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Brexit: Boris Johnson not being honest about no deal, says leadership rival Rory Stewart – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson not being honest about no deal, says leadership rival Rory Stewart – live news
(32 minutes later)
Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, claims that, if elected Tory leader, he would be “the first prime minister to have been an entrepreneur”. He made the claim in a statement to the ConservativeHome website, responding to seven challenging questions it has set him.
Here is the relevant question and answer.
Q: There is a crisis of trust in the Tory party. And you are very much part of the party establishment – accomplished, long-serving, moderate, conventional. Are you the transformative leadership that the country needs right now?
A: People often confuse continuity with loyalty. Throughout my nine years in cabinet, I’ve always been a loyal team player, but as the first prime minister to have been an entrepreneur, I would take a very different approach. This is an exceptionally serious moment for our country. I think many of our members, supporters and the public are looking for an experienced leader with entrepreneurial flair to help us get the deal we need and look beyond Brexit.
Hunt would certainly not be the first PM to have had a successful career – Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain both spring to mind – but Hunt’s claim may be true if you define entrepreneur as someone who has set up a successful business.
The ConservativeHome challenging questions for Tory leadership candidates are good. They have also come up with some for Boris Johnson and for Michael Gove, although so far neither Johnson nor Gove has replied.
Steve Baker, the Tory Brexiter and deputy chair of the European Research Group, which is pushing for a harder Brexit, has published a new Brexit plan today. Called “A Clean Managed Brexit” (pdf), it is a new version of the standard Brexiter demand – an agreement with the EU without the backstop, with the UK resorting to no-deal if necessary, using “alternative arrangements” to avoid a hard border in Ireland.Steve Baker, the Tory Brexiter and deputy chair of the European Research Group, which is pushing for a harder Brexit, has published a new Brexit plan today. Called “A Clean Managed Brexit” (pdf), it is a new version of the standard Brexiter demand – an agreement with the EU without the backstop, with the UK resorting to no-deal if necessary, using “alternative arrangements” to avoid a hard border in Ireland.
But Northern Ireland businesses and academics have dismissed the paper as “more of the same” in relation to its plans to guarantee an invisible border between the region and the Republic of Ireland post Brexit. Aodhán Connolly, head of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said: “If it was homework I would give it an F minus.”But Northern Ireland businesses and academics have dismissed the paper as “more of the same” in relation to its plans to guarantee an invisible border between the region and the Republic of Ireland post Brexit. Aodhán Connolly, head of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said: “If it was homework I would give it an F minus.”
He said their report showed no proper solutions for the border and failed to provide any detail on key issues including health checks on animals which are mandatory and must be done on the border under EU laws.He said their report showed no proper solutions for the border and failed to provide any detail on key issues including health checks on animals which are mandatory and must be done on the border under EU laws.
The EU has already indicated that milk from Northern Ireland could not cross over to the republic in a post-Brexit scenario unless there was a clear deal keeping regulations the same north and south of the border, something the DUP is implacably opposed to.The EU has already indicated that milk from Northern Ireland could not cross over to the republic in a post-Brexit scenario unless there was a clear deal keeping regulations the same north and south of the border, something the DUP is implacably opposed to.
Rory Stewart, the international development secretary and a long-shot candidate for the Conservative party leadership, has said the Brexit policies being promoted by many of his rivals, such as Boris Johnson, would be “catastrophic” for the UK. His rivals were misleading voters, he claimed. Stewart is strongly opposed to a no-deal Brexit. But the Brexiters in the contest have said they would accept no deal and Johnson has said the UK must leave the EU by 31 October, with or without a deal. Stewart told the Emma Barnett Show on Radio 5 Live:Rory Stewart, the international development secretary and a long-shot candidate for the Conservative party leadership, has said the Brexit policies being promoted by many of his rivals, such as Boris Johnson, would be “catastrophic” for the UK. His rivals were misleading voters, he claimed. Stewart is strongly opposed to a no-deal Brexit. But the Brexiters in the contest have said they would accept no deal and Johnson has said the UK must leave the EU by 31 October, with or without a deal. Stewart told the Emma Barnett Show on Radio 5 Live:
I’m afraid [other leadership candidates] are misleading themselves and others, and that’s going to be catastrophic, because the reality is that Europe is barely sitting through to the end of October.I’m afraid [other leadership candidates] are misleading themselves and others, and that’s going to be catastrophic, because the reality is that Europe is barely sitting through to the end of October.
Let’s take a candidate like Boris. He’s saying that he’s going to go to Europe, and he’s going to negotiate a new deal before October 31, and if he doesn’t get a new deal by 31 October he’s going to go no deal.Let’s take a candidate like Boris. He’s saying that he’s going to go to Europe, and he’s going to negotiate a new deal before October 31, and if he doesn’t get a new deal by 31 October he’s going to go no deal.
Anyone who knows anything about Europe can assure you there is not the slightest hope of getting a new deal through Europe by October 31. Not a hope.Anyone who knows anything about Europe can assure you there is not the slightest hope of getting a new deal through Europe by October 31. Not a hope.
D-day veterans and world leaders have taken part in an emotional ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings, with a vast security operation safeguarding dignitaries including the Queen, Donald Trump and Theresa May.D-day veterans and world leaders have taken part in an emotional ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings, with a vast security operation safeguarding dignitaries including the Queen, Donald Trump and Theresa May.
David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister and May’s de facto deputy, has said the NHS “is not and will not be up for sale” in trade talks with the United States. Speaking at PMQs, in response to a question from Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey, who was standing in for Jeremy Corbyn (quite successfully – see 2.16pm), Lidington said:David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister and May’s de facto deputy, has said the NHS “is not and will not be up for sale” in trade talks with the United States. Speaking at PMQs, in response to a question from Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey, who was standing in for Jeremy Corbyn (quite successfully – see 2.16pm), Lidington said:
The prime minister has been very clear and she spoke for everyone in the Government and on this side of the House - when it comes to trade negotiations, the NHS is not and will not be up for sale.The prime minister has been very clear and she spoke for everyone in the Government and on this side of the House - when it comes to trade negotiations, the NHS is not and will not be up for sale.
Yesterday, at a news conference, President Trump said the NHS would be on the table in any trade talks with the UK. But in an interview broadcast this morning, he retracted that, saying:Yesterday, at a news conference, President Trump said the NHS would be on the table in any trade talks with the UK. But in an interview broadcast this morning, he retracted that, saying:
I don’t see [the NHS] being on the table. Somebody asked me a question today and I say everything is up for negotiation, because everything is. But that’s something I would not see as part of trade. That’s not trade.I don’t see [the NHS] being on the table. Somebody asked me a question today and I say everything is up for negotiation, because everything is. But that’s something I would not see as part of trade. That’s not trade.
Many voters have a “distinct antipathy” towards Boris Johnson, which could hamper his chances of winning a future general election even if he delivered Brexit, the Conservative peer and polling expert Robert Hayward has said.Many voters have a “distinct antipathy” towards Boris Johnson, which could hamper his chances of winning a future general election even if he delivered Brexit, the Conservative peer and polling expert Robert Hayward has said.
Channel 4 has announced it is holding a Tory leadership hustings on Sunday week.Channel 4 has announced it is holding a Tory leadership hustings on Sunday week.
Debate fans - Channel 4 is to host the FIRST live Conservative leadership debate between the main candidates vying to become the next PM. Sunday 16th June. 18.30. 90 mins Channel 4. Presented by @krishgm Pls Rt - https://t.co/rGuNJwP4ZTDebate fans - Channel 4 is to host the FIRST live Conservative leadership debate between the main candidates vying to become the next PM. Sunday 16th June. 18.30. 90 mins Channel 4. Presented by @krishgm Pls Rt - https://t.co/rGuNJwP4ZT
Steve Baker, the Tory Brexiter and deputy chair of the European Research Group, which represents Conservatives pushing for a harder Brexit, has said he will stand for the party leadership if colleagues ask him to. Asked about his intentions, he said:Steve Baker, the Tory Brexiter and deputy chair of the European Research Group, which represents Conservatives pushing for a harder Brexit, has said he will stand for the party leadership if colleagues ask him to. Asked about his intentions, he said:
I am in the hands of my colleagues ... If we get to the opening and closing of nominations on Monday and we collectively agree there must be somebody willing to do this, then I would be willing to be the person who gets nominated.I am in the hands of my colleagues ... If we get to the opening and closing of nominations on Monday and we collectively agree there must be somebody willing to do this, then I would be willing to be the person who gets nominated.
Nigel Farage has said his Brexit party will not join the far-right Europe of Nations and Freedom Group in the European parliament. The ENF includes various far-right parties from across Europe including Italy’s the League, France’s National Rally and Austria’s Freedom party. Farage said:Nigel Farage has said his Brexit party will not join the far-right Europe of Nations and Freedom Group in the European parliament. The ENF includes various far-right parties from across Europe including Italy’s the League, France’s National Rally and Austria’s Freedom party. Farage said:
Following a brief social meeting with a member of the ENF Group last week there has been much speculation, fuelled by that individual, that the Brexit party will join them in their European parliament group. I can confirm that this is not the case and that the Brexit party will not be joining the ENF group.Following a brief social meeting with a member of the ENF Group last week there has been much speculation, fuelled by that individual, that the Brexit party will join them in their European parliament group. I can confirm that this is not the case and that the Brexit party will not be joining the ENF group.
The Brexit party’s candidate in the Peterborough byelection has been criticised for profiteering from buying and selling freeholds of hundreds of new homes, it has emerged.The Brexit party’s candidate in the Peterborough byelection has been criticised for profiteering from buying and selling freeholds of hundreds of new homes, it has emerged.
A one-woman show by the new Brexit party MEP Ann Widdecombe has been cancelled in protest at her apparent endorsement of gay conversion therapy.A one-woman show by the new Brexit party MEP Ann Widdecombe has been cancelled in protest at her apparent endorsement of gay conversion therapy.
Women born in the 1950s whose retirement age was increased from 60 to 65 have gone to court seeking a judicial review of how the government raised the retirement age and to try to force the government to repay their lost pensions.Women born in the 1950s whose retirement age was increased from 60 to 65 have gone to court seeking a judicial review of how the government raised the retirement age and to try to force the government to repay their lost pensions.
I was not covering PMQs as it happened because we were focusing on the D-day commemorations. That means I missed what colleagues tell me was a good PMQs debut by Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, who was standing in for Jeremy Corbyn.I was not covering PMQs as it happened because we were focusing on the D-day commemorations. That means I missed what colleagues tell me was a good PMQs debut by Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, who was standing in for Jeremy Corbyn.
Normally Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, leads for Labour at PMQs when Corbyn is not there. But this week Corbyn gave the job to Long-Bailey. The party has not said why, but there is a suspicion that Thornberry (who has leadership aspirations) angered Corbyn’s inner circle by pushing support for a second referendum after the European election results further than they would like. And Long-Bailey, a protege of John McDonnell, has for a while now been seen as the Corbynites’ preferred candidate in the leadership contest that will take place when Corbyn retires. Giving her the PMQs slot will raise her profile.Normally Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, leads for Labour at PMQs when Corbyn is not there. But this week Corbyn gave the job to Long-Bailey. The party has not said why, but there is a suspicion that Thornberry (who has leadership aspirations) angered Corbyn’s inner circle by pushing support for a second referendum after the European election results further than they would like. And Long-Bailey, a protege of John McDonnell, has for a while now been seen as the Corbynites’ preferred candidate in the leadership contest that will take place when Corbyn retires. Giving her the PMQs slot will raise her profile.
That would have backfired if she had done badly, but she didn’t. This is what some journalists are saying about her performance.That would have backfired if she had done badly, but she didn’t. This is what some journalists are saying about her performance.
From my colleague Heather StewartFrom my colleague Heather Stewart
Long-Bailey did a nice job there: forensic in attacking government policy, but with a dash of vision, when she set out the case for Labour’s green industrial revolution.Long-Bailey did a nice job there: forensic in attacking government policy, but with a dash of vision, when she set out the case for Labour’s green industrial revolution.
From the BBC’s Norman SmithFrom the BBC’s Norman Smith
For a first outing at #PMQs thought Rebecca Long Bailey did pretty well. Why not have a "surprise" front bencher every week ? #justsayingFor a first outing at #PMQs thought Rebecca Long Bailey did pretty well. Why not have a "surprise" front bencher every week ? #justsaying
From my colleague Dan SabbaghFrom my colleague Dan Sabbagh
Impressive debut from @RLong_Bailey at PMQS, taking on David Lidington arguing that 'climate change is an existential threat' with full support from the party's press operation. Shows how concerned Labour is to shore up its green flank. https://t.co/dsjY4Pxh2qImpressive debut from @RLong_Bailey at PMQS, taking on David Lidington arguing that 'climate change is an existential threat' with full support from the party's press operation. Shows how concerned Labour is to shore up its green flank. https://t.co/dsjY4Pxh2q
From the Daily Mirror’s Pippa CrerarFrom the Daily Mirror’s Pippa Crerar
Good debut performance from Becky Long-Bailey at despatch box. It’s a tough gig and she was wise to go on safe territory of climate change - she’s strong on the detail and there are lots of points to score against the Tories.Good debut performance from Becky Long-Bailey at despatch box. It’s a tough gig and she was wise to go on safe territory of climate change - she’s strong on the detail and there are lots of points to score against the Tories.
From the BBC’s Laura KuenssbergFrom the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
How did Rebecca Long Bailey perform at first time asking PMQs questions?"Decent job…maybe she made a smart choice by having her questions on her home turf” @bbclaurakPolitical editor says “better joust” than Corbyn-May exchanges#politicslive https://t.co/HUYYmORN7f pic.twitter.com/RBsSaJbxY4How did Rebecca Long Bailey perform at first time asking PMQs questions?"Decent job…maybe she made a smart choice by having her questions on her home turf” @bbclaurakPolitical editor says “better joust” than Corbyn-May exchanges#politicslive https://t.co/HUYYmORN7f pic.twitter.com/RBsSaJbxY4
From the blogger Guido Fawkes (who never normally has anything positive to say about Labour MPs, especially Corbynites)From the blogger Guido Fawkes (who never normally has anything positive to say about Labour MPs, especially Corbynites)
Solid performance from @RLong_Bailey at #PMQsSolid performance from @RLong_Bailey at #PMQs
From CBS’s Mark KnollerFrom CBS’s Mark Knoller
After the D-Day Anniversary event, Pres and Mrs Trump offered thanks and respencts to some D-Day veterans. They also offered their farewell to The Queen. "It was a great honor to be with you," @POTUS told her. "Great woman. "Great, great woman," he said of her to the press pool.After the D-Day Anniversary event, Pres and Mrs Trump offered thanks and respencts to some D-Day veterans. They also offered their farewell to The Queen. "It was a great honor to be with you," @POTUS told her. "Great woman. "Great, great woman," he said of her to the press pool.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has issued this statement about the D-day commemoration. She said:Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has issued this statement about the D-day commemoration. She said:
It is a great honour to represent the people of Scotland at the commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the D-day landings. Scotland owes a great debt of gratitude to all those who served during the second world war, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.It is a great honour to represent the people of Scotland at the commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the D-day landings. Scotland owes a great debt of gratitude to all those who served during the second world war, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is important that current and future generations continue to learn of the events that took place on this day 75 years ago, so that we can strive to ensure that such conflict is never repeated. It is also important the generations to come understand and recognise that it is the actions of those who served that allow us to enjoy the freedoms we now take for granted.It is important that current and future generations continue to learn of the events that took place on this day 75 years ago, so that we can strive to ensure that such conflict is never repeated. It is also important the generations to come understand and recognise that it is the actions of those who served that allow us to enjoy the freedoms we now take for granted.
Here are some more pictures from the D-day event.Here are some more pictures from the D-day event.
Theresa May is holding a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders at the D-day event. Downing Street said she had met her Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, and was due to have talks with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, and Canada’s Justin Trudeau. “The main theme of the talks today is about shared security,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said.Theresa May is holding a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders at the D-day event. Downing Street said she had met her Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, and was due to have talks with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, and Canada’s Justin Trudeau. “The main theme of the talks today is about shared security,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said.
Here is the “family photo” for leaders attending the D-day commemorations.Here is the “family photo” for leaders attending the D-day commemorations.
In the back row, from left to right: the Slovakian deputy prime minister, Richard Rasi; the Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki; the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau; Luxembourg’s prime minister, Xavier Bettel; the Norwegian prime minister, Erna Solberg; the Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel; the Czech prime minister, Andrej Babis; the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison; and the Danish ambassador to the UK, Lars Thuesen.In the back row, from left to right: the Slovakian deputy prime minister, Richard Rasi; the Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki; the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau; Luxembourg’s prime minister, Xavier Bettel; the Norwegian prime minister, Erna Solberg; the Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel; the Czech prime minister, Andrej Babis; the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison; and the Danish ambassador to the UK, Lars Thuesen.
And in the front row, from left to right: New Zealand’s governor general, Patsy Reddy; the French president, Emmanuel Macron; Britain’s prime minister, Theresa May; Prince Charles; the Queen; the US president, Donald Trump; the Greek president, Prokopis Pavlopoulos; the German chancellor, Angela Merkel; and the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte.And in the front row, from left to right: New Zealand’s governor general, Patsy Reddy; the French president, Emmanuel Macron; Britain’s prime minister, Theresa May; Prince Charles; the Queen; the US president, Donald Trump; the Greek president, Prokopis Pavlopoulos; the German chancellor, Angela Merkel; and the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte.
There were some reminders of historical details during the commemoration.There were some reminders of historical details during the commemoration.
Many American troops were based in Portsmouth and other towns and cities across southern England.A letter home from Private Arthur Pranger of the 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion dated 6 May 1944 was read out:Many American troops were based in Portsmouth and other towns and cities across southern England.A letter home from Private Arthur Pranger of the 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion dated 6 May 1944 was read out:
Dear Mom,Dear Mom,
Somebody is always shoving a cup of tea in my fist. People even stop us on the street and invite us for tea and cake. The kids around here are always asking for chewing gum and candy. They can’t get that over here and everything is rationed. There’s hardly any automobiles here and everybody rides a bicycle.Somebody is always shoving a cup of tea in my fist. People even stop us on the street and invite us for tea and cake. The kids around here are always asking for chewing gum and candy. They can’t get that over here and everything is rationed. There’s hardly any automobiles here and everybody rides a bicycle.
The chief of the defence staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, paid tribute to the tactical ingenuity that lead to the success of the Normandy landings:The chief of the defence staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, paid tribute to the tactical ingenuity that lead to the success of the Normandy landings:
The marvellous range of technology that helped to make the landings succeed and ensured that over two million men and half a million vehicles could be landed in the ensuing months included amphibious and mine clearing tanks, Mulberry harbours, gliders, undersea pipelines, self-heating soup cans, air-portable motor-bikes – all reflected British ingenuity and innovation at its best.The marvellous range of technology that helped to make the landings succeed and ensured that over two million men and half a million vehicles could be landed in the ensuing months included amphibious and mine clearing tanks, Mulberry harbours, gliders, undersea pipelines, self-heating soup cans, air-portable motor-bikes – all reflected British ingenuity and innovation at its best.
Flags from the 14 allied nations that took part in the Normandy Landings were displayed during the event. The flags are historically accurate for 1944 so in many instances were not the same as they appear today.For example, the French flag displayed was the Free French Flag. Another example was the Canadian flag, which only adopted a maple leaf in 1965.Music was provided by, among others, a 70-piece orchestra and a 90-strong choir. Hymn to the Fallen, composed by John Williams – the track that opens the film Saving Private Ryan – was played and the actor and singer Sheridan Smith performed the song made famous by Vera Lynn, We’ll Meet Again.Flags from the 14 allied nations that took part in the Normandy Landings were displayed during the event. The flags are historically accurate for 1944 so in many instances were not the same as they appear today.For example, the French flag displayed was the Free French Flag. Another example was the Canadian flag, which only adopted a maple leaf in 1965.Music was provided by, among others, a 70-piece orchestra and a 90-strong choir. Hymn to the Fallen, composed by John Williams – the track that opens the film Saving Private Ryan – was played and the actor and singer Sheridan Smith performed the song made famous by Vera Lynn, We’ll Meet Again.
Linda Spence, a university worker from Portsmouth who was carrying a home-made placard stating “Keep your tiny, groping hands off our NHS ‘Mr’ president”, tried to speak to one of the men who attempted to disrupt the anti-Trump protest in the centre of the town.
“I just asked him why he was so angry and then he just started shouting, and then his mate tried to grab my placard,” said Spence, who spoke to a man wrapped in a US flag seconds after he snapped a protest placard in two and waved part of it around.
He was saying that it was a disgrace that we were here and that we should be down at the D-day commemorations. I said that I would have loved to have been there but I felt it was important to protest and send a message in support of the NHS services that he and all of us use, and which could be under threat if Trump has his way in trade talks.
A lady in the crowd who (very calmly) tried to speak to some of the men who disrupted the anti Trump event. “I asked him why he was so angry and he just started shouting” pic.twitter.com/s6M4VKv0cL
One of the speakers at the D-day event was Sergeant John Jenkins MBE, 99, from Portsmouth, who was in the Pioneer Corps on D-day and landed on Gold beach on 8 June. He said:
I was 23 years old when I landed on Gold beach.
I was terrified, I think everyone was. I look back on it as a big part of my life.
I was just a small part in a very big machine.
Jenkins said he was honoured to be at the service along with other D-day veterans.
You never forget your comrades because we were all in it together.
It is right that the courage and sacrifice of so many is being honoured 75 years on. We must never forget.
The events on the stage end with Sheridan Smith singing the wartime classic We’ll Meet Again.
Now an RAF flypast is taking place.
The Queen is speaking now.
She says when she attended the 60th anniversary D-day event some people thought it would be the last event of its kind. But the wartime generation, “my generation”, is resilient, and she is delighted to be here.
She says 75 years ago hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen left these shores in the cause of freedom. At the time her father, King George VI, said what was required was more than courage; it was a revival of spirit.
She says many of those young people never returned.
It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the country and the whole free world, that she says thank you.
The Portsmouth commemoration also paid tribute to the secret agents who worked behind enemy lines in the build up to D-day and to the French resistance.
Of the several hundred Special Operations Executive agents working behind enemy lines, 55 were women.The French president, Emmanuel Macron, read the last letter of a young resistance fighter Henri Fertet, executed at just 16 years old:
My dear parents, I am going to die for my country. I want France to be free and the French to be happy …
The soldiers are coming to get me. I must hurry. My handwriting may look wobbly but it is just because I am using a small pencil. I am not afraid of death, my conscience is completely clear ... A thousand kisses. Long live France.
Some of those who survived appeared at the event. There was warm applause for a group of British veterans when they took to the stage.A video was shown of Eugene Deibler, an American veteran who served as a sergeant in the 501st Airborne Regiment, and parachuted into Normandy at 01.30 on 6 June, behind Utah beach. He said he had never jumped in conflict before.
We did what we had to do. We jumped in there. I’m glad I did it, went from a boy to a man.
One note of disappointment – there are scores of unoccupied seats in the official commemoration event, which seems a shame. Some locals have expressed disappointment that they have been kept away because of the tight security.
At the D-day commemoration the audience have just been watching an extract from Pressure, the play by David Haig about James Stagg, the chief meteorologist who advised General Dwight Eisenhower about the weather ahead of D-day.
Amid the pomp and ceremony it was the stories of the real people who took part in D-Day that shone out during the commemoration in Portsmouth.
Theresa May read a letter from Captain Norman Skinner of the Royal Army Service Corps, written to his wife Gladys on 3 June 1944. The letter was still in his pocket when he landed on Sword Beach on 6 June. Skinner was killed the day after, leaving his wife and two young daughters. The letter read:
My thoughts at this moment, in this lovely Saturday afternoon, are with you all now. I can imagine you in the garden having tea with Janey and Anne getting ready to put them to bed. Although I would give anything to be back with you, I have not yet had any wish at all to back down from the job we have to do.
There is so much that I would like to be able to tell you. Nearly all of which you’ve heard many, many times. But just to say that I mean it even more today. I’m sure that I will be with you again soon and for good. Please give my fondest love to my Anne and my Janey. God bless and keep you all safe for me.
A telegram was shown on screen, accompanied by a voice over:
Dear Mrs Skinner, it is with the upmost difficulty that I write to offer you my most profound sympathies on the untimely death of your husband. All the time he had been under my command, he had done a grand job of work.
Piper Alastair Parks, who serves with 4 SCOTS, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Scottish Regiment, read an extract from the autobiography of piper Bill Millins recounting his experience of playing on the Normandy beaches:
I jumped off the ramp as quickly as possible holding the bagpipes above my head, and landed in the water up to my waist ... I placed the bagpipes on my shoulder, blew them up, and started to play Highland Laddie as I waded the few yards to the beach.
Here is the text of the letter read out by Theresa May. (See 12.15pm.)
Theresa May is now reading out a letter written by a Captain Skinner to his wife two days for before D-day.
In it, Skinner said this was a difficult letter to write. Anyone with imagination must worry about what will happen, Skinner said. He said he had had some lovely years with his wife. He could imagine his family in the garden. He would give anything to be with them, but would not back down from the job he had to do. He asked his wife to give his love to his children.
After May finishes, the text of a telegram later sent to Mrs Skinner announcing her husband’s death was read out.
Here is the translation of the letter from a French resistance fighter read out by Emmanuel Macron, the French president. (See 12.03pm.)
My dear parents, My letter is going to cause you great sorrow, but I have seen you so full of courage in the past that I do not doubt that you will remain courageous, if only out of love for me.
I am going to die for my country. I want France to be free and the French to be happy. I do not want France to be arrogant and the world’s leading nation but hard-working, industrious and honest.