Sir Ivan Rogers said he discussed the same dilemma with Boris Johnson, the favourite to become the next prime minister. The former diplomat told the Foreign Affairs Committee Mrs May’s speech setting out her Brexit red lines prompted him to think they would cause a stir in Brussels. In 2016 Sir Ivan said to the Prime Minister: “You have made three commitments in good faith to different audiences, but they are not really compatible with each other.”
Philip Hammond hit out at Jacob Rees-Mogg today You have made three commitments but they are not really compatible with each other
Sir Ivan Rogers
“You have said to the Irish under no circumstances will a hard border be erected across the island of Ireland.
“You have said to the Democratic Unionist community under no circumstances will there be divergence from the rest of Great Britain.
“And you have said to the right of your own party that you are heading out of the customs union.
“You can’t do all three. You have got to choose two of the three.”
The backstop agreement - a last-resort mechanism to prevent a hard border in the island of Ireland if no post-Brexit deal is negotiated - proved to be a major sticking point and helped lead to Mrs May’s demise in Downing Street.
Sir Ivan also said he issued Tory leadership contender Mr Johnson with the same warning when he was foreign secretary.
He quit as the UK permanent representative in Brussels in 2017 after clashing with ministers over Brexit.
And today Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay faces an MP grilling days after firing a warning to Brussels.
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Jeremy Hunt said he would be happy to serve in a Johnson administration 10.50pm update: Hunt says backstop not acceptable, 'has to go!'
At the final hustings before the new prime minister is announced next week, Jeremy Hunt was asked if Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement is dead.
He said: "As it is now, yes.
"I want to get a deal and so we've got to make some profound changes to that Withdrawal Agreement.
"That doesn't mean ripping up the whole thing but it does mean that the backstop has to go."
He added: "The reason why our parliament did not accept the backstop is because it traps us in the EU customs union tariffs until such a time as the EU gives us permission not to follow EU tariffs and that is not acceptable."
He said it would be a "huge honour to serve Boris in a way that unites our country."
9.23pm update: Johnson administration would not join forces with Farage
Boris Johnson rules teaming up with the Brexit Party to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of Number 10.
He said: “I don’t think we should do deals with any party. We are the Conservative Party, we’re a great party.”
He added: "I rule it out!"
9.12pm update: Johnson promises to 'turn this thing around'
Speaking at the final hustings of the Conservative leadership campaign in East London, Tory leadership frontfunner Boris Johnson said he is the man to unite the country and restore the party to its former state.
He said there was a lot of work to do but first and foremost "we need to get Brexit done by October 31".
He dismissed Project Fear narratives that the UK would see major disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit, including suggestions that flights would be halted and food supplies would decrease.
Seeking to inject some energy into his campaign, he asked the audience: "I tell you, the planes will fly whatever deal we do - and it will be a great deal.
"The planes will fly and there will be clean drinking water, my friends, and there will be adequate supplies of glucose and milk solids and whey to make the Mars bars that we need because where there's a will there's a way!"
7.25pm update: Rudd warns new PM must compromise on Brexit
Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has warned the next prime minister they will have to compromise on a Brexit deal when they “collide with reality”.
Ms Rudd, who is backing Jeremy Hunt to succeed Theresa May, said she was “surprised” at the hardline Brexit stance of Mr Hunt and his rival Boris Johnson.
Both men have refused to rule out crashing the UK out of the EU without a deal.
But Ms Rudd told Politico: "I think they will find they have to compromise.
"I was surprised by what they both said and I think their views will collide with the reality when whichever one wins, starts negotiating and starts dealing with a Parliament which may be more difficult than they think to engage with."
6.45pm update: Ireland to oppose EU daylight saving times over post-Brexit fears
The Irish government is set to oppose the EU’s proposed change to daylight saving time over fears it could lead to the island of Ireland being split into two time zones after the UK has left the EU.
Ray Bassett, the Eurosceptic former Irish ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, immediately welcomed the news.
He said the same logic, of avoiding barriers between Northern Ireland and the Republic, should be applied to Brexit and the backstop.
Mr Bassett said: "At last logic and geography is set to triumph over Europhilia in Dublin.
"It is a pity that the same reasoning, namely the need to avoid creating new barriers between the two parts of Ireland and with GB, was not used when it came to Brexit and the Backstop."
Ireland's justice minister Charlie Flanagan is expected to seek Cabinet approval on Wednesday to oppose the EU’s plans to abolish clock changes in the spring and autumn.
Read the full story here.
5.43pm update: Government defeated in Lords vote
Theresa May’s Government has been heavily defeated in the House of Lords by peers aiming to stop a no-deal Brexit being forced through while Parliament is suspended.
Thirteen Tory peers rebelled to back a cross-party bid to block such a move, which at 272 to 169 won by a majority of 103.
The vote came as fears mount over whether Boris Johnson could try to prorogue Parliament to force through a no-deal exit from the EU if he succeeds Mrs May.
5.29pm update: Has racism in UK increased since the Brexit vote?
A former British Army officer of British-Indian descent has said people have told him to “go home” more times since the 2016 referendum than in the 10 years leading up to the vote.
Nino Singh Judge was born in Tanzania before moving to the UK from Zambia in 1978.
In an interview with the Press Association, he said while he did experience racism during his early days in Britain, it soon died down and he forgot about it - until the country voted to leave the European Union.
He said: "Back in the 1970s it was quite common, you would be chased down the street by thugs asking why you didn't just go home,.
"It was said less and less in the 1980s and 1990s. It reached a point where I almost forgot that the sentiment existed."
Mr Judge, who served in the Army for six years, said he has been "told 'Paki, go home’ more times since the Brexit vote than in the 10 years before that".
He said his experience has convinced him the UK is "going backwards to the bad old days” and makes him feel “not wanted” in a nation he calls home.
He added: “I would have given my life for my country during my time in the Army - I still would.”
Boris Johnson holds up a packaged kipper during his speech at the final hustings 3.47pm update: May defends backstop in Withdrawal Agreement
Theresa May has defende the backstop, the main sticking point in her doomed deal.
She said whoever succeeds her as premier, will have the task of finding a way to ensure people living in Northern Ireland can go about their day-to-day lives unemcumbered by a border.
In her last major speech as Prime Minister, she said: "At the heart of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement is an essential compromise that people who are Irish can live in Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom."
She added: "People are working actively on altrnative technological solutions to the border issue.
"But that was why I thought that was important."
3.40pm update: May skirts around question on further Brexit extension to avoid no-deal
When asked if she thought another Brexit extention would be a better option that a no-deal Brexit, Theresa May simply reiterated her firm stance against crashing out of the bloc. .
She said: "You know, full well, that my view is the best route for the UK is to leave the European Union with a good deal."
3.29pm update: 'No greater regret' for May than being unable to deliver Brexit
In a speech at Chatham House, outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May said the only way to solve the Brexit impasse is to deliver on the result of the June 2016 referendum.
She said: "There's no greater regret for me that I could not do so.
"But whatever path we take must be sustainable for the long term, so that delivering Brexit brings our country back together. That has to mean some kind of compromise.
"Some argue I should have taken the United Kingdom out of the European Union with no deal on March 29, some wanted a purer version of Brexit, others to find a way of stopping it altogether."
She went on to defend her failed Brexit deal, saying it honoured the result of the referendum "while also responding to those who had voted to Remain".
3.17pm update: Johnson appoints Eurosceptic Daniel Moylan to run his Brexit plan
Tory leadership hopeful Boris Johnson has chosen Daniel Moylan, his former adviser during his terms as London Mayor, to run his policy on leaving the EU, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Mr Moylan served as deputy chairman of Transport for London and a mayoral adviser in various capacities.
2.06pm update: Philip Hammond launches attack on Rees-Mogg
Chancellor Philip Hammond has taken to Twitter to hit back at Jacob Rees-Mogg following the back-bencher's criticism this morning.
Mr Hammond, referring to Mr Rees-Mogg's article on the "Treasury's deeply flawed economic models" for Brexit, said: "Happy to debate scale of negative impact of no deal on the economy - but terrifying that someone this close to a potential future government can think we'd actually be better off by adding barriers to access to our largest market."
1.25pm update: Boris plans to bypass Parliamant, says key supporter
Boris Johnson will bypass Parliament to secure Brexit, but maybe not by shutting down MPs, according to Andrea Leadsom.
The key ally of the Tory leadership contender told LBC: “I do not think that prorogation is a tactic that any Prime Minister would employ.
"But there are different aspects to this. Prorogation can take place in the event a General Election is called, or a decision to prorogue at the end of a session.
"All of these things are very well-established parliamentary procedures."
12.58pm update: Brexit “could be our moon landing”
Conservative MP George Freeman said Brexit could be like the UK's own moon landing moment.
Mr Freeman told MPs: "Sixty years ago JFK electrified the world and united a divided and fearful nation with the inspiring Apollo moonshot programme - which also helped to defeat the Soviet Union and lay the foundations for US technology leadership."
He added: "Brexit can and must be a moonshot moment for British science and innovation to tackle global challenges."
Responding, the Prime Minister said: "We're a global leader in science and innovation.
"We will continue to do that once we leave the European Union and of course leaving the EU will open opportunities for UK science and innovation to tackle global challenges."
11.35am update: Lammy take swipe at Rees-Mogg Brexit boost claims
Labour MP David Lammy has hit out at Jacob Rees-Mogg who suggested Britain’s economy could receive an £80bn boost in the event of a no deal Brexit.
Mr Lammy tweeted: “Jacob Rees-Mogg again conflating ‘our economy’ with his investment firm ‘Somerset Capital’.
“Maybe you are in for a huge personal ‘boost’ if we crash out with no deal but all of our constituents will suffer terribly.”
11.24am update: No deal Brexit “more likely than people assume”
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has warned a no deal Brexit is more likely than people assume.
He said he refuses to back Tory leadership favourite Boris Johnson’s claim the chances of living the EU without a withdrawal agreement were just one million to one.
11.19am update: Barclay says “disruptive” no deal better than no Brexit
Giving evidence to the Commons Exiting the European Union Committee, Stephen Barclay acknowledged that a no deal Brexit would be "disruptive" but it would be better than not leaving the EU at all.
He told MPs: ”A no deal Brexit would be disruptive.
"But no Brexit is the worst of those two outcomes."
Following warnings from the National Farmers' Union that a no deal exit from the EU would result in shepherds being forced to slaughter their flocks because there would be no market for their meat, Mr Barclay acknowledged the problems that would face the industry.
He said the sheep meat industry was an "outlier" because 97 percent of exports go to the EU but the Government was working on intervention measures and compensation.
Steve Barclay
10.58am update: Brexit Secretary offers reassurances on EU police and criminal databases
Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay has told MPs British access to EU police and criminal databases could still be available after a no deal departure.
He said the issue was a matter for discussion but thought there would be a “renewed focus” on finding a solution if a no deal Brexit became more likely.
10.31am update: Barclay quizzed over no deal “deals”
Tory hardline Peter Bone asked Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay if a no deal departure really meant there would be no deals at all.
Mr Barclay said there are some agreements in place that would swing into effect in the event of no deal Brexit.
He said people tended to use the term “no deal” to mean the UK leaving without a withdrawal agreement in place.
Mr Barclay says some side agreements with the EU would be in place in such a scenario.
10.27am update: Barclay says trade talks would follow no deal Brexit
Stephen Barclay says he believes a No Deal Brexit should lead “quickly” to talks on a future trade deal.
10.25am: Barclay says Barnier “confrontation” was misinterpreted
Steve Barclay told Brexit Committee members his meeting with Michel Barnier had been misrepresented and insisted he was just making the point to the EU chief negotiator the withdrawal agreement as it stands would not get through Parliament.
He said: “There has been quite a lot of misleading information about my meeting with Michel Barnier.
He said: “In terms of the withdrawal agreement, what I said was that the House had rejected it three times, including the third time by a significant margin; that the European election results in my view had further hardened attitudes across the house and that the text, unchanged, I did not envisage going through the House.
“I don’t think that was a particularly controversial observation.”
He was responding to a question from committee chairman Hilary Benn who asked him about reports that he had "ruffled feathers" during the “confrontational exchange” had left Mr Barnier “astonished and dismayed”.
10.17am update: Barclay acknowledges Brexit impact on UK car industry
Asked if there would be compensation for the car industry if it faced 10 percent tariffs for exports to the EU in a no-deal situation, Mr Barclay said: "What I'm saying is we are having extensive discussions with the industry, including the Prime Minister this week, because it is more nuanced."
He said the Government would "need to look at what the implications are in terms of trade flow across the borders" and what the situation is at the English Channel crossings which are vital for supply chains.
Mr Barclay said: "Of course there will be impact, but the future trend is into areas such as electric vehicles and there's a huge amount the Government can do in those areas, it's not just what we have got in terms of the status quo."
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders believes that no deal is "not an option" but Mr Barclay said that was factually incorrect because it remained the legal default.
He acknowledged it was "undesirable" and "disruptive", adding: "Are there mitigations the Government can take? Yes. Do I sit here saying that will be a panacea to all issues? No."
Philip Hammond has clashed with Jacob Rees-Mogg
10.16am update: Hammond clashes with Rees-Mogg over cost of no deal Brexit
Chancellor Philip Hammond clashed with Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg about the impact of a no-deal Brexit.
Mr Rees-Mogg, a prominent supporter of Boris Johnson, used a Daily Telegraph opinion piece to dismiss the "silliness" of forecasts suggesting a £90 billion hit to the economy.
Mr Hammond said: "Happy to debate scale of negative impact of no deal on the economy - but terrifying that someone this close to a potential future government can think we'd actually be better off by adding barriers to access to our largest market."
8.53am update: Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay faces MPs after EU attack
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will be grilled by MPs this morning - just days after a showdown with Michel Barnier caused fury in Brussels.
Mr Barclays told the EU's Brexit negotiator five times Britain that Theresa May's deal was now dead.
The comments saw the UK's Brexit man described as "brutal, bullying, bad tempered and confrontational" by EU officials.
Mr Barclay is facing the Hilary Benn-led Commons Brexit Committee at 10am to update on the state of play in Brexit.
Stephen Barclay goes before the Brexit committee
8.36am update: Brexit sparks Huge surge in demand for driving permits
More than half a million permits which may be required to drive abroad after Brexit have been bought since February, according to Government figures.
During the past five months, 584,000 International Driving Permits (IDPs) have been issued at a cost of £5.50 each, transport minister Michael Ellis revealed in an answer to a written parliamentary question.
That means the total amount spent exceeds £3.2 million.
The RAC described the demand as "truly astonishing" and urged the Government to ensure post offices are ready for a "sudden surge" ahead of the latest Brexit deadline of October 31.
Driving licences issued by European Union states are valid for trips within the European Economic Area (EEA), which is the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
UK motorists may require IDPs to drive in the EEA in the event of a no-deal Brexit, leading many holidaymakers and business travellers to purchase the documents.
Andrea Leadsom would not support the suspension of Parliament to get Brexit through
8.24am update: Leadsom rules out support for proroguing Parliament
Boris Johnson supporter Andrea Leadsom has indicated she would not support the suspension of Parliament to get a no-deal Brexit through but said she did not believe the Tory leadership frontrunner would take that step.
Mr Johnson has refused to rule out proroguing Parliament in order to prevent MPs blocking a no-deal Brexit.
Former Commons leader Mrs Leadsom said: "I don't think that prorogation is the right thing to do and I don't think a prime minister would choose to do that."
Asked if she would go along with it if Mr Johnson took that course of actio
Sir Ivan Rogers gives evidence to the foreign affairs select committee
7.30am updates: New PM urged to lower migrant salary threshold
The next prime minister should lower the salary threshold for migrant workers from £30,000 to £20,000 to avoid post-Brexit skills shortages, a coalition of business and education bodies has said.
The group, which includes the British Retail Consortium, business advocacy group London First and Universities UK, has written to both Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt urging them to commit to clear action on reforming the immigration system should they secure the top job.
As well as lowering the salary threshold, they want the Government to extend the temporary work route for overseas workers from one year to two years and revise the sponsorship model to make it easier for firms of all sizes to bring in the overseas talent they need.
They are also calling for the reinstatement of the two-year post-study visa for international students to work in the UK after graduation.
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