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EU referendum: David Cameron tells easyJet staff the 'patriotic thing is to stay in' - live EU referendum: David Cameron tells easyJet staff the 'patriotic thing is to stay in' - live
(35 minutes later)
12.03pm BST
12:03
My colleague Heather Stewart is tweeting from a Labour event on women in the EU, where several of the party’s prominent female figures are speaking:
At Labour women's EU event. @angelaeagle says debate so far has been an "unmistakably masculine and noisy playground spat" among top Tories.
Brexit campaigners should "come clean" about which workers' rights they would cut if we left the EU, says @angelaeagle.
.@SeemaMalhotra1 up now. Referendum result will affect "women's jobs, their children's jobs, their granchildren's jobs".
Labour equalities spox @KateGreenSU up now: "equality is actually one of the founding principles of the EU," enshrined in Lisbon treaty.
11.47am BST
11:47
Vote Leave has responded to the prime minster’s claims about family holidays increasing in price in the event of Brexit.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of Vote Leave, said:
It’s remarkable to see the prime minister talking down our country and our economy day after day.
Yesterday Nicola Sturgeon pleaded with the government to stop the negative campaigning, and urged them to stop making exaggerated claims that insult the public’s intelligence. Clearly they’re not listening.
These threats lack credibility - the pound has actually been stable in recent months as the possibility of Brexit has increased. The truth is that leaving the EU will liberate the UK and allow us to do trade deals with countries like India and China - helping our economy to grow.
The only way to take back control of our economy - as well as the £350 million we send to Brussels every week - is to Vote Leave on 23 June.
11.44am BST
11:44
'No Russia sanctions without UK in EU'
Richard Norton-Taylor
The defence secretary, Michael Fallon, has told the Commons defence committee that leaving the EU would be an “extraordinarily irresponsible thing to do at a very dangerous moment”.
“A huge amount is hanging on the vote” (not just for the UK) but “for the collective security of Europe and the west”, he said.
Fallon claimed that there would not have been sanctions against Russia post-Crimea and Ukraine had it not been for the UK being in the EU. Russia would not have paid a price without the UK in the EU, he said.
Fallon said UK companies would have lost out to EU competitors if the UK was alone in imposing sanctions.
His exchanges were with Julian Lewis, the Tory chair of the committee and a Brexiteer, who clearly did not want the evidence session (on the Russian military threat) to veer onto the EU.
Updated
at 11.45am BST
11.24am BST11.24am BST
11:2411:24
Tony Blair has been speaking about the EU referendum and other subjects at a Prospect event in London. Here is a selection of some of the most interesting things on Europe and the current state of the Labour party:Tony Blair has been speaking about the EU referendum and other subjects at a Prospect event in London. Here is a selection of some of the most interesting things on Europe and the current state of the Labour party:
Tony Blair tells an audience in central London that the Remain campaign is doing 'reasonably well'Tony Blair tells an audience in central London that the Remain campaign is doing 'reasonably well'
Tony Blair tells @prospect_uk event when UK leads in Europe "it usually gets its way"Tony Blair tells @prospect_uk event when UK leads in Europe "it usually gets its way"
Blair: I don't think my gov let in too many people. "Ppl who have come have contributed more than they have taken" #EUref @LBCBlair: I don't think my gov let in too many people. "Ppl who have come have contributed more than they have taken" #EUref @LBC
Tony Blair says Turkey's accession to the EU is a "long, long way away"Tony Blair says Turkey's accession to the EU is a "long, long way away"
Blair: "I thought I was pretty good at politics. But I look at politics today and I'm not sure I understand it."Blair: "I thought I was pretty good at politics. But I look at politics today and I'm not sure I understand it."
Blair "not yet a proven concept that Corbynism can win an election".Blair "not yet a proven concept that Corbynism can win an election".
11.06am BST11.06am BST
11:0611:06
Cameron’s former policy guru told Radio 4’s Today programme earlier that Cameron’s warning about the price of holidays in the event of Brexit, was another example of the sort of “pathetic, patronising EU scares” being deployed by both sides. Hilton, who supports Brexit, told the Press Association:Cameron’s former policy guru told Radio 4’s Today programme earlier that Cameron’s warning about the price of holidays in the event of Brexit, was another example of the sort of “pathetic, patronising EU scares” being deployed by both sides. Hilton, who supports Brexit, told the Press Association:
You’ve got to be kidding. It’s almost like a parody. I just wish we could have a serious debate about the long-term future of how we want to be governed rather than this kind of nonsense. It just does not do anyone any favours. It just puts people off the whole political class.You’ve got to be kidding. It’s almost like a parody. I just wish we could have a serious debate about the long-term future of how we want to be governed rather than this kind of nonsense. It just does not do anyone any favours. It just puts people off the whole political class.
11.02am BST11.02am BST
11:0211:02
Harriet SherwoodHarriet Sherwood
The Church of Scotland is expected to back continued membership of the European Union later today during a debate at its general assembly.The Church of Scotland is expected to back continued membership of the European Union later today during a debate at its general assembly.
The assembly has supported ongoing membership of the EU four times in the past 20 years.The assembly has supported ongoing membership of the EU four times in the past 20 years.
The church’s 723 commissioners will be asked to give thanks for the work of the EU in promoting peace, security and reconciliation among European nations, note that the UK has been part of the EU since 1973 and believe that the UK should remain in the EU.The church’s 723 commissioners will be asked to give thanks for the work of the EU in promoting peace, security and reconciliation among European nations, note that the UK has been part of the EU since 1973 and believe that the UK should remain in the EU.
11.00am BST11.00am BST
11:0011:00
The last question to Cameron was about the top three reasons to stay in the EU and the impact they would have on an easyJet employee and her family.The last question to Cameron was about the top three reasons to stay in the EU and the impact they would have on an easyJet employee and her family.
I’m not sure the prime minister gave three reasons but one was cooperation on combatting crime and terrorism. He said it’s not enough in itself to have a border.I’m not sure the prime minister gave three reasons but one was cooperation on combatting crime and terrorism. He said it’s not enough in itself to have a border.
You have got to have information about who’s trying to cross that border ...That information you get increasingly through the EU.You have got to have information about who’s trying to cross that border ...That information you get increasingly through the EU.
His other point was a broader one about Britain retaining influence and being “great” by staying in the EU.His other point was a broader one about Britain retaining influence and being “great” by staying in the EU.
If we left the EU there’s still going to be a single market, there’s still going to be a bunch of people working out the regulations for airlines ...the only difficulty is we won’t be there...That is not the act of a great bold country that wants to have influence in the world. You become a rule taker, not a rule maker.If we left the EU there’s still going to be a single market, there’s still going to be a bunch of people working out the regulations for airlines ...the only difficulty is we won’t be there...That is not the act of a great bold country that wants to have influence in the world. You become a rule taker, not a rule maker.
10.43am BST10.43am BST
10:4310:43
Meanwhile, in Dudley....Meanwhile, in Dudley....
Crazy scenes in Dudley as @Nigel_Farage arrives on the #BrexitBusTour pic.twitter.com/YiL4OFguMICrazy scenes in Dudley as @Nigel_Farage arrives on the #BrexitBusTour pic.twitter.com/YiL4OFguMI
10.35am BST10.35am BST
10:3510:35
Brexit could prompt recession, Bank of England warnsBrexit could prompt recession, Bank of England warns
Over in parliament, four top policymakers from the Bank of England have warned MPs that Britain could fall into recession if it votes to leave the EU.Over in parliament, four top policymakers from the Bank of England have warned MPs that Britain could fall into recession if it votes to leave the EU.
Governor Mark Carney told the Treasury committee that the EU referendum is causing “considerable uncertainty” in the UK economy.Governor Mark Carney told the Treasury committee that the EU referendum is causing “considerable uncertainty” in the UK economy.
And Martin Weale, who sets interest rates, predicted that Brexit would probably have a materially negative impact on growth and inflation, which could trigger a recession.And Martin Weale, who sets interest rates, predicted that Brexit would probably have a materially negative impact on growth and inflation, which could trigger a recession.
This echoes the Bank’s warning in its latest inflation report, published earlier this month.This echoes the Bank’s warning in its latest inflation report, published earlier this month.
More details in our business liveblog.More details in our business liveblog.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.39am BSTat 10.39am BST
10.35am BST10.35am BST
10:3510:35
Tories will reconcile post poll, Cameron claimsTories will reconcile post poll, Cameron claims
In response to a question from my colleague Rowena Mason about what would happen to non-British EU citizens in the UK in the event of a vote to leave and correspondingly what would happen to British citizens in the EU, Cameron says that is for the leave campaign to addressIn response to a question from my colleague Rowena Mason about what would happen to non-British EU citizens in the UK in the event of a vote to leave and correspondingly what would happen to British citizens in the EU, Cameron says that is for the leave campaign to address
I can guarantee if we stay that their rights will be maintained ...If we were to leave I think it’s for the leave campaign to explain what they want to do.I can guarantee if we stay that their rights will be maintained ...If we were to leave I think it’s for the leave campaign to explain what they want to do.
Sky’s Beth Rigby asks the prime minister about reports that Tory MPs will seek to remove him from office after the referendum because they are unhappy about the way the campaign has been run.Sky’s Beth Rigby asks the prime minister about reports that Tory MPs will seek to remove him from office after the referendum because they are unhappy about the way the campaign has been run.
He says there were always going to be arguments around such a passionate issue.He says there were always going to be arguments around such a passionate issue.
Do I believe at the end of this we can all come together and accept the result? Absolutely, I do.Do I believe at the end of this we can all come together and accept the result? Absolutely, I do.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.40am BSTat 10.40am BST
10.24am BST10.24am BST
10:2410:24
In response to a question about joining the European Economic Area (EEA) instead of being in the EU, the prime minister says that the Leave campaign does not want to be in the EEA as an alternative. He warns that easyJet’s business model would be “entirely destroyed” outside the EU.In response to a question about joining the European Economic Area (EEA) instead of being in the EU, the prime minister says that the Leave campaign does not want to be in the EEA as an alternative. He warns that easyJet’s business model would be “entirely destroyed” outside the EU.
10.15am BST10.15am BST
10:1510:15
'Patriotic thing is to stay in' - Cameron'Patriotic thing is to stay in' - Cameron
Cameron says being in the G7, G20 and the EU enhances Britain, doesn’t diminish it.Cameron says being in the G7, G20 and the EU enhances Britain, doesn’t diminish it.
The big bold patriotic thing is to stay in the EU ...to fight for the world we want ...in a way that’s what easyJet has done.The big bold patriotic thing is to stay in the EU ...to fight for the world we want ...in a way that’s what easyJet has done.
He’s now taking questions from the audience.He’s now taking questions from the audience.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.42am BSTat 10.42am BST
10.11am BST10.11am BST
10:1110:11
David Cameron is up and running at easyJet in Luton where he is talking about the EU referendum (what else?) and where he will claim that leaving the European Union will push up family holiday prices. You can watch above.https://twitter.com/MrHarryCole/status/735034556861022208David Cameron is up and running at easyJet in Luton where he is talking about the EU referendum (what else?) and where he will claim that leaving the European Union will push up family holiday prices. You can watch above.https://twitter.com/MrHarryCole/status/735034556861022208
Jacket off, Cameron addresses staff @easyJet. Today's dose of 'project fear' - holiday prices cld rise on #Brexit pic.twitter.com/zRqaBjBKv6Jacket off, Cameron addresses staff @easyJet. Today's dose of 'project fear' - holiday prices cld rise on #Brexit pic.twitter.com/zRqaBjBKv6
PM: "I am a proud easyJet customer" pic.twitter.com/Er5RS5IULMPM: "I am a proud easyJet customer" pic.twitter.com/Er5RS5IULM
10.07am BST10.07am BST
10:0710:07
Some bad news for George Osborne this morning:Some bad news for George Osborne this morning:
Britain missed its borrowing target last year by nearly £4bn, new figures show https://t.co/pT9pxkpqf8 pic.twitter.com/SIFaKA6PK4Britain missed its borrowing target last year by nearly £4bn, new figures show https://t.co/pT9pxkpqf8 pic.twitter.com/SIFaKA6PK4
9.42am BST9.42am BST
09:4209:42
Here are some more details of that EU referendum poll in the Telegraph, which puts the Remain side 13 points ahead:Here are some more details of that EU referendum poll in the Telegraph, which puts the Remain side 13 points ahead:
details of Telegraph/Orb poll suggesting older voters now majority for Remain - would be big surprise if it happens: pic.twitter.com/eMvfyh3ILhdetails of Telegraph/Orb poll suggesting older voters now majority for Remain - would be big surprise if it happens: pic.twitter.com/eMvfyh3ILh
9.37am BST9.37am BST
09:3709:37
If you are already tired of the EU referendum debate and want to get away from it all with a quiet pint, you might want to think twice before heading to your local Wetherspoon pub.If you are already tired of the EU referendum debate and want to get away from it all with a quiet pint, you might want to think twice before heading to your local Wetherspoon pub.
The company’s chairman is to visit 100 of its in the next four weeks to discuss arguments for leaving the EU. the Press Association reports:The company’s chairman is to visit 100 of its in the next four weeks to discuss arguments for leaving the EU. the Press Association reports:
Martin, a leading campaigner for Brexit, will tell customers why he believes the UK would be better off outside the EU.Martin, a leading campaigner for Brexit, will tell customers why he believes the UK would be better off outside the EU.
To tie in with the EU referendum vote, Wetherspoon has printed 280,000 copies of its Wetherspoon News magazine which will feature an EU special, as well as 500,000 copies of an EU magazine, offering the views of leading Remain and Leave campaigners.To tie in with the EU referendum vote, Wetherspoon has printed 280,000 copies of its Wetherspoon News magazine which will feature an EU special, as well as 500,000 copies of an EU magazine, offering the views of leading Remain and Leave campaigners.
Martin said: “The EU referendum is extremely important and I believe it is vital that voters are given the arguments both for and against, so they can make up their minds.Martin said: “The EU referendum is extremely important and I believe it is vital that voters are given the arguments both for and against, so they can make up their minds.
“Our Wetherspoon News EU special brings together a number of articles which I hope people will read and help them make up their mind on which way they are going to vote.“Our Wetherspoon News EU special brings together a number of articles which I hope people will read and help them make up their mind on which way they are going to vote.
“I look forward to speaking with Wetherspoon customers during the next four weeks in our pubs across the UK as part of the EU referendum debate.”“I look forward to speaking with Wetherspoon customers during the next four weeks in our pubs across the UK as part of the EU referendum debate.”
9.16am BST9.16am BST
09:1609:16
The cost of a family holiday could rise by £230 and new limits on duty free could put an end to “booze cruises” to the continent if Britain votes to leave the EU, David Cameron will claim later, Rowena Mason writes.The cost of a family holiday could rise by £230 and new limits on duty free could put an end to “booze cruises” to the continent if Britain votes to leave the EU, David Cameron will claim later, Rowena Mason writes.
In its new analysis, the Treasury claimed holiday prices could go up as soon as this summer because the pound is likely to fall by around 12%, making the cost of accommodation, food and drinks higher for those travelling overseas. It predicted that two years after Britain leaving the EU, the average holiday for four people travelling together for eight nights in Europe would cost £230 more.In its new analysis, the Treasury claimed holiday prices could go up as soon as this summer because the pound is likely to fall by around 12%, making the cost of accommodation, food and drinks higher for those travelling overseas. It predicted that two years after Britain leaving the EU, the average holiday for four people travelling together for eight nights in Europe would cost £230 more.
The government argued that other benefits would be at risk, including the end of roaming charges from 2017, free healthcare within the EU and booze cruises because of potential limits on duty free.The government argued that other benefits would be at risk, including the end of roaming charges from 2017, free healthcare within the EU and booze cruises because of potential limits on duty free.
8.47am BST8.47am BST
08:4708:47
Good morning, This is Haroon Siddique, standing in for Andrew this morning.Good morning, This is Haroon Siddique, standing in for Andrew this morning.
Here is a summary of the key developments so far today:Here is a summary of the key developments so far today:
EU referendum poll:Remain: 55% (+4)Leave: 42% (-3)(via ORB, phone)EU referendum poll:Remain: 55% (+4)Leave: 42% (-3)(via ORB, phone)
Specious Bollocks and Severe Specious Bollocks https://t.co/GxoXYc5EfrSpecious Bollocks and Severe Specious Bollocks https://t.co/GxoXYc5Efr
Here is the agenda for today:Here is the agenda for today:
9.30am Business organisations and trades unions give evidence to the Commons business committee on the EU referendum.9.30am Business organisations and trades unions give evidence to the Commons business committee on the EU referendum.
9.30am EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz and energy minister Andrea Leadsom give evidence to the Commons energy committee on the UK’s nuclear programme.9.30am EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz and energy minister Andrea Leadsom give evidence to the Commons energy committee on the UK’s nuclear programme.
10am David Cameron is visiting a business in Luton, Bedfordshire, where he will hold a Q&A with employees on the EU referendum.10am David Cameron is visiting a business in Luton, Bedfordshire, where he will hold a Q&A with employees on the EU referendum.
10am The governor of the Bank of England,Mark Carney, gives evidence to the Commons treasury committee on the Bank’s inflation report.10am The governor of the Bank of England,Mark Carney, gives evidence to the Commons treasury committee on the Bank’s inflation report.
10am The defence secretary, Michael Fallon, gives evidence to the Commons defence committee on Russia.10am The defence secretary, Michael Fallon, gives evidence to the Commons defence committee on Russia.
10.30am The National Institute of Economic and Social Research will publish new research by Katerina Lisenkova analysing the long-term economic and fiscal impacts of changes to migration policy after Brexit.10.30am The National Institute of Economic and Social Research will publish new research by Katerina Lisenkova analysing the long-term economic and fiscal impacts of changes to migration policy after Brexit.
10.30am Nigel Farage is on a Ukip referendum bus tour in Dudley and Nottingham.10.30am Nigel Farage is on a Ukip referendum bus tour in Dudley and Nottingham.
11.30am Harriet Harman, Angela Eagle and other prominent female Labour MPs will make the case for why women are better off in the EU.11.30am Harriet Harman, Angela Eagle and other prominent female Labour MPs will make the case for why women are better off in the EU.
4pm Eddie Izzard takes part in the first debate on his 31 cities in 31 days ‘Stand Up for Europe’ campaign tour. Making the opposing case will be Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan.4pm Eddie Izzard takes part in the first debate on his 31 cities in 31 days ‘Stand Up for Europe’ campaign tour. Making the opposing case will be Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan.