This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2016/aug/11/labour-leadership-debate-jeremy-corbyn-owen-smith-gateshead-live

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Labour leadership debate: Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith face off in Gateshead – live Labour leadership debate: Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith face off in Gateshead – live
(35 minutes later)
9.17pm BST
21:17
Frances Perraudin
My colleague Frances Perraudin has been chatting to supporters and audience members both before and after the debate. Here’s what she’s filed.
Clutching Momentum and socialist party banners, and placards reading ‘Geordies got ya back Corbyn’, the crowd swarmed around the Labour leader as he got out of his car. Owen Smith received no such welcome.
Gavin Thompson, 29, an out-of-work civil engineer and organiser for Momentum Tyne and Wear didn’t get a ticket to the debate, but has come to show support for the Labour leader. He described the leadership election as “ugly and awful”.“We’re going to destroy the opposition,” he said. “I’m going to a put a little bet on a 75%-80% win. It’s been a pointless race and it’s only served to damage the Labour party,” he says.The audience of 450 in the hotel’s Gateshead suite was chosen at random from applications from local party members, with 15 delegates invited from each of the two campaign teams.
Speaking after the debate, Nick Gilks, a retired police officer, said the evening’s event hadn’t changed his mind and that he would be voting for Corbyn. “I didn’t know who he was when I first went to the hustings last year,” he said.
“I know him now and there was nothing I saw in there tonight that is going to change my mind and I’m not a trot.”“I find the Corbyn hysteria quite irritating, regardless of what you think [of the candidates],” says one woman, who asked not to be named. “[The audience is] just not listening. I went in there with an open mind but the hysteria really was making me switch off.”
8.58pm BST
20:58
Corbyn’s team have sent a friendly tweet to Owen Smith, despite that bitterness in the last few minutes where Smith made it clear he would not serve in the shadow cabinet.
Great to have a policy focussed debate, thanks to @OwenSmith_MP, @UKLabour staff and all watching in Gateshead and online #LabourHustings
A Smith campaign source texts to say they believe the contrast between the two candidates showed up tonight. “Owen was crystal clear on what he’d invest in the NHS and where the money would come from,” he said. “Stark contrast with Jeremy.”
Updated
at 9.00pm BST
8.57pm BST
20:57
We’re finished now in Gateshead, here’s some of the analysis from the Twitter political commentariat.
From the Mirror’s Ben Glaze
Have to wonder at the value of #LabourLeadership hustings. I suspect they reinforce what people already think rather than change any minds.
Certainly the audience in the room seems overwhelmingly to have come to support their man rather than learn anything #LabourLeadership
From the BBC’s Richard Moss
.@jeremycorbyn clearly has more support in the room as Gateshead hustings wraps up with prolonged standing ovation.l for him.
From the Huffington Post’s Paul Waugh
The boo-ing this year really is a new phenomenon. I chaired one of the Lab leadership (+deputy) hustings last yr + not a single boo.
From the Telegraph’s Ben Riley-Smith
Labour's crisis in a nutshell. Owen Smith says "power" not badges is what's needed to enact change. Audience boos.
Updated
at 9.03pm BST
8.50pm BST8.50pm BST
20:5020:50
Corbyn gives his closing summaryCorbyn gives his closing summary
He says the Labour party has had many victories under his leadership, citing councils and mayoral elections across Britain.He says the Labour party has had many victories under his leadership, citing councils and mayoral elections across Britain.
We have to build and transform our society and give people the confidence things can be done differently in Britain.We have to build and transform our society and give people the confidence things can be done differently in Britain.
There must be a new housing policy, re-nationalisation of the railways and a “national minimum wage that means something, £10 that the TUC recommends.There must be a new housing policy, re-nationalisation of the railways and a “national minimum wage that means something, £10 that the TUC recommends.
The applause is much louder for Corbyn, huge cheers and whoops from the crowd.The applause is much louder for Corbyn, huge cheers and whoops from the crowd.
Updated
at 8.57pm BST
8.47pm BST8.47pm BST
20:4720:47
Smith gives his closing summarySmith gives his closing summary
Smith says he grew up in Wales, under a Tory government which wanted to break trade unions, underfund the NHS and he says the same is happening now.Smith says he grew up in Wales, under a Tory government which wanted to break trade unions, underfund the NHS and he says the same is happening now.
They are still intending to privatise the NHS. They are still stripping away wages and workers rights of ordinary people. Those people can’t wait 18 years, they can’t wait 18 minutes for another Labour government.They are still intending to privatise the NHS. They are still stripping away wages and workers rights of ordinary people. Those people can’t wait 18 years, they can’t wait 18 minutes for another Labour government.
I am very clear I want to lead a Labour government, introduce fair taxation, deliver a revolution in workers rights and proper fair funding for every corner of Britain. Getting us off our knees and turning us once more into the engine room for the global economy. But we can only do that if we are in power.I am very clear I want to lead a Labour government, introduce fair taxation, deliver a revolution in workers rights and proper fair funding for every corner of Britain. Getting us off our knees and turning us once more into the engine room for the global economy. But we can only do that if we are in power.
I will restore us to a credible and radical socialist Labour government in waiting. If you put your faith in me, I will not let you down.I will restore us to a credible and radical socialist Labour government in waiting. If you put your faith in me, I will not let you down.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.49pm BST at 8.56pm BST
8.44pm BST8.44pm BST
20:4420:44
Smith says his first act of leadership would be “to do something that Jeremy can’t do, bring together a full shadow cabinet of talents from across the party.... Jeremy can’t do that and that’s why we need to change the leader of the Labour party.”Smith says his first act of leadership would be “to do something that Jeremy can’t do, bring together a full shadow cabinet of talents from across the party.... Jeremy can’t do that and that’s why we need to change the leader of the Labour party.”
He is being roundly booed for that analysis by members of the audience. Ridge asks both if they would serve in each others’ shadow cabinets.He is being roundly booed for that analysis by members of the audience. Ridge asks both if they would serve in each others’ shadow cabinets.
“I think it’s highly unlikely Owen would offer me anything,” Corbyn says.“I think it’s highly unlikely Owen would offer me anything,” Corbyn says.
I would offer, as I did last September, positions that ensure the political spectrum is represented.I would offer, as I did last September, positions that ensure the political spectrum is represented.
Smith says he has been “absolutely clear he would offer you a job in a shadow cabinet” but said he would not return to Corbyn’s front bench.Smith says he has been “absolutely clear he would offer you a job in a shadow cabinet” but said he would not return to Corbyn’s front bench.
I have lost confidence in you, but I would serve Labour on the backbenches because I am Labour to my bones and I will always be Labour.I have lost confidence in you, but I would serve Labour on the backbenches because I am Labour to my bones and I will always be Labour.
I would not, as Jeremy has done, vote against my party 500 times. I will do what I have always done is vote Labour.I would not, as Jeremy has done, vote against my party 500 times. I will do what I have always done is vote Labour.
Corbyn says that is disappointing. He said he would have thought Smith would want to continue the work he did in work and pensions. “I don’t want it to be futile work,” he says.Corbyn says that is disappointing. He said he would have thought Smith would want to continue the work he did in work and pensions. “I don’t want it to be futile work,” he says.
8.34pm BST8.34pm BST
20:3420:34
Do you think the UK should maintain its 2% of GDP in defence spending?Do you think the UK should maintain its 2% of GDP in defence spending?
Corbyn says he would like to live in a world where we spend “a lot less... I recognise there has to be a level of spending but I would hope in the long term to reduce it.”Corbyn says he would like to live in a world where we spend “a lot less... I recognise there has to be a level of spending but I would hope in the long term to reduce it.”
Smith says he would maintain 2%, which is a Nato target.Smith says he would maintain 2%, which is a Nato target.
We live in a more volatile world... when I see the prospect of Donald Trump in power in America, when I see Vladimir Putin in charge in Russia, I don’t think now is a time for Britain to shirk its responsibilities.We live in a more volatile world... when I see the prospect of Donald Trump in power in America, when I see Vladimir Putin in charge in Russia, I don’t think now is a time for Britain to shirk its responsibilities.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.36pm BSTat 8.36pm BST
8.32pm BST8.32pm BST
20:3220:32
Can war ever be justified?Can war ever be justified?
Smith says yes it can. He recalls as a child meeting miners’ leader Will Painter, who fought in the Spanish civil war against fascism. An audience member laughs, which Smith says is “disrespectful”.Smith says yes it can. He recalls as a child meeting miners’ leader Will Painter, who fought in the Spanish civil war against fascism. An audience member laughs, which Smith says is “disrespectful”.
He says he agrees with Corbyn there should be a war powers act to ensure parliament will always have a vote on matters of future wars. But he says there have been times that the UK should have intervened, citing Rwanda.He says he agrees with Corbyn there should be a war powers act to ensure parliament will always have a vote on matters of future wars. But he says there have been times that the UK should have intervened, citing Rwanda.
Corbyn says he can never say never, because there have been wars of liberation which should be fought. But he says there has to be a holistic approach to war and peace, mentioning arms sales to Saudi Arabia while the nation fights a war in Yemen.Corbyn says he can never say never, because there have been wars of liberation which should be fought. But he says there has to be a holistic approach to war and peace, mentioning arms sales to Saudi Arabia while the nation fights a war in Yemen.
The Chilcott report makes pretty sobering reading.. how we ended up in a war we knew was questionably legal.. We have to have a different, less aggressive foreign policy.The Chilcott report makes pretty sobering reading.. how we ended up in a war we knew was questionably legal.. We have to have a different, less aggressive foreign policy.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.33pm BSTat 8.33pm BST
8.26pm BST8.26pm BST
20:2620:26
Smith is getting frustrated with Corbyn in these final minutes, as Corbyn says the party “has to put forward economic policies that bring about justice, that we agree on.”Smith is getting frustrated with Corbyn in these final minutes, as Corbyn says the party “has to put forward economic policies that bring about justice, that we agree on.”
Smith says there has to be “more than rhetoric, Jeremy...”Smith says there has to be “more than rhetoric, Jeremy...”
We will not bring back the confidence of the British people unless we have a concrete programme. The rhetoric will appeal to our base but it won’t win us back Nuneaton, Cardiff North...We will not bring back the confidence of the British people unless we have a concrete programme. The rhetoric will appeal to our base but it won’t win us back Nuneaton, Cardiff North...
Corbyn says that the party should “get out there and involve people in developing an economic strategy. “It’s all there.” Smith says it isn’t.Corbyn says that the party should “get out there and involve people in developing an economic strategy. “It’s all there.” Smith says it isn’t.
We will not be able to transform the life chances of a single child in this country if we are not in power.We will not be able to transform the life chances of a single child in this country if we are not in power.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.47pm BSTat 8.47pm BST
8.20pm BST8.20pm BST
20:2020:20
Ridge asks if they accept the premise of the question, whether they think that people distrusted Labour on the economy.Ridge asks if they accept the premise of the question, whether they think that people distrusted Labour on the economy.
People were confused about Labour’s stance on the economy, Corbyn says.People were confused about Labour’s stance on the economy, Corbyn says.
If we are saying we are intending to have good quality public-funded services, PFI cannot rip off our health and education service, we are going to promote industry, I think that’s a very strong message.If we are saying we are intending to have good quality public-funded services, PFI cannot rip off our health and education service, we are going to promote industry, I think that’s a very strong message.
Smith says it was a lie that the former Labour government caused the economic crash. “We should have been stronger challenging that, much much stronger.”Smith says it was a lie that the former Labour government caused the economic crash. “We should have been stronger challenging that, much much stronger.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.21pm BSTat 8.21pm BST
8.17pm BST8.17pm BST
20:1720:17
What actions will you take to restore Labour's economic credibilities?What actions will you take to restore Labour's economic credibilities?
Corbyn begins with tax avoidance and tax evasion. He says that a Labour party must show it will chase down tax avoidance, learn the lessons from the Panama Papers leak, and fund proper public services.Corbyn begins with tax avoidance and tax evasion. He says that a Labour party must show it will chase down tax avoidance, learn the lessons from the Panama Papers leak, and fund proper public services.
Smith says he wants to reintroduce the 50p tax rate, he would block cuts to inheritance and capital gains tax.Smith says he wants to reintroduce the 50p tax rate, he would block cuts to inheritance and capital gains tax.
He repeats his previous pledge for a wealth tax, he says it would be a surcharge on unearned income of people earning, which will fund the NHS.He repeats his previous pledge for a wealth tax, he says it would be a surcharge on unearned income of people earning, which will fund the NHS.
8.13pm BST8.13pm BST
20:1320:13
Lighting update! The dimness is gone and the full lights are back.Lighting update! The dimness is gone and the full lights are back.
Lights fully back on so #LabourLeadership candidates are no longer having their identities protected at hustings. pic.twitter.com/0yMwzioqR9Lights fully back on so #LabourLeadership candidates are no longer having their identities protected at hustings. pic.twitter.com/0yMwzioqR9
8.12pm BST8.12pm BST
20:1220:12
How will each candidate make the world tomorrow better than yesterday?How will each candidate make the world tomorrow better than yesterday?
A question from a young person...A question from a young person...
Smith says the first thing to tackle is the Tories’ idea of a living wage. He says he would introduce a “proper” living wage of £8.25 an hour, rising to more than £10 over a five year period, and make sure that it applied to under 25s as well.Smith says the first thing to tackle is the Tories’ idea of a living wage. He says he would introduce a “proper” living wage of £8.25 an hour, rising to more than £10 over a five year period, and make sure that it applied to under 25s as well.
Corbyn says it is not true that the world is a worse place than decades ago, but that redistribution of wealth is the problem.Corbyn says it is not true that the world is a worse place than decades ago, but that redistribution of wealth is the problem.
The world is an infinitely richer place. Technology has moved us on immeasurably, what hasn’t moved on is the policy of redistribution.The world is an infinitely richer place. Technology has moved us on immeasurably, what hasn’t moved on is the policy of redistribution.
I want to see an economic strategy that redistributes wealth... it’s a question of making sure the next generation is better off, not worse off.I want to see an economic strategy that redistributes wealth... it’s a question of making sure the next generation is better off, not worse off.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.13pm BSTat 8.13pm BST
8.08pm BST8.08pm BST
20:0820:08
Corbyn is being asked about free schools and academies. He says he would not close them, but bring them back into local authority control.Corbyn is being asked about free schools and academies. He says he would not close them, but bring them back into local authority control.
Smith says too that no schools should be closed down but said the government had sought to “subvert” Labour’s academy programme, because the Conservatives “don’t believe in comprehensives.”Smith says too that no schools should be closed down but said the government had sought to “subvert” Labour’s academy programme, because the Conservatives “don’t believe in comprehensives.”