Theresa May on the Changing Nature of Politics | 7.30

Sep 27, 2023 | Theresa May's stint at the top of British politics only lasted three years but was turbulent and she came to power promising to deliver Brexit and was swept from power with the UK still a member of the EU. Now four years on she's written a book about her time in Downing Street, and she speaks to 7.30’s Sarah Ferguson about the changing nature of politics.

Mrs May, you know very well that your party has really screwed up over Brexit. What a bloody mess the Tories have got us into! – © Mark Alexander

Theresa May on Brexit, Trump and China: Bloomberg UK Show

Sep 14, 2023 | Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May has defended her handling of Britain's EU exit. In a wide-ranging interview, May said her Brexit deal was better than Boris Johnson's. She also said the Capitol Hill riot was a wake-up call to the West that political stability should not be taken for granted. "Bloomberg UK" focuses on the biggest economic, financial and political issues facing Britain. Hosted by Francine Lacqua, the program goes beyond the market moves with expert analysis and top interviews from the heart of London.

Mrs May: Brexit was a disaster. No sweet words will change that fact. – © Mark Alexander

Rwanda Asylum Seeker Policy: Ex-PM Theresa May Criticises Government Plan

Theresa May was Boris Johnson's direct predecessor as prime minister
BBC: Former prime minister Theresa May has criticised the government's plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Mrs May told the Commons she did not support the policy due to her concerns over whether it met standards on "legality, practicality and efficacy".

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the scheme would be "a major blow to people smugglers" and would stop people dying on dangerous routes to the UK.

The policy has been criticised by charities and opposition parties.

Mrs May, who also served as home secretary overseeing the UK's immigration policy between 2010 and 2016, asked if the trial scheme would lead to an increase in trafficking of women and children - after reports that only single men making illegal crossings to the UK would be sent to Rwanda.

Under the scheme - announced last week - people deemed to have entered the UK unlawfully will be flown to the African country, where they would be processed, and if successful, would have long-term accommodation in the African country.

Responding to a statement on migration by Ms Patel, Mrs May said: "From what I have heard and seen so far of this policy, I do not support the removal to Rwanda policy on the grounds of legality, practicality and efficacy.

"If it is the case that families will not be broken up, does she not believe and where is her evidence that this will not simply lead to an increase in the trafficking of women and children?" » | BBC | Tuesday, April 19, 2022

One word sums up Priti Patel nicely: Nasty! – © Mark

Theresa May Says 'Reckless' Brexit Bill Risks UK's Reputation

THE GUARDIAN: Ex-PM says internal market bill could lead to a united Ireland and undermine trust in UK

Theresa May has launched a blistering attack on the government’s plan to give itself powers to renege on the special arrangements for Northern Ireland in the Brexit deal.

She described the plans as “reckless” and “irresponsible” and said they “risked the integrity of the United Kingdom”, as they would not only tarnish Britain’s reputation globally as an upholder of the law but could contribute to a reunited Ireland.

In a strongly worded speech in the House of Commons, she said: “I cannot emphasise enough how concerned I am [that] the Conservative government is willing to go back on its word to break an international agreement signed in good faith, and to break international law.” » | Lisa O’Carroll, Brexit correspondent | Monday, September 21, 2020

BoJo simply has to go! He is dishonorable and no leader. He thinks he’s the re-incarnation of Churchill, but he is nothing of the sort. He and his sidekick, Cummings, need to be sent packing! – Mark

Is the UK's Special Relationship with US Under Threat? – Inside Story

What started as a leak of secret diplomatic memos to a British tabloid newspaper has led to the resignation of a top ambassador and questions about the UK's position in the world.

Kim Darroch felt compelled to quit as Britain's envoy in Washington after a row over leaked memos. The diplomat had described Donald Trump and his administation as insecure, inept and dysfunctional. The U.S. President responded with a barrage of angry tweets, calling Darroch "very stupid."

Boris Johnson, Britain's likely next prime minister, refused to publicly support the ambassador. So how will this incident affect the UK's ties with its closest ally?

Presenter: Martine Dennis Guests: Crispin Blunt - Conservative member of the British parliament Nancy Soderberg - Former U.S. Ambassador the the U.N. Matthew Parris - Columnist for The Times newspaper, and a former conservative British MP.

What Will Britain's Leadership Change Mean for Brexit? | Inside Story

UK leadership contest begins after Prime Minister Theresa May announces her resignation. Brexit brought UK prime minister Teresa May to power, and it was ultimately the issue that forced her out.

Debate on Britain's departure from the European Union exposed deep divisions in the country. May faced intense pressure to step down, after parliament repeatedly rejected her withdrawal deal with the EU.

She will resign on June 7th, and her governing Conservative Party is now looking for a new leader. But can her successor unite parliament and the United Kingdom? And what will a change of UK leadership mean for Brexit?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Mark Garnett - Senior Lecturer in Politics at Lancaster University; Jonathan Lis - Deputy Director at British Influence, a pro-European Think Tank; Matthew Goodwin - Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent

Theresa May’s Legacy by Michael Cockerell – BBC Newsnight

Brexit: What Does Theresa May's Resignation Mean for the EU? | DW News

Outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May, of the governing Conservative Party, says she will always regret failing to secure a deal for the UK to leave the European Union. May announced she'll resign on June 7th, almost three years after the British voted to exit from the bloc. She was unable to get a deeply divided parliament to back her withdrawal deal. Boris Johnson, who is among the Tory front-runners to succeed May, has said that a no-deal Brexit was a distinct possibility. Many EU leaders, including Dutch PM Mark Rutte, Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, have been clear about what May's resignation means for the EU.

Theresa May Announces Her Resignation

THE GUARDIAN: Prime minister to leave on 7 June, drawing three-year premiership to a close

Theresa May has bowed to intense pressure from her own party and named 7 June as the day she will step aside as Conservative leader, drawing her turbulent three-year premiership to a close.

Speaking in Downing Street, May said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve as Britain’s second female prime minister. Her voice breaking, she said she would leave “with no ill will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude”.

The prime minister listed a series of what she said were her government’s achievements, including tackling the deficit, reducing unemployment and boosting funding for mental health.

But she admitted: “It is and will always[s] remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit.” » | Heather Stewart | Friday, May 24, 2019

Theresa May On the Brink as Cabinet Turns on Her

It's not often that MPs demand the resignation of their party leader and Prime Minister on the eve of a national election. But furious Conservative backbenchers are in open revolt against Theresa May today over her proposal to give parliament a vote on another referendum in the Brexit withdrawal bill. A string of MPs have called on her to quit immediately. She might have heard a similar message from members of her cabinet if she hadn't refused to meet a number of them this afternoon.

May Offers MPs Vote on Second Referendum in 'New' Brexit Deal

THE GUARDIAN: Customs union vote also included in ‘10-point offer’ in last attempt to break impasse

Theresa May has offered MPs votes on a second referendum and a temporary customs union in her last attempt to get a Brexit deal through parliament.

Amid widespread expectation that the withdrawal agreement bill (Wab) will be heavily defeated early next month, and reports of serious rows in cabinet, the prime minister used a hastily arranged speech to warn of serious political disruption if Brexit is not delivered.

However, the immediate reaction to May’s proposals from MPs was overwhelmingly negative, with even previously loyal Conservatives coming out against it. » | Peter Walker and Rowena Mason | Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Theresa May Told: Set a Departure Date Or Be Forced Out

THE GUARDIAN: Senior Tory Geoffrey Clifton-Brown says lack of date will force rule changes to oust her

Theresa May is under intense pressure to formally announce a resignation date after one of her most senior backbenchers warned that if she did not do so she would be forced out.

Before a crucial meeting between the prime minister and the 1922 Committee, which represents Tory backbenchers, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said it would be “much more dignified” for May to name a date, rather than oblige the committee to change party rules to oust her.

The Cotswolds MP, who is treasurer of the 1922 Committee, told Sky News that May, who has promised to stand down once her Brexit deal is passed, should instead leave soon. » | Peter Walker and Andrew Sparrow | Thursday, May 16, 2019

Mike Pompeo: A Bully Boy Calls at No 10

THE GUARDIAN: The visit of the hawkish US secretary of state poses problems for Theresa May and Jeremy Hunt

American secretaries of state can be earnestly dull, like John Kerry, or plain brilliant, like George Marshall; Machiavellian, like Henry Kissinger, or intensely political, like Hillary Clinton. Mike Pompeo, the bluntly spoken, present-day incumbent who will discuss “shared global priorities” with Theresa May in London, is simply a problem.

As last week’s failed US pressure tactics in Venezuela showed, the former army officer, Christian evangelical and ex-CIA director favours a muscular approach to diplomacy. His messianic drive to force regime change in Iran is another example. He recently suggested Donald Trump had been sent by God to save Israel from Tehran’s mullahs.

Speaking in Cairo in January, Pompeo celebrated US support for dictators such as Egypt’s Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and the Saudis’ war in Yemen. Next month, he will help unveil a peace plan that could destroy any lingering Palestinian hopes of an independent state. But he makes no apologies. “I’ll put it bluntly. America is a force for good in the Middle East,” he declared. » | Simon Tisdall | Saturday, May 4, 2019

Will EU Members Approve Theresa May's Brexit Extension Request?

EU leaders are meeting for a crisis summit in Brussels today to discuss British Prime Minister Theresa May's request for a delay to Brexit. Diplomats say London could be offered a flexible extension of up to a year. If there is no agreement, Britain could crash out of the block on Friday night. Ahead of the meeting, May visited Berlin and Paris to plead her case. But she'll need the support of all 27 EU members to obtain the delay. It seems likely leaders will demand May accept a longer extension than the one she has proposed.

Theresa May erklärt im Video das Brexit-Chaos

Drei Abstimmungen im britischen Unterhaus konnten keine Übereinkunft über einen geordneten Brexit finden. Theresa May hat bereits ihren Rücktritt in Aussicht gestellt – sollte es endlich zum lang erwarteten Austritt aus der EU kommen. Nun erklärt sie in einem Video, wie der Brexit vorangetrieben werden soll.

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Brexit ist für Deutsche das wichtigste politische Thema »

Brexit: Is a General Election Likely? - BBC Newsnight

Could the Brexit deadlock lead to a general election?

George Osborne 'I’ve Sat Down and Had a Drink with Theresa May Since All of This' | British GQ

Alastair Campbell interviews the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, now current Editor of the Evening Standard about Theresa May, Brexit, Boris Johnson and more

Theresa May Is Effectively Gone. She Is a Leader in Name Only

THE GUARDIAN: This is a national humiliation, made in Britain, made by Brexit. And the prime minister has no control over events

Brexit is the biggest peacetime crisis we have faced and a no-deal Brexit could provoke a national emergency. The depth and scale of the divisions and the narrowness of the majority in favour of leaving the EU mean that the most sensible step would be to put the issue on hold, complete the negotiations and then hold a referendum. Sadly, that option is not available.

But it is in the next phase of negotiations that the details of the UK’s future relationship with the EU will be fleshed out. Depending on what happens in those negotiations, either we will see virtually no change to our current status – in which case, what is the point of leaving? Or, as is much more likely, the Brexiteers will demand significant changes to reflect their own views – views that will appal and frighten much of the electorate when they realise the enormity of what is being done. In essence, Brexiteers want to dismantle much of what we regard as the underpinning of civilised life in the modern world.

A referendum now would at least give people the chance to react to the realisation that the easy and facile promises of three years ago have evaporated. £350m a week for the NHS has become a £39bn severance cost to leave the EU, every penny of it to be borrowed by the current political generation, but to be repaid by the young people coming after them. » | Michael Heseltine | Monday, March 25, 2019

May Dashes to Salvage Brexit Deal in Brussels

The scene is set for a crisis: MPs indicating they still won't back the PM's deal, Theresa May insisting she won't ask for a long extension, and the EU currently saying nothing except that they might convene an emergency summit next week. In Britain, over a million people have signed a petition in the last 24 hours calling for Article 50 to be revoked - a possibility that Jeremy Corbyn refused to rule out earlier.

Theresa May Makes Brexit Statement

Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street.