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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)
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Jeremy Corbyn and Tom Watson have held separate talks with the leader of the country’s biggest union in an attempt to resolve the crisis at the top of the Labour party, the Press Association reports.
Deputy leader Mr Watson was holding a series of talks with union chiefs in an attempt to end the impasse over Corbyn’s position.
Both Watson and Corbyn discussed the situation with Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, who has called for the unions to broker a peace deal in the deeply divided Labour party.
The position of the unions could prove crucial in determining the future of the party, and Watson told MPs that talks with them would be the “last throw of the dice” in efforts to persuade embattled leaderCorbyn to stand down.
A source close to Watson said there were “lengthy talks” between the deputy leader and McCluskey with the prospect of further discussions later, but they were “still exploring the lie of the land”.
And here is Huffington Post’s Paul Waugh on the situation.
Len McCluskey met Jeremy Corbyn, after meeting Tom Watson.JC + TM didn't meet. Labour leadership turning into Relate counselling session
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A German political party is attempting to woo British start-ups to Berlin following the UK’s vote to leave the EU, the Press Association reports.
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) hired an ad-van emblazoned with a billboard aimed at enticing companies to move to the German capital in the wake of the referendum result.
The Berlin branch of the FDP, a junior coalition party to Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats between 2009 and 2013, drove the van across London on Tuesday ahead of a key regional election in September.
The billboard reads: “Dear start-ups, Keep calm and move to Berlin” and has been pictured across central London on social media.
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Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, told the European parliament today that national governments should stop criticising the EU because negative comments about it contributed to Britain voting to leave. He told the MEPs:
In the current situation, attacks on the EU institutions, including the commission and the parliament, can only deepen the confusion.
The national capitals must undertake an effort to stop accusing the EU and its institutions of weaknesses and failures. The referendum in the UK was lost also because the political elites have for years been building a negative and often unfair vision of the EU.
Here is a full text of his remarks.
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There is some evidence that EU nationals due to come to the UK to work for the NHS are having second thoughts since the Brexit vote, the Press Association reports.There is some evidence that EU nationals due to come to the UK to work for the NHS are having second thoughts since the Brexit vote, the Press Association reports.
Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians, has said that there is “anecdotal evidence” that the NHS is struggling to recruit European staff following the referendum.Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians, has said that there is “anecdotal evidence” that the NHS is struggling to recruit European staff following the referendum.
She said: “There is a lot of chatter about around EU doctors who feel uncomfortable continuing to be here and are not applying for posts in the UK.”She said: “There is a lot of chatter about around EU doctors who feel uncomfortable continuing to be here and are not applying for posts in the UK.”
Saffron Cordery, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said: “We have heard of emails from our member organisations asking us if any other trusts have been in the situation of having people they had specifically recruited now deciding not to come.”Saffron Cordery, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said: “We have heard of emails from our member organisations asking us if any other trusts have been in the situation of having people they had specifically recruited now deciding not to come.”
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Late voter spotted leaving the Committee corridor - the Chancellor - remaining tight lipped on who he has voted for, praising all candidatesLate voter spotted leaving the Committee corridor - the Chancellor - remaining tight lipped on who he has voted for, praising all candidates
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The Conservatives, Labour and Ukip are not the only parties in the midst of leadership contests or crises. The Green party is looking for a new leader too, and today they have announced the six candidates (two of whom are proposing a job share).The Conservatives, Labour and Ukip are not the only parties in the midst of leadership contests or crises. The Green party is looking for a new leader too, and today they have announced the six candidates (two of whom are proposing a job share).
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Robert BoothRobert Booth
Keen-eyed observers of this morning’s papers could not fail to miss the distinctive man in the triple-tweed ensemble behind Nigel Farage as he left his resignation press conference. The man with the short back and sides is Gawain Towler, his loyal press secretary of 12 years.Keen-eyed observers of this morning’s papers could not fail to miss the distinctive man in the triple-tweed ensemble behind Nigel Farage as he left his resignation press conference. The man with the short back and sides is Gawain Towler, his loyal press secretary of 12 years.
Towler, 48, a former Brussels correspondent for Private Eye, is now looking for a new position. He has a reasonable claim to be one of the most experienced crisis PR operators in Westminster.Towler, 48, a former Brussels correspondent for Private Eye, is now looking for a new position. He has a reasonable claim to be one of the most experienced crisis PR operators in Westminster.
Among journalists Towler has a reputation as accessible and friendly, and was often found smoking cigarettes and drinking pints of bitter, like his boss, outside Westminster pubs.Among journalists Towler has a reputation as accessible and friendly, and was often found smoking cigarettes and drinking pints of bitter, like his boss, outside Westminster pubs.
As Farage’s flak catcher he had to deal with the outcry after a Ukip councillor said in 2014 that serious floods in the UK were the direct result of the legalisation of gay marriage; Godfrey Bloom calling recipients of UK aid budgets “Bongo-Bongo land” in 2013 and Farage last month launching his “breaking point” referendum poster showing refugees from the Syrian war queuing at the Slovenian border rather than EU migrants, which drew accusations of racist propaganda.As Farage’s flak catcher he had to deal with the outcry after a Ukip councillor said in 2014 that serious floods in the UK were the direct result of the legalisation of gay marriage; Godfrey Bloom calling recipients of UK aid budgets “Bongo-Bongo land” in 2013 and Farage last month launching his “breaking point” referendum poster showing refugees from the Syrian war queuing at the Slovenian border rather than EU migrants, which drew accusations of racist propaganda.
The son of a military family who grew up in Dorset, Towler chaired the student Conservatives at York University and worked in parliament for Nirj Deva, a Conservative MP until 1992 before running as a member of the Scottish parliament against George Galloway in 2001. He joined Ukip in Brussels as press spokesman for Farage’s group in the European parliament.The son of a military family who grew up in Dorset, Towler chaired the student Conservatives at York University and worked in parliament for Nirj Deva, a Conservative MP until 1992 before running as a member of the Scottish parliament against George Galloway in 2001. He joined Ukip in Brussels as press spokesman for Farage’s group in the European parliament.
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Theresa May has told the Evening Standard in an interview that she would expect EU leaders to engage in informal talks about Brexit before the UK triggers the formal withdrawal process. The most senior EU leaders have rejected this idea. But May told the Standard:Theresa May has told the Evening Standard in an interview that she would expect EU leaders to engage in informal talks about Brexit before the UK triggers the formal withdrawal process. The most senior EU leaders have rejected this idea. But May told the Standard:
In the European negotiations I have been involved in, you often have preliminary talks before you actually reach the formal position. This will be a point of discussion ...In the European negotiations I have been involved in, you often have preliminary talks before you actually reach the formal position. This will be a point of discussion ...
I would hope that we would see that everybody recognises it is not just for the UK’s benefit but actually for the benefit of the EU that we have sensible discussions that are undertaken in a good spirit of willingness to get a deal that is right for us but also a sensible deal for the EU.I would hope that we would see that everybody recognises it is not just for the UK’s benefit but actually for the benefit of the EU that we have sensible discussions that are undertaken in a good spirit of willingness to get a deal that is right for us but also a sensible deal for the EU.
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The Labour MP Ian Austin is rather envious of the efficiency with which the Conservative party is getting round to selecting a new leader.The Labour MP Ian Austin is rather envious of the efficiency with which the Conservative party is getting round to selecting a new leader.
Tory MPs just started voting. for their new leader. Could all be done and dusted by next week. That's how a serious political party acts.Tory MPs just started voting. for their new leader. Could all be done and dusted by next week. That's how a serious political party acts.
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No 10 says Theresa May has done 'a very good job as home secretary'No 10 says Theresa May has done 'a very good job as home secretary'
At the afternoon lobby briefing the prime minister’s spokeswoman was asked if he, like Ken Clarke, finds Theresa May “difficult” to work with. She replied:At the afternoon lobby briefing the prime minister’s spokeswoman was asked if he, like Ken Clarke, finds Theresa May “difficult” to work with. She replied:
He has found she has done a very good job as home secretary and they have worked very closely together on a whole range of issues.He has found she has done a very good job as home secretary and they have worked very closely together on a whole range of issues.
Asked if this amounted to an endorsement, the spokeswoman said:Asked if this amounted to an endorsement, the spokeswoman said:
I think it reflects the working relationship between prime minister and home secretary. It’s not that different to how he works with other cabinet ministers.I think it reflects the working relationship between prime minister and home secretary. It’s not that different to how he works with other cabinet ministers.
That may not be an official endorsement, but it’s not far off ...That may not be an official endorsement, but it’s not far off ...
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The Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake has tabled a 10-minute rule bill to give EU nationals the right to stay in the UK. It will be debated next Tuesday (for 10 minutes). The motion may well get approved without a vote, but 10-minute rule bills almost never become law. The procedure is intended to allow MPs to raise an issue, not to pass legislation.The Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake has tabled a 10-minute rule bill to give EU nationals the right to stay in the UK. It will be debated next Tuesday (for 10 minutes). The motion may well get approved without a vote, but 10-minute rule bills almost never become law. The procedure is intended to allow MPs to raise an issue, not to pass legislation.
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Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
The first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will write to all EU nationals living in Scotland, sending them a message of reassurance that her government will “pursue every option to protect Scotland’s position in Europe and, by extension, the interests of EU citizens who live and work here”.The first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will write to all EU nationals living in Scotland, sending them a message of reassurance that her government will “pursue every option to protect Scotland’s position in Europe and, by extension, the interests of EU citizens who live and work here”.
The announcement came after Sturgeon met consuls and diplomats from 18 EU countries earlier today. Immediately following the meeting she branded “inhumane” the UK government’s refusal to guarantee the rights of EU nationals living in Scotland.The announcement came after Sturgeon met consuls and diplomats from 18 EU countries earlier today. Immediately following the meeting she branded “inhumane” the UK government’s refusal to guarantee the rights of EU nationals living in Scotland.
She also called on David Cameron and his potential successors to give “an immediate guarantee that the existing rights of the 173,000 EU nationals in Scotland will be protected”.She also called on David Cameron and his potential successors to give “an immediate guarantee that the existing rights of the 173,000 EU nationals in Scotland will be protected”.
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Ken Clarke is unrepentant too, LBC’s Theo Usherwood reports.Ken Clarke is unrepentant too, LBC’s Theo Usherwood reports.
.@KayBurley and @SkyNews can rest easy. A jovial Ken Clarke tells me: "There's no point denying it, they are my views.".@KayBurley and @SkyNews can rest easy. A jovial Ken Clarke tells me: "There's no point denying it, they are my views."
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Rifkind says 'high proportion of the human race' agree with him about Gove being unfit to be PMRifkind says 'high proportion of the human race' agree with him about Gove being unfit to be PM
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, the former Conservative foreign secretary, has no regrets about being recorded criticising Michael Gove. In supposedly private remarks broadcast by Sky News (see 2.22pm) Rifkind said:Sir Malcolm Rifkind, the former Conservative foreign secretary, has no regrets about being recorded criticising Michael Gove. In supposedly private remarks broadcast by Sky News (see 2.22pm) Rifkind said:
I don’t mind who wins as long as Gove comes third. As long as Gove doesn’t come in the final two I don’t mind what happens.I don’t mind who wins as long as Gove comes third. As long as Gove doesn’t come in the final two I don’t mind what happens.
Asked about his comment, he told the Press Association:Asked about his comment, he told the Press Association:
My comments speak for themselves, and they appear to be shared by quite a high proportion of the human race.My comments speak for themselves, and they appear to be shared by quite a high proportion of the human race.
Commenting on Sky’s decision to broadcast the clip, he said:Commenting on Sky’s decision to broadcast the clip, he said:
It all adds to the sum of human life. It was a bit naughty of them.It all adds to the sum of human life. It was a bit naughty of them.
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Scotland Yard received more than 200 hate crime reports after referendumScotland Yard received more than 200 hate crime reports after referendum
Scotland Yard received more than 200 hate crime reports in the days after the EU referendum, the Press Association reports.Scotland Yard received more than 200 hate crime reports in the days after the EU referendum, the Press Association reports.
Britain’s largest force logged 232 allegations from Friday June 24 to Tuesday June 28.Britain’s largest force logged 232 allegations from Friday June 24 to Tuesday June 28.
Of these, eight were targeted against Polish or other European communities, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said, while 23 are considered to be related to the referendum “in as much as” it was “directly referenced or alluded to” during the alleged offence.Of these, eight were targeted against Polish or other European communities, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said, while 23 are considered to be related to the referendum “in as much as” it was “directly referenced or alluded to” during the alleged offence.
On average the force receives between 20 and 50 reports of hate crime a day. This increased to 62 on Sunday June 26 - two days after the result was announced - and then 64 last Tuesday.On average the force receives between 20 and 50 reports of hate crime a day. This increased to 62 on Sunday June 26 - two days after the result was announced - and then 64 last Tuesday.
In a letter to Labour MP Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, Hogan-Howe stressed the Met takes hate crime “extremely seriously”.In a letter to Labour MP Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, Hogan-Howe stressed the Met takes hate crime “extremely seriously”.
He said that on Sunday June 26 they decided to move their policing approach from a “monitoring position” to a “proactive pan-London policing operation”.He said that on Sunday June 26 they decided to move their policing approach from a “monitoring position” to a “proactive pan-London policing operation”.
Patrol plans were adjusted to deliver a visible presence in areas considered most affected.Patrol plans were adjusted to deliver a visible presence in areas considered most affected.
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Archbishop says Brexit vote has led to worst “out-welling of poison and hatred” seen for yearsArchbishop says Brexit vote has led to worst “out-welling of poison and hatred” seen for years
In the House of Lords debate on the EU referendum the archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, said the Brexit vote had led to the worst “out-welling of poison and hatred” he had seen for years.In the House of Lords debate on the EU referendum the archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, said the Brexit vote had led to the worst “out-welling of poison and hatred” he had seen for years.
The events of the last two weeks have led to some of the most dramatic and dynamic changes that we’ve known. The course of the campaign was both robust, as it properly should be on such great issues, but at times veered over the line on both sides into being not merely robust but unacceptable.The events of the last two weeks have led to some of the most dramatic and dynamic changes that we’ve known. The course of the campaign was both robust, as it properly should be on such great issues, but at times veered over the line on both sides into being not merely robust but unacceptable.
Through those comments were created cracks in the thin crust of the politeness and tolerance of our society, through which, since the referendum, we have seen an out-welling of poison and hatred that I cannot remember in this country for very many years.Through those comments were created cracks in the thin crust of the politeness and tolerance of our society, through which, since the referendum, we have seen an out-welling of poison and hatred that I cannot remember in this country for very many years.
It is essential, not only in this House but for the leaders of both sides, and throughout our society, to challenge the attacks, the xenophobia and the racism that seem to have been felt to be acceptable, at least for a while.It is essential, not only in this House but for the leaders of both sides, and throughout our society, to challenge the attacks, the xenophobia and the racism that seem to have been felt to be acceptable, at least for a while.
He also said that, to repair the damage, more needed to be done to tackle inequality.He also said that, to repair the damage, more needed to be done to tackle inequality.
The biggest thing it seems to me that we must challenge, my Lords, if we are to be effective in this creation of a new vision for Britain – a vision that enables hope and reconciliation to begin to flower – is to tackle the issues of inequality. It is inequality that thins out the crust of our society. It is inequality that raises the levels of anger and bitterness.The biggest thing it seems to me that we must challenge, my Lords, if we are to be effective in this creation of a new vision for Britain – a vision that enables hope and reconciliation to begin to flower – is to tackle the issues of inequality. It is inequality that thins out the crust of our society. It is inequality that raises the levels of anger and bitterness.
We have done it before, my Lords. This is not new. In the 19th century we tackled inequality. In the great governments following 1945 we tackled the inequality that had been so ruinous to our society in the 1930s and led to the failures of that time.We have done it before, my Lords. This is not new. In the 19th century we tackled inequality. In the great governments following 1945 we tackled the inequality that had been so ruinous to our society in the 1930s and led to the failures of that time.
The tools to tackle inequality are as readily available as they ever were, my Lords. They are the obvious ones of education, of public health – and we would add today mental health – of housing. But those tools are tools that we have to take up and invest in.The tools to tackle inequality are as readily available as they ever were, my Lords. They are the obvious ones of education, of public health – and we would add today mental health – of housing. But those tools are tools that we have to take up and invest in.
The full text of his speech is on his website here.The full text of his speech is on his website here.
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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.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.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.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.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.”“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.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.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.“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.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.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.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.
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This is from Sky’s Jon Craig.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.80% of Conservative MPs have now voted in round one of Tory leadership election, minister who supports Theresa May tells me.
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Crabb says he would put pressure on Northern Ireland to accept gay marriageCrabb 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.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: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.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.’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.’
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