Today’s political headlines include the potential postponing of the Brexit vote, UK can cancel Brexit unilaterally, May could face leadership battle this week and no-confidence in Theresa May.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
May considers postponing Brexit vote<\/span> UK can cancel Brexit unilaterally<\/span> May could face leadership battle this week<\/span> Labour and DUP discussing no confidence vote in Theresa May<\/span> Brexit deal criticised by MPs<\/span> Ministers to be obliged to seek better fishing deal<\/span> \u00a31bn bailout for Crossrail<\/span> Outsourcing firm seeks rescue deal<\/span>
\n<\/strong>The Daily Telegraph<\/em> says<\/a> that Theresa May has held \u2018crisis talks\u2019 with EU leaders while she considers whether to postpone Tuesday\u2019s vote on the Brexit deal. According to the paper, \u2018her closest allies\u2019 still don\u2019t know whether she intends to go ahead with the vote as planned. The paper adds<\/a> that some ministers have discussed holding a referendum between May\u2019s deal and a no-deal Brexit, with no option to remain.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The BBC reports<\/a> that the European Court of Justice has ruled this morning that the UK could cancel Brexit without the permission of other EU nations. However, the decision would have to \u2018follow a democratic process\u2019, so Parliament would need to approve any such move.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Times<\/em> reports<\/a> that Theresa May could face a leadership battle. Boris Johnson has set out plans for a further negotiation with the EU, while Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt are apparently sounding out potential supporters. The Sun<\/em> adds<\/a> that Javid could launch his campaign this week, and has been recruiting supporters for the last fortnight, telling one \u2018senior Tory\u2019 that May will be forced out when her deal falls and he will then declare his candidacy immediately.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Daily Telegraph<\/em> claims<\/a> that Labour has been holding discussions with the DUP about tabling a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister, in the hope of uniting opposing factions against her. The party is reportedly concerned that tabling a motion against the whole Government would instead unite the different Conservative factions.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Financial Times<\/em> says<\/a> that the Commons Brexit Committee has criticised the Brexit deal, accusing the Government of avoiding \u2018hard choices\u2019 and not offering \u2018sufficient clarity or certainty about the future\u2019. The committee, consisting of both Brexiteers and Remainers, also claimed that the plan had \u2018no realistic, long-term proposals\u2019 for the Irish border.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Times<\/em> reports<\/a> that Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove is to announce a new legal obligation for ministers to seek a better deal for fishermen when they negotiate over rights after Brexit. The obligation is to be introduced as an amendment to the Fisheries Bill today.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>According<\/a> to the Financial Times<\/em>, the Government is to announce a \u00a31bn bailout for Crossrail, perhaps as soon as today. The paper also warns that the project may be delayed further, amid problems with software, testing and station construction, and may not be ready to open until late 2020.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The BBC reports<\/a> that Interserve, which is one of the largest providers of public services, is seeking a rescue deal. The firm is struggling with \u00a3500m of debt, but claims to be \u2018making good progress\u2019 on its long-term recovery plan, which will be announced in the new year.<\/p>\n