11:50

MPs will not see any official economic analysis of the impact of Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal before they vote on it on Saturday, Downing Street has confirmed, with such documents only being produced subsequently.

The Labour MP Hilary Benn has written to the government seeking an impact assessment. But Johnson’s spokeswoman said these would be more relevant when MPs debated the subsequent withdrawal agreement bill, or WAB, setting out the fuller framework of departure, which will happen if the deal is approved.

Asked about the economic analysis she said:

It’s worth saying that this negotiation focused primarily on the withdrawal agreement and the changes that we were seeking to make there, rather than the political declaration. We will keep parliament updated throughout the process of passing the WAB. If the motion is voted for on Saturday, we’ll set out some more details on Monday in relation to publications next week.

Asked to confirm that this meant no analysis would appear before Saturday’s vote, she added: “We will publish analysis at the appropriate times.”



We also learned that Johnson will chair a cabinet meeting today at 4pm, and is spending the rest of the day with his team trying to persuade wavering MPs to back his plan, largely on the phone, as parliament is not sitting.

Johnson will open Saturday’s proceedings with a statement and questions on his plan, just after 9.30am. The actual motion on the deal will follow afterwards, at which point the Speaker, John Bercow, will say what amendments have been selected for votes.

The number of amendments will largely shape the timing of the crucial vote, and No 10 believe it could be as late as the evening.