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| Boris Johnson to seek 14 October election if rebels succeed, says government source – live news | Boris Johnson to seek 14 October election if rebels succeed, says government source – live news |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| A no-deal Brexit would mean “damage and danger” to the peace process in Northern Ireland, Corbyn has said. He also spoke about the challenges of climate change and the impact of the government’s austerity measures. | A no-deal Brexit would mean “damage and danger” to the peace process in Northern Ireland, Corbyn has said. He also spoke about the challenges of climate change and the impact of the government’s austerity measures. |
| Whenever this campaign begins, and you never know it might be almost upon us, we know what we’ve got to do. | Whenever this campaign begins, and you never know it might be almost upon us, we know what we’ve got to do. |
| We’ve got to be united as a party and a movement, united in our determination to prevent a no-deal Brexit, for ensuring we come to an agreement in the future but deal with the injustice and the inequalities that exist in Britain and unite people around our programme which is one of delivering the houses, the jobs, the schools, the hospitals and above all that sense of hope in our community. | We’ve got to be united as a party and a movement, united in our determination to prevent a no-deal Brexit, for ensuring we come to an agreement in the future but deal with the injustice and the inequalities that exist in Britain and unite people around our programme which is one of delivering the houses, the jobs, the schools, the hospitals and above all that sense of hope in our community. |
| With threats of withdrawal of the whip being made against those Tory MPs who refuse to back the government over a no-deal Brexit tomorrow, this will be an night of introspection for many. Their resolve appears to be holding, my colleague Jessica Elgot reports: | With threats of withdrawal of the whip being made against those Tory MPs who refuse to back the government over a no-deal Brexit tomorrow, this will be an night of introspection for many. Their resolve appears to be holding, my colleague Jessica Elgot reports: |
| Source close to rebels suggests group holding firm. “It’s a bit rich for PM to point the finger at colleagues who plan to defy the party whip - colleagues who voted for a deal 3 times - while he voted with Jeremy Corbyn to inflict the 2 biggest parliamentary defeats on a govt." | Source close to rebels suggests group holding firm. “It’s a bit rich for PM to point the finger at colleagues who plan to defy the party whip - colleagues who voted for a deal 3 times - while he voted with Jeremy Corbyn to inflict the 2 biggest parliamentary defeats on a govt." |
| "The Prime Minister seems to be doing everything he can to bring about an election, while claiming it’s the last thing he wants.” | "The Prime Minister seems to be doing everything he can to bring about an election, while claiming it’s the last thing he wants.” |
| Corbyn has accused Johnson of “threatening people with a no-deal Brexit if he doesn’t get his way in parliament”. | |
| I know people voted both ways in the referendum, obviously. I know people have different views about these things. obviously. But I simply say this: People didn’t vote to lose their jobs, didn’t vote to see our environmental standards, workers’ rights, consumer protections ripped up. | I know people voted both ways in the referendum, obviously. I know people have different views about these things. obviously. But I simply say this: People didn’t vote to lose their jobs, didn’t vote to see our environmental standards, workers’ rights, consumer protections ripped up. |
| They voted because they were angry about many things and they voted as they did to try and protect themselves as best they could. | They voted because they were angry about many things and they voted as they did to try and protect themselves as best they could. |
| Our purpose is to challenge this government on a no-deal Brexit, our purpose is to try to protect jobs and living standards, try to ensure that this country doesn’t run headlong into the arms of Donald Trump and a trade deal with the United States. | Our purpose is to challenge this government on a no-deal Brexit, our purpose is to try to protect jobs and living standards, try to ensure that this country doesn’t run headlong into the arms of Donald Trump and a trade deal with the United States. |
| And he has added: | And he has added: |
| The idea that Donald Trump and Boris Johnson are some kind of populist icons on behalf of the poorest and most downtrodden people actually is something beyond a misnomer. | The idea that Donald Trump and Boris Johnson are some kind of populist icons on behalf of the poorest and most downtrodden people actually is something beyond a misnomer. |
| There is wealth funding these parties, there is wealth looking after itself and there is wealth that wants a no-deal Brexit, that the hedge funds might prosper as a result. | There is wealth funding these parties, there is wealth looking after itself and there is wealth that wants a no-deal Brexit, that the hedge funds might prosper as a result. |
| We will challenge them in parliament tomorrow and we will continue that challenge. | We will challenge them in parliament tomorrow and we will continue that challenge. |
| The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has been addressing the party’s rally in Salford this evening. He has told supporters: | The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has been addressing the party’s rally in Salford this evening. He has told supporters: |
| I don’t know about you, but at 6pm I was watching on the television and waiting with great expectation. The expectation was possibly overrated, it was the BBC commentary awaiting the arrival of the speaker to a podium outside Downing Street and it was a bit like Test Match Special on a wet day when there is no cricket but nevertheless they talk and talk and talk. | I don’t know about you, but at 6pm I was watching on the television and waiting with great expectation. The expectation was possibly overrated, it was the BBC commentary awaiting the arrival of the speaker to a podium outside Downing Street and it was a bit like Test Match Special on a wet day when there is no cricket but nevertheless they talk and talk and talk. |
| The statement itself didn’t amount to very much, in fact it amounted to almost nothing at all except there was quite a powerful subliminal message there. | The statement itself didn’t amount to very much, in fact it amounted to almost nothing at all except there was quite a powerful subliminal message there. |
| As with the years of Theresa May, it’s all about the Tory party. It’s the Tory party talking to the Tory party about the Tory party and the Tory party’s opportunities for the future. | As with the years of Theresa May, it’s all about the Tory party. It’s the Tory party talking to the Tory party about the Tory party and the Tory party’s opportunities for the future. |
| Well I simply say this: Tories can talk to each other about their party, they can talk to each other about their chances, or otherwise, of survival, and all the tax cuts they’ll give to the rich and all the other things that they do. | Well I simply say this: Tories can talk to each other about their party, they can talk to each other about their chances, or otherwise, of survival, and all the tax cuts they’ll give to the rich and all the other things that they do. |
| We, on the other hand, are out there with the people trying to bring about social justice and equality in our society. | We, on the other hand, are out there with the people trying to bring about social justice and equality in our society. |
| Adam Wagner, a human rights lawyer who writes for the Guardian, is among those to point out that many Jewish people would be unable to vote if a general election was called for 14 October: | Adam Wagner, a human rights lawyer who writes for the Guardian, is among those to point out that many Jewish people would be unable to vote if a general election was called for 14 October: |
| Religious Jews would be unable to vote in this election as it will be on the first day of the festival of Sukkot. https://t.co/cnhkKC4QY9 | Religious Jews would be unable to vote in this election as it will be on the first day of the festival of Sukkot. https://t.co/cnhkKC4QY9 |
| Speaking to the cabinet earlier, Boris Johnson said EU leaders had clarity on the UK’s position but that he believed negotiations were being “held back” because Brussels believed parliament would find a way to stop a no-deal scenario or cancel Brexit altogether. A senior government official said: | Speaking to the cabinet earlier, Boris Johnson said EU leaders had clarity on the UK’s position but that he believed negotiations were being “held back” because Brussels believed parliament would find a way to stop a no-deal scenario or cancel Brexit altogether. A senior government official said: |
| The impression he was getting from EU leaders was that they will not engage until the prospect of parliament cancelling the referendum was ended. | The impression he was getting from EU leaders was that they will not engage until the prospect of parliament cancelling the referendum was ended. |
| MPs are effectively considering tomorrow whether to hand control of the negotiations to Jeremy Corbyn. That would be shooting ourselves in the foot and, if Conservative MPs help him to make no deal illegal tomorrow and therefore create another pointless delay, the government’s negotiating position will be wrecked. | MPs are effectively considering tomorrow whether to hand control of the negotiations to Jeremy Corbyn. That would be shooting ourselves in the foot and, if Conservative MPs help him to make no deal illegal tomorrow and therefore create another pointless delay, the government’s negotiating position will be wrecked. |
| What they are effectively voting for is to hold a rapid election. And they will have to explain what they are doing. | What they are effectively voting for is to hold a rapid election. And they will have to explain what they are doing. |
| On Tuesday, if opposition MPs vote to take control of parliamentary business, Tory MPs have been told they will have the whip withdrawn because the government sees that as an effective confidence motion. | On Tuesday, if opposition MPs vote to take control of parliamentary business, Tory MPs have been told they will have the whip withdrawn because the government sees that as an effective confidence motion. |
| Senior rebel Tories and Labour MPs are sceptical Johnson would stick to his word and call an election before 31 October, though government sources ruled out any chance of changing the date after MPs had voted. The source said: | Senior rebel Tories and Labour MPs are sceptical Johnson would stick to his word and call an election before 31 October, though government sources ruled out any chance of changing the date after MPs had voted. The source said: |
| A PM would need to be in place before [the] European council [meeting] on 17 October. If you are to have any chance of securing a deal, you must have an election before then and the PM has been very clear he wants to get a deal. | A PM would need to be in place before [the] European council [meeting] on 17 October. If you are to have any chance of securing a deal, you must have an election before then and the PM has been very clear he wants to get a deal. |
| I know there has been speculation but that is not our mind, it is nowhere near our thinking. We can rule out the idea of any election taking place after the European council [meeting]. | I know there has been speculation but that is not our mind, it is nowhere near our thinking. We can rule out the idea of any election taking place after the European council [meeting]. |
| Downing Street is understood to be confident it can win a vote for a general election, though it is still unclear if it could achieve a two-thirds majority if a significant number of Tory and Labour MPs refuse to back the election with no guarantees that a no-deal Brexit can be avoided. A No 10 source said: | Downing Street is understood to be confident it can win a vote for a general election, though it is still unclear if it could achieve a two-thirds majority if a significant number of Tory and Labour MPs refuse to back the election with no guarantees that a no-deal Brexit can be avoided. A No 10 source said: |
| Jeremy Corbyn has been very explicit he will back a general election no matter what. The PM would of course expect Conservative MPs to vote for it. | Jeremy Corbyn has been very explicit he will back a general election no matter what. The PM would of course expect Conservative MPs to vote for it. |
| The pro-remain Best for Britain campaign has attacked the prime minister after his address outside No 10 this evening. The Labour MP, David Lammy, who supports the campaign, has said: | The pro-remain Best for Britain campaign has attacked the prime minister after his address outside No 10 this evening. The Labour MP, David Lammy, who supports the campaign, has said: |
| The prime minister has made this statement purely because his attempt to bully those Conservative MPs who have been standing up to him has failed. They’ve chosen country over party. | The prime minister has made this statement purely because his attempt to bully those Conservative MPs who have been standing up to him has failed. They’ve chosen country over party. |
| Tomorrow, MPs from across the House of Commons will get the ball rolling to stop a disastrous no-deal Brexit. | Tomorrow, MPs from across the House of Commons will get the ball rolling to stop a disastrous no-deal Brexit. |
| There’s no mandate for no-deal and Boris Johnson knows this. He will fail. | There’s no mandate for no-deal and Boris Johnson knows this. He will fail. |
| Its chief executive, Naomi Smith, added: | Its chief executive, Naomi Smith, added: |
| Boris Johnson said MPs trying to get an extension beyond 31 October were ‘chopping the legs out from under the UK position’. The brutal truth is that Johnson and his cabal of no-deal zealots are chopping the legs from underneath UK democracy. | Boris Johnson said MPs trying to get an extension beyond 31 October were ‘chopping the legs out from under the UK position’. The brutal truth is that Johnson and his cabal of no-deal zealots are chopping the legs from underneath UK democracy. |
| They must be stopped, no-deal must be stopped, Brexit must be stopped – in Johnson’s own words, no ifs, no buts. Johnson’s speech was being drowned out by protesters at the gates of Downing Street – let him be in no doubt that those voices are only going to get louder. | They must be stopped, no-deal must be stopped, Brexit must be stopped – in Johnson’s own words, no ifs, no buts. Johnson’s speech was being drowned out by protesters at the gates of Downing Street – let him be in no doubt that those voices are only going to get louder. |
| The US will play a constructive role in a Brexit that “encourages stability”, its vice-president, Mike Pence, has said. Speaking at a joint press conference with Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Simon Coveney, after touching down in the nation, he said: | The US will play a constructive role in a Brexit that “encourages stability”, its vice-president, Mike Pence, has said. Speaking at a joint press conference with Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Simon Coveney, after touching down in the nation, he said: |
| We will continue to work closely with our partners in Ireland and the United Kingdom to support a Brexit plan that encourages stability and also one which keeps the strong foundation forged by the Good Friday agreement. | We will continue to work closely with our partners in Ireland and the United Kingdom to support a Brexit plan that encourages stability and also one which keeps the strong foundation forged by the Good Friday agreement. |
| We understand these are complex issues. | We understand these are complex issues. |
| Pence confirmed he would be meeting Boris Johnson in the next few days and that “better understanding” the Northern Ireland issues would help promote a deal. | Pence confirmed he would be meeting Boris Johnson in the next few days and that “better understanding” the Northern Ireland issues would help promote a deal. |
| I will be in the UK meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in just a few days but I think the opportunity to better understand Ireland’s perspective and unique needs, particularly with regard to the northern border, will make us even better equipped to hopefully play a constructive role that when Brexit occurs, it will occur in a way that reflects stability and addresses the unique relationship between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. | I will be in the UK meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in just a few days but I think the opportunity to better understand Ireland’s perspective and unique needs, particularly with regard to the northern border, will make us even better equipped to hopefully play a constructive role that when Brexit occurs, it will occur in a way that reflects stability and addresses the unique relationship between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. |
| He declined to answer a question over whether the US would commit to a trade deal with the UK if it damaged the peace process in Northern Ireland. | He declined to answer a question over whether the US would commit to a trade deal with the UK if it damaged the peace process in Northern Ireland. |
| In his address outside No 10 about an hour ago, Johnson called on MPs to vote with the government tomorrow, hinting that not doing so would make an election more likely. He said: | In his address outside No 10 about an hour ago, Johnson called on MPs to vote with the government tomorrow, hinting that not doing so would make an election more likely. He said: |
| We will not accept any attempt to go back on our promises or scrub that referendum. | We will not accept any attempt to go back on our promises or scrub that referendum. |
| Armed and fortified with that conviction, I believe we will get a deal at that crucial summit in October; a deal that parliament will certainly be able to scrutinise. | Armed and fortified with that conviction, I believe we will get a deal at that crucial summit in October; a deal that parliament will certainly be able to scrutinise. |
| And, in the meantime, let our negotiators get on with their work without that sword of Damocles over their necks. And without an election, which I don’t want and you don’t want. | And, in the meantime, let our negotiators get on with their work without that sword of Damocles over their necks. And without an election, which I don’t want and you don’t want. |
| The prime minister will ask MPs to back a general election for 14 October should a cross-party rebel alliance vote to take control of parliament tomorrow, according to a government source. | The prime minister will ask MPs to back a general election for 14 October should a cross-party rebel alliance vote to take control of parliament tomorrow, according to a government source. |
| Boris Johnson is set to treat a vote by opposition MPs to take control of the legislative agenda as an effective confidence vote. | Boris Johnson is set to treat a vote by opposition MPs to take control of the legislative agenda as an effective confidence vote. |
| A government motion is set to be tabled by the government for a snap general election if rebels are successful in passing a motion to take control of the order paper. | A government motion is set to be tabled by the government for a snap general election if rebels are successful in passing a motion to take control of the order paper. |
| There would then be a vote on Wednesday on a new general election under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, which requires a two-thirds majority. | There would then be a vote on Wednesday on a new general election under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, which requires a two-thirds majority. |
| The shadow business secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey, has told the Labour rally: | The shadow business secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey, has told the Labour rally: |
| It’s not about Brexit, it’s about taking away the voices of our people. We know we are closer to power now than we ever have been and we have got the fight of our lives on our hands because every tool in Boris Johnson’s box, he will pull out. | It’s not about Brexit, it’s about taking away the voices of our people. We know we are closer to power now than we ever have been and we have got the fight of our lives on our hands because every tool in Boris Johnson’s box, he will pull out. |
| Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, added: | Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, added: |
| We are here today at a pivotal political moment, a crucial moment in our political history as a country and it’s not about Brexit, it is not about whether you voted to leave or remain, it’s about what sort of country you want this to be. | We are here today at a pivotal political moment, a crucial moment in our political history as a country and it’s not about Brexit, it is not about whether you voted to leave or remain, it’s about what sort of country you want this to be. |
| She described Johnson as a “rotten prime minister” adding: “The sooner we get him out the better.” | She described Johnson as a “rotten prime minister” adding: “The sooner we get him out the better.” |
| About 1,400 people have gathered to listen to an address from Jeremy Corbyn and other senior Labour figures at the Lyric Theatre, in Salford Media City. My colleague, Lucinda Campbell, writes. | About 1,400 people have gathered to listen to an address from Jeremy Corbyn and other senior Labour figures at the Lyric Theatre, in Salford Media City. My colleague, Lucinda Campbell, writes. |
| The prime minister claimed he did not want one but speculation about a snap election persists. And, with Boris Johnson remaining adamant that the 31 October Brexit deadline will be honoured, Corbyn is expected to tell the crowd of Labour supporters that the party plans to stop a no-deal Brexit by continuing to push for a general election. | The prime minister claimed he did not want one but speculation about a snap election persists. And, with Boris Johnson remaining adamant that the 31 October Brexit deadline will be honoured, Corbyn is expected to tell the crowd of Labour supporters that the party plans to stop a no-deal Brexit by continuing to push for a general election. |
| Jonathan Marsland, 36, who works in local government in Manchester, favours legislative means of stopping no-deal: | Jonathan Marsland, 36, who works in local government in Manchester, favours legislative means of stopping no-deal: |
| Labour’s position has been incredibly nuanced from the start. We do need a general election, but only once legislation has been passed to stop no-deal. | Labour’s position has been incredibly nuanced from the start. We do need a general election, but only once legislation has been passed to stop no-deal. |
| Marie O’Neill, a 63-year-old community psychiatric nurse, said: | Marie O’Neill, a 63-year-old community psychiatric nurse, said: |
| We desperately need a change of government and a second referendum with remain on the ballot paper. | We desperately need a change of government and a second referendum with remain on the ballot paper. |
| Addressing the rally, the shadow education secretary, Angela Rayner, said she thought Johnson had “bottled it”. Referencing the prime minister’s speech in Downing Street, she said: “I think he looked pathetic.” She told the crowd: | Addressing the rally, the shadow education secretary, Angela Rayner, said she thought Johnson had “bottled it”. Referencing the prime minister’s speech in Downing Street, she said: “I think he looked pathetic.” She told the crowd: |
| I’ve got a message for Boris Johnson: We don’t believe you when you say you’re going to give us the money for our schools and our police and our communities. The reason we don’t believe you is because you were there implementing it for the last 10 years. | I’ve got a message for Boris Johnson: We don’t believe you when you say you’re going to give us the money for our schools and our police and our communities. The reason we don’t believe you is because you were there implementing it for the last 10 years. |