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Brexit live: Ken Clarke says May 'bloody difficult', Gove 'wild' and Leadsom's views 'extremely stupid' Brexit live: Ken Clarke says May 'bloody difficult', Gove 'wild' and Leadsom's views 'extremely stupid'
(35 minutes later)
3.18pm BST
15:18
Embassies have seen a “wave of interest” in passport and citizenship inquiries during the week after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the Press Association reports.
Polish, Italian and Canadian embassies reported increased levels of interest since the Brexit side claimed victory, while Ireland’s post offices ran out of passports after a surge in demand.
Poland’s embassy in London said its consulate had received at least 200 emails and 600 phone calls regarding Polish citizenship and passports in the six days after the referendum vote, mainly from people with Polish origins.
A spokeswoman said: “There is a wave of interest in getting Polish passports.
“Normally monthly we get around 10 emails and calls regarding this issue. After the referendum, since last Friday, they have had around 250 inquiries daily.”
These requests were mainly from British citizens with Polish heritage but also from married couples where one spouse was Polish, especially when the pair had children, she said.
Italy’s embassy said its two consulates in London and Edinburgh had received at least 500 emails about obtaining Polish citizenship since Friday 24 June, the majority of them from British nationals with Italian ancestry who specified the Brexit vote as motivation.
“They are applying because they have the right to, but this is the thing that pushed them,” a spokesman said.
This was a “huge increase” from the norm, he said, adding that the consulates received 446 emails requesting citizenship following marriage in the first six months of 2016.
The Canadian embassy said there was a 325% increase in UK users accessing its Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website on 24 June – the day after millions went to the polls to cast their votes.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs had to appeal for calm after post offices ran out of Irish passport applications following the referendum result.
Updated
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3.15pm BST
15:15
This is from Sky’s Jon Craig.
80% of Conservative MPs have now voted in round one of Tory leadership election, minister who supports Theresa May tells me.
3.07pm BST
15:07
Crabb says he would put pressure on Northern Ireland to accept gay marriage
Stephen Crabb, the work and pensions secretary, has said that as prime minister he would put pressure on Northern Ireland to accept marriage equality. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where gay marriage is still illegal.
Crabb made the comment in an interview with Pink News. Referring to marriage equality, he said:
If I was prime minister of the United Kingdom, I think it’s a hallmark of an integrated, cohesive state that you have equal rights. There shouldn’t be a patchwork of rights.
I know what the sensitivities are in Northern Ireland but given the overwhelming referendum in the south and given where the rest of Britain is, I think that there is a really good case to sit down with Northern Ireland ministers constructively and say, ‘Look, come on, we’re a United Kingdom let’s at least have a united framework and coherent framework of rights.’
Updated
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2.52pm BST
14:52
Richard Adams
Tristram Hunt, Labour’s last but three shadow education secretaries, has today written to Nicky Morgan demanding “a clear statement of intent” over the status of EU nationals attending schools in England amid apparent disagreement between herself and the immigration minister on the subject. Hunt wrote:
The absence of planning by the DfE into the consequences of Brexit for children in English schools has been shameful – and it is teachers, schoolchildren and parents who will suffer. At school gates across the country there is now an atmosphere of confusion and concern, which has only been exacerbated by increased incidences of racist and xenophobic abuse. We need a clear statement of intent about how you are going to protect the education and learning of valued pupils in our schools. And we need it now.
Updated
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2.22pm BST2.22pm BST
14:2214:22
Ken Clarke says May 'bloody difficult', Gove 'wild' and Leadsom's views 'extremely stupid'Ken Clarke says May 'bloody difficult', Gove 'wild' and Leadsom's views 'extremely stupid'
Sky News has just broadcast footage of Kenneth Clarke, the former Conservative chancellor, mocking three of the leading candidates in the leadership contest.Sky News has just broadcast footage of Kenneth Clarke, the former Conservative chancellor, mocking three of the leading candidates in the leadership contest.
Clarke was in discussion with Sir Malcolm Rifkind, another former Tory cabinet minister. The two of them were chatting in the studio before going on air to discuss the contest, apparently unaware that their conversation was being recorded.Clarke was in discussion with Sir Malcolm Rifkind, another former Tory cabinet minister. The two of them were chatting in the studio before going on air to discuss the contest, apparently unaware that their conversation was being recorded.
Here are the highlights.Here are the highlights.
The recording, which is so much fun that I’ve listened to it three times already without getting bored, also suggests that Clarke can be a difficult conversational companion. You keep hearing Rifkind trying to butt in, but Clarke won’t let get a word in edgeways. The recording, which is so much fun that I’ve listened to it three times already without getting bored, also suggests that Clarke can be a difficult conversational companion. You keep hearing Rifkind trying to butt in, but Clarke won’t let him get a word in edgeways.
Here are some more nuggets from the Clarke/Rifkind exchange pic.twitter.com/JApXZiwBGdHere are some more nuggets from the Clarke/Rifkind exchange pic.twitter.com/JApXZiwBGd
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.32pm BST at 2.54pm BST
1.56pm BST1.56pm BST
13:5613:56
An Andrea Leadsom reading listAn Andrea Leadsom reading list
Within the space of a week Andrea Leadsom has gone from being a relatively unknown energy minister to second favourite to become next prime minister. As a result journalists have been looking at her record in some depth. Here are some blogs and articles that shed light on her views.Within the space of a week Andrea Leadsom has gone from being a relatively unknown energy minister to second favourite to become next prime minister. As a result journalists have been looking at her record in some depth. Here are some blogs and articles that shed light on her views.
Watch Andrea Leadsom calling for minimum wage to be scrapped for small businesseshttps://t.co/Q6iatPUEVt pic.twitter.com/Ib3sVB2AlWWatch Andrea Leadsom calling for minimum wage to be scrapped for small businesseshttps://t.co/Q6iatPUEVt pic.twitter.com/Ib3sVB2AlW
1.32pm BST1.32pm BST
13:3213:32
Letwin says government can invoke article 50 without a vote in parliamentLetwin says government can invoke article 50 without a vote in parliament
In his evidence to the Commons foreign affairs committee Oliver Letwin, the Cabinet Office minister, said the government did not accept that parliament had to vote on the decision to invoke article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty (the move that formally starts the two-year EU withdrawal process).In his evidence to the Commons foreign affairs committee Oliver Letwin, the Cabinet Office minister, said the government did not accept that parliament had to vote on the decision to invoke article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty (the move that formally starts the two-year EU withdrawal process).
Letwin reveals govt lawyers have advised Article 50 is a prerogative power so triggered by PM not parliament.Letwin reveals govt lawyers have advised Article 50 is a prerogative power so triggered by PM not parliament.
But Letwin adds parliament is involved in repeal of European Communities Act hence involved in Article 50But Letwin adds parliament is involved in repeal of European Communities Act hence involved in Article 50
He also hinted that the UK may not take up its sixth-month presidency of the EU next year. Britain is due to hold the presidency in the second half of 2017, but there is a mechanism that allows the EU to change the presidency rota.He also hinted that the UK may not take up its sixth-month presidency of the EU next year. Britain is due to hold the presidency in the second half of 2017, but there is a mechanism that allows the EU to change the presidency rota.
Will the UK still take up its presidency of the EU next year? Letwin: "It remains to be seen."Will the UK still take up its presidency of the EU next year? Letwin: "It remains to be seen."
And it looks like Letwin’s summer holiday is up the spout, now that he is in charge of the unit preparing for the Brexit negotiations.And it looks like Letwin’s summer holiday is up the spout, now that he is in charge of the unit preparing for the Brexit negotiations.
Another Brexit casualty - Oliver Letwin's summer holiday: "I am intending to be here almost every day of August, and all the days of July"Another Brexit casualty - Oliver Letwin's summer holiday: "I am intending to be here almost every day of August, and all the days of July"
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.45pm BSTat 1.45pm BST
1.23pm BST1.23pm BST
13:2313:23
And here are some more Tory MPs backing Theresa May on Twitter.And here are some more Tory MPs backing Theresa May on Twitter.
Of 20 emails demanding I vote for a particular MP today 1 is a C mber.5 UKIP,6 Against C,4 Unk'n,2 Vote C. Nice try I'm voting for TheresaOf 20 emails demanding I vote for a particular MP today 1 is a C mber.5 UKIP,6 Against C,4 Unk'n,2 Vote C. Nice try I'm voting for Theresa
Having spoken to all 5 leadership candidates & attended last night's hustings, I'll be voting for Theresa May for her judgement & experienceHaving spoken to all 5 leadership candidates & attended last night's hustings, I'll be voting for Theresa May for her judgement & experience
Voting is underway, & lots of thumbs up for Team Theresa @TheresaMay2016 #TM4PM pic.twitter.com/6HvTCisxGRVoting is underway, & lots of thumbs up for Team Theresa @TheresaMay2016 #TM4PM pic.twitter.com/6HvTCisxGR
I am backing @TheresaMay2016 to become the next Prime Minister & leader of the Party. Read my statement here: https://t.co/1GQR8cuf3u #TM4PMI am backing @TheresaMay2016 to become the next Prime Minister & leader of the Party. Read my statement here: https://t.co/1GQR8cuf3u #TM4PM
New PM needs experience & vision 2 navigate through these challenging times. That's why I’m backing @TheresaMay2016: https://t.co/zFaPuj5a5wNew PM needs experience & vision 2 navigate through these challenging times. That's why I’m backing @TheresaMay2016: https://t.co/zFaPuj5a5w
I am backing @theresamay2016 to be our next Party Leader & Prime Minister. Read my statement on why here: https://t.co/R2dKpg9ueS #TM4PMI am backing @theresamay2016 to be our next Party Leader & Prime Minister. Read my statement on why here: https://t.co/R2dKpg9ueS #TM4PM
But Dan Poulter has voted for Andrea Leadsom.But Dan Poulter has voted for Andrea Leadsom.
I have just voted for @andrealeadsom for next Tory leader & PM in the first round of voting todayI have just voted for @andrealeadsom for next Tory leader & PM in the first round of voting today
And David Morris is backing Stephen Crabb.And David Morris is backing Stephen Crabb.
Why I am backing my friend @scrabbmp to be the next Prime Minister https://t.co/UgfER41oD4 @Crabb4PMWhy I am backing my friend @scrabbmp to be the next Prime Minister https://t.co/UgfER41oD4 @Crabb4PM
1.17pm BST1.17pm BST
13:1713:17
This is from the Spectator’s James Forsyth.This is from the Spectator’s James Forsyth.
May campaign not keen on tactical voting to keep Leadsom off ballot. But some ministers backing her are--& considering doing it unilaterallyMay campaign not keen on tactical voting to keep Leadsom off ballot. But some ministers backing her are--& considering doing it unilaterally
1.09pm BST1.09pm BST
13:0913:09
Sturgeon says May's refusal to guarantee that EU nationals will be able to stay in UK is 'disgraceful'Sturgeon says May's refusal to guarantee that EU nationals will be able to stay in UK is 'disgraceful'
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has joined those criticising Theresa May’s stance on EU nationals living in the UK (see 9am and 1.04pm). Sturgeon said May’s stance was “disgraceful” and “disgusting”. This is from Channel 4 News’s Matthew Moore.Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has joined those criticising Theresa May’s stance on EU nationals living in the UK (see 9am and 1.04pm). Sturgeon said May’s stance was “disgraceful” and “disgusting”. This is from Channel 4 News’s Matthew Moore.
.@NicolaSturgeon calls @TheresaMay2016's position on EU migrants "disgraceful" and "disgusting". pic.twitter.com/0cNL0nCf9U.@NicolaSturgeon calls @TheresaMay2016's position on EU migrants "disgraceful" and "disgusting". pic.twitter.com/0cNL0nCf9U
And this is from Sturgeon’s chief of staff, Elizabeth Lloyd.And this is from Sturgeon’s chief of staff, Elizabeth Lloyd.
Nicola Sturgeon tells @GlennBBC that Theresa May comments a disgrace "human beings are not bargaining chips"Nicola Sturgeon tells @GlennBBC that Theresa May comments a disgrace "human beings are not bargaining chips"
1.04pm BST1.04pm BST
13:0413:04
Theresa May’s campaign team has sought to clarify her stance on EU nationals living in the UK in light of the continuing criticism she is receiving for failing to guarantee that they will be able to stay. (See 9am.) A source said:Theresa May’s campaign team has sought to clarify her stance on EU nationals living in the UK in light of the continuing criticism she is receiving for failing to guarantee that they will be able to stay. (See 9am.) A source said:
At last night’s meeting of the 1922 committee Theresa was very clear about the position of EU nationals in Britain, and argued that it was equally important to consider the rights of British nationals living abroad. Her position is that we will guarantee the legal status of EU nationals in Britain as long as British nationals living in EU countries have their status guaranteed too.At last night’s meeting of the 1922 committee Theresa was very clear about the position of EU nationals in Britain, and argued that it was equally important to consider the rights of British nationals living abroad. Her position is that we will guarantee the legal status of EU nationals in Britain as long as British nationals living in EU countries have their status guaranteed too.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.42pm BSTat 1.42pm BST
1.00pm BST1.00pm BST
13:0013:00
Greg Hands, the chief secretary to the Treasury, declared this morning that he was backing Theresa May. The Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn reads that as evidence that May has secured the backing of George Osborne, the chancellor, who has been keeping his intentions to himself.Greg Hands, the chief secretary to the Treasury, declared this morning that he was backing Theresa May. The Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn reads that as evidence that May has secured the backing of George Osborne, the chancellor, who has been keeping his intentions to himself.
One of the most intriguing endorsements yet - Team Osborne is coming in behind May and not Gove;https://t.co/j4gi2Q1DOKOne of the most intriguing endorsements yet - Team Osborne is coming in behind May and not Gove;https://t.co/j4gi2Q1DOK
12.57pm BST12.57pm BST
12:5712:57
Richard AdamsRichard Adams
The Tory leadership race is dragging politics into primary school test results, with Labour and the Lib Dems using today’s key stage 2 Sats statistics as a weapon to bash contender Michael Gove and his backer Nicky Morgan.The Tory leadership race is dragging politics into primary school test results, with Labour and the Lib Dems using today’s key stage 2 Sats statistics as a weapon to bash contender Michael Gove and his backer Nicky Morgan.
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, said: “These Sats results show starkly that they are gambling the futures of these young people on Michael Gove’s misty-eyed world view where every school is a prep or grammar school, students are robotic and teachers skip around teaching past participles and antonyms by rote to seven-year-olds. It sounds more like an Enid Blyton book than reality.”Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, said: “These Sats results show starkly that they are gambling the futures of these young people on Michael Gove’s misty-eyed world view where every school is a prep or grammar school, students are robotic and teachers skip around teaching past participles and antonyms by rote to seven-year-olds. It sounds more like an Enid Blyton book than reality.”
And then there’s this from Lucy Powell, who resigned from Labour’s frontbench last week: “Nicky Morgan should spend less time sucking up to Tory leadership candidates and more time trying to sort out the mess they have created. There’s no dressing these results up – there has been a big drop in results and standards have fallen due to the chaos and confusion in assessment created by Tory ministers past and present.”And then there’s this from Lucy Powell, who resigned from Labour’s frontbench last week: “Nicky Morgan should spend less time sucking up to Tory leadership candidates and more time trying to sort out the mess they have created. There’s no dressing these results up – there has been a big drop in results and standards have fallen due to the chaos and confusion in assessment created by Tory ministers past and present.”
The Sats show a bigger gap in attainment in reading and maths than in previous years, which the Department for Education and Morgan attribute to the new tougher Sats.The Sats show a bigger gap in attainment in reading and maths than in previous years, which the Department for Education and Morgan attribute to the new tougher Sats.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.02pm BSTat 1.02pm BST
12.53pm BST
12:53
Kate Connolly
Time was when British commentators loved to compare Angela Merkel, when she first came into office over a decade ago, to Margaret Thatcher. Merkel was going to be Germany’s Eiserne Frau or Iron Lady. No one makes that comparison any more. Instead, German commentators are right now struck by the strong resemblances between Theresa May and their own leader, Angela Merkel, writes our Berlin correspondent, Kate Connolly.
In a commentary for the German TV station NTV, Wolfram Weimer writes: “The home secretary has the best chance. With her, London would get a duplicate of the German chancellor.”
Reflecting on the fact that it has in the past not infrequently been a woman who has steered Britain out of a crisis, listing Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Margaret Thatcher as examples, Weimer says, now it could well be May’s turn to take up the role. He describes the 59-year-old as “something like the Angela Merkel of England. A pastor’s daughter who operates in an aloof and sober way, but who always knows exactly what she wants. Like Merkel, May was also the general secretary of her party during a time of crisis, like Merkel she applied ointment to the wound, like Merkel, May has managed to assert herself against all manner of macho men, with a cool determination.”
She is also “ambitious just like her German prototype … and in London they talk of her having the ‘stamina of a German’,” he notes.
And, he adds, just as Merkel got her party back on track following the fall of (Helmut) Kohl over a spending affair which engulfed her Christian Democrats, “so too Theresa May could become the big reconciler of the deeply split Tories.”
Die Welt calls May the “Ingenious survivor of the Brexit Drama”, drawing again on pastor’s daughter comparisons, and calling both women sober decision-makers, neither of whom are showy or keen for the limelight.
Both are part of a new ‘femokratie’ it says, coming to “clean up the mess created by the men”, in the guise of “postmodern Elektras in trouser suits with rubber gloves”. Like Merkel, it considers May to be “businesslike, technocratic, a safe, calm hand, who one can trust to steer the party and the country in a calm and collected manner”.
The broadcaster Deutschlandfunk says it is no surprise that May is “often compared to the German chancellor. She too is the daughter of a pastor and is married but with no children”.
Like Merkel she is “indomitable, strict, extremely hard-working and astute. But also unapproachable, serious, and rather shy … she is not jovial, she doesn’t talk until she’s blue in the face”. Her somewhat sober image only intensified during her time in office as home secretary, it adds. But a major difference between the two, the broadcaster points out, is that unlike Merkel, May has not tended to stand up for immigration.
Updated
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12.47pm BST
12:47
Alistair Burt to resign as health minister
Jeremy Corbyn is not the only party leader losing frontbenchers. The health minister, Alistair Burt, has just told MPs that he will leave the government when the new prime minister takes over. This is from the Telegraph’s Ben Riley-Smith.
Alistair Burt, Tory health minister, just announced he will step down from front bench when new leader is installed.
I have not seen a more detailed explanation yet for his move.
Updated
at 12.49pm BST
12.41pm BST
12:41
Boris Johnson explains why he's not backing Gove
And, talking of Boris Johnson, he has just been speaking to Sky News about why he is backing Andrea Leadsom. It is because she is very experienced and “very, very capable” and because she will build a good team, he said.
And why aren’t you backing Michael Gove, he was asked. Johnson smiled, and replied:
Because Andrea Leadsom, I think, has all the qualities that you need at the moment. She’s got a lot of zap, a lot of drive, and all the experience. Plus I think she can articulate what’s needed at the moment, which is a bit of an antidote to some of the gloom and negativity and misunderstanding about what the Brexit vote means. Because some people think that it’s the end of the world. It’s not. On the contrary, it’s a massive opportunity for this country.
At least, that’s the anodyne answer. An honest reply would have been a lot more interesting.
Updated
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12.31pm BST
12:31
Speaking in the European parliament this morning, Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European parliament, described Boris Johnson, the leading Tory Vote Leave campaigner, and Nigel Farage, the outgoing Ukip leader, as “retro-nationalists”.
12.19pm BST
12:19
Crispin Blunt accuses Cameron of 'dereliction of duty' over failure to prepare for Brexit
Crispin Blunt, the Conservative MP who chairs the foreign affairs committee, told Oliver Letwin that it was a “dereliction of duty” for David Cameron not to make any contingency planning for a Brexit vote. There were only two possible outcomes from the referendum, he said. And, since Cameron said he was planning to remain as prime minister whatever the result, he should have planned for a leave vote, he said.
Updated
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12.14pm BST
12:14
Letwin says that his unit is preparing a series of option papers for the next government. He wants to have them ready for 9 September, when the new prime minister is elected.
Those option papers will not include recommendations, he says.
He says they will cover issues like how the UK could maintain policing and security cooperation with EU countries after Brexit.
12.11pm BST
12:11
Oliver Letwin gives evidence to the foreign affairs committee on Brexit
Oliver Letwin, the Cabinet Office minister who is overseeing preparations for the EU withdrawal negotiations, is giving evidence to the Commons foreign affairs committee now. You can watch the hearing here.
I will be monitoring it closely, and posting any highlights, but without covering it in full.
Letwin started by saying that his team would not be taking decisions about the terms of withdrawal. That was a matter for the next prime minister, he said.
And he said he was not starting the withdrawal negotiations.
But what he and the team of civil servants are doing is making preparations for those negotiations, he said.
For example, they need to pull together a cadre of experts specialist in trade negotations.
And they want to pull together as much information as possible, he said.
12.05pm BST
12:05
Michael Dougan, professor of European law at the University of Liverpool, has been giving evidence to the Commons Treasury committee this morning about Brexit. My colleague Patrick Wintour has some of the highlights.
Prof. Michael Dougan: EFTA countries can be taken to EFTA court by EFTA surveillance authority. Judgements are binding in international law.
This means that if the UK adopted a Norway-style arrangement that involved membership of EFTA (the European Free Trade Association) it would still be subject to the decisions of a foreign court.
Dougan on withdrawal:"main worry is it is a job that cannot be done by parliament alone, requires enormous delegation of power to executive"
Dougan to Treas Sel Comm. French legal service has told French govt is that it would be possible for UK to trigger Art 50, and then revoke.
Dougan: To secure an EEA agreement, UK must avoid a veto by Swiss, 3 EFTA countries, 27 EU countries and European Parliament. 32 vetoes.
The EEA is the European Economic Area, which comprises all EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Many experts (boo) to Treasury Sel Comm say national elections in France and Germany mean no sense in triggering Art 50 until late 2017,
Updated
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11.52am BST
11:52
Here is Sky News’ latest tally on how many declared MP supporters each candidate in the Tory leadership contest has.
Latest on MPs from @SkyNews in Tory leadership contest MAY:122CRABB:25GOVE:27FOX:8LEADSOM:40
11.48am BST
11:48
Labour is going to hold an emergency debate in the Commons tomorrow on the rights of EU nationals living in the UK, Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretary, says.
Shadow Cabinet has agreed to hold an emergency debate tomorrow on EU nationals living in UK. Please ask your MP to support Labour motion. RT