Boris Johnson faces showdown in parliament as opposition politicians try to stop no-deal Brexit

It turned out to be another crunch day in the debate on Brexit as MPs returned to Westminster after the summer recess.

Opposition parties - and several Tory MPs - joined forces to try and block a no-deal after the speaker John Bercow allowed them to initiate an emergency debate.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hope to defeat rebels today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hope to defeat rebels today

Meanwhile, after his dramatic intervention yesterday, the Prime Minister says he will trigger a general election after losing a vote for MPs to take control of tomorrow's parliamentary business by 328 votes to 301.

That scenario prompted outrage last week and over the weekend, with thousands taking to the streets to protest in London and campaigners also turning out closer to home.

A petition against the proposed prorogation of parliament, a suspension which would make it possible to force through a no-deal, has so far garnered 1.7 million signatures.

Mr Johnson has made it clear he does not want to go to the polls but will be forced to hold a snap election on October 14 if MPs succeed with today's vote.

Victory for MPs will essentially delay Brexit for another three months until January 31 - unless a new deal or no-deal exit wins backing by October 19.

Tory MPs were warned if they go against the government they'll face deselection, and this morning it was correctly revealed Greg Clark could be among the casualties.

Even if MPs do succeed with today's vote the Prime Minister will still require the backing of two thirds of the House's 650 MPs to call an election.

Critics of the move within the Tory party have said any public vote would boil down to No Deal Vs Jeremy Corbyn.

.

Head to our politics page for expert analysis and all the latest news from your politicians and councils

How is Brexit going to affect Kent? For all the latest news, views and analysis visit our dedicated page here

Here's how the day's events unfolded

10.25pm

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark could be sacked after joining the "Tory rebels"

10.15pm

Speaking to the house straight after the vote, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government will table a motion to hold a general election.

10.10pm

A total of 328 MPs voted in favour of parliament taking control of business, against 301 against - a majority of 27.

9.55pm

MPs are voting on the motion: "Give backbench MPs control of parliamentary time tomorrow to pass legislation aimed at preventing a no deal Brexit".

8.30pm

The vote on whether MPs can seize control of parliament is expected at around 10pm.

8pm

Reports have emerged Boris Johnson's Brexit negotiating team has been slashed to less than a quarter of the size it was under Theresa May.

7.30pm

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson launched a scathing attack on members of his own party who have threatened to vote against the government in an attempt to block a no-deal Brexit.

He said: "There is something ironic that protestors are saying this is a coup - it is the remainers who are trying to stage a coup."

7pm

As the debate rages in Westminster, we asked shoppers in Kent for their views on the latest developments.

What are your views on the latest Brexit developments?

6.50pm

Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield on today's events

6.40pm

The speaker has agreed to the application after. MPs will tonight debate the issue, which is expected to last for three hours.

6.35pm

Speaker John Bercow is now hearing an application from Tory MP Sir Oliver Letwin for an emergency debate.

6.20pm

We're still waiting for a vote to take place on whether there should be emergency debate - that is the first hurdle opposition parties will have to clear to stop a no-deal Brexit. If they win that, they can then potentially raise a vote of no confidence in the government.

4.30pm

The government is to spend a further £20 million to help efforts to mitigate the threat of disruption and delays on Kent roads after Brexit.

4.15pm

Tory MP Phillip Lee quits the party, leaving Boris Johnson's government without a majority.

3.10pm

An interesting statement from the Liberal Democrats in Canterbury, who say they intend to field a candidate in any election and are not interested in any pact with Labour: "Any potential agreement not to run would need to be agreed at a national level and the Labour Party has a policy not to make deals.

"We are happy to listen to any credible proposition if it will help stop Brexit, but voters might well ask why we would consider standing aside in the first place.

"Following our extremely strong performance the last time voters went to the polls in Canterbury - when the Lib Dems completely outperformed Labour and the Tories - the election is wide open."

2.25pm

Our KMTV reporter Harry Peet is at Westminster to report on today's momentous debate and vote on Brexit which could lead to a general election - here he is on developments so far:

Reporter Harry Peet among the gazebos and crowds at Westminster

2.10pm:

Given its complexity, we shouldn't be surprised that Brexit has led to the development of plenty of new jargon.

Among the phrases that have crept in to government announcements is "a suite of measures" like a 'robust' plan, this presumably is intended to suggest that a 'suite' is somehow much better than just 'measures'. It's rather like a "robust plan" which is seemingly better than just any old 'plan'.

1.55pm

The Conservative MP Justine Greening is to stand down at the election, saying she wants to focus on working to improve social mobility - which tells you something about her feelings over the government's efforts...

12.45pm:

There were some interesting comments from Kent MP Helen Whately on whether it was right for the Conservative party to threaten "rebels" with the sack if they voted to block 'no-deal' Brexit option. Her reply in a BBC interview was: "I have huge respect for Philip Hammond...it is really important that we promised to deliver Brexitin our manifesto, we have to come together to support that and the PM so we can get the best possible deal. I don't want anyone to lose the whip...but this is a crunch vote."

12.20pm:

An uncanny coincidence? The government has just announced a further £20m for Operation Brock - a day after a leaked report warned of delays of up to 48-hours at Dover. Transport secretary Grant Shapps tells Ashford MP Damian Green that the government takes potential impact of Brexit on Kent "very seriously."

11.30am:

It's shaping up to be a VERY long day - the timetable for Parliament indicates that those pushing for a no-deal option to be ruled out will have to wait until around 5pm to ask the Speaker to grant an emergency debate; if that is agreed, a debate could then take place which is scheduled for around 6pm and last three hours. Get the coffee in...

11.15am:

The North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale has tweeted that he does not believe that taking the 'no-deal' option off the table is 'wise' as it would deprive the government of valuable leverage in terms of securing a deal with the EU:

11.00am:

It looks like the Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark could be the target of an attempt to deselect him; a petition calling for a meeting to consider sacking him is in circulation although the constituency association says it has not received anything yet.

Interestingly, he has yet to be formally readopted as prospective parliamentary candidate.

It'd be a surprise if he wasn't able to muster enough support to see off the threat but in these febrile times, you never know.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More