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General election: Ukip accused of 'full-throated Islamophobia' after it launches integration plan - Politics live General election: Ukip accused of 'full-throated Islamophobia' after it launches integration plan - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
1.33pm BST
13:33
The SNP is challenging Scottish Labour to rule out council coalitions with the Conservatives after next month’s local elections. Susan Aitken, co-convenor of the SNP’s council campaign, said:
The SNP is absolutely clear – we will not put austerity-obsessed Tories into power in councils across Scotland. The public deserve to know whether a vote for Labour is a vote to put the increasingly rightwing Tories in charge of our local services.
The Tory party is moving further and further to the right, and it would be reckless to do anything that risked putting hard line Tories in charge of our schools, social care and local housing.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister and SNP leader, refused to rule out SNP/Conservative coalitions in local government when she launched the SNP’s campaign last week, although, after an SNP national executive committee meeting on Saturday, the party did rule out deals with the Tories.
1.27pm BST
13:27
Zac Goldsmith, whose political career seemed to be over when he lost the Richmond Park byelection in December, wants to fight the seat again for the Conservatives, the Evening Standard reports.
Goldsmith had a 23,015 majority when he stood as a Tory in 2015. But he left the party and fought a byelection as an independent, honouring a promise he had made, after the government came out in favour of a third runway at Heathrow. The Conservatives did not put up a candidate in the contest, but not having the support of a party machine harmed Goldsmith’s prospects and Richmond Park voters, who were firmly pro-remain, used the byelection to punish him for backing Brexit. The Lib Dem Sarah Olney won with a majority of 1,872.
1.16pm BST
13:16
And, while we’re on the subject of leaflets, the Times’ Sam Coates says Theresa May is spending the afternoon being photographed with Conservative candidates for their election leaflets.
Wondering what Theresa is actually doing today? Having her photograph taken this PM with lots of Tory MPs for election literature
1.11pm BST
13:11
Rowena Mason
The first Conservative election leaflet has been printed with no less than three mentions for Theresa May’s “strong leadership”, a picture of the prime minister alone and union flag branding. It also mentions Jeremy Corbyn to warn against weak leadership under a coalition - suggesting the Conservative party is trying to stop remain supporters voting Lib Dem as much as Labour.
Tory #GE2017 leaflet themes: Strengthen #Brexit negotiation hand, #TheresaMay or coalition of chaos, GE now or Tory #Brexit mess in 2020... pic.twitter.com/575TQCt7Hr
12.58pm BST12.58pm BST
12:5812:58
My colleague Severin Carrell says Jeremy Corbyn’s reception at the STUC was more enthusiastic than when he recently spoke at the Scottish Labour conference.My colleague Severin Carrell says Jeremy Corbyn’s reception at the STUC was more enthusiastic than when he recently spoke at the Scottish Labour conference.
The @jeremycorbyn @ScottishTUC audience noticeably larger, more enthusiastic than at @scottishlabour conference #GE2017 (outside it snows) pic.twitter.com/Ql4I6dfRzWThe @jeremycorbyn @ScottishTUC audience noticeably larger, more enthusiastic than at @scottishlabour conference #GE2017 (outside it snows) pic.twitter.com/Ql4I6dfRzW
12.56pm BST12.56pm BST
12:5612:56
Corbyn did not take questions after his speech. But he was presented with a pen from the STUC. He said he would use it to sign away the Trade Union Act.Corbyn did not take questions after his speech. But he was presented with a pen from the STUC. He said he would use it to sign away the Trade Union Act.
12.52pm BST12.52pm BST
12:5212:52
Corbyn is winding up now.Corbyn is winding up now.
He says more policies will be announced in the coming weeks.He says more policies will be announced in the coming weeks.
In the coming weeks Labour will lay out more of our policies that will unlock opportunities for every single person in this country.In the coming weeks Labour will lay out more of our policies that will unlock opportunities for every single person in this country.
We will focus on giving people real control over their own lives and make sure that everybody reaps a just reward for the work that they do.We will focus on giving people real control over their own lives and make sure that everybody reaps a just reward for the work that they do.
We will no longer allow those at the top to leach off of those who bust their guts on zero hours contracts or those forced to make sacrifices to pay their mortgage or their rent.We will no longer allow those at the top to leach off of those who bust their guts on zero hours contracts or those forced to make sacrifices to pay their mortgage or their rent.
Instead of the country’s wealth being hidden in tax havens we will put it in the hands of the people of Britain because they are the ones who earned it in the first place.Instead of the country’s wealth being hidden in tax havens we will put it in the hands of the people of Britain because they are the ones who earned it in the first place.
12.51pm BST12.51pm BST
12:5112:51
Corbyn lists some more Labour employment policies.Corbyn lists some more Labour employment policies.
We will give all workers equal rights from day one to stop some workers being exploited and others undercut.We will give all workers equal rights from day one to stop some workers being exploited and others undercut.
We will introduce a right to own giving workers first refusal when their company faces a change of ownership or closure.We will introduce a right to own giving workers first refusal when their company faces a change of ownership or closure.
We’ll properly fund the Health & Safety Executive shamefully cut back under this Government compromising those great gains that our movement has historically fought so hard forWe’ll properly fund the Health & Safety Executive shamefully cut back under this Government compromising those great gains that our movement has historically fought so hard for
And we will work with trade unions and industry to reintroduce sectoral collective bargaining across the country.And we will work with trade unions and industry to reintroduce sectoral collective bargaining across the country.
We will also introduce 4 new public holidays giving people the time to lead better and more fulfilling lives, helping productivity at the same time. And we will ask for the support of the governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland so that the same four holidays can be enjoyed across the United Kingdom.We will also introduce 4 new public holidays giving people the time to lead better and more fulfilling lives, helping productivity at the same time. And we will ask for the support of the governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland so that the same four holidays can be enjoyed across the United Kingdom.
Friends, our aim is a country where everyone who can has the dignity of work and where everyone has a guarantee of dignity at work.Friends, our aim is a country where everyone who can has the dignity of work and where everyone has a guarantee of dignity at work.
12.49pm BST12.49pm BST
12:4912:49
Corbyn says it is right to investigate past abuses.Corbyn says it is right to investigate past abuses.
Unlike others, we will set up inquiries into blacklisting and Orgreave … and we would urge the Scottish government to set up an inquiry into the actions of the Scottish police during the Miners’ strike.Unlike others, we will set up inquiries into blacklisting and Orgreave … and we would urge the Scottish government to set up an inquiry into the actions of the Scottish police during the Miners’ strike.
12.49pm BST12.49pm BST
12:4912:49
Corbyn says Labour would create a Scottish National Bank for investment.Corbyn says Labour would create a Scottish National Bank for investment.
We will create a Scottish National Bank under Scottish control and backed by the National Investment Bank with £20bn of lending power to deliver the funds to local projects and Scotland’s small businesses creating work and stimulating the economy.We will create a Scottish National Bank under Scottish control and backed by the National Investment Bank with £20bn of lending power to deliver the funds to local projects and Scotland’s small businesses creating work and stimulating the economy.
And he says Labour would ban zero-hours contracts.And he says Labour would ban zero-hours contracts.
We will ban zero hours contracts giving new protections to the 60,000 Scottish workers currently with no guaranteed hours. How can people plan or just pay the rent when they have no security of income?We will ban zero hours contracts giving new protections to the 60,000 Scottish workers currently with no guaranteed hours. How can people plan or just pay the rent when they have no security of income?
Is it right they wake every morning and then wait for a text?Is it right they wake every morning and then wait for a text?
12.46pm BST12.46pm BST
12:4612:46
Corbyn says politicians should focus on poverty, and not, he implies, devolution or independence.Corbyn says politicians should focus on poverty, and not, he implies, devolution or independence.
Labour would raise the minimum wage to £10, he says.Labour would raise the minimum wage to £10, he says.
12.45pm BST12.45pm BST
12:4512:45
Corbyn says many in the media think the election is a foregone conclusion.Corbyn says many in the media think the election is a foregone conclusion.
They think that there are rules in politics; that you have to accept the rules laid down by others.They think that there are rules in politics; that you have to accept the rules laid down by others.
But if you adopt this view, you will never change anything, he says.But if you adopt this view, you will never change anything, he says.
He says the only real progressive alliance is the Labour party and the trade union movement working together.He says the only real progressive alliance is the Labour party and the trade union movement working together.
12.41pm BST
12:41
Corbyn says the Tories and the Lib Dems unleashed a vicious attack on working people when they were in government.
Labour will offer hope to workers, he says, offering change and a transformative policy programme. It would put power in people’s hands.
It will present an alternative, he says. It would make the country work for the many not the few.
It will end the public sector pay cap that disrespects public servants.
It will end the need for food banks.
He says the Tories are trying to use Brexit to turn the UK into a low-wage tax haven.
Labour will put jobs, standards and human rights first in the Brexit talks, he says.
12.38pm BST
12:38
Jeremy Corbyn speaks to STUC
Jeremy Corbyn is speaking at the STUC conference in Scotland.
He says trade unions are in the Labour family. They are part of Labour’s DNA. He says he will never apologise for the link.
He is proud to be a trade unionist himself, he says. He says he carries his union card with him. He will die a trade unionist, he says.
He says Labour would repeal the Trade Union Act.
12.34pm BST
12:34
Labour expected to publish manifesto on 15 May
Anushka Asthana
The Labour party has pencilled in 15 May to launch its manifesto, just under three weeks before the June 8 general election poll, and is asking its shadow cabinet to carry three campaign visits a week over the entire period, the Guardian understands.
Jeremy Corbyn will meet with his shadow cabinet tomorrow to discuss the national campaign and manifesto process, which will be led by the senior policy adviser and former PCS union official, Andrew Fisher.
Shadow cabinet members will be expected to hit their target of three visits a week unless they have agreement from Corbyn’s political secretary, Katy Clark, not to.
Fisher will lead a manifesto process that has already garnered views of members via an email sent out in Corbyn’s name and will hear priorities from the party’s national policy forum.
Other plans include meetings with key groups including MPs, local councillors and unions, before the critical Clause V meeting between the NEC and shadow cabinet members on Thursday 11 May.
12.31pm BST
12:31
Guardian/ICM poll suggests Tories have 21-point lead over Labour
ICM was polling over the weekend, and here are the figures.
At 48%, the Conservatives are at their highest share of the vote in Guardian/ICM polling dating back to 1983. But their lead over Labour has not increased since our snap poll on Tuesday because the Conservatives and Labour are both up two points.
But Ukip is down to 7%. That is quite a steep drop from where they were the weekend before the general election was announced, when the Guardian/ICM poll had them at 11%.
Conservatives: 48% (up 2 since the snap Guardian/ICM poll last Tuesday)
Labour: 27% (up 2)
Lib Dems: 10% (down 1)
Ukip: 7% (down 1)
Greens: 3% (down 1)
Conservative lead: 21 points (no change)
ICM Unlimited interviewed a representative sample of 2,024 adults aged 18+ on 21 to 24 April 2017. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
12.07pm BST
12:07
Ukip accuses of embracing 'full-throated Islamophobia' by Greens
Caroline Lucas, the Green party co-leader, has accused Ukip of embracing “full-throated Islamophobia” following the party’s policy launch this morning. (See 11.40am.) She said:
Ukip’s ‘integration agenda’ is an assault on multiculturalism and an attack on Muslims. It’s full throttled Islamophobia.
Now that the referendum has passed Nutall’s party is desperately scrabbling around for relevance and seem to have settled upon attacks on Muslims and fringe far right politics as their new home. In this election the Green Party will be standing up to the politics of hate spewing from UKIP and putting forward a vision for a multicultural, welcoming Britain which we can all be proud of.
11.47am BST
11:47
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall refuses to say if he will stand for parliament
Here are more tweets from my colleague Jessica Elgot about the Ukip integration policy launch, and its proposal for girls at risk of FGM to have to undergo an annual medical examination.
.@UKIP Ukip says this will send "long overdue signal that Britain will not tolerate this any more."
.@UKIP Ukip says any rape or grooming offence where the perpetrator is a different race should be "aggravating factor" and treated as hate crime.
UKIP's Islam-focussed polices are not yet party policy, they will go to policy scrutiny committee. But there's a very clear new focus.
Ukip dep leader now outlining party's plan to "ban sharia law"and the face veil. All official docs should be in "English alone"
This is the full @UKIP "integration agenda" announced today pic.twitter.com/2jlPSKoLqM
Paul Nuttall is barricaded behind these doors, there are a lot of journalists outside wanting to know if he is standing in June. pic.twitter.com/VCbfpg6UvF
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall refuses to tell journalists if he will stand for parliament in the election.
11.40am BST
11:40
Ukip says girls at risk of FGM should have to undergo a medical examination every year
Paul Nuttall, the Ukip leader, has been speaking at a policy launch this morning alongside Peter Whittle, the party’s deputy leader, Margot Parker MEP, the party’s equalities spokeswoman, and David Kurten AM, the party’s education spokesman.
My colleague Jessica Elgot has been tweeting from the event.
.@UKIP Nuttall says this is about people "signing up to British law and British life". Clear change of direction for @Ukip to focus on Islam.
.@UKIP @ukip's education spokesman now introduced. Calls Islamism "a poisonous ideology." You can see where this is going...
.@UKIP Ukip education spox David Kurten says there should be immediate moratorium on new Islamic schools
.@UKIP Ukip's Margot Parker now taking us on a tour of women's rights throughout the ages.
.@UKIP The point is we should never take women's rights for granted, it seems. "Multiculturalism is the enemy of women's rights."
Islamic communities are becoming more and more segregated, instead of taking on "superior British values" says Parker
.@UKIP Parker addressing FGM against British girls, and says the law has been a failure (she's not wrong there)
.@UKIP NEW: Ukip propose that girls at risk of FGM are required to have medical examinations every year
Ukip says girls at risk of FGM should have to undergo a medical examination every year.
11.02am BST
11:02
Khan firmly endorses Corbyn for prime minister
Sadiq Khan was one of the Labour MPs who nominated Jeremy Corbyn for the leadership in 2015 and his courting of the Corbynite left helped him beat Tessa Jowell for the mayoral nomination. But once he became the candidate he quickly distanced himself from Corbyn and as mayor at time he has been almost derisive about his party leader.
But on Sky’s All Out Politics Khan firmly endorsed Corbyn for prime minister. Asked if he could tell Londoners Corbyn was the best person to be prime minister on 9 June, Khan replied:
The choice is simple. The choice is a Conservative prime minister who wants a bigger majority for a hard Brexit, risking jobs, growth and prosperity, or a Labour prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, making sure we get a good deal with the European Union, protecting jobs, growth and prosperity, but also protecting the NHS, the police service and our city. We have had too many years of those who were the poorest, those who are working their socks off, not getting a fair share, and I’m hoping a Labour government will ensure that all of us get a fair share.
The Mirror’s Kevin Maguire thinks this was a textbook answer from Khan.
London's Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan gives text book support to Corbyn despite their known political differences. Class act in his party
10.48am BST
10:48
Jim Messina, the American Democratic political consultant who spent two years as President Obama’s deputy chief of staff, has been hired by the Conservatives to work on their election campaign, Bloomberg’s Tim Ross reports. Messina also worked for the Tories on their 2015 campaign. Ross says:
[Messina’s] appointment brings together the key figures in the team behind Cameron’s success in 2015. May has also hired Lynton Crosby, the political strategist, Mark Textor, the pollster and Crosby’s business partner, and the digital media specialists Craig Elder and Tom Edmonds, all of whom worked for the Cameron campaign.
10.37am BST
10:37
Esther McVey, the Conservative former employment minister, is one of the three Tories selected for the shortlist to replace George Osborne as the party’s candidate in Tatton, Mark Wallace at ConservativeHome reports.
McVey was elected MP for Wirral West in 2010 but lost her seat five years later. If she wins the Tatton selection, she is unlikely to have to worry about defeat again. George Osborne, who is standing down to concentrate on his new career at editor of the Evening Standard, had a majority of 18,241 at the 2015 election.
Under fast-track procedures being used by the Conservative party to select candidates in seats where they do not have them, CCHQ is drawing up shortlists of three for seats that are Tory-held or Tory targets. Local members will then chose from the three candidates they have been offered.
UPDATE: Jonathan Marsland points out that boundary changes mean I’m wrong about Tatton being a safe seat for the foreseeable future.
@AndrewSparrow Tatton only long term safe seat if G Brady steps down at next GE as under boundary review Alt/SW & Tatton basically combined!
Updated
at 11.27am BST