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Theresa May faces MPs' questions

15 Nov 2018

Theresa May faces a grilling from MPs later over the draft Brexit agreement the UK has reached with the EU. The PM secured her cabinet's backing for the deal after a five-hour meeting, although several ministers are understood to have spoken against it. She has also faced a backlash from Tory Brexiteers and her Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) backers, amid suggestions of moves to force a no-confidence vote. Labour will announce later whether or not it will back the deal. However, leader Jeremy Corbyn said he did not believe the agreement – set out in a 585-page document – was in the national interest. May is due to give a statement to the House of Commons on Thursday morning. She emerged from the marathon cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening and declared the choice before the UK to be clear. "This deal, which delivers on the vote of the referendum, which brings back control of our money, laws and borders, ends free movement, protects jobs, security and our Union; or leave with no deal, or no Brexit at all." The EU said the agreement marked "decisive progress", clearing the way for a special summit of EU leaders to approve it. However, Brexiteer MPs were angered by a "backstop" provision allowing the creation of a temporary "EU-UK single customs territory" to prevent border checks in Ireland in the event no trade deal is in place. They fear it could leave the UK tied to EU rules for years. BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg says the threat of cabinet resignations remains live and that the prime minister could yet face a challenge to her leadership on Thursday. Assuming she survives in post, May will face a battle to get the agreement through the House of Commons ahead of the UK's exit from the EU on 29 March. She held talks with Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, DUP Leader Arlene Foster and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday evening. (BBC)


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