As it happenedended

Theresa May meets opposition leaders to find way forward as Corbyn threatens further votes of no confidence

Thursday 17 January 2019 16:45 GMT

How MPs voted in the no-confidence motion against the Government

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Theresa May is set to meet opposition leaders and eurosceptics within her party as she attempts to find a way forward for Brexit after her plan suffered the biggest Commons defeat in history.

The prime minister called on politicians to “put self-interest aside” and work together after squeaking through a vote of no confidence called in the wake of Monday's defeat by a margin of just 19 votes, thanks to support from the DUP.

Last night Ms May held talks with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville-Roberts, but Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn refused to meet her until she rules out a no-deal Brexit.

Speaking in Hastings, Mr Corbyn repeated his position and confirmed that he would table repeat votes of no confidence to try to trigger a general election.

Labour will also push for a Commons vote on its own Brexit plan – a customs union, “strong” alignment with the single market and protected workers’ and environmental rights – later this month.

This liveblog has now closed, but scroll above to see how the day's events unfolded

With 71 days to Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn has launched his imaginary general election campaign - here is today's sketch from our writer Tom Peck:

Opinion: With 71 days to go until Brexit, Corbyn launches his imaginary election campaignHere he was, in Labour's main target seat, meeting activists, visiting a hospital and electioneering for the election he failed to secure

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 15:14

Ireland's Foreign Affairs minister said a no-deal Brexit would have to become "an exercise in damage limitation".

Speaking in the Irish parliament, Simon Coveney said:

It would be impossible in a no-deal scenario to maintain the current seamless arrangements between the EU and UK across a full range of sectors, which is currently facilitated by our common EU membership.

The backstop is an essential part of the Withdrawal Agreement.

It acts as an insurance policy, to ensure that there is no hard border on this island following Brexit. It is essential."

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 15:24

Interesting development, as Jeremy Corbyn apparently reaches out to Labour MPs and tells them not to speak to the government until a no-deal Brexit is off the table.

It seems as though Yvette Cooper and Hilary Benn have ignored.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 15:33

Government calls up British army reservists to help prepare for no-deal.

The ministry of Defence significantly steps up deployment of armed forces as EU withdrawal date edges closer.

British army reservists called up to help prepare for no-deal BrexitMinistry of Defence significantly steps up deployment of armed forces as EU withdrawal date edges closer

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 15:39

he European Union is open to the possibility of a "more ambitious" Brexit deal than the one rejected by the British parliament, the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has said.

"If they (Britain) tell us they want a more ambitious relationship, we are open," Barnier told reporters alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa during a visit to Lisbon.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 15:45

In case you missed it, here is Jeremy Corbyn speaking in Hastings earlier today where he said he is not ruling out a "public vote" on the future of Brexit.

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 15:46

‘We created this mess’: Group of Tory MPs launch push for fresh Brexit referendum

‘We created this mess’: Group of Tory MPs launch push for fresh Brexit referendumThe IndependentAt the official launch, Right to Vote claimed several cabinet ministers and junior ministers had their ‘hearts’ behind a second referendum

Shehab.Khan17 January 2019 15:55

Corbyn orders Labour MPs to boycott Brexit talks with government until Theresa May drops no-deal threatsJeremy Corbyn is in open conflict with senior Labour MPs after ordering them to boycott cross-party talks with the government over Brexit.The Labour leader – who is refusing to negotiate with Theresa May, until she drops threats of a no-deal Brexit – tried to extend the ban in an email sent to all his colleagues.But the order came as at least three Labour MPs opened talks, in a bid to find a solution to the gathering crisis after Tuesday’s devastating defeat for the prime minister’s deal.Both Yvette Cooper, the home affairs committee chairwoman, and Hilary Benn, the Brexit committee chairman, went to the cabinet office to meet Tory ministers, both in the morning and afternoon.

Ashley Cowburn17 January 2019 16:14

Theresa May will not be attending the Davos summit in Switzerland next week, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister was reportedly included on a list of expected participants in the annual World Economic Forum summit.

Downing Street declined to say whether she had been scheduled to take part, but a spokeswoman said: "She will not be going to Davos. She will be focused on matters here."

Ashley Cowburn17 January 2019 16:27

This liveblog has now closed - thanks for following today.

Ashley Cowburn17 January 2019 16:42

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