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Farage says remainers have been 'radicalised' after he is hit with milkshake - live news Farage says remainers have been 'radicalised' after he is hit with milkshake - live news
(32 minutes later)
These are from ITV’s Daniel Hewitt, who’s been covering a Brexit party rally in Wakefield.
At a @brexitparty_uk rally in Wakefield. The first 4 people I speak to are all Conservative Party councillors, including the vice chair of the local party. They’ve already voted for the Brexit Party and they all say they’re here to support Nigel Farage. pic.twitter.com/On3gyWTaX8
NEW: Nigel Farage tells me he is “100% confident” the @brexitparty_uk has followed the rules on party funding and 100% confident they haven’t broken the law. I asked him if he’s 100% sure he’s not received a penny from foreign donors outside the UK, he says he “99% sure.”
Nigel Farage had planned to do a walkabout in Wakefield but after the milkshake in Newcastle, he said his safety cannot be guaranteed. So he stayed on the bus, gave a short speech to his supporters from the top deck and left. Next stop, Bolton. pic.twitter.com/GIBLPtsArs
Gordon Brown’s office has tweeted this joke from his speech at the Labour rally earlier.
Investigate funding of Nigel Farage and Brexit Party ⁦@OfficeGSBrown⁩ tells rally in Glasgow. ‘Farage not a man of the people - he’s a man of the PayPal.’ pic.twitter.com/wYsLE7JLad
Ray Bassett was one of the senior Irish diplomats advising Bertie Ahern’s government the during the run up to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement peace deal for Northern Ireland in 1998. Bassett then served as Irish joint secretary to the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Belfast between 2001 and 2005, just prior to the signing of the second major peace deal between unionism and nationalism - the St Andrews Agreement. He also served as an ambassador, but after leaving the Republic’s Department of Foreign Affairs stunned some of his former colleagues by turning against the EU and getting involved with the Eurosceptic Irish Freedom party.Ray Bassett was one of the senior Irish diplomats advising Bertie Ahern’s government the during the run up to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement peace deal for Northern Ireland in 1998. Bassett then served as Irish joint secretary to the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Belfast between 2001 and 2005, just prior to the signing of the second major peace deal between unionism and nationalism - the St Andrews Agreement. He also served as an ambassador, but after leaving the Republic’s Department of Foreign Affairs stunned some of his former colleagues by turning against the EU and getting involved with the Eurosceptic Irish Freedom party.
Today Bassett claims that Irish/EU pressure leading to Theresa May not getting a deal she could sell will result in a real Brexiter entering 10 Downing Street. On his Facebook page the former senior Irish diplomat warns:Today Bassett claims that Irish/EU pressure leading to Theresa May not getting a deal she could sell will result in a real Brexiter entering 10 Downing Street. On his Facebook page the former senior Irish diplomat warns:
With the imminent ending of Theresa May’s leadership of the British Conservative party, and also [her time] as prime minister, the Irish government should reflect on the part they played in her, and indeed moderate Conservatism’s, demise in our neighbour. The likely prospect now seems that Boris Johnston will be the next PM of the UK, or Dominic Raab.With the imminent ending of Theresa May’s leadership of the British Conservative party, and also [her time] as prime minister, the Irish government should reflect on the part they played in her, and indeed moderate Conservatism’s, demise in our neighbour. The likely prospect now seems that Boris Johnston will be the next PM of the UK, or Dominic Raab.
The failure to give the UK a reasonable deal in the withdrawal agreement politically killed off May and those around her. It was extremely short sighted to place all Ireland’s eggs in the Brussels basket. We needed a good deal for Britain, in our own interests, but the EU Commission needed to teach the deserting Brits a lesson. It was a repeat of the fiasco of the Cameron renegotiation, where our political establishment’s excessive Europhilia trumped the national interest. A sad day for Ireland.The failure to give the UK a reasonable deal in the withdrawal agreement politically killed off May and those around her. It was extremely short sighted to place all Ireland’s eggs in the Brussels basket. We needed a good deal for Britain, in our own interests, but the EU Commission needed to teach the deserting Brits a lesson. It was a repeat of the fiasco of the Cameron renegotiation, where our political establishment’s excessive Europhilia trumped the national interest. A sad day for Ireland.
Three in five British voters say politics in Westminster and Brussels is broken, according to a poll that finds pro- and anti-Brexit parties are running neck and neck ahead of the European elections on Thursday, my colleague Mark Rice-Oxley reports.Three in five British voters say politics in Westminster and Brussels is broken, according to a poll that finds pro- and anti-Brexit parties are running neck and neck ahead of the European elections on Thursday, my colleague Mark Rice-Oxley reports.
Here is the key chart.Here is the key chart.
And here is Mark’s story.And here is Mark’s story.
Pro- and anti-Brexit parties neck and neck in EU election, says pollPro- and anti-Brexit parties neck and neck in EU election, says poll
The milkshake attack on Nigel Farage is being widely condemned.The milkshake attack on Nigel Farage is being widely condemned.
Downing Street has criticised what happened, PoliticsHome’s Kevin Schofield reports.Downing Street has criticised what happened, PoliticsHome’s Kevin Schofield reports.
Downing St on Farage milkshaking: “The Prime Minister has been clear that politicians should be able to go about their work and campaign without harassment, intimidation and abuse.”Downing St on Farage milkshaking: “The Prime Minister has been clear that politicians should be able to go about their work and campaign without harassment, intimidation and abuse.”
The former Labour prime minister Tony Blair has said the attack was “horrible”, the Telegraph’s Harry Yorke reports.The former Labour prime minister Tony Blair has said the attack was “horrible”, the Telegraph’s Harry Yorke reports.
Tony Blair wades into the milkshake row in Farage's defence: "Horrible and ridiculous and people shouldn't do it. I can't stand this, I really feel very strongly about this. The guy is entitled to his point of view."Tony Blair wades into the milkshake row in Farage's defence: "Horrible and ridiculous and people shouldn't do it. I can't stand this, I really feel very strongly about this. The guy is entitled to his point of view."
This is from the former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron.This is from the former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron.
I’m not laughing along with the attack on Farage. Violence and intimidation are wrong no matter who they’re aimed at. On top of that, it just makes the man a martyr, it’s playing into his hands.I’m not laughing along with the attack on Farage. Violence and intimidation are wrong no matter who they’re aimed at. On top of that, it just makes the man a martyr, it’s playing into his hands.
And this is from Brendan Cox, whose Labour MP wife Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right terrorist during the 2016 referendum campaign.And this is from Brendan Cox, whose Labour MP wife Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right terrorist during the 2016 referendum campaign.
I dislike @Nigel_Farage ‘s politics profoundly. His willingness to pander to hatred &division even more so. But I don’t think throwing stuff at politicians you disagree with is a good idea. It normalises violence &intimidation and we should consistently stand again it. https://t.co/B2padhJBTgI dislike @Nigel_Farage ‘s politics profoundly. His willingness to pander to hatred &division even more so. But I don’t think throwing stuff at politicians you disagree with is a good idea. It normalises violence &intimidation and we should consistently stand again it. https://t.co/B2padhJBTg
YouGov has released some European elections polling for ITV and Cardiff University showing Labour, which has been the dominant party in Welsh politics for almost a century, on course to come third, behind the Brexit party and Plaid Cyrmu. And the Conservatives are on course to come sixth, also behind the Liberal Democrats and the Greens.YouGov has released some European elections polling for ITV and Cardiff University showing Labour, which has been the dominant party in Welsh politics for almost a century, on course to come third, behind the Brexit party and Plaid Cyrmu. And the Conservatives are on course to come sixth, also behind the Liberal Democrats and the Greens.
Here is an excerpt from Prof Roger Awan-Scully’s write-up for ITV.Here is an excerpt from Prof Roger Awan-Scully’s write-up for ITV.
These poll results clearly have immediate potential implications for Thursday’s election. But there is a broader historical context here. Since Lloyd George’s victory in the December 1918 general election, there have been 39 Wales-wide electoral contests. The Labour party have come first in 38 of those 39 contests – the sole exception being the 2009 European election when, at the absolute lowest point of Gordon Brown’s unhappy period as prime minister, Labour finished narrowly behind the Conservatives in Wales.These poll results clearly have immediate potential implications for Thursday’s election. But there is a broader historical context here. Since Lloyd George’s victory in the December 1918 general election, there have been 39 Wales-wide electoral contests. The Labour party have come first in 38 of those 39 contests – the sole exception being the 2009 European election when, at the absolute lowest point of Gordon Brown’s unhappy period as prime minister, Labour finished narrowly behind the Conservatives in Wales.
Unless our poll is horribly inaccurate, or Labour stage an astonishing resurgence in the last few days of the European election campaign, we are going to see Labour defeated in Wales for only the second time in the last one hundred years. Mark Drakeford’s first electoral test as Welsh Labour leader will have been failed. We don’t yet know what political implications might follow from such an outcome, but this result in itself would be truly historic.Unless our poll is horribly inaccurate, or Labour stage an astonishing resurgence in the last few days of the European election campaign, we are going to see Labour defeated in Wales for only the second time in the last one hundred years. Mark Drakeford’s first electoral test as Welsh Labour leader will have been failed. We don’t yet know what political implications might follow from such an outcome, but this result in itself would be truly historic.
The Greens have been in touch to clarify their policy on a universal basic income (UBI). (See 10.56am.) At the last general election the Green party was campaigning for a universal basic income - a basic payment to everyone, regardless of whether they are working or not working, rich or poor. In these European elections, the Greens and their fellow EU Green parties are calling for EU legislation forcing member states to guarantee people a minimum income. This would involve top-pay payments going to the poor but, unlike a UBI, it would not involve payments to the rich. The Greens think this a realistic EU aspiration for the near future. They also want UBI to be piloted on an EU-wide basis, but they accept that it would take much longer to introduce this across Europe.The Greens have been in touch to clarify their policy on a universal basic income (UBI). (See 10.56am.) At the last general election the Green party was campaigning for a universal basic income - a basic payment to everyone, regardless of whether they are working or not working, rich or poor. In these European elections, the Greens and their fellow EU Green parties are calling for EU legislation forcing member states to guarantee people a minimum income. This would involve top-pay payments going to the poor but, unlike a UBI, it would not involve payments to the rich. The Greens think this a realistic EU aspiration for the near future. They also want UBI to be piloted on an EU-wide basis, but they accept that it would take much longer to introduce this across Europe.
I’ve just been to see Esther McVey formally launch a new group called Blue Collar Conservatism, an internal party campaign intended to push for policies attracting working voters in former industrial areas, which is also viewed as a vehicle for McVey’s own leadership ambitions.I’ve just been to see Esther McVey formally launch a new group called Blue Collar Conservatism, an internal party campaign intended to push for policies attracting working voters in former industrial areas, which is also viewed as a vehicle for McVey’s own leadership ambitions.
The ex-work and pension secretary, who left government at the end of last year in protest at Theresa May’s Brexit plans, is seen as an outsider, but as with many of these efforts the aim is as much to push the individual MP’s policy aims and stature in the party.The ex-work and pension secretary, who left government at the end of last year in protest at Theresa May’s Brexit plans, is seen as an outsider, but as with many of these efforts the aim is as much to push the individual MP’s policy aims and stature in the party.
Speaking in a packed room in parliament – she had made the wise move of both booking a fairly small space and removing all the chairs – McVey said the Conservatives must take votes from those who felt abandoned by Labour, in part by delivering Brexit quickly.Speaking in a packed room in parliament – she had made the wise move of both booking a fairly small space and removing all the chairs – McVey said the Conservatives must take votes from those who felt abandoned by Labour, in part by delivering Brexit quickly.
If that sounds a bit like the Brexit party, there were definite similarities, not least a video featuring uplifting music, the views of annoyed voters and a claim that Labour has abandoned working class people. In a brief Q&A afterwards, McVey declined to say whether she would ever work with Nigel Farage’s party.If that sounds a bit like the Brexit party, there were definite similarities, not least a video featuring uplifting music, the views of annoyed voters and a claim that Labour has abandoned working class people. In a brief Q&A afterwards, McVey declined to say whether she would ever work with Nigel Farage’s party.
The main policy specific was to pare back overseas aid funding to 2010 levels and to spend what Mcvey said would be the left over £7bn a year on schools and the police.The main policy specific was to pare back overseas aid funding to 2010 levels and to spend what Mcvey said would be the left over £7bn a year on schools and the police.
There were some hiccups more reminiscent of Change UK than the Brexit party – the first video took some lengthy laptop key-pressing to start, while McVey mis-read her script and referred to having to “clear up the mess that was left by the Conservatives” but the event saw a fair turnout of fellow Tory MPs.There were some hiccups more reminiscent of Change UK than the Brexit party – the first video took some lengthy laptop key-pressing to start, while McVey mis-read her script and referred to having to “clear up the mess that was left by the Conservatives” but the event saw a fair turnout of fellow Tory MPs.
McVey also made it clear that she would only back a die-hard Brexiter to replace May, Asked whether someone like Jeremy Hunt or Sajid Javid would suffice, she said it had to be someone who “believes in Brexit with a passion”.McVey also made it clear that she would only back a die-hard Brexiter to replace May, Asked whether someone like Jeremy Hunt or Sajid Javid would suffice, she said it had to be someone who “believes in Brexit with a passion”.
Here is my colleague Matthew Weaver’s story about Nigel Farage being hit with a milkshake in Newcastle.Here is my colleague Matthew Weaver’s story about Nigel Farage being hit with a milkshake in Newcastle.
Nigel Farage doused with milkshake in NewcastleNigel Farage doused with milkshake in Newcastle
Farage has posted this message on Twitter about the incident.Farage has posted this message on Twitter about the incident.
Sadly some remainers have become radicalised, to the extent that normal campaigning is becoming impossible.For a civilised democracy to work you need the losers consent, politicians not accepting the referendum result have led us to this.Sadly some remainers have become radicalised, to the extent that normal campaigning is becoming impossible.For a civilised democracy to work you need the losers consent, politicians not accepting the referendum result have led us to this.
This is the first time I’ve heard Farage talk about losers’ consent - a concept that it very well explained in this Twitter thread from Richard Wyn Jones, a professor of Welsh politics. Jones argues that Welsh devolution has been successful because, after a very narrow vote for devolution in 1997, Labour made an effort to obtain losers’ consent to ensure wide support for the assembly that was set up. He posted this Twitter thread to make a point about Brexit, where, he argues, the government has singularly failed to make an effort to accommodate the concerns of remainers.This is the first time I’ve heard Farage talk about losers’ consent - a concept that it very well explained in this Twitter thread from Richard Wyn Jones, a professor of Welsh politics. Jones argues that Welsh devolution has been successful because, after a very narrow vote for devolution in 1997, Labour made an effort to obtain losers’ consent to ensure wide support for the assembly that was set up. He posted this Twitter thread to make a point about Brexit, where, he argues, the government has singularly failed to make an effort to accommodate the concerns of remainers.
Unexpectedly, the 1997 referendum on Welsh devolution is back in the news. Setting aside Theresa May's misremembering/rank hypocrisy [delete according to taste] concerning her own and her own party's position, the lesson of Wales 1997 is actually about 'loser's consent' 1/Unexpectedly, the 1997 referendum on Welsh devolution is back in the news. Setting aside Theresa May's misremembering/rank hypocrisy [delete according to taste] concerning her own and her own party's position, the lesson of Wales 1997 is actually about 'loser's consent' 1/
Even though Farage has used the term, it is not apparent that he understands the concept. He is using it to say remainers should just accept Brexit. Jones is arguing that remainers consent would only be forthcoming if the government adopted a softer version of Brexit - something that would appal Farage. (He thinks Theresa May’s Brexit, which would involve being outside the single market and the customs union, is too soft, and is pushing for no-deal as the only proper Brexit.)Even though Farage has used the term, it is not apparent that he understands the concept. He is using it to say remainers should just accept Brexit. Jones is arguing that remainers consent would only be forthcoming if the government adopted a softer version of Brexit - something that would appal Farage. (He thinks Theresa May’s Brexit, which would involve being outside the single market and the customs union, is too soft, and is pushing for no-deal as the only proper Brexit.)
Farage is also not someone who has shown much willingness to grant losers’ consent himself. Famously, before the 2016 referendum he said that if leave lost narrowly, he would be pushing for a further referendum.Farage is also not someone who has shown much willingness to grant losers’ consent himself. Famously, before the 2016 referendum he said that if leave lost narrowly, he would be pushing for a further referendum.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has been in Cyprus where he has warned that the bloc is preparing for a no-deal – even if it is a scenario that would not be of its choice. He told journalists:Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has been in Cyprus where he has warned that the bloc is preparing for a no-deal – even if it is a scenario that would not be of its choice. He told journalists:
We have offered all options to the United Kingdom, from the single market to the customs union or a free trade agreement. We are now waiting for clarity from the United Kingdom. In the meantime, we keep preparing for a no-deal. This is not, and will not be, the EU’s choice. It is for the UK to take its responsibilities.We have offered all options to the United Kingdom, from the single market to the customs union or a free trade agreement. We are now waiting for clarity from the United Kingdom. In the meantime, we keep preparing for a no-deal. This is not, and will not be, the EU’s choice. It is for the UK to take its responsibilities.
The withdrawal agreement remained the country’s only way to securing an orderly transition, if it still wanted to leave, he told a press conference after flying to the island to especially discuss Brexit with the island’s president Nicos Anastasiades. Cyprus has two British military bases – a legacy of its colonial era – whose post-Brexit future has been the focus of talks.The withdrawal agreement remained the country’s only way to securing an orderly transition, if it still wanted to leave, he told a press conference after flying to the island to especially discuss Brexit with the island’s president Nicos Anastasiades. Cyprus has two British military bases – a legacy of its colonial era – whose post-Brexit future has been the focus of talks.
“Today the fundamental choices in front of the United Kingdom remain the same: deal, no-deal, no Brexit,” Barnier said.“Today the fundamental choices in front of the United Kingdom remain the same: deal, no-deal, no Brexit,” Barnier said.
Whatever happens and whatever the political situation in the UK, the issues and solutions remain the same.Whatever happens and whatever the political situation in the UK, the issues and solutions remain the same.
Let me be clear: if the UK still wants, ratifying the withdrawal agreement is the only way to secure a transition period. That period of transition would give the United Kingdom time to sort out its negotiation positions. This transition period would also give time to both sides to figure out what specific arrangements are necessary in relation to the Northern Irish border on top of the overall EU/UK relationship.Let me be clear: if the UK still wants, ratifying the withdrawal agreement is the only way to secure a transition period. That period of transition would give the United Kingdom time to sort out its negotiation positions. This transition period would also give time to both sides to figure out what specific arrangements are necessary in relation to the Northern Irish border on top of the overall EU/UK relationship.
The Electoral Commission has said it will visit the Brexit party offices tomorrow to check it is complying with the electoral law about donations, the BBC’s Jessica Parker reports.The Electoral Commission has said it will visit the Brexit party offices tomorrow to check it is complying with the electoral law about donations, the BBC’s Jessica Parker reports.
Electoral Commission to "visit" the Brexit Party's office tomorrow and "conduct a review" of its donations system pic.twitter.com/au0uFFHkXgElectoral Commission to "visit" the Brexit Party's office tomorrow and "conduct a review" of its donations system pic.twitter.com/au0uFFHkXg
Gordon Brown has accused the Scottish National party of pursuing a “far more extreme” version of independence than it has before, as he sought to shore up Labour’s fragile vote in Thursday’s European elections.Gordon Brown has accused the Scottish National party of pursuing a “far more extreme” version of independence than it has before, as he sought to shore up Labour’s fragile vote in Thursday’s European elections.
He told a Labour election rally in Glasgow, where he failed to answer any questions from the media or party members, that the SNP had now abandoned the “soft independence” pursued by Alex Salmond, the then first minister, during the 2014 independence referendum.He told a Labour election rally in Glasgow, where he failed to answer any questions from the media or party members, that the SNP had now abandoned the “soft independence” pursued by Alex Salmond, the then first minister, during the 2014 independence referendum.
Then Salmond had wanted to leave the so-called political or parliamentary union between Scotland and the rest of the UK, but retain the monetary union by keeping the pound, and staying in the so-called social union by sharing pensions and some welfare powers.Then Salmond had wanted to leave the so-called political or parliamentary union between Scotland and the rest of the UK, but retain the monetary union by keeping the pound, and staying in the so-called social union by sharing pensions and some welfare powers.
However, the SNP’s spring conference narrowly voted to pursue leaving sterling and setting up an independent Scottish currency immediately after a yes vote in any future independence referendum. At the same time, the SNP would retain or seek European Union membership.However, the SNP’s spring conference narrowly voted to pursue leaving sterling and setting up an independent Scottish currency immediately after a yes vote in any future independence referendum. At the same time, the SNP would retain or seek European Union membership.
Brown told the Labour rally:Brown told the Labour rally:
Just look at the decisions made by the SNP conference. You know in 2014 Alex Salmond told us we were only leaving the political union. That was all. We were staying in the other unions. Well what is the policy now? It’s a far more extreme version of independence. They have moved, if you like, from soft independence to hard independence. Because they will now leave the British pound, they will leave the UK currency union.Just look at the decisions made by the SNP conference. You know in 2014 Alex Salmond told us we were only leaving the political union. That was all. We were staying in the other unions. Well what is the policy now? It’s a far more extreme version of independence. They have moved, if you like, from soft independence to hard independence. Because they will now leave the British pound, they will leave the UK currency union.
[Of] course they want to stay in the European Union after they leave Britain so they’ll leave the UK customs union as well. They have to leave the UK single market; they will leave the UK social welfare union, so pensions and everything else will have to be decided in Scotland and not decided as part of the UK pension scheme we have all contributed to.[Of] course they want to stay in the European Union after they leave Britain so they’ll leave the UK customs union as well. They have to leave the UK single market; they will leave the UK social welfare union, so pensions and everything else will have to be decided in Scotland and not decided as part of the UK pension scheme we have all contributed to.
So this is a far more extreme policy that the SNP are now putting forward and people have got to recognise that if you vote for the SNP on Thursday you’re voting to give recognition and legitimacy and credibility to a more extreme form of independence than ever we have seen.So this is a far more extreme policy that the SNP are now putting forward and people have got to recognise that if you vote for the SNP on Thursday you’re voting to give recognition and legitimacy and credibility to a more extreme form of independence than ever we have seen.
Scottish Labour is desperately worried about a haemorrhage of support from pro-remain voters to the SNP, the Scottish Greens or Liberal Democrats in Thursday’s election. The polls show it is likely to hold only one of its two European parliament seats, with the SNP on course to win three of Scotland’s six places.Scottish Labour is desperately worried about a haemorrhage of support from pro-remain voters to the SNP, the Scottish Greens or Liberal Democrats in Thursday’s election. The polls show it is likely to hold only one of its two European parliament seats, with the SNP on course to win three of Scotland’s six places.
Brown sought to shore up support for the party by insisting only Labour wanted to focus on policies which affected ordinary voters’ every day lives such as the NHS, schools and the economy. The SNP and Tories, he said, had:Brown sought to shore up support for the party by insisting only Labour wanted to focus on policies which affected ordinary voters’ every day lives such as the NHS, schools and the economy. The SNP and Tories, he said, had:
a constitutional obsession; here you’ve got a never-ending, non-stop Punch and Judy show – the Conservatives versus the SNP, fighting it out over the minutiae of the constitution and ignoring the main issues that affect the people of Scotland.a constitutional obsession; here you’ve got a never-ending, non-stop Punch and Judy show – the Conservatives versus the SNP, fighting it out over the minutiae of the constitution and ignoring the main issues that affect the people of Scotland.
David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, has urged Conservative MPs not to vote for Theresa May’s EU withdrawal agreement bill because it would tie the hands of her successor. Davis did vote for May’s deal when it was defeated for the third time, in March, and his decision to revert to opposing it suggests she is at risk of an even bigger defeat at the next vote, in early June. (See 9.20am.) Downing Street said at tomorrow’s cabinet ministers will discuss whether or not to hold indicative votes before the bill’s second reading. (See 11.57am.)David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, has urged Conservative MPs not to vote for Theresa May’s EU withdrawal agreement bill because it would tie the hands of her successor. Davis did vote for May’s deal when it was defeated for the third time, in March, and his decision to revert to opposing it suggests she is at risk of an even bigger defeat at the next vote, in early June. (See 9.20am.) Downing Street said at tomorrow’s cabinet ministers will discuss whether or not to hold indicative votes before the bill’s second reading. (See 11.57am.)
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has dismissed a call from Gordon Brown, the Labour former prime minister, for an investigation into his party’s finances as an “absolutely disgusting smear”. (See 12.45pm.)Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has dismissed a call from Gordon Brown, the Labour former prime minister, for an investigation into his party’s finances as an “absolutely disgusting smear”. (See 12.45pm.)
Farage has been hit by a milkshake while campaiging in Newcastle. (See 1.25pm.)Farage has been hit by a milkshake while campaiging in Newcastle. (See 1.25pm.)
Brown has accused the SNP of pushing for “hard independence”. (See 9.52am.)Brown has accused the SNP of pushing for “hard independence”. (See 9.52am.)
Hostile state actors – spies, assassins or hackers directed by the government of another country – are to be targeted by refreshed espionage and treason laws, the home secretary has announced.Hostile state actors – spies, assassins or hackers directed by the government of another country – are to be targeted by refreshed espionage and treason laws, the home secretary has announced.
The top Change UK choice in Scotland for this week’s European elections has written an open letter to his fellow party candidates urging them to consider following his lead and voting for the Liberal Democrats or other remain parties.The top Change UK choice in Scotland for this week’s European elections has written an open letter to his fellow party candidates urging them to consider following his lead and voting for the Liberal Democrats or other remain parties.
The British government is appointing an international ambassador dedicated to the promotion of human rights, in a move that is likely to put the UK’s patchy approach to autocratic regimes under greater scrutiny. As Patrick Wintour reports, the foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has appointed Rita French, formerly his principal private secretary, to take on the task of promoting the UK’s work at the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council and the cause of human rights internationally. The role is the first of its kind for the British government, although a clutch of other countries including France, Germany and the Netherlands have had the role, some for more than a decade, often taking outspoken positions with countries such as China and Saudi Arabia.The British government is appointing an international ambassador dedicated to the promotion of human rights, in a move that is likely to put the UK’s patchy approach to autocratic regimes under greater scrutiny. As Patrick Wintour reports, the foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has appointed Rita French, formerly his principal private secretary, to take on the task of promoting the UK’s work at the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council and the cause of human rights internationally. The role is the first of its kind for the British government, although a clutch of other countries including France, Germany and the Netherlands have had the role, some for more than a decade, often taking outspoken positions with countries such as China and Saudi Arabia.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has said that leaving the single market would be “catastrophic” for Scotland. Speaking ahead of a visit to a fish processing plant in Aberdeen with SNP MEP candidate Christian Allard, she said:Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has said that leaving the single market would be “catastrophic” for Scotland. Speaking ahead of a visit to a fish processing plant in Aberdeen with SNP MEP candidate Christian Allard, she said:
The free movement of goods and people across Europe is vital for Scotland’s economic success. But those benefits that we all enjoy are plunged into peril by Brexit.The free movement of goods and people across Europe is vital for Scotland’s economic success. But those benefits that we all enjoy are plunged into peril by Brexit.
The EU accounts for more than half of Scottish exports - worth £15.7bn to our economy. Blocking Scotland from trading freely with the European Union post-Brexit will be catastrophic to businesses here.The EU accounts for more than half of Scottish exports - worth £15.7bn to our economy. Blocking Scotland from trading freely with the European Union post-Brexit will be catastrophic to businesses here.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been hit by a milkshake while campaigning in Newcastle. These are from the Newcastle Chronicle’s Sean Seddon.Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been hit by a milkshake while campaigning in Newcastle. These are from the Newcastle Chronicle’s Sean Seddon.
Nigel Farage hit by a milkshake in Newcastle city centre. He’s furious. Telling his security “it’s a failure” and “how did that happen”. He’s just been whisked away in a car. Full story on https://t.co/YZjeNpfVJw soon. pic.twitter.com/FpXDS8cGTGNigel Farage hit by a milkshake in Newcastle city centre. He’s furious. Telling his security “it’s a failure” and “how did that happen”. He’s just been whisked away in a car. Full story on https://t.co/YZjeNpfVJw soon. pic.twitter.com/FpXDS8cGTG
Chaotic scenes in Newcastle city centre as Nigel Farage hit by a milkshake. He’s been whisked away by his security. This is the aftermath. pic.twitter.com/qxz8yay492Chaotic scenes in Newcastle city centre as Nigel Farage hit by a milkshake. He’s been whisked away by his security. This is the aftermath. pic.twitter.com/qxz8yay492
Here are some tweets from journalists attending the launch of Esther McVey’s Blue Collar Conservatism campaign.Here are some tweets from journalists attending the launch of Esther McVey’s Blue Collar Conservatism campaign.
At the launch of Esther McVey’s blue-collar Conservatism launch. One of the sandwich choices is a ‘vegan sunshine’ wrap.At the launch of Esther McVey’s blue-collar Conservatism launch. One of the sandwich choices is a ‘vegan sunshine’ wrap.
Standing room only at the Esther McVey launch - mainly because there aren’t any seats and she’ll be speaking to four TV cameras #commontouch pic.twitter.com/ymab3NVLbAStanding room only at the Esther McVey launch - mainly because there aren’t any seats and she’ll be speaking to four TV cameras #commontouch pic.twitter.com/ymab3NVLbA
I’m at the launch event in Parliament for a group calling itself “Blue Collar Conservatism”, which appears to mainly be the vehicle for the leadership ambitions of ex-minister and Brexiter ultra Esther McVey. Fair to say she’s seen as an outsider in the upcoming race.I’m at the launch event in Parliament for a group calling itself “Blue Collar Conservatism”, which appears to mainly be the vehicle for the leadership ambitions of ex-minister and Brexiter ultra Esther McVey. Fair to say she’s seen as an outsider in the upcoming race.
Slight technical problems at the launch of Esther McVey’s Blue Collar Conservativism campaign as the “what we’ve done so far” video fails, at first, to play pic.twitter.com/GDtZTPKXGpSlight technical problems at the launch of Esther McVey’s Blue Collar Conservativism campaign as the “what we’ve done so far” video fails, at first, to play pic.twitter.com/GDtZTPKXGp
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has described Gordon Brown’s call for the Brexit party to be subject to an Electoral Commission investigation into the source of its funding as an “absolutely disgusting smear”. Farage told BBC News:Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has described Gordon Brown’s call for the Brexit party to be subject to an Electoral Commission investigation into the source of its funding as an “absolutely disgusting smear”. Farage told BBC News:
This from the man who was part of a Labour party that, through Lord Levy, were, shall we say, making a lot of big donors members of the House of Lords. How dare he?This from the man who was part of a Labour party that, through Lord Levy, were, shall we say, making a lot of big donors members of the House of Lords. How dare he?
Most of our money has been raised by people giving £25 to become registered supporters. And over 100,000 - nearly 110,000 - of them now have done that. And, frankly, this smacks, I think, of jealousy, because the other parties simply can’t do this.Most of our money has been raised by people giving £25 to become registered supporters. And over 100,000 - nearly 110,000 - of them now have done that. And, frankly, this smacks, I think, of jealousy, because the other parties simply can’t do this.
Heidi Allen, Change UK’s interim leader, will apply for an emergency debate later on revoking article 50.Heidi Allen, Change UK’s interim leader, will apply for an emergency debate later on revoking article 50.
After all this, Mr Speaker will hear an SO24 application from @heidiallen75 on ‘Revoking Article 50’.After all this, Mr Speaker will hear an SO24 application from @heidiallen75 on ‘Revoking Article 50’.