UK politics live: David Cameron reveals Schengen Gibraltar border checks as deal to cost UK £4.7bn
Foreign Secretaries have been negotiating a possible Gibraltar deal with the EU since the referendum in 2016
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Foreign secretary David Cameron is giving evidence to MPs and members of the Commons European scrutiny over the planned treaty for Gibraltar.
Both governments are currently in the process of agreeing a post-Brexit treaty amid fears Gibraltar could become subject to Schengen area rules.
MPs warned the Brexiteer that his promise of a stronger sovereignty has failed and it could lead to a loss of control of British territories.
They are concerned Lord Cameron’s draft would leave UK citizens at the mercy of EU Frontex border guards and give them the power to turn away people from the territory.
During today’s Commons session, MPs are demanding answers to a list of key questions following evidence sessions with foreign minister David Rutley and Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo.
It comes as National Audit Office warned the Government is splashing £4.7bn in Brexit border checks system. The watchdog also found there is no clear timetable to fully implement its post-Brexit border controls.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has joined criticism and has slammed the Conservative Government for the way post-Brexit policies were handled, saying it didn’t turn out as people anticipated.
Politics explained:
Rishi Sunak has suffered another blow as a member of his cabinet became the 65th Tory MP to announce he will stand down at the election. Chris Heaton-Harris thanked his leader, but his decision will not help a wounded PM, writes Kate Devlin.
Does the Tory exodus from Westminster signal a Labour landslide ahead?
Rishi Sunak has suffered another blow as a member of his cabinet became the 65th Tory MP to announce he will stand down at the election. Chris Heaton-Harris thanked his leader, but his decision will not help a wounded PM, writes Kate Devlin
Wes Streeting defends Archbishop of Canterbury’s attack on two-child benefit cap
Wes Streeting has defended the Archbishop of Canterbury after he slammed the two-child benefit cap as “cruel” and urged Sir Keir Starmer to scrap it.
Justin Welby said the limit, which restricts child benefit entitlement to two children per household, was neither “moral nor necessary” and it fell short of “our values as a society”.
The prime minister has pledged to keep the policy if the Tories remain in power and Sir Keir has so far resisted calls to dump it.
Tory MPs have hit out at church leaders for intervening in politics, but shadow health secretary Mr Streeting said he welcomed the comments. Click here to read our full story
Sir Robert Buckland defends himself over Elphicke allegations
Former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland has insisted he acted properly when former Tory turned Labour MP Natalie Elphicke tried to get him to intervene on behalf of her former husband Charlie.
The Dover MP wanted to keep Mr Elphicke out of prison after being found guilty of sex offences.
Sir Robert rebuffed demands for him to be investigated on Sky News today, saying he had reported Ms Elphicke’s approach to him to the chief whip.
He said: “I acted properly.”
Polls: Labour lead over the Tories falls
Labour has fallen from 25 points to 21, according to a new Ipsos survey.
The latest polling has put Sir Keir Starmer’s party on 41 per cent and the Conservatives party on 20 per cent.
Both the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have gone up by two points each, with 11 per cent.
Reform UK has fallen boy four points nine per cent.
Post-Brexit border controls: ‘Gov has no clear timetable,’ warns watchdog
The National Audit Office said the Government has delayed its plans five times since the transition period ended in 2020.
Head of NAO Gareth Davies said: “More than three years after the end of the transition period, it is still not clear when full controls will be in place.”
“The UK leaving the EU created a large-scale change in arrangements for the movement of goods across the border. However, more than three years after the end of the transition period, it is still not clear when full controls will be in place.
“The border strategy has ambitious plans to use technology and data to facilitate trade while managing risks. To achieve its objectives, Government requires strong delivery and accountability – including a more realistic approach to digital transformation – together with effective monitoring to enable future improvements.”
GB News could be sanctioned after featuring PM in programme
Ofcom has ruled Rishi Sunak broke broadcasting due impartiality after appearing on the live “People’s Forum: The Prime Minister” TV show.
The media watchdog has announced it had received over 500 complaints after the programme.
The regulator says that Mr Sunak had a “mostly uncontested platform to promote the policies and performance of his Government”.
Ofcom added: “Given this represents a serious and repeated breach of these rules, we are now starting the process for consideration of a statutory sanction against GB News.”
David Cameron signs partnership pledge with Finland
The UK and Finland have today signed a new deal agreement to support Ukraine.
The Strategic Partnership has been endorsed by Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen.
In a joint statement, the two ministers vowed to oppose Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Lord Cameron said: “As long-standing partners and new Nato allies, the UK’s relationship with Finland is going from strength to strength.
“As we stand together to support Ukraine, including through providing military aid and training, we are clear that the threat of Russian aggression, following the war it started, will not be tolerated.
“This Strategic Partnership, built on our shared values, will see the UK and Finland step up cooperation to bolster European security as well as seize new opportunities, from science and technology to closer energy ties.”
What has been the Brexit effect on Gibraltar?
The British overseas territory in the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula has been one of the most problematic key points after Brexit.
- The region has been ruled by Britain since 1713, but it still has autonomy on defence and foreign policy.
- Back in 2002 there was a referendum on whether Britain and Spain could share the sovereignty over the territory. But it was roundly rejected.
- When Brexit was voted in 2016, the freedom of movement between Gibraltar and the UK was a new huge problem for both countries.
- The territory wasn’t included in the permanent UK-EU Brexit deal and has been operating under arrangements already in place.
- To put a permanent solution in place, there have been more than 17 rounds of negotiation talks from different foreign secretaries to reach a post-Brexit agreement.
Watch: Man United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe predicts how Keir Starmer will perform as prime minister
Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes Sir Keir Starmer “will do a very good job of running the country” if he wins the general election.
The Ineos founder and Manchester United co-owner suggested that the Conservatives have had a “good run” but that “most of the country probably feels it’s time for a change.”
“I’m sure Keir will do a very good job of running the country, I have no questions about that,” Sir Jim told Sky News.
“The UK does need to get a bit sharper on the business front.”
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