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
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK
Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight
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.
Sunak still has confidence in Ofcom after GB News ruling
Downing Street has defended Ofcom’s independence after its decision to rule against GB News following complaints about its people’s question session with the prime minister.
Asked if Rishi Sunak still has confidence in Ofcom, his spokesman said: “Yes, of course, they’re an independent regulator, it’s important for them to be able to carry out their duties independently.
“In this specific instance, it is obviously the producer who needs to respond to the first instance.
“From the prime minister’s perspective he will regularly undertake interviews in a range of formats for a range of different albums and continues to do so in an important process. He and other cabinet ministers and other politicians are interviewed in a wide range of forms from a wide range of broadcasters.”
Pictured: Finnish Foreign Secretary and David Cameron sign UK-Finland strategic partnership
Jim Ratcliffe slams Tories over Brexit handling
The billionaire told Sky News that Britain is ready to move on from the Conservative Party following their post-Brexit policies.
Brexiteer Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted he has issues with the way the departure from the EU was delivered by Tory PMs.
He said: “Brexit sort of unfortunately didn’t turn out as people anticipated because… Brexit was largely about immigration.”
‘Time for a change’ at next election, Noel Gallagher says
Musician Noel Gallagher has also joined Jim Ratcliffe and said it is now time for a new leader after the post-Brexit chaos.
He told Times Radio today: “Look, it’s time for a change. You know, everybody can feel it. You know, the country has gone to the dogs after Brexit, whether you like it or not, everybody was lied to. It’s not been great.
“Can the Labour Party turn it around? I guess the needle swings to the Left for a while and then, you know, things, they rarely change that drastically, you know.
“But it’s time for a change, if only for the mood of the country.”
‘Lurching to the Right would be disastrous for Conservatives,’ warns Tory MP
Sir Bob Neill, who is standing down at the next election, has warned his own party against slipping further right or lose the next general election.
The chairman of the Justice Select Committee told Times Radio: “Centre and right are both of equal importance as far as I am concerned.
“It will be a tragedy, a disaster for both the party and the country if we were tempted to forget about the centre part of the equation and move too far to the right.”
In full: Brexit row erupts over control of Gibraltar’s border
David Cameron is set for a showdown with MPs today over treaty for Gibraltar amid criticism that promise to ‘take back control’ has failed.
The governments of Gibraltar and the UK are close to agreeing a treaty that some fear will see EU Frontex border guards decide who can enter the British overseas territory – and will give them the power to turn away British citizens.
Added to that, with the threat that Gibraltar could become subject to Schengen area rules, there are now concerns that UK citizens will only be allowed to stay for 90 days on “the Rock” even though it is a British overseas territory.
Brexit row erupts over control of Gibraltar’s border
David Cameron is set for a showdown with MPs on Monday over treaty for Gibraltar amid criticism that promise to ‘take back control’ has failed
Who controls the strait of Gibraltar?
Although the UK has control over the territory, the waters are a different story.
The United Kingdom claims three nautical miles around Gibraltar on the northern side of the Strait in the Atlantic Ocean.
But the rest of the Strait is currently under Spain and Morocco’s control.
Meanwhile in the Commons...
MPs are putting questions to ministers from the MoD over the progress made on the delivery of the UK Defence Drone Strategy.
Defence Minister James Cartlidge previously announced a new “game-changing” weapon to tackle threatening technology.
The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) will detect, track and engage a range of enemy activity across land, air and sea.
Comment: Now even Brexiteers are blaming themselves for Britain’s economic woes
Brexit Britain is being held back by things like ‘poor international trade’ and ‘weak leadership’, which comes as a surprise to no one, writes Femi Oluwole – not even the prime minister.
Now even Brexiteers are blaming themselves for the state we’re in | Femi Oluwole
Brexit Britain is being held back by things like ‘poor international trade’ and ‘weak leadership’, which comes as a surprise to no one, writes Femi Oluwole – not even the prime minister
Lord Cameron is minutes away from being grilled by MPs
The foreign secretary will be appearing in front of the European Scrutiny Committee to answer urgent questions about his post-Brexit relationship with the EU.
He is expected to speak from 3pm this afternoon.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments