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Juncker says May's EU citizens Brexit offer is 'not sufficient' – Politics live Police considering manslaughter charges over Grenfell Tower fire – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
10.57am BST
10:57
Here’s audio of that Scotland Yard press conference on the Grenfell Tower fire.
10.51am BST
10:51
McCormack says she fears more people were killed in the fire. She warns that some bodies may never be recovered and that the search of the building could take the rest of the year.
10.44am BST
10:44
Police considering manslaughter charges over Grenfell Tower fire
Haroon Siddique
Police have said they are considering manslaughter charges in relation to the deadly Grenfell Tower blaze as they revealed that both the insulation and tiles at the building failed safety tests.
Det Supt Fiona McCormack, who is overseeing the investigation, said officers had established that the initial cause of the fire was a fridge-freezer and that it was not started deliberately.
She said they were trying to get to the bottom of why the fire started so quickly. Insulation recovered from Grenfell Tower had been tested, while the tiles tested were the same as those in the building. Both failed the safety tests, with the insulation proving “more flammable than the cladding”. Investigators will now seek to establish whether the use of these materials was illegal.
The manufacturer of the fridge freezer, a Hotpoint FF175BP, has been contacted, McCormack said. The model has not been previously subject to a recall.
Police said the official death toll had risen to nine but the number presumed dead remains 79.
McCormack said every complete body had been recovered from the building, describing it as a “very, very distressing scene”.
Theresa May has warned that the death toll could yet rise further.
Updated
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10.43am BST
10:43
Speaking outside Scotland Yard, McCormack said 79 people are still missing presumed dead after the Grenfell fire.
10.41am BST
10:41
The Grenfell Tower fire started in a faulty fridge, and insulation and tiles onthe block have failed safety tests, according to Metropolitan olice Det Supt Fiona McCormack.
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10.33am BST10.33am BST
10:3310:33
Jennifer RankinJennifer Rankin
EU leaders have described the UK’s opening offer to protect EU citizens’ rights as vague and inadequate, suggesting the British government needs to go further.EU leaders have described the UK’s opening offer to protect EU citizens’ rights as vague and inadequate, suggesting the British government needs to go further.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, struck a dismissive note as he arrived at an EU leaders’ summit on Friday. “That is a first step but this step is not sufficient,” he said.Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, struck a dismissive note as he arrived at an EU leaders’ summit on Friday. “That is a first step but this step is not sufficient,” he said.
Asked whether he was any clearer about the kind of Brexit the UK wants, he was equally blunt: “No.”Asked whether he was any clearer about the kind of Brexit the UK wants, he was equally blunt: “No.”
May set out the offer on protecting EU citizens’ rights at the end of a dinner in Brussels on Thursday evening. She said it was “a fair and serious offer to protect the rights of 3.5 million EU citizens in the UK and 1.2 million Britons in the EU.”May set out the offer on protecting EU citizens’ rights at the end of a dinner in Brussels on Thursday evening. She said it was “a fair and serious offer to protect the rights of 3.5 million EU citizens in the UK and 1.2 million Britons in the EU.”
10.29am BST10.29am BST
10:2910:29
Theresa May’s offer on residency rights for EU citizens has been dismissed as “pathetic” by a group campaigning for an estimated three million European expats in the UK, PA reports. Theresa May’s offer on residency rights for EU citizens has been dismissed as “pathetic” by a group campaigning for an estimated three million European expats in the UK, the Press Association reports.
Co-chair of the 3Million movement, Nicolas Hatton, said: “There is something slightly pathetic about the prime minister’s proposal which makes no reference to the detailed, comprehensive offer tabled by the EU. The Prime Minister described her proposal as fair and serious. It’s neither fair nor serious.”Co-chair of the 3Million movement, Nicolas Hatton, said: “There is something slightly pathetic about the prime minister’s proposal which makes no reference to the detailed, comprehensive offer tabled by the EU. The Prime Minister described her proposal as fair and serious. It’s neither fair nor serious.”
The 3Million said May’s proposals failed to end uncertainty over the reunification of families, the right to work, the recognition of professional qualifications and the ability to retain UK rights when moving between and working across different European countries.The 3Million said May’s proposals failed to end uncertainty over the reunification of families, the right to work, the recognition of professional qualifications and the ability to retain UK rights when moving between and working across different European countries.
And the group said the UK offer lacked the lifetime guarantee of rights and enforcement by the European Court of Justice included in the formal proposal already tabled by the EU.And the group said the UK offer lacked the lifetime guarantee of rights and enforcement by the European Court of Justice included in the formal proposal already tabled by the EU.
May has promised further details in a government paper to be published on Monday.May has promised further details in a government paper to be published on Monday.
The cut-off date for residency rights - falling somewhere between the March 29 2017 date of Britain’s formal notification of intent to leave and the date of Brexit, expected on March 29 2019 - will not be known until later in the negotiation process. The cut-off date for residency rights - falling somewhere between the 29 March 2017 date of Britain’s formal notification of intent to leave and the date of Brexit, expected on 29 March 2019 - will not be known until later in the negotiation process.
It is thought the UK is reserving the option of setting an early cut-off for residency rights in case there is a late surge of migrants arriving as Brexit approaches.It is thought the UK is reserving the option of setting an early cut-off for residency rights in case there is a late surge of migrants arriving as Brexit approaches.
But the introduction of a grace period raises the prospect that large numbers arriving during withdrawal negotiations may be allowed to remain. And the prospect of an early cut-off conflicts with the EU proposals, which would grant residency rights all the way up to the final date of withdrawal.But the introduction of a grace period raises the prospect that large numbers arriving during withdrawal negotiations may be allowed to remain. And the prospect of an early cut-off conflicts with the EU proposals, which would grant residency rights all the way up to the final date of withdrawal.
Updated
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10.13am BST10.13am BST
10:1310:13
Cladding is being stripped from a Manchester tower block as urgent tests are taking place on dozens more around the city, the Manchester Evening News reports.Cladding is being stripped from a Manchester tower block as urgent tests are taking place on dozens more around the city, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Work was being carried out last night to strip material from a residential block in the Village 135 development in Wythenshawe after concerns were raised about the cladding.Work was being carried out last night to strip material from a residential block in the Village 135 development in Wythenshawe after concerns were raised about the cladding.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) which run the block however, say they were taking no chances and work to remove the material began this afternoon.Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) which run the block however, say they were taking no chances and work to remove the material began this afternoon.
Cladding being removed from Village 135 development in Wythenshawe, Manchester in the wake of Grenfell Tower fire. pic.twitter.com/Gts7kshTQNCladding being removed from Village 135 development in Wythenshawe, Manchester in the wake of Grenfell Tower fire. pic.twitter.com/Gts7kshTQN
10.00am BST10.00am BST
10:0010:00
Police are due to give a briefing on the Grenfell Tower investigation at New Scotland Yard in the next few minutes.Police are due to give a briefing on the Grenfell Tower investigation at New Scotland Yard in the next few minutes.
9.49am BST9.49am BST
09:4909:49
For students of sibling rivalry, this could fun: Ed Miliband is due to interview his brother David, on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show at 1pm.For students of sibling rivalry, this could fun: Ed Miliband is due to interview his brother David, on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show at 1pm.
On today's show, I'll be talking to my brother David about the refugee crisis---the problem, solution and our own family's refugee history.On today's show, I'll be talking to my brother David about the refugee crisis---the problem, solution and our own family's refugee history.
A scoop for @Ed_Miliband today: he's interviewing brother @DMiliband on the @theJeremyVine show. Goes live at 1pm - public reconciliation?A scoop for @Ed_Miliband today: he's interviewing brother @DMiliband on the @theJeremyVine show. Goes live at 1pm - public reconciliation?
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.50am BSTat 9.50am BST
9.42am BST9.42am BST
09:4209:42
Labour MP David Lammy, whose friend Khadija Saye died in the Grenfell fire, is concerned that the current focus on cladding is diverting attention from the “criminal” failures at Grenfell Tower.Labour MP David Lammy, whose friend Khadija Saye died in the Grenfell fire, is concerned that the current focus on cladding is diverting attention from the “criminal” failures at Grenfell Tower.
(2/?) Yes, we are uncovering a national problem. But that doesn't mean that Grenfell is not a crime, or should be brushed under the carpet.(2/?) Yes, we are uncovering a national problem. But that doesn't mean that Grenfell is not a crime, or should be brushed under the carpet.
(4/) Grenfell victims tried to raise these issues. Fire alarms didn't work. People were told to stay in their homes as their homes burned.(4/) Grenfell victims tried to raise these issues. Fire alarms didn't work. People were told to stay in their homes as their homes burned.
(6/) We still haven't heard from the police investigation. If the debate moves on from Grenfell, those responsible will get away with it.(6/) We still haven't heard from the police investigation. If the debate moves on from Grenfell, those responsible will get away with it.
(7/7). So I will try to use my voice to speak up for the victims and survivors of Grenfell, and I hope that others will join me.(7/7). So I will try to use my voice to speak up for the victims and survivors of Grenfell, and I hope that others will join me.
9.24am BST
09:24
Juncker also said he was no clearer about the kind of Brexit the UK wanted.
9.12am BST
09:12
Juncker: May's citizens offer 'not sufficient'
EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker didn’t seem that impressed with May’s offer on the rights of EU citizens living in the UK.
Arriving for the second day of the summit he said it was a “first step, but not sufficient.”
.@JunckerEU #EUCO doorstep "PM May's offer on #citizens' rights is a first step, but not sufficient." pic.twitter.com/dXftTNCfRD
May’s domestic opponents have been less diplomatic.
This doesn’t end uncertainty facing EU citizens who have made their home here. Shameful @theresa_may still using them as bargaining chips https://t.co/FU9XDidKkb
Too little. Too late. https://t.co/P7Xq5kaSqV
#bbcnews #TheresaMay offer on #rights of EU citizens already living in #Britain is not so generous: pic.twitter.com/SglWg3rl3t
9.03am BST
09:03
Jamie Grierson
Police would face “real challenges” tackling a repeat of the 2011 riots following years of budget cuts, one of Britain’s most senior officers has warned.
A series of major incidents to hit the country in recent weeks had laid bare the strains faced by forces under financial pressure, Dave Thompson, chief constable of West Midlands police said.
Writing in a blog for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, he called on the government to boost investment, protect frontline policing and cut bureaucracy.
Updated
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8.55am BST
08:55
The leaders of Camden Council faced a stormy meeting with residents of the five tower blocks on the Chalcots estate after their homes were found to be clad in a flammable material similar to that used at Grenfell Tower, the Camden New Journal reports.
Work has already begun to organise the removal of the cladding, but Camden’s lead Georgina Gould was unable to say when the panels would be taken down.
Residents repeatedly asked who was responsible for signing-off the work as safe and questioned why more thorough checks had not been carried out before it was installed.
Angela Bennett, who lives in Blashford tower, told them: “Although you are trying to help, I don’t feel reassured because I live on the 17th floor and as they said on the fire on Grenfell Towers, fire engines don’t go up to the 17th floor, everyone at the top of that building died. I know you are trying to reassure us, but I don’t feel reassured, because you are not doing enough to help at the moment. You can walk away to your houses, or wherever you live, we have got to sleep in our beds every night knowing what’s going to happen to us in these flats. You need to do more and you need to do it now.”
Teresa Ley said d. “[The cladding] is still on our building, we are living in a fire hazard and we have got to pay rent to live in a fire hazard. It’s disgusting.”
Camden Council leader Georgia Gould says residents in Chalcot tower blocks are safe - but cladding must come down as a 'precaution' pic.twitter.com/dlhxrqZK9t
8.42am BST
08:42
Happy independence day?
Leave campaigners are wishing their followers happy independence day on the first anniversary of Britain’s vote to leave the EU.
They include Sammy Wilson, one of the 10 DUP MPs which the government is still trying to reach agreement with; the Tory MEP Daniel Hannan; and Ukip MEP Patrick O’Flynn.
One year ago we voted to #TakeBackControl and leave the EU. Happy #IndependenceDay to you all! 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/LPbBsMnDmR
This was what I found at the polling station in my little Hampshire village a year ago. I began to get a good feeling. #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/6gTo2oWcRR
Happy Independence Day UK. Attempts continue to subvert our vote to become a proper nation again. We will not let them succeed.
And remember him?
This time last year we dared to dream and then won an historic victory. Happy Independence Day! pic.twitter.com/dURYiB8MqM
Updated
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8.31am BST
08:31
The hotel chain Premier Inn has become the latest organisation to express “concerns” about the cladding used on some of its buildings in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Three of its properties - in Maidenhead, Brentford and Tottenham - have been investigated during a “detailed assessment” of its estate.
A spokeswoman said the material was not the same as that used to clad the Grenfell Tower, but the company had called in an expert to review the safety of its buildings.
A spokeswoman said:
“Although we have concerns that the fire retardant cladding used may not adhere to recognised government guidance on compliance with the building regulations for use in high rise buildings, an independent fire expert has assured us that these hotels are safe and that they are entirely satisfied that there are robust fire safety measures and evacuation procedures in place to protect our guests and team members.”
The BBC’s Newsnight programme has more:
Hotel chain Premier Inn tells #newsnight that it is “extremely concerned” about the cladding on three of its hotels pic.twitter.com/SseQA1JNfl
On Thursday Downing Street said it had already identified 11 tower blocks across eight local authority areas with similar aluminium composite cladding, the type blamed for the spread of the fire at the north Kensington tower, which has claimed at least 79 lives.
Inquiries by the Guardian suggested that at least 25 towers, including 13 in London, nine in Salford and three in Plymouth, had cladding of the aluminium composite type, and 12 of these were believed by local authorities to have a combustible polyethylene core. Cladding at the other 13 high rises was still being tested.
Updated
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8.18am BST
08:18
Here’s a readout of what May told reporters in Brussels
Q: The EU says that the cut of date for EU citizens arriving in the UK to get settled status must be March 2019 when we actually leave. Do you think you’ve got any realistic chance of getting anything better than that?
May:
“Well last night I was pleased to be able to set out what is a very fair and a very serious offer for EU citizens who are living in the United Kingdom and the Government will set out more detailed proposals on Monday. I want to reassure all those EU citizens who are in the UK, who’ve made their lives and homes in the UK that no one will have to leave, we won’t be seeing families split apart. This is a fair and serious offer. And I want to give those EU citizens in the UK certainty about the future of their lives but I also want to see that certainty given to UK citizens who are living in the European Union. Of course there will be details of this arrangement which will be part of the negotiating process but we’ve made what I believe is a very serious, a very fair offer which will give reassurance and confidence to EU citizens living in the United Kingdom about their future.”
Q: Many here in Brussels perhaps also think that you’ve given them quite a lot of what they’ve wanted and perhaps they also think that they also got they wanted on the sequencing as well. Does that mean that these talks are going rather well for the EU?
“There was a very constructive start to the talks at the beginning of the week. We’ve set out the issues that we want to start talking about. – early in the negotiations. I’ve said right from the beginning that I want citizens rights to be one of those early negotiations and it will be. We‘ve set out what I believe is a serious offer, a fair offer that will give the reassurance to EU citizens living in the UK, they’ve made their homes, they’ve made their lives in the UK and they will be able to stay and continue to do so. Thank you.”
8.13am BST
08:13
EU citizens living in the UK should take “reassurance and confidence” from proposals for their post-Brexit status, Theresa May said on the second day of the EU summit in Brussels.
Speaking to reporters May acknowledged that elements of her plans would be contested by the EU.
“Of course, there will be details of this arrangement which will be part of the negotiation process,” she said.
But she added: “I want to reassure all those EU citizens who are in the UK, who have made their lives and homes in the UK, that no-one will have to leave, we won’t be seeing families split apart.
“This is a fair and serious offer. I want to give those EU citizens in the UK certainty about the future of their lives, but I also want to see that certainty given to U citizens who are living in the EU.”
8.03am BST
08:03
Corbyn overtakes May in new poll
Jeremy Corbyn has overtaken Theresa May for the first time on the question of who voters think would make the best prime minister, a poll suggests, PA reports.
The YouGov/Times poll showed the Labour leader on 35%, ahead of the Prime Minister on 34%. Nearly a third (30%) said they were unsure.
It comes with May under intense pressure following a disastrous general election in which the Tories lost their majority and her authority was severely diminished after her highly personal campaign appeared to backfire.
In the days before the vote (June 5-7), May was ahead on 43% to Corbyn’s 32%, suggesting the aftermath of the election, in which the PM has been criticised over her response to the Grenfell Tower disaster, may have had an effect.
May has also been forced to ditch a number of unpopular manifesto promises from her first Queen’s Speech, which set out the Government’s legislative agenda for the next two years.
Corbyn used his response to the Queen’s Speech in the House of Commons to claim Labour is now a “government in waiting”, although he was mockingly praised by the PM for having “fought a spirited campaign and come a good second”.
A YouGov poll for The Times reveals voters think @jeremycorbyn would make a better prime minister than @theresa_may https://t.co/o8cRnktRw8 pic.twitter.com/O5xuuntpy1
Updated
at 10.31am BST
7.53am BST
07:53
Welcome to a Friday edition of Politics live exactly a year after the UK voted to leave the European Union.
The main issues continue to be the fallout from the Grenfell Tower fire and the latest from the EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels.
Here’s a rundown of the headlines:
Theresa May makes ‘fair and serious’ offer on rights of EU citizens in UK
Conservative party call centre ‘may have broken election law’
Thousands warned their blocks clad with same panelling as Grenfell Tower
Grenfell Tower survivors ‘too scared to seek help’ because of immigration status
Spending watchdog condemns ‘risky and expensive’ Hinkley Point
UK’s biggest political donor, Lord Sainsbury, to end his contributions
Updated
at 7.59am BST