this is bbc news. i'm anita mcveigh at westminster, where new brexit proposals are coming under scrutiny. the headlines at eleven: mps will get their chance to examine boris johnson's new brexit proposals when the prime minister sets out his plans to the house of commons in half an hour's time. mps are already in the debating chamber — this is the scene live in the commons. we expect to hear more shortly from politicians in brussels, as well — officials there have already described the new plan as "problematic". in other news: the parents of a five—year—old girl with a serious brain injury have won a high court battle to take her to italy for treatment — after uk doctors said her life support should be withdrawn. in a landmark ruling, belfast‘s high court rules northern ireland's abortion law

breaches the uk's human rights commitments. campaigners lose a significant legal battle against the government's handling of the rise in women's state pension age. president trump lashes out at the move for impeachment — accusing the leading democrat who chairs the house intelligence committee, of being a "low life" who's committed treason. and in sport: dina does it! asher—smith becomes the first british woman to win a major global sprint title — as she takes gold in the 200m at the athletics world championships. good morning, and welcome to westminster — where in the next half hour or so the prime minister,

boris johnson, will return to the commons and outline his blueprint for a new brexit deal to mps. meanwhile, the eu is considering whether to open a further intensive stage of neogiations — with the aim of reaching a final agreement at an eu summit on october 17. so what is the uk government proposing? emma barnett explains. what borisjohnson appears to have conceded is that northern ireland would effectively stay in the european single market. so it would have the same regulation for agri—food and industrial products as the republic to facilitate north—south trade. this regulatory alignment of northern ireland with the eu would also require checks on goods passing from the rest of the uk to northern ireland. but the key element of the new proposals is that, unlike under theresa may's backstop, the whole of the uk — including northern ireland — would leave the eu customs union. so there would be custom checks on goods passing from the north to the south, though the government say that these would be made

as nonintrusive as possible. the government say this would not constitute a hard border on the island of ireland — others disagree. finally, this arrangement would have to be approved by the northern irish assembly, and then re—approved every four years. this is the scene live in the house of commons — where we expect borisjohnson to outline his new brexit proposals to mps in the next half hour or so. we'll bring you that live. this is significant, because of the expected suspension of parliament next tuesday ahead of the queen's speech, meaning no prime minister's questions next wednesday, this could be the last significant chance for mps to scrutinise borisjohnson directly. we will be live once boris johnson begins to speak. but first,

we will hear from norman smith, who is at the houses of parliament. but first, how is this being received in brussels? our correspondent, adam fleming, is there. problematic is that they were that we have heard used to give an insta nt we have heard used to give an instant reaction to these proposals from borisjohnson. instant reaction to these proposals from boris johnson. are instant reaction to these proposals from borisjohnson. are there grounds for negotiation? the first thing is that the eu has kept the door open to the uk, there will be further talks between the negotiating teams over the next couple of days. you could argue may be the eu was always going to do that because its good diplomacy, it's polite and it's good politics if you want to avoid getting any blame for a no—deal brexit f this all goes wrong. also being welcomed as the component and at this plan about regulatory alignment, about northern ireland following eu rules on agriculture, food, plant health and industrial thread. that is a big piece of the puzzle effectively

sold. the concerns fall into three categories, first of all, this is not a fully operational plan which is what the eu are demanding. some of the details are still to be worked out. some of them may not even the what out until after brexit day, which is a problem for the eu, especially at the stuff about customs checks. the second area of concern is protecting the all ireland economy, those economic links between businesses and people between northern ireland and the republic. the eu and only want to present things as they are now above as little change as possible, this would require a lot of extra burdens and paperwork, and would effectively disrupt the all ireland economy. thirdly, this idea of giving more power to the stormont assembly, also being seen as getting more pub to the dup in particular. notjust when the dup in particular. notjust when the backstop comes end, whether that be if all your rolling approval of it, even before it comes into force,

the northern ireland assembly would have to give it say, which some people here are interpreting as a veto, which is too much power to give to storm right when the eu want an equal say in all of this too. to be clear, by the 17th, the time of that summit, the negotiations will have to be done? or will there be negotiations at the summit itself? the policy of the eu is that lee do not want to negotiate at the summit, they do not want a situation where borisjohnson goes they do not want a situation where boris johnson goes into they do not want a situation where borisjohnson goes into it in with a folder and highlighter pens, they do not want that to happen. in an ideal world, the tax would be sealed, agreed a week before. before that, you would have to go all the member states squared off, any concerns that they have reflected in the text. before that, you will have to have an intense period of negotiations where everybody sits around together, bashing out a legal text. that bit of the process, which

they call the tunnel because it is so they call the tunnel because it is so secretive, has not even started yet. time is incredibly tight. in terms of the 27, will they absolutely take their lead from ireland as one of those 27, oral some of the pressure becoming in the opposite direction from the brussels headquarters, if you like mud towards ireland ? headquarters, if you like mud towards ireland? it's a bit of everything, really. of course, they will take the lead of leo varadkar if he says that these proposals will not... even jeopardise if he says that these proposals will not... evenjeopardise the peace process , not... evenjeopardise the peace process, then it will be a big thumbs down from the eu. it is not just about the peace process on the island of ireland, the eu also sees us island of ireland, the eu also sees us about the safety, security and integrity of the single market. about the quality of products that are coming to the eu we are northern ireland and ireland and an up in denmark, czech republic, france, the nether lines, whatever. also, what about revenues that the eu would be

owed when it comes to imports? would they be calculating correctly and with the eu actually lose money if they sign up to a system like this? but the real guide will be at the break shipped negotiations and the european commission, led by michel barnier. they do the negotiations, they deliver the final text, and it is their thumbs they deliver the final text, and it is theirthumbs up they deliver the final text, and it is their thumbs up or thumbs down, their analysis that the rest of the eu tends to follow. lets close now to our assisted political editor, norman smith, who is in the houses of parliament. i guess we need to compartmentalise the slightly, of course there is the negotiations it isa course there is the negotiations it is a place with the eu, but the immediatejob in is a place with the eu, but the immediate job in front of boris johnson is to deal with questions from mps, and to perhaps convince quite separate groups of mps to get behind his plan? he has got to the

commons majority that always eluded mrs may. the signs, frankly, are quite a bit more encouraging than him there in the circumstances facing mrs may, the prime reason for thatis facing mrs may, the prime reason for that is that the hardline brexiteers in the european research group now seem prepared to give mrjohnson and his deal at their backing. that is not to say that they are totally signed up to his proposals, there are still things in it that they don't like, they are not happy about the money out of the divorce bill, they are not happy about the role for the european court. but they think broadly about borisjohnson is on the same page as name, heading towards a long—term scenario where britain would actually be quite distant from the eu. so, they seem broadly on board. part of the reason, too, is that the dup have proved noisy, enthusiastic supporters of the borisjohnson deal, which is why this morning the brexit secretary, stephen barclay

was sounding cautiously optimistic about the prospects of getting common support for this package. both sides recognise that the best way forward is to have a deal, and what the prime minister has set out is the broad landing zone for that deal. now, of course, there's some further negotiation to be done, that will need to be intensively done in the coming days. but jean—claude juncker has been clear — they're not into the backstop, they recognise that it's been rejected three times by parliament. the uk parliament will simply not accept the backstop. interesting to see this morning whether boris johnson interesting to see this morning whether borisjohnson tries to adopt a more lovey—dovey approach with labourmps, a more lovey—dovey approach with labour mps, remember the last time mrjohnson was in the commons, all hell broke loose after he started get, getting stuck into some labour mps were some pretty abrasive, incendiary language. or he now be much more accommodating, consolatory and an effort to get some of those

ine and an effort to get some of those in e supporting constituencies to back his party a catch? the difficulty that is at some of them are saying, we difficulty that is at some of them are saying, we can difficulty that is at some of them are saying, we can go along with your proposals in northern ireland, we don't like your long—term plan for our relationship with the eu. we wa nt to for our relationship with the eu. we want to maintain close ties, whereas the brexiteers want more distant relations. you think of it comes down to a choice, mrjohnson is inevitably going to side with the brexiteers, because they are pivotal if he is to get a commons majority. have a listen to sir bernard jenkins this morning, clearly indicating they are in the market to back boris johnson's deal. we've been probably engaged in the discussions, as has the dup, i mean, months went by under theresa may without the dup being properly engaged. there is a mood for compromise, people want to get this done. there is considerably more trust in the final outcome of brexit because boris is committed to a free trade agreement at the end of it. so i would say there is very strong grounds for optimism. the question is whether the eu is going to be prepared to compromise,

because if they won't compromise then... we will leave, anyway, on the 31st of october — i have no doubt about that. this earth, and it is an almighty if, the eu gives a thumbs up to boris johnson's if, the eu gives a thumbs up to borisjohnson‘s deal, if, the eu gives a thumbs up to boris johnson's deal, there if, the eu gives a thumbs up to borisjohnson‘s deal, there is a decent chance i will get through the commons. but they don't, then mr johnson is involved in a full—scale fistfight with parliament, because he will be seeking to press ahead with no—deal, despite the law banning no—deal, so there will be a major clash, which could yet end up in the courts again. what can we expect over the coming days — before parliament is suspended next week? joe owen is from the institute for government. let's talk about the negotiating

challenge that lies ahead, both here in the uk and with the eu. at the moment, it seems the uk and the eu have different definitions of the problem that they are trying to solve. from the uk perspective, this is about avoiding infrastructure on the borderline and trying to make trade across that border as frictionless as possible. on the eu side, they are saying that they want to protect the all—ireland economy, and whether or not there is an introduction on the border or not, we want to try to maintain the weather trade flows across that now. that might sound like splitting hairs, but until you have a shared definition of the problem you're trying to solve, is very difficult to come up with a detailed technical solution. the question is will the eu move, except that there can be a customs border on the island of ireland? even if they make that big leap which they have been so against him in so far, there is a lot too

technical detail to work out from the proposal put forward by the uk, doubtless this exit mechanism that fiow doubtless this exit mechanism that now exists with the northern ireland assembly. let's talk about the issue splitting hairs, because northern ireland on the borisjohnson‘s proposals, stay in the single market for good. but leave the customs union. explain that in a nutshell, what is the difference there? the customs union is about regulations, the stand that products need to meet. this is where it is hard to avoid a really intrusive checks around the border. the uk saying that we will accept it between great britain and northern ireland, will ta ke britain and northern ireland, will take some pain there. but customs about the tariffs, taxes that you need to pay, and then the paperwork to prove a consignment moving from one customs territory, which would be northern ireland, to another customs territory, which would be

the eu and the republic of ireland. if you like, it is creating two borders. one of our relation between great britain and northern ireland, and another one for customs between northern ireland and the republic of ireland and the eu. in terms of what is happening here today, what are the parliamentary hurdle is between now and the 31st of october? when i say that, i'm talking about from both perspectives, borisjohnson who says he wants to get brexit done, and for those mps who say that if you can't get a deal in place, he must ask by the 19th of october for an extension from the eu? is boris johnson want to leave with a deal i'd avoid the a benn act, the legislation requiring him to ask for an extension, then he needs to get a majority in parliament for his deal before the 19th of october. that means ditching together different

groups of mps around this deal. —— stitching together. there will be the brexiteers and his party and udp, but then there are also some of the labour mps who never came through 40 recent me to mcnay, who never backed her deal, he would be looking to back a day. —— theresa may. even if he can do that, he then missed a piece of legislation, and he will have very little time to do this, it may be ten sitting days if they cancel all weekends, which is much softer than previous legislation like this has taken to get through the commons. really big hurdles. it will be interesting to see that language from him today, there is a lot of bad blood floating around in there, isn't there?“ there is a lot of bad blood floating around in there, isn't there? if you are a prime minister looking to build a broad coalition of support, you may be slightly more polite about parliament nine borisjohnson

was in his conference speech. it will be really interesting to see those groups, like the stymeing, stephen king a group of labour mps who want a deal, like the erg. i think everyone in government will recognise there will need to be some sort of gift if they are to get down to serious negotiations with the eu. borisjohnson will want to serious negotiations with the eu. boris johnson will want to know if dup and brexiteers are broadly happy with this government, how much more cani with this government, how much more can i give before i start to lose their support? a couple of key issues at boris johnson, johnson was to make his plan worked, one is talking about the stormont assembly of a site approvalfor what the stormont assembly of a site approval for what happens, now and beyond, until a proposal, approval for what happens, now and beyond, untila proposal, up to 2025. that idea of two borders over

four years. the stormont assembly is an even sitting at the moment, so cannot be about to play its role? we're just seeing boris johnson leaving downing street on his way to the commons, will bring his address to the commons live and the questions that follow on from that. he was also talking and his conference speech yesterday about technical solutions to the issue of the border between northern ireland and the republic of ireland, and how technology was evolving all the time, a suggestion that the uk were saying that a does not have all the a nswer to saying that a does not have all the answer to the technological puzzle yet, but looking for some good faith from the eu side that those solutions might emerge over the next two years. —— next few years. we can find out about the lib dems position

now, spokesperson for the liberal democrats on a brexit. in contrast to boris johnson? get democrats on a brexit. in contrast to borisjohnson? get brexit done, the lib dems want to ditch brexit, what do you do today as you sit in the and listen to what he has to say, are you to listen? i think what we need to do today is to point out that what the prime minister is proposing replacing and northern ireland, which is no bother at all, is two borders. we are also going to point out that boris johnson famously said s business, well, the business committee in borisjohnson is proposing as an existential threat, and they are going to be flown under the bus, that is what we wa nt to flown under the bus, that is what we want to highlight today. we have had from the dup, conservative erg group of members, that they think that this proposal from of members, that they think that this proposalfrom him have got legs. how do you push back against

that? he is trying to build consensus for a deal, the consensus that theresa may did not achieve, in terms of timing to take boris johnson on to me for a vote of no confidence— what happens with that? we do not know whether the eu will respond positively from theirs. we also know from a leaked memo that this is a negotiating open gambit from the government, if that is the case and the eu say we are subject to these changes and borisjohnson then agrees to those changes. at that point, it is not clear whether the erg, the dup, ora that point, it is not clear whether the erg, the dup, or a limited number of labourmps the erg, the dup, or a limited number of labour mps will still be on board. you're saying that it might sell combust? the results on this will be incredibly close either way, is that we are this is the final deal that borisjohnson will secure, even if you are secure at,

and well at the dup, erg and other supporters will stay on board. we will continue to make the case that the best deal for the will continue to make the case that the best dealfor the uk is to will continue to make the case that the best deal for the uk is to stay in the eu. but as borisjohnson does support secure a deal, we will say to him, subject to him willing to pay that to a people's vote, our confirmatory referendum, we will sit on our hand, in effect, help him get that deal through, but that is only subject to him agreeing that it should be put to a people's vote at the end of it. if he doesn't agree to that, jo swinson has said that she doesn't wantjeremy corbyn to be leader of a caretaker government, but if push came to shove, presumably, your party which made behind jeremy corbyn and a temporary manner? that is not the choice, it's

very clear that there are a number of eights conservative members of parliament, ex labour mps and the change uk group or the independent group who have said that they are not going to backjeremy corbyn, so he doesn't have the numbers. i think the question for a corbyn is, are you willing to entertain someone else as leader of a temporary government? we have put forward the idea that perhaps ken clarke or harriet harman could fulfil that role, isjeremy corbyn willing to the idea? let's take a quick look at the idea? let's take a quick look at the house of commons where mps are in the chamber,. we will be back there as soon as borisjohnson begins to speak.

two people have been arrested after climate change activists sprayed fake blood across the steps of the treasury in central london. extinction rebellion protesters parked an old fire engine outside the building and spayed a pool of red liquid — of water coloured with food dye — opposite the entrance. four protesters stood on top of the fire engine, which had a banner slung across it with the words "stop funding climate death". a couple who want to move their severely disabled five—year—old daughter to an italian hospital have won their high court challenge against the nhs. specialists caring for tafida raqeeb at the royal london hospital in east london said further treatment would be futile because the youngster has permanent brain damage, is in a minimally conscious state and has no chance of recovery. our correspondent, tolu adeoye, is at the high court. isa is a really emotional case, to go through the details of that ruling this morning. a very difficult case.

five—year—old pop to a collapse in highbury, complaining of headaches. —— tafida. she has been on life support ever since, her family wa nted support ever since, her family wanted to move her to italy because doctors in london wanted to stop our life support, saying that she had no prospect of recovery i should be allowed to die. this morning, that application to withdraw that one support has been denied on her pa rents a re support has been denied on her parents are now free to take to italy to continue her treatment. her pa rents italy to continue her treatment. her parents have talked about the importance of relating to them, they area importance of relating to them, they are a muslim family, they say about tafida but want to live, that the sanctity of life is important. this is the rolling, you can see what the judge has highlighted. the guidelines at the moment is that medical professionals can challenge pa rents medical professionals can challenge parents who refuse to have a life support drawn, if they think it is then the best interest of the child.

in this occasion, the judge said that where a child is not in pain, not aware of the situation, these cases can place the object of best interest test under some stress. he mentions factors including religion which should be considered in these cases. in the case of tafida, doctors had to say that you do not feel any doctors had to say that you do not feelany pain, herfamily doctors had to say that you do not feel any pain, herfamily said that she doesn't feel pain, why can't she be allowed to stay alive? new data suggests the uk economy shrank in the three months leading up to september. the data, collected by ihs markit, shows a nought—point—one , 0.1% percent contraction. the dip in the purchasing managers index was sharper than had been expected. we can cross to our business newsroom and speak with our business presenter victoria fritz. to co nstru e to construe the figures and explain

the significance of this. the data today was about the service sector, the most dominant part of the british economy, these data shows that this is thinking. taking this together some of the other data we have seen and construction, manufacturing— all of those are shrinking. this is the first time we have seen simultaneous shrinking and all of those sectors since 2009. it is in the state has been lit up by economist and scratching their heads is because this is not some sort of one off event, this is because we are seeing and protecting, weakening can do mine in many areas. what does this mean for britain, are we in a recession? technically, no. what you need for a recession is two consecutive chunks, fremont each, of decline. we have already had one, we had any run—up tojune. the people who put the service together say that we will. there are good reasons to be sceptical about some of this

data, for example, it does not cover public services, distribution. they have been repeatedly more downbeat than the data we have seen from the for national statistics, so there is a bit of discrepancy between what we see in the surveys and what actually happens on the ground. really, it's more about to mark a reading of confidence, confidence faltering in businesses up and down the country. the high court in belfast has ruled that northern ireland's abortion laws are in breach of the uk's human rights commitments. the legislation was challenged by sarah ewart, who was told she couldn't have a legal abortion in 2013. she travelled to london for the termination because doctors had said her unborn child wouldn't survive outside the womb. campaigners who claim changes to the pension age discriminated against millions of women born in the 1950s and 60s have lost their case to have the plans reviewed

at the high court. the judges ruled there was no discrimination on the grounds of sex as the law didn't treat women any differently than men, rather it corrected a historic discrimination against men. the statement was given outside the high court on behalf of of the claimants. the aim of this arduous process has been to rectify a substantial and far—reaching injustice which has impacted on her way on at least 3 million women, causing them lasting and untold damage. the hardship caused by the situation has become increasingly recognised by the wider public over the last decade. sadly, today that injustice remains. reaction outside the high court unlikejudgment involving the women's state pension age. just a few minutes away from

borisjohnson age. just a few minutes away from boris johnson speaking in age. just a few minutes away from borisjohnson speaking in at the house of commons, outlining for his stomach has plans for brexit. an opportunity for mps to scrutinise him, they won't have that next week because there is no prime minister's questions next week because parliament is due to be suspended again next tuesday ahead of the queen's speech. less cross to norman smith who is in the houses of parliament, waiting for that. norman, what are the key things you are going to be looking out and listening out for when borisjohnson speaks today? a few things, one of them being the extent to see whether there is any reach out from boris johnson, an appeal to labour mps and cap sleeve supporting stitching seas to back his package. he may well need some of them to get this deal

through parliament. the other thing worth looking at is whether we get any more details about the nitty—gritty of the package, we have had the outlines, but whether we get some of the more detailed issues which i think a lot of mps will be pressing for. then the what if. what if brussels says no. because mr dodgson has said innumerable times, we are leaving come what may october 31, do not think i'm joking, i mean it, it is no—deal. the only problem is that there is a big law in his wa ke is that there is a big law in his wake of the ben act which prepared its him from leaving a mess he asked foran its him from leaving a mess he asked for an extension to stop i suspect there will be a good deal of questions along the lines of what if brussels says no. are you really going to defy the law? mrjohnson has remained conspicuously vague today about how he will get around us. today about how he will get around us. all sorts of ideas emitted,

could he use the civil contingencies act? in other words, could he use the civil contingencies act? in otherwords, emergency powers which are meant for terrorist events, major epidemics, diseases to suspend the ban act. that was seen an extraordinary move. could he simply refused to write a letter and see what happens or write another letter to. letter there see what happens or write another letter there are all sorts of really implausible options but mrjohnson has been clear that he will not sign a letter. interesting to see whether we get any further clarity from him online. the vectoring we surely have to watch out for is the major music amongst mps overall. is there a sense though by now inching towards a deal that they can approve? that is where theresa may always hit the buffers head first, three times, going down two huge majorities. we

wa nt to going down two huge majorities. we want to get a sense whether parliament is now much more in the market to give its approval to a brexit deal, and that might impact on the good folk of brussels is not because of they see that parliament is more in tune with borisjohnson, they will think, if we approve this deal, it looks like he might be able to get it through. that will make it more likely for them, perhaps, to give up their approval. —— to give it their approval. caroline we will look forward to that when borisjohnson begins to speak ina that when borisjohnson begins to speak in a moment. first, the weather forecast. we have had a lovely start to the day, beautiful sunrises first thing this morning, but a higher cloud has been moving on from the west, all courtesy of storm lorenzo, which is moving towards ireland, giving some very strong winds for the west coast of ireland, but for the coast here,

we could see gusts of 40—60 mph through this afternoon. cloud spreading in from all areas, not high—level cloud. further south—west, across south—west england, wales and northern ireland, rain spreads its way in. gail is expected around the irish sea coast. gusts could potentially get up to 60, asi gusts could potentially get up to 60, as i mentioned, and maximum temperatures this afternoon, 12-i6dc. temperatures this afternoon, 12—16dc. through tonight, as storm lorenzo will weaken significantly as it moves south and east. for a time, strong winds around south—west england and wales. rain spread south eastwards, and then we are looking at clearer skies, still a bit of cloud around, but certainly brighter into friday afternoon. goodbye for now.

this is bbc news. the latest headlines... mps will examine borisjohnson‘s new brexit proposals when the prime minister sets out his plans to the house of commons. that is due any moment now. in the last few minutes, borisjohnson has left downing street to make the short trip to the house of commons. in other news... the parents of a five—year—old girl with a serious brain injury have won a high court battle to take her to italy for treatment after doctors here said her life support should be withdrawn. in a landmark ruling, belfast‘s high court rules northern ireland's abortion law breaches the uk's human rights commitments. campaigners have lost a significant legal battle against the government's handling of the rise in women's state pension age. in the states, donald trump has stepped up his attacks on the democrats leading an impeachment inquiry against him. so we are waiting for borisjohnson

to begin talking in the house of commons. let's cross inside there. mps have been there for some while, and here is borisjohnson. the government has micro—proposals for a new friendship with our european friends that would another result of the referendum and deliver practice in october 31 in an orderly way with a deal. this government's objective has always been silly with a deal, and these constructive and reasonable proposal so our seriousness of purpose. they do not deliver everything we would have wished. they do represent a compromise. but to remain a prisoner of existing positions is to become a cause of deadlock rather than break through, and so, we have made a genuine attempt to bridge the chasm, to reconcile the apparently irreconcilable, and to go the extra mile as time runs short. a starting point is that this has

promised to respect the referendum before the vote. more people voted to leave then voted for any political party in our history, and this referendum must be respected. both main parties promised at the 2017 election that they would respect the referendum and that they would be no second referendum. this house voted to trigger article 50 enters voted repeatedly to leave, yet it has also voted three times against the withdrawal agreement, and a repeated delay. so as i have emphasised time and again, there can be no path to a deal except by reopening the withdrawal agreement and replacing the so—called backstop. while as i stand here today, we are some way from a resolution, it is to the credits of our european friends that they have accepted the need to address these issues, and i welcome the constructive calls i have had

over the last 24 hours, including with presidentjunker, chancellor merkel and president varadkar. the commission will now examine the legal text objectively. the essence of our new proposal is a new protocol in ireland and northern ireland consisting of five elements. in the first place, all our actions are based on our shared determination to sustain the belfast good friday agreement, the fundamental basis of government in northern ireland, the protection of which is the highest priority of all. and from this follows the second principle, namely that we should of course uphold all the long—standing areas of cooperation between the uk and our friends long—standing areas of cooperation between the uk and ourfriends in ireland, including the rights of all those living in northern ireland and north—south cooperation, the common travel area, which predates both the good friday agreement and the european union itself. third, we

propose the potential creation of a regulatory zone on the island of ireland, covering all goods including agrifood. this zone would regulate all checks between goods between ireland and northern ireland. fourth, unlike the so—called backstop, such a regulatory zone would be sustained with the consent of the people of northern ireland, as expressed through the assembly and executive. they will give their consent during the transition period as a condition for these arrangements entering into force. thereafter, the assembly will vote again every four years, and if consent were withheld, these arrangements with then lapse after one year. fifth, it has always been a point of principle for this government that at the end of the transition period, the uk should

leave the eu customs union whole and entire, restoring sovereign control over our trade policy and opening the way for free trade deals with oui’ the way for free trade deals with our friends around the world, and thatis our friends around the world, and that is a fundamental point for us, mr speaker. under the proposals in this new protocol, northern ireland will be fully part of the uk customs territory, not the eu customs union. but there will be no need for checks oi’ but there will be no need for checks orany but there will be no need for checks or any infrastructure at or near the border between ireland and northern ireland. indeed, i have already given a guarantee that the uk government will never conduct checks at the border, and we believe that the eu should do the same. so there is absolute clarity on that point. instead, under this new protocol, all customs checks between northern ireland and ireland would take place either electronically or in the small number of cases where physical checks would be necessary, they

would have a premises or other points during the supply chain. we have put forward a method for achieving this based on improving and simplifying existing rules, trusting certain traders, and strengthening our operation with ireland ina strengthening our operation with ireland in a spirit of friendship and sensitivity to the particular circumstances. so while these proposals will mean changes from the situation that prevails today in ireland and northern ireland, it is their driving purpose to minimise any disruption, and in order to support the transition further, we propose a new no dealfor a new no deal for northern a new no dealfor northern ireland, which would set in train a new infrastructure, particularly with a cross—border focus —— a

infrastructure, particularly with a cross—borderfocus —— a new infrastructure, particularly with a cross—border focus —— a new deal. the previous withdrawal agreement and political declaration would have permanently anchored the uk within the orbit of eu regulation and customs arrangements, and an indefinite so—called backstop provided a bridge to that vision of the future. this government has a different vision, basing ourfuture relationship with our european neighbours on a free trade agreement. and allowing the uk to ta ke agreement. and allowing the uk to take back control of our trade policy and our regulations. and we propose to amend the political declaration to reflect this ambition. our proposal should now provide the basis for rapid negotiations towards a solution in the short time that remains. i do not for one moment resile from the fa ct not for one moment resile from the fact that we have shown great

flexibility in the interests of reaching an accommodation with our european friends, and achieving the resolution for which we all yearn. if our european neighbours choose not to show a corresponding willingness to reach a deal, then we shall have to leave and not say where 31st without an agreement. and... and we are ready to do so. but that outcome would be a failure of statecraft which all parties would be held responsible for. when i think of the conflicts that have wracked europe in the past, of the immense challenges that have been surmounted, of the 74 years of peace and prosperity that we have together achieved, i believe that shirley, we can summon achieved, i believe that shirley, we can summon the collective will to reach a new agreement. mr speaker, this government has moved, our

proposals do represent a compromise, andi proposals do represent a compromise, and i hope that the house can now come together in the national interest behind this no deal to open a new chapter of friendship with our european neighbours and move on to oui’ european neighbours and move on to our domestic priorities including education, infrastructure, and our nhs. so, mr speaker, let us seize this moment to honour our overriding promise to the british people. respect brexit, get brexit done, and i commend the sentence to the house. jeremy corbyn. thank you, mr speaker. i would like to thank the prime minister for an advance copy of the statement. but what we have before us is a rehashed version of previously rejected proposals. that put the good friday agreement at risk, that would trigger a race to the bottom on rights and protections for workers,

consumers, and oui’ rights and protections for workers, consumers, and our precious environment. given the seriousness of this issue in the vagueness of their proposal so far, can the prime minister tell this house if and when he plans to publish the full legal text that he must submit to the eu? these proposals would lead to an even worse deal than that agreed by the former prime minister. the prime minister signed up to the backstop in cabinet, and he voted for the withdrawal agreement as a backbencher. his letter to the president of the commission yesterday claims both are now unacceptable. perhaps he can tell us what has changed? why did he support it then, but oppose it now? the letter makes his intentions clear. it rejects any form of customs union, something demanded by every business and industry body in britain and every trade union. they wa nt to

britain and every trade union. they want to ditch eu standards and work as‘ rights, environmental regulations and consumer standards, and engage in a race at the bottom. —— workers' rights. deal or no deal, this government has micro—agenda is clear. they want a trump deal brexit. —— this government's agenda. they would rip away our economy and put a floor under people'srights at work that protect our environment and protect our consumers. no labour mp could support such a reckless deal. it will be used as a springboard to attack rights and standards in this country. the truth is that after three years, this government's not found an answer to the good friday agreement. well once the good friday agreement. well once

the government was committed to having no water in ireland, they are now proposing to borders. ripping up the uk - eu now proposing to borders. ripping up the uk — eu joint report from december 2017. so, can the uk — eu joint report from december2017. so, can the the uk — eu joint report from december 2017. so, can the prime minister confirmed the government has now abandoned their commitment to the people of northern ireland that they would ensure there is no physical infrastructure or related checks and controls on the island of ireland? i'm sorry, i'm only quoting what the government said. mr speaker, while eu leaders have been lukewarm, the response from businesses in northern ireland has been very stark. glenn robert, head of retail northern ireland, said the proposal would lead to north—south ta riffs proposal would lead to north—south tariffs with, and i quote, huge negative impact on farmers and the agrifood sector. he went on to say, andi agrifood sector. he went on to say, and i quote, it would also mean to borders, requiring renewal after four years, surveillance in border communities without their consent,

and checks north south and west east. tina mackenzie, the chair of the federation of small businesses for northern ireland, was completely clear. she said, all the promises of u nfettered clear. she said, all the promises of unfettered access have been abandoned. northern ireland is a small business economy, and this is the death knell for some of those businesses. mr speaker, these plans are simply unworkable. what we have before us is not a serious proposal to break the deadlock. instead, these proposals are nothing more than a cynical attempt by the prime minister to shift the blame for his failure to deliver. we can only conclude his political adviser was telling the truth when he called his negotiations with the eu a sham. soakin negotiations with the eu a sham. soak in the prime minister give a clear a nswer to soak in the prime minister give a clear answer to one question? —— so can the prime minister give a clear answer? if he does not get a deal at

the october council summit, will he abide by the law of this country, the eu withdrawal number to act, and request an extension to avoid a disastrous no deal? mr speaker, the government has micro—proposals are neither serious nor credible. labour consulted with uk industry, businesses and unions on the need for a comprehensive customs union. close single market alignment, and robust projection for workers' rights and environmental standards. we need an extension for serious negotiations towards the sort of deal that labour has set out, and then let the people decide. leave with a sensible deal or remain. the current proposals would damage the whole uk economy, and the northern irish economy especially, and would

undermine the good friday agreement. they would lead to a race to the bottom and workers' rights and environmental rights, and stripped back even the limited protections his predecessor had agreed to. instead of spending the last few months building consensus in parliament and across the eu, the prime minister'sput forward proposals he knows will not be acceptable, either in brussels and westminster, and would damage the uk's industries, people and living standards. the only people who won't suffer are the prime minister'shedge fund donors, who are currently... who are currently betting against the pound and running down our fragile economy. he is doing nothing was seeking to divide and risking this country's future for his own

political gain. an america first deal with president trump. the proposals are unrealistic and damaging, and, as i think the prime minister full well knows, will be rejected in brussels, rejected in this house, and rejected across this country. i must confess, i am disappointed by some of the tone that... and the remarks that the honourable gentleman has made, because i think this is a very good basis for a deal, and to take his points in turn, and to take his questions seriously, mr speaker... he asks what is the advantage of this deal over the previous withdrawal agreement, and very simply, it is this, that the objections on all sides of the house of the previous withdrawal agreement were based on the backstop, which is, as the right honourable gentleman knows, keeps

the uk locked in the customs union and the single market with no say on those arrangements, and i listened very carefully to honourable members on all sides of the house during his debates, and that was the burden of the house's objections to the backstop. he asked a reasonable question about standards, mr speaker, environmental and social protections, and i think it will be the will of this house under any circumstances to keep our standards the highest in the world. the highest in the world, and the advantage that we have in coming out of the eu, as i'm sure the right honourable gentleman would accept, if he reflected on it, is that we can go further, and there are some things that we can now do that have been long called for by the british people. for instance, on animal welfare, that i think would be very advantageous. we can now bandy cruel export of live animals. —— ban the cruel export of live animals, and i'm sure he can see there are

advantages that flow from this approach. he asked about physical infrastructure at the border, and i think i have been clear many times, and this government has been clear many times. the previous administration under my right honourable friend was very clear that under no circumstances will the uk institute physical infrastructure at or near the border. he raised the concerns of businesses in northern ireland, and of course, they must be at the forefront of our minds. and we will ensure that their needs are properly looked after, and that is indeed why we have made the compromises that we have for the immediate future to protect their immediate future to protect their immediate interests, and they will, of course... he asked about u nfettered of course... he asked about unfettered access to the gb market, and they will of course have u nfettered and they will of course have unfettered access to the gb market. and with no checks whatsoever. and

one thing is absolutely certain about those businesses: they want a deal, mr speaker. i have talked to them, iam deal, mr speaker. i have talked to them, i am sure the right honourable gentleman has. and i will say to him in the house, i believe this is our chance and their chance to get a deal. and i listen to what he had to say about delay and keeping this country in the eu beyond the 31st october, and i must say, mr speaker, that option does not commend itself to me. it would incur another billion pounds a month to no advantage whatsoever. i think the people of this country have had enough unnecessary dither and delay. they want to get brexit done, they wa nt to they want to get brexit done, they want to get on and do a deal. this isa want to get on and do a deal. this is a very good basis for the deal. i commend it to the house and i hope the honourable and right honourable members across the house will support it. sir william cash.

welcoming indications of progress in these negotiations. when my right honourable friend agree that the overriding democratic issue is the referendum result itself and the withdrawal act with the 31st of october is the end date, confirms the sovereign and inalienable right of the british people to govern themselves, and that we need in this country a general election now, and to get brexit done. iam to get brexit done. i am grateful to my right honourable friend, but of course, the opposition has many times, at least several times, rejected the invitation to have a general election for reasons that i think will be apparent to most people in this house and this country, and which leave them to consider their own decision. i can certainly tell him that under this deal, this country will certainly be taking back control not only of its poison

this money of its borders and its money, but also its laws. i want to be very clear with the prime minister from the outset. these proposals are unacceptable, they are unworkable, they are undeliverable. it is all about blaming someone else. in this case, the european union, when its plan is rejected. mr speaker, it is a plan designed to fail. but of course, the prime minister knows that. by his own design, this take it or leave it threat is yet another push to —— towards another catastrophic no deal brackets. —— no—deal brexit. these proposals

would take scotland out of the single market, and the customs union, against our will. the consent document talks about the people of northern ireland's consent being required. where is the requirement for the consent of the scottish people, whose voices are ignored by this conservative government? the prime minister may have bought the consent of the dup with these proposals, but every other political party in northern ireland, and every other major business group, are not buying it, and, mr speaker, they are not alone. the prime minister doesn't have the consent of this house. it doesn't have the consent of these islands. let me tell him now. he will never have the consent of scotland. mr speaker, why is it acceptable for scotland to stay in the single

market of the european union —— for ireland to stay in the single market of the european union, but not the scotland? of the european union, but not the scotland ? this of the european union, but not the scotland? this is not a deal, it is a half eight plan from dominic cummings and his brexit fanatics. —— half baked plan. the prime minister knows he cannot get his proposal approved and he does not care, because the truth is, the prime minister either has no interest in getting a deal, or doesn't grasp the reality of a workable backstop. the prime minister must be reminded that he is duty bound to obey the law and seek an extension to the 31st of october deadline, so let me put this to the prime minister. the proposal deal is dead even before it left the podium of the tory conference. the prime minister'scontempt for this house, because that is what it is, for democracy, for people to have a say through their representatives, is clear for all of us to see. this house must take back control, not

for us, but for the people we serve. and if i may, iwant for us, but for the people we serve. and if i may, i want the for us, but for the people we serve. and if i may, iwant the prime minister to think very carefully before he answers this question, and i say to him, give us an actual answer. will the prime minister obey the law as required to seek an extension, and if not, will he can commit today right here, right now, that he will resign? we will not let the prime minister shift the blame... mrspeaker, it the prime minister shift the blame... mr speaker, it is quite remarkable, because we are talking about a prime minister threatening to break the law, and the guffaws from the tory benches really say it all. mr speaker, we will not let the prime minister shift the blame for his devastating plans for a no—deal brexit. the responsibility for the catastrophic threat lies solely on squarely at the prime minister'sdoor. that is why i want to put the prime minister on notice.

the snp will do everything possible to secure an extension and stop no—deal brexit. sol to secure an extension and stop no—deal brexit. so i say to the prime minister, be warned. secure an extension or will resign. if not, the snp stand ready to bring this government down. mr speaker, again, mrspeaker, again, i mr speaker, again, i must say i'm slightly disappointed by the tone... i would remind slightly disappointed by the tone... iwould remind him slightly disappointed by the tone... i would remind him that the people of scotla nd i would remind him that the people of scotland voted to remain in the uk and in the uk single market. if he wishes to avoid a no—deal outcome, may i suggest a hunt at the best way to avoid that would be to vote for a deal that we secure. i think that these proposals do amount toa think that these proposals do amount to a very good basis for a deal.

finally, if he wants to remove me from office, then the best thing he can do is to work on the right honourable gentleman opposite and persuade him to call for a general election, try his luck that way. many of us, on all sides of the house, want to deliver what people voted for, avoid a no—deal brexit, and avoid a process being strung out interminably, so i welcome the latest proposals. can the prime minister assured me that the customs proposals for the irish border do not involve the construction of any new physical infrastructure, whether at the border or anywhere else? i'm very grateful to my right honourable friend who has taken a keen interest in these matters very long time and has helped to bring many members

together across the house on this question. i can tell him that, absolutely not, the proposals we are putting forward do not involve physical infrastructure at or near the border, or indeed, at any other place. if the prime minister had bothered to go to the northern ireland border, he would know the genuine fear that people feel about his proposals, which they say will result in physical introductory for the border, whether it is on the board are, oras the border, whether it is on the board are, or as he euphemistically put it, add some other point in the supply chain. his plans there had been denounced as the worst of both worlds. will the prime minister now go to the northern ireland border

and listen to the people and communities they are, or does he just not care? i, of course, understand the concerns of the people on both sides of the border, indeed, across this country. that's why we are absolutely determined not to have any kind of infrastructure checks at the border, or near the border, as i explain to my right honourable friend, they are not necessary. may i invite heart also to support these proposals, perhaps she could ask her liberal democrat collea g u es she could ask her liberal democrat colleagues to root out their letter tojohn because young calf —— retract their letter to his juncker, urging him not to agree to a new deal with the british government. may i commend the prime minister's i officers on a future of free trade

agreement, which is what many of us have wa nted agreement, which is what many of us have wanted all along. does he recall that earlier in the year and one at the house voted on the so—called indicative votes, on a number of different options, you customs union, norway and so on. all of those were defeated but one. the one option that has ever passed this house other than your withdrawal agreement as originally presented was the so—called brady and the essence of which was to expunge the backstop in favour of alternative arrangements which passed the house of commons on the 29th ofjanuary by 16 votes. does that give him hope that this could get through? yes, it does, it mr speaker. he is right in

saying about the omission of what we can do with this deal because it does liberate is to defeat a deal is around the world and to take back control of our tariffs and our customs. i'm also fortified by the knowledge that on all sides of this house, this has been going on for three and a half years, representing a very good basis for a deal, and i hope that colleagues will support it. for the last three years, it has been government policy that border arrangements between mum the republic after brexit would not include checks and controls, that is enshrined in uk law. now the prime minister has announced that there will be customs checks in northern ireland. and he has entertained the

possibility that northern ireland will never enter the regular tv zone of which he speaks because of it is not agreed between the executive assembly, that will not happen. as a result, he has abandoned that commitment and risk the return to a ha rd commitment and risk the return to a hard border, how is that consistent with the joint declaration of 2017 signed by his predecessor, the good friday agreement, at the peace and stability in northern ireland which has been so hard one. the right honourable gentleman is absolutely right to lay the emphasis on the good friday agreement and peace process. i can tell you, mr speaker, that we are driven by the need to protect and fortify that agreement and that process. i think that this deal that we are setting out gives us the opportunity, gives

communities in ireland have the opportunity to build on that process. i must stress to him that he is mistaken if he believes that it will involve any proposals that will necessitate any kind of checks at the border, that is absolutely untrue. or indeed, any kind of hardboard door. i must tell him respectfully that is untrue. —— any kind of ha rdboa rd respectfully that is untrue. —— any kind of hardboard door. given that hasbro poses meets the terms set out and the amendment passed on in this house, can i ask the prime minister to go to his eu colleagues with some confidence, and to tell them that there is every likelihood, if not certainty, but this proposition will command the support of the house of commons and can take us forward and break the deadlock that has been dogging us for so long. it was my

right honourable friend's amendment which went to the heart of what i think the house so as the fundamental problem of the previous withdrawal agreement, and these proposals do indeed address those concerns. i hope that right honourable members will get behind it. i'm sure that you will have observed that the prime minister's predecessor, at least to her credit, got things in the right order. she got things in the right order. she gotan got things in the right order. she got an agreement with the eu that did command support, it has to be said, in northern ireland. but she couldn't get it through this place. the prime minister thinks he has got the support of parliament, but he hasn't got any support from the eu, nor the people of northern ireland. soi nor the people of northern ireland. so i congratulate him on getting a deal with the erg and the dup, but i remind him that the dup do not

represent people of northern ireland. and i observe that they cannot even be bothered to turn up today. could the prime minister confirmed that not one single other political party, or any organisation in northern ireland, support his corn of a so—called deal. —— con of a so—called deal. corn of a so—called deal. —— con of a so-called deal. i'm not sure i was expecting support from the honourable lady but i was hoping she would see the advantage of what we are supposing. i do think there is a way forward for both the uk and ireland, and for all communities in northern ireland. it offers security and stability and, above all, it protects the good friday process and a frictionless border. i hope that it will have her support, mr

speaker. when i launch the better of outgroup and parliament back inactive as in 2006, i could always rely on the now leader of the labour party to vote for my proposals in the voting lobbies. he has now ditched the only popular policy has ever believed in. laughter. . cani laughter. . can i act the prime minister whether or not what he has proposed as a final offer to the european union, that if they reject this shot his offer out of hand, that it will be the policy of the comment you leave the policy of the comment you leave the eu without a deal?|j the policy of the comment you leave the eu without a deal? i cannot account for the unaccountable shot right honourable gentleman opposite change and mind on the eu, he seems

to be...i change and mind on the eu, he seems to be... i can certainly confirm to my honourable friend that we will be leaving on october the 31st, deal or no—deal. leaving on october the 31st, deal or no-deal. the prime minister's proposals prove quite clearly that he does not understand northern ireland. while the prime minister is perfectly happy and seems to dance to the chain of his friends and the dup, he forgets or chooses to ignore the fact that the dup does not represent the majority of people in northern ireland. the dup campaigned for leave along with the right honourable gentleman. but the majority of people and a northern ireland voted remain. the majority of people in northern ireland will be extremely concerned by the proposals that he has tabled yesterday and spoken of today, which

introduces two borders in northern ireland. may i remind the prime that the people and a northern ireland settle m e nt the people and a northern ireland settlement do not want the uk to leave the eu without a deal. what people in northern ireland really want, all of them, is to continue to edge the peace and stability delivered by the belfast good friday agreement. i want the prime minister to go through the statement he has delivered, and pinpointed housing the people of northern ireland the aspects of his proposals which guarantee peace and stability in northern ireland. i'm gratefulto the honourable lady, i should say that the most important thing is that the most important thing is that we will abide by every clause and principle of the good friday agreement. above all, there will be no border, no hard border at all in

northern ireland. most importantly, we will be governed by the principle of consent. i am more than happy to meet with the right honourable lady to discuss exactly what i mean if that would be useful to her. i do accept that these proposals deserve wider circulation and why that explanation, i would wider circulation and why that explanation, iwould be wider circulation and why that explanation, i would be more than happy to meet to go through them. cani happy to meet to go through them. can i commend the town at the prime minister is taking today and they way in which he has answered questions which fulfils what was my aim wheni questions which fulfils what was my aim when i supported the recent withdrawal bill, which was to encourage the government to pursue a deal as by far the best option going forward in the future. can i say to him that it's clear that it is unlikely that every part of his proposals are going to be fully accepted, but can i draw the house

was my cottage the phrase in his letter tojohn hodge was my cottage the phrase in his letter to john hodge in was my cottage the phrase in his letter tojohn hodge in court yesterday which says, what i regard asa yesterday which says, what i regard as a reasonable compromise, the abroad landing zone in which a deal can begin to take shape. does it tone and style suggest that the compromise that he has been able to put forward is not yet finished, and if there are unused to handle some of the difficult issues raised, he is now open in that frame of mind to ta ke is now open in that frame of mind to take this forward, because a deal would now seem to be achievable if that coat colour tone is continuing? saying goodbye to audios on bbc two, staying here on the bbc news channel with business any house of commons. for the benefit of the house and people watching, people should be reminded of what the uk has done is already very considerable. we have already very considerable. we have already moved quite some way and i hope our friends and partners across the channel to understand it. i hope my right honourable friend understands that as well, we have

gone the extra mile. what we're doing both on agri— foods and on goods, with the of consent, a very considerable move to compromise i think. which of the prime minister agreed to give evidence to the liaison committee before the european council on this, and can he confirm that he is proposing to remove the provisions in article four of the annex, in particular, the commitment not to reduce fundamental rights at work, occupational health, safety, fair working conditions and employment standards? can he confirm that far for increasing workers' rights, protection from workers' rights as many on the site has ocean today, do, he has proposed to reduce protection for workers' rights, and making it easier for concerted government to do what they have a lwa ys government to do what they have always done and cut workers' rights? —— conservative governments.

always done and cut workers' rights? -- conservative governments. the right honourable lady is an error if she thinks that is our intention, we will be ensuring that this country has the high standard for worker rights and protection. i would be more than happy to meet the right honourable lady to explain what we are going to do. can i commend the prime minister on the serious intent and effort he is adopting? he is braving many of his doubters wrong, and does he agree with me that a deconstructive time we have hit overnight from eu counterparts stand and stark contrasts and the tone adopted by the opposition? they continue to set their face against their own voters. i thoroughly agree with with my right honourable friend, and i hope that all collies on all sides of the house will think very carefully about the tones of the deal that we are setting out. i am more than happy to discuss them and to explain what we are trying to

do. i think it is incumbent on all of us to get this done, that is what the overwhelming majority of our electric one has to do, whether they wa nted electric one has to do, whether they wanted leave or leave, people what is now to speak up for democracy. —— leave or remain. breaking the good friday agreement, risking 20 years of peace, creating two new hard borders and a smugglers paradise and northern ireland, all at the environmental standards and other standards in the united kingdom. this is nothing like what he paid out to voters and a 2016. so why is he scared to putting back to their people and a second referendum?” he scared to putting back to their people and a second referendum? i do not wish to be unnecessarily adverse adversarial today, but a satirical thing for the member to say when that party has refused to concede to a general election. we are very

happy to discuss these ideas with the honourable gentleman. no and no way correspond to the character that he has put to the house. this is a very serious way forward and it goes the country the opportunity to improve our environmental and social welfare standards. i commend my right honourable friend on his clear intent to securing that we leave with a deal on the 31st of october. he has set out a detailed and consider proposal, and despite the protestations of the party opposite, i hope by the eu will engage with them. in this context, he will feel as keenly as i do the continual absence of a fully functioning northern ireland executive. what further steps will he take to get store might back up and running? and what assurance can he give the

people of northern ireland on the absolute need for a political decision making and is absence? my right honourable friend has a wealth of experience on this matter and a huge amount of good for northern ireland and the causes of trying to get stormont up and running again. this deal would offer the opportunity for the executive assembly of northern ireland to have even more of a say in their own destiny. in that sense, it takes forward and it builds on the peace process and one of the great achievements of the last 30 years. i think it is full of hope for the people of northern ireland. in my view, it gives them an extra incentive to get put one up and running, andi incentive to get put one up and running, and i can assure him that we are working very hard to do just that. —— to get stormont up and running. may we have a vote on the

prime minister? statement before he goes to the european summit, and would he affirm what he has it to the house that this country would be a leader in protecting workers' rights, consumer rights and the environment? i'm grateful to rights, consumer rights and the environment? i'm gratefulto my right honourable friend, i hope he speaks with many colleagues across the house i not wanting to get this thing forward. —— in wanting to get this thing forward. probably better to get a deal first, this thing forward. probably better to get a dealfirst, i'm confident we will get one and i'm confident it will command the support of the house. can i reassure him about his point on standards, for worker right and the environment, it is the intention of this government to go higher still. the publication of specific proposes to do with the backstop is to be welcomed, the prime minister's a moment to not

having physical infrastructure in northern ireland or the republic is also to be welcome, and the prime minister's commitment to the good friday agreement is to be welcomed. but could the prime minister a little bit more about what obligations he believes we have under the good friday agreement to ensure that not only is there no physical infrastructure, but that goods can flow freely between the republic of ireland and northern ireland? i'm gratefulto my right honourable friend, what this offer does is take one step further, by consent, and having regulatory alignment for goods as well. so, obviating the need for next on perhaps 30% of the traffic north— south, in addition to the 30% or in the sheep by sanitary alignment. always assuming that consent were to

be granted, if he understands me. the principle of consent requires people to be able to weigh up the risks and the benefits of the actual deal, as opposed to the promises made during the referendum. i'm afraid there are many detailed questions arising from the prime minister? statement, they cannot be a nswered minister? statement, they cannot be answered and this format. can i ask the prime minister when he will keep the prime minister when he will keep the clear commitment he gave this to appear before a select committee chairs before the lesion committee, and will he do so before parliamentary roots?|j and will he do so before parliamentary roots? i am absolutely committed to appearing for the honourable lady's committee, and she will have an answer within an hour of my departure from the chamber this afternoon. most people in this house and the country want to have a good deal with the eu, so can i welcome very much the pragmatic

approach and the demeanour that my right honourable friend has taken today, and look to our european neighbours, the leader of the opposition, to respond in kind. he set out a new northern ireland protocol which would kick in if, and only if, we have not concluded a free trade agreement. can i ask my right honourable friend, is it his exportation that she is the protocol be needed, it is intended to be temporary? it is also his expectation that it will involve zero times between the uk and the eu? the answer to both questions is in the affirmative. i want to thank my right honourable friend for his constructive attitude to this. if there are any more details that he needs to establish from me, i am only too happy to share with him. with regards to the regulation

goods, not the customs, the government's explanatory note says that these arrangements must receive the endorsement of the northern ireland assembly and executive. paragraph 13 of the paper says this must happen before the end of the transition period, and every four yea rs transition period, and every four years afterwards. can he confirm that what this means is that even if these proposals were to be agreed by these proposals were to be agreed by the eu, and even if they were subsequently agreed by this house, if they were not then approved by the northern ireland assembly during the northern ireland assembly during the transition period, they would only last for a year, following which we would have no commitment to the common regulatory system that is essential for the open border? the honourable gentleman is making a

very valid point. the mechanism of consent is clearly a vital, and we are in the midst of discussions with our friends about exactly how it should work. i won't hide it from the house, he is making a legitimate point, but we will solve this question during discussions about consent i'm sure. compromise is intrinsic to all negotiations, what the british people are most frustrated about is what they perceive as displacement and the other and delay. will the prime minister be clear that he continues to personify that spirit of getting on, getting out and

getting ahead? that is exactly what we intend to do. the purpose of this deal, these proposals, is to get brexit done. for us all to move on asa brexit done. for us all to move on as a country, and move on together. ido as a country, and move on together. i do believe they represent a very good way forward for the uk, they will enable us to do free trade deals, they will enable us to regulate our own laws and our own system. above all, they will enable the uk to leave the eu as the people of this country were promised, whole and entire, and to protect our precious union with northern ireland. the prime minister? blame game goes down very well on a stage—managed tory conference platform, but i wonder if he has stress tested his proposals on the uk constitution, or that he only

require the dup's consent? i know that has proposes claims to equip the star mod assembly with the leaders with the control of the northern irish question. does he not agree the sets an interesting question for wales' constitution arrangement with westminster every four years too? or is and pray that somebody will stop him? as the right honourable lady loans, there is a unique situation in northern ireland under the good friday agreement. i think what we are proposing today because this country at the opportunities to develop and intensify lack, i am eager to listen andi intensify lack, i am eager to listen and i will consider closely.” believe this represents a significant step towards breaking

the deadlock which businesses and the deadlock which businesses and the vast majority of the people want to see. can my honourable confirm that in the spirit of goodwill on both sides of the channel, he will negotiate 24—hour today, exhibiting every flexibility to get a deal?” will strain every sinew, it was only my desire to appear before you, mr speaker, and the house that restrained me from going off to other european capitals and selling this project. delighted to hear it. can the prime minister not accept that a customs post cited 20 miles from a border still represents a ha rd from a border still represents a hard port are, therefore it goes against the good friday agreement. why is he willing to privatise brexit against the good friday agreement? —— prioritise brexit.

there has been a physical borders for many years between the uk and ireland, a fiscal border. customs checks do not mean customs posts or enter a structure of any kind. i'm sure he appreciates, if he doesn't, i'm more than happy to share with him our thinking i'm more than happy to share with him ourthinking and i'm more than happy to share with him our thinking and to explain how it can be done. can i remind my right honourable friend and i voted remain in the referendum, i voted to deliver brexit and in this house ever since. can i congratulate him on the constructive proposals put forward and wish him every good fortune that the eu will engage with them as they need to. can i remind them as they need to. can i remind the house, perhaps you could confirm, that existing trade between northern ireland takes place with

different currencies, different vat rates, without the need for any physical infrastructure and customs arrangements following the excellent work done on the alternative arrangements committee can do the same? i think my right honourable friend speaks with the voice of common sense and pragmatic understanding of the realities, but also, the right measure of optimism about what we can achieve. i thank him very much. i'm sure the house, like me, is hugely impressed by the prime minister puzzling attempt to avoid an irish border, and this has resulted in him creating two borders. clearly, he is not fermoy with the contents of the good friday agreement. given that these proposes are doomed to fail on all counts, and as he seeks to blame the eu on his failure, will he confirm that a fee cannot secure the agreement, he

will obey the law set out in the benn act, all while he and said are set out to die in a ditch? i reject the suggestion that what we are doing is not in conformity with the good friday agreement. it is in agreement with that. and if it would help the honourable lady, i would be more than happy to talk to her about our plans and elucidate a pair on the matter. thank you, mr speaker. on the 3rd of september, i asked the prime minister for some evidence of an emerging deal. i remember it well. last week, i asked an emerging deal. i remember it well. last week, iasked him an emerging deal. i remember it well. last week, i asked him again, they thank him for the outline of they thank him for the outline of the detail he gave in response to me. today, he has set out some real meat to mrjuncker in his letter, andl meat to mrjuncker in his letter, and i am very, very pleased to see it. i knew he wanted a deal and he told me he wanted a deal, and i believe him. so can he confirm the

consent in northern ireland lies at the start of this over there, but more importantly compromise over here, in this house of commons, is at the heart of getting this done, and those who want to avoid no deal, like me, like him, need to now do the right thing and vote for a deal. i thank my honourable friend, for whom i have a high regard, and i well remember our conversation a few weeks a go, and i think he makes his points with great clarity and force, mr speaker. those who oppose a no—deal brexit, and i appreciate the sincerity of the feelings of those who oppose a no—deal brexit, should really logically support this way forward , really logically support this way forward, and i hope that they do. asa forward, and i hope that they do. as a former northern ireland minister, i am all too painfully aware of how fragile the

arrangements are. and the prime minister'sproposal, as my honourable friend for wolverhampton south east pointed out, are all contingent on the periodic renewal by the executive and assembly of his proposals. does he not realise that will only add to the fragile political situation that already exists in northern ireland? isn't there a case to consider, given particularly that the executive and assembly aren't even up and running, for putting the case directly to the people of northern ireland in the form of a referendum to see what they think about it? mr speaker, i'm not sure referendums have a good history of bringing people together in our country's recent history, and ifi in our country's recent history, and if i may say, i appreciate his experience and the sincerity with which he approaches the subject, and he is right, obviously, to raise the

concerns of both communities, but i think that this offers a way forward for both communities and it is very important that the views of all communities are respected, and that's why the principle of consent is at the heart of what we are proposing. i commend my right honourable friend and putting forward these positive proposals, which merit an equally positive response from the european union. he has mentioned the need for amendments to the political declaration, the significance of which is frequently understated. i assume this includes the deletion of the reference to building and improving on the single customs territory, but can my right honourable friend say what are amendments he considers will be necessary? in due course, the text will of course be made available to honourable and right honourable members, though this is a

negotiation, mr speaker, and you will appreciate that we have to hold something back. a tight can certainly confirm to him there will be no reference to improving on the customs union in the way he had described. —— buti customs union in the way he had described. —— but i can certainly confirm. the purpose of the political declaration will be to set out how we wish to develop our relationship with our european friends in a positive way, protecting standards, as i've said several times, insisting on the highest possible standards in this country, but also giving us your there with the opportunity to develop a fantastic new free trade opportunity. in an earlier answer, the prime minister alluded to the fact he had support from business for his plan, yet the director of the northern ireland retail consortium has said that the prime minister'splan is both unpalatable and unworkable. will the prime minister point to one business that moves goods into northern ireland that supports his

plan? thank you very much. i have met many businesses in northern ireland who wa nt businesses in northern ireland who want emphatically to get a deal. and thatis want emphatically to get a deal. and that is the overwhelming view of businesses in northern ireland, and i hope very much therefore that she will support them in their ambition. thank you, mr speaker. like my right honourable friend for tunbridge wells in north—east bedfordshire, cani wells in north—east bedfordshire, can i say to the prime minister i warmly welcome the fact that a proposal has been put down, and the constructive tone he has undertaken with proceedings this morning. i'm keen to understand some of the points of detail. i understand there will be a change to the political declaration, every change arrangements zero tariffs. —— free trade arrangement zero terrace. can he confirm that those tariffs which will require checked as well will not be at the border, and will be of

a nature that will be of relatively diminished? yes, andi diminished? yes, and i can confirm, as it were, that they will be no checks from ni to gb, and i think that is important for the house to understand. thank you. the prime minister said some moments ago that the history of referenda in this country was not good, but can ijust remind him that by 71%, the good friday agreement was passed by a referendum? but can i turn the prime minister to the detail of his statement today? and page three, he refers to the regulatory zone for northern ireland, and says, the assembly will vote again every four years, and if consent were withheld, these arrangements with then lapse after one year. lapse back to what? obviously, mr speaker, the default position is that northern ireland is pa rt position is that northern ireland is part of the uk, and part of the uk legal order and part of the uk

customs territory, and will remain pa rt customs territory, and will remain part of the uk's customs territory in any circumstances. what we are proposing is alignment and on agrifoods and other industrial goods. that is to be done by consent. i think it offers an attractive way forward, and i hope the house will get behind it. can i ask the prime minister a little bit more about the political declaration? do i understand that it is going to be changed to say the uk and eu will use best endeavours to achieve a fantastic free trade agreement, but can i ask, what would happen if we got to the end of the transition period, and when that end would be, what would happen if there is not a free trade agreement?” think in that very unlikely event, obviously, the uk and eu would revert to wto terms. but i don't think that is likely. i

think the eu and uk will be very keen, both parties, to strike a great free trade agreement, and that is what we will do, and that is what we will set out in the political declaration. more than a week ago, the prime minister told the house in response toa minister told the house in response to a question from my good and honourable friend, the memberfor ashfield, that he would publish the previous eu (withdrawal) bill within days. that is important, because it could form the basis with amendments to move forward and break the deadlock, amendments and workers' rights, health and safety and environmental standards. so will the prime minister honour that commitment and publish the bill? we will of course publish the legislation in due course. cani legislation in due course. can i congratulate the prime minister and his statesmanship and indeed, ingenuity in delivering an

offer that is serious and credible, and if my e—mails are anything to go by, there is huge support in my constituency. can i make one note, which is that 100% of these areas of collaboration will continue. will he find time to ring the taoiseach and tell him that there will be more areas forjoint tell him that there will be more areas for joint collaboration tell him that there will be more areas forjoint collaboration on community projects, pushing enterprise and investment, and wealth creation on both sides of the border? i thank him, wealth creation on both sides of the border? ithank him, and i talked wealth creation on both sides of the border? i thank him, and i talked to the taoiseach, of course, last night, and expect to be talking to him quitea night, and expect to be talking to him quite a lot in the days to come, andi him quite a lot in the days to come, and i will certainly make that point to him as well. it is something we have already discussed. with the prime minister agree that most people in this country are not extreme remain as or extreme brexiteers? surely it is hisjob on this house'sjob now to look brexiteers? surely it is hisjob on this house's job now to look at a deal? this is a bit of a deal we have heard today. perhaps we should

restart the cross—party discussion so restart the cross—party discussion so that he can evade the conclusion that he has to break the law and leave without a deal. could we restart sensible negotiations again? of course, mr speaker. i have a high regard for the right honourable gentleman opposite, and i remember having many useful discussions with him about higher education when i did that job. him about higher education when i did thatjob. | him about higher education when i did thatjob. i would be more than happy to talk to him about what we are proposing and the way it can ta ke are proposing and the way it can take our country forward and bring us back together. can i say, as someone us back together. can i say, as someone 30 years ago who served as minister for agriculture in northern ireland, that both their end in the uk, the dealand ireland, that both their end in the uk, the deal and proposed transition matter, and issues will have to be dealt with whether we crash out or go with a deal, so i hope we do go with a deal from a majority in the house. can i say to the prime

minister, it would be good if he we re minister, it would be good if he were to rescind their withdrawal of the conservative whip for those of my colleagues who should be back on our side fully? i defer to my right honourable friend for his long—standing experience in northern ireland, but i think that the agreement that we have or the deal that we are proposing is a very good one for northern ireland. and as for his suggestion on our colleagues, all i can say is that the consequences of the surrender ak, andi consequences of the surrender ak, and i use that term advisedly, are very serious for our ability to negotiate, and i hope very much that, notwithstanding those difficulties, this house will come together and get the deal over the line. that is, if i may say so, to bring the whole country together and to bring this house together, i think that would be the best way

forward. the prime minister has spoken a numberof times the prime minister has spoken a number of times about consent, but i would urge him, particularly the only representative we have in this house at the moment speaking for northern ireland is the honourable memberfor northern ireland is the honourable member for north down. i would urge him to listen very carefully to what she said. he talks about consent. it is very clear this morning that there is not consent from many of there is not consent from many of the other parties in northern ireland, many parties in different communities, nor from the business community, nor from dublin and the irish government. i would urge him to listen very, very carefully to that. there is a very simple way through this, that is to put a credible deal back to the people, including the people of northern ireland, for a confirmatory vote. i wa nt ireland, for a confirmatory vote. i want him to look at that very closely. and he confirm how its proposals are in line with section 10.2 of the eu withdrawal like 2018? because i do not believe they are. they are completely in line with section ten of the withdrawal act,

andi section ten of the withdrawal act, and i would be happy to demonstrate that to him, but on his request for a second referendum, i really can't think of anything more divisive or wasteful, more wasteful of this country's time, but if the honourable gentleman once an election, then why doesn't he talk to his right honourable friend in front of him? colleagues, i am very grateful to the large number of people who come up the large number of people who come up to the chair expressing concern about my throat, and their generosity of spirit and humanity are very much appreciated. but i wa nt are very much appreciated. but i want to take the opportunity to confirm to the house that the state of my throat, which is purely temporary, is not down to the consumption of a kangaroo's testicle. i wouldn't eat it! it would probably be poisoned! thank you, mr speaker, and i am glad

to hear it. the devil will be in the detail, but i very much congratulate my right honourable friend on his improved proposals as the basis for a deal. but in straining every sinew to secure a good deal, will he be resolute not only in his intention to honour the triggering of article 50 by an overwhelming majority in this place, which clearly stated that we would leave with or without a deal, but also resolute in ensuring that we are actually prepared for no deal? because there is an inescapable logic that by being so prepared, it improves the chances of securing such a deal. despite that logic escaping the parties opposite. my parties opposite. my right honourable friend absolutely and thanks to the preparations we have made for that outcome, and i thank my right honourable friend the chancellor of the duchy of lancaster for everything his doing, and it is

unquestionably, notwithstanding the surrender act, notwithstanding that it has concentrated the minds of our friends in the eu, and is helping us to get a deal. same rhetoric at the prime minister genuinely help me? in paragraph nine of his explanatory notes, he says, the traders moving goods between great britain and northern ireland will need a new notification regarding goods consignments, people exporting and importing, and whether goods will arrive, and these arrangements will not be affected until the transition period is completed. as the honourable lady for north down said, thatis honourable lady for north down said, that is effectively a second border. could he tell the house how many of those transactions he anticipates each year, and what the cost of that is to businesses and governments in establishing that system ? ican i can ensure him that insofar as such checks are necessary, they will

be done electronically, by uk officials, and only instituted with the consent of northern ireland. i think that is the important point. but i am more than happy, if you would like, to discuss it more with him in person, if that would be useful. cani useful. can i commend and congratulate my honourable friend in his statement and his valiant efforts to secure as and his valiant efforts to secure as a deal and get us out of the eu on the 31st of october? but may ask him may question a lot of my constituents are asking? when we finally leave on the 31st of october, if it were to be without a deal, they would be no adverse effect on any european defence collaboration, especially in the field of procurement, manufacturing wider operations? i'm grateful to my honourable friend, and i can tell him that we are proceeding with a huge collaboration across the front with our european friends, and i

have no reason to believe any of them will be interrupted. thank you. from the outset of negotiations, the british government has understandably had its red lines. they are long—standing and unchangeable red lines. it is understandable also that our negotiating partners in the eu would have their red lines, which they have their red lines, which they have stuck too rigidly throughout this. today and last night, the irish taoiseach has said that the proposals the prime minister has laid before the house today break those red lines and are unacceptable to them. in his words, it is a nonstarter. why has the prime minister brought before the house proposals which are simply u na cce pta ble proposals which are simply unacceptable to the eu? they are breaking their red lines they have had from the outset. if they had done the same to us, he would be using the most outrageous language against them, and yet he has brought something here which is completely u na cce pta ble something here which is completely unacceptable from the outset. why?” appreciate that the honourable

gentleman follows these things very closely, but i don't recognise, i must say, the characterisation that he has given of the response from our eu friends. even in dublin. i hope the prime minister can hear the collective sigh of relief, which tends to indicate that this might be the beginning of the end. the end of the beginning! 0h, we are nowhere near the end of the beginning. will he join with me in encouraging everybody in this house to come together, whether or not as pa rt of to come together, whether or not as part of the marvellous group mps for a deal, and will he reach out to mps for all sides to deal with their genuine concerns on this agreement in the coming weeks? i thank my honourable friend for everything she does to bring

collea g u es everything she does to bring colleagues together on this issue. i don't know whether this is the end of the beginning of the beginning of the second half of the middle, or exactly where we are in this process , exactly where we are in this process, but there is, i think, momentum now behind these proposals. and i am not going to pretend that this will be easy, and i am not going to pretend that this is a done deal, because i think honourable members are right to be cautious, but the uk has moved a long way, and i hope that our partners will recognise that and move correspondingly. thank you, mr speaker. has —— as the prime minister has repeatedly demonstrated this morning, the information about the political declaration is very vague indeed. and it would not protect

jobs, rights, or security. indeed. and it would not protect jobs, rights, orsecurity. it doesn't seem to address the major reasons why are doesn't seem to address the major reasons why are we on doesn't seem to address the major reasons why are we on this site oppose the deal put forward three times by the previous prime minister. and can he also tell us how he thinks the european parliament will react to his proposals? has he had any contact with them at or? any indication what they are feeling? yes, certainly, i have of course took to the president of the european parliament, in which she served with such distinction, andi she served with such distinction, and i can tell here and tell the house that what the european parliament overwhelmingly once is a deal rather than no deal, and i'm sure that they will see this as the basis of a very good deal. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister knows that my constituency probably had as close to a

statistical dead heat of a result of the referendum as was possible. a tiny margin to remain, which is my own view. but he also knows that throughout that time and thereafter, my constituents and i have urged that this house needs to come together and find a deal and go forward , together and find a deal and go forward, and i therefore welcome what he has done today. i certainly support it. as one of a different view initially. but will he also acce pt view initially. but will he also accept that the concern and distress of my constituents at some of the other side of the sense that seem to rubbish attempt to move forward and make progress, and the country frankly does it better than that, and we should give this a chance?” thank my honourable friend, and i know that he is a passionate pro—european to the depths of his soul, mr speaker, and i respect him profoundly for his desire to get on, doa

profoundly for his desire to get on, do a deal, and get brexit done, then new partnership with our european friends, which is what we want to do. manufacturers in my constituency operate on integrated trading model, whereby they ship goods directly from manchester to the republic of ireland for distribution across the whole of the island of ireland. in the prime minister explained to me how the deal he is proposing now offers them more certainty, fewer burdens and less cost than they have now and would have had under the backstop? all those freedoms would continue, andi all those freedoms would continue, and i can all those freedoms would continue, and i can reassure all those freedoms would continue, and i can reassure the honourable lady that as i have said many times, they would be no checks, for our part, i'm goods coming from the eu, thatis part, i'm goods coming from the eu, that is to say, from ireland, into northern ireland, the uk. thank you,

mr speaker. as the prime minister encourage that, given the empty benches opposite on monday when we we re benches opposite on monday when we were debating important northern ireland issues, that members have found their enthusiasm again for all things northern ireland? and does he agree with me that not all customs checks have to be done on the border or at customs post, they can be done at points of origin and destination, as the northern ireland select committee held in evidence? my committee held in evidence? my honourable friend speaks with the technological optimism that i think is too long been absent from this debate. that is the way forward. i think everyone understands that. that is what we are going to bring to those solutions, and that there this agreement, i think, offers a way of doing this at a pace, at a time scale, that will reassure businesses on both sides, and agricultural interests on both sides of the border. i commend the prime minister for of the border. i commend the prime ministerfor rare of the border. i commend the prime minister for rare consistency. when

he said f business, he really meant it. manufacturing northern ireland has described his proposals as an existential threat, and being thrown under the bus. can the prime minister confirm which businesses in northern ireland he consulted about his proposals, and which ones agreed with him? all the northern ireland businesses that came to number 10 recently supported a deal, and it would be invidious to pick any one of them, but i will not be given any lessons about consistency from the liberal democrats, who called for a referendum and now say they want, if there were a second referendum, they would campaign against the result. thank you very much. can i welcome

the prime minister'sstatement, and welcome his enthusiasm, because for 2.5 years, there has been so much negativity in this house. we just cannot get this deal through, so for goodness' say, can we get the deal done? and does he believe that it will then lead onto good trade deals, so that farming, agriculture, business, will not have to pay tariffs in the eu and we can expose across the whole the world? yes, mr speaker, and i can tell him that the somerset lamb and cattle and beef... devon, i should say! devon and somerset! although he farms in somerset. he does farm in somerset. somerset. he does farm in somerset. somerset and devon! somerset and devon, beef and lamb, will have the opportunity to find export markets which at the moment are, i am afraid, prevented, by our current arrangements, such as in the united states, and indeed, elsewhere, and i

think we have a glorious future ahead of us if we just take the first few steps. thank you, mr speaker. if the prime minister is looking for ways for his proposals to pass, can i say that i agree that all our constituents want to move on from this intractable stalemate, and can i say, i would allow the final version of his deal through if, along with many people on the side and many on that side, some of whom he has kicked out of his own party, possibly even his own brother, if it came subject to a confirmatory referendum, disentangled from all the election gimmickry, and then allow them to have the final say? if it is fantastic as he says, he has nothing to fear. can i say, iwarmly fantastic as he says, he has nothing to fear. can i say, i warmly welcome the first half of the honourable lady's question. we now glimpse the possibility of a

tolerable deal, and i congratulate my right honourable friend on what he has done to make that possible. i can he just reassure me that he is going to be able to make progress towards that advanced free trade agreement which we have both so long wanted to achieve? despite the surrender act which people have voted for opposite. it is with no little sense of relief, mr speaker that i listened to my honourable friend, though he and i have talked a lot in the last few days, and i knew that was broadly his view. this is an opportunity to get this done, to do it in is an opportunity to get this done, to do itina is an opportunity to get this done, to do it in a way that i think satisfies all the requirements we have set out, above all the peace process in northern ireland, but also allows the whole of the uk to ta ke also allows the whole of the uk to take back control of our tariffs and our customers and to do free—trade deals around the world, and exactly in the way he describes and has campaigned for for many years.

well, here on bbc news, we will be staying with the events in the house of commons. for viewers waiting for the bbc news at one with sophie ray with, do switch over to bbc one now. for the moment, let's return to the house of commons. inspections, a customs frontier, these are not compatible with the good friday agreement. i really don't know who he thinks he is kidding. this is too important. too much is at stake for him tojust brush aside the consequences purely for the party political interests of the conservative party. mr speaker, i think the former shadow treasury minister should know that there already is a fiscal border in northern ireland, and far from adding to checks, what we are doing, as he will understand, and as i think the house understands the day, is making a very considerable move forward by saying that we will

allow, but consent, a regulatory alignment, both for sanitary, phytosa nita ry alignment, both for sanitary, phytosanitary and agri— foods, and also for industrial and manufacturing. that is a pragmatic way forward. we are doing it by democratic consent. i think it is a method of solving the issue that should commend itself to moderate opinion on all sides of the house. thank you, mr speaker. in the referendum, the right honourable gentleman held out the prospect of frictionless trade with the eu. whatever else one says about these proposals, and i think he has acknowledged this, this is not frictionless. what are the reasons it has not been possible to deliver what was promised? this will be frictionless trade at the frontier. there will be no borders, there will be no checks, they will be no customs checks at they will be no customs checks at the frontier, but of course,