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Tory leadership: Hunt backtracks on foxhunting and says ban will not be repealed - live news Tory leadership: Hunt backtracks on foxhunting and says ban will not be repealed - live news
(32 minutes later)
And here is the Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan on Ann Widdecombe.
It is disgusting that Ann Widdecombe would reference slavery and colonisation to describe our relationship with the EU. Her and Farage are bankrolled by elites - she's part of the establishment which has created such a divide in this country. https://t.co/UoncdzeDXA
This is from Nick Boles, the former Conservative MP now sitting as an independent, who says some of those praising Boris Johnson in the media have been scathing about him in private.
If I was paid a quid for each of the scathing things said to me about Boris Johnson by people now promoting him in the media, I’d be a very wealthy man. I just wonder how they can live with themselves.
Here is Labour’s David Lammy on the Ann Widdecombe speech.
Anne Widdecombe just compared Britain leaving the EU to "slaves" rising up "against their owners".It is impossible to explain how offensive and ahistorical it is for you to equate my ancestors tearing off their chains with your small-minded nationalist project. Shame on you. https://t.co/wZVCziXWVM
Here is video of the Ann Widdecombe speech. (See 1.19pm.)
Ann Widdecombe MEP: Britain was right to vote to leave, we're off!Widdecombe is on fire! pic.twitter.com/6bI01YHWAc
Here is a transcript.
And here’s the full transcript from Anne #Widdecombe’s theatrical debut, comparing British membership to the EU, to #slavery “Nous allons, wir gehen, we’re off” she says. #annewiddecombe #Brexit pic.twitter.com/PLrvbEQKAk
Guy Verhofstadt, the Belgian MEP and former prime minister who is the European parliament’s lead Brexit spokesman, has described Widdecombe as a “clown”.
Nigel Farage facing some stiff competition as chief clown of the Brexit Party in the @Europarl_EN. By the way, when Widdecombe talks about “colonies liberating themselves from their empires”, is she really referring to the American Revolution of 1776? https://t.co/KNtQ7GjaY3
The former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe likened the UK’s departure from the EU to the emancipation of slaves, as she became the first Brexit party MEP to speak in the new European parliament, my colleague Daniel Boffey reports.The former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe likened the UK’s departure from the EU to the emancipation of slaves, as she became the first Brexit party MEP to speak in the new European parliament, my colleague Daniel Boffey reports.
Ann Widdecombe likens Brexit to emancipation of slavesAnn Widdecombe likens Brexit to emancipation of slaves
Sir Tom Winsor, the chief inspector of policing, has suggested that Boris Johnson’s plan to hire an extra 20,000 police officers may not be the most efficient use of money. Johnson is proposing to spend an extra £1.1bn funding the pledge, which would see 20,000 extra officer in place by 2022. Presenting his annual state of policing report, Winsor welcomed the proposal, but suggested the money could be better spent. Asked if he welcomed the proposal, he replied:Sir Tom Winsor, the chief inspector of policing, has suggested that Boris Johnson’s plan to hire an extra 20,000 police officers may not be the most efficient use of money. Johnson is proposing to spend an extra £1.1bn funding the pledge, which would see 20,000 extra officer in place by 2022. Presenting his annual state of policing report, Winsor welcomed the proposal, but suggested the money could be better spent. Asked if he welcomed the proposal, he replied:
Yes. High-risk, high-harm crimes are on the increase. Street violence is a very significant problem. Police are having to cope with new patterns of crime and complexity.Yes. High-risk, high-harm crimes are on the increase. Street violence is a very significant problem. Police are having to cope with new patterns of crime and complexity.
But when asked if it was too simplistic proposal Winsor said:But when asked if it was too simplistic proposal Winsor said:
It’s certainly simple but it may not be the most effective way of spending on policing.It’s certainly simple but it may not be the most effective way of spending on policing.
I’m not for a moment saying we don’t need more cops and police staff.I’m not for a moment saying we don’t need more cops and police staff.
I’m sure Boris Johnson doesn’t expect people to believe there will be 20,000 police officers on the streets by Christmas. That just would be the case.I’m sure Boris Johnson doesn’t expect people to believe there will be 20,000 police officers on the streets by Christmas. That just would be the case.
A good rule of polling is that, if a poll result looks sufficiently unusual to be newsworthy, it is probably wrong. That’s why today’s YouGov poll, which puts Labour in fourth place, on 18%, behind the Tories, the Brexit party and the Lib Dems, might not be quite as disastrous for the party as it looks. The Times, which has splashed on the figures, says since the 1940s Labour has only one before sunk this low, in May 2009, at the height of the banking crisis.A good rule of polling is that, if a poll result looks sufficiently unusual to be newsworthy, it is probably wrong. That’s why today’s YouGov poll, which puts Labour in fourth place, on 18%, behind the Tories, the Brexit party and the Lib Dems, might not be quite as disastrous for the party as it looks. The Times, which has splashed on the figures, says since the 1940s Labour has only one before sunk this low, in May 2009, at the height of the banking crisis.
But another rule of polling is that it is, if you look at trends over a series of polls, they are a reliable guide to shifts in opinion. This confirms what almost all polling has implied since the European election, that Britain is becoming a four-way marginal. As YouGov explains in its write-up:But another rule of polling is that it is, if you look at trends over a series of polls, they are a reliable guide to shifts in opinion. This confirms what almost all polling has implied since the European election, that Britain is becoming a four-way marginal. As YouGov explains in its write-up:
Broadly speaking, this is a continuation of the trend we have seen over the past few months of a movement away from two-party politics and towards a fairly even four-way split between Labour, Conservative, Lib Dems and the Brexit Party.Broadly speaking, this is a continuation of the trend we have seen over the past few months of a movement away from two-party politics and towards a fairly even four-way split between Labour, Conservative, Lib Dems and the Brexit Party.
In the most recent poll 57% of Labour 2017 voters now say they would vote for another party, with 28% going to the Lib Dems, 15% moving to the Greens and 10% moving to the Brexit party.In the most recent poll 57% of Labour 2017 voters now say they would vote for another party, with 28% going to the Lib Dems, 15% moving to the Greens and 10% moving to the Brexit party.
Meanwhile 47% of Conservative 2017 voters also now say they will vote for another party, with most of that (38%) going to the Brexit party and a further 6% moving to the Lib Dems.Meanwhile 47% of Conservative 2017 voters also now say they will vote for another party, with most of that (38%) going to the Brexit party and a further 6% moving to the Lib Dems.
In a statement released by the People’s Vote campaign, which wants a second referendum on Brexit, the Labour MP Phil Wilson said:In a statement released by the People’s Vote campaign, which wants a second referendum on Brexit, the Labour MP Phil Wilson said:
Day after day, poll after poll shows the dismay among voters over Labour’s failure to offer a clear and principled position backing a final say referendum.Day after day, poll after poll shows the dismay among voters over Labour’s failure to offer a clear and principled position backing a final say referendum.
So long as the doubt and confusion continues over whether it will support a final say on any Brexit outcome - and on whether it will campaign to stay in the EU - Labour will continue to shed votes to parties like the Liberal Democrats.So long as the doubt and confusion continues over whether it will support a final say on any Brexit outcome - and on whether it will campaign to stay in the EU - Labour will continue to shed votes to parties like the Liberal Democrats.
This is refreshing. In normal circumstances government ministers don’t criticise each other in public. But discipline was breaking down anyway during the Brexit crisis, the Tory leadership contest created even more discord - it is impossible to have an election without disagreement - and this morning Caroline Dinenage, a health minister, has raided the Lib Dem lexicon to let us know what she thinks of Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury.This is refreshing. In normal circumstances government ministers don’t criticise each other in public. But discipline was breaking down anyway during the Brexit crisis, the Tory leadership contest created even more discord - it is impossible to have an election without disagreement - and this morning Caroline Dinenage, a health minister, has raided the Lib Dem lexicon to let us know what she thinks of Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury.
Bollocks https://t.co/OG75MahMLnBollocks https://t.co/OG75MahMLn
Dinenage was responding to this tweet from Truss, a libertarian ultra who is supporting Boris Johnson.Dinenage was responding to this tweet from Truss, a libertarian ultra who is supporting Boris Johnson.
If Boris wants to help Britain's poorest, scrapping the sugar tax is the place to start https://t.co/dHAkQOw8tb via @TelegraphIf Boris wants to help Britain's poorest, scrapping the sugar tax is the place to start https://t.co/dHAkQOw8tb via @Telegraph
Dinenage explained her thinking her.Dinenage explained her thinking her.
To clarify, sugar tax so far has raised 1/3 of predicted tax revenue ‘cos it’s prompted drink co’s to ⬇️ sugar in products, good news. To me this isn’t about ‘choice’, tiny kids have no choice over what they’re fed, it’s about incentivising food/drink co’s to use less sugar. https://t.co/Wsx3EyqzoJTo clarify, sugar tax so far has raised 1/3 of predicted tax revenue ‘cos it’s prompted drink co’s to ⬇️ sugar in products, good news. To me this isn’t about ‘choice’, tiny kids have no choice over what they’re fed, it’s about incentivising food/drink co’s to use less sugar. https://t.co/Wsx3EyqzoJ
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has stepped up its criticism of the two Tory leadership candidate over their failure to provide proper costings for their spending plans. Paul Johnson, the IFS director, told the Press Association:The Institute for Fiscal Studies has stepped up its criticism of the two Tory leadership candidate over their failure to provide proper costings for their spending plans. Paul Johnson, the IFS director, told the Press Association:
While the two candidates have put forward tens of billions of pounds worth of proposals to increase spending and cut taxes, they have provided no sense at all of what their overall fiscal strategy would be, what level of deficit and debt they would be happy with, or how they would deal with the problems of long term fiscal sustainability as set out by the Office for Budget Responsibility.While the two candidates have put forward tens of billions of pounds worth of proposals to increase spending and cut taxes, they have provided no sense at all of what their overall fiscal strategy would be, what level of deficit and debt they would be happy with, or how they would deal with the problems of long term fiscal sustainability as set out by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
This is not currently a grown up discussion or strategy, it is a little more than a random throwing of sweeties at the children.This is not currently a grown up discussion or strategy, it is a little more than a random throwing of sweeties at the children.
Jeremy Hunt’s plan for tackling the adult social care crisis won’t work, according to the Tory peer who chairs a Lords committee that has just published a major report on the topic (pdf).Jeremy Hunt’s plan for tackling the adult social care crisis won’t work, according to the Tory peer who chairs a Lords committee that has just published a major report on the topic (pdf).
Michael Forsyth - or Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, to use his full title - was speaking on the Today programme this morning not long after Hunt spoke about social care in his own interview. But his criticism applied not just to Hunt, but to a proposal that could also be adopted by Boris Johnson, the favourite in the Tory leadership contest.Michael Forsyth - or Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, to use his full title - was speaking on the Today programme this morning not long after Hunt spoke about social care in his own interview. But his criticism applied not just to Hunt, but to a proposal that could also be adopted by Boris Johnson, the favourite in the Tory leadership contest.
The government was meant to publish a green paper on adult social care last year, but it has been endlessly delayed and now the key decisions will be taken by the next prime minister. Johnson has said very little about how he would tackle the adult social care crisis, but Matt Hancock, the health secretary, who is one of his leading backers, has previously floated the idea of getting more money into the system through an opt-out insurance model, where people would automatically save for social care insurance, unless they chose to opt out.The government was meant to publish a green paper on adult social care last year, but it has been endlessly delayed and now the key decisions will be taken by the next prime minister. Johnson has said very little about how he would tackle the adult social care crisis, but Matt Hancock, the health secretary, who is one of his leading backers, has previously floated the idea of getting more money into the system through an opt-out insurance model, where people would automatically save for social care insurance, unless they chose to opt out.
In his Today interview Hunt said he also favoured a system that would involve people saving to fund their own social care. Accepting that councils needed more money for adult social care, Hunt said:In his Today interview Hunt said he also favoured a system that would involve people saving to fund their own social care. Accepting that councils needed more money for adult social care, Hunt said:
But we also need a system where people are encouraged and incentivised to save for their social care costs for when they got older, when they are much younger, as happens with pensions. We need a system where almost automatically people are saving up for their social care costs. And that’s a long-term change that I would like to make.But we also need a system where people are encouraged and incentivised to save for their social care costs for when they got older, when they are much younger, as happens with pensions. We need a system where almost automatically people are saving up for their social care costs. And that’s a long-term change that I would like to make.
But Forsyth told the programme later that this approach would not work. He explained:But Forsyth told the programme later that this approach would not work. He explained:
We’ve looked at insurance, and we’ve looked at having an opt-in system, as we have with pensions, which Jeremy Hunt mentioned earlier. And it simply doesn’t work. Fortunately most of us are not going to require crisis care at the end of our lives, or during our working lives. And therefore, as the insurance industry [said in evidence to us] - our report is entirely based on the evidence received - it’s a very hard sell to persuade people to put aside money for something that they think may not happen to them.We’ve looked at insurance, and we’ve looked at having an opt-in system, as we have with pensions, which Jeremy Hunt mentioned earlier. And it simply doesn’t work. Fortunately most of us are not going to require crisis care at the end of our lives, or during our working lives. And therefore, as the insurance industry [said in evidence to us] - our report is entirely based on the evidence received - it’s a very hard sell to persuade people to put aside money for something that they think may not happen to them.
And there’s huge ignorance. Local Government Association research which was given to us shows that as much as 48% of the country don’t actually know what social care means, and more than a quarter think that it’s provided free on the NHS.And there’s huge ignorance. Local Government Association research which was given to us shows that as much as 48% of the country don’t actually know what social care means, and more than a quarter think that it’s provided free on the NHS.
What is particularly significant about this is that Forsyth is no centrist or leftie. When he was Scottish secretary in the 1990s Forsyth was perceived as a hardline rightwinger and he told my colleague Patrick Butler this week that he still saw himself as a Thatcherite Tory.What is particularly significant about this is that Forsyth is no centrist or leftie. When he was Scottish secretary in the 1990s Forsyth was perceived as a hardline rightwinger and he told my colleague Patrick Butler this week that he still saw himself as a Thatcherite Tory.
But, on social care at least, Forsyth seems to have discovered socialism. The report from the Lords economic affairs committee (pdf) that he chairs calls for adult social care to get an extra £15bn - an immediate £8bn to address the current shortfall, followed by an extra £7bn a year to extend NHS-style free personal care to all by 2025 - with the money coming from general taxation. Forsyth told the Guardian:But, on social care at least, Forsyth seems to have discovered socialism. The report from the Lords economic affairs committee (pdf) that he chairs calls for adult social care to get an extra £15bn - an immediate £8bn to address the current shortfall, followed by an extra £7bn a year to extend NHS-style free personal care to all by 2025 - with the money coming from general taxation. Forsyth told the Guardian:
I support reducing tax and controlling public expenditure. But this is the minimum requirement to provide a decent standard of care in our country.I support reducing tax and controlling public expenditure. But this is the minimum requirement to provide a decent standard of care in our country.
The committee’s report also explains in more detail why the insurance modelled favoured by leading Tories like Hunt would not work. It says:The committee’s report also explains in more detail why the insurance modelled favoured by leading Tories like Hunt would not work. It says:
No country relies primarily on private insurance to fund adult social care costs. In the current system, establishing a market for long term social care insurance in England would be difficult, even with a cap on lifetime social care costs or accommodation costs or an auto-enrolment scheme. Private insurance cannot provide the amount of funding required by the social care system, not least because roughly half of public social care funding is currently spent on people who are working-age.No country relies primarily on private insurance to fund adult social care costs. In the current system, establishing a market for long term social care insurance in England would be difficult, even with a cap on lifetime social care costs or accommodation costs or an auto-enrolment scheme. Private insurance cannot provide the amount of funding required by the social care system, not least because roughly half of public social care funding is currently spent on people who are working-age.
In the light of Jeremy Hunt’s comments about foxhunting, Jeremy Corbyn is urging people to sign a Labour petition saying the ban should be maintained. It is a good example of how foxhunting works for Labour as a campaigning issue, because petitions allow parties to harvest email addresses that can be used in the future.In the light of Jeremy Hunt’s comments about foxhunting, Jeremy Corbyn is urging people to sign a Labour petition saying the ban should be maintained. It is a good example of how foxhunting works for Labour as a campaigning issue, because petitions allow parties to harvest email addresses that can be used in the future.
This Tory leadership race is going from bad to worse to barbaric.https://t.co/wronMx4xybThis Tory leadership race is going from bad to worse to barbaric.https://t.co/wronMx4xyb
Germany will stand fully in “solidarity” with Ireland over Brexit, the country’s president has said, and will look to “underpin rather than undermine” the peace process that has kept the border with Northern Ireland invisible in the last 20 years. Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Ireland’s president Michael Higgins, who is on a state visit to Germany, that Berlin “stands firmly by Ireland’s side”, raising questions about Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson’s optimism that the Irish border backstop can be revisited. Steinmeier said:Germany will stand fully in “solidarity” with Ireland over Brexit, the country’s president has said, and will look to “underpin rather than undermine” the peace process that has kept the border with Northern Ireland invisible in the last 20 years. Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Ireland’s president Michael Higgins, who is on a state visit to Germany, that Berlin “stands firmly by Ireland’s side”, raising questions about Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson’s optimism that the Irish border backstop can be revisited. Steinmeier said:
Politically and economically, Ireland is more directly affected by Brexit than any other EU member state, for this reason, too, your country has our full solidarity. We have reiterated this pledge in recent months: Germany stands firmly by Ireland’s side.Politically and economically, Ireland is more directly affected by Brexit than any other EU member state, for this reason, too, your country has our full solidarity. We have reiterated this pledge in recent months: Germany stands firmly by Ireland’s side.
The European Union’s value and internal cohesion have rarely been so plain as during the withdrawal negotiations. Ireland is part of this union. And Ireland’s core interests are and will remain the EU’s core interests.The European Union’s value and internal cohesion have rarely been so plain as during the withdrawal negotiations. Ireland is part of this union. And Ireland’s core interests are and will remain the EU’s core interests.
His remarks come just days after Conservative party leader contender Jeremy Hunt claimed he had assurances from the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, to “look at” his plan to strike a new Brexit deal if he won the keys to Number 10.His remarks come just days after Conservative party leader contender Jeremy Hunt claimed he had assurances from the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, to “look at” his plan to strike a new Brexit deal if he won the keys to Number 10.
This is from my colleague Peter Walker.This is from my colleague Peter Walker.
Wow. Latest register of MPs' interests, out last night, shows Boris Johnson trousered *£235,500* in new donations between 28 May and 10 June. That's almost £17,000 a day. Everyone likes a (probable) winner.Wow. Latest register of MPs' interests, out last night, shows Boris Johnson trousered *£235,500* in new donations between 28 May and 10 June. That's almost £17,000 a day. Everyone likes a (probable) winner.
This is from the Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan, who does not seem to have been listening to the Today programme at 8.10. (See 9.08am.)This is from the Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan, who does not seem to have been listening to the Today programme at 8.10. (See 9.08am.)
Could the era of prissy, finger-wagging petticoat government be coming to an end? Jeremy Hunt wants to end the hunting ban. Boris Johnson wants to stop bullying people who like sugar. Both want to cut taxes and free up the economy.Could the era of prissy, finger-wagging petticoat government be coming to an end? Jeremy Hunt wants to end the hunting ban. Boris Johnson wants to stop bullying people who like sugar. Both want to cut taxes and free up the economy.
In an interview with Sky News Steve Barclay, the Brexit secretary, admitted that a no-deal Brexit could lead to a recession. Asked if he could rule it out, he replied:In an interview with Sky News Steve Barclay, the Brexit secretary, admitted that a no-deal Brexit could lead to a recession. Asked if he could rule it out, he replied:
Well, no. As a former Treasury minister no one can ever rule out what could happen in the future.Well, no. As a former Treasury minister no one can ever rule out what could happen in the future.
But Barclay stressed that that the government did not want a no-deal Brexit.But Barclay stressed that that the government did not want a no-deal Brexit.
And he said that some claims about what might happen in the event of no-deal were exaggerated. As an example, he cited claims that food prices might rise by 10%. When it was put to him that this figure came from a leaked letter written by Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, Barclay replied:And he said that some claims about what might happen in the event of no-deal were exaggerated. As an example, he cited claims that food prices might rise by 10%. When it was put to him that this figure came from a leaked letter written by Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, Barclay replied:
Firstly, the figure that was initially put out from the Bank of England [about the impact on food prices] said 5 to 10% on some food. Only 30% of our food, it’s worth remembering comes from the EU; 70% doesn’t. [The figure] was put out before the trade flows improved. It was put out before we announced what our tariff schedules would be.Firstly, the figure that was initially put out from the Bank of England [about the impact on food prices] said 5 to 10% on some food. Only 30% of our food, it’s worth remembering comes from the EU; 70% doesn’t. [The figure] was put out before the trade flows improved. It was put out before we announced what our tariff schedules would be.
So my point is, you get a figure like that put out saying it would be 10% when it was some food, it was [5 to 10%], it was before a number of things changed and people worry about a 10% figure which is quite a misleading figure for what the expectation really is.So my point is, you get a figure like that put out saying it would be 10% when it was some food, it was [5 to 10%], it was before a number of things changed and people worry about a 10% figure which is quite a misleading figure for what the expectation really is.
In his Today interview Jeremy Hunt, who is combining being a Tory leadership candidate at the moment with his day job of being foreign secretary, said there was “no reason” why Britain could not continue to have good relations with China despite the dispute over Hong Kong. He said:In his Today interview Jeremy Hunt, who is combining being a Tory leadership candidate at the moment with his day job of being foreign secretary, said there was “no reason” why Britain could not continue to have good relations with China despite the dispute over Hong Kong. He said:
We have good relations with China ... there’s no reason why that can’t continue. But, for us, it is very important that the ‘one country, two systems’ approach is honoured.We have good relations with China ... there’s no reason why that can’t continue. But, for us, it is very important that the ‘one country, two systems’ approach is honoured.
He also refused to say what he meant when he warned that there could be be “serious consequences” if China failed to honour the terms of the 1984 joint declaration signed with the UK on Hong Kong. Asked if these serious consequences could include sanctions, he replied:He also refused to say what he meant when he warned that there could be be “serious consequences” if China failed to honour the terms of the 1984 joint declaration signed with the UK on Hong Kong. Asked if these serious consequences could include sanctions, he replied:
I’m not saying anything about what those consequences might be - that would not be the right thing for me to do as foreign secretary, because, of course, you keep your options open. But I am making the point that the United Kingdom views this situation very, very seriously.I’m not saying anything about what those consequences might be - that would not be the right thing for me to do as foreign secretary, because, of course, you keep your options open. But I am making the point that the United Kingdom views this situation very, very seriously.
Sue Hayman, the shadow environment secretary, has criticised Jeremy Hunt for refusing to accept that foxhunting is cruel in his Today interview this morning. (See 9.08am.) She said:Sue Hayman, the shadow environment secretary, has criticised Jeremy Hunt for refusing to accept that foxhunting is cruel in his Today interview this morning. (See 9.08am.) She said:
It is incredible and shocking that Jeremy Hunt, who aspires to be the next prime minister, can not bring himself to even acknowledge the barbaric cruelty of fox hunting.It is incredible and shocking that Jeremy Hunt, who aspires to be the next prime minister, can not bring himself to even acknowledge the barbaric cruelty of fox hunting.
Once again it shows this Tory government’s lack of understanding and sincerity on issues of animal welfare.Once again it shows this Tory government’s lack of understanding and sincerity on issues of animal welfare.
There is overwhelming support in both rural and urban areas for keeping the ban on fox hunting that Labour was proud to bring in and will strengthen in government.There is overwhelming support in both rural and urban areas for keeping the ban on fox hunting that Labour was proud to bring in and will strengthen in government.
In the inteview Hunt was asked three times whether fox hunting is cruel, but he sidestepped the question each time. He said:In the inteview Hunt was asked three times whether fox hunting is cruel, but he sidestepped the question each time. He said:
My view is a matter of public record ... I’m here to talk about the things I want to change as prime minister - that is not something that’s going to change.My view is a matter of public record ... I’m here to talk about the things I want to change as prime minister - that is not something that’s going to change.
Hunt had not been elected as an MP when the hunting bill was passed in 2004, but he has said he opposes the ban. But he also told the Today programme he had never hunted himself, adding: “It’s not my thing.”Hunt had not been elected as an MP when the hunting bill was passed in 2004, but he has said he opposes the ban. But he also told the Today programme he had never hunted himself, adding: “It’s not my thing.”
Jeremy Hunt has until now been running a better-than-expected campaign for the Tory leadership - if any party members are changing their mind after watching hustings, they seem more likely to be switching to Hunt than to Boris Johnson - but yesterday he made a rare error when he told the Daily Telegraph that he would support a free vote on repealing the ban on foxhunting and that he personally would vote to bring it back. Hunt included the caveat that this would only happen when there was a probable majority for repealing the ban in the Commons, but he implied that this might happen if the Conservatives were to win a majority. “As soon as there was a majority of parliament that would be likely to repeal the foxhunting ban, then I would support a vote in parliament,” he said.Jeremy Hunt has until now been running a better-than-expected campaign for the Tory leadership - if any party members are changing their mind after watching hustings, they seem more likely to be switching to Hunt than to Boris Johnson - but yesterday he made a rare error when he told the Daily Telegraph that he would support a free vote on repealing the ban on foxhunting and that he personally would vote to bring it back. Hunt included the caveat that this would only happen when there was a probable majority for repealing the ban in the Commons, but he implied that this might happen if the Conservatives were to win a majority. “As soon as there was a majority of parliament that would be likely to repeal the foxhunting ban, then I would support a vote in parliament,” he said.
Jeremy Hunt promises vote on repeal of foxhunting banJeremy Hunt promises vote on repeal of foxhunting ban
Traditional Tories were horrified when Labour passed a foxhunting ban, and amongst party members repeal is almost certainly a popular cause. But amongst the public at large the prospect of the law being changed to legalise a sport that involves dogs tearing foxes to pieces is toxic. During the 2017 general election campaign the Conservatives were surprised when what they thought was a tame restatement of their 2015 election position (allowing a free vote on repeal) became a major issue of social media, mobilising many voters to support anti-Tory candidates. Hunt is pitching himself as the leadership candidate most able to win an election for the party by appealing to floating voters, and so having this around his neck was a problem. One Tory MP backing Hunt described it as “political suicide”.Traditional Tories were horrified when Labour passed a foxhunting ban, and amongst party members repeal is almost certainly a popular cause. But amongst the public at large the prospect of the law being changed to legalise a sport that involves dogs tearing foxes to pieces is toxic. During the 2017 general election campaign the Conservatives were surprised when what they thought was a tame restatement of their 2015 election position (allowing a free vote on repeal) became a major issue of social media, mobilising many voters to support anti-Tory candidates. Hunt is pitching himself as the leadership candidate most able to win an election for the party by appealing to floating voters, and so having this around his neck was a problem. One Tory MP backing Hunt described it as “political suicide”.
And so this morning Hunt clarified his position. Without entirely retracting what he told the Telegraph, he said the law on foxhunting would not change because he could not envisage there ever being a majority in favour in the Commons. Asked about what he said to the Telegraph, he told the Today programme:And so this morning Hunt clarified his position. Without entirely retracting what he told the Telegraph, he said the law on foxhunting would not change because he could not envisage there ever being a majority in favour in the Commons. Asked about what he said to the Telegraph, he told the Today programme:
Well, I think this is just because I was giving a straight answer to a straight question. But the law is not going to change on fox hunting. There isn’t a majority in the House of Commons, and I don’t see there ever being one. I was just restating the position in our manifesto from 2017 that there should be a free vote if it ever looked like that majority would change. But it would not be my priority as prime minister.Well, I think this is just because I was giving a straight answer to a straight question. But the law is not going to change on fox hunting. There isn’t a majority in the House of Commons, and I don’t see there ever being one. I was just restating the position in our manifesto from 2017 that there should be a free vote if it ever looked like that majority would change. But it would not be my priority as prime minister.
Hunt’s analysis is probably correct. Almost all the MPs in the Commons who support foxhunting are Conservatives, but there are plenty of Tories who would vote against repeal of the ban and the working assumption amongst campaigners is that there would have to be a very large Conservative majority in the Commons for the restoration of foxhunting to have any chance of passing.Hunt’s analysis is probably correct. Almost all the MPs in the Commons who support foxhunting are Conservatives, but there are plenty of Tories who would vote against repeal of the ban and the working assumption amongst campaigners is that there would have to be a very large Conservative majority in the Commons for the restoration of foxhunting to have any chance of passing.
The Today interview was awkward for Hunt. He repeatedly dodged a question about whether he viewed foxhunting as cruel, and instead he tried to switch the conversation to other things he might do for rural communities, like extend broadband. But he probably succeeded in defusing the hunting row.The Today interview was awkward for Hunt. He repeatedly dodged a question about whether he viewed foxhunting as cruel, and instead he tried to switch the conversation to other things he might do for rural communities, like extend broadband. But he probably succeeded in defusing the hunting row.
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
After 10.30am: Mel Stride, the leader of the Commons, makes a statement in the Commons on next week’s business.After 10.30am: Mel Stride, the leader of the Commons, makes a statement in the Commons on next week’s business.
Afternoon: Theresa May gives a speech in Scotland on the importance of strengthening the union.Afternoon: Theresa May gives a speech in Scotland on the importance of strengthening the union.
As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web, although I will be focusing mostly on the Tory leadership contest and Theresa May’s speech. I plan to publish a summary at lunchtime and then another when I finish.As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web, although I will be focusing mostly on the Tory leadership contest and Theresa May’s speech. I plan to publish a summary at lunchtime and then another when I finish.
You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.
If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.
I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.
If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.