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Bercow denies MPs vote on bid to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal Brexit - live news Bercow denies MPs vote on bid to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal Brexit - live news
(32 minutes later)
In the Northern Ireland debate the Labour MP Stella Creasy is speaking now about her amendment, which would extend the right to abortion in Northern Ireland by saying the government would have to comply with the UN convention for the elimination of discrimination against women.
She says women in Northern Ireland risk prison for procuring abortion pills. She says the UK cannot tell other countries to enforce human rights standards when it is denying basic rights to women in Northern Ireland.
More on the Dominic Grieve amendments. (See 12.37pm.) Although new clause 14 (NC14), the central Grieve amendment intended to stop a new prime minister proroguing parliament in the autumn to facilitate a no-deal Brexit, has not been called, other Grieve amendments have been called. But, as Nikki da Costa, a former director of legislative affairs in Downing Street explains, the other Grieve amendments would not necessarily stop a new PM proroguing parliament. She explains why in these tweets.
NB 3 Grieve amdts WERE selected just not prorogation one. One is just incidental, but the others require a report on or before 9 October and at least every 14 calendar days thereafter until 18 Dec/an Exec, and a vote to approve each report within 3 sitting days https://t.co/gTGmAT9Se2
pic.twitter.com/fOPM773Psw
Despite Nick Boles' hopefulness It is doubtful that these amendments would require Parliament to be in session - see @sc_laws ' piece for ConHome and report for Policy Exchange. https://t.co/nrySIIOKEG 1/ https://t.co/fE3nhlmPWW
See full article, but here's an extract pic.twitter.com/hfNbJ79nLj
You can read the text of all the amendments to the bill here (pdf).
Theresa May faces a full-blown diplomatic standoff with the US after Donald Trump condemned Britain’s “stupid” ambassador to Washington over leaked memos critical of the White House, as Downing Street insisted Sir Kim Darroch had its full support, my colleague Peter Walker reports. The escalating crisis began after a Sunday newspaper printed extracts of confidential memos in which Darroch labelled Trump’s administration “inept” and “dysfunctional”. The US president announced on Monday that he would no longer deal with the ambassador. In a fresh volley of tweets on Tuesday morning, Trump again condemned Darroch, and renewed his criticism of the prime minister over her Brexit negotiations, which he had praised on his state visit to the UK just over a month ago.Theresa May faces a full-blown diplomatic standoff with the US after Donald Trump condemned Britain’s “stupid” ambassador to Washington over leaked memos critical of the White House, as Downing Street insisted Sir Kim Darroch had its full support, my colleague Peter Walker reports. The escalating crisis began after a Sunday newspaper printed extracts of confidential memos in which Darroch labelled Trump’s administration “inept” and “dysfunctional”. The US president announced on Monday that he would no longer deal with the ambassador. In a fresh volley of tweets on Tuesday morning, Trump again condemned Darroch, and renewed his criticism of the prime minister over her Brexit negotiations, which he had praised on his state visit to the UK just over a month ago.
Here is Peter’s story.Here is Peter’s story.
Trump calls May foolish as diplomatic row escalatesTrump calls May foolish as diplomatic row escalates
And here are the Trump tweets.And here are the Trump tweets.
The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was...The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was...
...handled. I told @theresa_may how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way-was unable to get it done. A disaster! I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool. Tell him the USA now has the best Economy & Military anywhere in the World, by far......handled. I told @theresa_may how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way-was unable to get it done. A disaster! I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool. Tell him the USA now has the best Economy & Military anywhere in the World, by far...
....and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger.....Thank you, Mr. President!....and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger.....Thank you, Mr. President!
Ireland will not be providing options for dealing with animals and agrifood as they cross the Irish border in its no-deal contingency plans to be published later today.Ireland will not be providing options for dealing with animals and agrifood as they cross the Irish border in its no-deal contingency plans to be published later today.
It will say, instead, that more talks are needed on the issue with the European Commission.It will say, instead, that more talks are needed on the issue with the European Commission.
The last time the UK was on the precipice of a no-deal Brexit, sources told the Guardian that checks on animals and agrifood would be mandatory from day one, meaning overnight disruption for trade of milk and lamb from Northern Ireland into the republic.The last time the UK was on the precipice of a no-deal Brexit, sources told the Guardian that checks on animals and agrifood would be mandatory from day one, meaning overnight disruption for trade of milk and lamb from Northern Ireland into the republic.
At a special cabinet meeting this morning, Irish ministers were briefed by the deputy prime minister Simon Coveney on the “dire consequences” of no-deal for Ireland the all-island economy.At a special cabinet meeting this morning, Irish ministers were briefed by the deputy prime minister Simon Coveney on the “dire consequences” of no-deal for Ireland the all-island economy.
The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is expected to be questioned by opposition MPs in the Dail at 2pm, with Coveney giving a briefing to the media at 4pm on the updated no deal plans.The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is expected to be questioned by opposition MPs in the Dail at 2pm, with Coveney giving a briefing to the media at 4pm on the updated no deal plans.
Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Westminster, is speaking in the debate now.Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Westminster, is speaking in the debate now.
He says it is wrong that this bill, which is about allowing the suspension of the Northern Ireland assembly to continue, has been hijacked for other purposes.He says it is wrong that this bill, which is about allowing the suspension of the Northern Ireland assembly to continue, has been hijacked for other purposes.
He says, under the McGinn amendment, if it is passed, there would be no further vote in the Commons before the law was changed to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland (assuming the powers-sharing executive is not restored by 21 October).He says, under the McGinn amendment, if it is passed, there would be no further vote in the Commons before the law was changed to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland (assuming the powers-sharing executive is not restored by 21 October).
The DUP’s Sammy Wilson says MPs have repeatedly complained about the use of Henry VIII powers. But he says the amendment would allow a Henry VIII power to be used to impose same-sex marriage on Northern Ireland.The DUP’s Sammy Wilson says MPs have repeatedly complained about the use of Henry VIII powers. But he says the amendment would allow a Henry VIII power to be used to impose same-sex marriage on Northern Ireland.
Dodds agrees that this is not an appropriate way to decide this matter for Northern Ireland.Dodds agrees that this is not an appropriate way to decide this matter for Northern Ireland.
Maria Miller, the Conservative chair of the women and equalities committee, is speaking in the debate now. She says she was equalities minister when same-sex marriage was introduced. She says the law was not extended to Northern Ireland because the government wanted to respect the devolution settlement.Maria Miller, the Conservative chair of the women and equalities committee, is speaking in the debate now. She says she was equalities minister when same-sex marriage was introduced. She says the law was not extended to Northern Ireland because the government wanted to respect the devolution settlement.
She says she will not decide how she is going to vote tonight until she has heard the government make its case. She says her heart is telling her to vote for the McGinn amendment. But her head needs to be convinced, because of the concerns about the need to respect the principle of devolution.She says she will not decide how she is going to vote tonight until she has heard the government make its case. She says her heart is telling her to vote for the McGinn amendment. But her head needs to be convinced, because of the concerns about the need to respect the principle of devolution.
In the Commons Conor McGinn says the House of Commons failed people in Northern Ireland by not decriminalising homosexuality in Northern Ireland when it was decriminalised in England. And he says it has failed them by not extending same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland. He ends his speech by saying tonight MPs must no longer let it down.In the Commons Conor McGinn says the House of Commons failed people in Northern Ireland by not decriminalising homosexuality in Northern Ireland when it was decriminalised in England. And he says it has failed them by not extending same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland. He ends his speech by saying tonight MPs must no longer let it down.
We have already posted reaction to today’s announcement from Jeremy Corbyn about Labour’s latest shift on Brexit from the Liberal Democrats (see 12.03pm).We have already posted reaction to today’s announcement from Jeremy Corbyn about Labour’s latest shift on Brexit from the Liberal Democrats (see 12.03pm).
Here is some more reaction.Here is some more reaction.
From Labour MP Phil Wilson, in a statement released by the People’s Vote campaign, which is campaigning for a second referendumFrom Labour MP Phil Wilson, in a statement released by the People’s Vote campaign, which is campaigning for a second referendum
Jeremy Corbyn’s public insistence that the next Conservative prime minister put any Brexit proposal to a final say referendum, where we will all have the chance to stay in the EU, is a positive step forward for Labour. It is an outrage that Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt believe this decision can be confined to the 0.25% of the population who are Conservative members. It must be for the people to decide our future and give their explicit consent for a specific form of Brexit in a people’s vote.Jeremy Corbyn’s public insistence that the next Conservative prime minister put any Brexit proposal to a final say referendum, where we will all have the chance to stay in the EU, is a positive step forward for Labour. It is an outrage that Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt believe this decision can be confined to the 0.25% of the population who are Conservative members. It must be for the people to decide our future and give their explicit consent for a specific form of Brexit in a people’s vote.
But one email to Labour members and a press release do not make a campaign. Labour has the chance to speak up for its values and to channel the growing anger in the country about the negation of democracy that is being imposed on us all. Our voters and our members will not tolerate further confusion or foot-dragging. Instead, we now need to join together with all those from across the political spectrum who have long since been demanding that the people get the final say on Brexit.But one email to Labour members and a press release do not make a campaign. Labour has the chance to speak up for its values and to channel the growing anger in the country about the negation of democracy that is being imposed on us all. Our voters and our members will not tolerate further confusion or foot-dragging. Instead, we now need to join together with all those from across the political spectrum who have long since been demanding that the people get the final say on Brexit.
From Chris Leslie, the former Labour MP who now represents the Independent Group for ChangeFrom Chris Leslie, the former Labour MP who now represents the Independent Group for Change
Corbyn has confirmed that if you vote Labour, you’ll get Brexit. His commitment to campaign against Brexit only if the Conservatives are in government simply isn’t good enough.Corbyn has confirmed that if you vote Labour, you’ll get Brexit. His commitment to campaign against Brexit only if the Conservatives are in government simply isn’t good enough.
Brexit - whether a Labour Brexit or a Conservative Brexit - will cost people’s jobs, put businesses in jeopardy, and diminish Britain in the eyes of our neighbours. Corbyn’s refusal to be honest about that fact is a deep betrayal of the people Labour used to represent.Brexit - whether a Labour Brexit or a Conservative Brexit - will cost people’s jobs, put businesses in jeopardy, and diminish Britain in the eyes of our neighbours. Corbyn’s refusal to be honest about that fact is a deep betrayal of the people Labour used to represent.
From Naomi Smith, CEO of the the anti-Brexit group Best for BritainFrom Naomi Smith, CEO of the the anti-Brexit group Best for Britain
This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but Labour can’t believe that both their own deal and remaining are best for Britain.This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but Labour can’t believe that both their own deal and remaining are best for Britain.
It’s decision time for the Labour leadership. If they don’t settle on campaigning to stop Brexit then they will be letting down the vast majority of their membership, voters and the country.It’s decision time for the Labour leadership. If they don’t settle on campaigning to stop Brexit then they will be letting down the vast majority of their membership, voters and the country.
From Michael Chessum from Another Europe is Possible, a leftwing group campaigning for remainFrom Michael Chessum from Another Europe is Possible, a leftwing group campaigning for remain
Today’s move is significant and a big victory for the grassroots of the Labour party. We now need Labour to throw its huge weight behind the campaign to stop Brexit. Only a radical politics which promises fundamental change, more equality and public investment can beat Brexit - not status quo centrism.Today’s move is significant and a big victory for the grassroots of the Labour party. We now need Labour to throw its huge weight behind the campaign to stop Brexit. Only a radical politics which promises fundamental change, more equality and public investment can beat Brexit - not status quo centrism.
Good though today’s news is, Labour still needs to clearly commit to opposing Brexit, and to unequivocally defending free movement and transforming Europe. Ultimately, policy must be made by members, not in backrooms. We will continue to campaign from the grassroots up, and we are mobilising another huge wave of motions for conference in September.Good though today’s news is, Labour still needs to clearly commit to opposing Brexit, and to unequivocally defending free movement and transforming Europe. Ultimately, policy must be made by members, not in backrooms. We will continue to campaign from the grassroots up, and we are mobilising another huge wave of motions for conference in September.
MPs are now starting their debate on the Northern Ireland bill.MPs are now starting their debate on the Northern Ireland bill.
The Labour MP Conor McGinn starts. His amendment, new clause 1 (NC1), says, if the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland is not restored by 21 October, the UK parliament should legislate to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.The Labour MP Conor McGinn starts. His amendment, new clause 1 (NC1), says, if the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland is not restored by 21 October, the UK parliament should legislate to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
If the power-sharing executive is restored before that, it would be up to them, he says.If the power-sharing executive is restored before that, it would be up to them, he says.
And if the executive is revived after Westminster has changed the law, it will have the power to change the law back, he suggests.And if the executive is revived after Westminster has changed the law, it will have the power to change the law back, he suggests.
The DUP MP Ian Paisley says, if this amendment passes, it could give one party in Northern Ireland an incentive not to revive the executive.The DUP MP Ian Paisley says, if this amendment passes, it could give one party in Northern Ireland an incentive not to revive the executive.
McGinn says Paisley is referring to Sinn Fein. He says he has spoken to Sinn Fein, and he knows Sinn Fein wants the devolved assembly to make this decision.McGinn says Paisley is referring to Sinn Fein. He says he has spoken to Sinn Fein, and he knows Sinn Fein wants the devolved assembly to make this decision.
John Bercow, the Speaker, is now making a statement about the Northern Ireland bill.John Bercow, the Speaker, is now making a statement about the Northern Ireland bill.
He says last night his office received a call from a “tabloid scribbler” who had heard the Speaker would not be chairing the proceedings this afternoon. He says kindness and generosity of spirit prevent him from naming the individual. But he says it is a long-established convention that the Speaker does not chair proceedings for a committee of the whole house (ie, when the committee stage of a bill is being considered by all MPs, not just a committee of about 20 of them - as is happening this afternoon.). He says this is a rule going back to the 17th century. He says he hopes the “chappie has now got the point”.He says last night his office received a call from a “tabloid scribbler” who had heard the Speaker would not be chairing the proceedings this afternoon. He says kindness and generosity of spirit prevent him from naming the individual. But he says it is a long-established convention that the Speaker does not chair proceedings for a committee of the whole house (ie, when the committee stage of a bill is being considered by all MPs, not just a committee of about 20 of them - as is happening this afternoon.). He says this is a rule going back to the 17th century. He says he hopes the “chappie has now got the point”.
Good Afternoon. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Sarah Marsh, who has been writing the blog this morning.Good Afternoon. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Sarah Marsh, who has been writing the blog this morning.
Quite soon MPs will start the second and final day’s debate on the Northern Ireland (executive formation) bill.Quite soon MPs will start the second and final day’s debate on the Northern Ireland (executive formation) bill.
As Seth Jacobson reports, the Tory pro-European Dominic Grieve tabled an amendment intended to ensure that the next prime minister could not prorogue parliament in September and October to stop MPs blocking a no-deal Brexit.As Seth Jacobson reports, the Tory pro-European Dominic Grieve tabled an amendment intended to ensure that the next prime minister could not prorogue parliament in September and October to stop MPs blocking a no-deal Brexit.
But it has just emerged that John Bercow, the Speaker, is not calling the amendment, which means it will not be put to a vote.But it has just emerged that John Bercow, the Speaker, is not calling the amendment, which means it will not be put to a vote.
Bercow blocks vote on amendment intended to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal.Bercow blocks vote on amendment intended to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal.
Selections of Amdts for #northernIrelandBill. @ConorMcGinn NC1 on equal marriage selected, NC14 from Grieve on recall from prorogation is not selected. pic.twitter.com/eu1kQC7TdQSelections of Amdts for #northernIrelandBill. @ConorMcGinn NC1 on equal marriage selected, NC14 from Grieve on recall from prorogation is not selected. pic.twitter.com/eu1kQC7TdQ
The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff has written about Corbyn’s backing of a second referendum. She writes:
Is Labour really the party of remain, or leave? The official answer for a good three years has been both, which increasingly means in the eyes of many voters it is neither convincingly. The paradox of this week’s otherwise seismic shift in Labour Brexit positioning is that once the dust settles, essentially that’s still true.
Jeremy Corbyn does seem finally to have been cornered into a second referendum on Brexit, with trade union leaders unanimously agreeing this week that if a Conservative government brings any sort of deal (or a firm date for leaving with no deal) before parliament, Labour should demand a referendum on it and campaign to remain.
Here is Gaby’s article in full.
Labour is finally backing a second referendum. Is it too little, too late? | Gaby Hinsliff
The Liberal Democrats who, to Labour’s cost, made so many gains in the European elections in May, say Labour’s new position on a second referendum does not make it a remain party. The Lib Dem Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake said:
Labour are still a party of Brexit. Jeremy Corbyn can pretend all he likes that the Labour party are finally moving towards backing the Liberal Democrat policy of a People’s Vote, but it is clear it is still his intention to negotiate a damaging Brexit deal if he gets the keys to number ten.
Labour must start being transparent with the British people. Any Brexit deal, whoever it is negotiated by, will damage our country. It will mean job losses, problems for our NHS, and more time wasted on not tackling the biggest issues facing the UK.
The Liberal Democrats have been unequivocal in our fight to stop Brexit and Corbyn should join us. The only real route out of this mess is a People’s Vote, with the option to stay in the EU.
Protests have taken place outside Labour headquarters as a disputes panel of the party’s national executive meets on Tuesday to discuss whether to reinstate Chris Williamson.Williamson, the MP for Derby North, had been suspended for suggesting the party was “too apologetic” about antisemitism complaints. But he was last week let back into the party with a reprimand by a three-person disciplinary panel, prompting a fierce reaction.
outside Labour HQ pic.twitter.com/OSkV2rhoKv
Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson joined MPs and peers to demand he lose the whip, while nearly 70 Labour staff members wrote to express their outrage.He was put back under suspension after Keith Vaz, one of the members of the disputes panel who had argued for him to be readmitted, said the decision should be reviewed.The disputes panel will meet this morning to discuss whether to refer him up to a further disciplinary sub-committee of the National Executive Committee, which may decide to send the case for further investigation or allow him to be readmitted.If he is let back in, Williamson is likely to face a selection battle in his own constituency after a bitter row with the trade union Unite.
The Guardian’s political editor Heather Stewart reports on party’s decision to campaign to stay in EU rather than back no deal or Tory deal in people’s vote.
Corbyn says Labour would back remain in Brexit referendum
Labour have announced their Brexit position in a letter from Jeremy Corbyn to party members. He says:
Dear member,
I am proud to lead the Labour Party – the greatest political party and social movement in this country.
We all recognise that the issue of Brexit has been divisive in our communities and sometimes in our party too.
As democrats, Labour accepted the result of the 2016 referendum. In our 2017 manifesto, Labour also committed to oppose a No Deal Brexit and the Tories’ Brexit plans – which threatened jobs, living standards, and the open multicultural society that we as internationalists value so much.
I want to pay tribute to Keir Starmer and the shadow Brexit team for holding the Government to account during this process. That helped secure a meaningful vote on their deal – which we then defeated three times – including inflicting the largest ever defeat on any Government. And following their refusal to publish their legal advice, this Government became the first to be held in contempt of Parliament.
Labour set out a compromise plan to try to bring the country together based around a customs union, a strong single market relationship and protection of environmental regulations and rights at work. We continue to believe this is a sensible alternative that could bring the country together.
But the Prime Minister refused to compromise and was unable to deliver, so we ended cross-party talks.
Now both Tory leadership candidates are threatening a No Deal Brexit - or at best a race to the bottom and a sweetheart deal with Donald Trump: that runs down industry, opens up our NHS and other public services to yet more privatisation, and shreds environmental protections, rights at work and consumer standards.
I have spent the past few weeks consulting with the shadow cabinet, MPs, affiliated unions and the NEC. I have also had feedback from members via the National Policy Forum consultation on Brexit.
Whoever becomes the new Prime Minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote.
In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign for Remain against either No Deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs.
Labour has a crucial, historic duty to safeguard jobs, rights and living standards. But no Brexit outcome alone can do that.
We need a general election. After nine years of austerity, too many people in this country cannot find decent secure well-paid work, and have to rely on public services that have been severely cut back.
Our country is ravaged by inequality and rising poverty, huge regional imbalances of investment, and the government is failing to tackle the climate emergency facing us all.
That is why we need a Labour government to end austerity and rebuild our country for the many not the few.
Yours,
Jeremy Corbyn
Jeremy Corbyn has said that the next prime minister should put their Brexit deal to a vote, and if that happened the Labour party would campaign for remain.
Whoever becomes the new Prime Minister should put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote.In those circumstances, Labour would campaign for Remain against either No Deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs.
The news has been met with a strong response on social media.
No clarity by Mr Corbyn on what Labour's position would be in the event of a general election
Yet another fudge, where the Labour leadership keep open the door to standing on a pro-Brexit platform in a General Election or supporting it in government. The @LibDems are the only party that can get into govt which is 100% committed to stopping Brexit. https://t.co/2jjqQnIA0f
Jeremy Corbyn's letter is noticeably silent on what Labour would do if it was able to negotiate its own Brexit deal after winning a snap election. Unlear whether they would campaign for Remain or Leave in those circumstances.
The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg said:
It’s progress of a sort as Corbyn explicit that he’d support staying in the EU in that hypothetical scenario, but he doesn’t sign up to the manifesto demand which would have gone further.
For those pushing Remain it's progress of a sort as Corbyn explicit that he'd support staying in the EU in that hypothetical scenario, but he doesn't sign up to the manifesto demand which would have gone further...
Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that the Labour party will campaign for remain in a referendum “against no deal or a Tory deal”.
On Tuesday morning, the leader of the Labour party, convened a meeting of the party’s shadow cabinet to agree a settled Brexit position.
BREAKING: Jeremy Corbyn announces Labour's Brexit position. Says new PM "should have the confidence to put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote" - and Labour would then campaign for Remain, "against either No Deal or a Tory deal".
But Heather also notes that the announcement, in a long email to members, does not include anything explaining what Labour’s position would be after a general election.
But nothing in the lengthy email from JC to members about Labour's position at/after a general election - only that Labour wants one.
Sir David warned:
The problem you’re opening now is a very serious one, if the world climate change goes on it is going to be facing huge problems with immigration.
Large parts of Africa are going to be even less inhabitable than they are now, and there will be major upsets in the balance between our national boundaries.
These kind of problems are going to grow inexorably and we are going to have to decide what we do about it, that’s going to happen.
He said industry should be encouraged to invest in new technologies for generating, storing and transporting energy, such as batteries, and that he thought progress was being made.
Channel 4’s chief executive Alex Mahon has said that the broadcaster does not make reality TV or observational programmes merely because they are cheap and “fill schedules”.Speaking before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee inquiry into reality TV, Mahon said there is a “huge public appetite” for programmes that show “different groups of people doing things in society”. Damian Collins, chairman of the DCMS, suggested that such programmes involving members of the public are “quite cheap to make” and that they take up more space in the TV schedule than they did 20 years ago. Mahon said: “It is important that as public service broadcasters we tell challenging stories about life in Britain today and give insight into that, yes, it’s not necessarily cheaper to do than doing other things. “There are some genres of non-scripted programming that are cheap, sometimes quizzes if you make them in bulk, and there are some genres that are very expensive, which are in the multiple hundreds of thousands of pounds per episode to make because they are very complex to construct. “If you take a programme like One Born Every Minute... a life-affirming show and incredibly entertaining for audiences. It’s certainly not cheap to make because of the way we make it, construct it, the way we film it and work with contributors on it. “So I would refute the suggestion that we are doing that to fill schedules with ‘cheap things’; we are doing those programmes often to create insight into society.”