Conservative MP says 'we have to change prime minister' if policy not overhauled

Theresa May delivers Brexit statement to MPs

A Conservative MP has warned that the party must either change Theresa May's Brexit policy or change the prime minister.

Andrew Bridgen, who had submitted a letter of no confidence in Ms May earlier this summer, added he had not changed his mind over her leadership.

His remarks came as the prime minister convened her cabinet on Tuesday morning, telling her top team they will be given a weekly update on Britain's preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

A spokesman for the prime minister told journalists at a regular briefing: “As we move towards exit day, it makes sense that all ministers are informed all that’s taking place in relation to all scenarios.”

He explained that the briefings would take in what preparations and developments are taking place both in relation to no-deal planning and also for planning for a deal.

On Tuesday Mr Raab told ministers that “good progress” was being made, but it comes amid concern that the UK is not ready for the March 29 2019 departure day.

The meeting came as the Prime Minister faced increasing pressure for a breakthrough in talks with the EU, after last week's summit ended with no deal.

Mrs May told MPs on Monday that the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the EU were 95% agreed but the "sticking point" remained the issue of the Irish border.

On Wednesday - after prime minister's questions - Ms May will also attend the 1922 committee of Conservative backbench MPs

It means the prime minister will have to speak to and take questions from her backbenchers behind closed doors with many of them said to be plotting her downfall.

Please see below The Independent's live coverage of today in Westminster

Key Points

• Ministers to get weekly no-deal updates
• Tory MP says change the Brexit policy, or change the PM
• May sidesteps rebels with plans to enshrine Brexit proposal in law
• Hard Brexit 'could cripple UK science', warns Nobel laureates 

[23 October 2018 11:18 · Ashley Cowburn]

[23 October 2018 11:21 · Ashley Cowburn]

Pre-Budget meeting for the London mayor, Sadiq Khan?

[23 October 2018 11:55 · Ashley Cowburn]

The Independent's petition - calling for a Final Say for the public on any deal Theresa May returns from Brussels with - is close to reaching 1m backers

[23 October 2018 12:39 · Ashley Cowburn]

[23 October 2018 12:42 · Ashley Cowburn]

After the weekly gathering of the cabinet, the prime minister's spokesman told journalists that Theresa May has decided to provide weekly updates to her ministers on no-deal Brexit planning from now on. The update will also include preparations for a deal scenario.

[23 October 2018 12:52 · Ashley Cowburn]

[23 October 2018 13:19 · Ashley Cowburn]

MPs have voted by 208 to 123 in favour of a new bill put forward by Labour's Diana Johnson to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland - a significant show of support for action from Westminster and Theresa May.

While it is listed for a second reading on November 23 it is unlikely to become law in its current form without government support or sufficient parliamentary time.

[23 October 2018 13:42 · Ashley Cowburn]

Among those to support the abortion decriminalisation bill in Northern Ireland included 15 Conservative MPs - a significant amount, given the slim majority Theresa May holds in the Commons alongside the Democratic Unionist Party. 

They included two cabinet ministers (Penny Mordaunt, Tracey Crouch) and prominent MPs such as Heidi Allen, Sarah Wollaston, Crispin Blunt, and Anna Soubry.

Seven Labour MPs voted against the Bill, including the former frontbencher Rachel Maskell and one Liberal Democrat MP, Tim Farron. 

[23 October 2018 13:47 · Ashley Cowburn]

Here's a report on the abortion vote from my colleague Ben Kentish

[23 October 2018 14:00 · Ashley Cowburn]