25/01/2017 Daily Politics

Morning, folks, welcome to the Daily Politics.

The Government lost its battle with the judges over Article 50,

but it's confident it will win the war when it comes

to Parliament kicking off the process of leaving the EU.

The Government plans to rush a Bill through the Commons and the Lords

of triggering Article 50 by the end of March.

Labour has threatened to wage "hand-to-hand combat"

to ensure proper scrutiny of the Brexit process.

So will there be verbal fisticuffs at Prime Minister's Questions?

Donald Trump will welcome Theresa May to the White House on Friday,

the first foreign leader to meet the new President.

So what are the chances of a new US-UK trade deal

Some grammar schools in England say they could start

asking parents for money to cope with cash shortfalls.

But will they lose out under the Government's new funding formula?

All that in the next hour and a half, and with us for the duration

are Home Office Minister Brandon Lewis

and the Shadow Brexit Minister, Paul Blomfield.

Now, the Government says it's still on course

of triggering Article 50 by the end of March.

That would then kick off the formal two-year exit negotiation

with the EU and, if all goes according to plan,

would result in our departure in March 2019.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court upheld a High Court judgment

which said the Government could only trigger Article 50

So what's the timetable between now and the triggering of Article 50?

Tomorrow, the Government is expected to publish a short Bill mandating

The hope for Theresa May is that she can pass

the bill through the Commons in a couple of weeks.

But opposition parties say they'll try to amend the legislation.

And the bill will also need to pass the House of Lords,

where the Government does not have a majority.

The Labour Party is expected to set out four amendments to the bill,

including one that would require the Government

to produce a white paper, or formal policy document,

That's set to be backed a number of Tory backbenchers

who supported Remain in the referendum.

And the Scottish National Party will table 50 amendments,

to give the devolved administrations a bigger role in the Brexit process.

So there will be a lot for the Prime Minister to mull over

on her flight to Washington on Friday,

world leaders to meet President Donald Trump.

Discussions of a trade deal with the US will top the agenda,

with Downing Street keen to capitalise

on Britain's place at the "front of the queue".

Back on home soil, Mrs May's self-imposed deadline

to trigger Article 50 is the end of March.

But can she get her Brexit bill through Parliament in time?

And what will it look like when it becomes law?

The Brexit Secretary, David Davis, has been speaking about the

Government's next steps. Last year the British

people made a decision The Government is going

to deliver on that decision. Last week, the Prime Minister laid

out a plan, answered every question that it's possible to answer,

laid down by the Opposition, the Select Committee,

seen as clear throughout the world and supported in many places,

and we're going to deliver on that. The Article 50 ruling

is not going to stop that. We're going to have legislation,

very shortly, in the next few weeks, I'm joined now by the SNP's economy

spokesman, Stewart Hosie. Welcome to the Daily Politics.

Stewart Hosie, new figures show that Scottish trade with the rest of the

UK continues to be with four times more than its exports to the EU, so

these numbers just continue to underline why it is far more

important for Scotland to remain part of the UK than the EU, don't

they? Well, they certainly are bigger, no question about that, four

times bigger, but the EU market is eight times bigger, and the growth

in trade up until the figures today, I think in the seven years to 2014,

from memory, was a 12% increase from Scotland to the rest of the UK, 20%

increase to the EU, and 50% of the rest of the world, Jordan by EU

agreements. Where is your evidence for that? We can publish those

figures, I have been through this stuff, more than happy to do that.

The whole point about it is there is no point looking at the static

position. What we cannot do is surrender the growth we are seeing

in the EU, and the growth we are seeing globally, Drouin by EU trade

agreements. So it is vital, among other things, that we have trade

agreements in place to replace the ones we are going to lose. I have

got the Scottish Government export figures here, they have been done

since 2002. Scottish exports to the European Union in 2002 were just

over 10 billion. In 2014-15, they were just over 10 billion, they

haven't moved in ten years. These are your government's figures. I

have published the figures... The figures I have given you show the

increase in trade to the EU and the increase in trade to the rest of the

world, happily publish those figures. The increase in trade to

the rest of the UK, under 30 billion in 2002, almost 50,000,000,020 14.

That is where the rises. Scottish Government export statistics

published by your government. I will publish the figures which I have

given you today, I am happy to do that, but the point I am making is a

substantial point, that we cannot surrender trade growth and access to

EU and global markets by abandoning the EU trade treaties, unless and

until other alternatives are put in place, and we don't revert

immediately to the worst-case scenario of the tariff every WTO

rules. But let's look at those figures in detail, in terms of the

amount of trade, the latest export statistics, Scottish data shows the

country sold ?49.8 billion to the rest of the UK in 2015. That is 2.1

billion more than the previous year, it is increasing. Exports to the EU

rose by ?520 million to a total of just ?12.3 billion. That is ?50

billion versus 12.3 billion, so which market is more important? On

the static figures, there is no disputing that the UK market is...

By a massive margin! As is Scotland to the rest of the UK, the rest of

the UK's second largest export market. Your colleagues said it was

the first, about Scotland being England's biggest export

destination, which was not true. That was in the context of the EU,

it is the biggest market in the EU for exports. She didn't say that,

she said the biggest export destination, and she was talking

about goods and services, as compared to HMRC statistics, much

higher to the USA. And indeed I have just said that, the whole debate was

about the EU. Excuse me, I did that interview - she said quite plainly

that Scotland was England's biggest export market. It wasn't just about

the EU, and Alex Salmond said on Radio 4, Scotland is England's

biggest export market. It is not true. The numbers are very clear.

Yeah, it is not true. The US is the UK's largest export market, Scotland

is the second. Given we are focused on the EU and Brexit, the argument

that Scotland is the UK's largest export market in the EU is

absolutely correct, but the key thing, we are about to abandon trade

treaties that will begin trade growth around the world and revert

to tariff heavy and damaging WTO rules. That is where we need to be

having the focus. You are worried about tariffs being placed on goods,

it will affect growth, and any free trade deal that might be done, so

you are putting down 50 amendments on the Article 50 bill. Now, you

have got 54 MPs, almost one third MP, is there any chance he will win

enough support for any of those amendments? Well, our number one is

a white paper. I think there is huge support for that. Secondly, this

full is back to yesterday's ruling, we think the joint Ministerial

Council should take a unanimous view so that any of the devolved nations

are not railroaded. And then when we come to specific things, like

ensuring academic funding of 2020, like ensuring trade arrangements are

put in place, financial passporting for our financial services industry,

one would imagine there would be substantial support for the

certainty we currently do not have. If you don't get what you are

looking for, what you feel you should be part of those discussions,

when will you go for an independence referendum? We are not in a position

of calling a referendum today. No, but by the end of March Article 50

will have been triggered. We are in a position right now, the Scottish

Government, trying to persuade the UK Government to take the least

worst option, to mitigate some of the damage Brexit will cause. That

is where we are at the moment, so we need to wait and see what the joint

ministerial councils say formally about the Scottish Government

submission, which is a very detailed paper indeed, far more detailed than

the 12 point presentation the Prime Minister gave at Lancaster House.

Stewart Hosie, thank you. Well, Labour says it doesn't trust

the Government to negotiate on behalf of the country

without them "keeping an eye on it". The Shadow Foreign Secretary even

threatened to get physical in order to ensure proper scrutiny

of the Brexit process. We think she wasn't

being entirely literal, We do not trust them to go off

on their own and negotiate on our behalf, in Europe,

without us keeping an eye on them. That's why, today,

what we were saying, was that Article 50,

if it is going to be triggered, we will not get in the way of it

but we will try and amend the legislation in order to ensure

that they keep coming back, and if necessary there will be

hand-to-hand combat on this. We need to make sure we get the best

deal on behalf of the whole country. She can't say she acts on behalf

of the whole country without actually negotiating

with Parliament, Paul Blomfield, what did she mean by

hand-to-hand combat? Well, I think you are right, we probably don't

mean that literally! I am glad you clarify that! I am sure you are

reassured as well! I think the point is we don't have confidence in the

Government going away with no accountability to negotiate what is

the most important decision this country has faced in our lifetime,

and it is not just Labour, it was clear across the House and among

businessmen I have been talking to. When the negotiations are taking

place, do you expect ministers to come back to Parliament and say,

well, we have negotiated this bit, can we have your approval? Do you

expect them to give a tale to account for Parliamentary scrutiny

while the talks are going on? -- a failed account. Not in that sense,

but there needs to be scrutiny, there needs to be proper

Parliamentary... So tell me how you would do it. The first thing is we

would not have at any explanation if it had not been for Labour forcing

that through on the floor of the House of Commons. We want a white

paper or policy document. What do you want to do when the negotiations

start? What you see at the role of Parliament then? I am confused. We

expect the Government to report back regularly. But I just said that and

you said no. What you said, with respect, Andrew, was in the gritty

detail of day-to-day discussions. Those negotiating on behalf of the

European Union will be reporting back regularly to the European

Parliament. The British Parliament deserves no less. Will you publish a

white paper? The government has been quite open about how we move

forward, the focus is around looking at what people say, the Prime

Minister outlined a plan, delivering on what the British people voted.

Let me repeat the question, will you publish a white paper? In terms of a

white paper, it is something the Government has got to be looking at,

but it comes down to a process discussion. What the public are

looking for is the Government to deliver what the public voted for,

the Prime Minister has outlined a clear plan, we have to get on with

delivering Brexit for the British people. So a white paper is a

possibility, is that right? The Government has been clear about

setting up the plans. And you want a white paper? If you don't get one,

do you still vote for Article 50? We are going to be tabling a number of

amendments, one on a white paper or policy document, which I think there

is wide support for. We want to hold the Prime Minister to the

negotiating objectives in terms of protecting the rights we have a

cumulated over 43 years. One will be on meaningful votes at the end of

the process, and that is what I mean when I say we want to have a grip on

what is going on. But if you don't get your amendments or a white

paper, do you still vote for Article 50? Article 50 triggers the process.

I know what it does, are you going to vote for it or not. I was going

to explain my vote in that context, because we respect the outcome of

the referendum, we lost, so we will vote to trigger the process to start

negotiations. Even if you don't get a white paper? We think we will get

a white paper, because there is huge support for it on both sides of the

house. It's hard to know what your party's

position is. Yesterday Jeremy Corbyn called for a press reless of

tariff-free access to the single market. 30 minutes later it was

retracted, why? I cannot explain that. Aren't you the Brexit... I

can't explain the details of the operation of our press team. But we

have been clear at all stages and Emily was last night. This was

Jeremy Corbyn's office. He said Labour would table an amendment to

guarantee "Full tariff-free access across the single market." Which by

the way is the Government's aim as well. If they do it is another

matter. Yet, 30 minutes after the press release was issued, that

sentence was removed, why? Let me be clear, we are in free of tar you

have-free impediment free access to the single market. Why remove it? I

cannot explain the actions of the press office but let's be clear, we

want tariff-free access to the single market. We want to tie

Theresa May down to that because that's what she claims she wants,

too. Brendan what is the argument against, when the deal is done, when

we see the terms of which we are leaving the European Union, the

best, your Government has been able to get after the 20-year process and

we see what the land lies as we leave the EU, what kind of deal it

will be. What is the argument for not putting that to a referendum?

Well the British people voted in a referendum to leave the European

Union. They didn't know the terms. We were very clear in the referendum

what it meant, it meant leaving the European Union. Anything that starts

looking like or politicians doing things that looks like it is delay,

the British people will be angry about. The British people voted in

principle to leave the EU. They also had broad outlines of what that

would mean, they felt it would mean controlling borders and so on. But

you know that the deal itself will be much more complicated and you may

not get all you want. Why can't we have another vote on that? What we

have said and what the Prime Minister has outlined and David

Davis, the Secretary of State has outlined is Parliament through the

process, the opposite of what Paul outlined, will have a change to

debate. I opened the debant we dated Brexit and securing and policing

last week, there will be more debates like that. It gives a chance

for Parliament to feed in, what it thinks about the issues. At the end

of the process when we know what the deal is, Parliament,

democratically-elected MPs will have a vote on that deal. But you can't

say yet whether you would vote for the deal or not because you don't

know the deal. So, that's still up for grabs, I assume. You need to

see... The votes at the end of the process are up for grabs. What isn't

up for grabs is voting to trigger the process. That's what the

referendum delieded. Brandon is misleading on some of the debates

we've had so far. The Government determined the topics of the debate.

We haven't talked about the single market or customs union or the key

issues facing the economy and jobs in this country. But there are more

debates to come. So these things will be covered. Equally, of course,

the Labour Party have opposition day debates, they could have brought

them in those. We have had debates about important things. Last week we

had a debate about what breaks it can mean and what our framework and

desires are for security, law enforcement and criminal justice,

just last week. All right. Would you support a referendum on the deal? We

are not calling for a referendum. Why not? Because the British people

have cast their verdict and to call their judgment into account at this

stage would be clearly a wrong thing to do. So what we are calling for is

for the Government to publish their plans, clearly and there is stuff

about Theresa May having done so in her speech. She has sown the seeds

of confusion on issues like the customs union, for example. We want

clarity and accountability throughout. OK, we'll leave it

there. So once Theresa May has got PMQs

out of the way, the next big thing in her

diary comes on Friday. Yes, that meeting with

President Trump at the White House. Theresa May will be

the first foreign leader And no doubt the prospects

of a trade deal between the two Our next biggest single trade

partner outside the EU is the USA, would be a big plus for

the Prime Minister. Well, the new administration has

been making warm noises We're excited that Prime Minister

May is coming on Friday. The degree to which,

I don't know yet. I'm sure we'll have an opportunity

to brief you out. I don't believe we have any plans

right now for a joint press conference but that's

something our team will be working out with Prime Minister May

and we'll keep you updated on that. Sean Spicer there, the White House

press spokesman. Brandon Lewis, a former chief White House trade

negotiator has said a trade deal with the US could help Britain

become the Singapore of the Western world is that what you are aiming

for We want it aim to make sure the UK and Great Britain, we don't want

to be mirror images, or variations of somebody else, the same with the

European deal. But a deal that is right for our country. With the

amount of trade we do with the United States, any further work we

can do in an improved and new trade deal has to be good for both our

countries and the UK economy. She said the challenge will be coming

with up a model that will work with both the US and UK. If that means

the UK becoming a bit like Singapore, as Philip Hammond

certainly warned,p didn't use the word Singapore but said they could

do things economically that could prepare the UK if they didn't get a

free trade deal with the EU that they would like, is that something

you would like to emulate, Singapore, a successful country,

somewhere you would like to emulate? You are right. A successful country

but I'm focussed on getting the right deal with the European Union,

getting a deal that's good for us and doing a deal with the United

States. Historically our economy and the United States' economy have

worked well. So coming up with a trade deal that works, that is

beneficial for both countries has to be a good thing and actually for the

global economy. Do you agree Singapore is a success story? It has

been a success story on their own terms but not the terms we want for

our country. You are right to highlight the extraordinary threat

that Philip Hammond and Theresa May made last week, about the sort of

country they'll make us if they don't get their way with the

European Union. That wasn't a threat to Europe or the rest of Europe, it

was a threat to the British people. Did you see it as a threat? Does it

mean slashing corporation tax further? I never prejudge what might

come in future budgets and we can't prejudge what will come. It is about

making sure we get a deal, a win-win, good for our country and

good for partners in Europe? But would you be prepared to take those

steps, would you see it as a win-win? That's something the

Chancellor will have to lack at as we go through the process based on

the decisions we are able to agree with the European Union. But

decisions on a trade deal with the America, if we get that the Treasury

and Government will look at what is right about this country. Always,

our first duty is what is right for the UK. Are you excited about the

prospect of Theresa May meeting Donald Trump? I have to say, I find

it extraordinary that Brandon is leaving the door open for a bargain

basement, low page, low packs poor public servant economy. Is that what

he said? That's what you are alluding to in your question about

Singapore and what Philip Hammond was threatening, we would try to be

the cheap man of Europe, competing on those terms, reducing costs.

That's your interpretation. My question is are you proud, looking

forward to Theresa May, the Prime Minister here being the first

foreign leader meeting Donald Trump? I think it is unfortunate while she

was issuing threats to Europe and our Foreign Secretary was casually

comparing French politicians with Nazis, that we are falling over

ourselves or that Theresa May is falling over herself to ingratiate

the UK with Donald Trump, who is a protectionist. It is going to be

very interesting to see what these trade deal discussions lead to?

Every indication is he could be an isolationist, protectionist, his

inauguration speech pointed in that direction - buy American, hire

American, America first. The Foreign Secretary didn't say anything like

what Paul inner iffed and it is not what I said either. In terms of the

Prime Minister going to the United States, I am proud of that. I think

it really reinforces the fact the world's largest globally economy,

the super power in the world at the moment, the United States, our

oldest, strongest ally, we do more with them in security and trade than

any other single country in the world and the fact they want to see

our British female Prime Minister first is a good indication of where

we are. And you dismiss the comments about building a war, making Mexico

play, outrageous comments, that can be parked, can it? No, it can't. I

think one of the points to remember in a good friendship, between

friends, you are able to have frank conversations. Is she going to have

that frank conversation? Snipe' confident our Prime Minister,

Theresa May, will have the strength and steel to explain exactly where

we stand as a country, things we don't always agree on and gooder

partners do have to have those conversations. The strength of our

friendship with America, as a country is that we can do that. All

right, thank you. Now, as you know, on this programme

we are always looking for ways And the good news today

is that exports of British spirits are indeed up -

especially gin, according So what better way to toast this

success, Your Majesty, We know this is your favourite

daytime programme. than stirring into your Dubonnet,

some mother's ruin, that is making And what better way to serve

than on the rocks with a sliced This is a shame I am ale on Dry

January. But you know, there is only

one way to get your gin That is to guess when all this

happened. # Poison

flashing images coming up. # You're

poison running through my veins NEWSREEL: The Chancellor,

Nigel Lawson resigned tonight, taking the Government,

Westminster and financial markets around the world

totally by surprised. # You will never,

never, never know me...# # I've been around

long enough to know # This time I know it's

for real...# there between the SDLP,

and the SLD and the SNP and the SDP # Before you tear me

all apart # Before you go and

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The Year on our website. It's coming up to midday here,

just take a look at Big Ben, Yes, Prime Minister's

Questions is on its way. A very foggy London today, but Laura

Kuenssberg has made it through the fog. I have. Are we going to return

to Europe today with Mr Corbyn? Well, as ever, it is always a bit

dangerous to be too sure about it. I think it would be pretty surprising.

This was so much the subject not just of the weekend, the thing

everybody has been talking about really since the new year but

absolutely of the moment with Labour and some Tory rebels, we call them

now, rebel Remainers, pushing for once at the same thing, both of them

pushing at this idea of forcing the Government to come up with a white

paper, a document in terms of presenting formally their plans for

the Brexit negotiations T maybe that Mr Corbyn decides to use some of his

questions to go on that. -- it may be. However, word suggesting he may

also pick up on the rough sleeping statistics on homelessness out this

morning. We know Jeremy Corbyn has made times raised the issue of

housing much those figures show a big rise. He may choose to mention

that. Is this line, we have heard it several times now, that we don't

want a bargain basement Britain, we don't want rights to be curtailed

and go the, at that haven way. Is that a line he might pursue? Indeed

I think they are trying it make that stick N terms of a critique of the

Government's plan for Brexit that is something, given that Labour

disagrees intermly over the facets of this, it is a message they are

unite around, we don't want the country to go in a direction they

are not happy with and workers' rights exploited. We know that's

something that Jeremy Corbyn has picked out again and again in terms

of Brexit. But, Paul Blomfield, Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of

London says he has spoken to a number of people, including Frances

O'Grady who have been dealing with the Government, I've spoken to them

as well and he says - I don't think they want to weaken workers' rights,

I have seen no evidence in the conversations I have had, with

senior members of the Government that that is their aI conspiracy or

intention with something they want to do. It is indeed what what they

said and I think it is probably for Brandon or others to answer - what

did they mean by that threat, when Philip Hammond made his point and

Theresa May echoed it in her speech last beak, a different economic and

social model, what does it mean? But Sadiq Khan would not say this,

unless he believes it to be true. Well, we aim to hold the Government

to account on the pledge which David Davis made again yesterday, they

don't want to weaken workers' rights. So what does that

threatening change in our economic model mean? How are they using this

as a bargaining chip? Not a helpful quote from Sadiq Khan Know nor is

what one Government minister said to me yesterday, in the department they

were talking about - they were looking to be more progressive and

actually entrench rights in their particular part of Government than

actually currently under the EU legislation. I think it goes to the

fact that actually while Brexit s if you like a menu without prices, it

is difficult for Labour to be able to be clear. It is rhetoric

attacking rhetoric, rather than raet Rick going after a reality. What are

the chances the Government whips out a white paper from its handbag in

the next couple of weeks? I think it is not impossible and ministers are

very happy to have this up their sleeve. However there has been a

debate about whether or not they should do it now T would be an

unplanned defeat, if you like, an unplanned concession, when they felt

really very chipper last night in the wake of the legal ruling but it

is not impossible they go - here you are, here is one I made earlier.

Stnt just a cut and paste job of Theresa May's speech with the odd

foot note. Well... Hold that without. Over to PMQs.

I am sure the whole House will wish to join me in welcoming Mr Speaker

and his colleagues. Order, questions to the Prime Minister, Helen Jones!

Number one, Sir. The Prime Minister. As the response from the whole House

showed, we do indeed all welcome the Speaker of the Burmese Parliament

and his colleagues to see our deliberations today. I am also sure

that the whole house will join me in sending our thoughts to the police

officer who was shot in Belfast over the weekend, and to his friends and

family. PSNI do a superb job in keeping us set and secure. Mr

Speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and

others. In a addition to my duties in this house, I will further such

meetings, and later this week I will travel to the United States for with

President Trump. May I join the Prime Minister in sending good

wishes to the police officer who was shot in Belfast? They are the best

strikers on social mobility, 99% are rated good or outstanding, and 65%

of their places are in the most deprived areas of this country. So

why is the Prime Minister introducing cuts that threatened the

very existence of maintained nursery schools? When it comes to social

mobility, her actions speak far louder than her words. I want to

ensure, and this Government wants to ensure, that we see good quality

education at every age and at every stage for children in this country.

That is why we are looking at improving the number of good school

places, budget talks about my record, speaking louder than words.

Can I just point out to the honourable lady that I was very

proud, as chairman of an education authority in London in the 1990s, to

introduce nursery school places for every three and four -year-old whose

parents wanted one? The Prime Minister laid out a clear and bold

plan for Brexit in her speech last week. Honourable... Honourable

members... Honourable members, quite rightly, want an opportunity to

scrutinise that plan. Does the Prime Minister agree that the best way of

facilitating that scrutiny would be a government white paper, laying out

the vision for a global Britain, based on free trade, in goods and

services, that will be to the benefit of ours and other European

countries? Well, my honourable friend raises the question of

Parliamentary scrutiny. I have been clear, as have senior ministers,

that we will ensure that Parliament has every opportunity to provide

that scrutiny on this issue as we go through this process. By directing

nice, I set out that bold plan for a global Britain last week, and I

recognise there is an opportunity for a white paper. My honourable

friend's question, I can confirm to the House that our plan will be set

out in a white paper. Jeremy Corbyn! Mr Speaker, I joined the Prime

Minister in condolences, in expressing condolences, I am sure,

the whole House to the family of the police officer who lost his life

over the weekend in Northern Ireland. Mr Speaker, the Prime

Minister has wasted 80 days between the time of the original judgment

and the appeal, and is now finally admitting today, after pressure from

all sides, that there is going to be a date paper. Could we know when

this white paper is going to be available to us? And why it has

taken so long to get it? LAUGHTER

Prime Minister! Can I say to the right honourable gentleman, he asked

for debates, I was very clear there will always be debates in this

House, and there will continue to be. The asked for votes, the House

voted overwhelmingly for the Government to trigger Article 50

before the end of March this year. He asked for a plan, I set out, as

my honourable friend for Croydon South said, a clear plan for a bold

future for Britain. He and others ask for a white paper, I have been

clear there will be a white paper. But I am also clear that the right

honourable gentleman always ask about process, about the means to

the end. I and this government are focusing on the outcomes. We are

focusing... We are focusing on a truly global Britain, building a

stronger future for this country, the right deal for Britain and

Britain out of the European Union. Jeremy Corbyn! Mr Speaker, I

question wasn't complicated, it's just asked when the white paper will

come out! And will it be published before or at the same time as the

bill that is apparently about to be published? Mr Speaker, last week, I

asked the Prime Minister repeatedly to clarify whether her government is

prepared to pay to secure tariff free access to the single European

market. She repeatedly refused to answer the question, so I will ask

again. Is there a government ruling out paying a fee for tariff free

access to the single market, or the bespoke Customs union that she

outlined also in a speech? Than I first of all say to the right

honourable gentleman, in his reference to the timing issue, these

are two separate issues. The House has overwhelmingly voted that

Article 50 should be triggered before the end of March 2017,

following the Supreme Court judgment a bill will be provided for this

House, and there will be the proper debate in this chamber and another

place on that bill. There is then the separate question of publishing

the plan that I have set out, a bold vision for Britain for the future. I

will do that in a white paper, and the right honourable gentleman knows

that one of our objectives is the best possible free trade arrangement

with the European Union, and that is what we will be negotiating for.

Jeremy Corbyn! Some of this is very worrying too many people in this

House, but more importantly it is worrying to many others. For

instance, the chief executive of Nissan was given assurances about

future trade arrangements with Europe but now says they will have

to re-evaluate the situation about their investments in Britain. The

Prime Minister, Mr Speaker, is threatening the EU that unless they

give in to her demands, she will turn Britain into a bargain basement

stacks save and off the coast of Europe. -- bargain basement tax

haven. We on this side of the House are very well aware of the

consequences that would have, the damage it would do two jobs and

living standards and our public services. Is she now going to rule

out the bargain basement thread that was in his speech at Lancaster

House? Prime Minister! I expect us to get a good deal in trading

relationships with the European Union, but I am clear we will not

sign up to a bad deal for the United Kingdom, and as to the threats that

the right parable gentleman claims about what might happen, and he

often talks about this, he uses those phrases, talking about

workers' rights, perhaps he should listen to his former colleague, the

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who has today said, to give credit to the

Government, I don't think they want to weaken workers' rights, and he

goes on to say, I have Cena evidence from the conversations I have had

with senior members of the government that that is their

aspiration or their intention or something they want to do. -- I have

seen no evidence. As usual with Labour, the right hand is not

talking to the far left! Jeremy Corbyn! Mr Speaker... Mr Speaker,

the... The evidence of what the Tory party and this government really

thinks about workers' rights was there for all to see yesterday. A

private member's bill under the ten minute rule by a Tory MP to tear up

parts of the international labour organisation Convention, talking

down my friend the member for Grimsby's built to protect European

workers' rights that have been attained in this country. That is

the real agenda of the Tory party! Mr Speaker, what the Prime Minister

is doing is petted -- petulantly aiming threats about a bargain

basement Britain, is a priority the struggling NHS, those denied social

care, children having funding cut, or once again be the cuts in big

business taxation to make the rich even better off? Prime Minister! I

would simply remind the right honourable gentleman on the issue of

workers' rights that I have been very clear that this government will

protect workers' rights, indeed we have a review of modern employment

law to ensure that legislation is keeping up with the modern labour

market. One of the objectives I set out in my plan for our negotiating

objectives was to protect workers' rights, but he talks about threats

to public services. I will tell him what the threat to public services

would be, a Labour government borrowing 500 million extra! That

would destroy our economy and mean no funding for our public services.

Jeremy Corbyn! The threat to workers' rights, Mr Speaker, is

there every day. Six million and in less than the living wage, many

people, nearly a million, on zero hours contracts, no protection

offered by this government. They are offering, once again, the bargain

basement alternative. Will the Prime Minister, Mr Speaker, take this

opportunity today to congratulate the 100,000 people who marched in

Britain last weekend to highlight women's rights after President

Trump's inauguration and express their concerns about his misogyny?

Because many have concerns, Mr Speaker, that in her forthcoming

meeting with President Trump, she will be prepared to offer up. Five

is -- to offer up for sacrifice the opportunity for American companies

to take over part of our NHS or our public services. Will she assure the

House that in any trade deal none of those things will be offered up as a

bargaining chip? Prime Minister! Again, I would point out to the

honourable gentleman that this government introduced the national

living wage. This government has made changes to 0-hours contracts.

But on the issue of my visit to the United States of America, on the

issue of my visit, I am pleased that I am able to meet President Trump so

early in his administration. That is a sign of the strength of the

special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States

of America, a special relationship on which he and I intend to build.

But can I also say to the Leader of the Opposition, I am not afraid to

speak frankly to a President of the United States. I am able to do that

because we have that special relationship. A special relationship

that he would never have with the United States. Jeremy Corbyn! Mr

Speaker, we would never allow Britain to be sold off on the cheap.

How confident is she of getting a good deal for global Britain from a

president who wants to put America first, by American and build a wall

between his country and Mexico? Mr Speaker, Article 50 wasn't about a

court judgments against this government, what is signified was

the bad judgment of this government, the bad judgment of prioritising

corporate tax cuts overinvestment in national health and social care. The

bad judgment of threatening European partners whilst offering a blank

cheque to President Trump! The bad judgment of wanting to turn Britain

into a bargain basement tax haven. So will she offers some clarity and

some certainty and withdraw the threats to destroy the social

structure of this country by turning us into the bargain basement that

she clearly threatens? We will be out around the world with

the EU Americans and other countries negotiating good trade deals for

this country to bring prosperity. The right honourable gentleman wants

to talk about Brexit. I have to say to him, he is the leader of the

party, he can not agree with his Shadow Chancellor about Brexit. The

Shadow Chancellor can't agree with the shadow Brexit secretary, the

shadow Brexit secretary disagrees with the Shadow Home Secretary and

the Shadow Home Secretary has to read up the leader and tell him to

change his mind. He talks about us standing up for Britain, they can't

speak for themselves, they'll never speak for Britain. SHOUTING AND

JEERS Thank you Mr Speaker, on 27th

December, another young woman lost her life driving through the West

Country on the A303. In the past decade more than 1,000 people have

been killed or injured on that road. For 40 years governments have

promised to dual the lethal parts of the road where they become two and

three with no central reservation. The queues on the road are also

legendary. I know the Government is comuted to an upgrade but can the

Prime Minister assure us that the proposed tunnel at Stonehenge will

not hold up essential work elsewhere and we'll soon see cones on the road

and spades in the ground? Well my honourable friend raises an

important issue. He is absolutely right to do that. I can assure him

we are working generally to improve the safety of our roads. He refers

specifically to the issue of the A303 and the tragic incident that

happened on 27th December. We've committed to creating a dual

carriageway on the A303 from the M3 to M5. I understand highways England

have launched a a consultation into the route under Stonehenge and my

honourable friend will want to look closely at this issue. This is all

part of our ?2 billion investment in road improvement that will improve

connections in the south-west but I can assure him that we have road

safety at the forefront of our mind. I begin by wishing everybody a very

happy Burns Day and of course extending congratulations to the

Scotsman newspaper which is celebrating its by centenary today.

Yesterday ... To Brexit. So, in the spirit of progress for Parliament,

in advance of meeting President Trump, will the Prime Minister tell

Parliament what she wants to achieve in a UK-US trade deal? Can I join

the right honourable gentleman in his good wishes for a happy Burn's

Day to everybody and also in recognising the by centenary of the

Scotsman. I'm sure everybody in the house would join me in that. What we

want to achieve in terms of our arrangements with the United States?

It is very simple. We want to achieve an arrangement that ensures

the interests of the United Kingdom are put first and that is what I

will be doing, and we see a trade arrangement, as we will be looking

for, from other parts of the world, to bring prosperity and growth to

the UK and my aim for this Government is to ensure that economy

works for everybody in every part of the UK. ! The European Union, which

we are still part of, has amongst the highest food safety standards

anywhere in the world. And we are proud on our continent to have

public national health systems. The United States, on the other hand, is

keen to have health systems which are fully open to private

competition. They want to export genetically modified organisms, beef

raised with growth hormones and chicken meat washed with chlorinated

water. Will the Prime Minister tell President Trump that she is not

prepared to lower our food and safety standards, or to open health

systems for privatisation, or does she believe that this is the price

worth paying for a UK-US trade deal? We will be looking for a UK-US trade

deal Thame proves trade between our two countries that will bring

prosperity and growth to this country, that will ensure we can

bring jobs to this country as well. I can assure the right honourable

gentleman in doing, that we will put UK interests and UK values first.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, historic per capita spending in our region,

including Yorkshire, when compared to London is up to 40% lower for our

local authorities, up to 50% lower for our schools and up to 60% lower

for transport prospects. Does the Prime Minister agree that if we want

to build a country that works for everyone, we need a fair funding

deal that works for everyone? I see the issues my honourable friend has

raised. I can assure him our commitment in relation to the

northern parts of England, including Yorkshire, is absolutely clear. We

want business growth across the north. We are backing the northern

powerhouse to help the great cities and towns of the north pool their

strength and take on the world. Yorkshire LETs have received an

additional ?156 million in Government funding this week and we

are spending a record ?15 billion on transport across north. As a result

there are more people in Yorkshire in Humber this the work than

everybody before and employments rates are at a record high. Good

news for the region and for the economy as a whole The European

Medicines Agency provides a single drug licencing system for 500

million people and results in the UK having drugs licensed six to 127

months ahead of countries like Canada and Australia. Yesterday the

Health Secretary stated that the UK will not be in the EMA. Can the

Prime Minister confirm this and explain how she'll prevent delayed

drug access for UK patients? Well, there are a number of organisations

that we are part of as members of the European Union and as part of

the work that we are doing to look at the United Kingdom in the future

when we have left the European Union, we will look at the

arrangements we can put in place to relation to those issues. We want to

ensure that we continue to have, the pharmaceutical industry in this

country is a very important part ever of our economy as are the

ability of people to access these new drugs, I can assure the

honourable lady we are looking seriously at this and will ensure we

have the arrangements we need Too few British intren airs are

connecting with the capital they need to start and grow. As part of

her industrial sfreedge, which will be looking at access to capital,

will the Prime Minister order a view of the enterprise investment scheme

and the seed investment scheme in the hope they can be simplified,

helping to achieve the pools of buccaneering capital that British

industry needs? My honourable friend raises an important issue and he has

long been a champion of intren airships in this country. . I can

tell him we are committed to providing the best possible... There

is a panel that is looking at barriers that exist in long-term

investment and we are also increasing investment from venture

capital by the British business banks by ?4700 million and that will

un-- ?400 million which will unlock new finance. The Treasury will

publish a consultation in the spring looking at these issues I'm sure my

honourable friend willp wanted to sponchtsd four-and-a-half years ago

my constituents were on a family holiday on the Greek island of Zante

when their son Jamie was hit answer killed by a speeding motor bike. It

was his ninth birthday. The rider was convicted but has appealed

against his sentence and to date remains a free man. Will the Prime

Minister agree to meet with Chris and Lidya to discuss how they can

finally secure justice for Jamie? Can I say to the honourable lady I'm

very happy to look at this case. I mean it is a tragic case she has

described and our thoughts must be with Chris and Lidya at the terrible

loss that they have experienced. To the issues of what is happening in

terms of the Greek Criminal Justice System, of course that is a matter

for the Greek authorities. But we will, I will look seriously at this

case and see if there is anything that the Foreign Office can do in

relation to this. President Trump has repeatedly said

that he will bring back torture as an instrument of policy. When she

sees him on Friday, will the Prime Minister make clear that in no

circumstances will she permit Britain to be dragged into

facilitating that torture, as we were after September 11th? I can

assure my honourable friend that we have a very clear position on

torture. We do not sanction torture. We do not get involved with that and

that will continue to be our position.

Thank you Mr Speaker. 70% of my constituents voted Remain. 15% are

citizens of other EU countries and almost all don't trust her

Government to negotiate a deal that secures the future prosperity of

London and the UK. Will she give this House a veto on the deal she

does, or will she put that deal back to a referendum of the British

people? I say to the honourable gentleman, people voted differently

across the country. Parts voted to Remain and parts voted to Leave.

What we now do is unite behind the result of the vote that took place.

We come together as a country, we go out there, we make a success of this

and we ensure that we build that truly global Britain that will bring

jobs to his constituency and his constituents. Mr Speaker, this week

Milton Keynes celebrates its 50th birthday. We have been the most

successful of new cities and have one of the highest rates of economic

growth. Will the Prime Minister agree that Milton Keynes has a great

future and will be central to delivering this Government's

ambitious plans? Well, can I join my honourable friend, can I join my

honourable friend in marking Milton Keynes's 50th birthday and also I

understand he has secured a Westminster Hall debate. I

congratulate him on having done that. I think Milton Keynes is a

great example of what you can achieve with a clear plan and with

strong, local leader sh. We are providing, as he knows, additional

funding for the East-West rail prospect ject. I know he supported

that by chairing the APGG as well as a Oxfordshire express road emschoo.

We'll see a country that works for everyone. Milton Keynes has had not

just a great 50 years but I'm sure a great future as well. Last week a

freight train arrived at barking from China using the Chunnel and

demonstrating the massive protension of rail treat, but containtal rail

wagons and lorries on trains cannot be accommodated on Britain's railway

network. Would the Prime Minister consider giving positive support to

the GB gateway scheme which could link all the nations and regions of

Britain both to each other and to Europe beyond and would take 5

million lorry journeys off Britain's roads per year? The honourable

gentleman has raised an issue, a different gauge on the railways here

and on the continpent which has been an issue for some considerable time.

We want to encourage freight on rails. We have been encouraging that

and we'll continue to do so. Thank you, very much, Mr Speaker.

The ministry of Cake in my constituency, a ?30 million turnover

company has recently been bought by a French company. They trade across

Europe and into China. Does this not demonstrate, Prime Minister and

would you agree with me that it demonstrates the confidence in our

economy as a European company has bought in? It demonstrates that we

can unlock global trade and it demonstrates that the south-west is

a terrific place to do business? I absolutely agree with high

honourable friend. I think the investment that she has referred to

of the French company into a company in her constituency shows the

confidence that people have in our economy for the future T shows the

fundamental strengths of our economy. -- it shows. And it also

shows that we can unlock global trade and of course the south-west

is a very good place to do business. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Robert Burns

said whatever damages society or any least part of it, that is my measure

of inequity. Would the Prime Minister agree that that applies to

the tax system found to be illegal by British courts under which 10,000

asylum seekers were denied a fair trial and some probably unlegally

deported to death and torture? I say to the honourable gentleman the

issue of the detained fast track system in the asylum system I looked

at when I was Home Secretary and we looked at the a number of changes on

how we operate it but it was built on a strong principle - which is if

there is somebody whose case for asylum is such that they are almost

certain to be refused that asylum, then we want to be ensure they can

be removed from the country as quickly as possible, hence the

detained fast track. I would like to ask my friend the

Prime Minister if she would insist in trying to get an enterprise zone

in my constituency as part of the industrial strategy. It turns out

that the Labour Council and Labour county council, who are talking

about an enterprise zonesque project in the area, have not applied for

any funding whatsoever. Would my right honourable friend assist me in

this endeavour? Well, can I say to my honourable friend I know what a

champion for his constituency it is. And I'm sure that the Chancellor and

the Business Secretary will look at the issue that he has raised. I also

say how sad it is that Labour councils are not willing to put

forward proposals to increase the prosperity and economic growth in

their area. Closed question. Number 11. I will

meet the First Minister and leaders of the devolved administrations at

the joint ministerial committee on Monday, but we regularly engage with

the Scottish Government on a number of issues. When she meets with the

First Minister, will she confirm whether she supports the principle

of the Scotland Act that whatever is not reserved is devolved and will

she be able to tell what powers will come to the Scottish Parliament in

the event of Brexit? Can she confirm the Great Repeal Bill will not be

the great power grab? I have been very clear, echoed yesterday by the

Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, that no powers that

are currently devolved will be taken back to the UK Government. What we

will be looking at, and what we will be discussing with the devolved

administrations, is how we deal with powers which are currently in

Brussels when they come back to the United Kingdom, and what we want to

ensure, we want to ensure those powers are dealt with so we can

maintain the important single market of the United Kingdom. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. It is currently hand offence to assault a police officer,

an immigration officer way prison officer, but it is not a specific

offence to assault an NHS worker, doctor, nurse or paramedic. Does the

Prime Minister agree with me that we should consider extending a specific

offence to these people to make it absolutely clear that the public

will not tolerate violence towards our hard-working members of the NHS?

My honourable friend raises an important point, we condemn assaults

on anybody and any violence that takes place, but the Secretary of

State for Health has heard the KC has put and will be happy to look at

that issue. -- has heard the case that he has put. Will be Duke of

Westminster still received ?407,000 year, will Duke of Northumberland

still receive ?475,000 a year, and will the Earl of either still

receive ?915,000 a year from the British taxpayer? The honourable

gentleman seems to know a lot about these ducal matters, I will be

fascinated by the reply! One of the tasks that we will have, and the

honourable gentleman is right, when we leave the European Union, is to

decide what support is provided to agriculture as we are outside of the

Common Agricultural Policy. We are taking the interest of all parts of

the UK into account when we look into what the system should do in

the future. A Hampshire Nice, Sir Gerald Howarth! Last weekend, the

Secretary of State for Defence made a very welcome visit to Ukraine,

where he said that freedom and democracy are not tradable

commodities. As we mark the 25th anniversary of relations between our

two partners, could I invite my right honourable friend to declare

the support of the UK for the maintenance of an independent

sovereign state in Ukraine, which has been subjected to the most

outrageous annexation of part of its providence by Russia? I am very

happy to join my honourable friend in confirming our commitment to the

independent sovereign state of Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary has

been doing a lot of work with other Foreign Ministers on this particular

issue, we provide significant support to Ukraine, and I hope soon

to be up to meet the president and talk about the support we provide.

Pat McFadden. Last week the Prime Minister said that Parliament would

get a vote on the final deal between the UK and the European Union. Kuqi

set out what would happen if Parliament said no to the terms of

that deal? -- could she set out. Would she negotiate an alternative

deal, or would no deal option be falling back on WTO rules, which

mean 10% tariffs on cars, 20% on food and trick, and a host of other

barriers to trade, investment and prosperity in the UK? Prime

Minister. As I also said in my speech, I expect we will be but to

negotiate a good deal in terms of trade with the European Union,

because it would be in our interests and those of the European Union as

well. There will be a vote on the deal for this Parliament, but then,

if this Parliament is not willing to accept a deal that has been decided

and agreed by the United Kingdom Government with the European Union,

I have said that if there is no deal, we will have to fall back on

other arrangements. Mr Speaker, a great pleasure to welcome my

honourable friend the Prime Minister and her Cabinet to Khazri earlier

this week, and I welcome the Government industrial strategy to

bring high skill, high wage jobs to close the North-South divide, and

the message is that Britain is open for business. I and the whole

Cabinet were very pleased to be able to visit, pleased to be able to sit

down and meet with small businesses on that particular site to hear the

support they have for what the Government is doing in the

industrial strategy. Britain is open for business, we will be trading

around the world, a global leader in free trade, bringing jobs, economic

growth and prosperity to every part of this country. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. We are now aware of the hundreds of thousands of women who

marched in behalf of women's rights last weekend. In this House, we have

been lobbied by members of the women against state pension inequality,

and many MPs have lodged petitions asking the Government to act. Can

the Prime Minister tell us how many MPs have lodged such petitions? I

have to say to the honourable gentleman that I think the number of

petitions presented in this Parliament is a matter for the

authorities, but the Government has already taken action in relation to

the issue of women's pensions to reduce the changes that will be

experienced by women and putting extra money into that. Following her

excellent EU speech last week, will the Prime Minister consider

unilaterally guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens living and working in

the UK? This isn't just the decent thing to do, but by taking the moral

high ground, it will be a source of strength going forward in the

negotiations, and we can always return to the issue of

non-reciprocation and necessary later in those negotiations. I

recognise the concern that my honourable friend has raised in

relation to this issue, but my position remains the same as it

always has been. I expect and intend and want to be able to guarantee the

rights of EU citizens living in the United Kingdom, but as the British

by Minister it is only right that I should give consideration to the

rights of UK citizens living in the remaining 27 member states of the

EU, and that is why I wanted that reciprocal arrangement. As I said

last week, Ira Main open to this being an issue we negotiate at a

very early stage. -- I remain open. A number of other European bodies

want that, and I'm hoping we will be up to do it at an early stage. Dr

Lisa Cameron. Thank you, Mr Speaker. As chair of the all-party

Parliamentary group for disability, we recently compiled an important

report into the Government's pledge to halve the employment gap.

Research shows this pledge will not be met for 50 years. To date, no

minister has met with the group to discuss the report. Will the Prime

Minister place people with disability at the heart of policy

and ensure that her ministers engage with our recommendations? The Prime

Minister. The honourable lady raises an important issue about disabled

people in the workplace. It is one we are aware of, and as we see the

number of people in unemployed and going down, it does change the

ratios to select ten. The Secretary of State is looking at how we can

ensure that we are seeing more disabled people in the workplace,

and I am sure he will have seen that request. Can I welcome the Prime

Minister meeting with the president of Turkey on Saturday, when we can

show our solidarity in the fight against terrorism, deepen our

trading relationship, and the Prime Minister also seek support for a

united and independent Cyprus free from Turkish troops? I thank my

honourable friend for raising the important issues that I will be

discussing with President Erdogan, and with the Prime Minister of

Turkey when I meet them on Saturday. He raises the issue of Cyprus. I am

hopeful that the talks will be able to continue to come to a solution,

closer to a solution than we have been before. I have already spoken

to the Prime Minister and the President about the need to ensure

that we are creative in thinking and finding a solution for this, and I

had a further telephone call over the weekend about this very issue.

We stand ready, as a guarantor, to play our part in making sure we see

a successful conclusion of these talks, and see the reunification of

Cyprus, which people have been working for for some time. Thank

you, Mr Speaker. I joined the Prime Minister in wishing a speedy

recovery to the police officer who was shot and injured in my

constituency in north Belfast on Sunday night. Thankfully, he was not

killed, but that was not the intention of the terrorists, of

course. It is very clear, Mr Speaker, that the political

instability brought about by Sinn Fein's collapse of the assembly is

in no-one's interest, and it is also clear that their intention is to

rewrite the past. Will she make it very clear that the legal

persecution of police officers and soldiers who did so much to bring

peace to Northern Ireland will not be allowed to continue? I say to the

right honourable gentleman that, as he indicates, the political

stability in Northern Ireland has been hard earned over some

considerable time, and none of us want to see and thrown away. He

raises the issue of the current situation, where a number of

investigations by the PSNI into former soldiers and their activities

in Northern Ireland, and I think it is right that we recognise that the

majority of people who lost their lives did so as a result of

terrorist activity, and it is important that the terrorist

activity is looked into. That is why one of the issues that my right

honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is

looking at is the legacy question and how that can take place in

future. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Social care provided by Labour led

council in my area is failing miserably. Serious errors in process

have led to, quite frankly, shameful consequences for some of my most

vulnerable constituents. It is clearly not about funding, as they

said on reserves of about ?233 million. Will my right honourable

friend instigate an urgent review of social care practice at the county

council, because the people of Derbyshire deserve better? Prime

Minister. My honourable friend has made an important point in relation

to this issue, which is that successful social care is not wholly

about funding, but the practice on the ground, and that is why we are

very clear that it is important to see that integration between social

and health care at a local level, and local authorities should be

playing their part in delivering that. And this is any stew that we

need to see addressed for the longer term as well. -- an issue. Frankly,

it has been ducked by governments for too long in this country, and

that is why we are determined to bring forward a sustainable

programme in the future. Ed Miliband. It brings... The right

honourable gentleman never knew he was quite that popular! Ed Miliband!

I was going to say, Mr Speaker, it brings back memories, actually! Can

I say to the Prime Minister, as the first foreign leader to meet

President Trump, she carries a huge responsibility on behalf not just of

this country but the whole international community in the town

that she sets? Can I ask her to reassure us that she will say to the

President that he must abide by and not withdraw from the Paris climate

change treaty, and in case it is helpful, can she offer the services

of UK scientists to convince the president that climate change is not

a hoax invented by the Chinese? Prime Minister! Well, I recognise

the role the right honourable gentleman has played in looking at

this issue of climate change, and I hope he recognises the commitment

this government has shown to be a stew of climate change with the

legislation we have put through, and the changes that we have brought

about in terms of the energy sector and users of different forms of

energy. The Obama administration obviously signed up to the Paris

climate change agreement, we have now done that, I would hope that all

parties would continue to ensure that the climate change agreement is

put into practice. Order... Well, 45 minutes after it started,

it has come to an end. Looks like the speaker has now decided it

should be 45 instead of 30. It seems a standed time. The Prime Minister

took kavend planted question from a Tory backbencher, to announce there

will be a white paper on the Government's Brexit position. It

seems a standard time. -- the Prime Minister took a planted

question. This probably took some of the wind

out of the sails of Jeremy Corbyn. I suspect he was about to ask about

that. He changed tact, I think and started to talk about - would we be

prepared to pay to secure tariff-free access to the European

single market. He went on to Nissan, was it reevaluating its investments

in Britain and thenned about the bargain basement Britain which has

become a favourite phrase of Labour out of Mr Corbyn. The Prime Minister

quoted Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London saying he didn't think the

Government was going tonne undermine workers' rights which you will have

heard in this programme first but threw go, it was repeated at Prime

Minister's Questions. And now, Mr Corbyn went on to talk about the

question of workers' rights, even though he had to deal with a

surprised white paper, he had to deal with the unhelpful quote of the

Labour Mayor of London on that. While we were doing PMQs, the Labour

Party's been in touch to say that I said earlier that the one statement

was withdrawn yesterday and replaced with another. Now, this is what

actually happened. You can decide. At 9.43 a statement was issued by Mr

Corbyn's office, it included "Labour will seek to build in the principles

of full tariff-free access to the single market, and maintenance of

workers' rights and social and environmental protections." Mr

Corbyn himself, through his office at 10.16, half an hour later, then

made, what was in effect an identical statement, but did not

include these words about full tariff-free access on that.

Now, whether the first statement was withdrawn or simply superceded by

the second statement, I'll leave you to make up your mind but we're happy

to clarify that's what happened. What did they make of PMQs? The

guard good by the way has said this was the Prime Minister's best PMGs

since she became Prime Minister. Well, at the risk of repetition of

some of what you said, there was an echo of much of your summary in the

e-mails that came N Martin says "It was as if the Daily Politics had a

crystal ball PMQs today saw the confirmation that we will have a cut

and Pease white paper." One prediction we got right. Ian says,

"The worst session of PMQ that is Jeremy Corbyn has had. His attack

was blunted by a Tory planted question on the white paper and

destroyed completely when Mrs May used Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor's

quote to shoot down his claims." Andrew says, "Mrs May declaring a

white paper on Brexit #150e78d to flummox Jeremy Corbyn and he didn't

seem to be able to respond, he had a scatter gun approach on various

subjects with no question hitting home. -- seemed to flummox Jeremy

Corbyn. They didn't feel he did W So, a

white Paper? And a climb-down. Yesterday in the House, David Davis

said it would be too difficult to do it in the time scale. Why a

climb-down? Two parts - it is clever politically it takes one one of the

likely amendments to the bill, before the bill is out, so avoids a

potential defeat next week. Second of all, I just wonder if, having

seen to be pretty consistently sort of taking more of the side of the

Brexiteers in the Tory Party, it was felt perhaps it was time to give

some kind of gesture to those... To the others. The Brexiteers have run

most of the argument in the run-up to Mrs May's speech? And they were

cock ahoop after Mrs May's speech. No question about that. But given

last night they were told there would be no white paper. The sense

from number ten, it was up their sleeves but not really to reveal it

this is last-minute change of heart. And one senior Tory said to mee,

welcome to the next two years, a very fluid process. So you knew the

change was coming, why did the Government change its mind on a

white paper? As I said. Very clear. We have been open about it. This was

an issue process, in Westminster people get excited about but as I

said earlier on, generally the viewers people out there want to see

us getting on with delivering the plan the Prime Minister outlined.

Why are you changing your mind? We didn't. You z yesterday David Davis

said it would be too difficult to do it in the time. There will be a

continued debate, the Government will look at this to make sure

everybody... This is part of that process. I understand all that, but

let me bring you back to the question for one last forlorn

attempt. Yesterday David Davis told the House it would be too difficult

to produce a white paper, 24 hours later, less than, the Prime Minister

says there is going to be a white paper. What changed? Well, I think

it is very, very simple in the fact that David Davis' team, the Brexit

department and the Prime Minister, listening to people in the House of

Commons, we should welcome the fact that the Government is listening to

people and responding to that but the core point is this is a process

we in Westminster get excited about. I understand that. But what people

are interested in is delivering on Brexit and the plan the Prime

Minister outlined at Lancaster House. So David Davis came away from

the Commons yesterday and thought - oh, these were really strong

arguments for a white paper. When I said there was no time for a white

paper, that was really a stupid thing to say, let's have a white

paper, that's what you are telling me? What the Prime Minister has

outlined is we will publish a white paper. I got that. I'm trying to

find out yu changed your mind. It is about delivering the right thing for

the British people and doing in a way they can understand. I'm puzzled

by Jeremy Corbyn's question to the Prime Minister about would she be

prepared to pay to secure tariff-free access. Because the

Prime Minister has said we won't be a member of the single market any

more. A member. But she wants to do the best-possible free trade deal.

But free trade deals do not avoid, involve paying for access. So why

does he ask that question? Well, it is interesting because in response

to a question in Brexit Questions a few weeks ago, David Davis said that

the Government were considering that. So... No he didn't talk about

that to secure access. He talked about there would be certain

programmes that "We may wish to continue with", I think Arasmus may

have been one. You mentioned other ones where you do have to pay a

membership fee to get in, that's different to paying a generalised

fee for access to the single market. So I say again, free trade deals and

I have seen quite a few, the most recent one with Canada and the EU,

free trade deals, by definition, do not involve paying for access to

another market. Well, I #1257bd to be corrected, Andrew, I think that

was what David Davis said a few weeks ago. But let me answer the

question... Maybe he changed his mind. Let me answer the question he

was struggling with. He changed his mind. He changed his mind a lot. The

question Brandon was strug was clear, Theresa May recognised she

was facing defeat, after yesterday, on Labour's first amendment. You

asked me about what was bringing grit. Theresa May didn't want to

concede a vote, she has been forced. She didn't want to publish a white

paper, she has been forced much this is the grit Labour is bringing to

the process by raising these issues. Finally, Laura, I would suggest she

wasn't frightened of losing if she published a white paper but this

makes it easier for her. No question. This was one of the

questions where people on all parties were able to gather around.

With this off the Type table it is hard to see what they can come up

with next. In the big picture, what we have seen in the last couple of

weeks, is a sense that people on the Remain side of the argument are

really actually struggling to come up with concrete, convincing ways

that they can actually try to nail the Government down and I think that

certainly has been a feature. It is one of the interesting things,

before Christmas, after the High Court decision, the Government was

on the backfoo. Theresa May is on front foot this time. We should keep

a score card of the changes. I'll have to go on, we need it squeeze

another item in. Grammar schools in England

are warning that they may ask parents for hundreds of pounds

a year to cope with funding cuts. The Grammar School Heads'

Association says that most money under the new national funding

formula, which is due to be rolled out for schools in England

later in this Parliament. Several Conservative MPs, whose

constituencies will lose out under the plans, are unhappy and Labour

are holding an Opposition Day Debate The Government announced

the new formula last month and the Schools' Minister,

Nick Gibb, appeared on this programme to explain

the thinking behind it. What this has done -

this national funding formula - is taken a series of principles

that we consulted on for several widespread support from the people

we approached and asked what their views were,

because it is right to reflect the funding of schools based

on deprivation, based on prior learning, based on how many

children who speak English All those are key factors on how

schools are now funded. It is much fairer and no other

Government has grasped It is a very controversial

thing to do. We decided we would do it,

notwithstanding the other Joining me now is Graham Brady,

Chairman of the Conservative 1922 Committee, and a vocal supporter

of grammar schools. One of the schools, at trip ham in

your constituency, is one of those asking for parental contributions on

a voluntary basis. -- Altrchinham. It is in an of a

fluent area. Isn't it rich for grammar schools to be pleading

poverty? Well it isn't'ed have goo grammar school, it is my old school

and I'm closely associated with it, still. This goes much, much wider

than just grammar schools... Can we stick to grammar schools that's the

issue we are talking about. ! I want to talk to it. That's the issue, I

want to bring up that grammar school and my question. To put it in

context the whole of the borough of Trafford, one of the worst-funded

authorities for education in the country. One of the so-called F has

40 groups, every single secondary school in the borough would be worse

off under the draft funding formula. So whilst the principles that nick

Gibb set out are entirely welcome, the real purpose of doing this is to

raise the levels of funding in the lowest-funded areas. Those places

where, for historical reasons, there are anomalies in funding but the

problem is, this specific set of figures proposed don't work fairly,

don't raise those badly-funded schools out of the bottom levels of

funding. You set the context but you still haven't answered my question

about grammar schools. Is it a bit rich for grammar schools, in an

area, which is of a fluent, where they do have on average, fewer

pupils who are entitled to free school meals or who maybe speak

English as a second language or have special educational needs, that they

should plead poverty over comprehensive schools in areas like

Blackpool and Bolton, for example? This is why the context severing.

That's why I pointed out that it is not just a school like the grammar

school, it is like every school in Trafford. We have badly-funded

schools, whether grammar schools, high schools or comprehensive

schools in areas which historically have been underfunded which are

seeing their funding cut if this formula goes ahead. I don't think

this formula is going to go ahead in this form, because I think ministers

understand that there are difficulties in what has been

proposed and some of these anomalies are unsustainable. Let's ask Brandon

Lewis, do you think it'll be dropped because of opposition that there

just isn't enough money going into education Overall education is going

up, at a record level just over ?40 billion. Hang on, the whole school

system in England according to the National Audit Office, said they

were facing a real terms cut of ?300 million. So it is wrong. . It is at

record less. It is always at record levels. We put more, if you look at

2010. It is now over ?40 million. A real term ut cut. It has gone up.

But what Graham is saying the Government is doing a review to have

a fair funding formula in consultation and I know the

ministers will look at the feedback from that consultation, including

Members of Parliament and schools, all over the country, not just in

Cheshire. In ten seconds, Graham, Brady does

it reassure you? It is reassuring, grammar schools also suffer, they

have big sixth forms and they are the worst-funded part of a school,

so they are cross subsidising from the 11-16 area, so it is another

reason why it is a problem. There's just time to put you out

of your misery and give It was 1989. Press the red button,

please. Both of you. By partisan press there.

Consensus at last. P The answer was 1989. David Lamb.

Well done. The one o'clock news is starting

over on BBC One now. Jo and I will be here

at noon tomorrow with all the big political

stories of the day. I do enjoy doing this, it's

challenging brain surgery. You've got a very

fragile-looking aneurysm.