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EU referendum live: Cameron teams up with rivals to accuse Leave campaign of 'con-trick' EU referendum live: Pounds falls in value as poll shows Leave four points ahead
(35 minutes later)
9.26am BST
09:26
TNS has sent out more details of its poll. As Luke Taylor, head of social and political attitudes at TNS UK explains, the headline figures (Leave 43%, Remain 41%) only give Leave a lead because of the way the results have been weighted according to likelihood to turn out.
With the referendum less than a month away, we are now adjusting the voting intention for differential turnout. The support for ‘Remain’ looks to be softer than the support for ‘Leave’ and without this adjustment ‘Remain’ would have a three point lead over ‘Leave’. Whether or not ‘Remain’ supporters turn out will therefore be critical in the outcome.
Updated
at 9.29am BST
9.16am BST
09:16
Johnson claims UK face 'triple whammy of woe' if it stays in UK - but Cameron says he's wrong
Boris Johnson has coined the most colourful soundbite of the morning. According to the Daily Telegraph, he is going to claim in his speech today that taxpayers face “a triple whammy of woe” if they stay in the EU.
The risks of remain are massive. Not only do we hand over more than £350 million a week to the EU, but if we vote to stay the British people will be on the hook for even more cash. It is a triple whammy of woe: the eurozone is being strangled by stagnation, unemployment and a lack of growth, it could explode at any time and we will be forced to bail it out.
The botched bureaucratic response to the migration crisis means the Eurocrats are demanding even more of our money. And now we find that there is a £20 billion black hole in the EU’s finances.
Vote Leave is claiming that unmet costs in the EU’s budget could mean the UK having to contribute an extra £2.4bn. The other two “whammies” are supposed extra contributions because of the immigration crisis, and supposed contributions to future eurozone bailouts.
As Claire reported earlier, Cameron has used Twitter to say that Johnson’s claims are “simply wrong”. (See 8.33am.)
8.51am BST8.51am BST
08:5108:51
Pounds falls in value as poll shows Leave four points aheadPounds falls in value as poll shows Leave four points ahead
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Claire.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Claire.
There are two polls out this morning showing Leave ahead.There are two polls out this morning showing Leave ahead.
As Claire reported earlier, a YouGov poll for ITV’s Good Morning Britain puts Leave four-points ahead.As Claire reported earlier, a YouGov poll for ITV’s Good Morning Britain puts Leave four-points ahead.
EU refernedum poll:Remain: 41% (-)Leave: 45% (+4)(via YouGov)Chgs. from 30 - 31 May.EU refernedum poll:Remain: 41% (-)Leave: 45% (+4)(via YouGov)Chgs. from 30 - 31 May.
This is from the LSE’s Simon Hix.This is from the LSE’s Simon Hix.
New @YouGov #Brexit poll shows big shift from Don't Knows to #VoteLeave in past week:Remain: 41% (-)Leave: 45% (+4)Fieldwork. 1-3 JuneNew @YouGov #Brexit poll shows big shift from Don't Knows to #VoteLeave in past week:Remain: 41% (-)Leave: 45% (+4)Fieldwork. 1-3 June
There is also a TNS poll putting Leave two-points ahead, although this also shows the Leave lead going down.There is also a TNS poll putting Leave two-points ahead, although this also shows the Leave lead going down.
EU referendum poll:Remain: 41% (+3)Leave: 43% (+2)(via TNS, online / 19 - 23 May)EU referendum poll:Remain: 41% (+3)Leave: 43% (+2)(via TNS, online / 19 - 23 May)
As we have been reporting on the business blog, the pound fell first thing this morning on the back of these polls.As we have been reporting on the business blog, the pound fell first thing this morning on the back of these polls.
Pound hits 3-week low after new #Brexit polls show more people want to leave EU https://t.co/Saz1rlffJV pic.twitter.com/RVeHgiQOhVPound hits 3-week low after new #Brexit polls show more people want to leave EU https://t.co/Saz1rlffJV pic.twitter.com/RVeHgiQOhV
8.35am BST8.35am BST
08:3508:35
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
I’m now handing over the live blog to Andrew Sparrow, who’ll take you through the rest of the day. Thanks for reading and for the tweets and comments.I’m now handing over the live blog to Andrew Sparrow, who’ll take you through the rest of the day. Thanks for reading and for the tweets and comments.
8.33am BST8.33am BST
08:3308:33
David Cameron has taken to Twitter – as I believe journalists are obliged to describe it – to knock back claims by Vote Leave that Britain would be liable for a £2.4bn bill to the EU in the event of a win for Remain.David Cameron has taken to Twitter – as I believe journalists are obliged to describe it – to knock back claims by Vote Leave that Britain would be liable for a £2.4bn bill to the EU in the event of a win for Remain.
1/2. The Leave campaign is simply wrong to claim we will have to bailout Eurozone countries.1/2. The Leave campaign is simply wrong to claim we will have to bailout Eurozone countries.
2/2. We are not part of Eurozone bailout schemes. We also have a veto over any EU budget increases.2/2. We are not part of Eurozone bailout schemes. We also have a veto over any EU budget increases.
A BBC reality check – admittedly on the subject of bailouts more widely, rather than the specific £2.4bn claim – came to the same conclusion as the PM:A BBC reality check – admittedly on the subject of bailouts more widely, rather than the specific £2.4bn claim – came to the same conclusion as the PM:
The UK will not pay for future eurozone bailouts. This has already been agreed by EU leaders. In addition, the UK-EU deal from February, which will be implemented if the UK votes to stay in the EU, reinforces this and states that the UK would be reimbursed if the general EU budget is used for the cost of the eurozone crisis.The UK will not pay for future eurozone bailouts. This has already been agreed by EU leaders. In addition, the UK-EU deal from February, which will be implemented if the UK votes to stay in the EU, reinforces this and states that the UK would be reimbursed if the general EU budget is used for the cost of the eurozone crisis.
8.16am BST8.16am BST
08:1608:16
Over on the business desk, my colleague Graeme Wearden is live blogging developments as the pounds slides following the poll boost for Brexit:Over on the business desk, my colleague Graeme Wearden is live blogging developments as the pounds slides following the poll boost for Brexit:
The pound is sliding this morning after a string of opinion polls gave the Brexit campaign a lead in the 23 June EU referendum.The pound is sliding this morning after a string of opinion polls gave the Brexit campaign a lead in the 23 June EU referendum.
Sterling tumbled in early trading, shedding more than 1.5 cents against the US dollar. It has hit a three-week low of $1.4355, down 1.1%.Sterling tumbled in early trading, shedding more than 1.5 cents against the US dollar. It has hit a three-week low of $1.4355, down 1.1%.
It is also losing ground against other developed currencies. Against the euro, the pound is down 1 eurocent at €1.2661.It is also losing ground against other developed currencies. Against the euro, the pound is down 1 eurocent at €1.2661.
Traders are reacting to yesterday’s Observer/Opinium poll, which gave the Brexit campaign a three percentage point lead. And aYouGov poll for ITV’s Good Morning Britain has put Leave in front on 45% and Remain on 41%.Traders are reacting to yesterday’s Observer/Opinium poll, which gave the Brexit campaign a three percentage point lead. And aYouGov poll for ITV’s Good Morning Britain has put Leave in front on 45% and Remain on 41%.
Many analysts have predicted that the pound would tumble if Britain voted to leave the EU, possibly as low as $1.20 against the US dollar.Many analysts have predicted that the pound would tumble if Britain voted to leave the EU, possibly as low as $1.20 against the US dollar.
Related: Pound slides after polls show Brexit campaign gaining ground - business liveRelated: Pound slides after polls show Brexit campaign gaining ground - business live
8.10am BST8.10am BST
08:1008:10
Robert Hutton at Bloomberg has bravely taken a look at what the polling in this referendum campaign might mean – or not mean – given the polling blip in the run-up to the Scottish referendum, and the wide-of-the-mark statistics that marked last year’s general election. Should we ignore the polls? Or if not, how much salt do we need to be pinching?Robert Hutton at Bloomberg has bravely taken a look at what the polling in this referendum campaign might mean – or not mean – given the polling blip in the run-up to the Scottish referendum, and the wide-of-the-mark statistics that marked last year’s general election. Should we ignore the polls? Or if not, how much salt do we need to be pinching?
In any case, this quote by Joe Twyman, head of political polling at YouGov, has a ring of truth:In any case, this quote by Joe Twyman, head of political polling at YouGov, has a ring of truth:
There’s a discrepancy in levels of motivation. There are millions of people who would walk barefoot across broken glass to vote to leave.There’s a discrepancy in levels of motivation. There are millions of people who would walk barefoot across broken glass to vote to leave.
The Remain campaign doesn’t have people who feel the same way.The Remain campaign doesn’t have people who feel the same way.
7.58am BST7.58am BST
07:5807:58
After last week’s debate-separated-by-24-hours, in which Cameron and Gove endured separate grillings on Sky News, this week sees a similar set-up as the prime minister definitely does not face off with Nigel Farage in an ITV Q&A.After last week’s debate-separated-by-24-hours, in which Cameron and Gove endured separate grillings on Sky News, this week sees a similar set-up as the prime minister definitely does not face off with Nigel Farage in an ITV Q&A.
Screened live on ITV1 on Tuesday at 9pm, Cameron and Farage will appear individually in front of a studio audience of 200 people for 30 minutes of questions, moderated by Julie Etchingham.Screened live on ITV1 on Tuesday at 9pm, Cameron and Farage will appear individually in front of a studio audience of 200 people for 30 minutes of questions, moderated by Julie Etchingham.
Later this week, ITV also hosts a two-hour debate that will actually be a debate, with Remain and Leave candidates on-screen at the same time and even engaging with each other.Later this week, ITV also hosts a two-hour debate that will actually be a debate, with Remain and Leave candidates on-screen at the same time and even engaging with each other.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will appear for the In campaign, with the Sunday Telegraph reporting that she will be flanked by Conservative minister Amber Rudd and Angela Eagle for Labour.SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will appear for the In campaign, with the Sunday Telegraph reporting that she will be flanked by Conservative minister Amber Rudd and Angela Eagle for Labour.
On the Out side will be Boris Johnson, Andrea Leadsom and Gisela Stuart.On the Out side will be Boris Johnson, Andrea Leadsom and Gisela Stuart.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.01am BSTat 8.01am BST
7.45am BST7.45am BST
07:4507:45
Ten trade union leaders, including the general secretaries of Unite, Unison, the GMB and Usdaw, have signed a letter to the Guardian today in support of Britain remaining in the EU and calling on their combined 6 million members to vote accordingly.Ten trade union leaders, including the general secretaries of Unite, Unison, the GMB and Usdaw, have signed a letter to the Guardian today in support of Britain remaining in the EU and calling on their combined 6 million members to vote accordingly.
They say:They say:
After much debate and deliberation we believe that the social and cultural benefits of remaining in the EU far outweigh any advantages of leaving …After much debate and deliberation we believe that the social and cultural benefits of remaining in the EU far outweigh any advantages of leaving …
Despite words to the contrary from figures like Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Gove, the Tories would negotiate our exit and, we believe, would negotiate away our rights. We simply do not trust this government if they are presented with an unrestricted, unchecked opportunity to attack our current working rights.Despite words to the contrary from figures like Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Gove, the Tories would negotiate our exit and, we believe, would negotiate away our rights. We simply do not trust this government if they are presented with an unrestricted, unchecked opportunity to attack our current working rights.
Read the letter in full here:Read the letter in full here:
Related: Trade union members should vote to stay in the EU | Letter from Len McCluskey, Dave Prentis and othersRelated: Trade union members should vote to stay in the EU | Letter from Len McCluskey, Dave Prentis and others
7.26am BST7.26am BST
07:2607:26
Matthew D’Ancona, in a new Guardian column this morning, says Cameron is wrong to say – as he did to the Mail on Sunday yesterday – that he would not sack Johnson and Gove if Remain wins the referendum:Matthew D’Ancona, in a new Guardian column this morning, says Cameron is wrong to say – as he did to the Mail on Sunday yesterday – that he would not sack Johnson and Gove if Remain wins the referendum:
It is one thing to be a conciliator; quite another to be a pushover. No structure of authority can long survive if there are not clear consequences for transgressions.It is one thing to be a conciliator; quite another to be a pushover. No structure of authority can long survive if there are not clear consequences for transgressions.
Let’s be frank: does Cameron really believe the Brexiteers will be as merciful to him if he loses? The hardcore of backbenchers who loathe him are longing for a confidence vote and a merciless battle to replace him with Johnson as soon as possible. This plan is all but public – demeaningly so for Cameron.Let’s be frank: does Cameron really believe the Brexiteers will be as merciful to him if he loses? The hardcore of backbenchers who loathe him are longing for a confidence vote and a merciless battle to replace him with Johnson as soon as possible. This plan is all but public – demeaningly so for Cameron.
A united party is not one where the leader yields to every demand and forgives every offence. A united party is one where the leader combines breadth of support with a recognition of behavioural limits and the authority to enforce them.A united party is not one where the leader yields to every demand and forgives every offence. A united party is one where the leader combines breadth of support with a recognition of behavioural limits and the authority to enforce them.
Related: If David Cameron wins the referendum, he must be ruthless with his Tory foes | Matthew d’AnconaRelated: If David Cameron wins the referendum, he must be ruthless with his Tory foes | Matthew d’Ancona
7.14am BST7.14am BST
07:1407:14
Here’s an intriguing one: the BBC’s James Lansdale reports that a group of pro-EU MPs are investigating whether the House of Commons – which has a majority for Remain – could keep Britain inside the single market even in the event of a vote for Leave:Here’s an intriguing one: the BBC’s James Lansdale reports that a group of pro-EU MPs are investigating whether the House of Commons – which has a majority for Remain – could keep Britain inside the single market even in the event of a vote for Leave:
The BBC has learned pro-Remain MPs would use their voting power in the House of Commons to protect what they see as the economic benefits of a single market, which gives the UK access to 500 million consumers.The BBC has learned pro-Remain MPs would use their voting power in the House of Commons to protect what they see as the economic benefits of a single market, which gives the UK access to 500 million consumers.
Staying inside the single market would mean Britain would have to keep its borders open to EU workers and continue paying into EU coffers.Staying inside the single market would mean Britain would have to keep its borders open to EU workers and continue paying into EU coffers.
Ministers have told the BBC they expect pro-EU MPs to conduct what one called a “reverse Maastricht” process – a reference to the long parliamentary campaign fought by Tory eurosceptic MPs in the 1990s against legislation deepening EU integration …Ministers have told the BBC they expect pro-EU MPs to conduct what one called a “reverse Maastricht” process – a reference to the long parliamentary campaign fought by Tory eurosceptic MPs in the 1990s against legislation deepening EU integration …
They say it would be legitimate for MPs to push for the UK to stay in the single market because the Leave campaign has refused to spell out what trading relationship it wants the UK to have with the EU in the future.They say it would be legitimate for MPs to push for the UK to stay in the single market because the Leave campaign has refused to spell out what trading relationship it wants the UK to have with the EU in the future.
As such, a post-Brexit government could not claim it had a popular mandate for a particular model.As such, a post-Brexit government could not claim it had a popular mandate for a particular model.
Read the full BBC article – and quotes from (unnamed) MPs – here.Read the full BBC article – and quotes from (unnamed) MPs – here.
6.52am BST6.52am BST
06:5206:52
Morning briefingMorning briefing
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Good morning and welcome to the second week of our daily EU referendum coverage.Good morning and welcome to the second week of our daily EU referendum coverage.
I’m kicking things off with the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog until Andrew Sparrow takes his seat. Do come and chat in the comments below or find me on Twitter @Claire_Phipps.I’m kicking things off with the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog 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
David Cameron might not want to face fellow Conservatives in debates over Britain’s future but today he’ll issue a statement with politicians usually found on the opposite side of the Commons, teaming up with Labour’s Harriet Harman, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Green party leader Natalie Bennett to label the Brexit campaign a “con-trick”.David Cameron might not want to face fellow Conservatives in debates over Britain’s future but today he’ll issue a statement with politicians usually found on the opposite side of the Commons, teaming up with Labour’s Harriet Harman, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Green party leader Natalie Bennett to label the Brexit campaign a “con-trick”.
Together they’ll accuse Leave campaigners – including the prime minister’s own party chums Michael Gove and Boris Johnson – of producing “contradictory statements” about Britain’s economic future outside the EU, saying the Brexiteers have put forward 23 different positions on the alternative to the single market.Together they’ll accuse Leave campaigners – including the prime minister’s own party chums Michael Gove and Boris Johnson – of producing “contradictory statements” about Britain’s economic future outside the EU, saying the Brexiteers have put forward 23 different positions on the alternative to the single market.
While it’s all about putting party loyalties aside for the sake of the country for some, for others it’s – as the Telegraph puts it this morning – “ intensify[ing] the Tory civil war”. As Lord Tebbit told the paper:While it’s all about putting party loyalties aside for the sake of the country for some, for others it’s – as the Telegraph puts it this morning – “ intensify[ing] the Tory civil war”. As Lord Tebbit told the paper:
I think it’s dangerous for the leader of the Conservative party to give greater credence to minor parties such as the Greens and the Lib Dems.I think it’s dangerous for the leader of the Conservative party to give greater credence to minor parties such as the Greens and the Lib Dems.
It just makes them look as though they are major political players and as though they are leaders of national parties.It just makes them look as though they are major political players and as though they are leaders of national parties.
Ouch.Ouch.
Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has said he will not share a platform with Cameron, but rejected criticism that his support for Remain has not been full-throated:Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has said he will not share a platform with Cameron, but rejected criticism that his support for Remain has not been full-throated:
We’re not giving a blank cheque to the EU. We want a Europe where there is solidarity of socialist parties, trade unions, people who want to see a decent society, welfare state, NHS, full employment, decent rights at work.We’re not giving a blank cheque to the EU. We want a Europe where there is solidarity of socialist parties, trade unions, people who want to see a decent society, welfare state, NHS, full employment, decent rights at work.
The chancellor, George Osborne, is on a two-day trip to Belfast and Newry to encourage voters to turn out for Remain in Northern Ireland – reportedly the most pro-EU part of the UK.The chancellor, George Osborne, is on a two-day trip to Belfast and Newry to encourage voters to turn out for Remain in Northern Ireland – reportedly the most pro-EU part of the UK.
The Leave campaign is also out in force again with the by-now familiar cross-party group of Johnson, Gove and Labour MP Gisela Stuart in Stratford-upon-Avon to argue that the UK will face a £2.4bn bill after the referendum to fill a black hole in EU coffers.The Leave campaign is also out in force again with the by-now familiar cross-party group of Johnson, Gove and Labour MP Gisela Stuart in Stratford-upon-Avon to argue that the UK will face a £2.4bn bill after the referendum to fill a black hole in EU coffers.
Vote Leave says a “backlog of unpaid bills” has left the EU with a £19.4bn debt and that Britain – responsible for 12.57% of the EU budget – would need to cover £2.4bn of that.Vote Leave says a “backlog of unpaid bills” has left the EU with a £19.4bn debt and that Britain – responsible for 12.57% of the EU budget – would need to cover £2.4bn of that.
Labour’s Chuka Umunna said the claim was “nonsense”:Labour’s Chuka Umunna said the claim was “nonsense”:
Our special status in Europe means we are protected from paying in to eurozone bailouts, we have already cut the EU budget and we have a veto over it in future.Our special status in Europe means we are protected from paying in to eurozone bailouts, we have already cut the EU budget and we have a veto over it in future.
Ukip leader Nigel Farage – no cosying up between him and the official Vote Leave campaign – has been interviewed in the FT, and says a Brexit would be just the first step in the disintegration of the entire EU.Ukip leader Nigel Farage – no cosying up between him and the official Vote Leave campaign – has been interviewed in the FT, and says a Brexit would be just the first step in the disintegration of the entire EU.
You should also know:You should also know:
Poll positionPoll position
This morning a YouGov poll for ITV’s Good Morning Britain will put Leave in front on 45% and Remain on 41%, according to overnight reports.This morning a YouGov poll for ITV’s Good Morning Britain will put Leave in front on 45% and Remain on 41%, according to overnight reports.
Sunday’s Observer/Opinium poll also registered a nosing-ahead for the Brexit camp, with Leave on 43% and Remain on 40%:Sunday’s Observer/Opinium poll also registered a nosing-ahead for the Brexit camp, with Leave on 43% and Remain on 40%:
The poll suggests the remain camp has lost four percentage points in the last two weeks, during which Boris Johnson and Michael Gove have relentlessly campaigned on the theme of immigration.The poll suggests the remain camp has lost four percentage points in the last two weeks, during which Boris Johnson and Michael Gove have relentlessly campaigned on the theme of immigration.
The leave campaign appears to have picked up three percentage points. The potential in the leave campaign’s strategy is reflected in responses suggesting that two in five voters (41%) cite immigration as one of their two most important issues when deciding how to vote … Half of the 2,007 people surveyed said they believed immigration would be under better control if the UK did leave the EU .The leave campaign appears to have picked up three percentage points. The potential in the leave campaign’s strategy is reflected in responses suggesting that two in five voters (41%) cite immigration as one of their two most important issues when deciding how to vote … Half of the 2,007 people surveyed said they believed immigration would be under better control if the UK did leave the EU .
A Daily Telegraph survey of 19,000 of its subscribers has found over two-thirds of them (69%) will be voting to leave the EU. And 42% would like to see Leave champion – and Telegraph columnist – Johnson as the next prime minister. Readers’ top concern was not, however, immigration (51% said this was “very important”) but the “sovereignty of the British parliament” (71%).A Daily Telegraph survey of 19,000 of its subscribers has found over two-thirds of them (69%) will be voting to leave the EU. And 42% would like to see Leave champion – and Telegraph columnist – Johnson as the next prime minister. Readers’ top concern was not, however, immigration (51% said this was “very important”) but the “sovereignty of the British parliament” (71%).
DiaryDiary
You could spend the whole day listening to politicians argue the pros and cons of the EU, if that’s your bag. (And if it is: welcome! You’ll fit right in here.)You could spend the whole day listening to politicians argue the pros and cons of the EU, if that’s your bag. (And if it is: welcome! You’ll fit right in here.)
Read theseRead these
OK, it’s unlikely you’ve not heard Boris Johnson expounding on Brexit, but he’s in the Telegraph today warning that Britain risks “the worst hangover in history” on 24 June:OK, it’s unlikely you’ve not heard Boris Johnson expounding on Brexit, but he’s in the Telegraph today warning that Britain risks “the worst hangover in history” on 24 June:
You were about to strike your own small but vital blow for freedom and democracy – when you suddenly bottled it. You swerved; you shied; you jibbed; you baulked. You screwed up your eyes in the polling booth and you found yourself momentarily oppressed by the sheer weight of the Remain propaganda – all that relentless misery about this country and its inability to stand on its own two feet.You were about to strike your own small but vital blow for freedom and democracy – when you suddenly bottled it. You swerved; you shied; you jibbed; you baulked. You screwed up your eyes in the polling booth and you found yourself momentarily oppressed by the sheer weight of the Remain propaganda – all that relentless misery about this country and its inability to stand on its own two feet.
For reasons you secretly know were nonsensical, you decided to go for what the gloom-mongers had told you was the safer option. Nose held, eyes screwed tight, you voted for Remain. And now you understand why you feel that sense of morning-after shame and abject remorse: because the burble from the TV is informing you that Remain have won. Yes, by the narrowest margin you – and fellow last-minute swervers – have helped to keep us locked in the back of the minicab, with a driver who barely speaks English, going in a direction we don’t want to go.For reasons you secretly know were nonsensical, you decided to go for what the gloom-mongers had told you was the safer option. Nose held, eyes screwed tight, you voted for Remain. And now you understand why you feel that sense of morning-after shame and abject remorse: because the burble from the TV is informing you that Remain have won. Yes, by the narrowest margin you – and fellow last-minute swervers – have helped to keep us locked in the back of the minicab, with a driver who barely speaks English, going in a direction we don’t want to go.
In the Times, Clare Foges, erstwhile speechwriter to David Cameron, reminds us that not everyone knows which way they’ll vote:In the Times, Clare Foges, erstwhile speechwriter to David Cameron, reminds us that not everyone knows which way they’ll vote:
As for the Leavers’ economic case, to quote Sarah Palin on Obama, it seems to amount to a lot of ‘hopey changey stuff’. There is a kind of derring-do, Dangerous Book For Boys spirit about Britannia unchained and going it alone. Won’t it be glorious? Yes, well the Charge of the Light Brigade was glorious in its own way.As for the Leavers’ economic case, to quote Sarah Palin on Obama, it seems to amount to a lot of ‘hopey changey stuff’. There is a kind of derring-do, Dangerous Book For Boys spirit about Britannia unchained and going it alone. Won’t it be glorious? Yes, well the Charge of the Light Brigade was glorious in its own way.
On Remain-leaning days I fear the country charging into a field of economic disaster, a shredded flag aloft.On Remain-leaning days I fear the country charging into a field of economic disaster, a shredded flag aloft.
An editorial in the Financial Times says businesses need to speak up on the dangers of Brexit:An editorial in the Financial Times says businesses need to speak up on the dangers of Brexit:
A wider diversity of pro-EU voices is urgently needed. This places a special responsibility on business leaders. Signing letters about the dangers of Brexit is not enough – every CEO ought to be speaking directly to their employees to spell out the personal consequences of leaving …A wider diversity of pro-EU voices is urgently needed. This places a special responsibility on business leaders. Signing letters about the dangers of Brexit is not enough – every CEO ought to be speaking directly to their employees to spell out the personal consequences of leaving …
The EU referendum has split the Conservative party, polarised the country and stoked anti-establishment politics, but it has also encouraged democratic debate. Politicians must respond with facts and sound arguments. In an age of anti-politician sentiments, it is incumbent on business leaders to speak up, too. There is no more pressing issue for business than the UK’s membership of the EU. To stay silent would be grossly irresponsible.The EU referendum has split the Conservative party, polarised the country and stoked anti-establishment politics, but it has also encouraged democratic debate. Politicians must respond with facts and sound arguments. In an age of anti-politician sentiments, it is incumbent on business leaders to speak up, too. There is no more pressing issue for business than the UK’s membership of the EU. To stay silent would be grossly irresponsible.
Baffling claim of the dayBaffling claim of the day
Peter Mandelson emerges today to give a speech saying a vote to Remain would see an end to “grandiose, mellifluous bullshit”. While it’s hard to argue against voting for that, one can only assume he’s mixed up the EU with utopia.Peter Mandelson emerges today to give a speech saying a vote to Remain would see an end to “grandiose, mellifluous bullshit”. While it’s hard to argue against voting for that, one can only assume he’s mixed up the EU with utopia.
Celebrity endorsement of the dayCelebrity endorsement of the day
At the South Bank arts awards in London on Sunday evening, Elaine Paige broke with the culture club by saying she was likely to vote to leave the EU:At the South Bank arts awards in London on Sunday evening, Elaine Paige broke with the culture club by saying she was likely to vote to leave the EU:
I’m of the feeling to leave, but I’m probably a minority in the arts when I say that.I’m of the feeling to leave, but I’m probably a minority in the arts when I say that.
The day in a tweetThe day in a tweet
Expect Remain this week to strengthen economic case by switching from macro-economics to named businesses that will up sticks if a Brexit.Expect Remain this week to strengthen economic case by switching from macro-economics to named businesses that will up sticks if a Brexit.
If today were a nursery rhyme ...If today were a nursery rhyme ...
It would be I Can Sing a Rainbow. Red and yellow and pink and green, purple and orange and blue. It might be a Tory civil war, but it looks pretty.It would be I Can Sing a Rainbow. Red and yellow and pink and green, purple and orange and blue. It might be a Tory civil war, but it looks pretty.
And another thingAnd another thing
Would you like to wake up to this briefing in your inbox every weekday? Sign up here!Would you like to wake up to this briefing in your inbox every weekday? Sign up here!
Related: EU referendum morning briefing - sign up hereRelated: EU referendum morning briefing - sign up here