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Boris Johnson drops target for getting annual net migration below 100,000 – live news Boris Johnson drops target for getting annual net migration below 100,000 – live news
(32 minutes later)
This is what Boris Johnson said to the Labour MP Catherine West when she asked for an assurance that every single entry-level cleaner in Whitehall would be paid the London living wage. Johnson replied:
I have to say – the answer is yes. I was very proud that I when I was running London that we massively expanded with the living wage. And we made sure that it was paid not just by by GLA bodies, but by their contractors as well. And that is what we should be doing.
When asked of evidence for his commitment to social justice, Johnson tends to refer to his record as London mayor, and particularly the expansion of the London living wage, The Greater London authority was one of the bodies that paid it to all its staff.
The London living wage is currently set at £10.55 per hour. It is a voluntary target which is intended to set what would be an acceptable minimum for workers in the capital. It is not the same as the national living wage, the statutory minimum wage for workers over 25, which is £8.21 per hour.
Here is my colleague Daniel Boffey on Michel Barnier’s note to the EU27. (See 3.15pm.)Here is my colleague Daniel Boffey on Michel Barnier’s note to the EU27. (See 3.15pm.)
Michel Barnier's note to dippos after Boris speech a sign of the growing belief that UK heading to a general election. He notes "many strong reactions to the speech.. in this context we must follow carefully the further political and economic reactions and developments in the UK"Michel Barnier's note to dippos after Boris speech a sign of the growing belief that UK heading to a general election. He notes "many strong reactions to the speech.. in this context we must follow carefully the further political and economic reactions and developments in the UK"
The new government has abandoned the target of getting annual net migration below 100,000. This was set as a goal by David Cameron, and maintained by Theresa May, but their governments never came close to meeting it.The new government has abandoned the target of getting annual net migration below 100,000. This was set as a goal by David Cameron, and maintained by Theresa May, but their governments never came close to meeting it.
After Boris Johnson’s statement to MPs, the prime minister’s spokesman, when asked about the 100,000, target, said Johnson was not interested in a “numbers game”. The spokesman said:After Boris Johnson’s statement to MPs, the prime minister’s spokesman, when asked about the 100,000, target, said Johnson was not interested in a “numbers game”. The spokesman said:
His view is that we need to introduce an Australian points-based system that allows us to take back control of our bordersHis view is that we need to introduce an Australian points-based system that allows us to take back control of our borders
He is determined to deliver it, which is why he has commissioned Mac (the Migration Advisory Committee) to carry out the work to get that system.He is determined to deliver it, which is why he has commissioned Mac (the Migration Advisory Committee) to carry out the work to get that system.
He said in the campaign he wasn’t interested in a numbers game.He said in the campaign he wasn’t interested in a numbers game.
Here is my colleague Jessica Elgot’s summary of what Boris Johnson was promising in his statement to MPs in the Commons.Here is my colleague Jessica Elgot’s summary of what Boris Johnson was promising in his statement to MPs in the Commons.
Boris Johnson's first Commons speech as PM: what is he promising?Boris Johnson's first Commons speech as PM: what is he promising?
The Financial Times’ Alex Barker says Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has written to EU member states saying that Boris Johnson’s call for the backstop to be removed is “unacceptable”.The Financial Times’ Alex Barker says Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has written to EU member states saying that Boris Johnson’s call for the backstop to be removed is “unacceptable”.
Here’s the @MichelBarnier email to EU member states calling Boris’ statement “rather combative” and basically unnegotiable. pic.twitter.com/wUAizfXsUBHere’s the @MichelBarnier email to EU member states calling Boris’ statement “rather combative” and basically unnegotiable. pic.twitter.com/wUAizfXsUB
Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister), has restated his government’s support for the backstop. He said:Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister), has restated his government’s support for the backstop. He said:
The position of the European Union and the position of Ireland has not changed.The position of the European Union and the position of Ireland has not changed.
The backstop is an integral part of the withdrawal agreement; without the backstop there is no withdrawal agreement, there is no transition phase, there is no implementation phase and there will be no free trade agreement until all those matters are resolved.The backstop is an integral part of the withdrawal agreement; without the backstop there is no withdrawal agreement, there is no transition phase, there is no implementation phase and there will be no free trade agreement until all those matters are resolved.
So I hope that the new UK prime minister has not chosen no deal, but that will be up to them.So I hope that the new UK prime minister has not chosen no deal, but that will be up to them.
Campaigners for EU nationals have expressed disappointment that Boris Johnson did not commit to new legislation to seal their rights to remain in the UK post Brexit.Campaigners for EU nationals have expressed disappointment that Boris Johnson did not commit to new legislation to seal their rights to remain in the UK post Brexit.
They were hoping he would use his first appearance at the dispatch box to put flesh on the bones of his campaign pledge to ensure all their rights were guaranteed after Brexit.They were hoping he would use his first appearance at the dispatch box to put flesh on the bones of his campaign pledge to ensure all their rights were guaranteed after Brexit.
They are looking for a “declaratory” system, which would require EU citizens to simply register as living in the UK, rather than apply for the right to stay as they do under the current settled status scheme.They are looking for a “declaratory” system, which would require EU citizens to simply register as living in the UK, rather than apply for the right to stay as they do under the current settled status scheme.
Nicolas Hatton, co-founder of the3million, said:Nicolas Hatton, co-founder of the3million, said:
Another damp squib on citizens’ rights by another prime minister. No commitment to fully protect our rights for our lifetime but vague guarantee as if it was 2016. Meanwhile, EU citizens in the UK and Brits in Europe are still the bargaining chips of the Brexit negotiations.Another damp squib on citizens’ rights by another prime minister. No commitment to fully protect our rights for our lifetime but vague guarantee as if it was 2016. Meanwhile, EU citizens in the UK and Brits in Europe are still the bargaining chips of the Brexit negotiations.
British in Europe are astonished that for a second day running Johnson did not refer to the 1.2 million who are living on the continent.British in Europe are astonished that for a second day running Johnson did not refer to the 1.2 million who are living on the continent.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, and her Welsh opposite number, Mark Drakeford, have written jointly to Boris Johnson urging him to abandon plans for a “catastrophic” no-deal Brexit.Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, and her Welsh opposite number, Mark Drakeford, have written jointly to Boris Johnson urging him to abandon plans for a “catastrophic” no-deal Brexit.
Calling for urgent inter-governmental talks, the duo also urged Johnson to give both devolved governments an equal say in the planning for Brexit, alongside guarantees that neither government would be financially worse off as a result of leaving the EU and that both would get a fair share of any post-Brexit emergency funding.Calling for urgent inter-governmental talks, the duo also urged Johnson to give both devolved governments an equal say in the planning for Brexit, alongside guarantees that neither government would be financially worse off as a result of leaving the EU and that both would get a fair share of any post-Brexit emergency funding.
Johnson is thought to be planning a tour of the UK within the next week, with some speculation he will travel to the north-east of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which will bring these questions to the fore.Johnson is thought to be planning a tour of the UK within the next week, with some speculation he will travel to the north-east of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which will bring these questions to the fore.
Sturgeon and Drakeford also called on Johnson to prepare the UK for a second EU referendum, pointing out that both the Welsh and Scottish governments officially backed a second vote on Brexit.Sturgeon and Drakeford also called on Johnson to prepare the UK for a second EU referendum, pointing out that both the Welsh and Scottish governments officially backed a second vote on Brexit.
They said they were still making preparations for a no-deal Brexit, but added that that option would be disastrous. They said:They said they were still making preparations for a no-deal Brexit, but added that that option would be disastrous. They said:
It would be unconscionable for a UK government to contemplate a chaotic no-deal exit, and we urge you to reject this possibility clearly and unambiguously as soon as possible.It would be unconscionable for a UK government to contemplate a chaotic no-deal exit, and we urge you to reject this possibility clearly and unambiguously as soon as possible.
We are also clear that the decision on EU exit must now be put back to the people. It is the policy of both governments that the UK parliament should legislate for a further referendum. If such a referendum is held we will argue strongly that the UK should remain in the EU.We are also clear that the decision on EU exit must now be put back to the people. It is the policy of both governments that the UK parliament should legislate for a further referendum. If such a referendum is held we will argue strongly that the UK should remain in the EU.
In a lengthy shopping list of demands, they asked for a seat in any trade talks post-Brexit with the EU and other countries which honoured recent promises by David Lidington, Michael Gove’s predecessor as Cabinet Office minister, to increase their involvement.In a lengthy shopping list of demands, they asked for a seat in any trade talks post-Brexit with the EU and other countries which honoured recent promises by David Lidington, Michael Gove’s predecessor as Cabinet Office minister, to increase their involvement.
They also asked for Theresa May’s immigration white paper to be replaced by new measures to guarantee migration policy did not damage the Scottish and Welsh economies. The Tories have already said May’s proposals, including a £30,000 minimum salary for new entrants, would be scrapped. However, Priti Patel, the new home secretary, is an immigration hardliner who supported May’s “hostile environment” strategy.They also asked for Theresa May’s immigration white paper to be replaced by new measures to guarantee migration policy did not damage the Scottish and Welsh economies. The Tories have already said May’s proposals, including a £30,000 minimum salary for new entrants, would be scrapped. However, Priti Patel, the new home secretary, is an immigration hardliner who supported May’s “hostile environment” strategy.
The Irish government has expressed “alarm” at the new approach of the Boris Johnson’s approach to Brexit and Ireland.The Irish government has expressed “alarm” at the new approach of the Boris Johnson’s approach to Brexit and Ireland.
Asked what he thought about the new cabinet, Michael Creed, agriculture minister, said “the makeup of this government seems to be a mirror image of his own viewpoint substantially and obviously that would be of concern to us”.Asked what he thought about the new cabinet, Michael Creed, agriculture minister, said “the makeup of this government seems to be a mirror image of his own viewpoint substantially and obviously that would be of concern to us”.
Speaking as the Irish cabinet met in Donegal, Creed added:Speaking as the Irish cabinet met in Donegal, Creed added:
What the government is concerned about now is the approach of new administration in UK to the withdrawal agreement. We see that as the way to have a planned withdrawal arrangement and obviously what we are hearing from the government is quite alarming.What the government is concerned about now is the approach of new administration in UK to the withdrawal agreement. We see that as the way to have a planned withdrawal arrangement and obviously what we are hearing from the government is quite alarming.
But we consider all of those matters when we have greater clarity about the intention of the government in the UK.But we consider all of those matters when we have greater clarity about the intention of the government in the UK.
This is what Boris Johnson said during his statement about considering an amnesty for migrants in the UK illegally. He was responding to a question from the Labour MP Rupa Huq, who said that when Johnson was mayor of London he proposed an amnesty for illegal immigrants. (It is an idea that Johnson has long advocated, and one that he did raise during the Tory leadership contest, but only tentatively.) Huq said, now Johnson was in a position to do something about this, he could show whether or not he was a man of his word.This is what Boris Johnson said during his statement about considering an amnesty for migrants in the UK illegally. He was responding to a question from the Labour MP Rupa Huq, who said that when Johnson was mayor of London he proposed an amnesty for illegal immigrants. (It is an idea that Johnson has long advocated, and one that he did raise during the Tory leadership contest, but only tentatively.) Huq said, now Johnson was in a position to do something about this, he could show whether or not he was a man of his word.
Johnson insisted he was still committed to the idea. He told her:Johnson insisted he was still committed to the idea. He told her:
It is absolutely true that I have raised it several times [when] I was in government. I must say, it did not receive an overwhelming endorsement from the previous prime minister when I raised it in cabinet.It is absolutely true that I have raised it several times [when] I was in government. I must say, it did not receive an overwhelming endorsement from the previous prime minister when I raised it in cabinet.
But I have to say I do think our arrangements – theoretically being committed to the expulsion of perhaps half a million people who don’t have the correct papers and who may have been living and working here for many, many years without being involved in any criminal activity at all – I think that legal position is anomalous.But I have to say I do think our arrangements – theoretically being committed to the expulsion of perhaps half a million people who don’t have the correct papers and who may have been living and working here for many, many years without being involved in any criminal activity at all – I think that legal position is anomalous.
And we saw the difficulties that that kind of problem occasioned in the Windrush fiasco. We know the difficulties that can be caused.And we saw the difficulties that that kind of problem occasioned in the Windrush fiasco. We know the difficulties that can be caused.
And I do think – yes, I will answer [Huq] directly – I do think we need to look at our arrangements for people who have lived and worked here for a long time, unable to enter the economy, unable to participate properly or pay taxes without documents.And I do think – yes, I will answer [Huq] directly – I do think we need to look at our arrangements for people who have lived and worked here for a long time, unable to enter the economy, unable to participate properly or pay taxes without documents.
We should look at it. And the truth is the law already basically allows them an effective amnesty. That’s basically where things have settled down. But we should look at the the economic advantages and disadvantages of going ahead with the policy that [Huq] described and which I think she and I share.We should look at it. And the truth is the law already basically allows them an effective amnesty. That’s basically where things have settled down. But we should look at the the economic advantages and disadvantages of going ahead with the policy that [Huq] described and which I think she and I share.
Theresa May was not in the chamber for Boris Johnson’s statement. Along with Greg Clark, the former business secretary, and David Gauke, the former justice secretary, she has been at Lords watching the England v Ireland test match. All three left the cabinet yesterday. Gauke and Clark are seen as leading members of the “Gaukward squad”, former ministers set to oppose any attempt to take the UK out of the EU without a deal, and that fact that they’re with May will fuel suspicions that she is an honorary member too.Theresa May was not in the chamber for Boris Johnson’s statement. Along with Greg Clark, the former business secretary, and David Gauke, the former justice secretary, she has been at Lords watching the England v Ireland test match. All three left the cabinet yesterday. Gauke and Clark are seen as leading members of the “Gaukward squad”, former ministers set to oppose any attempt to take the UK out of the EU without a deal, and that fact that they’re with May will fuel suspicions that she is an honorary member too.
Johnson has now finished. He was on his feet for two and a half hours.Johnson has now finished. He was on his feet for two and a half hours.
John Bercow, the Speaker, said he took 129 questions.John Bercow, the Speaker, said he took 129 questions.
I will post a summary and reaction soon.I will post a summary and reaction soon.
The SNP’s Stephen Gethins asks Johnson to accept that he was wrong to say kipper packaging rules are made by the EU.The SNP’s Stephen Gethins asks Johnson to accept that he was wrong to say kipper packaging rules are made by the EU.
Johnson says it is extraordinary that the SNP has decided to respond to the issue of fish, given that their policy would keep Scotland in the common fisheries policy.Johnson says it is extraordinary that the SNP has decided to respond to the issue of fish, given that their policy would keep Scotland in the common fisheries policy.
Johnson refuses to acknowledge that he falsely blamed the EU for deciding new rules on kipper packaging.Johnson refuses to acknowledge that he falsely blamed the EU for deciding new rules on kipper packaging.
The SNP’s Peter Grant says the assurances in the settled status scheme do not offer EU nationals the same rights they have now. Will Johnson ensure people keep the rights they have now?The SNP’s Peter Grant says the assurances in the settled status scheme do not offer EU nationals the same rights they have now. Will Johnson ensure people keep the rights they have now?
Johnson says the government is giving those assurances. It wants to see them reciprocated by other EU nations.Johnson says the government is giving those assurances. It wants to see them reciprocated by other EU nations.
Gavin Shuker, the independent MP, asks if Johnson will hold a confidence vote in September.Gavin Shuker, the independent MP, asks if Johnson will hold a confidence vote in September.
Johnson says the right thing to do is to go ahead and deliver Brexit.Johnson says the right thing to do is to go ahead and deliver Brexit.
The SNP’s Tommy Sheppard asks if Johnson will respect a decision by the Scottish parliament to decide to consult people on independence.The SNP’s Tommy Sheppard asks if Johnson will respect a decision by the Scottish parliament to decide to consult people on independence.
Johnson says the decision was taken in 2014. That was the right one.Johnson says the decision was taken in 2014. That was the right one.
Johnson refuses to commit to allowing the Scottish parliament to hold another referendum on independence.Johnson refuses to commit to allowing the Scottish parliament to hold another referendum on independence.