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Theresa May describes 'great regret' as she arrives for last Brussels summit – live news Theresa May describes 'great regret' as she arrives for last Brussels summit – live news
(32 minutes later)
Sky News will host a live head-to-head debate as part of the Conservative leadership contest, the broadcaster says. Unlike the BBC’s planned offering, only the two final candidates will be invited to take part.
It will be held before an audience of Tory voters and broadcast across Sky’s TV and digital platforms, as well as being made available to other media outlets. Sky News’ Kay Burley will host.
The BBC has announced plans to hold high-profile debates involving Tory leadership candidates without consulting with some of the candidates.The BBC has announced plans to hold high-profile debates involving Tory leadership candidates without consulting with some of the candidates.
The BBC’s decision to unilaterally announce its own broadcasting plans – including a hustings in mid-June and a head-to-head debate between the two final candidates – puts the pressure on individual Tory candidates to take part. But some leadership campaign teams told the Guardian they were unaware of the plans until a press release was issued on Tuesday afternoon and complained it was an attempt to bounce them into taking part.The BBC’s decision to unilaterally announce its own broadcasting plans – including a hustings in mid-June and a head-to-head debate between the two final candidates – puts the pressure on individual Tory candidates to take part. But some leadership campaign teams told the Guardian they were unaware of the plans until a press release was issued on Tuesday afternoon and complained it was an attempt to bounce them into taking part.
The decision to unilaterally announce the format ensures the broadcaster can avoid the excruciating, lengthy, and ultimately pointless debate over the format of the Brexit television debate that never happened between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn at the end of last year.The decision to unilaterally announce the format ensures the broadcaster can avoid the excruciating, lengthy, and ultimately pointless debate over the format of the Brexit television debate that never happened between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn at the end of last year.
Given the potentially make-or-break nature of the Tory leadership debate – and the fact that the winner of the contest will almost certainly become prime minister – the broadcasts could shape the future of British politics, and of the Brexit debate.Given the potentially make-or-break nature of the Tory leadership debate – and the fact that the winner of the contest will almost certainly become prime minister – the broadcasts could shape the future of British politics, and of the Brexit debate.
The format, which will see all the remaining contenders take part in a hustings after two rounds of voting by Tory MPs, could be chaotic if a large number of candidates remain involved. It could also be damaging for Boris Johnson, whose status as frontrunner means he is likely to come under attack from all sides.The format, which will see all the remaining contenders take part in a hustings after two rounds of voting by Tory MPs, could be chaotic if a large number of candidates remain involved. It could also be damaging for Boris Johnson, whose status as frontrunner means he is likely to come under attack from all sides.
Other broadcasters, including ITV and Sky, are also planning their own leadership debates.Other broadcasters, including ITV and Sky, are also planning their own leadership debates.
Harriet Harman is another of the prominent Labour figure to back Alastair Campbell after his expulsion from the party.Harriet Harman is another of the prominent Labour figure to back Alastair Campbell after his expulsion from the party.
Here, she highlights that Labour’s former director of governance and legal, Mike Creighton, believes that neither voting for another party, nor announcing such after the fact, represents a breach of Labour’s rules.Here, she highlights that Labour’s former director of governance and legal, Mike Creighton, believes that neither voting for another party, nor announcing such after the fact, represents a breach of Labour’s rules.
Re @campbellclaret, Mike Creighton was Compliance Officer when I was acting leader. Knows the rules backwards! https://t.co/ZMwPfQsygYRe @campbellclaret, Mike Creighton was Compliance Officer when I was acting leader. Knows the rules backwards! https://t.co/ZMwPfQsygY
Alastair Campbell has been speaking outside his home in the last hour about the move to expel him from the Labour party, where he indicated that he wouldn’t be going quietly.Alastair Campbell has been speaking outside his home in the last hour about the move to expel him from the Labour party, where he indicated that he wouldn’t be going quietly.
“I don’t believe I voted against the Labour party. I believe I voted in the best interests of what the Labour Party should be doing,” he said.“I don’t believe I voted against the Labour party. I believe I voted in the best interests of what the Labour Party should be doing,” he said.
Campbell said it was “particularly sad and disappointing” that the move came on a day when he said that the party seemed to be moving towards taking up a sensible and coherent position on Brexit.Campbell said it was “particularly sad and disappointing” that the move came on a day when he said that the party seemed to be moving towards taking up a sensible and coherent position on Brexit.
He added that there are people in Jeremy Corbyn’s offices in senior positions who had recommended voting against the Labour party.He added that there are people in Jeremy Corbyn’s offices in senior positions who had recommended voting against the Labour party.
Corbyn himself, Campbell continued, has in the past “for reasons best known to himself” congratulated George Galloway for defeating a Labour candidate.Corbyn himself, Campbell continued, has in the past “for reasons best known to himself” congratulated George Galloway for defeating a Labour candidate.
Presumably, he was referring to this tweet:Presumably, he was referring to this tweet:
Congratulations to George Galloway on astonishing result in Bradford. Big message here on opposition to wars and austerity.Congratulations to George Galloway on astonishing result in Bradford. Big message here on opposition to wars and austerity.
“I am not going to leave the party just because some random email comes in,” added Campbell.“I am not going to leave the party just because some random email comes in,” added Campbell.
We’ve also been contacted by readers suggesting that other Labour figures should be expelled for different reasons. One reader cited a piece written by Kate Hoey on the BrexitCentral website under the headline: “We should acknowledge the Brexit Party’s success and include them in the negotiations.”We’ve also been contacted by readers suggesting that other Labour figures should be expelled for different reasons. One reader cited a piece written by Kate Hoey on the BrexitCentral website under the headline: “We should acknowledge the Brexit Party’s success and include them in the negotiations.”
The fallout is continuing from Labour’s decision to expel Alastair Campbell, the former communications chief to Tony Blair, after he said that he voted for the Liberal Democrats in the European elections.The fallout is continuing from Labour’s decision to expel Alastair Campbell, the former communications chief to Tony Blair, after he said that he voted for the Liberal Democrats in the European elections.
Support for Campbell has been coming from figures including Charlie Falconer, a former Lord Chancellor in Tony Blair’s government, and Fiona MacTaggart, a former Labour minister who was an MP for Slough.Support for Campbell has been coming from figures including Charlie Falconer, a former Lord Chancellor in Tony Blair’s government, and Fiona MacTaggart, a former Labour minister who was an MP for Slough.
Is @campbellclaret’s expulsion time for us all to declare “I am Spartacus”. Hey @labourpress come for me too!Is @campbellclaret’s expulsion time for us all to declare “I am Spartacus”. Hey @labourpress come for me too!
The former defence minister, Bob Ainsworth, has also come out to say that he voted for the Green Party during the European Elections.The former defence minister, Bob Ainsworth, has also come out to say that he voted for the Green Party during the European Elections.
Ainsworth told the BBC: “I didn’t intend to make this public but now Alistair has been expelled for doing the same I feel obliged to do so.”Ainsworth told the BBC: “I didn’t intend to make this public but now Alistair has been expelled for doing the same I feel obliged to do so.”
The BBC has announced details of TV debates for the Conservative leadership contest.The BBC has announced details of TV debates for the Conservative leadership contest.
One of the debates will be moderated by Newsnigh’s Emily Maitlis in the middle of June with all of the candidates (Is there a stage large enough ?)One of the debates will be moderated by Newsnigh’s Emily Maitlis in the middle of June with all of the candidates (Is there a stage large enough ?)
Fiona Bruce will host a Question Time special with the final two. while the same two candidates will also be invited to take part in one-on-one interviews with Andrew Neil.Fiona Bruce will host a Question Time special with the final two. while the same two candidates will also be invited to take part in one-on-one interviews with Andrew Neil.
Fran Unsworth, Director BBC News and Current Affairs,said:Fran Unsworth, Director BBC News and Current Affairs,said:
The decision being made by Conservative Party members will profoundly affect us all, so it feels right that BBC audiences get a chance to see the candidates debate with each other, and that we scrutinise the various policy proposals they will be standing on.The decision being made by Conservative Party members will profoundly affect us all, so it feels right that BBC audiences get a chance to see the candidates debate with each other, and that we scrutinise the various policy proposals they will be standing on.
Our plans include bringing the final two candidates in front of the same Question Time audience on the same night to be quizzed by the public, as although the final say will fall to Conservative party members, it’s firmly in the public interest for audiences to question and hear from the next potential Prime Minister.Our plans include bringing the final two candidates in front of the same Question Time audience on the same night to be quizzed by the public, as although the final say will fall to Conservative party members, it’s firmly in the public interest for audiences to question and hear from the next potential Prime Minister.
Other EU leaders who are arriving in Brussels are also giving their reaction to questions about what a new Tory leader might mean for the negotiations on Brexit between the UK and the EU.Other EU leaders who are arriving in Brussels are also giving their reaction to questions about what a new Tory leader might mean for the negotiations on Brexit between the UK and the EU.
Asked about Tory leadership hopefuls that want to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement, Jean-Claude Juncker says: "I was crystal clear. There will be no renegotiation."Asked about Tory leadership hopefuls that want to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement, Jean-Claude Juncker says: "I was crystal clear. There will be no renegotiation."
Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg prime minister tells me there’ll be no #Brexit renegotiation. He said “That would be too easy: change the UK Prime Minister, change the Brexit deal. That’s not how it’s going to work”Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg prime minister tells me there’ll be no #Brexit renegotiation. He said “That would be too easy: change the UK Prime Minister, change the Brexit deal. That’s not how it’s going to work”
Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg prime minister tells me there’ll be no #Brexit renegotiation. He said “That would be too easy: change the UK Prime Minister, change the Brexit deal. That’s not how it’s going to work”Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg prime minister tells me there’ll be no #Brexit renegotiation. He said “That would be too easy: change the UK Prime Minister, change the Brexit deal. That’s not how it’s going to work”
https://twitter.com/tconnellyRTE/status/1133389238945406976https://twitter.com/tconnellyRTE/status/1133389238945406976
As Theresa May arrived in Brussels, Franco-German tensions over who will run the EU’s institutions were played out in public.As Theresa May arrived in Brussels, Franco-German tensions over who will run the EU’s institutions were played out in public.
The Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin reports that Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron are divided over the claim of Manfred Weber, the candidate nominated as European commission president by the German chancellor’s political group, the European People’s party (EPP).The Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin reports that Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron are divided over the claim of Manfred Weber, the candidate nominated as European commission president by the German chancellor’s political group, the European People’s party (EPP).
“I support Manfred Weber,” Merkel told reporters on her way into the summit, adding that she hoped for a decision by the 28 EU leaders before July when the newly elected European parliament is due to sit. “I will appeal this evening for us to show an ability to act.”“I support Manfred Weber,” Merkel told reporters on her way into the summit, adding that she hoped for a decision by the 28 EU leaders before July when the newly elected European parliament is due to sit. “I will appeal this evening for us to show an ability to act.”
The French president, whose La République En Marche (La Rem) gained 22 seats during last week’s elections, and joins an enlarged and emboldened liberal group in parliament, offered a thinly veiled critique of the German MEP who has never held a government position.The French president, whose La République En Marche (La Rem) gained 22 seats during last week’s elections, and joins an enlarged and emboldened liberal group in parliament, offered a thinly veiled critique of the German MEP who has never held a government position.
Macron insisted that the replacements for Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, as presidents of the commission and council, required “experience and credibility to enable them to carry out these missions”.Macron insisted that the replacements for Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, as presidents of the commission and council, required “experience and credibility to enable them to carry out these missions”.
John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has warnedConservative leadership candidates that they will not be able to force through a no deal Brexit without parliament’s approval.John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has warnedConservative leadership candidates that they will not be able to force through a no deal Brexit without parliament’s approval.
Speaking in New York, he gave a clear sign that the speaker would make sure parliament has an opportunity to stop the UK leaving without a deal if MPs believe it should be halted.Speaking in New York, he gave a clear sign that the speaker would make sure parliament has an opportunity to stop the UK leaving without a deal if MPs believe it should be halted.
“The idea that parliament is going to be evacuated for the centre stage of debate on Brexit is simply unimaginable...The idea the House won’t have its say is for the birds,” he said.“The idea that parliament is going to be evacuated for the centre stage of debate on Brexit is simply unimaginable...The idea the House won’t have its say is for the birds,” he said.
He highlighted the fact that while leaving the EU without a deal isthe legal default: “There is a difference between a legal default position and what the interplay of different political forces in parliament will facilitate.”He highlighted the fact that while leaving the EU without a deal isthe legal default: “There is a difference between a legal default position and what the interplay of different political forces in parliament will facilitate.”
Three of the candidates - Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab and Esther McVey - have suggested that they could be willing to try to take the UK out of the EU without a deal on October 31 regardless of parliament’s clear view in the past that this should not happen.Three of the candidates - Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab and Esther McVey - have suggested that they could be willing to try to take the UK out of the EU without a deal on October 31 regardless of parliament’s clear view in the past that this should not happen.
Bercow is being hosted by the Brookings Institute for an event billed as “a discussion of Parliament’s role in politics and policy at a pivotal time for one of the United States’ closest allies.”Bercow is being hosted by the Brookings Institute for an event billed as “a discussion of Parliament’s role in politics and policy at a pivotal time for one of the United States’ closest allies.”
I am passionate about parliamentary democracy, but also our network of global relationships. Being pro-American doesn't have to be anti-European. Our relationship with the US is much bigger than one president, says Bercow. #BBTI pic.twitter.com/g57xE72WfbI am passionate about parliamentary democracy, but also our network of global relationships. Being pro-American doesn't have to be anti-European. Our relationship with the US is much bigger than one president, says Bercow. #BBTI pic.twitter.com/g57xE72Wfb
May lingered long enough to answer a few questions, one of which was whether or not she worried about the direction of the UK after the European elections.May lingered long enough to answer a few questions, one of which was whether or not she worried about the direction of the UK after the European elections.
Her reply was that the results had been disappointing “for my party” and that some very good candidates had failed to get elected and some very good MEPs had failed to keep their seats.Her reply was that the results had been disappointing “for my party” and that some very good candidates had failed to get elected and some very good MEPs had failed to keep their seats.
The Labour Party also saw “significant losses,” said May, who added: “I think what it shows is the importance of actually delivering on Brexit.”The Labour Party also saw “significant losses,” said May, who added: “I think what it shows is the importance of actually delivering on Brexit.”
I think the best way of doing that is with a deal but it will be for my successor and parliament to find a way forward to get a consensus and I hope that those election results will focus parliament on the need to deliver Brexit.”I think the best way of doing that is with a deal but it will be for my successor and parliament to find a way forward to get a consensus and I hope that those election results will focus parliament on the need to deliver Brexit.”
She as gone before the last shouted question - “Are you going to miss Brussels Prime Minister? - but I have a feeling most people will guess what the honest answer to that might have been.She as gone before the last shouted question - “Are you going to miss Brussels Prime Minister? - but I have a feeling most people will guess what the honest answer to that might have been.
The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, has been among those talking in the meantime about what is likely to happen after May is replaced. Here’s Politico’s Chief Brussels Correspondent:The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, has been among those talking in the meantime about what is likely to happen after May is replaced. Here’s Politico’s Chief Brussels Correspondent:
#Netherlands @MinPres Mark Rutte says new #UK PM will change nothing on #Brexit for #EU. says Brits “collectively” set redlines. “As long as the redlines are there what can a new Prime Minister do?” Rutte: @theresa_may did a “marvelous job” but thwarted by gridlock in London#Netherlands @MinPres Mark Rutte says new #UK PM will change nothing on #Brexit for #EU. says Brits “collectively” set redlines. “As long as the redlines are there what can a new Prime Minister do?” Rutte: @theresa_may did a “marvelous job” but thwarted by gridlock in London
Theresa May has been speaking at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, where she said that she hopes that the European election results will focus parliament on the need to deliver brexit.Theresa May has been speaking at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, where she said that she hopes that the European election results will focus parliament on the need to deliver brexit.
“ I have been to something like 15 council meetings or more and have been working hard to very hard,” the prime minister told journalists outside the summit.”“ I have been to something like 15 council meetings or more and have been working hard to very hard,” the prime minister told journalists outside the summit.”
“It is a matter of great regret to me that I haven’t been able to deliver Brexit but that matter of course is for my successor. They will have to find a way of addressing very strongly held views on all sides.”“It is a matter of great regret to me that I haven’t been able to deliver Brexit but that matter of course is for my successor. They will have to find a way of addressing very strongly held views on all sides.”
May is attending the summit where EU leaders are to consider candidates for the Commission’s most important jobs in the wake of parliamentary elections.May is attending the summit where EU leaders are to consider candidates for the Commission’s most important jobs in the wake of parliamentary elections.
Looking and sounding fairly relaxed (demob happy even?), the prime minister said that the UK “would continue to play a constructive role” during the extension which it has been given to its membership of the EU.Looking and sounding fairly relaxed (demob happy even?), the prime minister said that the UK “would continue to play a constructive role” during the extension which it has been given to its membership of the EU.
Here’s a summary of what’s happened today:Here’s a summary of what’s happened today:
Alastair Campbell, the former communications chief to Tony Blair, has been expelled from the Labour party for saying he voted for the Liberal Democrats in the European elections. Labour MPs including Jess Phillips, Darren Jones and Margaret Hodge accused the Labour leadership of double standards after its failure to expel members accused of antisemitism.Alastair Campbell, the former communications chief to Tony Blair, has been expelled from the Labour party for saying he voted for the Liberal Democrats in the European elections. Labour MPs including Jess Phillips, Darren Jones and Margaret Hodge accused the Labour leadership of double standards after its failure to expel members accused of antisemitism.
The UK’s human rights watchdog is facing demands to launch an inquiry into Islamophobia in the Conservative party. The Muslim Council of Britain filed a complaint of more than 20 pages saying calls for the party to allow an independent inquiry have so far been largely ignored.The UK’s human rights watchdog is facing demands to launch an inquiry into Islamophobia in the Conservative party. The Muslim Council of Britain filed a complaint of more than 20 pages saying calls for the party to allow an independent inquiry have so far been largely ignored.
Separately the Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a formal investigation into whether the Labour Party “unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”. Labour said it will cooperate fully and rejected “any suggestion that the party does not handle antisemitism complaints fairly and robustly”.Separately the Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a formal investigation into whether the Labour Party “unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”. Labour said it will cooperate fully and rejected “any suggestion that the party does not handle antisemitism complaints fairly and robustly”.
An online campaign putting pressure on Conservative MPs to back Boris Johnson as leader of the party is being run by Paul Staines, the founder of the Guido Fawkes blog. Boris on the Ballot, which launched this weekend, is designed to encourage members of the public to write to their local Tory MP and encourage them to nominate Johnson for leader.An online campaign putting pressure on Conservative MPs to back Boris Johnson as leader of the party is being run by Paul Staines, the founder of the Guido Fawkes blog. Boris on the Ballot, which launched this weekend, is designed to encourage members of the public to write to their local Tory MP and encourage them to nominate Johnson for leader.
Jeremy Hunt has warned that pushing for a no-deal Brexit would be political suicide for the Tories. The foreign secretary also pledged to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement with the help of the DUP and the ERG, but not Nigel Farage.Jeremy Hunt has warned that pushing for a no-deal Brexit would be political suicide for the Tories. The foreign secretary also pledged to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement with the help of the DUP and the ERG, but not Nigel Farage.
Sajid Javid has ducked the question of whether he would take the UK out of the EU without a deal. He told reporters: “Brexit is clearly going to be one of the big issues that has to be addressed properly and every candidate has to come forward with a credible plan.”Sajid Javid has ducked the question of whether he would take the UK out of the EU without a deal. He told reporters: “Brexit is clearly going to be one of the big issues that has to be addressed properly and every candidate has to come forward with a credible plan.”
Kit Malthouse has also refused to rule out seeking an extension to article 50 as he set out his case for becoming Tory leader. He said: “I’m the only candidate that has proven the ability to unify MPs around a Brexit plan which could deliver us out of this jam.”Kit Malthouse has also refused to rule out seeking an extension to article 50 as he set out his case for becoming Tory leader. He said: “I’m the only candidate that has proven the ability to unify MPs around a Brexit plan which could deliver us out of this jam.”
Tony Blair has urged Jeremy Corbyn to “stop equivocating” and back a second referendum. Shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, insisted Labour was “moving towards a clearer line” on a people’s vote.Tony Blair has urged Jeremy Corbyn to “stop equivocating” and back a second referendum. Shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, insisted Labour was “moving towards a clearer line” on a people’s vote.
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy warned a second referendum “would be the final breach of trust with that working-class electorate”. She added: “I strongly suspect that if there is a second referendum people here would come out and vote in fairly large numbers and probably vote for no deal.”Wigan MP Lisa Nandy warned a second referendum “would be the final breach of trust with that working-class electorate”. She added: “I strongly suspect that if there is a second referendum people here would come out and vote in fairly large numbers and probably vote for no deal.”
Michael Gove will pledge free British citizenship for 3 million EU nationals after Brexit if he becomes prime minister. The environment secretary, one of the leading figures in Vote Leave, is understood to believe strongly that the pledge would honour the promises given to EU citizens by that campaign during the 2016 referendum.Michael Gove will pledge free British citizenship for 3 million EU nationals after Brexit if he becomes prime minister. The environment secretary, one of the leading figures in Vote Leave, is understood to believe strongly that the pledge would honour the promises given to EU citizens by that campaign during the 2016 referendum.
We’re pausing the blog for now, but we’ll resume if and when there are important developments.We’re pausing the blog for now, but we’ll resume if and when there are important developments.
Rory Stewart has gone from Kew Gardens to a fish stall on Lewisham market. No one wants to talk to him about Brexit in Dari, or any other language, he claims in his latest video selfie.Rory Stewart has gone from Kew Gardens to a fish stall on Lewisham market. No one wants to talk to him about Brexit in Dari, or any other language, he claims in his latest video selfie.
Now in Lewisham Market - a safe Labour seat - but a seat we held in the 1980s. Come and talk #GetBritainTalking #commonground #Rory4Leader pic.twitter.com/2xgYEE20vgNow in Lewisham Market - a safe Labour seat - but a seat we held in the 1980s. Come and talk #GetBritainTalking #commonground #Rory4Leader pic.twitter.com/2xgYEE20vg
Jeremy Corbyn has refused to answer questions about the EHRC investigation into alleged antisemitism in the Labour party. As is often the case, Corbyn declined to talk to reporters outside his North London home.Jeremy Corbyn has refused to answer questions about the EHRC investigation into alleged antisemitism in the Labour party. As is often the case, Corbyn declined to talk to reporters outside his North London home.
Naz Shah, shadow equalities minister, said the Muslim Council of Britain’s letter about alleged Conservative Islamphobia “highlights the deep-rooted nature” of the problem in the party.Naz Shah, shadow equalities minister, said the Muslim Council of Britain’s letter about alleged Conservative Islamphobia “highlights the deep-rooted nature” of the problem in the party.
She said:She said:
“The countless evidenced examples and failure to swiftly deal with the problems shows us how the problem is not just about a few members sharing hateful views, but about institutionalised Islamophobia that exists right at the top and trickles all the way down.“The countless evidenced examples and failure to swiftly deal with the problems shows us how the problem is not just about a few members sharing hateful views, but about institutionalised Islamophobia that exists right at the top and trickles all the way down.
“Only a few weeks ago, the Conservative party ignored calls from large sections of the Muslim community to adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia, and instead decided it should be down to two experts to draw up a definition for British Muslims. Those experts should instead start to draw up the terms of reference for an inquiry into Islamophobia in the Conservative party.”“Only a few weeks ago, the Conservative party ignored calls from large sections of the Muslim community to adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia, and instead decided it should be down to two experts to draw up a definition for British Muslims. Those experts should instead start to draw up the terms of reference for an inquiry into Islamophobia in the Conservative party.”