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Brexit triggers Corbyn coup: Watson 'saddened' by Labour exodus – live Brexit triggers Corbyn coup: Watson 'saddened' by Labour exodus – live
(35 minutes later)
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My colleague Frances Perraudin reports that Iain Duncan Smith has distanced himself from the leave campaign’s pledge to spend £350m “sent to the EU every week” on the NHS, saying that he had never made the claim.
Duncan Smith was photographed in front of the Vote Leave battlebus, a sign on which read: “We send the EU £350 million a week – let’s fund our NHS instead.”
Speaking to the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, he said:
I never said that during the course of the election. The £350m was an extrapolation of the £19.1bn – that’s the total amount of money we gave across to the European Union. What we actually said was a significant amount of it would go to the NHS. It’s essentially down to the government, but I believe that is what was pledged and that’s what should happen. There was talk about it going to the NHS but there are other bits and pieces like agriculture, which is part of the process. That is the divide up. It was never the total.
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More from Diane Abbott on the shadow cabinet resignations:
Labour MPs' attempt to dislodge Corbyn has been long planned. It is cynical and transparently self serving #bbcqt
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ITV News’ Chris Ship suggests that Corbyn’s team will not manage to get a team together for a shadow cabinet meeting tomorrow.ITV News’ Chris Ship suggests that Corbyn’s team will not manage to get a team together for a shadow cabinet meeting tomorrow.
Apparently Shadow Cabinet meeting tomorrow cancelled. Suggests Jeremy Corbyn can't fill the vacancies as fast as the resignations are comingApparently Shadow Cabinet meeting tomorrow cancelled. Suggests Jeremy Corbyn can't fill the vacancies as fast as the resignations are coming
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Diane Abbott, asked about Jeremy Corbyn’s position as the 11th resignation is announced, says the Labour leader does not represent the status quo in Westminster politics, which she says people dislike.Diane Abbott, asked about Jeremy Corbyn’s position as the 11th resignation is announced, says the Labour leader does not represent the status quo in Westminster politics, which she says people dislike.
“Labour MPs running around in circles today have been planning this for months,” she says, adding that those MPs have used Labour’s handling of the in campaign as a pretext for a coup.“Labour MPs running around in circles today have been planning this for months,” she says, adding that those MPs have used Labour’s handling of the in campaign as a pretext for a coup.
Anna Soubry, asked if she wants Boris Johnson as prime minister, says: “I’m not friends with Boris at the moment.” And, while she says there is an argument for leaving him to work through the Brexit process, she says she wants to see an experienced statesman, which she says Johnson is not.Anna Soubry, asked if she wants Boris Johnson as prime minister, says: “I’m not friends with Boris at the moment.” And, while she says there is an argument for leaving him to work through the Brexit process, she says she wants to see an experienced statesman, which she says Johnson is not.
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Turner becomes the 10th member of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet to resign, following the sacking of Hilary Benn.Turner becomes the 10th member of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet to resign, following the sacking of Hilary Benn.
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Corbyn hit by a further shadow cabinet resignationCorbyn hit by a further shadow cabinet resignation
Karl Turner, the shadow attorney general has said he has resigned “with a very heavy heart”.Karl Turner, the shadow attorney general has said he has resigned “with a very heavy heart”.
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Writing for the Guardian, Phil Wilson - the chair of the Labour in for Britain group - has called on Jeremy Corbyn to resign, claiming he sabotaged the party’s remain campaign.Writing for the Guardian, Phil Wilson - the chair of the Labour in for Britain group - has called on Jeremy Corbyn to resign, claiming he sabotaged the party’s remain campaign.
[Corbyn] himself issued a note to all MPs on 17 September 2015 telling them that Labour would campaign to remain in the European Union. And yet he decided to go on holiday in the middle of the campaign. He did not visit the Labour heartlands of the north-east and instead raised esoteric issues such as TTIP which had no resonance on the doorstep.[Corbyn] himself issued a note to all MPs on 17 September 2015 telling them that Labour would campaign to remain in the European Union. And yet he decided to go on holiday in the middle of the campaign. He did not visit the Labour heartlands of the north-east and instead raised esoteric issues such as TTIP which had no resonance on the doorstep.
This leads to me to the greatest betrayal and the final straw for many MPs. I have been told and shown evidence by an overwhelming number of unimpeachably neutral Labour remain staff that Corbyn’s office, for which he must take full responsibility, consistently attempted to weaken and sabotage the Labour remain campaign, in contravention of the party’s official position.This leads to me to the greatest betrayal and the final straw for many MPs. I have been told and shown evidence by an overwhelming number of unimpeachably neutral Labour remain staff that Corbyn’s office, for which he must take full responsibility, consistently attempted to weaken and sabotage the Labour remain campaign, in contravention of the party’s official position.
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Ukip’s Paul Nuttall just called for a “Brexit government” led by either Boris Johnson or Michael Gove.Ukip’s Paul Nuttall just called for a “Brexit government” led by either Boris Johnson or Michael Gove.
Giles Fraser, however, argued for a “government of national unity”, pointing out that Britain did not vote on the issue of who should lead the country. He adds that the division between Leave and Remain supporters is no longer relevant because the referendum is over.Giles Fraser, however, argued for a “government of national unity”, pointing out that Britain did not vote on the issue of who should lead the country. He adds that the division between Leave and Remain supporters is no longer relevant because the referendum is over.
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In a special edition of Question Time on BBC One right now, the Tory MP Anna Soubry - who backed Remain - has just drawn a sarcastic laughs from the audience when she claimed the chancellor George Osborne has not been seen in public since the referendum result because he has been working all weekend to try to save the economy.In a special edition of Question Time on BBC One right now, the Tory MP Anna Soubry - who backed Remain - has just drawn a sarcastic laughs from the audience when she claimed the chancellor George Osborne has not been seen in public since the referendum result because he has been working all weekend to try to save the economy.
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The New Statesman has reported that, in the event of a challenge for the Labour leadership, the party’s general secretary Iain McNicol will not put Jeremy Corbyn on the ballot paper “unless the parliamentary Labour party does so”.The New Statesman has reported that, in the event of a challenge for the Labour leadership, the party’s general secretary Iain McNicol will not put Jeremy Corbyn on the ballot paper “unless the parliamentary Labour party does so”.
The Guardian understands, however, that legal advice commissioned for McNicol and the party’s national executive committee contradicts that, saying there is no question that Corbyn would be on the ballot paper.The Guardian understands, however, that legal advice commissioned for McNicol and the party’s national executive committee contradicts that, saying there is no question that Corbyn would be on the ballot paper.
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Tom Watson declines to back Corbyn's leadershipTom Watson declines to back Corbyn's leadership
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader, has issued a statement on today’s development. Here it is in full.Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader, has issued a statement on today’s development. Here it is in full.
I was deeply disappointed to see Hilary Benn sacked in the early hours of this morning and equally saddened that so many talented, able and hard-working colleagues felt they had to leave the shadow cabinet. My single focus is to hold the Labour party together in very turbulent times. The nation needs an effective opposition, particularly as the current leadership of the country is so lamentable. It’s very clear to me that we are heading for an early general election and the Labour party must be ready to form a government. There’s much work to do. I will be meeting Jeremy Corbyn tomorrow morning to discuss the way forward.I was deeply disappointed to see Hilary Benn sacked in the early hours of this morning and equally saddened that so many talented, able and hard-working colleagues felt they had to leave the shadow cabinet. My single focus is to hold the Labour party together in very turbulent times. The nation needs an effective opposition, particularly as the current leadership of the country is so lamentable. It’s very clear to me that we are heading for an early general election and the Labour party must be ready to form a government. There’s much work to do. I will be meeting Jeremy Corbyn tomorrow morning to discuss the way forward.
Here are the key points.Here are the key points.
Analysis: Tom Watson is positioning himself to replace Jeremy Corbyn this week as a caretaker Labour leader - perhaps with a view to grabbing the job permanently. At least, that’s what his statement implies. Talking about “effective opposition” is Labour code for “we need a new leader”, because it implies Labour is not providing effective opposition now. It is very noticeable that Watson does not defend Corbyn’s leadership, or urge colleagues to support him. And the reference to an early election is key too. On Friday the prospect of an early election was little more than speculation. Today almost all the Labour and Tory politicians on the political programmes have been treating it is a near-certainty, which is significant because forecasts of this kind can become self-fulfilling.Analysis: Tom Watson is positioning himself to replace Jeremy Corbyn this week as a caretaker Labour leader - perhaps with a view to grabbing the job permanently. At least, that’s what his statement implies. Talking about “effective opposition” is Labour code for “we need a new leader”, because it implies Labour is not providing effective opposition now. It is very noticeable that Watson does not defend Corbyn’s leadership, or urge colleagues to support him. And the reference to an early election is key too. On Friday the prospect of an early election was little more than speculation. Today almost all the Labour and Tory politicians on the political programmes have been treating it is a near-certainty, which is significant because forecasts of this kind can become self-fulfilling.
The Conservative party has its famous “men in grey suits” who are supposed to tell the leader when his time is up. Watson wears flash pin-striped suits, but his line about “meeting Corbyn tomorrow morning to discuss the way forward” suggests he is about to play the same role. He did not quite say he would have a bottle of whisky and a pearl-handled revolver for Corbyn in his briefcase, but that’s clearly the implication ...The Conservative party has its famous “men in grey suits” who are supposed to tell the leader when his time is up. Watson wears flash pin-striped suits, but his line about “meeting Corbyn tomorrow morning to discuss the way forward” suggests he is about to play the same role. He did not quite say he would have a bottle of whisky and a pearl-handled revolver for Corbyn in his briefcase, but that’s clearly the implication ...
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now.
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Lord Falconer resigns from shadow cabinetLord Falconer resigns from shadow cabinet
Lord Falconer, the shadow justice secretary, has resigned.Lord Falconer, the shadow justice secretary, has resigned.
BREAKING Lord Falconer has gone. Ten down now. #CorbynCoupBREAKING Lord Falconer has gone. Ten down now. #CorbynCoup
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This, from the Labour MP Stella Creasy, seems aimed at Jeremy Corbyn.This, from the Labour MP Stella Creasy, seems aimed at Jeremy Corbyn.
Most of us in labour worked our socks off for #Remain vote - to see just how others in positions of influence half hearted about it gutting!Most of us in labour worked our socks off for #Remain vote - to see just how others in positions of influence half hearted about it gutting!
On her blog the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg says she has seen evidence that backs up claims that Jeremy Corbyn’s office tried to water down the Labour remain campaign. Here’s an excerpt.On her blog the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg says she has seen evidence that backs up claims that Jeremy Corbyn’s office tried to water down the Labour remain campaign. Here’s an excerpt.
One email from the leader’s office suggests that Mr Corbyn’s director of strategy and communications, Seumas Milne, was behind Mr Corbyn’s reluctance to take a prominent role in Labour’s campaign to keep the UK in the EU. One email, discussing one of the leader’s speeches, said it was because of the “hand of Seumas. If he can’t kill it, he will water it down so much to hope nobody notices it”.One email from the leader’s office suggests that Mr Corbyn’s director of strategy and communications, Seumas Milne, was behind Mr Corbyn’s reluctance to take a prominent role in Labour’s campaign to keep the UK in the EU. One email, discussing one of the leader’s speeches, said it was because of the “hand of Seumas. If he can’t kill it, he will water it down so much to hope nobody notices it”.
A series of messages dating back to December seen by the BBC shows correspondence between the party leader’s office, the Labour Remain campaign and Labour HQ, discussing the European campaign. It shows how a sentence talking about immigration was removed on one occasion and how Mr Milne refused to sign off a letter signed by 200 MPs after it had already been approved.A series of messages dating back to December seen by the BBC shows correspondence between the party leader’s office, the Labour Remain campaign and Labour HQ, discussing the European campaign. It shows how a sentence talking about immigration was removed on one occasion and how Mr Milne refused to sign off a letter signed by 200 MPs after it had already been approved.
The documents show concern in Labour HQ and the Labour Remain campaign about Mr Corbyn’s commitment to the campaign - one email says: “What is going on here?” Another email from Labour Remain sources to the leader’s office complains “there is no EU content here - we agreed to have Europe content in it”. Sources say they show the leader’s office was reluctant to give full support to the EU campaign and how difficult it was to get Mr Corbyn to take a prominent role.The documents show concern in Labour HQ and the Labour Remain campaign about Mr Corbyn’s commitment to the campaign - one email says: “What is going on here?” Another email from Labour Remain sources to the leader’s office complains “there is no EU content here - we agreed to have Europe content in it”. Sources say they show the leader’s office was reluctant to give full support to the EU campaign and how difficult it was to get Mr Corbyn to take a prominent role.
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This is from BuzzFeed’s Jim Waterson.This is from BuzzFeed’s Jim Waterson.
Jeremy Corbyn's office confident they are about to flood airwaves with supportive pro-Corbyn shadow ministers, MPs, unions, council leaders.Jeremy Corbyn's office confident they are about to flood airwaves with supportive pro-Corbyn shadow ministers, MPs, unions, council leaders.
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These are from the New Statesman’s George Eaton.These are from the New Statesman’s George Eaton.
Angela and Maria Eagle, Chris Bryant, Vernon Coaker, Charlie Falconer still expected to resign.Angela and Maria Eagle, Chris Bryant, Vernon Coaker, Charlie Falconer still expected to resign.
Labour MP on why they're acting now: "There's no safe seat north of Islington."Labour MP on why they're acting now: "There's no safe seat north of Islington."
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Labour has got one prominent new member today. This is from the author Robert Harris.Labour has got one prominent new member today. This is from the author Robert Harris.
I have just joined the Labour Party. Under a new leader, it may be the best hope the country hasI have just joined the Labour Party. Under a new leader, it may be the best hope the country has
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Here is some Twitter comment on Zoe Williams’ intervention. (See 4.48pm.)Here is some Twitter comment on Zoe Williams’ intervention. (See 4.48pm.)
From CapX’s editor, Iain MartinFrom CapX’s editor, Iain Martin
Corbyn loses @zoesqwilliams - it's like that bit in Titanic when they realise the fourth compartment is flooded. https://t.co/FjzlAyEe41Corbyn loses @zoesqwilliams - it's like that bit in Titanic when they realise the fourth compartment is flooded. https://t.co/FjzlAyEe41
From Theo Bertram, a former Labour Downing Street adviserFrom Theo Bertram, a former Labour Downing Street adviser
When @zoesqwilliams with heavy heart calls time on Corbyn, you can tell it's Labour - not Blairites - standing up. https://t.co/0v8YPwMb1tWhen @zoesqwilliams with heavy heart calls time on Corbyn, you can tell it's Labour - not Blairites - standing up. https://t.co/0v8YPwMb1t