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Brexit: Farage demands role in talks with EU if his party wins Euro elections - live news Brexit: Farage demands role in talks with EU if his party wins Euro elections - live news
(32 minutes later)
Jean-Claude Juncker has said that taking David Cameron’s advice to stay out of the Brexit referendum campaign was one of his two major mistakes as European commission president.
During a press conference in Brussels, as the EU prepares to select Juncker’s replacement, the former prime minister of Luxembourg said his first error early in his tenure had been to react too late to Luxleaks scandal that revealed the scale of tax evasion in his country. He went on:
The second mistake I made was to listen too carefully to the British government - Cameron.
Because the then prime minister asked me not to interfere not to intervene in the referendum campaign. It was a mistake not to intervene and not to interfere because we would have been the only ones to destroy the lies which were circulated around. I was wrong to be silent at an important moment.
Juncker’s comments come ahead of a summit of the 27 leaders of the EU in the Romanian town of Sibiu where the intention is to discuss the big strategic questions facing the EU over the next five years.
Brexit is unlikely to feature in the EU’s thinking at the summit but Juncker made a series of barbs about the state of British politics during a pre-summit press conference.
Echoing Theresa May, Juncker said the EU27 meeting had been due to take place after the UK’s departure. “Brexit means brexit - but Brexit hasn’t taken place yet,” Juncker said.
While switching to English from German, Juncker noted:
Everyone understands English. No one understands England - but everyone understands English.
Asked about the slipping of the timetable in talks over future relations in the case of the UK and Switzerland, Juncker told reporters:
I don’t get the impression that the UK is very accommodating in terms of deadlines.
The UK had been due to leave the EU on 29 March. Juncker added of the potential for the UK to remain in the bloc:
I don’t have fears, I don’t have hopes.
I was saying the other day that by comparison to the British parliament the Egyptian sphinx are open books. Either they stay or they will leave. If they stay, they stay. If they leave, they leave.
Nigel Farage has said that, if his new Brexit party wins the European elections, that would amount to a vote for a WTO Brexit and that his party should be included in the team negotiating with the EU. (See 12.54pm.)Nigel Farage has said that, if his new Brexit party wins the European elections, that would amount to a vote for a WTO Brexit and that his party should be included in the team negotiating with the EU. (See 12.54pm.)
Theresa May has been warned that the chances of Tory MPs agreeing a Brexit deal are very slim. Speaking on the World at One, before the government/Labour talks resume later this afternoon, Charles Walker, a vice chair of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee, said the chances of the Tory party pulling back together and backing a Brexit deal were “pretty slim” - about “one in five on a good day”. He also said he did not expect Labour to support the deal.Theresa May has been warned that the chances of Tory MPs agreeing a Brexit deal are very slim. Speaking on the World at One, before the government/Labour talks resume later this afternoon, Charles Walker, a vice chair of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee, said the chances of the Tory party pulling back together and backing a Brexit deal were “pretty slim” - about “one in five on a good day”. He also said he did not expect Labour to support the deal.
I can’t see that it’s in the Labour party’s interest to help the Conservative party out at the moment.I can’t see that it’s in the Labour party’s interest to help the Conservative party out at the moment.
Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, is also due to be meeting May this afternoon to tell her that Tory MPs want her to give a timetable for standing down if there is no Brexit deal. Nadine Dorries, one of the Tory MPs who wants May to go, posted this on Twitter this morning.Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, is also due to be meeting May this afternoon to tell her that Tory MPs want her to give a timetable for standing down if there is no Brexit deal. Nadine Dorries, one of the Tory MPs who wants May to go, posted this on Twitter this morning.
Theresa May walks up to the podium. She says, “l have listened to what you have to say. I have learnt the lesson and fully appreciate and understand, there is more I have to do and therefore,as of now, I am standing down as leader of the Conservative party.” And then I wake up.Theresa May walks up to the podium. She says, “l have listened to what you have to say. I have learnt the lesson and fully appreciate and understand, there is more I have to do and therefore,as of now, I am standing down as leader of the Conservative party.” And then I wake up.
Police are investigating whether a Ukip candidate in the European elections who has made comments speculating whether he would or would not rape the MP Jess Phillips has committed an offence.Police are investigating whether a Ukip candidate in the European elections who has made comments speculating whether he would or would not rape the MP Jess Phillips has committed an offence.
The Northern Ireland parties have arrived at Stormont for talks aimed at reviving the power-sharing executive. The BBC’s Jayne McCormack has this briefing note explaining how they are expected to proceed.The Northern Ireland parties have arrived at Stormont for talks aimed at reviving the power-sharing executive. The BBC’s Jayne McCormack has this briefing note explaining how they are expected to proceed.
British and Irish govt briefing note on the Stormont talks ⬇️ here’s what they’ve agreed for next few weeks pic.twitter.com/99NGFg3MhPBritish and Irish govt briefing note on the Stormont talks ⬇️ here’s what they’ve agreed for next few weeks pic.twitter.com/99NGFg3MhP
A watchdog has called for the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales to be raised. As the Press Association reports, individuals suspected of offences can be arrested and charged from the age of 10 under the existing rules. This is lower than in many European countries and “inconsistent with accepted international standards”, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). It says criminalising children at the age of 10 or 11 can have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and development, and risks making them more likely to reoffend as adults. The EHRC is calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be “significantly” raised.A watchdog has called for the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales to be raised. As the Press Association reports, individuals suspected of offences can be arrested and charged from the age of 10 under the existing rules. This is lower than in many European countries and “inconsistent with accepted international standards”, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). It says criminalising children at the age of 10 or 11 can have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and development, and risks making them more likely to reoffend as adults. The EHRC is calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be “significantly” raised.
The UK is not ruling out the warlord Khalifa Haftar from a role in a future Libyan government despite his attack on the capital, Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary has said.The UK is not ruling out the warlord Khalifa Haftar from a role in a future Libyan government despite his attack on the capital, Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary has said.
Hunt has promised a review into how his department handled the case of Matthew Hedges, the British academic convicted on spying charges by the United Arab Emirates.Hunt has promised a review into how his department handled the case of Matthew Hedges, the British academic convicted on spying charges by the United Arab Emirates.
The organiser of a pro-independence march in Glasgow is facing prosecution over the event’s start time.The organiser of a pro-independence march in Glasgow is facing prosecution over the event’s start time.
This morning the Progressive Economy Forum published a report (pdf) explaining how the government could run pilots to test the case for a universal basic income (UBI), a welfare policy that would involve everyone being entitled to a regular payment from the state. As my colleague Richard Partington reports in our preview story, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, commissioned the report and is interested in the idea for possible inclusion in the next Labour manifesto.This morning the Progressive Economy Forum published a report (pdf) explaining how the government could run pilots to test the case for a universal basic income (UBI), a welfare policy that would involve everyone being entitled to a regular payment from the state. As my colleague Richard Partington reports in our preview story, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, commissioned the report and is interested in the idea for possible inclusion in the next Labour manifesto.
Speaking at the launch, McDonnell said that there was a growing acknowledgment that means-tested benefits were flawed. He also described the ideas in the report as pragmatic. These tweets are from the RSA, which hosted the event, and from the Independent’s Ashley Cowburn.Speaking at the launch, McDonnell said that there was a growing acknowledgment that means-tested benefits were flawed. He also described the ideas in the report as pragmatic. These tweets are from the RSA, which hosted the event, and from the Independent’s Ashley Cowburn.
.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA on #BasicIncome. Says “there’s been a growing acknowledgment that the means-tested system is degrading & dehumanising.” People have moved on from ‘scroungers’ language & want a new way. Watch live: https://t.co/PyEBI8PtmU pic.twitter.com/Mj5ydzdrNL.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA on #BasicIncome. Says “there’s been a growing acknowledgment that the means-tested system is degrading & dehumanising.” People have moved on from ‘scroungers’ language & want a new way. Watch live: https://t.co/PyEBI8PtmU pic.twitter.com/Mj5ydzdrNL
.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA. Says Finnish trial shows the well-being of people on Basic Income is increased. There are many models of #UBI, including the RSA’s own basic opportunity fund. #BasicIncome pic.twitter.com/IN20T445Ll.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA. Says Finnish trial shows the well-being of people on Basic Income is increased. There are many models of #UBI, including the RSA’s own basic opportunity fund. #BasicIncome pic.twitter.com/IN20T445Ll
McDonnell dismisses criticism of the proposal as “pie in the sky” thinking and describes as a “pragmatic” idea. “We look forward to considering it,” he says.McDonnell dismisses criticism of the proposal as “pie in the sky” thinking and describes as a “pragmatic” idea. “We look forward to considering it,” he says.
The proposal was also backed by Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader.The proposal was also backed by Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader.
.@Ed_Miliband speaking at the RSA on why #BasicIncome debate is important as a ‘big idea’:1 It gives people freedom - extending security to all people 2 It changes power in workplace - gives workers the power to say ‘no’3 It would “rewrite” the welfare system #UBI pic.twitter.com/2P35OvoEMh.@Ed_Miliband speaking at the RSA on why #BasicIncome debate is important as a ‘big idea’:1 It gives people freedom - extending security to all people 2 It changes power in workplace - gives workers the power to say ‘no’3 It would “rewrite” the welfare system #UBI pic.twitter.com/2P35OvoEMh
In his speech Miliband warmly praised McDonnell for opening up a debate on UBI and for being willing to “think big”. Addressing the shadow chancellor, he said:In his speech Miliband warmly praised McDonnell for opening up a debate on UBI and for being willing to “think big”. Addressing the shadow chancellor, he said:
I think, John, you are showing an imagination and a willingness to think big which is incredibly important in our politics. It is important for what a Labour government can do, but also for opening up the space ....I think, John, you are showing an imagination and a willingness to think big which is incredibly important in our politics. It is important for what a Labour government can do, but also for opening up the space ....
There will be people who like UBI, people who hate UBI. But I think what I would say to critics is, this is playing on a big pitch. This is primed to answer big questions that people feel in their heart about the problems with our society. So, if you don’t like it, fine. But come up with ideas that are big enough to compete with us. And that is, I think, in the end the real strength of UBI. It asks big questions about the nature of our society and seeks to answer them.There will be people who like UBI, people who hate UBI. But I think what I would say to critics is, this is playing on a big pitch. This is primed to answer big questions that people feel in their heart about the problems with our society. So, if you don’t like it, fine. But come up with ideas that are big enough to compete with us. And that is, I think, in the end the real strength of UBI. It asks big questions about the nature of our society and seeks to answer them.
Downing Street has just announced that two peers have left the government “for personal reasons”. They are Lady Fairhead, the former chair of the BBC Trust, who was an international trade minister, and Lady Manzoor, a former Lib Dem peer who defected to the Tories, who was a government whip.Downing Street has just announced that two peers have left the government “for personal reasons”. They are Lady Fairhead, the former chair of the BBC Trust, who was an international trade minister, and Lady Manzoor, a former Lib Dem peer who defected to the Tories, who was a government whip.
At a poster launch in Islington, north London, where Jeremy Corbyn is an MP, the Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said he wanted to win over Labour voters. He said:At a poster launch in Islington, north London, where Jeremy Corbyn is an MP, the Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said he wanted to win over Labour voters. He said:
My main priority here is to get Labour voters who are rightfully disenchanted with Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit, to get behind us in the European elections, that’s the objective.My main priority here is to get Labour voters who are rightfully disenchanted with Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit, to get behind us in the European elections, that’s the objective.
We did extremely well in the local elections, it was unambiguous. It was predominately remain areas and remain voters but we did get a lot of others voting for us on the strength of our performance and credibility in the local government.We did extremely well in the local elections, it was unambiguous. It was predominately remain areas and remain voters but we did get a lot of others voting for us on the strength of our performance and credibility in the local government.
Liberal Democrats are ready to take our clear message to Britain in #EUelections2019 on 23 May - stop Brexit. pic.twitter.com/9ceNZCcmA8Liberal Democrats are ready to take our clear message to Britain in #EUelections2019 on 23 May - stop Brexit. pic.twitter.com/9ceNZCcmA8
According to my colleague Daniel Boffey, (like many of us) Jean-Claude Juncker has also given up trying to guess how Brexit will conclude.According to my colleague Daniel Boffey, (like many of us) Jean-Claude Juncker has also given up trying to guess how Brexit will conclude.
Juncker on Brexit: "i don't have fears, i don't have hopes. i was saying the other day that by comparison to the British parliament the Egyptian sphinx are open books. Either they stay or they will leave. If they stay, they stay. If they leave, they leave."Juncker on Brexit: "i don't have fears, i don't have hopes. i was saying the other day that by comparison to the British parliament the Egyptian sphinx are open books. Either they stay or they will leave. If they stay, they stay. If they leave, they leave."
Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, has also been holding a press conference this morning. He said he made a mistake in 2016 when, on the advice of the then prime minister, David Cameron, he chose not to get involved in the referendum campaign. The European commission should have got involved to “destroy the lies” circulating about the EU. He said:Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, has also been holding a press conference this morning. He said he made a mistake in 2016 when, on the advice of the then prime minister, David Cameron, he chose not to get involved in the referendum campaign. The European commission should have got involved to “destroy the lies” circulating about the EU. He said:
The then prime minister asked me not to interfere, not to intervene in the referendum campaign.The then prime minister asked me not to interfere, not to intervene in the referendum campaign.
It was a mistake not to intervene and not to interfere because we would have been the only ones to destroy the lies which were circulated around. I was wrong to be silent at an important moment.It was a mistake not to intervene and not to interfere because we would have been the only ones to destroy the lies which were circulated around. I was wrong to be silent at an important moment.
Juncker may be over-estimating his powers of persuasion, at least with British voters. He did not intervene, but another president, Barack Obama, did famously urge Britons to vote remain and the consensus is that this had little or no effect on the result.Juncker may be over-estimating his powers of persuasion, at least with British voters. He did not intervene, but another president, Barack Obama, did famously urge Britons to vote remain and the consensus is that this had little or no effect on the result.
As Ukip leader Nigel Farage probably did more than anyone else to push the Conservative party to the point where David Cameron decided he had to hold a referendum on Brexit. Now he leads a new party, the Brexit party, and some polling suggests it is on course to win the European elections by a nine-point margin. That would be a much bigger win than Ukip’s win (under Farage) in the same elections five years ago.As Ukip leader Nigel Farage probably did more than anyone else to push the Conservative party to the point where David Cameron decided he had to hold a referendum on Brexit. Now he leads a new party, the Brexit party, and some polling suggests it is on course to win the European elections by a nine-point margin. That would be a much bigger win than Ukip’s win (under Farage) in the same elections five years ago.
Farage abandoned Ukip after it embraced far-right Islamophobia under its current leader, Gerard Batten, but on Brexit he is not softening his message. Far from it. Three years ago, during a referendum event hosted by the Guardian, Farage implied he would be happy with a Norway-style Brexit (ie, a soft Brexit, with the UK staying in the single market). Norway was rich, happy and successful, he said. What would be wrong with that?Farage abandoned Ukip after it embraced far-right Islamophobia under its current leader, Gerard Batten, but on Brexit he is not softening his message. Far from it. Three years ago, during a referendum event hosted by the Guardian, Farage implied he would be happy with a Norway-style Brexit (ie, a soft Brexit, with the UK staying in the single market). Norway was rich, happy and successful, he said. What would be wrong with that?
Now he wants no-deal - or a WTO Brexit, as he calls it. He also has ambitions to break open the Westminster two-party political system.Now he wants no-deal - or a WTO Brexit, as he calls it. He also has ambitions to break open the Westminster two-party political system.
Here are the main points from the news conference.Here are the main points from the news conference.
Farage said a Brexit party victory at the European elections would amount to the country voting for a WTO [World Trade Organisation] Brexit. He and Richard Tice, the Brexit party chairman, repeatedly referred to a WTO Brexit, but the same concept is more commonly referred to as a no-deal Brexit, particularly by those opposed to the idea.Farage said a Brexit party victory at the European elections would amount to the country voting for a WTO [World Trade Organisation] Brexit. He and Richard Tice, the Brexit party chairman, repeatedly referred to a WTO Brexit, but the same concept is more commonly referred to as a no-deal Brexit, particularly by those opposed to the idea.
Farage said the Brexit party should be allowed to help negotiate Brexit if it won the European elections. He said:Farage said the Brexit party should be allowed to help negotiate Brexit if it won the European elections. He said:
In terms of legitimacy, if the Brexit party wins this election arguing for a WTO Brexit, and we get significant support and we win, I think we will have democratic legitimacy to have a say in how we proceed from here. The new date we have is 31 October. We absolutely believe that the UK must, must, must leave on that date. And if we were part of that discussion, I think we could offer them a very sensible way forward.In terms of legitimacy, if the Brexit party wins this election arguing for a WTO Brexit, and we get significant support and we win, I think we will have democratic legitimacy to have a say in how we proceed from here. The new date we have is 31 October. We absolutely believe that the UK must, must, must leave on that date. And if we were part of that discussion, I think we could offer them a very sensible way forward.
And Tice said:And Tice said:
A vote for the Brexit party is a clear vote for a WTO Brexit, no ifs, no buts.A vote for the Brexit party is a clear vote for a WTO Brexit, no ifs, no buts.
Secondly, a vote for the Brexit party is a vote that our elected MEPs should play a significant role in the future negotiating team. We will demand such a role because we will be the party with the biggest, the most clear democratic mandate to be involved with those negotiations.Secondly, a vote for the Brexit party is a vote that our elected MEPs should play a significant role in the future negotiating team. We will demand such a role because we will be the party with the biggest, the most clear democratic mandate to be involved with those negotiations.
Farage and Tice called for the Brexit party to be included in the UK negotiating team even though their preferred option, a WTO Brexit, would not really require a negotiation at all. If the UK were to leave without a deal, it would become the default. Farage was asked to explain this apparent inconsistency, but sidestepped the question. (See 11.23am.)Farage and Tice called for the Brexit party to be included in the UK negotiating team even though their preferred option, a WTO Brexit, would not really require a negotiation at all. If the UK were to leave without a deal, it would become the default. Farage was asked to explain this apparent inconsistency, but sidestepped the question. (See 11.23am.)
Farage claimed some major Tory donors were considering giving money to his new party. He said that the party had already raised more than £2m, with more than 95% of that coming in £25 sums online. But he went on:Farage claimed some major Tory donors were considering giving money to his new party. He said that the party had already raised more than £2m, with more than 95% of that coming in £25 sums online. But he went on:
I think that may be about to change. I say that because there are now a few, much bigger donors, traditionally donors to the Conservative party, who we are now in conversation with, because they understand and realise that to fight a general election seriously we’re going to need big bucks.I think that may be about to change. I say that because there are now a few, much bigger donors, traditionally donors to the Conservative party, who we are now in conversation with, because they understand and realise that to fight a general election seriously we’re going to need big bucks.
He claimed his party would win millions of votes at a general election if Westminster failed to deliver a hard Brexit. He said:He claimed his party would win millions of votes at a general election if Westminster failed to deliver a hard Brexit. He said:
If the clean break Brexit is not delivered, then my view would that the Brexit party in a general election would get many, many more votes than the 4m I managed to get as leader of Ukip all those years ago ...If the clean break Brexit is not delivered, then my view would that the Brexit party in a general election would get many, many more votes than the 4m I managed to get as leader of Ukip all those years ago ...
I do not believe we will ever get a meaningful Brexit with this current government and this current parliament and this current political class. So, unless they listen to whatever we are able to do on 23 May, and perhaps about to do on 6 June at Peterborough, unless there is a fundamental shift in terms of what MPs are prepared to deliver, we are going to have to start to replace them in significant numbers.I do not believe we will ever get a meaningful Brexit with this current government and this current parliament and this current political class. So, unless they listen to whatever we are able to do on 23 May, and perhaps about to do on 6 June at Peterborough, unless there is a fundamental shift in terms of what MPs are prepared to deliver, we are going to have to start to replace them in significant numbers.
He said the Brexit party was today starting to recruit general election candidates. He said the party wanted to find a new sort of MP.He said the Brexit party was today starting to recruit general election candidates. He said the party wanted to find a new sort of MP.
We want 650 men and women ... with real-world experience, people who either in civic life or business life have got some achievements under their belt. It will be a very new kind of politics.We want 650 men and women ... with real-world experience, people who either in civic life or business life have got some achievements under their belt. It will be a very new kind of politics.
Although Farage claimed this would deliver a new kind of politics, most of the people who get elected to parliament to represent the established parties do have considerable “real-world experience”.Although Farage claimed this would deliver a new kind of politics, most of the people who get elected to parliament to represent the established parties do have considerable “real-world experience”.
He called for the end of first-past-the-post. He said:He called for the end of first-past-the-post. He said:
And if ever there was a time to break the first past the post system, it’s now.And if ever there was a time to break the first past the post system, it’s now.
He defended his decision to take give a series of interviews to Infowars, a far-right US website specialising in conspiracy theories. Today the Guardian has reported on concerns about Farage’s appearance on the show. Asked about these revelations, Farage said there was “without doubt some truth” in the claim that the presenter, Alex Jones, was a conspiracy theorist. But Farage went on:He defended his decision to take give a series of interviews to Infowars, a far-right US website specialising in conspiracy theories. Today the Guardian has reported on concerns about Farage’s appearance on the show. Asked about these revelations, Farage said there was “without doubt some truth” in the claim that the presenter, Alex Jones, was a conspiracy theorist. But Farage went on:
Because you appear on programmes doesn’t mean that you support the editorial line, necessarily, of those podcasts, broadcasts, newspapers or whatever they may be ...Because you appear on programmes doesn’t mean that you support the editorial line, necessarily, of those podcasts, broadcasts, newspapers or whatever they may be ...
I have never been conspiracy theorist at all.I have never been conspiracy theorist at all.
But then Farage also attacked the Guardian and the Observer, claiming that some of their stories about him receiving money from Russia and about him delivering a memory stick to Julian Assange, amounted to conspiracy theories. He told the Guardian journalist who asked the question:But then Farage also attacked the Guardian and the Observer, claiming that some of their stories about him receiving money from Russia and about him delivering a memory stick to Julian Assange, amounted to conspiracy theories. He told the Guardian journalist who asked the question:
I think when it comes to crackpot conspiracy theories, you’re way, way ahead of me.I think when it comes to crackpot conspiracy theories, you’re way, way ahead of me.
Q: Will you be meeting President Trump when he comes to the UK?Q: Will you be meeting President Trump when he comes to the UK?
Farage says, when Trump last come to the UK, one of the government’s red line demands was for Trump not to meet Farage.Farage says, when Trump last come to the UK, one of the government’s red line demands was for Trump not to meet Farage.
He says, given his personal relationship with Trump, you would have thought it would make sense for the government to use his him to the country’s advantage.He says, given his personal relationship with Trump, you would have thought it would make sense for the government to use his him to the country’s advantage.
And that’s it. The press conference is over.And that’s it. The press conference is over.
I will post a summary shortly.I will post a summary shortly.
Farage says the Brexit party will not be publishing policies until after the European elections are over. During the campaign it will be focusing on democracy, he says.Farage says the Brexit party will not be publishing policies until after the European elections are over. During the campaign it will be focusing on democracy, he says.
He says he does not think there will be a “meaningful Brexit” with this current government and this current parliament. He says it is important to replace MPs in significant numbers.He says he does not think there will be a “meaningful Brexit” with this current government and this current parliament. He says it is important to replace MPs in significant numbers.
He also says it is important to break first past the post.He also says it is important to break first past the post.
Q: [From my colleague Rowena Mason] Do you regret giving interviews to Alex Jones, the US conspiracy theorist?Q: [From my colleague Rowena Mason] Do you regret giving interviews to Alex Jones, the US conspiracy theorist?
The Guardian has written about those interviews today.The Guardian has written about those interviews today.
Nigel Farage under fire over 'antisemitic tropes' on far-right US talkshowNigel Farage under fire over 'antisemitic tropes' on far-right US talkshow
Farage says he has given interviews all over the world. He has appeared on the Alex Jones programme. But just because you appear on a programme does not mean you support its editorial line, he says.Farage says he has given interviews all over the world. He has appeared on the Alex Jones programme. But just because you appear on a programme does not mean you support its editorial line, he says.
And he claims that the Guardian and the Observer has published outlandish claims about him, saying he has been funded by Russia and that he has run memory sticks to Julian Assange. When it comes to conspiracy theories, the Guardian is way ahead of him, he says.And he claims that the Guardian and the Observer has published outlandish claims about him, saying he has been funded by Russia and that he has run memory sticks to Julian Assange. When it comes to conspiracy theories, the Guardian is way ahead of him, he says.
Q: Why aren’t you standing in Peterborough?Q: Why aren’t you standing in Peterborough?
Farage says he has experience as an MEP. He thinks a lot of Brexit party MEPs will be elected, and he sees it as his duty to take them to Brussels to show them how the system works.Farage says he has experience as an MEP. He thinks a lot of Brexit party MEPs will be elected, and he sees it as his duty to take them to Brussels to show them how the system works.
Q: Is Arron Banks one of your donors?Q: Is Arron Banks one of your donors?
No, says Farage. He says Banks will not be donating to the party.No, says Farage. He says Banks will not be donating to the party.
Q: You say 90% of your money is from small donors. Who are the big donors?Q: You say 90% of your money is from small donors. Who are the big donors?
Farage says the party has had one big donation, worth £100,000. It will reveal the name of the donor in due course.Farage says the party has had one big donation, worth £100,000. It will reveal the name of the donor in due course.
Q: How will you get Brexit party MEPs accepted on the UK negotiating team? And, if it is a WTO Brexit, will there be any negotiating anyway?Q: How will you get Brexit party MEPs accepted on the UK negotiating team? And, if it is a WTO Brexit, will there be any negotiating anyway?
The question comes from a BBC journalist. Farage sarcastically thanks them for turning up, saying the BBC has not covered his rallies, and the Brexit party has not been represented on panels.The question comes from a BBC journalist. Farage sarcastically thanks them for turning up, saying the BBC has not covered his rallies, and the Brexit party has not been represented on panels.
Farage says if the Brexit party wins, that will be a vote for a WTO Brexit.Farage says if the Brexit party wins, that will be a vote for a WTO Brexit.
Farage claims a Brexit party victory at the Euro elections would be a vote for a WTO Brexit.Farage claims a Brexit party victory at the Euro elections would be a vote for a WTO Brexit.
Tice says the current negotiations have failed. Some sensible people need to take over, he says.Tice says the current negotiations have failed. Some sensible people need to take over, he says.
Q: Are you talking to Tory MPs about defecting, as well as Tory donors?Q: Are you talking to Tory MPs about defecting, as well as Tory donors?
Farage says he is more interesting in recruiting donors at the moment.Farage says he is more interesting in recruiting donors at the moment.
He says his experience as Ukip leader was that recruiting defectors from other parties meant bringing in all their in-fighting too. He does not want to do that again, he says.He says his experience as Ukip leader was that recruiting defectors from other parties meant bringing in all their in-fighting too. He does not want to do that again, he says.