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Brexit live: 'sad' Cameron says EU must deal with immigration concerns Brexit live: Cameron and Corbyn meet in the Commons for first post-Brexit PMQs
(35 minutes later)
12.28pm BST
12:28
Cameron v Corbyn - Snap verdict
Cameron v Corbyn - Snap verdict: Ironically, that was one of Corbyn’s best PMQs performances for some time. There was some irony in hearing Corbyn ask about the economic damage caused by the Brexit vote - because during the campaign he suggested that George Osborne’s warnings about the economic impact of Brexit were exaggerated and implausible - but he asked direct, pertinent questions, and obtained relatively informative, interesting replies. It was only towards the end that Corbyn broadened it out, and asked two questions attacking Cameron’s record more generally. At this point Cameron’s real feelings started to show. He criticised Corbyn for not doing enough to campaign for a remain vote (echoing a point made by many in the Labour party) and then he let rip at the end with a soundbite with vague echoes of Leo Amery in the Norway debate (quoting Cromwell to the Rump Parliament): “You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go.” (That was Amery, of course; Cameron’s was a diluted version.) In the light of the fact that Corbyn was better than usual today, this pre-cooked barb was a little undeserved, but that won’t stop it sounding effective when he appears on the TV news.
Updated
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12.17pm BST
12:17
Cameron says Corbyn should resign
Corbyn says the vote last week was against the status quo. Cameron has two months left. Will he leave a one nation legacy?
Cameron says it is complete nonsense to pretend the vote was about the state of the economy. We all have to take responsibility for the vote, he says. He says Corbyn says he put his back into it. He would hate to see what it is like when Corbyn is not trying.
Corbyn says the number of children in poverty has increased by 200,000. Will Cameron apologise to them?
Cameron says relative income poverty is done. He says there are 300,000 fewer people in relative poverty than in 2010. And 500,000 fewer people in absolute poverty.
Cameron says it might be in the Conservative party’s interest for Corbyn to stay, but it is not in the national interest. He tells Corbyn to go.
I would say, for heaven’s sake man, go.
Updated
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12.13pm BST
12:13
Cameron rules out suspending fiscal surplus rule
Corbyn asks if Cameron will consider suspending the fiscal surplus rule which prevents investment taking place.
Cameron says he does not think that would be the right approach.
He says it is important to keep the public finances strong.
He says the government will have to consider the options for a relationship with the EU. He says his successor will take a decision. He wants the closest possible relationship.
Corbyn says there is evidence of racist attacks increasing. What monitoring is in place? And what is being done to help the police?
Cameron says Corbyn is right to raise this. He says he reassured the Polish, Romanian and Czech prime ministers at the EU summit the government was dealing with this. A hate crime action plan will be published soon.
12.09pm BST
12:09
Jeremy Corbyn also expresses support for the victims of the Turkish attack. And he says MPs should pay tribute to Lord Mayhew, who died at the weekend, for all he did during the peace process.
He says people are worried about insecurity. What meetings has the chancellor had with major companies to address the concerns generated by the Brexit vote?
Cameron says Mayhew was an excellent public servant, and a kind and goodly man.
He says the government is in a strong position to meet these challenges. Much of the deficit has been paid down. But the consequences will be difficult.
There are going to be some choppy waters ahead.
He says the business secretary has met firms already. Tomorrow Cameron is meeting his business advisory committee.
Corbyn says the credit rating agencies have downgraded the UK. What will this cost the UK and pension funds?
Cameron says Corbyn is right. The cost will depend on what happens to interest rates.
He says the head of the ECB said there would be difficulties. Cameron says there is no doubt these will be “difficult economic times”.
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12.05pm BST
12:05
Cameron says at last night’s dinner the French president mentioned the Somme commemorations.
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12.04pm BST
12:04
The Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael pays tribute to Cameron for his service to the country. Before he goes, though, will he reconstitute the Gibson inquiry into rendition by the security services.
Cameron says the CPS investigated recently, and decided there were no grounds for a prosecution. He says the right approach is for the intelligence and security committee to look into these matters.
12.02pm BST
12:02
David Cameron starts by offering support to the victims of the Turkish airport attack.
He also says he will be taking part in a commemoration for the centenary of the Battle of The Somme.
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12.01pm BST
12:01
Tom Watson smiles at Corbyn, says what from a distance seem to be a few friendly words as the Labour leader sits next to him #PMQs
PMQs. Jeremy Corbyn enters the Commons. Not even a single cheer. Labour MPs continue chatting among themselves
11.59am BST
11:59
Cameron and Corbyn at PMQs
PMQs is about to start.
This will be one of the most peculiar PMQs for years. Because of the binary nature of politics, when either the prime minister or leader of the opposition is struggling, the other one is generally on the up. To have both of them on the brink of departure is highly unusual.
11.53am BST11.53am BST
11:5311:53
Brown calls for all-party commission to investigate globalisation after Brexit voteBrown calls for all-party commission to investigate globalisation after Brexit vote
Gordon Brown, the former prime minister, has deliver a major speech on Brexit in Scotland this morning. Gordon Brown, the former prime minister, has delivered a major speech on Brexit in Scotland this morning.
To understand the causes of the anti-establishment rebellion we should set up an all-party commission that brings in people with much to contribute from all over the world and usher in a national conversation on all aspects of globalisation. The aim should be to make globalisation work for the British people in an inclusive and fair way - asking how we can take new measures - to raise skills, to compete in new areas, to help the low paid, to increase the supply of jobs, to relieve communities under pressure - and thus respond to the insecurities that globalisation can bring. This is the central economic issue of our times. Given that we are trying to address the concerns of people who feel left behind by global change we should encourage a national conversation on global change that includes that immigration brings great benefits but has to be managed. To understand the causes of the anti-establishment rebellion we should set up an all-party commission that brings in people with much to contribute from all over the world and usher in a national conversation on all aspects of globalisation. The aim should be to make globalisation work for the British people in an inclusive and fair way, asking how we can take new measures – to raise skills, to compete in new areas, to help the low paid, to increase the supply of jobs, to relieve communities under pressure – and thus respond to the insecurities that globalisation can bring. This is the central economic issue of our times. Given that we are trying to address the concerns of people who feel left behind by global change we should encourage a national conversation on global change that includes that immigration brings great benefits but has to be managed.
To narrow the areas of uncertainty on our trading relationships we must not only investigate all the main options for our continued relations with Europe while outside the EU – the Norway, Swiss and WTO options and I believe we should favour the Norway option – that as part of the EEA we retain membership of the single market but that we investigate the protocol and use of the EEAs safeguard clause for managing immigration. To narrow the areas of uncertainty on our trading relationships we must not only investigate all the main options for our continued relations with Europe while outside the EU – the Norway, Swiss and WTO options, and I believe we should favour the Norway option – that as part of the EEA we retain membership of the single market, but that we investigate the protocol and use of the EEA’s safeguard clause for managing immigration.
And this is from my colleague Severin Carrell, who was there.And this is from my colleague Severin Carrell, who was there.
Gordon Brown insists "myth" that Labour voters delivered #Brexit needs challenged: proper perspective needed as right wing Tories to blameGordon Brown insists "myth" that Labour voters delivered #Brexit needs challenged: proper perspective needed as right wing Tories to blame
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11.45am BST11.45am BST
11:4511:45
And Emma Lewell-Buck has announced she is resigning as a shadow communities minister.And Emma Lewell-Buck has announced she is resigning as a shadow communities minister.
Today I'm stepping down as Shadow Minister heartbroken at state of Party & recent events so sorry things have came to this, statement laterToday I'm stepping down as Shadow Minister heartbroken at state of Party & recent events so sorry things have came to this, statement later
11.41am BST11.41am BST
11:4111:41
Harman says Corbyn should resignHarman says Corbyn should resign
Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, has joined those calling on Jeremy Corbyn to resign. These are from the BBC’s Laura Kuennsberg.Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, has joined those calling on Jeremy Corbyn to resign. These are from the BBC’s Laura Kuennsberg.
Harriet Harman urges Corbyn to goHarriet Harman urges Corbyn to go
Harman - 'Jeremy has no right or mandate to stay in office despite his failure and take the party down with him'Harman - 'Jeremy has no right or mandate to stay in office despite his failure and take the party down with him'
Significant particularly because as former dep and acting leader Harman has always stayed neutral on leadershipSignificant particularly because as former dep and acting leader Harman has always stayed neutral on leadership
11.36am BST11.36am BST
11:3611:36
Pat Glass resigns after just 48 hours as shadow education secretaryPat Glass resigns after just 48 hours as shadow education secretary
In these peculiar times it would not be a normal day if we got to lunchtime and had not had a Labour resignation. Today’s has arrived. Pat Glass is resigning from her post as shadow education secretary – a job she only took up on Monday.In these peculiar times it would not be a normal day if we got to lunchtime and had not had a Labour resignation. Today’s has arrived. Pat Glass is resigning from her post as shadow education secretary – a job she only took up on Monday.
It is with a heavy heart that I have today resigned as Shadow SoS Education. My dream job but the situation is untenableIt is with a heavy heart that I have today resigned as Shadow SoS Education. My dream job but the situation is untenable
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.37am BSTat 11.37am BST
11.24am BST
11:24
Q: Do you think you could seriously go to 2020 without having an election? You would need a mandate, wouldn’t you?
Crabb says the government got a mandate last year. The answer to instability is not more instability. There is plenty of work to be done to take the government through to the end of the parliament.
Q: Won’t people look at you and think you are too young and inexperienced?
Crabb says he has been an MP for 11 years, and a member of the government since 2010. He is running the largest spending department in government, although he admits he has only been doing it “for 10 minutes”.
Q: Do you regret backing remain in the referendum?
No, says Crabb.
Q: You are the underdog, and you come from a different background to the average Tory grandee, like Margaret Thatcher in 1975. Are there any lessons from her campaign?
Crabb says he was only two in 1975. But he thinks there is room for distinctive voices in this debate.
And that’s it. Crabb’s press conference is over.
11.18am BST
11:18
Crabb's Q&A
Crabb is now taking questions.
Q: Would you trigger article 50 as soon as you became prime minister and hold an early general election?
Crabb says it is important to bring the country together first.
He would set up an advisory committee to consider the withdrawal strategy, with a majority of government ministers.
Q: And an early general election?
Crabb says the answer to instability is not more instability.
Q: How can you lead the party when you voted remain?
Crabb says he wants to confine the remain/leave labels to the past.
Q: You want close relations with the EU, but also controls on immigration. You can’t have both, can you?
Crabb says the referendum showed that what mattered most to people was getting back control of borders.
It will be “very challenging” to reconcile that with full access to the single market.
Q: On social media a lot of people say you are prejudiced against gay people?
Absolutely not, says Crabb. He voted against gay marriage, but he accepts the result.
11.13am BST
11:13
Crabb says the UK must always become the best country in the world at doing global trade.
He says there can be no continuity remain campaign to subvert the result of the referendum.
He says he is worried too many Conservatives do not understand the lives of people in Britain.
It should not matter where you come from in life, he says. He says he joined the Conservative party when John Major was leader because that is what it represented.
The Conservative party should be a one nation party, he says. This is the moment for “modern, compassionate, reforming Conservatives”.
Updated
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11.09am BST
11:09
Crabb says he is opposed to a second referendum
Crabb is now addressing what to do about Brexit.
He says he is opposed to a second referendum. The answer to uncertainty is not more uncertainty, he says.
He says it is vital to get control of immigration. This is a message that came through from the referendum.
He says he wants the UK to remain close to Europe.
But he also wants to end the supremacy of EU law.
11.07am BST
11:07
Crabb says he is running with Sajid Javid, who would be his chancellor.
And he says Jeremy Wright, his attorney general, is his campaign manager.
Updated
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11.06am BST
11:06
Stephen Crabb's press conference
Stephen Crabb, the work and pensions secretary, is now announcing his leadership bid at a news conference.
He says he is standing because he wants to unite the country. He was struck by how much division the referendum revealed, he says.
The poorer areas are, the more likely they were to vote against Westminster, he says.
And he says he is also worried about the insults and the bad blood in the Conservative party. When you are a governing party, disunity has consequences, he says.
He says he cannot see anyone else who can unite the party.
He says he thinks he has the qualities to do this.
He was born in Scotland, but grew up in Wales. He was brought up in a council house and went to a comprehensive school. He was brought up by his mother, who was wonderful. From the age of 12 he worked every weekend, at first in a corner shop. He was blessed by his childhood. He was brought up to believe that no one was better than him, and that he was not better than others. He was not brought up to expect that anything would be handed to him on a plate. In north Wales you did not wait for the ball to come out of the back of the scrum, he says. If you wanted the ball, you had to go and get it.
(This is a reference to Boris Johnson’s comment, when asked if he wanted the leadership, that he would go for it if the ball came loose from the back of the scrum.)
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11.01am BST
11:01
Eighty Labour party members in Scotland have signed an open letter criticising Ian Murray for resigning as shadow Scottish secretary. Murray is one of the numerous Labour MPs who has quit the frontbench because he no longer has confidence in Jeremy Corbyn.
The letter says:
We are absolutely astonished that you have chosen this moment to put factional party politics over getting the best outcome for the people of Scotland …
With the Conservative party in chaos this was the moment for Labour to grasp hold of the political agenda, and to reach out to those who voted for Brexit out of desperation, with a positive vision of an anti-austerity socialist government committed to solving the housing problem, reindustrialising, funding the NHS and supporting trade unions, migrants and the whole working class.
For these reasons in particular we are horrified by your disloyalty, do not support your decision, and wish you to make clear that you have acted without the support of us as Scottish Labour members.
The signatories include Elaine Smith MSP and the whole executive committee of Scottish Young Labour.
Updated
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10.55am BST
10:55
Stephen Crabb, the work and pensions secretary, is holding a press conference this morning – presumably to announce his leadership bid (although the op note sent out in advance did not say that.)
But he is running late, which is never a good start.
Waiting for Stephen Crabb to launch his Tory leadership bid. Small room for man with big ambition. pic.twitter.com/CyMQ5S8IrQ
Stephen Crabb now 35 mins late. Concern growing that he's done a George Freeman
Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb 30 minutes late for own launch. Perhaps he should be sanctioned
Updated
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10.51am BST
10:51
Jeremy Corbyn is expecting a leadership challenge, but who the challenger will be remains unresolved.
These are from Huffington Post’s Paul Waugh.
Labour coup important update: I'm told Watson and Eagle in an uneasy standoff, each wanting the other to back down.
Expect some MPs to come out backing Tom Watson if impasse not resolved
The more MPs look at the logic of the coup the more Tom Watson is seen by some as the only choice. (And he beat Eagle to 4th in dep elxn)
And these are from the Observer’s Daniel Boffey.
Understand are tensions between Angela Eagle + Tom Watson camps over former's allies doing too much open canvassing for support yesterday
But today is the day when Watson or Eagle emerges as the unity candidate to either take over or challenge Jeremy Corbyn.
Sources tell me that Tom Watson with Jeremy Corbyn now, although that's not confirmed.
And this is from Sky’s Darren McCaffrey.
Corbyn camp source ramming up the rhetoric: Angela Eagle is the lesser of two Eagles and will get decimated in any leadership race.
10.46am BST
10:46
On Monday Chi Onwurah was being tipped by Labour sources as the next shadow business secretary. She has now written a blog saying that she voted against Jeremy Corbyn in the no confidence ballot and explaining why.
Here’s an extract.
I am not going to set out a detailed critique of Jeremy’s leadership. Whilst Jeremy has some important qualities – honesty and integrity – I could not in good conscience say I had confidence in him as our leader. I therefore voted No to today’s motion.
Since Monday, 86 constituents (including members) have emailed me asking me to back Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership whilst 60 constituents have emailed me asking me to vote against a motion of confidence in his leadership. I have considered all their comments. Of the activists who worked the EU referendum – doorknocked, leafletted etc – who contacted me the majority did not back Jeremy. On the doorstep, the majority of constituents who mentioned Jeremy did so negatively. I nominated Jeremy to widen the leadership debate and have backed him since he became leader. I hope that constituents and party members alike in Newcastle recognise that I have always supported him in public and have undertaken to serve him in whatever capacity he asked of me.
But I hope they also recognise that I cannot serve my constituents – which is my primary purpose – without effective leadership at the top of the Labour party. Having worked in business and the public sector across three continents and many different cultures, I have experience of many types of effective leadership. Jeremy’s leadership is not effective. The lack of leadership following the Brexit vote was emblematic of this.
Updated
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