Withdrawal deal

With PM delaying a confrontation with MPs on her deal this is now a failed Brexit.

A hard Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement are not compatible. No amount of parliamentary manoeuvring can hide that uncomfortable reality.

Our quick guide to how things will unfold in the Commons ahead of the meaningful vote on Tuesday.

Despite risk of being held in contempt of Parliament, government-controlled “legal position” still suggests backstop may be indefinite.

Influential minister made false case against staying in bloc. But the risks he inaccurately flagged do apply to May’s deal he’s supporting.

UK must follow EU’s trade defence rules under backstop, and perhaps new trade deal too. That may thwart deals with other countries.

PM will again field questions from MPs on her deal this afternoon. Here are some forensic lines of questioning which expose its failings.

First independent economic analysis of May’s deal by NIESR think tank shows GDP will be 4% lower by 2030. That’s £1,100 per person in UK.

As May gears up for a media blitz to back Brexit deal, her main arguments are already clear. And they are full of holes.