House of Commons
Parliament

Conservative MP Helen Whately asks whether the prime minister agrees that all political parties should accept the International Holocaust Rememberance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism.

The prime minister says she does, and says the Labour Party must too.

She says the Labour party wants to redefine anti-Semitism, and says the Chief Rabbi has condemned it, along with a number of Labour MPs.

"Anti-Semitism is racism," she says, "the Labour Party should accept that."

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HOC

Jeremy Corbyn says new Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab is "on record" in his opposition to the Human Rights Act.

He then gives a general appraisal of the government's progress in Brexit negotiations, accusing Mr Raab of "skipping negotiations" and describing the white paper as "in tatters".

The government is "failing to negotiate" Brexit, he says, because ministers are "far too busy fighting each other".

Theresa May replies that whilst she was "agreeing the future of Nato" with President Trump last week, the Labour leader was "teaching children how to go on strike" and "renegotiating the definition of anti-Semitism".

"He protests, I deliver," she adds.

Analysis by Mark D'Arcy

The spontaneous laughter which greeted the PM’s promise to explain the government’s postion was telling – and the laughter at her claim to have agreed the future of Nato with President Trump even more so……

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HOC

Jeremy Corbyn says the white paper didn't survive the cabinet or the Tory backbenches, and has not even reached the European Union yet.

He asks if the new Brexit secretary supports the continued involvement with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The PM says the ECHR was a Conservative party manifesto commitment and suggests Mr Corbyn is not listening to her, stating that negotiations with the EU are ongoing.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, hoc

Jeremy Corbyn asks if she is "seriously expecting" that 27 member states of the EU will install their own tariff collection schemes "just to satisfy the war within the Conservative party".

He says that 16 months on from triggering Article 50 the government "still has no serious negotiating strategy whatsoever".

Mrs May says she is "very happy" to make sure that Mr Corbyn gets a copy of the Brexit white paper.

She says the government will end free movement, leave the customs union and the single market. She adds that she wants the UK to have trade deals it strikes itself, and he wants a second referendum.

House of Commons
Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn says the government is is "complete chaos", asking why a minister "had to rebel against the governement to support the Cabinet's position of a few days before".

He says ministers have "abandoned" the "cobbled together" proposal for a facilitated customs arrangement with the EU.

In reply Theresa May says the government has not abandoned the policy.

The idea is in discussion with the EU, she adds.

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Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn says he "stated the fact that the Electoral Commission had made that reference" and that he asked a guarantee of cooperation from the prime minister.

He says the government has sunk into "chaos and division" and has U-turned on its own Brexit policy.

He asks when the new white paper will be published, now that the proposals in the previous Brexit paper have been abandoned.

The PM again calls on Mr Corbyn to withdraw his comments about the Cabinet and Vote Leave allegations.

She explains that each of the amendments supported by the government on Monday were in line with government policy.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn also pays tribute to the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth.

"People are losing trust in this government," he states, and he says that members of the Cabinet who worked on Vote Leave have been referred to the police over refusal to co-operate with the Electoral Commission investigation into Vote Leave.

Mrs May says she questions the way he puts his question. She says that an accusation has been made against individual members and of the government. She suggests that he "reflects on whether or not he was correct to do so".

She says all those involved will give the evidence that is required. She urges him to think again about his accusation.

Analysis by Mark D'Arcy

Thwack! Jeremy Corbyn raises the Electoral Commission findings against Vote Leave. That is a very interesting strategic choice. How far will he go to follow it up?

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, hoc

Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns asks "at what point was it decided that Brexit means remain?"

The prime minister responds that "Brexit means Brexit".

She says disagrees with Ms Jenkyns' criticism, and insists the government is working towards a bright future for the UK.

Analysis by Mark D'Arcy

Ouch – Andrea Jenkins wastes no time taking on the PM. A withering put-down comes from the PM. Is this the start of a synchronised mobbing?

House of Commons
Parliament

SNP MP Alison Thewliss begins the question session.

Ms Thewliss asks the prime minister about the 934 drug related deaths in Scotland last year. She says with Westminster-jurisdiction over drug laws, she wants to see Glasgow given the right to build drug consumption rooms.

The prime minister says the government's approach to drugs is clear, and consumption rooms will not be legislated for.

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Parliament

Theresa May is in the chamber, on the frontbench.

PMQs will be starting shortly.

House of Commons
Parliament

Shadow Wales secretary Christina Rees asks why the white paper was not shared with the Welsh government.

Alun Cairns says various extracts were shared during the drafting period, and the Welsh government's input was vital.

Ms Rees says "it's not good enough", suggesting there has been "contempt shown" for the Welsh people.

House of Commons
Parliament

Conservative MP Kwasi Kwarteng asks about the Welsh Guards' tour of Afghanistan.

The Welsh Guards were deployed to their first tour of Afghanistan since 2012 in March, with more to be deployed in August, external after Donald Trump requested Nato reinforcements.

Mr Cairns says he recently visited Kabul to meet the Welsh Guards, and discussed this with the defence secretary along with a number of other issues.

House of Commons
Parliament

Tommy Sheppard of the SNP asks about discussions with the Welsh government on the Brexit white paper.

Mr Cairns says the government consulted with the Welsh government throughout the time of drafting, and shared it before it was published.

"My relationship with the Welsh government is positive... I'm keen to maintain the warmest arrangement because we absolutely respect the outcome of the referendum."

House of Commons
Parliament

Labour MP Justin Madders asks what discussions have been had with the secretary of state for transport on improving cross-border rail services to and from Wales.

Wales Minister Stuart Andrew says the department regularly meets the transport secretary to discuss the issue.

Mr Madders responds, suggesting there is a lack of clarity over who is responsible for rail services and that there is therefore no accountability for his constituents.

Mr Andrew says there is joint responsibility between the two governments and that he will make representations to the Welsh government on Mr Madders' behalf if he wishes.

Image source, parliament.uk

The DUP MP Iain Paisley Jr has been suspended by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner for 30 sitting days of Parliament.

Mr Paisley failed to declare a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka which had been paid for by the Sri Lankan government.

The Commissioner found that Mr Paisley had failed to declare the two holidays within the mandatory 28 day timeframe. The holidays took place in March/April 2013 and July 2013.

The Commissioner also found that Mr Paisley had written a letter to the prime minister on 19 March 2014 asking for an "exclusive benefit" for Sri Lanka, and again failed to disclose the paid advocacy he had received.

Mr Paisley will be suspended from the House from 4 September 2018 for 30 sitting days, meaning he will return and be able to vote from November.