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General election: Fallon says Tories would not rule out nuclear first strike and calls Corbyn 'security risk' - Politics live General election: Fallon says Tories would not rule out nuclear first strike and calls Corbyn 'security risk' - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
9.59am BST
09:59
According to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Jeremy Corbyn will not respond directly to the Conservative attacks on his stance on defence policy (see 8.22pm) in his speech to the Scottish TUC (STUC) at lunchtime.
Corbyn not expected to address Tory attacks directly on stump today, but later in campaign he'll put forward a 'peace and security' case
Corbyn likely to make case further into campaign that his calls on foreign interventions in recent years have essentially been proved right
They'll mount that case, knowing many voters agree with him that Iraq was a mistake -challenge to overturn wider accusations on security
9.46am BST
09:46
Andrew Gwynne, Labour’s joint elections chief, was on the Today programme earlier (see 7.36am) but he was also on Sky News, where he was asked about Jeremy Corbyn’s interview on the Andrew Marr show yesterday.
In the interview Corbyn gave rather elliptical answers when asked if he would authorise the use of nuclear weapons, or a drone strike against the leader of Isis. You can read the transcript here (pdf). My colleague John Crace sketched the interview here.
On Sky News Gwynne was asked about the interview, and it was put to him that in it Corbyn showed that he was not ready to take decisions and to be prime minister. Gwynne defended his leaders robustly. He replied:
He absolutely is [ready to be prime minister]. And, actually, I don’t want a hothead sitting at the table in Number 10. I want somebody who’s going to take a very considered view as to what is the most appropriate way of dealing with the defence and security challenges facing Britain.
9.02am BST9.02am BST
09:0209:02
Ed Miliband accuses Fallon of 'talking garbage' about Labour's energy price cap planEd Miliband accuses Fallon of 'talking garbage' about Labour's energy price cap plan
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Good morning. I’m taking over now from Martin.Good morning. I’m taking over now from Martin.
We have already flagged up what Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, said about Jeremy Corbyn’s stance on Trident on the Today programme this morning (see 8.22pm) but there was also an interesting exchange on energy policy. Nick Robinson, who was interviewing him, challenged him very effectively over the fact that the Conservatives are adopting an energy price cap policy that the party rubbished when Ed Miliband proposed it.We have already flagged up what Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, said about Jeremy Corbyn’s stance on Trident on the Today programme this morning (see 8.22pm) but there was also an interesting exchange on energy policy. Nick Robinson, who was interviewing him, challenged him very effectively over the fact that the Conservatives are adopting an energy price cap policy that the party rubbished when Ed Miliband proposed it.
Here is an edited transcript of the key exchange.Here is an edited transcript of the key exchange.
NR: You talk about staggering performances. Do you think it is staggering to try and control the price of energy in the way that people tried to control the price of bread in the 1970s?NR: You talk about staggering performances. Do you think it is staggering to try and control the price of energy in the way that people tried to control the price of bread in the 1970s?
MF: No. Energy has always been regulated. There has been a regulator there. And we are committed to making markets work better for working families ...MF: No. Energy has always been regulated. There has been a regulator there. And we are committed to making markets work better for working families ...
NR: But those were your words when you were the energy minister and Ed Miliband unveiled an energy freeze. And you said: “We have not seen intervention in industry on a scale like this since the 1970s when they tried to control the price of bread.” It now seems you think it was a jolly good idea.NR: But those were your words when you were the energy minister and Ed Miliband unveiled an energy freeze. And you said: “We have not seen intervention in industry on a scale like this since the 1970s when they tried to control the price of bread.” It now seems you think it was a jolly good idea.
MF: No we don’t. And you will find when the manifesto is published in a couple of weeks we are not proposing a freeze. A freeze means, of course, you would not be able to take advantage of prices when they drop ... He was proposing an 18-month freeze that could have made a lot of consumers worse off ...MF: No we don’t. And you will find when the manifesto is published in a couple of weeks we are not proposing a freeze. A freeze means, of course, you would not be able to take advantage of prices when they drop ... He was proposing an 18-month freeze that could have made a lot of consumers worse off ...
NR: Let me see if I can get this right. You are saying that a freeze on prices is a control on industry but a cap on prices is not a control on industry. I’m finding that hard to understand, I have to say.NR: Let me see if I can get this right. You are saying that a freeze on prices is a control on industry but a cap on prices is not a control on industry. I’m finding that hard to understand, I have to say.
MF: Well, a freeze is very different to a cap. But you will see our precise proposals when the manifesto is published in a couple of weeks time ... A freeze would have stopped you taking advantage of prices when they dropped.MF: Well, a freeze is very different to a cap. But you will see our precise proposals when the manifesto is published in a couple of weeks time ... A freeze would have stopped you taking advantage of prices when they dropped.
NR: Are you not at all guilty of just a little bit of hypocrisy on this particular measure. And wouldn’t people admire you more if you say: “We thought of doing it one way, we’ve changed our mind, we are going to do something different.”NR: Are you not at all guilty of just a little bit of hypocrisy on this particular measure. And wouldn’t people admire you more if you say: “We thought of doing it one way, we’ve changed our mind, we are going to do something different.”
MF: No. What we can be honest about is saying we hoped markets would have worked better by now, we hoped the power that the big six energy companies have would have been diluted, we had hoped that there would have been more switching. But when that has not happened, it is right to make sure that people are properly protected.MF: No. What we can be honest about is saying we hoped markets would have worked better by now, we hoped the power that the big six energy companies have would have been diluted, we had hoped that there would have been more switching. But when that has not happened, it is right to make sure that people are properly protected.
Fallon claimed that there was no inconsistency because Miliband was proposing a price freeze and the Tories are proposing a price cap. But “freeze” was just the term Miliband used to describe a cap. He never proposed to stop energy companies cutting prices, and has said so this morning.Fallon claimed that there was no inconsistency because Miliband was proposing a price freeze and the Tories are proposing a price cap. But “freeze” was just the term Miliband used to describe a cap. He never proposed to stop energy companies cutting prices, and has said so this morning.
Fallon, of course, talking garbage...2015 manifesto:"Labour will freeze energy bills until 2017, ensuring that bills can fall but not rise" https://t.co/OZHwrjpbwmFallon, of course, talking garbage...2015 manifesto:"Labour will freeze energy bills until 2017, ensuring that bills can fall but not rise" https://t.co/OZHwrjpbwm
Ed Miliband accuses Fallon of ‘talking garbage’ about the Labour energy price cap policy the Tories have now lifted.Ed Miliband accuses Fallon of ‘talking garbage’ about the Labour energy price cap policy the Tories have now lifted.
My colleague Adam Vaughan has a good article looking at how the attitude of rightwing papers towards this policy has mysteriously changed now it is being proposed by the Conservatives not Labour.My colleague Adam Vaughan has a good article looking at how the attitude of rightwing papers towards this policy has mysteriously changed now it is being proposed by the Conservatives not Labour.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.09am BSTat 9.09am BST
8.56am BST8.56am BST
08:5608:56
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
The leader of the Women’s Equality Party, Sophie Walker, has gone head-to-head with Tory MP for Shipley Philip Davies after announcing she is to stand against him in the election over his “track record of misogyny”.The leader of the Women’s Equality Party, Sophie Walker, has gone head-to-head with Tory MP for Shipley Philip Davies after announcing she is to stand against him in the election over his “track record of misogyny”.
Appearing along side her rival on the Today programme Walker accused Davies of using the West Yorkshire seat as a platform to attack feminists and equality.Appearing along side her rival on the Today programme Walker accused Davies of using the West Yorkshire seat as a platform to attack feminists and equality.
She said the people of Shipley want their seat back. Walker said:She said the people of Shipley want their seat back. Walker said:
They want a local MP that will act in the best interests of their constituents instead of using that privilege to create a national anti-women platform which consists of self-indulgent parliamentary theatrics which damage not just the prospects of women and men in Shipley but women right across the UK.They want a local MP that will act in the best interests of their constituents instead of using that privilege to create a national anti-women platform which consists of self-indulgent parliamentary theatrics which damage not just the prospects of women and men in Shipley but women right across the UK.
Walker is targeting Davies after he attempted to derail a bill to protect women against violence and railed against “feminist zealots” at an anti-feminism party conference.Walker is targeting Davies after he attempted to derail a bill to protect women against violence and railed against “feminist zealots” at an anti-feminism party conference.
Davies claimed he is pro-Equality. He told Today:Davies claimed he is pro-Equality. He told Today:
It seems to be bizarre that in two speeches when I actually argued that men and women should be treated equally before the law, [I] have got the ire of the Women’s Equality Party. You would have thought they would be four square behind me in arguing that men and women should treated the same on these issues.It seems to be bizarre that in two speeches when I actually argued that men and women should be treated equally before the law, [I] have got the ire of the Women’s Equality Party. You would have thought they would be four square behind me in arguing that men and women should treated the same on these issues.
Walker responded:Walker responded:
Philip has hugely underestimated how they feel to have an MP who has taken time to attempt to talk down a bill on ending violence against women and girls, who took time out of his constituency duties to give a speech for an outfit called Justice for Men and Boys whose website promotes articles including ‘13 reasons why women lie about rape’; somebody who has tried to talk down a bill providing free parking for carers, and who spent constituency time writing to the Equality and Human Rights Commission asking is it really so offensive for people to black up their faces. This is somebody who really has no idea how he has offended the people of his constituency.Philip has hugely underestimated how they feel to have an MP who has taken time to attempt to talk down a bill on ending violence against women and girls, who took time out of his constituency duties to give a speech for an outfit called Justice for Men and Boys whose website promotes articles including ‘13 reasons why women lie about rape’; somebody who has tried to talk down a bill providing free parking for carers, and who spent constituency time writing to the Equality and Human Rights Commission asking is it really so offensive for people to black up their faces. This is somebody who really has no idea how he has offended the people of his constituency.
Davies said: “All these laws should be gender neutral it doesn’t matter whether the victim is a man or a woman. Surely that’s the whole point of gender equality.”Davies said: “All these laws should be gender neutral it doesn’t matter whether the victim is a man or a woman. Surely that’s the whole point of gender equality.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.08am BSTat 9.08am BST
8.22am BST8.22am BST
08:2208:22
Fallon says Tories would not rule out nuclear first strike and calls Corbyn 'security risk'Fallon says Tories would not rule out nuclear first strike and calls Corbyn 'security risk'
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Defence minister Michael Fallon has portrayed Jeremy Corbyn as a “security risk” after the Labour leader went against his party on Trident and refused to state whether he would order drone strikes against terrorist leaders.Defence minister Michael Fallon has portrayed Jeremy Corbyn as a “security risk” after the Labour leader went against his party on Trident and refused to state whether he would order drone strikes against terrorist leaders.
Fallon seized on Corbyn’s performance on Sunday’s Andrew Marr programme after he gave a series of equivocal answers on military decisions.Fallon seized on Corbyn’s performance on Sunday’s Andrew Marr programme after he gave a series of equivocal answers on military decisions.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Fallon said:Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Fallon said:
Yesterday we had the staggering performance of somebody who wants to be prime minister saying he wouldn’t necessarily authorise strikes against terrorists. He’s against the nuclear deterrent; would stop building the submarines which we have already started building; he wouldn’t control our borders; and earlier he has even questioned our Nato deployment.Yesterday we had the staggering performance of somebody who wants to be prime minister saying he wouldn’t necessarily authorise strikes against terrorists. He’s against the nuclear deterrent; would stop building the submarines which we have already started building; he wouldn’t control our borders; and earlier he has even questioned our Nato deployment.
Fallon said a Conservative government would be prepared to use nuclear weapons. He said:Fallon said a Conservative government would be prepared to use nuclear weapons. He said:
In the most extreme circumstances you can’t rule out the use of nuclear weapons as a first strike.In the most extreme circumstances you can’t rule out the use of nuclear weapons as a first strike.
But he refused to specify those circumstances adding: “The whole point about the deterrent is that you have got to leave uncertainty in the mind of anybody who might be thinking of using weapons against this country.”But he refused to specify those circumstances adding: “The whole point about the deterrent is that you have got to leave uncertainty in the mind of anybody who might be thinking of using weapons against this country.”
Asked about a string of senior military figures who regard Trident as useless as a deterrent, Fallon said:Asked about a string of senior military figures who regard Trident as useless as a deterrent, Fallon said:
You will often find some military figures who will prefer to spend more money on conventional weapons that on nuclear ... but it is better to have the deterrent because you cannot be sure that ... nobody might use a weapon against us.You will often find some military figures who will prefer to spend more money on conventional weapons that on nuclear ... but it is better to have the deterrent because you cannot be sure that ... nobody might use a weapon against us.
He also praised “brave Labour MPs” who backed the renewal of Trident.He also praised “brave Labour MPs” who backed the renewal of Trident.
Fallon added:Fallon added:
Jeremy Corbyn made it absolutely clear that he is still against the deterrent, and he was then corrected by his own party. So we had chaos from Labour last night which doubles the security risk to this country when you have somebody standing to be prime minister who his own party is then having to correct. And you are left completely unsure as to what would actually happen to our nuclear deterrent.Jeremy Corbyn made it absolutely clear that he is still against the deterrent, and he was then corrected by his own party. So we had chaos from Labour last night which doubles the security risk to this country when you have somebody standing to be prime minister who his own party is then having to correct. And you are left completely unsure as to what would actually happen to our nuclear deterrent.
This is somebody who would certainly put the security of our country at risk. And if you want stronger and stable leadership then it has to be Theresa May and the Conservatives.This is somebody who would certainly put the security of our country at risk. And if you want stronger and stable leadership then it has to be Theresa May and the Conservatives.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.28am BSTat 9.28am BST
7.36am BST7.36am BST
07:3607:36
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Labour’s general election chief, Andrew Gwynne, has confirmed that renewing Trident will not be part of Labour’s defence review, despite Jeremy Corbyn’s suggestion on Sunday that it would be subject to review.Labour’s general election chief, Andrew Gwynne, has confirmed that renewing Trident will not be part of Labour’s defence review, despite Jeremy Corbyn’s suggestion on Sunday that it would be subject to review.
“We are committed to renewing the Trident system,” said Gwynne, who is shadow minister without portfolio and Labour’s campaign and elections chair.“We are committed to renewing the Trident system,” said Gwynne, who is shadow minister without portfolio and Labour’s campaign and elections chair.
His comments come after the Labour leader was asked by the Andrew Marr programme whether he still backs Trident. He said “all aspects” of defence policy would be subject to review.His comments come after the Labour leader was asked by the Andrew Marr programme whether he still backs Trident. He said “all aspects” of defence policy would be subject to review.
Responding to those comments, Gwynne told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The Labour party is very clear we are committed to a credible nuclear credibility at the minimum end of the scale. That is Labour party policy and it will be in the manifesto.”Responding to those comments, Gwynne told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The Labour party is very clear we are committed to a credible nuclear credibility at the minimum end of the scale. That is Labour party policy and it will be in the manifesto.”
Gwynne was also asked about Corbyn’s refusal to use nuclear weapons. He said:Gwynne was also asked about Corbyn’s refusal to use nuclear weapons. He said:
No prime minister has ever been put in the position where they have had to consider using them.No prime minister has ever been put in the position where they have had to consider using them.
We would not be in a position where the first choice would be to press that red button. It is a deterrent because we have them. We believe in multilateralism, we believe in negotiating away our nuclear weapons system to create a nuclear weapon free world.We would not be in a position where the first choice would be to press that red button. It is a deterrent because we have them. We believe in multilateralism, we believe in negotiating away our nuclear weapons system to create a nuclear weapon free world.
The Conservatives continue to seize on Labour’s confusion on Trident.The Conservatives continue to seize on Labour’s confusion on Trident.
Labour election chief Andrew Gwynne tells BBC his leader wrong on Trident. Vote Conservative on 8 June or his leader will be your PM #chaosLabour election chief Andrew Gwynne tells BBC his leader wrong on Trident. Vote Conservative on 8 June or his leader will be your PM #chaos
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.07am BSTat 9.07am BST
7.17am BST7.17am BST
07:1707:17
Corbyn will get on with the actual campaigning in Scotland where his party fared so badly in 2015.Corbyn will get on with the actual campaigning in Scotland where his party fared so badly in 2015.
He has vowed “to fight every corner” north of the border and repair some of the damage.He has vowed “to fight every corner” north of the border and repair some of the damage.
To that end, he will address the Scottish TUC in beautiful Aviemore today, along with Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the SNP.To that end, he will address the Scottish TUC in beautiful Aviemore today, along with Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the SNP.
6.57am BST6.57am BST
06:5706:57
Jeremy Corbyn is already taking some flak from retired defence chiefs about his Trident comments.Jeremy Corbyn is already taking some flak from retired defence chiefs about his Trident comments.
General Lord Richards of Herstmonceux, a former chief of defence staff, has thundered to the Daily Telegraph:General Lord Richards of Herstmonceux, a former chief of defence staff, has thundered to the Daily Telegraph:
Jeremy Corbyn, unlike many of his distinguished predecessors in the Labour party from Clement Attlee through Denis Healey and beyond, has demonstrated why he should not be trusted with the ultimate responsibility of government - that of the nation’s defence and security.Jeremy Corbyn, unlike many of his distinguished predecessors in the Labour party from Clement Attlee through Denis Healey and beyond, has demonstrated why he should not be trusted with the ultimate responsibility of government - that of the nation’s defence and security.
6.22am BST6.22am BST
06:2206:22
The Snap: your election briefingThe Snap: your election briefing
Good morning and welcome to day 44 in the countdown to the general election.Good morning and welcome to day 44 in the countdown to the general election.
As Claire Phipps is away, today’s briefing is brought to you Nicola Slawson. I’m Martin Farrer but don’t worry because Andrew Sparrow will be along later as usual and will covering all of the day’s election action. In the meantime, here’s Nicola’s roundup of all the latest campaign news. Comments are open below or you can find me on Twitter @Nicola_Slawson.As Claire Phipps is away, today’s briefing is brought to you Nicola Slawson. I’m Martin Farrer but don’t worry because Andrew Sparrow will be along later as usual and will covering all of the day’s election action. In the meantime, here’s Nicola’s roundup of all the latest campaign news. Comments are open below or you can find me on Twitter @Nicola_Slawson.
What’s happening?What’s happening?
All eyes were on our neighbours across the channel yesterday evening as France went to the polls. The outcome of the presidential election is set to impact on Brexit negotiations, whatever the outcome which we’ll know almost a month to the day before our election. With independent centrist Emmanuel Macron topping the first round of the French presidential election, it could spell bad news for the UK in talks on Brexit should he win.All eyes were on our neighbours across the channel yesterday evening as France went to the polls. The outcome of the presidential election is set to impact on Brexit negotiations, whatever the outcome which we’ll know almost a month to the day before our election. With independent centrist Emmanuel Macron topping the first round of the French presidential election, it could spell bad news for the UK in talks on Brexit should he win.
Old wounds in the Labour party were reopened on the country’s nuclear deterrent after a “zen-like” Jeremy Corbyn said on the Andrew Marr show that “all aspects” of defence would be reviewed if he won power. A Labour spokesperson then spent yesterday attempting to dial that back by insisting that Labour backs the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons. This contradiction has naturally been jumped on by the right wing press today, with the Daily Mail running with “Corbyn’s defence debacle” as the headline to its double page spread on the matter.Old wounds in the Labour party were reopened on the country’s nuclear deterrent after a “zen-like” Jeremy Corbyn said on the Andrew Marr show that “all aspects” of defence would be reviewed if he won power. A Labour spokesperson then spent yesterday attempting to dial that back by insisting that Labour backs the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons. This contradiction has naturally been jumped on by the right wing press today, with the Daily Mail running with “Corbyn’s defence debacle” as the headline to its double page spread on the matter.
The Conservatives said they would include a cap on household energy bills in their manifesto. This came as a surprise to Ed Miliband who took to Twitter to ask: “Where were these people for last four years since I proposed cap? Defending a broken energy market that ripped people off. Let’s see small print.” And later: “Tories in for kicking from Sun and Mail tomorrow for energy policy. Just wait: Marxist madness, anti-business, back to 70s.” Having perused the first editions, they seem to have missed the memo. And as newspapers alter their views on energy market intervention, consumers must work out what it would mean for them, my colleague Adam Vaughan says.The Conservatives said they would include a cap on household energy bills in their manifesto. This came as a surprise to Ed Miliband who took to Twitter to ask: “Where were these people for last four years since I proposed cap? Defending a broken energy market that ripped people off. Let’s see small print.” And later: “Tories in for kicking from Sun and Mail tomorrow for energy policy. Just wait: Marxist madness, anti-business, back to 70s.” Having perused the first editions, they seem to have missed the memo. And as newspapers alter their views on energy market intervention, consumers must work out what it would mean for them, my colleague Adam Vaughan says.
The Liberal Democrats, probably the only party genuinely excited at the prospect of a snap election, say their membership is set to pass the 100,000 mark following a surge of new joiners in the wake of May’s announcement. £1.6m has also been raised, Tim Farron claimed, although he did make a plea on Peston on Sunday to “anyone out there feeling generous, the Lib Dem bank account is still open for business”.The Liberal Democrats, probably the only party genuinely excited at the prospect of a snap election, say their membership is set to pass the 100,000 mark following a surge of new joiners in the wake of May’s announcement. £1.6m has also been raised, Tim Farron claimed, although he did make a plea on Peston on Sunday to “anyone out there feeling generous, the Lib Dem bank account is still open for business”.
At a glance:At a glance:
Ukip pledged in its manifesto to ban full veils worn by some Muslim womenUkip pledged in its manifesto to ban full veils worn by some Muslim women
Women’s Equality party leader seeks backing for a clear run to beat “misogynist” MP. Sophie Walker’s challenge to Tory Philip Davies in Shipley comes as ‘progressive alliance’ gathers support in key marginal seatsWomen’s Equality party leader seeks backing for a clear run to beat “misogynist” MP. Sophie Walker’s challenge to Tory Philip Davies in Shipley comes as ‘progressive alliance’ gathers support in key marginal seats
How May kept her secret – and left rivals scramblingHow May kept her secret – and left rivals scrambling
The Observer examined six battlegrounds that could shape the voteThe Observer examined six battlegrounds that could shape the vote
Poll positionPoll position
According to a clutch of new polls over the weekend, with one showing half of all voters backing the Conservatives, May is heading for a landslide victory. One poll by Survation carried out as the row over Tory tax and pension plans was emerging, had the two main parties closer, with the Tories on 40% and Labour on 29%. A ComRes poll for the Sunday Mirror put the Tories at 50% and Labour on 25%, while the Tories could gain 12 SNP seats, according to a Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times found.According to a clutch of new polls over the weekend, with one showing half of all voters backing the Conservatives, May is heading for a landslide victory. One poll by Survation carried out as the row over Tory tax and pension plans was emerging, had the two main parties closer, with the Tories on 40% and Labour on 29%. A ComRes poll for the Sunday Mirror put the Tories at 50% and Labour on 25%, while the Tories could gain 12 SNP seats, according to a Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times found.
May, however, has not quite forgiven the pollsters for getting things so wrong in the last few years, it seems:May, however, has not quite forgiven the pollsters for getting things so wrong in the last few years, it seems:
The opinion polls got the general election wrong in 2015. They got the EU referendum wrong … So we will not be complacent. We will be fighting for every single vote.The opinion polls got the general election wrong in 2015. They got the EU referendum wrong … So we will not be complacent. We will be fighting for every single vote.
DiaryDiary
It’s going to be a busy day for the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) in Aviemore. Both Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon are due to address trade unionists there todayIt’s going to be a busy day for the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) in Aviemore. Both Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon are due to address trade unionists there today
Farron will be out in Kate Hoey’s seat of Vauxhall in the afternoonFarron will be out in Kate Hoey’s seat of Vauxhall in the afternoon
May, however, is not going out on the campaign trail today. I guess she’ll just be getting on with STRONG. STABLE. LEADERSHIP then?May, however, is not going out on the campaign trail today. I guess she’ll just be getting on with STRONG. STABLE. LEADERSHIP then?
The Leader of the Commons, David Lidington, is going to make a statement at 3.30pm about how the government plans to manage the legislative wash-up before parliament is dissolved.The Leader of the Commons, David Lidington, is going to make a statement at 3.30pm about how the government plans to manage the legislative wash-up before parliament is dissolved.
Talking pointTalking point
Aside from setting tongues wagging by urging people to vote Tory*, Tony Blair also hinted at an extraordinary return to British politics. He stepped down from frontline politics in 2007 but has become more vocal and politically active in recent months, including setting up a thinktank to make the case for the centre ground and for continued EU membership. So will the former prime minister stand for election?Aside from setting tongues wagging by urging people to vote Tory*, Tony Blair also hinted at an extraordinary return to British politics. He stepped down from frontline politics in 2007 but has become more vocal and politically active in recent months, including setting up a thinktank to make the case for the centre ground and for continued EU membership. So will the former prime minister stand for election?
I look at the British political scene at the moment and I actually almost feel motivated to go right back into it.I look at the British political scene at the moment and I actually almost feel motivated to go right back into it.
* Only if the candidate promises to have an open mind about the terms of the final Brexit deal.* Only if the candidate promises to have an open mind about the terms of the final Brexit deal.
Read theseRead these
In the Guardian, Zoe Williams argues that the emphasis on Corbyn’s personal qualities obscures what’s really broken in our political system:In the Guardian, Zoe Williams argues that the emphasis on Corbyn’s personal qualities obscures what’s really broken in our political system:
No amount of spinning or grooming or looking Zen on Andrew Marr will make him look any way other than how he always has, an outsider by choice; more than choice, vocation. The progressive case will move faster when his allies and near-allies stop trying to tease failure from his policies and his speeches. There is nothing wrong with the direction or the analysis; no left-leaning party would lead on anything other than saving the NHS, building social housing and reducing inequality. Yet, at the same time, expecting undecideds to be won over by his very particular brand of contrarianism isn’t realistic.No amount of spinning or grooming or looking Zen on Andrew Marr will make him look any way other than how he always has, an outsider by choice; more than choice, vocation. The progressive case will move faster when his allies and near-allies stop trying to tease failure from his policies and his speeches. There is nothing wrong with the direction or the analysis; no left-leaning party would lead on anything other than saving the NHS, building social housing and reducing inequality. Yet, at the same time, expecting undecideds to be won over by his very particular brand of contrarianism isn’t realistic.
In the Spectator, James Forsyth says that the supposedly cautious prime minister has taken a dangerous gamble:In the Spectator, James Forsyth says that the supposedly cautious prime minister has taken a dangerous gamble:
A prime minister going for an election when her party is 20-odd points ahead in the opinion polls doesn’t seem much like a gamble. That’s especially true when more than half of the leader of the opposition’s own MPs don’t have confidence in him. But this decision is the riskiest one that Theresa May has taken since entering No 10. If May were to lose her reputation as the serious grown-up of British politics, any general election victory would come at a cost for her personally. The May brand that has proved so potent would have been tarnished and her prime ministerial honeymoon would be over.A prime minister going for an election when her party is 20-odd points ahead in the opinion polls doesn’t seem much like a gamble. That’s especially true when more than half of the leader of the opposition’s own MPs don’t have confidence in him. But this decision is the riskiest one that Theresa May has taken since entering No 10. If May were to lose her reputation as the serious grown-up of British politics, any general election victory would come at a cost for her personally. The May brand that has proved so potent would have been tarnished and her prime ministerial honeymoon would be over.
John Rentoul wrote for the Independent about the fight to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, which has already begun:John Rentoul wrote for the Independent about the fight to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, which has already begun:
For those around Corbyn, the priority is to ensure that he stays on as leader after defeat, or that he is replaced by a fellow member of the faction. Hence the desperate attempts going on behind the scenes as you read this article to try to secure selection as Labour candidates in safe seats for Corbyn supporters.For those around Corbyn, the priority is to ensure that he stays on as leader after defeat, or that he is replaced by a fellow member of the faction. Hence the desperate attempts going on behind the scenes as you read this article to try to secure selection as Labour candidates in safe seats for Corbyn supporters.
Revelation of the dayRevelation of the day
Revelation is probably too strong a word but on the Marr show Corbyn said: “We haven’t completed work on the manifesto yet, as you’d expect.”Revelation is probably too strong a word but on the Marr show Corbyn said: “We haven’t completed work on the manifesto yet, as you’d expect.”
This, despite claiming to have been election ready for months, could be because he is actually crowdsourcing Labour’s manifesto. On Sunday, Corbyn emailed Labour party members asking them to fill in a form with their ideas. The email asked: “How do you think we can best deliver prosperity for all, public services that are protected and ensure that the next generation have the best start in life?”This, despite claiming to have been election ready for months, could be because he is actually crowdsourcing Labour’s manifesto. On Sunday, Corbyn emailed Labour party members asking them to fill in a form with their ideas. The email asked: “How do you think we can best deliver prosperity for all, public services that are protected and ensure that the next generation have the best start in life?”
And another thingAnd another thing
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at 9.14am BSTat 9.14am BST