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Brexit live: Farage 'disgusted' at May's refusal to promise EU nationals they can stay in UK Brexit live: Farage 'disgusted' at May's refusal to promise EU nationals they can stay in UK
(35 minutes later)
11.11am BST
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The Guardian’s account of how the five Tory leadership candidates performed at the private hustings for MPs last night is here.
Others have good accounts too.
Emily Ashton at BuzzFeed says Andrea Leadsom performed badly.
One cabinet minister said she was asked three times about her backing from UKIP and Leave.EU. “When you’re asked to say you’re not UKIP at a hustings to be leader of the Conservative party, you’re in trouble,” he said. “It was a car crash.”
Another MP said her pitch was a “fucking shambles”, adding: “She babbled on about the importance of the frontal cortex for emotional development, said she’d trigger Article 50 immediately – and then that she wouldn’t. She was good for the first three minutes though.”
Owen Bennett at Huffington Post says Leadsom’s performance was described as a “car crash”.
James Forsyth at the Spectator says Liam Fox seemed to be auditioning for the job of foreign secretary, not prime minister.
Unlike Gove, he devoted most of his fifteen minutes to giving a speech. He emphasised his experience and his ability to take decisive decisions. He said that he would ring-fence the mental health budget and increase defence spending. He talked about the dangers of cyber-terrorism and won smiles when he warned the 2010 and 2015 intakes not to believe the job offers that candidates make to them.
The view of Tory MPs afterwards was that Fox was, most likely, auditioning to be foreign secretary rather than prime minister. Hence, the global focus of the speech.
10.56am BST
10:56
Priti Patel, the employment minister and a lead figure in the Vote Leave campaign, has written an article for the Telegraph setting out what qualities she is looking for in the next Conservative leader. She does not say who she is backing, but she says the party needs someone who is “tried and tested, capable of making tough decisions and can lead a team negotiating with EU Institutions” but who can also “bring together, both the entire Conservative party and our country”.
Although Patel does not say which of the five candidates best meets these criteria, a source in the Theresa May camp has been emailing a link to the interview to journalists - so perhaps we can draw our own conclusions.
10.41am BST
10:41
The crisis in Labour is generating increased interest in the possibility of a split, and the formation of a new party. In the Times today Rachel Sylvester says a growing number of MPs and peers are interested in creating a new party of the centre left. (See 6.49am.) And in the Financial Times Janan Ganesh says these Labour splitters should not be deterred by the memory of what happened to the Social Democratic party in the 1980s.
The trauma of Limehouse has paralysed Labour moderates. But if they are going to be cowed by history, they should get that history right. In the end, the SDP won, and won big. The past four prime ministers – John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron – have tried to blend a free economy, a substantial state, cultural looseness and EU membership. Jenkins sensed where the country was going, just too early. Last month’s eruption has broken his consensus but it still commands half of Britons. A new party must speak for them.
Interestingly two Labour MPs, Clive Lewis and Jonathan Reynolds, have written a joint article for LabourList saying the party should embrace proportional representation because of the increasingly fragmented nature of the electorate. They argue:
The Brexit referendum showed what happens when the electorate are given a vote that counts – they take it and use it – packing so much frustration into a decision that was nominally about Europe but clearly about so much more, not least the effects of globalisation on their lives. The contrast could not have been greater with general elections in the UK. Because of the First Past the Post voting system only a few swing voters in a few swing seats are listened to and many voices are never heard.
This combined with the increasingly diverse nature of the UK’s political landscape means that a shift to a proportional voting system is now an urgent imperative. The era of just two big parties representing the vast bulk of the country is over and we now see the pent up consequences of pretending that is still the case. We urge the Labour party to lead the country towards a new politics of the 21st century by embracing proportional representation (PR).
Lewis is a Corbyn supporter and Reynolds is on the right of the party. The clear implication of their article is that Labour should split, although it does not say whether the Corbyn/Momentum/membership faction should be the one that leaves and sets up a new organisation from scratch or the “moderate”/rightwing/PLP one. But the two MPs do envisage the two successor Labour parties working together. They go on:
We welcome the formation of a progressive alliance of parties that understand without PR a more equal, democratic and sustainable society is less likely.
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Richard AdamsRichard Adams
The vice chancellors of Britain’s leading universities say they are “concerned by reports of increasing xenophobic incidents” and have issued a pledge to protect staff and students from attacks in the wake of the EU referendum result.The vice chancellors of Britain’s leading universities say they are “concerned by reports of increasing xenophobic incidents” and have issued a pledge to protect staff and students from attacks in the wake of the EU referendum result.
The Russell Group of leading UK research universities is in the frontline of Brexit fallout, vulnerable to uncertainty over research funding, staff and student recruitment from Europe.The Russell Group of leading UK research universities is in the frontline of Brexit fallout, vulnerable to uncertainty over research funding, staff and student recruitment from Europe.
David Greenaway, vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham and the group’s chair, and Wendy Piatt, the group’s director-general, have announced that they are already in talks with the government “to ensure the best possible outcome from upcoming negotiations”.Here’s an extract from the full Russell Group statement.David Greenaway, vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham and the group’s chair, and Wendy Piatt, the group’s director-general, have announced that they are already in talks with the government “to ensure the best possible outcome from upcoming negotiations”.Here’s an extract from the full Russell Group statement.
Leaving the EU will have a profound effect on our universities, who have long thrived on global collaboration and international interaction – be it through European staff and students coming to our universities, or when our best researchers work with colleagues across Europe to tackle big social and scientific challenges.Leaving the EU will have a profound effect on our universities, who have long thrived on global collaboration and international interaction – be it through European staff and students coming to our universities, or when our best researchers work with colleagues across Europe to tackle big social and scientific challenges.
Our universities have, therefore, always warmly welcomed people from different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs. Embracing this very diversity is vital to our success, fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. So we are especially concerned by reports of increasing xenophobic incidents and how this could impact on our communities. We simply will not tolerate abuse of this sort and any student or staff member who experiences racism or xenophobia on or off our campuses can be assured this will be taken extremely seriously. Now more than ever we should ensure our campuses are places where diversity is welcomed, cherished and respected.Our universities have, therefore, always warmly welcomed people from different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs. Embracing this very diversity is vital to our success, fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. So we are especially concerned by reports of increasing xenophobic incidents and how this could impact on our communities. We simply will not tolerate abuse of this sort and any student or staff member who experiences racism or xenophobia on or off our campuses can be assured this will be taken extremely seriously. Now more than ever we should ensure our campuses are places where diversity is welcomed, cherished and respected.
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Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, will host a group of diplomats representing EU countries at Bute House, to discuss how the Scottish government can provide further reassurance to all EU citizens living in Scotland.Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, will host a group of diplomats representing EU countries at Bute House, to discuss how the Scottish government can provide further reassurance to all EU citizens living in Scotland.
Ahead of the meeting, Sturgeon said:Ahead of the meeting, Sturgeon said:
I have made it very clear that citizens of EU countries who have decided to make Scotland their home should receive an absolute guarantee from the UK government that their status here is safe and secure.I have made it very clear that citizens of EU countries who have decided to make Scotland their home should receive an absolute guarantee from the UK government that their status here is safe and secure.
I have already written to the prime minister and the potential candidates to succeed him, calling for that assurance to be made without delay - and that is just one of the issues I will be discussing with consuls and diplomats at today’s summit.I have already written to the prime minister and the potential candidates to succeed him, calling for that assurance to be made without delay - and that is just one of the issues I will be discussing with consuls and diplomats at today’s summit.
The first minister is also meeting representatives of the CBI, the Institute of Directors and other Scottish business groups, saying that the business community’s response to Brexit will be “crucial in protecting Scotland’s interests.”The first minister is also meeting representatives of the CBI, the Institute of Directors and other Scottish business groups, saying that the business community’s response to Brexit will be “crucial in protecting Scotland’s interests.”
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Tom Watson, Labour’s deputy leader, is talking to Labour’s main union backers today to try to find a solution to the Jeremy Corbyn crisis but he is not chairing a single meeting. He is due to meet Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary, along with John Cryer, chair of the parliamentary Labour party, this morning. Later in the day he is expected to talk separately to Dave Prentis, the Unison general secretary, Tom Roache, the GMB general secretary, and Dave Ward, the CWU general secretary. Coordinating their diaries has apparently been a bit of a problem.Tom Watson, Labour’s deputy leader, is talking to Labour’s main union backers today to try to find a solution to the Jeremy Corbyn crisis but he is not chairing a single meeting. He is due to meet Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary, along with John Cryer, chair of the parliamentary Labour party, this morning. Later in the day he is expected to talk separately to Dave Prentis, the Unison general secretary, Tom Roache, the GMB general secretary, and Dave Ward, the CWU general secretary. Coordinating their diaries has apparently been a bit of a problem.
9.54am BST9.54am BST
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There are a lot of Tory MPs on Twitter this morning expressing support for Theresa May – some of them using identical language.There are a lot of Tory MPs on Twitter this morning expressing support for Theresa May – some of them using identical language.
Today I'll be voting for @TheresaMay2016 for Prime Minister: she has the leadership to unite the Party & country https://t.co/eJN7P5lxtpToday I'll be voting for @TheresaMay2016 for Prime Minister: she has the leadership to unite the Party & country https://t.co/eJN7P5lxtp
I’ll be voting for @TheresaMay2016 she has the leadership to unite the Party & our country https://t.co/4ypE4rOv0oI’ll be voting for @TheresaMay2016 she has the leadership to unite the Party & our country https://t.co/4ypE4rOv0o
I'm voting for @TheresaMay2016 - tried and tested & knows how to make tough decisions #TM4PMI'm voting for @TheresaMay2016 - tried and tested & knows how to make tough decisions #TM4PM
Strong, determined and straight talking @TheresaMay2016 is the outstanding candidate to be Prime Minister. I'll be voting for her today.Strong, determined and straight talking @TheresaMay2016 is the outstanding candidate to be Prime Minister. I'll be voting for her today.
After listening to the candidates last night, I'm backing experience, stability, strength & leadership for uncertain times @TheresaMay2016After listening to the candidates last night, I'm backing experience, stability, strength & leadership for uncertain times @TheresaMay2016
Why I'm backing @TheresaMay2016: for a Britain that works for everyone & her formidable track record in govt: https://t.co/SDyOFtzPxb #TM4PMWhy I'm backing @TheresaMay2016: for a Britain that works for everyone & her formidable track record in govt: https://t.co/SDyOFtzPxb #TM4PM
Here is why I'm backing @TheresaMay2016 for Prime Minister: She has strong record of delivery and is a proven leader https://t.co/StrkUvTdFjHere is why I'm backing @TheresaMay2016 for Prime Minister: She has strong record of delivery and is a proven leader https://t.co/StrkUvTdFj
I am backing @TheresaMay2016 for Prime Minister. Strong & reliable leadership for challenging years ahead. Also to win the 2020 Election!I am backing @TheresaMay2016 for Prime Minister. Strong & reliable leadership for challenging years ahead. Also to win the 2020 Election!
I voted Leave and it's now time for strong leadership to unite our great nation - I'm backing @TheresaMay2016 #TM4PM pic.twitter.com/DJV4Cb1T1ZI voted Leave and it's now time for strong leadership to unite our great nation - I'm backing @TheresaMay2016 #TM4PM pic.twitter.com/DJV4Cb1T1Z
It is harder to find MPs on Twitter backing other candidates this morning, but David Mowat has said he is backing Andrea Leadsom.It is harder to find MPs on Twitter backing other candidates this morning, but David Mowat has said he is backing Andrea Leadsom.
Today, I'll be voting for my friend and colleague @andrealeadsom in the leadership ballot. I'm sure she would make a superb PM.Today, I'll be voting for my friend and colleague @andrealeadsom in the leadership ballot. I'm sure she would make a superb PM.
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Nicky Morgan, the education secretary who is backing Michael Gove, told the BBC this morning that she did not think Andrea Leadsom was experienced enough to be leader. She said:Nicky Morgan, the education secretary who is backing Michael Gove, told the BBC this morning that she did not think Andrea Leadsom was experienced enough to be leader. She said:
[Leadsom] has not been a cabinet minister. She has not been a minister for that long. And there is definitely a mood in the party for making sure that two cabinet heavyweights we have got, who come from different traditions, different sides of the EU referendum campaign, Theresa May and Michael Gove - it would be right to put them to the party in the country.[Leadsom] has not been a cabinet minister. She has not been a minister for that long. And there is definitely a mood in the party for making sure that two cabinet heavyweights we have got, who come from different traditions, different sides of the EU referendum campaign, Theresa May and Michael Gove - it would be right to put them to the party in the country.
9.33am BST9.33am BST
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This is a useful reminder that the first round of voting in a Conservative party leadership election is not always a helpful guide to the final result.This is a useful reminder that the first round of voting in a Conservative party leadership election is not always a helpful guide to the final result.
Ahead in the 1st rd of Conservative leadership contests:1990: Margaret Thatcher1997: Ken Clarke2001: Michael Portillo2005: David DavisAhead in the 1st rd of Conservative leadership contests:1990: Margaret Thatcher1997: Ken Clarke2001: Michael Portillo2005: David Davis
9.29am BST9.29am BST
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Tory members back Theresa May's stance on EU nationals, poll suggestsTory members back Theresa May's stance on EU nationals, poll suggests
Here are more figures from the YouGov poll of Conservative members in today’s Times (paywall). It suggests that Theresa May would comfortably beat Andrea Leadsom in the final ballot.Here are more figures from the YouGov poll of Conservative members in today’s Times (paywall). It suggests that Theresa May would comfortably beat Andrea Leadsom in the final ballot.
It also suggests Conservative members back Theresa May’s position on EU nationals remaining in the UK (which is to refuse to promise them now that they can stay, because she wants to secure reciprocal rights for Britons living in the EU as part of the withdrawal negotiations). This is interesting because many Tory MPs, and all the other four leadership candidates, want to assure EU nationals now that they can remain.It also suggests Conservative members back Theresa May’s position on EU nationals remaining in the UK (which is to refuse to promise them now that they can stay, because she wants to secure reciprocal rights for Britons living in the EU as part of the withdrawal negotiations). This is interesting because many Tory MPs, and all the other four leadership candidates, want to assure EU nationals now that they can remain.
More than 7 out of 10 Tory members back Theresa May tying future of EU migrants in UK to future of British EU expats pic.twitter.com/5WkKYvVXjqMore than 7 out of 10 Tory members back Theresa May tying future of EU migrants in UK to future of British EU expats pic.twitter.com/5WkKYvVXjq
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Farage says he is disgusted Theresa May is refusing to promise EU nationals they can stay in UKFarage says he is disgusted Theresa May is refusing to promise EU nationals they can stay in UK
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Claire.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Claire.
Nigel Farage, the outgoing Ukip leader, has been on LBC this morning. He has joined the large chorus of Brexit politicians (and remain ones too) criticising Theresa May for refusing to promise EU nationals living in the UK that they will definitely be allowed to stay. These are from LBC’s Theo Usherwood.Nigel Farage, the outgoing Ukip leader, has been on LBC this morning. He has joined the large chorus of Brexit politicians (and remain ones too) criticising Theresa May for refusing to promise EU nationals living in the UK that they will definitely be allowed to stay. These are from LBC’s Theo Usherwood.
Nigel Farage on LBC now: I might watch a bit of cricket, catch the odd fish, go to the pub.... I wouldn't mind a bit of normality.Nigel Farage on LBC now: I might watch a bit of cricket, catch the odd fish, go to the pub.... I wouldn't mind a bit of normality.
Farage: If I can help behind the scenes with the Brexit negotiations then I would be happy to do so.Farage: If I can help behind the scenes with the Brexit negotiations then I would be happy to do so.
Farage: I am disgusted at the way May has been speaking. The EU nationals living in the UK came here legally and they have protected rights.Farage: I am disgusted at the way May has been speaking. The EU nationals living in the UK came here legally and they have protected rights.
8.42am BST8.42am BST
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Anushka AsthanaAnushka Asthana
It was mainly Conservative MPs who were drinking in the House of Commons bars last night as many discussed how the leadership candidates had performed in the hustings.It was mainly Conservative MPs who were drinking in the House of Commons bars last night as many discussed how the leadership candidates had performed in the hustings.
Some joked that Andrea Leadsom had lost them when she began to talk about “frontal lobes” and her “3 B’s – Brussels, banks and babies”. The reference was to the attachment theory between parents and newborns and the impact on brain development, something she is passionate about.Some joked that Andrea Leadsom had lost them when she began to talk about “frontal lobes” and her “3 B’s – Brussels, banks and babies”. The reference was to the attachment theory between parents and newborns and the impact on brain development, something she is passionate about.
Many said Michael Gove and Liam Fox performed best, but said Theresa May got the best reception and described Stephen Crabb as solid.Many said Michael Gove and Liam Fox performed best, but said Theresa May got the best reception and described Stephen Crabb as solid.
Around 25 MPs went on to a later session in which the candidates addressed the party’s 2020 group, a set of MPs thinking about winning the next election, in half-hour sessions.Around 25 MPs went on to a later session in which the candidates addressed the party’s 2020 group, a set of MPs thinking about winning the next election, in half-hour sessions.
But others went to a special karaoke session in which I’m told all the leadership candidates, apart from Leadsom, turned up for a singalong that stretched into the night.But others went to a special karaoke session in which I’m told all the leadership candidates, apart from Leadsom, turned up for a singalong that stretched into the night.
Sources suggest Crabb came out with a belter: Don’t Stop Me Now!Sources suggest Crabb came out with a belter: Don’t Stop Me Now!
The karaoke was organised by the deputy leader of the house, Therese Coffey, and dozens of MPs came, singing a variety of songs including Mr Brightside, Mack the Knife and Summer Nights.The karaoke was organised by the deputy leader of the house, Therese Coffey, and dozens of MPs came, singing a variety of songs including Mr Brightside, Mack the Knife and Summer Nights.
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Crabb: 'being gay is not a sin'Crabb: 'being gay is not a sin'
Crabb voted against same-sex marriage and has come in for criticism – particularly since he launched his leadership bid – for his views.Crabb voted against same-sex marriage and has come in for criticism – particularly since he launched his leadership bid – for his views.
He told the BBC his objection had been on the “narrow issue of protection of religious freedom”:He told the BBC his objection had been on the “narrow issue of protection of religious freedom”:
I’m very happy with the outcome of the vote … I totally, totally support equal marriage in law. I don’t want anybody in society feeling second best. I don’t believe that being gay is a sin.I’m very happy with the outcome of the vote … I totally, totally support equal marriage in law. I don’t want anybody in society feeling second best. I don’t believe that being gay is a sin.
Crabb also said that quotes circulating on social media in which he allegedly backed “gay conversion therapy” were a “complete falsehood”, adding that he does not believe that being gay is something that can be “cured”:Crabb also said that quotes circulating on social media in which he allegedly backed “gay conversion therapy” were a “complete falsehood”, adding that he does not believe that being gay is something that can be “cured”:
It’s certainly not part of my Christian outlook.It’s certainly not part of my Christian outlook.
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Asked about his proposal for a £100bn Growing Britain fund – borrowing to invest in infrastructure projects – Crabb mentioned (a few times) the need for “bold choices”:Asked about his proposal for a £100bn Growing Britain fund – borrowing to invest in infrastructure projects – Crabb mentioned (a few times) the need for “bold choices”:
We’re at a major turning point … if we’re going to turn this [Brexit] to our advantage, we need to make some different economic choices.We’re at a major turning point … if we’re going to turn this [Brexit] to our advantage, we need to make some different economic choices.
The plan sounds similar to that outlined in Labour’s manifesto in the 2015 election, presenter Mishal Husain tells him. Does he want to pay tribute to Ed Balls?The plan sounds similar to that outlined in Labour’s manifesto in the 2015 election, presenter Mishal Husain tells him. Does he want to pay tribute to Ed Balls?
Astonishingly, he does not.Astonishingly, he does not.
Crabb also insists he’s not abandoning government policy:Crabb also insists he’s not abandoning government policy:
It will always be a hallmark of a Conservative government to put a really strong emphasis on fiscal discipline and controlling spending.It will always be a hallmark of a Conservative government to put a really strong emphasis on fiscal discipline and controlling spending.
[But] Britain has to forge a new future in the world.[But] Britain has to forge a new future in the world.
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