs to realise whether it is performance enhancing orjust realise whether it is performance enhancing or just social drugs, realise whether it is performance enhancing orjust social drugs, it doesn't work. it just enhancing orjust social drugs, it doesn't work. itjust does not work and long—term ill catch up with you. the british number three has eased past in the shanghai masters. he suffered an early break, carl edmund. that sets up a second round meeting with the fourth seed tomorrow. that is all be sport for now, you can get all the build—up to that crucial world cup qualifier in cardiff on the bbc sport website. let's have more on our main story,

the prime minister calling for a flexible and creative agreement between the uk and eu. she said she had in mind a dynamic, unique economic agreement of benefit to both parties. it later‘sjeremy corbyn accused theresa may of a chaotic approach, and that britons are no closer to knowing what the future of the country will look like. joining me now from our westminster studio is jenny chapman, labour's shadow brexit minister. where is the clarity needed? the clarity is needed from top to bottom u nfortu nately. clarity is needed from top to bottom unfortunately. what keeps happening with the prime minister at the moment, i think probably because her backis moment, i think probably because her back is against the wall, is that she keeps saying, i'm going to make a dramatic intervention, i'm going to make a very important speech, i'm going to come to the house of commons and make a very important statement. and then the contents are

very vague and she's quite good at identifying problems, but not very good at outlining how she would solve those problems. and even today in today's statement, there were inconsistencies within the single statement full stop perhaps that is unsurprising given the chaos that is at the top of government, but she needs to put that aside and focus on the country and what the country needs. is labour policy of an implementation period of around two yea rs implementation period of around two years this same as the conservative policy raza i think the government has accepted the principle of a transition period, and we welcome that. today we heard the prime minister say that she does not want to be part of a customs union or a single market or accept any european court ofjustice single market or accept any european court of justice oversight single market or accept any european court ofjustice oversight during that time and yet she says she wants to be able to trade on exactly the

same times, and have everything working exactly the same way as it is now. so, which is it? you can't haveit is now. so, which is it? you can't have it both ways. really, i think it is confusing for the public, it's confusing for the people she is attempting to negotiate with in brussels, is confusing for her own party in parliament, and what she really needs to do is get off the fence and start to be very, very clear about exactly where it is she wa nts clear about exactly where it is she wants this country to go. because uncertainty with brexit we knew would happen, and to an extent the business community has been ready for that. but there comes a point where people need to know where they stand. we need to know what is the prime minister's vision for the future of our country and the future of our relationship with the eu. let's be clear, if you were in power today, what would you be saying about that transition period? that we about that transition period? that we would still be full members of the customs union and single market

for the two years? or not? for the transition period, yes. so much time has elapsed, we have 15 months into the process, we do not have enough time left to create new customs arrangements, new border controls, what are we going to do about the border in northern ireland? everybody says they don't want a ha rd everybody says they don't want a hard board of the very good reason. what are we going to do instead? the simple reason that the clock has been ticking for almost a year and a half, no progress has been made on anything and we simply need that additional time to make sure that the country is ready. that we are not going to have aged it on jobs and the economy in the uk, because we and the economy in the uk, because we can't afford that happen. it doesn't need to happen, but we do need secure transitional arrangements to make sure that this country arrangements to make sure that this cou ntry leaves arrangements to make sure that this country leaves the eu without a cliff edge and in a way that predicts thejobs cliff edge and in a way that predicts the jobs and the economy. quite a few of your colleague asked

a direct question on a significant legal point, which is whether the government has had legal advice on whether article 50 can be revoked? with that suggest that some of your colleague is one that to happen and what would you say to them? the position of the labour party is that we position of the labour party is that we don't expect article 50 to be revoked, because we will have this transitional period that will give us the time that we need. there are some people, of course there are, who would prefer that we aren't leaving the eu, and you would have to be living in a cave somewhere to not realise that. but we accept the outcome of the referendum and we did vote to trigger article 50. but what we vote to trigger article 50. but what we didn't vote for was a government that was going to mess around the best pa rt that was going to mess around the best part of two. we need to get an with these negotiations and we need to do them well. sadly at the moment the government is letting us down. thank you. the independent committee of sexual

abuse has been hearing about cyril smith. the first public enquiry since the allegations in rochdale, was told that margaret thatcher was approved elite mac aware of cyril smith when she approved his knighthood. in the 1960s, they called him mr rochdale. he became mayor of the town for labour but defected to the liberals, the forerunners of today's liberal democrats. do you want a man to represent you? or do you want a party robot? but in the ‘60s it was never revealed he had been accused of sexually abusing deprived boys. after nearly six decades, what started as rumour has led to this — three weeks of public hearings at the child abuse inquiry to finally get to the bottom of it. the decision to embark upon this investigation was in part in response to the public concern

that some politicians, including cyril smith, were involved in child sexual abuse and able to abuse with impunity because they were protected by the establishment. it is claimed cyril smith later abused boys at this school for troubled children but in 1970 police were investigating allegations about him at a hostel for young men, cambridge house, when he came to see them. a transcript of the meeting records a police officer saying... you want to see what we know. smith started laughing at that. well, yes, fishing, i think that's fair comment. fishing because cyril smith was hoping to move from local politics to national. he told the police... in three weeks i've got to give a decision on whether i'm going to fight the next parliamentary election as a liberal in rochdale. and if i'm going to be charged, i'm not going to accept.

guilty or not guilty, it would be unfair to the party. he wasn't charged. years later the press started to get wind of the investigation that had taken place and now the inquiry has found new evidence of a cover—up. this inquiry made a request to m15, the security service, to see if it had any information that was relevant to this investigation. it did. secret files from mis‘s archives suggest in 1979 prosecutors lied tojournalists and denied smith had been investigated. smith was re—elected in greater numbers than before and far from diminishing him, the allegations appear to have had absolutely no effect whatsoever. cyril smith will be at the centre of these three weeks of hearings but the allegations are much wider, that paedophiles had easy access to children in rochdale and that it was covered up. more on the prime minister

statement. would still be subject to the rulings of the european court of justice on and if so could you accept that? this is something new that she said this afternoon, and i wa nt to that she said this afternoon, and i want to know more about the detail before i comment on it.” want to know more about the detail before i comment on it. i can't imagine you would be happy if it we re imagine you would be happy if it were true? i think it is odd to be leaving the eu and then still be submitting to the european union supreme court, which is one of the reasons why we want to leave the eu.

it depends what the circumstances are, what the limitations are, but the whole point of leaving the eu is that parliament takes that control and! that parliament takes that control and i want to know the relationship between what rulings the european court ofjustice may be making and how parliament has the final say over how parliament has the final say over anything that is decided. in principle, let's be clear with viewers, this isn't something that we viewers, this isn't something that we would expect you to accept? this is quite right and i want to understand the detail before i make any comment. on the broader theme of clarity, because business leaders have seen the prime minister today, on the broader theme of needing clarity and wanting to make investment decisions. by the end of this year business leaders are very clear that they don't have the information they want at the moment to make those decisions. decent device with them? yes and no mac. i

think they are entitled to the government to provide as much certainty as possible. there are two certainties, one is that we get a comprehensive deal which will be the best of both possible worlds. the second is that we don't get a deal and might even leave without a deal as the prime minister repeated today. i think that is the sector should be fleshing out an alternative plan because if we are not subject to all the extra regulations in the financial services sector that the eu imposes on the city of london, and a lot of that was voted through that even people like george osborne would not want. he lost several court cases when he was chancellor of the exchequer. we should be fleshing out an alternative that should make london a much more attractive place to invest once we're out from the clutches of the eu. but that does depend upon being out of the clutches of the eu. this concept of

no deal, however it is qualified, clearly alarms quite a few people in business and elsewhere. do you feel they have the right to be alarmed or not? i don't feel they have the right to be alarmed. first of all preparations are being made by the government to make sure we have the customs systems and processes in check and in place. it would be easier and more sensible and a smoother transition if the eu would agree to an interim period, but we can only agree to an interim period if we're clear about what the deal will be at the end of it that the prime minister has made again clear today. honestly, if the eu thinks about it, if they want to punish us they want to think about it and not destroy jobs and they want to think about it and not destroyjobs and prosperity on their side of the english channel as much as we side of the english channel as much as we want to accept that. we will be offering the maximum access possible for the eu to our market which is their biggest export market. if it is disruption and

dislocation, if there is any problem as we dislocation, if there is any problem as we leave the eu, it will be the eu causing it and not us, and that should perhaps remind us why we are leaving the eu. it is really, i think unconscionable, that the eu is still refusing to negotiate under long—term relationship they want to have the uk after we leave they are stalling and i think there is a point when the prime minister needs to call time. by my colleagues is saying that they have started to set up saying that they have started to set up plans to minimise disruption if the uk leads the eu without a deal. the paper on future customs arrangements making future provisions on customs, the 80 and excise regimes is no deal is reached. the point is, that the extent of that preparations and the scale of it is beyond a year, it is an immense task. our system is

remarkably resilient and adaptable if the pressure is really on. so long as the government commits the resources , long as the government commits the resources, and what we have been anxious about is that the government has been a bit shy about committing resources because they feel that if we are resources because they feel that if we are to public about getting ready to no dealjust antagonises our european negotiating partners. i think we have to have this insurance policy, and whatever we spend now to be ready in 2019, it won't be money wasted, it will be systems in place and ready for us to negotiate a stronger deal should the eu want a deal. the metal from stronger deal should the eu want a deal. the metalfrom brussels stronger deal should the eu want a deal. the metal from brussels at -- message from brussels was three clear, when it was said the ball was in court, they said no it is in our court. really it is difficult to work up any enthusiasm for the notion of compromise even at this stage. lets get this perspective. when we had a referendum the eu said

we when we had a referendum the eu said we can't possibly talk you until you invoke article 50. we invoke article 50 and then they said they can talk about long—term arrangement until this, this and this. we have been discussing this, this and this for the last six months. the prime minister goes to florence and make a very consolatory speech putting big concessions on the table on those matters, and we have been very diligent in sticking to their negotiating agenda. despite that they are still refusing to discuss they are still refusing to discuss the long—term relationship that will exist between the uk and the eu. how are we exist between the uk and the eu. how are we meant to settle or the detailed issues if they won't talk about the future framework of our relationship, which is in fact the word i'm using, in article 50, to make an agreement in the context of a future framework in our relationship. they are in breach of the ranked —— cheeky. they are doing

it because they want to box the united kingdom into a corner and make it as weak as possible. there comes a point when the prime minister has to say i am not going to be pushed around any more, my cabinet is going to have to back me to ta ke cabinet is going to have to back me to take a strong stand in order... on the concept of backing, if this transition period does turn out to be one in which the ecj is fully implementing itsjurisdiction be one in which the ecj is fully implementing its jurisdiction on british law, is that something you can live with? i think you'll be very difficult to the conservative party and the government and indeed parliament to explain to voters why we parliament to explain to voters why we have gone slow motion on brexit. at the behest of the eu, why we're inviting the eu to carry on interfering in our laws after we have left the eu, and why we're

actually going to be paying them for the privilege, billions and billions of pounds, which many people would rather we spent on our own schools, hospitals and social services. i think this will be very difficult to explain, particularly to the 30% of hard—core explain, particularly to the 30% of ha rd—core leave voters explain, particularly to the 30% of hard—core leave voters who deserted the main parties before we had a referendum, and came back to the main parties, as both parties said they stood supporting the leaving they stood supporting the leaving the eu. i'm afraid it is the tail wagging the dog and it will be politically very difficult for all the political parties to explain what they are doing. anti. the co—leader of the greens says his party will be the most influential political movement in the 21st century. speaking to delegates at the green party conference, jonathan bartley said his party was setting the agenda,

despite having just one mp in the house of commons. he also called the conservatives ‘rotten to the core‘, and said the prime minister should sack borisjohnson, whom he called a ‘human wrecking ball‘. jonathan bartley joins me now from the green conference in harrogate. thank you for being patient and waiting. cani thank you for being patient and waiting. can i pick up on the brexit things first. we havejust waiting. can i pick up on the brexit things first. we have just been talking about that. on the concept ofa talking about that. on the concept of a two—year transition, where possible ecj jurisdiction, what is your response to that? we would like to see as close a relationship with the eu as possible. it is only right, and i was thinking as an analogy, he is saying that we can go to the bar and order 12 pints of beer and then decide we don‘t want to pay for them after drinking a couple. it is right if we go down

this route that we need to have a transitional arrangement, but the more people that look at brexit and what it is meaning, the less that like it. we know the government has 50 studies at the disposal that will tell us the full impact of brexit. they are not relate releasing it to us. we need to know what is going on, the people of britain need a say in this process going forward. we can‘t leave it in the hands of the prime minister and certainly not in the hands of borisjohnson, the goodies is looking like a bad situation, and omnishambles. some people say they want to be fully briefed on whether the government has legal advice about revoking article 50, is that something you would like to be clarified and set out in clear terms? it beggars belief that we invoke article 50 and we belief that we invoke article 50 and we don‘t know what methods are at disposal to stop it, to end it. there are conflicting opinions on

that, i know the house of lords has given an opinion, the three nights judgment as it is known. there have been one or two court cases to try and get clarity to know whether article 50 can be unilaterally revoked. if you can increase the transitional period. these are things we should sign up a long time ago. it beggars belief that the government has gone into these negotiations without answering these fundamental questions. a question about your party‘s performance if i may. correct me if these figures are not right, 1 million voters in 2015, half a million in the general election in 2017. if that is right, what are you doing to reverse that and what are the kind of policy offerings that you have that you think will basically bring those people back you? i think everyone accepts that the snap general election was a very unusual election and it wasn‘t time to fundraisers, it was a disadvantage to all smaller

parties. it was only the tories and labour that increase their vote, or the other parties went down. it was a very unusual election. but it was still our second best result ever, caroline lucas doubled her majority, and we feel that we have really set the agenda of british politics. it isn‘t just about elections, the agenda of british politics. it isn‘tjust about elections, it is about how you are moving the political landscape. back in 2010 we we re political landscape. back in 2010 we were told that by all the big parties that austerity was the only option. we were the ones that said no and we have been proved right. jeremy coleman has taken some of our policies, quite rightly, he has an awful long way to go. but he has shifted the labour party back to its historical position and the greens has a lot to do with it. we want to see the political landscape and much further, we want to see things about automation, about living on a warming planet. we have seen these hurricane in the caribbean, and we need to call this what it is, this is very, very serious for the planet. those hurricanes has had a

lot of destruction, exacerbated by climate change. we need to radically rethink the way we organise the economy, devolving power down to the local level. an important message from the referendum that we should all take away, is that people want to ta ke all take away, is that people want to take back control. we should think ina to take back control. we should think in a fresh weight about how to involve communities and create this resilient economies they can deal with the winds of a global economy and the changing climate. thank you. wales are playing the republic of ireland receiving as they try to qualify for the football world cup finals in the first time in nearly 60 years. andy, how would you sum up the feeling there today? there is a feeling of optimism, that there is a sense among the wales fans that this is make or break. there are an awful

lot of permutations, i will keep it as simple as possible. victory for wales will guarantee them at least a play—off place, it could though even see them top the group and qualify automatically if their rivals serbia slip—up in their match. that would be dreamland for the wales fans. a draw might be enough to reach the play—offs, that they would need other results to go their way. defeat and their world cup hopes are over. defeat and their world cup hopes are over. as for the republic violent, they know that if they win tonight they know that if they win tonight they are guaranteed a place in the play—offs, it really is up for grabs. wales having qualified for a world cup final since way back in 1958. tonight they will be without their star player gareth dale, that they will of course have the vast majority of the 30,000 fans cheer on their side. and those fans will be hoping that that 60 year weight might be over. i'd better not say

too much, we love the republican violent, but not as much as we love wales! thank you very much. —— republic of ireland. time for a look at the weather. this is been the story today. grey looking skies. only a favoured few got blue skies. in fact as we go through the night, we will seize on rain arriving, mostly affecting scotland, northern ireland and north—west england and wales. pretty much grinding to a halt by dawn tomorrow morning across england and wales, then weakening off considerably. into the afternoon it will be cloudy skies as we go through the afternoon and a scattering of showers, but elsewhere we scattering of showers, but elsewhere we should see sunshine coming through and certainly more than today. but make the most of it, wet and windy weather is set to return again to the north—west. this time accompanied by gale force winds on

exposed coasts. some quite heavy rain as well. that pushes south and east but once it clears away we will see the sky is clear and a chilly night to come. that is it from me, enjoy your evening. as she updates mps on the brexit talks. shia announces new proposals for how the uk could a trader should that happen, to the derision of the opposition balances. while i believe it is in all our interests for the negotiations to succeed, it is our responsibilility as a government to prepare for every eventuality. 15 months on from the referendum we‘re still no clearer what the future of this country will look like. the question must be asked, what on earth has the government be doing all this time? but the european commission hits back, warning the ball is in the uk‘s court to speed up the brexit negotiations. also tonight...

an inquiry hears how the police were stopped from pursuing allegations against the mp cyril smith of child sex abuse.