Wednesday morning news briefing:  'Brexit is in purgatory' - and Britain on election footing

Zipping towards Brexit? Cartoonist Blower's take on Boris Johnson's Parliamentary position
Zipping towards Brexit? Cartoonist Blower's take on Boris Johnson's Parliamentary position Credit: Blower

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Britain on election footing after MPs defy 'do or die' deadline

Will Britain go to the polls before the end of next month? After MPs last night backed Boris Johnson's Brexit deal - but thwarted his "do or die" pledge to leave by Oct 31, the Prime Minister has "paused" legislation while the EU decides whether to grant a further extension and for how long. But if European leaders insist on a three-month delay, Mr Johnson will attempt to call a general election to break the impasse. As Political Editor Gordon Rayner reports, it could be held as early as Nov 28. Search for how your MP voted after the Government's Withdrawal Agreement Bill was left "in purgatory", according to Jacob Rees-Mogg. After a day of high drama in Westminster, Camilla Tominey has an essential reconstruction of how defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory in 15 minutes. And Tony Diver examines what (probably) happens next

Meanwhile, Europe Editor Peter Foster has been told the Government will face another multi-billion pound Brexit bill if it cannot complete free trade negotiations by the middle of 2020. EU and UK officials are bracing for painful new financial negotiations as trade experts warn there is little prospect of clinching a trade deal with the EU before the transition period expires.

PS: Matt looks to a figure from history for today's Brexit-themed cartoon.

Blood pressure tablets before bedtime could save lives

Taking blood pressure pills at bedtime rather than in the morning could prevent heart attacks and strokes, a study suggests. People who took their medication before turning in for the night lowered their risk of death from heart or blood vessel problems by two-thirds. It also reduced the chance of a heart attack, heart failure and stroke, Science Editor Sarah Knapton reports. Charities have said the research could change the way drugs such as beta blockers are prescribed.

Royal officials 'afraid' of Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are "modernising the monarchy" - despite officials being "afraid" to harness their power, according to their allies. As the extraordinary fallout from their emotional TV documentary continues, a source said the royal couple are being hampered by briefings from "palace insiders and friends". Royal Correspondent Hannah Furness explains claims that the couple's "open and honest" approach is being used against them. Last night, the Duchess made her first public appearance since revealing her unhappiness.

News digest

Gallery: The big picture

All decked out | An F35 Joint Strike Fighter on the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth during its Royal Navy sea trials. Browse our picture editor's daily gallery for more striking images from around the world.

An F35 on the largest and most powerful vessel ever built for the Navy 
An F35 on the largest and most powerful vessel ever built for the Navy Credit: L Phot Heller  

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Business and money briefing

Bidding war | Just Eat has called on shareholders to reject a takeover as it presses ahead with its planned £9billion merger with Takeaway.com. Oliver Gill explains why the food delivery firm's board declined a cash offer of £4.9billion for the business from Dutch-based investment firm Prosus.

Sport briefing

Champions League | Tottenham's campaign is back on track after finding the form to hammer Red Star Belgrade 5-0. Read Sam Wallace's match report. And Raheem Sterling was the star of the show as Man City beat Atalanta 5-1.

And finally...

Hidden 'jewels in the crown' | A task force of "monuments men" is being created to boost the number of listed buildings in the UK. As Eleanor Doughty explains, the house in Liverpool where Ringo Starr was born in 1940 is among the buildings which some claim have been overlooked.

 

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