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EU referendum live: Vote Leave plans points system and mandatory English for migrants EU referendum live: Vote Leave plans points system and mandatory English for migrants
(35 minutes later)
9.27am BST
09:27
As well as the TUC’s Frances O’Grady, the Today programme also interviewed Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT transport union. He said his union was opposed to EU membership because it did not think EU policies favoured workers. He told the programme:
What worries me about the debate about Europe is that everything’s about “we’d be worse off if we leave”, not better off if we stay in. And the reality is that we as a trade union have opposed being members of the EU since 1979 because we don’t think workers are benefiting from it, and what we’re seeing today with privatisations, with deregulations, the fact that you’ve got a situation where in France and Belgium as we speak workers are protesting because they’re under attack, where in Greece and Spain 50% of young people – 50% of young people – are unemployed - the EU isn’t working for us. It isn’t working for ordinary people.
9.06am BST
09:06
This morning, in response to the Vote Leave plans for a points-based immigration system, Ryan Coetzee, director of strategy for Britain Stronger in Europe, posted this on Twitter.
No policy on immigration is the right policy if it crashes the economy. #StrongerIn
Vote Leave claim this shows the Remain camp are out of touch. In a statement Matthew Elliott, Vote Leave’s chief executive, said:
The mask has slipped. David Cameron’s campaign strategist has shown just how out of touch the remain campaign is with his argument that “no policy on immigration is the right policy”. The prime minister and his chums have an utter disregard for ordinary people’s concerns over immigration. ‘Working families know that uncontrolled EU migration has driven down wages, increased hospital waiting lists and has made it more difficult to get their kids into good schools.
The only way to take back control of our borders, and introduce a fairer and more sensible immigration policy is to Vote Leave on 23 June.
Coetzee may be surprised to see himself described as “Cameron’s campaign strategist”. He was an adviser to Nick Clegg in the last parliament and was the Lib Dems’ director of strategy in the run up to the election.
8.42am BST8.42am BST
08:4208:42
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Claire.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Claire.
The TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady has been on the Today programme talking about the TUC’s report claiming that leaving the EU would be a “disaster” for British workers who would be £38 a week worse off outside the EU by 2030.The TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady has been on the Today programme talking about the TUC’s report claiming that leaving the EU would be a “disaster” for British workers who would be £38 a week worse off outside the EU by 2030.
She dismissed the claim, repeatedly made by Leave campaigners, that they represent the interests of workers who have lost out most through mass immigration. She told the programme:She dismissed the claim, repeatedly made by Leave campaigners, that they represent the interests of workers who have lost out most through mass immigration. She told the programme:
They’re not promising to reduce immigration at all; in fact, I think this whole debate is a big con. I don’t recall many of the prominent Leave campaigners standing up for the working poor when it came to the pay cap on six million public service workers, or indeed the cuts to working tax credits. So I think we take the idea that they’re champions of the working poor with a shovelful of salt.They’re not promising to reduce immigration at all; in fact, I think this whole debate is a big con. I don’t recall many of the prominent Leave campaigners standing up for the working poor when it came to the pay cap on six million public service workers, or indeed the cuts to working tax credits. So I think we take the idea that they’re champions of the working poor with a shovelful of salt.
8.34am BST8.34am BST
08:3408:34
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
I’m handing over the live blog to Andrew Sparrow now, for the rest of the day’s action.I’m handing over the live blog to Andrew Sparrow now, for the rest of the day’s action.
Thanks for reading and for your comments so far.Thanks for reading and for your comments so far.
8.30am BST8.30am BST
08:3008:30
Vice News has today launched its fly-on-the-wall documentary tracking Jeremy Corbyn over several weeks. Press Association offers this snap review:Vice News has today launched its fly-on-the-wall documentary tracking Jeremy Corbyn over several weeks. Press Association offers this snap review:
Jeremy Corbyn’s material for Prime Minister’s Questions is being leaked to the Conservatives by his own staff, the Labour leader’s senior aide has claimed.Jeremy Corbyn’s material for Prime Minister’s Questions is being leaked to the Conservatives by his own staff, the Labour leader’s senior aide has claimed.
In a fly-on-the-wall documentary, Corbyn also accused the BBC of being “obsessed with trying to damage the leadership” of the party.In a fly-on-the-wall documentary, Corbyn also accused the BBC of being “obsessed with trying to damage the leadership” of the party.
Corbyn’s chief spokesman, Seumas Milne, said the internal leaks took place following weekly preparatory meetings for PMQs.Corbyn’s chief spokesman, Seumas Milne, said the internal leaks took place following weekly preparatory meetings for PMQs.
Speaking after one of the weekly parliamentary encounters between Corbyn and David Cameron, he said: “This time they did [know the questions] because it leaked. It leaked from that meeting.”Speaking after one of the weekly parliamentary encounters between Corbyn and David Cameron, he said: “This time they did [know the questions] because it leaked. It leaked from that meeting.”
The online documentary by Vice News followed Corbyn for a number of weeks as he attempted to steer the party through an antisemitism crisis and local elections night.The online documentary by Vice News followed Corbyn for a number of weeks as he attempted to steer the party through an antisemitism crisis and local elections night.
Labour lost 18 seats in the May elections, but the leader claimed the result proved the BBC had been overestimating how badly the party would perform:Labour lost 18 seats in the May elections, but the leader claimed the result proved the BBC had been overestimating how badly the party would perform:
The whole narrative, all day and all last night and all for the past month has been ‘Corbyn’s going to lose’, ‘Labour’s going to fail’, ‘Labour’s going to lose’, ‘Labour’s going to fail’.The whole narrative, all day and all last night and all for the past month has been ‘Corbyn’s going to lose’, ‘Labour’s going to fail’, ‘Labour’s going to lose’, ‘Labour’s going to fail’.
There is not one story on any election anywhere in the UK that the BBC will not spin into a problem for me.There is not one story on any election anywhere in the UK that the BBC will not spin into a problem for me.
It is obsessive beyond belief, that they are obsessed with trying to damage the leadership of the Labour party and unfortunately there are people in the Labour party who play into that.It is obsessive beyond belief, that they are obsessed with trying to damage the leadership of the Labour party and unfortunately there are people in the Labour party who play into that.
8.14am BST8.14am BST
08:1408:14
Cheering news for David Cameron as the 2016 “Twiplomacy” – it’s called that, don’t blame me – report puts him, or the @Number10gov account anyway, top of its list of most followed European leaders on Twitter.Cheering news for David Cameron as the 2016 “Twiplomacy” – it’s called that, don’t blame me – report puts him, or the @Number10gov account anyway, top of its list of most followed European leaders on Twitter.
Cameron’s personal account (@David_Cameron) also appears at number five in the list, compiled by PR firm Burson-Marsteller.Cameron’s personal account (@David_Cameron) also appears at number five in the list, compiled by PR firm Burson-Marsteller.
Gallingly, though, as Politico reports:Gallingly, though, as Politico reports:
No EU head of state or government makes it into the top 10 most followed world leaders.No EU head of state or government makes it into the top 10 most followed world leaders.
That list is topped by Barack Obama, with a Katy Perry-rivalling 75.2 million followers.That list is topped by Barack Obama, with a Katy Perry-rivalling 75.2 million followers.
8.03am BST8.03am BST
08:0308:03
It might not be the clincher when deciding which box to cross on 23 June – although the future of the BBC in a potentially independent Scotland certainly did worry some in 2014 – but my colleague John Plunkett’s assessment of the EU’s contribution to what we watch on telly is certainly worth a read.It might not be the clincher when deciding which box to cross on 23 June – although the future of the BBC in a potentially independent Scotland certainly did worry some in 2014 – but my colleague John Plunkett’s assessment of the EU’s contribution to what we watch on telly is certainly worth a read.
Related: What has the EU ever done for my … TV viewing?Related: What has the EU ever done for my … TV viewing?
7.43am BST7.43am BST
07:4307:43
For the second day in a row – Tuesday’s policy announcement was cutting VAT on fuel bills – Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are trumpeting post-Brexit changes that aren’t actually, technically, given their current government roles, their call.For the second day in a row – Tuesday’s policy announcement was cutting VAT on fuel bills – Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are trumpeting post-Brexit changes that aren’t actually, technically, given their current government roles, their call.
Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are developing an alternative policy platform for a post-Brexit Britain without asking the PM in plain sight.Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are developing an alternative policy platform for a post-Brexit Britain without asking the PM in plain sight.
It’s a view several readers are sharing in the comments below:It’s a view several readers are sharing in the comments below:
I didn't realise vote leave were an elected government of the UK. They are not as far as I know, therefore who cares what they plan ? Even if we do leave, which I hope we do, I will not be voting for people like IDS, gove, lawson, farage in a UK general election. The only thing I have with any of these people is we all want to leave the EU, for very different reasons I imagine.I didn't realise vote leave were an elected government of the UK. They are not as far as I know, therefore who cares what they plan ? Even if we do leave, which I hope we do, I will not be voting for people like IDS, gove, lawson, farage in a UK general election. The only thing I have with any of these people is we all want to leave the EU, for very different reasons I imagine.
How can Vote Leave plan policy? All they are is a campaign group for a NO vote in a referendum. Yet they act like they're in a general election, throwing policy promises around. Absoutely disgraceful.How can Vote Leave plan policy? All they are is a campaign group for a NO vote in a referendum. Yet they act like they're in a general election, throwing policy promises around. Absoutely disgraceful.
7.35am BST7.35am BST
07:3507:35
As reported in Tuesday’s live blog – bonus points for regular readers – hedge funds and investment banks are commissioning private exit polls for 23 June in order to speculate on sterling before the result of the referendum is officially known.As reported in Tuesday’s live blog – bonus points for regular readers – hedge funds and investment banks are commissioning private exit polls for 23 June in order to speculate on sterling before the result of the referendum is officially known.
Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson says David Cameron should intervene:Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson says David Cameron should intervene:
Information about a historic vote that will shape the future of our continent should be made available to everyone at the same time, not shared among a privileged few whose only motive is to gain financially by attempting to predict the outcome.Information about a historic vote that will shape the future of our continent should be made available to everyone at the same time, not shared among a privileged few whose only motive is to gain financially by attempting to predict the outcome.
I hope the government will put measures in place to prohibit this avaricious plan by financiers to benefit from information that belongs to every voter.I hope the government will put measures in place to prohibit this avaricious plan by financiers to benefit from information that belongs to every voter.
Related: Tom Watson: ban hedge funds from cashing in on EU referendumRelated: Tom Watson: ban hedge funds from cashing in on EU referendum
7.32am BST7.32am BST
07:3207:32
What does it all mean? I’m not sure any two-minute video could quite get to the bottom of this philosophical Brexit question, but it does have a good stab at explaining the ins and outs of the in or out vote to non-Brits (and to non-non-Brits too).What does it all mean? I’m not sure any two-minute video could quite get to the bottom of this philosophical Brexit question, but it does have a good stab at explaining the ins and outs of the in or out vote to non-Brits (and to non-non-Brits too).
7.19am BST7.19am BST
07:1907:19
How does Australia's points system work?How does Australia's points system work?
Helen DavidsonHelen Davidson
Australia’s points-based migration system, suggested in the past by Ukip and now by the Brexit campaigners, is another arm of the country’s infamous border control measures.Australia’s points-based migration system, suggested in the past by Ukip and now by the Brexit campaigners, is another arm of the country’s infamous border control measures.
Skilled migrants made up about 68% of the 190,000 places in Australia’s 2014-2015 migration programme, which is separate from the humanitarian programme.Skilled migrants made up about 68% of the 190,000 places in Australia’s 2014-2015 migration programme, which is separate from the humanitarian programme.
The migration programme controls the variety and numbers of workers moving to the country, and according to the department of immigration is “specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy” and to fill labour shortages.The migration programme controls the variety and numbers of workers moving to the country, and according to the department of immigration is “specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy” and to fill labour shortages.
A range of Australian skilled visas require a points-based assessment for migrants to live and work in the country as a permanent resident.A range of Australian skilled visas require a points-based assessment for migrants to live and work in the country as a permanent resident.
Applicants must be under 50 years of age, although no points are given for those aged 45-49. An applicant aged between 25 and 32 has half the required 60 points already.Applicants must be under 50 years of age, although no points are given for those aged 45-49. An applicant aged between 25 and 32 has half the required 60 points already.
They must have at least competent English, but only proficient or superior English will gain any points.They must have at least competent English, but only proficient or superior English will gain any points.
The rest of the points needed to round out the 60 are based on minimum qualifications and employment histories – gained in Australia or overseas – or other factors including tertiary education and if your partner also fulfils requirements.The rest of the points needed to round out the 60 are based on minimum qualifications and employment histories – gained in Australia or overseas – or other factors including tertiary education and if your partner also fulfils requirements.
Someone can also gain points if they have previously worked in Australia or studied in a regional area or a metropolitan area with low population growth.Someone can also gain points if they have previously worked in Australia or studied in a regional area or a metropolitan area with low population growth.
For some visa subclasses, sponsorship by an employer or family member, or nomination by a government is required.For some visa subclasses, sponsorship by an employer or family member, or nomination by a government is required.
If an applicant is not employer-sponsored the job must be on an approved occupation list, each with a cap on the number accepted. For the 2015-16 intake, Australia has already approved all the 1,000 available visas for auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers; the 1,788 industrial, mechanical and production engineers; and 1,000 other engineering professionals.If an applicant is not employer-sponsored the job must be on an approved occupation list, each with a cap on the number accepted. For the 2015-16 intake, Australia has already approved all the 1,000 available visas for auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers; the 1,788 industrial, mechanical and production engineers; and 1,000 other engineering professionals.
But if you are a (non-primary) school teacher, a vet or a cartographer, there are still thousands of places left.But if you are a (non-primary) school teacher, a vet or a cartographer, there are still thousands of places left.
6.56am BST6.56am BST
06:5606:56
Morning briefingMorning briefing
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Good morning and welcome to the second day of the Guardian’s daily EU referendum coverage.Good morning and welcome to the second day of the Guardian’s daily EU referendum coverage.
I’ll be launching the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog each morning until Andrew Sparrow takes his seat. Do come and chat in the comments below or find me on Twitter @Claire_Phipps.I’ll be launching the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog each morning until Andrew Sparrow takes his seat. Do come and chat in the comments below or find me on Twitter @Claire_Phipps.
The big pictureThe big picture
Today sees Boris Johnson and Michael Gove for the first time setting out together on the Vote Leave battle bus. They’re heading to Preston and my colleague Rowena Mason is too: you can track her/their progress @rowenamason.Today sees Boris Johnson and Michael Gove for the first time setting out together on the Vote Leave battle bus. They’re heading to Preston and my colleague Rowena Mason is too: you can track her/their progress @rowenamason.
To mark the occasion, the Leave campaign has lobbed another immigration story into the morning papers: this one a pledge that after Brexit, European would-be migrants to the UK would be subject to “a genuine Australian-style points based immigration system” and be required to “have the ability to speak good English”.To mark the occasion, the Leave campaign has lobbed another immigration story into the morning papers: this one a pledge that after Brexit, European would-be migrants to the UK would be subject to “a genuine Australian-style points based immigration system” and be required to “have the ability to speak good English”.
This, Johnson, Gove and co-author Priti Patel say, would level the playing field for EU citizens and those seeking to come to the UK from Commonwealth countries. There would be a couple of key exceptions: Irish citizens would still be able to travel freely into the UK, and EU citizens already in the country would be granted indefinite leave.This, Johnson, Gove and co-author Priti Patel say, would level the playing field for EU citizens and those seeking to come to the UK from Commonwealth countries. There would be a couple of key exceptions: Irish citizens would still be able to travel freely into the UK, and EU citizens already in the country would be granted indefinite leave.
In an interview with the Guardian, fellow Leave fan Chris Grayling said controlling immigration was key to enabling young people to afford to buy a home:In an interview with the Guardian, fellow Leave fan Chris Grayling said controlling immigration was key to enabling young people to afford to buy a home:
If we are bringing a population the size of Newcastle upon Tyne into the country every single year, if we cannot set limits on the number of people that come and work in Britain, then simple maths says it is going to be even more difficult to get on to the housing ladder.If we are bringing a population the size of Newcastle upon Tyne into the country every single year, if we cannot set limits on the number of people that come and work in Britain, then simple maths says it is going to be even more difficult to get on to the housing ladder.
Nigel Farage – who’ll be on the Ukip battle bus today, which is not the same as the Vote Leave battle bus because sometimes you just need your own bus – said he was “pleased that Boris Johnson and Michael Gove now support [the] same policy I’ve advocated for years”.Nigel Farage – who’ll be on the Ukip battle bus today, which is not the same as the Vote Leave battle bus because sometimes you just need your own bus – said he was “pleased that Boris Johnson and Michael Gove now support [the] same policy I’ve advocated for years”.
But Will Straw, the executive director of Britain Stronger In Europe, insisted the plan would not work, saying Vote Leave was reading from the “Farage playbook”:But Will Straw, the executive director of Britain Stronger In Europe, insisted the plan would not work, saying Vote Leave was reading from the “Farage playbook”:
Australia, who have a points based immigration system, have twice as many migrants per head as the UK. Economic experts are agreed that leaving the single market would lead to recession – costing jobs and raising prices.Australia, who have a points based immigration system, have twice as many migrants per head as the UK. Economic experts are agreed that leaving the single market would lead to recession – costing jobs and raising prices.
On which note, the TUC has labelled Brexit a “disaster” that would cost British workers their employment rights – and £38 a week. General secretary Frances O’Grady said:On which note, the TUC has labelled Brexit a “disaster” that would cost British workers their employment rights – and £38 a week. General secretary Frances O’Grady said:
£38 a week may not be much for politicians like Boris Johnson – a man who described his £250,000 fee for a weekly newspaper column as ‘chicken feed’. But for millions of workers, it’s the difference between heating or eating, between struggling or saving, and between getting by or getting on.£38 a week may not be much for politicians like Boris Johnson – a man who described his £250,000 fee for a weekly newspaper column as ‘chicken feed’. But for millions of workers, it’s the difference between heating or eating, between struggling or saving, and between getting by or getting on.
O’Grady said those campaigning for Britain to leave the EU were “phonies” who did not understand the challenges faced by workers:O’Grady said those campaigning for Britain to leave the EU were “phonies” who did not understand the challenges faced by workers:
It’s a bit like Iain Duncan Smith pretending to be the friend of the poor, when everyone knows he was the minister for food banks … Has Priti Patel ever struggled to pay the gas bill? I doubt it.It’s a bit like Iain Duncan Smith pretending to be the friend of the poor, when everyone knows he was the minister for food banks … Has Priti Patel ever struggled to pay the gas bill? I doubt it.
You should also know:You should also know:
Poll positionPoll position
Tuesday’s Guardian/ICM poll showing voters split 52%-48% in favour of Brexit is still reverberating this morning, including on the i front page.Tuesday’s Guardian/ICM poll showing voters split 52%-48% in favour of Brexit is still reverberating this morning, including on the i front page.
As ICM’s director Martin Boon put it:As ICM’s director Martin Boon put it:
It is only one poll but, in a rather unexpected reverse of polling assumptions so far, both our phone poll and our online poll are consistent on both vote intentions and on the EU referendum.It is only one poll but, in a rather unexpected reverse of polling assumptions so far, both our phone poll and our online poll are consistent on both vote intentions and on the EU referendum.
Voters in Scotland were still more likely to vote for Remain.Voters in Scotland were still more likely to vote for Remain.
An Ipsos Mori poll of 4,000 people finds 56% believe investment in the UK from the EU will fall if Britain votes Leave, but 58% think their own standard of living will not be affected in the event of Brexit – a finding the Telegraph reports as “a blow to the assembled forces of Project Fear”.An Ipsos Mori poll of 4,000 people finds 56% believe investment in the UK from the EU will fall if Britain votes Leave, but 58% think their own standard of living will not be affected in the event of Brexit – a finding the Telegraph reports as “a blow to the assembled forces of Project Fear”.
DiaryDiary
Talking pointTalking point
Jeremy Corbyn: The Outsider, a 30-minute fly-on-the-wall documentary by Vice News, lands this morning amid reports that advisers had “tense discussions” over the decision to allow the film crew to follow him for several weeks.Jeremy Corbyn: The Outsider, a 30-minute fly-on-the-wall documentary by Vice News, lands this morning amid reports that advisers had “tense discussions” over the decision to allow the film crew to follow him for several weeks.
In the film, according to a report in the Telegraph, Corbyn’s strategy chief Seumas Milne claims the Labour leader’s attack lines for PMQs are regularly leaked:In the film, according to a report in the Telegraph, Corbyn’s strategy chief Seumas Milne claims the Labour leader’s attack lines for PMQs are regularly leaked:
It is very annoying because it only happens about a third of the time but it obviously gives them [the government] a little bit of extra time.It is very annoying because it only happens about a third of the time but it obviously gives them [the government] a little bit of extra time.
Whenever there is a leak it gives them that advantage. It gives them the advantage on TV as well.Whenever there is a leak it gives them that advantage. It gives them the advantage on TV as well.
Read theseRead these
Daniel Finkelstein in the Times (paywall) argues that the lessons of the second world war form a strong argument to stay within the EU:Daniel Finkelstein in the Times (paywall) argues that the lessons of the second world war form a strong argument to stay within the EU:
Boris Johnson and David Cameron have both been attacked for raising questions of war and peace in this campaign, as if nothing could be more hyperbolic and absurd. Yet debating Hitler and armed conflict in Europe could not be more apposite. To believe that the peace we have now in Europe is something we can rely on is incredibly complacent …Boris Johnson and David Cameron have both been attacked for raising questions of war and peace in this campaign, as if nothing could be more hyperbolic and absurd. Yet debating Hitler and armed conflict in Europe could not be more apposite. To believe that the peace we have now in Europe is something we can rely on is incredibly complacent …
To have bound so many warring and scarred states into one strong alliance is a huge achievement. That these countries now share a close legal relationship is a better guarantee of safety than we have ever had.To have bound so many warring and scarred states into one strong alliance is a huge achievement. That these countries now share a close legal relationship is a better guarantee of safety than we have ever had.
Priti Patel, writing in the Sun, expands on the Leave campaign’s plan for a points-based immigration scheme:Priti Patel, writing in the Sun, expands on the Leave campaign’s plan for a points-based immigration scheme:
The automatic right of all EU citizens to come to live, work and claim many benefits in the UK would end. We would choose who we allow into the country on the basis of their skills – without discrimination on the ground of nationality …The automatic right of all EU citizens to come to live, work and claim many benefits in the UK would end. We would choose who we allow into the country on the basis of their skills – without discrimination on the ground of nationality …
It would replace the current system, where anyone who lives in the EU – even if they have a criminal record – has the right to come to Britain.It would replace the current system, where anyone who lives in the EU – even if they have a criminal record – has the right to come to Britain.
That may not matter much to the corporate executives in the City, and it certainly doesn’t impact on the foreign politicians and big businessmen who seek to lecture us on how to vote. But it matters to the British people.That may not matter much to the corporate executives in the City, and it certainly doesn’t impact on the foreign politicians and big businessmen who seek to lecture us on how to vote. But it matters to the British people.
Baffling claim of the dayBaffling claim of the day
Leave.EU’s breathless tweet that the group “is excited to have learned about BPop Live, a concert organised by Brexit Live on 19 June!” It’s as if they hadn’t heard the kerfuffle about headliners 5ive and Alesha Dixon withdrawing from the event … or prominently endorsed the event on the BPop Live website. Still, Ritchie Neville or no Ritchie Neville, the site entices browsers to buy a ticket by providing zero information on who will be appearing.Leave.EU’s breathless tweet that the group “is excited to have learned about BPop Live, a concert organised by Brexit Live on 19 June!” It’s as if they hadn’t heard the kerfuffle about headliners 5ive and Alesha Dixon withdrawing from the event … or prominently endorsed the event on the BPop Live website. Still, Ritchie Neville or no Ritchie Neville, the site entices browsers to buy a ticket by providing zero information on who will be appearing.
Celebrity endorsement of the dayCelebrity endorsement of the day
YouGov – which apparently has too much time on its hands – asked its voting panel to judge which of 30 fictional characters would back Brexit and which would remain with Remain. The resounding result was that Geraldine Granger, the Vicar of Dibley, would be most stridently pro-EU, with The Royle Family’s Jim Royle the most enthusiastic Brexiter.YouGov – which apparently has too much time on its hands – asked its voting panel to judge which of 30 fictional characters would back Brexit and which would remain with Remain. The resounding result was that Geraldine Granger, the Vicar of Dibley, would be most stridently pro-EU, with The Royle Family’s Jim Royle the most enthusiastic Brexiter.
Bob the Builder, the panel concluded, would not yet have made his mind up. Anyone would think he hadn’t seen the latest UK construction figures.Bob the Builder, the panel concluded, would not yet have made his mind up. Anyone would think he hadn’t seen the latest UK construction figures.
The day in a tweetThe day in a tweet
Man tries to burn EU flag, can't burn it because of EU directive on flammable materials pic.twitter.com/PkxicDABXCMan tries to burn EU flag, can't burn it because of EU directive on flammable materials pic.twitter.com/PkxicDABXC
If today were a defunct game show slogan ...If today were a defunct game show slogan ...
It would be “What do points make? Prizes!” Where the prize is a post-EU UK visa. Or you could play on for the nice family hatchback.It would be “What do points make? Prizes!” Where the prize is a post-EU UK visa. Or you could play on for the nice family hatchback.
And another thingAnd another thing
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