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Boris Johnson wraps up Northern Ireland talks with no sign of progress on reviving power-sharing - live news Boris Johnson wraps up Northern Ireland talks with no sign of progress on reviving power-sharing - as it happened
(about 2 hours later)
Boris Johnson has wrapped up a morning of talks with the five main parties in Northern Ireland having heard multiple warnings from them about how damaging a no deal Brexit would be (see 11.06am, 11.16am, and 12.10pm). It was his first visit to Northern Ireland as prime minister, and his first proper engagement with the parties, but there was no sign that he had made any progress towards getting Sinn Fein and the DUP to agree to the resumption of power-sharing.Boris Johnson has wrapped up a morning of talks with the five main parties in Northern Ireland having heard multiple warnings from them about how damaging a no deal Brexit would be (see 11.06am, 11.16am, and 12.10pm). It was his first visit to Northern Ireland as prime minister, and his first proper engagement with the parties, but there was no sign that he had made any progress towards getting Sinn Fein and the DUP to agree to the resumption of power-sharing.
It would be “unthinkable” if a no-deal Brexit was not followed by a poll on Irish reunification, the leader of Sinn Féin has warned Boris Johnson, also telling the prime minister that no one believed he was impartial on Northern Ireland.It would be “unthinkable” if a no-deal Brexit was not followed by a poll on Irish reunification, the leader of Sinn Féin has warned Boris Johnson, also telling the prime minister that no one believed he was impartial on Northern Ireland.
Any future US-UK trade deal would almost certainly be blocked by the US Congress if Brexit affects the Irish border and jeopardises peace in Northern Ireland, congressional leaders and diplomats have warned.Any future US-UK trade deal would almost certainly be blocked by the US Congress if Brexit affects the Irish border and jeopardises peace in Northern Ireland, congressional leaders and diplomats have warned.
Labour’s Emily Thornberry has said the party would be “off our bloody rockers” not to seize the chance to remain in the EU via a second referendum, in an interview which put her at odds with comments from Jeremy Corbyn over the weekend.Labour’s Emily Thornberry has said the party would be “off our bloody rockers” not to seize the chance to remain in the EU via a second referendum, in an interview which put her at odds with comments from Jeremy Corbyn over the weekend.
Investment in Britain’s car industry has effectively stopped amid fears over Brexit, with a “pitiful” £90m pledged for new developments in the first six months of this year, according to the industry body.Investment in Britain’s car industry has effectively stopped amid fears over Brexit, with a “pitiful” £90m pledged for new developments in the first six months of this year, according to the industry body.
Campaigners have called for the government to scrap the “nasty” two-child limit on benefits after the latest official figures showed that nearly 600,000 children were affected by the controversial policy.Campaigners have called for the government to scrap the “nasty” two-child limit on benefits after the latest official figures showed that nearly 600,000 children were affected by the controversial policy.
Boris Johnson has sent his most senior EU adviser and Brexit negotiator to Brussels to deliver in person his message that the UK will leave without a deal unless the bloc abolishes the Irish backstop. As Daniel Boffey reports, David Frost, a former British ambassador to Denmark who was also an adviser to Johnson when he was foreign secretary, is to hold talks with EU officials over the next 48 hours.Boris Johnson has sent his most senior EU adviser and Brexit negotiator to Brussels to deliver in person his message that the UK will leave without a deal unless the bloc abolishes the Irish backstop. As Daniel Boffey reports, David Frost, a former British ambassador to Denmark who was also an adviser to Johnson when he was foreign secretary, is to hold talks with EU officials over the next 48 hours.
Labour has written to the elections watchdog urging pre-emptive action to ensure a US-based pro-Brexit lobbying group, co-run by Nigel Farage, does not risk “dark money” from overseas subverting the UK electoral system.Labour has written to the elections watchdog urging pre-emptive action to ensure a US-based pro-Brexit lobbying group, co-run by Nigel Farage, does not risk “dark money” from overseas subverting the UK electoral system.
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
Thanks for the comments.Thanks for the comments.
The YouGov poll (see 3.47pm) was commissioned by the Times. In the write-up in the paper (paywall), Matt Chorley points out that it reveals a striking gender gap in voting intention.The YouGov poll (see 3.47pm) was commissioned by the Times. In the write-up in the paper (paywall), Matt Chorley points out that it reveals a striking gender gap in voting intention.
A breakdown of the results shows support for the Tories among men has risen from 23 per cent to 35 per cent since [Boris] Johnson was named leader. Among women it rose by one point to 29 per cent. At the same time support for Labour among women has risen from 19 per cent to 25 per cent.A breakdown of the results shows support for the Tories among men has risen from 23 per cent to 35 per cent since [Boris] Johnson was named leader. Among women it rose by one point to 29 per cent. At the same time support for Labour among women has risen from 19 per cent to 25 per cent.
Another way of putting it would be to say that, amongst men, the Tories have a 16-point lead over Labour (35% v 19%). Amongst women the Tory lead is just four points (29% v 25%). You can read all the detailed figures here (pdf).Another way of putting it would be to say that, amongst men, the Tories have a 16-point lead over Labour (35% v 19%). Amongst women the Tory lead is just four points (29% v 25%). You can read all the detailed figures here (pdf).
YouGov has some polling out today that is encouraging for Boris Johnson.YouGov has some polling out today that is encouraging for Boris Johnson.
As the YouGov write-up says, the figures are also grim for Jeremy Corbyn.As the YouGov write-up says, the figures are also grim for Jeremy Corbyn.
Boris Johnson is still the public’s preferred prime minister over Jeremy Corbyn, with twice as many people choosing the former (42%) over the latter (21%). A further 34% of people can’t choose between the two.Boris Johnson is still the public’s preferred prime minister over Jeremy Corbyn, with twice as many people choosing the former (42%) over the latter (21%). A further 34% of people can’t choose between the two.
Here is Matthew Goodwin, an academic specialism in the study of populism, commenting on the poll.Here is Matthew Goodwin, an academic specialism in the study of populism, commenting on the poll.
Latest poll in UKIt's not hard to see how Boris & thr Conservatives get back to 40% & re-assemble 2017 electorateSlashing the Brexit Party vote in half gets them most of way thereLabour, on the other hand, have a tougher road aheadTheir 2017 coalition has imploded pic.twitter.com/hwjlw1blItLatest poll in UKIt's not hard to see how Boris & thr Conservatives get back to 40% & re-assemble 2017 electorateSlashing the Brexit Party vote in half gets them most of way thereLabour, on the other hand, have a tougher road aheadTheir 2017 coalition has imploded pic.twitter.com/hwjlw1blIt
After Boris Johnson left Stormont the new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, called the parties together for a meeting. Afterwards he said:After Boris Johnson left Stormont the new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, called the parties together for a meeting. Afterwards he said:
Following my initial meetings with the political parties this week and last, I met with the leaders of the five main parties this afternoon to move the talks process forward.Following my initial meetings with the political parties this week and last, I met with the leaders of the five main parties this afternoon to move the talks process forward.
I have asked the five independent working group leads to hold further meetings and report back early next week.I have asked the five independent working group leads to hold further meetings and report back early next week.
I will discuss further steps with the Irish government once I have received their reports.I will discuss further steps with the Irish government once I have received their reports.
It is my priority to restore devolution as soon as possible.It is my priority to restore devolution as soon as possible.
This is from the Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald on Boris Johnson’s visit to Belfast.This is from the Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald on Boris Johnson’s visit to Belfast.
We spelt out the realities to Boris Johnson. Bluster & bravado can't mask the utterly destructive Brexit route he is taking. He is on course to upend our peace & prosperity with his eyes wide open. Time for all of us to stand together, to face this Tory belligerence down #BrexitWe spelt out the realities to Boris Johnson. Bluster & bravado can't mask the utterly destructive Brexit route he is taking. He is on course to upend our peace & prosperity with his eyes wide open. Time for all of us to stand together, to face this Tory belligerence down #Brexit
In the comments someone asked if Boris Johnson visited the Brecon and Radnorshire constituency when he was in Wales yesterday. There had been no media, so I posted a reply saying he hadn’t. But I was wrong; he did visit.In the comments someone asked if Boris Johnson visited the Brecon and Radnorshire constituency when he was in Wales yesterday. There had been no media, so I posted a reply saying he hadn’t. But I was wrong; he did visit.
This is from Iain McIntosh, a local Tory councillor.This is from Iain McIntosh, a local Tory councillor.
It was fantastic to see the new Prime Minister @BorisJohnson again, only a week after being elected, coming to meet everyone at the BVG Group HQ in Brecon and showing his support for Chris Davies, the only candidate who can work with the new PM to deliver #Brexit. @BandR_Tories pic.twitter.com/PNeeMz52sGIt was fantastic to see the new Prime Minister @BorisJohnson again, only a week after being elected, coming to meet everyone at the BVG Group HQ in Brecon and showing his support for Chris Davies, the only candidate who can work with the new PM to deliver #Brexit. @BandR_Tories pic.twitter.com/PNeeMz52sG
As Sky’s Emily Ashton points out, it is unusual for a politician to do a visit like that and not to include a walkabout.As Sky’s Emily Ashton points out, it is unusual for a politician to do a visit like that and not to include a walkabout.
Boris Johnson visited stunning mid-Wales constituency Brecon and Radnorshire yesterday ahead of by-election! What a beautiful backdrop for pictures ... oh pic.twitter.com/z6IYQGKN15Boris Johnson visited stunning mid-Wales constituency Brecon and Radnorshire yesterday ahead of by-election! What a beautiful backdrop for pictures ... oh pic.twitter.com/z6IYQGKN15
Crowds had gathered on Brecon's high street for an expected walkabout from the new PM, but for some reason he stayed inside the HQ of local business BVGCrowds had gathered on Brecon's high street for an expected walkabout from the new PM, but for some reason he stayed inside the HQ of local business BVG
In their comments after their meeting with Boris Johnson, Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and her deputy, Nigel Dodds, both criticised the Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar.In their comments after their meeting with Boris Johnson, Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and her deputy, Nigel Dodds, both criticised the Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar.
Foster said described comments Varadkar made last week suggesting a no deal Brexit could increase the chance of Ireland being reunited as “project fear mark two from the taoiseach”.Foster said described comments Varadkar made last week suggesting a no deal Brexit could increase the chance of Ireland being reunited as “project fear mark two from the taoiseach”.
And Dodds criticised him for talking up the prospect of a border poll. He said:And Dodds criticised him for talking up the prospect of a border poll. He said:
Leo Varadkar is in breach of the Belfast agreement by talking that up.Leo Varadkar is in breach of the Belfast agreement by talking that up.
The reality is that the conditions are not met and those who create this hysteria about it are actually running contrary to the agreement.The reality is that the conditions are not met and those who create this hysteria about it are actually running contrary to the agreement.
Let’s get real here, the idea that many unionists will turn around and vote for a united Ireland on the basis of the current developments, I think, is something that is not reflected in the reality of people on the ground.Let’s get real here, the idea that many unionists will turn around and vote for a united Ireland on the basis of the current developments, I think, is something that is not reflected in the reality of people on the ground.
Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and her deputy Nigel Dodds, both spoke to the media after their discussions with Boris Johnson. Here are the main points they made.Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and her deputy Nigel Dodds, both spoke to the media after their discussions with Boris Johnson. Here are the main points they made.
Foster said Johnson had told them he would be never be neutral on the issue of the union. But the UK government would be neutral on the administration of government within Northern Ireland, she said. She said people should not confuse the two issues, which were different.Foster said Johnson had told them he would be never be neutral on the issue of the union. But the UK government would be neutral on the administration of government within Northern Ireland, she said. She said people should not confuse the two issues, which were different.
She said Johnson had told them he was not minded to have a border poll in Northern Ireland, as Sinn Fein is demanding. (See 9.29am.) She said:She said Johnson had told them he was not minded to have a border poll in Northern Ireland, as Sinn Fein is demanding. (See 9.29am.) She said:
Talk of a border poll, he told us, was not something that he was entertaining.Talk of a border poll, he told us, was not something that he was entertaining.
Dodds said Johnson had told them he was “very, very committed” to carrying forward the confidence and supply agreement between the DUP and the Tories.Dodds said Johnson had told them he was “very, very committed” to carrying forward the confidence and supply agreement between the DUP and the Tories.
Foster and Dodds both strongly defended the agreement. Dodds said Sinn Fein were wrong to claim it had “poisoned the groundwater” in Northern Ireland politically. (See 11.06am.) And Foster said it had benefited everyone in Northern Ireland. She explained:Foster and Dodds both strongly defended the agreement. Dodds said Sinn Fein were wrong to claim it had “poisoned the groundwater” in Northern Ireland politically. (See 11.06am.) And Foster said it had benefited everyone in Northern Ireland. She explained:
The confidence and supply agreement has been good for the people of Northern Ireland. You would think, to hear some people, it’s a bad thing that has been visited on the people of Northern Ireland. We have delivered an extra £1bn for the people of Northern Ireland which they would not otherwise have if it were not for the relationship between ourselves and the current government.The confidence and supply agreement has been good for the people of Northern Ireland. You would think, to hear some people, it’s a bad thing that has been visited on the people of Northern Ireland. We have delivered an extra £1bn for the people of Northern Ireland which they would not otherwise have if it were not for the relationship between ourselves and the current government.
Dodds rejected claims that a no deal Brexit would create an insuperable problem at the Irish border. He explained:Dodds rejected claims that a no deal Brexit would create an insuperable problem at the Irish border. He explained:
There is a border, of course there’s a border. We are not the united Ireland. We have a political border, we have a fiscal border, we have a currency border, we have a VAT border, we have a security border. So clearly there will be borders. But the issue is, how do we manage checks and controls so that there is no hard border. The Irish government have already made the point that that can be done away from the border even in the event of a no deal.There is a border, of course there’s a border. We are not the united Ireland. We have a political border, we have a fiscal border, we have a currency border, we have a VAT border, we have a security border. So clearly there will be borders. But the issue is, how do we manage checks and controls so that there is no hard border. The Irish government have already made the point that that can be done away from the border even in the event of a no deal.
Foster urged the Irish government to “dial down the rhetoric” and engage with Johnson. She said:Foster urged the Irish government to “dial down the rhetoric” and engage with Johnson. She said:
There are ways to with this issue [the backstop] if there is a willingness on both sides. And so I hope that Dublin will dial down the rhetoric and there will be a willingness to engage with our new prime minister.There are ways to with this issue [the backstop] if there is a willingness on both sides. And so I hope that Dublin will dial down the rhetoric and there will be a willingness to engage with our new prime minister.
Foster said it would be a mistake for Johnson to rule out going for a no deal Brexit if he cannot get a better deal from Brussels. She explained:Foster said it would be a mistake for Johnson to rule out going for a no deal Brexit if he cannot get a better deal from Brussels. She explained:
I sometimes wonder have people ever been in negotiations when they take things off the table before you get to the end of a negotiation. Of course you keep it on the table.I sometimes wonder have people ever been in negotiations when they take things off the table before you get to the end of a negotiation. Of course you keep it on the table.
Dodds rejected suggestions that it was inappropriate for Johnson to have a private dinner with DUP leaders last night. He said the DUP talk to the government at Westminster all the time.Dodds rejected suggestions that it was inappropriate for Johnson to have a private dinner with DUP leaders last night. He said the DUP talk to the government at Westminster all the time.
Boris Johnson has now finished his talks with the five main Northern Ireland parties, and he has left Stormont.Boris Johnson has now finished his talks with the five main Northern Ireland parties, and he has left Stormont.
From what the parties have been saying, there is no sign that he has made any progress towards reviving the power-sharing executive.From what the parties have been saying, there is no sign that he has made any progress towards reviving the power-sharing executive.
Downing Street has released this statement about his talks.Downing Street has released this statement about his talks.
The prime minister met five of Northern Ireland’s main political parties today in Belfast.The prime minister met five of Northern Ireland’s main political parties today in Belfast.
The overarching purpose of these meetings was to discuss moving forward in the ongoing power sharing talks and getting the Northern Irish democratic institutions back up and running as soon as possible.The overarching purpose of these meetings was to discuss moving forward in the ongoing power sharing talks and getting the Northern Irish democratic institutions back up and running as soon as possible.
The prime minister told all of the parties that he was determined to bring this process to a successful conclusion and that he would do everything he could to make it happen.The prime minister told all of the parties that he was determined to bring this process to a successful conclusion and that he would do everything he could to make it happen.
He said that while there had been constructive progress in recent weeks at Stormont, that there now needed to be serious and intense engagement to get this done and that he had faith that all parties would step up to the challenge.He said that while there had been constructive progress in recent weeks at Stormont, that there now needed to be serious and intense engagement to get this done and that he had faith that all parties would step up to the challenge.
The discussions also included Brexit, where the prime minister made clear that the UK would be leaving the EU on October come what may, and restated his intention to do so with a deal.The discussions also included Brexit, where the prime minister made clear that the UK would be leaving the EU on October come what may, and restated his intention to do so with a deal.
He said that in all scenarios, the government is steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and that in no circumstances would there be physical checks or infrastructure on the border.He said that in all scenarios, the government is steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and that in no circumstances would there be physical checks or infrastructure on the border.
He also made clear his belief and commitment in the rigorous impartiality set out in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, while at the same time reaffirming his determination to strengthen the Union and Northern Ireland’s place within it.He also made clear his belief and commitment in the rigorous impartiality set out in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, while at the same time reaffirming his determination to strengthen the Union and Northern Ireland’s place within it.
They also discussed what the UK government could do to support Harland & Wolff and Wrightbus.They also discussed what the UK government could do to support Harland & Wolff and Wrightbus.
Alongside the new secretary of state, Julian Smith, he said he was looking forward to engaging widely and seeing more of this fantastic part of our United Kingdom.Alongside the new secretary of state, Julian Smith, he said he was looking forward to engaging widely and seeing more of this fantastic part of our United Kingdom.
Jeremy Corbyn has urged Boris Johnson to nationalise the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Northern Ireland to stop it closing.Jeremy Corbyn has urged Boris Johnson to nationalise the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Northern Ireland to stop it closing.
I know how vital Harland and Wolff is to Northern Ireland. With it now facing closure, Boris Johnson must listen to the workers and back Labour's call to take it back into public ownership, so £1bn of shipbuilding contracts can be delivered in the UK.#SaveOurShipyard pic.twitter.com/5mJW5XmblOI know how vital Harland and Wolff is to Northern Ireland. With it now facing closure, Boris Johnson must listen to the workers and back Labour's call to take it back into public ownership, so £1bn of shipbuilding contracts can be delivered in the UK.#SaveOurShipyard pic.twitter.com/5mJW5XmblO
When George Osborne was chancellor, as part of his austerity programme, which concentrated heavily on welfare cuts, he introduced a ‘two-child rule” which meant people could not claim child tax credits or the child element of universal credit for more than two children from April 2017. It was sometimes referred to as the “rape clause” because among the exceptions allowed were mothers who could prove their third child was conceived as a result of rape.When George Osborne was chancellor, as part of his austerity programme, which concentrated heavily on welfare cuts, he introduced a ‘two-child rule” which meant people could not claim child tax credits or the child element of universal credit for more than two children from April 2017. It was sometimes referred to as the “rape clause” because among the exceptions allowed were mothers who could prove their third child was conceived as a result of rape.
Today HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions have published a document (pdf) showing how many people have been affected. It says that since 2017 almost 160,000 households have lost money as a result. More than 60,000 of those are single-parent households, as this graph shows.Today HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions have published a document (pdf) showing how many people have been affected. It says that since 2017 almost 160,000 households have lost money as a result. More than 60,000 of those are single-parent households, as this graph shows.
The total number of children in these households is almost 600,000.The total number of children in these households is almost 600,000.
The figures also show that 510 women have been granted an exception due to the “rape clause”, or “non-consensual conception”, as the report puts it.The figures also show that 510 women have been granted an exception due to the “rape clause”, or “non-consensual conception”, as the report puts it.
Child tax credits or the child element of universal credit can be worth £2,780 to families with two children. Commenting on today’s figures, Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, said:Child tax credits or the child element of universal credit can be worth £2,780 to families with two children. Commenting on today’s figures, Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, said:
Every child deserves a good start in life, but today’s figures are a grim reminder of the human cost of this nasty policy, which says that some children are more deserving than others purely on the basis of their birth order - and which mostly affects working families. In the UK we would never turn a third-born child away from school or hospital. How can it be right to deny the same young children the support they need to enjoy a childhood free from poverty when their family falls on hard times?Every child deserves a good start in life, but today’s figures are a grim reminder of the human cost of this nasty policy, which says that some children are more deserving than others purely on the basis of their birth order - and which mostly affects working families. In the UK we would never turn a third-born child away from school or hospital. How can it be right to deny the same young children the support they need to enjoy a childhood free from poverty when their family falls on hard times?
Back at Stormont Nichola Mallon, the deputy leader of the SDLP, said Boris Johnson does not understand the issues facing Northern Ireland after her team met the prime minister. This is from the BBC’s Jayne McCormack.Back at Stormont Nichola Mallon, the deputy leader of the SDLP, said Boris Johnson does not understand the issues facing Northern Ireland after her team met the prime minister. This is from the BBC’s Jayne McCormack.
SDLP’s @NicholaMallon says it’s clear Boris Johnson has no understanding of the issues facing NI, and says he needs to “stop pandering to the DUP” and that her meeting with him was “blunt” @BBCNewsNI pic.twitter.com/u21Kw9rtgMSDLP’s @NicholaMallon says it’s clear Boris Johnson has no understanding of the issues facing NI, and says he needs to “stop pandering to the DUP” and that her meeting with him was “blunt” @BBCNewsNI pic.twitter.com/u21Kw9rtgM
This is from UTV’s Tracey Magee.This is from UTV’s Tracey Magee.
.@NicholaMallon says @BorisJohnson doesn’t understand the dangers & complexities of NI. Saying he views the situation here “through the eyes of the DUP” pic.twitter.com/mwDlQNNOER.@NicholaMallon says @BorisJohnson doesn’t understand the dangers & complexities of NI. Saying he views the situation here “through the eyes of the DUP” pic.twitter.com/mwDlQNNOER
And this is what Mallon said on Twitter earlier, before her meeting.And this is what Mallon said on Twitter earlier, before her meeting.
1/3 Heading into meet @BorisJohnson. Our message will be direct. The DUP do not speak for the majority here. Stop playing to the cameras & start living up to your responsibilities under the GFA. Avoid a hard brexit, stop hurtling us towards it.1/3 Heading into meet @BorisJohnson. Our message will be direct. The DUP do not speak for the majority here. Stop playing to the cameras & start living up to your responsibilities under the GFA. Avoid a hard brexit, stop hurtling us towards it.
2/3 Restore devolved institutions & stop pandering to the DUP. Positively build, stop poisoning, critical relationships N/S E/W across these islands.2/3 Restore devolved institutions & stop pandering to the DUP. Positively build, stop poisoning, critical relationships N/S E/W across these islands.
3/3 In a situation of no devolved institutions, a No Deal Brexit & return of a hard border on this island & given both the BG & IG are full co-guarantors of the GFA, preparations must begin immediately for Joint Authority.3/3 In a situation of no devolved institutions, a No Deal Brexit & return of a hard border on this island & given both the BG & IG are full co-guarantors of the GFA, preparations must begin immediately for Joint Authority.
After Labour was beaten by the Lib Dems in the European elections Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, said the party should have been been more explicitly pro-remain. Her comments did not go down well with Jeremy Corbyn and his closest advisers, who don’t want Labour to be defined principally as a remain party, and it was widely assumed that this led to Thornberry being ‘punished’ when she was not allowed to stand in for Corbyn at the next PMQs when he was absent.After Labour was beaten by the Lib Dems in the European elections Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, said the party should have been been more explicitly pro-remain. Her comments did not go down well with Jeremy Corbyn and his closest advisers, who don’t want Labour to be defined principally as a remain party, and it was widely assumed that this led to Thornberry being ‘punished’ when she was not allowed to stand in for Corbyn at the next PMQs when he was absent.
But this does not seem to have discouraged Thornberry. According to PoliticsHome, in an interview in Australia Thornberry said Labour would be “off our bloody rockers” not to campaign for remain in all circumstances in any future referendum.But this does not seem to have discouraged Thornberry. According to PoliticsHome, in an interview in Australia Thornberry said Labour would be “off our bloody rockers” not to campaign for remain in all circumstances in any future referendum.
Labour’s official position on this has evolved. Earlier this year Corbyn firmly committed the party to backing a referendum on no deal, or a Tory Brexit deal, and then he went further, saying that if a future Labour government were to negotiate a Brexit deal, that would be put to a referendum too. He says, in a referendum on no deal or a Tory deal, Labour would back remain. But Corbyn has left open the option of Labour backing leave in a referendum on a deal negotiated by a Labour government, or at least staying neutral.Labour’s official position on this has evolved. Earlier this year Corbyn firmly committed the party to backing a referendum on no deal, or a Tory Brexit deal, and then he went further, saying that if a future Labour government were to negotiate a Brexit deal, that would be put to a referendum too. He says, in a referendum on no deal or a Tory deal, Labour would back remain. But Corbyn has left open the option of Labour backing leave in a referendum on a deal negotiated by a Labour government, or at least staying neutral.
Thornberry says, even if Labour negotiated its own Brexit deal, it should campaign for remain. She said:Thornberry says, even if Labour negotiated its own Brexit deal, it should campaign for remain. She said:
I think that any deal, or no deal, or whatever this government comes up with, should be put back to the British people so they can be asked: is this what you voted for? Because if you did, that’s fine.I think that any deal, or no deal, or whatever this government comes up with, should be put back to the British people so they can be asked: is this what you voted for? Because if you did, that’s fine.
But we don’t think it is what you voted for. And I’m firmly of the view that Labour’s policy should be that whatever deal a government comes up with – no ifs, no buts, as Boris Johnson says – we should put it back to the people, we should have another referendum, and that Labour should campaign to remain.But we don’t think it is what you voted for. And I’m firmly of the view that Labour’s policy should be that whatever deal a government comes up with – no ifs, no buts, as Boris Johnson says – we should put it back to the people, we should have another referendum, and that Labour should campaign to remain.
When I’ve been talking to people here in Australia ... what’s really come home to me is that one of the reasons for the increased success of the Australian economy ... is that you increased your trade with your closest neighbours, and yet in Britain what we’re doing is walking away from our closest neighbours and our biggest trading allies.When I’ve been talking to people here in Australia ... what’s really come home to me is that one of the reasons for the increased success of the Australian economy ... is that you increased your trade with your closest neighbours, and yet in Britain what we’re doing is walking away from our closest neighbours and our biggest trading allies.
And people that I’ve spoken to here appreciate that, and I have to say practically all of them ... have said if we get an opportunity to remain in the European Union, we should take it. Because if we don’t, we’re off our bloody rockers.And people that I’ve spoken to here appreciate that, and I have to say practically all of them ... have said if we get an opportunity to remain in the European Union, we should take it. Because if we don’t, we’re off our bloody rockers.
Naomi Long, the Alliance party leader and MEP, does not seem to have been impressed by Boris Johnson when they met, according to the BBC’s Jayne McCormack.Naomi Long, the Alliance party leader and MEP, does not seem to have been impressed by Boris Johnson when they met, according to the BBC’s Jayne McCormack.
.@naomi_long says she had a “frank” discussion and exchange of views with the PM on Brexit and that the deadlock over it is affecting the Stormont talks. She says if PM doesn’t have a plan, hopes he goes home tonight and thinks of one pic.twitter.com/g8oTmnwtHk.@naomi_long says she had a “frank” discussion and exchange of views with the PM on Brexit and that the deadlock over it is affecting the Stormont talks. She says if PM doesn’t have a plan, hopes he goes home tonight and thinks of one pic.twitter.com/g8oTmnwtHk
“We are in a crisis and Brexit is adding to the chaos... we won’t see the assembly restored while it’s in chaos.” Naomi Long says the “real test of impartiality” will come “when pressure needs to be applied to the DUP” in Stormont talks“We are in a crisis and Brexit is adding to the chaos... we won’t see the assembly restored while it’s in chaos.” Naomi Long says the “real test of impartiality” will come “when pressure needs to be applied to the DUP” in Stormont talks