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Boris Johnson broke promise to appear before Commons liaison committee this week, its chair says - live news Boris Johnson broke promise to appear before Commons liaison committee, chair says - as it happened
(about 3 hours later)
Boris Johnson has been accused by the chair of the Commons liaison committee of breaking a specific promise to appear before it this week. (See 5.37pm.)Boris Johnson has been accused by the chair of the Commons liaison committee of breaking a specific promise to appear before it this week. (See 5.37pm.)
Johnson has rejected as “nonsense” the claim that his lengthy prorogation of parliament is undemocratic. (See 3.46pm.)Johnson has rejected as “nonsense” the claim that his lengthy prorogation of parliament is undemocratic. (See 3.46pm.)
Jeremy Corbyn has promised to introduce the biggest ever extension to workers’ rights and create a ministry and government agency should he get into government.Jeremy Corbyn has promised to introduce the biggest ever extension to workers’ rights and create a ministry and government agency should he get into government.
The EU is pinning hopes on British negotiators reverting to the Northern Ireland-only backstop previously rejected by Theresa May as a threat to the constitutional integrity of the UK. DUP leaders rejected this proposal as unacceptable (see 9.58am and 4.20pm) Within the last hour Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, has been meeting Johnson in Downing Street.The EU is pinning hopes on British negotiators reverting to the Northern Ireland-only backstop previously rejected by Theresa May as a threat to the constitutional integrity of the UK. DUP leaders rejected this proposal as unacceptable (see 9.58am and 4.20pm) Within the last hour Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, has been meeting Johnson in Downing Street.
The former Irish prime minister and joint architect of the Northern Ireland peace process, Bertie Ahern, has said it is imperative that any Brexit solution be acceptable to the DUP.The former Irish prime minister and joint architect of the Northern Ireland peace process, Bertie Ahern, has said it is imperative that any Brexit solution be acceptable to the DUP.
A cross-party group of MPs has formally launched a campaign to win support in the Commons for Brexit via a managed deal, arguing both a no-deal departure or a second referendum would cement political divisions and cause endless uncertainty.A cross-party group of MPs has formally launched a campaign to win support in the Commons for Brexit via a managed deal, arguing both a no-deal departure or a second referendum would cement political divisions and cause endless uncertainty.
Harriet Harman has promised to be “scrupulously neutral” as she announced her bid to become the next Speaker of the House of Commons, despite being a prominent campaigner for remain in the 2016 referendum.Harriet Harman has promised to be “scrupulously neutral” as she announced her bid to become the next Speaker of the House of Commons, despite being a prominent campaigner for remain in the 2016 referendum.
Past prime ministers, present-day parliamentarians, diplomats and armed services personnel filled Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown, described as “ a man for ideals, not shabby deals”. The details of the service are on the Westminster Abbey website here.Past prime ministers, present-day parliamentarians, diplomats and armed services personnel filled Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown, described as “ a man for ideals, not shabby deals”. The details of the service are on the Westminster Abbey website here.
Johnson is being urged to withdraw Geoffrey Boycott’s knighthood over his conviction for domestic violence and the former England cricketer’s response to criticism.Johnson is being urged to withdraw Geoffrey Boycott’s knighthood over his conviction for domestic violence and the former England cricketer’s response to criticism.
The first cracks have begun to emerge in Britain’s resilient labour market as job creation slowed over the summer months, in a sign of the stress facing the UK economy as Brexit looms.The first cracks have begun to emerge in Britain’s resilient labour market as job creation slowed over the summer months, in a sign of the stress facing the UK economy as Brexit looms.
Britain has accused Iran of flagrantly breaching assurances it would not sell oil to Syria from an Iranian tanker released by authorities in Gibraltar on the condition that the 2.1m barrels of oil would not sold to the “murderous regime” of Bashar al Assad.Britain has accused Iran of flagrantly breaching assurances it would not sell oil to Syria from an Iranian tanker released by authorities in Gibraltar on the condition that the 2.1m barrels of oil would not sold to the “murderous regime” of Bashar al Assad.
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
Thanks for the comments.Thanks for the comments.
Sarah Wollaston, the Tory-turned-Lib Dem MP who chairs the Commons liaison committee, has accused Boris Johnson of breaking a promise to appear before her committee this week. In an interview for Newsnight she explained:Sarah Wollaston, the Tory-turned-Lib Dem MP who chairs the Commons liaison committee, has accused Boris Johnson of breaking a promise to appear before her committee this week. In an interview for Newsnight she explained:
I’m appalled. The prime minister is running away from scrutiny. We had a series of reassurances from him over the summer that he would come to the liaison committee – initially before parliament came back, so on the first Monday. He then moved that date to this coming Wednesday and we very specifically queried with him about the position of prorogation and he assured us that he would be coming to liaison.I’m appalled. The prime minister is running away from scrutiny. We had a series of reassurances from him over the summer that he would come to the liaison committee – initially before parliament came back, so on the first Monday. He then moved that date to this coming Wednesday and we very specifically queried with him about the position of prorogation and he assured us that he would be coming to liaison.
I’m afraid that is a promise broken because he has prorogued parliament and select committees can’t sit. But in fact we decided that we would invite him anyway – that we would come back and sit on an informal basis, and I’m afraid we’ve heard today that he’s not prepared to come.I’m afraid that is a promise broken because he has prorogued parliament and select committees can’t sit. But in fact we decided that we would invite him anyway – that we would come back and sit on an informal basis, and I’m afraid we’ve heard today that he’s not prepared to come.
He is unaccountable. We have seen how everything has unravelled, with just a week of scrutiny in parliament. And I suspect that he didn’t want that to continue.He is unaccountable. We have seen how everything has unravelled, with just a week of scrutiny in parliament. And I suspect that he didn’t want that to continue.
Laura Pidcock, the shadow business minister, has set out more details of Labour’s plans for national collective bargaining in a speech to the TUC this afternoon. She was fleshing out an idea that Jeremy Corbyn promoted in his own speech, in which he promised the biggest ever extension of workers’ rights.Laura Pidcock, the shadow business minister, has set out more details of Labour’s plans for national collective bargaining in a speech to the TUC this afternoon. She was fleshing out an idea that Jeremy Corbyn promoted in his own speech, in which he promised the biggest ever extension of workers’ rights.
Pidock said Labour’s new national joint advisory council would ensure the voices of workers were heard around the cabinet table. And she said that, under Labour’s plans for national collective bargaining, employers would have to negotiate pay with unions. She explained:Pidock said Labour’s new national joint advisory council would ensure the voices of workers were heard around the cabinet table. And she said that, under Labour’s plans for national collective bargaining, employers would have to negotiate pay with unions. She explained:
A Labour government will establish a Ministry of Employment Rights. The department will be responsible for transforming our workplaces by delivering a huge rollout of individual and collective rights at work and legislating for enforcement powers to make these rights meaningful.A Labour government will establish a Ministry of Employment Rights. The department will be responsible for transforming our workplaces by delivering a huge rollout of individual and collective rights at work and legislating for enforcement powers to make these rights meaningful.
It will establish a national joint advisory council for representatives of government, employers, unions and experts to meet and advise. Above all, this will mean that the voice of working people will be heard at the cabinet table, exactly as it should be.It will establish a national joint advisory council for representatives of government, employers, unions and experts to meet and advise. Above all, this will mean that the voice of working people will be heard at the cabinet table, exactly as it should be.
The beating heart of this department will be the rollout of sectoral collective bargaining. Now, I realise that this concept may be familiar to people in this room, but people outside of this room may be wondering what on earth I’m talking about, and I don’t blame them. Because the percentage of workers covered by collective agreements has dwindled rapidly over the last 40 years.The beating heart of this department will be the rollout of sectoral collective bargaining. Now, I realise that this concept may be familiar to people in this room, but people outside of this room may be wondering what on earth I’m talking about, and I don’t blame them. Because the percentage of workers covered by collective agreements has dwindled rapidly over the last 40 years.
Our Labour government will re-establish national collective bargaining between trade unions and employers in each sector of our economy. That was the British way for most of the 20th century and it still is the way that the successful economies of northern Europe manage their industrial relations.Our Labour government will re-establish national collective bargaining between trade unions and employers in each sector of our economy. That was the British way for most of the 20th century and it still is the way that the successful economies of northern Europe manage their industrial relations.
Sector-wide collective bargaining will set minimum and legally binding pay, terms and conditions for every employer and every worker in the sector.Sector-wide collective bargaining will set minimum and legally binding pay, terms and conditions for every employer and every worker in the sector.
In practice it means that rather than the employer having all the power to determine what your conditions and pay are at work, they will be legally obliged to enter into negotiation with your trade union – a giant step forward in rebalancing the unequal power relations that exist between worker and employer.In practice it means that rather than the employer having all the power to determine what your conditions and pay are at work, they will be legally obliged to enter into negotiation with your trade union – a giant step forward in rebalancing the unequal power relations that exist between worker and employer.
Imagine the transformative impact that would have on, say, the care sector, where the mostly female workforce has seen this highly skilled and professional area of work become a minimum wage job, where care workers are not paid for travel time between visits and can end up working 10 hours for five hours pay. What a scandalous state of affairs that the very people looking after some of the most poorly and vulnerable people in the country are being paid less than the minimum wage. And think of the effect on those in their care. Well, we are calling time on this kind of exploitative practice.Imagine the transformative impact that would have on, say, the care sector, where the mostly female workforce has seen this highly skilled and professional area of work become a minimum wage job, where care workers are not paid for travel time between visits and can end up working 10 hours for five hours pay. What a scandalous state of affairs that the very people looking after some of the most poorly and vulnerable people in the country are being paid less than the minimum wage. And think of the effect on those in their care. Well, we are calling time on this kind of exploitative practice.
Because under a Labour government, those care sector employers would be legally obliged to come to the table and negotiate all aspects of the industry, the conditions in workplaces and, fundamentally, their pay. So, whether you are a care home worker from Dundee or Durham, you would be secure in the knowledge that minimum terms and conditions negotiated for the sector will restore dignity and a decent life to you and those you look after.Because under a Labour government, those care sector employers would be legally obliged to come to the table and negotiate all aspects of the industry, the conditions in workplaces and, fundamentally, their pay. So, whether you are a care home worker from Dundee or Durham, you would be secure in the knowledge that minimum terms and conditions negotiated for the sector will restore dignity and a decent life to you and those you look after.
The DUP leader, Arlene Foster, and her deputy, Nigel Dodds, have arrived at No 10 for talks with Boris Johnson.The DUP leader, Arlene Foster, and her deputy, Nigel Dodds, have arrived at No 10 for talks with Boris Johnson.
Boris Johnson has secretly ordered the Cabinet Office to turn the government’s public internet service into a platform for “targeted and personalised information” to be gathered in the run-up to Brexit, BuzzFeed is reporting.Boris Johnson has secretly ordered the Cabinet Office to turn the government’s public internet service into a platform for “targeted and personalised information” to be gathered in the run-up to Brexit, BuzzFeed is reporting.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP chief whip, was on the World at One. Like his boss, Arlene Foster (see 9.58am), he insisted that Boris Johnson would not sanction a Northern Ireland-only backstop. He explained:Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP chief whip, was on the World at One. Like his boss, Arlene Foster (see 9.58am), he insisted that Boris Johnson would not sanction a Northern Ireland-only backstop. He explained:
I don’t see the prime minister who appointed himself as the minister for the union agreeing to an arrangement that separates Northern Ireland from Great Britain in trading terms.I don’t see the prime minister who appointed himself as the minister for the union agreeing to an arrangement that separates Northern Ireland from Great Britain in trading terms.
So, I think that this idea that you have a Northern Ireland-only backstop where you have a trade border in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and Great Britain is simply a non-runner. In any event it would contravene the core principles of the Good Friday agreement, the Belfast agreement ...So, I think that this idea that you have a Northern Ireland-only backstop where you have a trade border in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and Great Britain is simply a non-runner. In any event it would contravene the core principles of the Good Friday agreement, the Belfast agreement ...
The solution to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland is not to create a second border in the Irish Sea because I think that would be deeply destabilising.The solution to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland is not to create a second border in the Irish Sea because I think that would be deeply destabilising.
He also rejected suggestions the DUP was losing influence over Number 10. He said:He also rejected suggestions the DUP was losing influence over Number 10. He said:
The idea that our influence is waning, I think, flies in the face of reality. Our leader will be meeting with Boris Johnson, we are plugged into the ongoing discussions about alternative arrangements, we have a significant role to play and, therefore, I would argue that our influence remains.The idea that our influence is waning, I think, flies in the face of reality. Our leader will be meeting with Boris Johnson, we are plugged into the ongoing discussions about alternative arrangements, we have a significant role to play and, therefore, I would argue that our influence remains.
Downing Street has denied wanting a Northern Ireland-only backstop. (See 1.55pm.) But there have been multiple claims that this is the direction in which Johnson is heading, including from the EU’s new trade commissioner. (See 3.15pm.)Downing Street has denied wanting a Northern Ireland-only backstop. (See 1.55pm.) But there have been multiple claims that this is the direction in which Johnson is heading, including from the EU’s new trade commissioner. (See 3.15pm.)
Select committees cannot officially sit while parliament is prorogued. But, as Yvette Cooper, the Labour chair of the home affairs committee says on Twitter, her committee held an unofficial session this morning to take evidence on Brexit.Select committees cannot officially sit while parliament is prorogued. But, as Yvette Cooper, the Labour chair of the home affairs committee says on Twitter, her committee held an unofficial session this morning to take evidence on Brexit.
Parliament has been cancelled for 5 weeks so our @CommonsHomeAffs formal evidence session on No Deal preparations cannot take place. So instead we are meeting informally - still taking public evidence from the Borders Inspectorate & the Freight Transport Assoc at 10amParliament has been cancelled for 5 weeks so our @CommonsHomeAffs formal evidence session on No Deal preparations cannot take place. So instead we are meeting informally - still taking public evidence from the Borders Inspectorate & the Freight Transport Assoc at 10am
Because of prorogation there’s no broadcast from this morning’s @CommonsHomeAffs but here’s some things we heard;Border force already overstretched & no clarity about how many extra staff will be in place by October 31 (NAO says up to 2,000 needed)......Because of prorogation there’s no broadcast from this morning’s @CommonsHomeAffs but here’s some things we heard;Border force already overstretched & no clarity about how many extra staff will be in place by October 31 (NAO says up to 2,000 needed)......
Freight Transport Association still waiting for clarity from Govt on important practical issues on borders & customs for 1 Nov if there’s no deal. Traders & hauliers won’t all be ready.....Freight Transport Association still waiting for clarity from Govt on important practical issues on borders & customs for 1 Nov if there’s no deal. Traders & hauliers won’t all be ready.....
Home Secretary’s pledge to end free movement overnight on October 31 has been abandoned as unworkable but not without causing huge anxiety for EU citizens living here in meantimeHome Secretary’s pledge to end free movement overnight on October 31 has been abandoned as unworkable but not without causing huge anxiety for EU citizens living here in meantime
Government says there will be more criminal checks on EU citizens arriving after October 31 if there’s no deal - but no one can work out how as we won’t have access to the EU criminal databasesGovernment says there will be more criminal checks on EU citizens arriving after October 31 if there’s no deal - but no one can work out how as we won’t have access to the EU criminal databases
Lawyers told us new settled status scheme was “fast track to Windrush problems” as anyone without Temp Leave to Remain or Settled Status by December 2020, even if they’ve lived here years, will be here illegally & could face immigration enforcement by Home Office, employers, NHSLawyers told us new settled status scheme was “fast track to Windrush problems” as anyone without Temp Leave to Remain or Settled Status by December 2020, even if they’ve lived here years, will be here illegally & could face immigration enforcement by Home Office, employers, NHS
And we heard of families struggling to complete settled status scheme for elderly relatives living here...And we heard of families struggling to complete settled status scheme for elderly relatives living here...
Lots of questions on No Deal preparations for us to put to Home Office..... in 5 weeks time. By which time there will be just 3 weeks left.Lots of questions on No Deal preparations for us to put to Home Office..... in 5 weeks time. By which time there will be just 3 weeks left.
Boris Johnson has recorded a short interview with Sky News on his visit to a primary school in Pimlico in London. Slipping into franglais (he was sitting in on a French lesson), he used the interview to dismiss claims that proroguing parliament for five weeks was anti-democratic. He said:Boris Johnson has recorded a short interview with Sky News on his visit to a primary school in Pimlico in London. Slipping into franglais (he was sitting in on a French lesson), he used the interview to dismiss claims that proroguing parliament for five weeks was anti-democratic. He said:
We need a Queen’s speech. That’s why parliament is in recess now, because you always have a recess before a Queen’s speech. And anybody who says - this stuff about it being anti-democratic - I mean, donnez-moi un break. What a load of nonsense. We were very, very clear that if people wanted a democratic moment, if they wanted an election, we offered it to the Labour opposition, and mysteriously they decided not to go for it.We need a Queen’s speech. That’s why parliament is in recess now, because you always have a recess before a Queen’s speech. And anybody who says - this stuff about it being anti-democratic - I mean, donnez-moi un break. What a load of nonsense. We were very, very clear that if people wanted a democratic moment, if they wanted an election, we offered it to the Labour opposition, and mysteriously they decided not to go for it.
Johnson is right to say that parliament always gets prorogued before a Queen’s speech, but the point about this prorogation is that it is lasting five weeks – far longer than normal. According to this House of Lords library briefing (pdf), it will be the longest prorogation since 1930.Johnson is right to say that parliament always gets prorogued before a Queen’s speech, but the point about this prorogation is that it is lasting five weeks – far longer than normal. According to this House of Lords library briefing (pdf), it will be the longest prorogation since 1930.
In his interview, Johnson also insisted that he was getting on with addressing the priorities of the people - which he said meant not just delivering Brexit by 31 October, but investing in the police and schools and hospitals. (See 1.22pm.) By contrast, he claimed, Labour was just offering delay and “dither” beyond 31 October. “Nobody can see what that achieves,” he said.In his interview, Johnson also insisted that he was getting on with addressing the priorities of the people - which he said meant not just delivering Brexit by 31 October, but investing in the police and schools and hospitals. (See 1.22pm.) By contrast, he claimed, Labour was just offering delay and “dither” beyond 31 October. “Nobody can see what that achieves,” he said.
As John Bercow announced his decision to step down as Speaker on Monday afternoon, Britons in Spain were also contemplating their futures. In Barcelona, a group of them held a demo outside the British consulate to protest against the decision to suspend parliament and to complain about the “enormous uncertainty” they continue to face. Many had been excluded from the Brexit referendum because they had been resident abroad for more than 15 years and so were not entitled to vote.As John Bercow announced his decision to step down as Speaker on Monday afternoon, Britons in Spain were also contemplating their futures. In Barcelona, a group of them held a demo outside the British consulate to protest against the decision to suspend parliament and to complain about the “enormous uncertainty” they continue to face. Many had been excluded from the Brexit referendum because they had been resident abroad for more than 15 years and so were not entitled to vote.
Phil Hogan, Ireland’s European commissioner, has been given the trade portfolio under the new president of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, it has been announced today. He has been commissioner for agriculture.Phil Hogan, Ireland’s European commissioner, has been given the trade portfolio under the new president of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, it has been announced today. He has been commissioner for agriculture.
This means he will be the EU chief trade negotiator, and will take the lead in negotiating the details of a trade deal with the UK after Brexit.This means he will be the EU chief trade negotiator, and will take the lead in negotiating the details of a trade deal with the UK after Brexit.
If the UK had a choice (it didn’t), Hogan might not be the candidate Boris Johnson would choose. He has been more critical of the UK’s Brexit stance than other European commissioners, giving a speech last month describing Johnson as an “unelected PM” who was “gambling with peace”. As trade commissioner, Hogan is there to represent the EU, not Ireland. But if it ever gets to the point where the UK will be hoping for the EU to downplay Irish concerns in the negotiations, Hogan is not likely to be cooperative.If the UK had a choice (it didn’t), Hogan might not be the candidate Boris Johnson would choose. He has been more critical of the UK’s Brexit stance than other European commissioners, giving a speech last month describing Johnson as an “unelected PM” who was “gambling with peace”. As trade commissioner, Hogan is there to represent the EU, not Ireland. But if it ever gets to the point where the UK will be hoping for the EU to downplay Irish concerns in the negotiations, Hogan is not likely to be cooperative.
But, on the plus side, Hogan is sounding more positive about the prospects of there being a Brexit deal than he was last month. In an interview with the Irish Times he said the penny was “finally dropping” in the UK.But, on the plus side, Hogan is sounding more positive about the prospects of there being a Brexit deal than he was last month. In an interview with the Irish Times he said the penny was “finally dropping” in the UK.
I remain hopeful that the penny is finally dropping with the UK that there are pragmatic and practical solutions can actually be introduced into the debate at this stage – albeit at the eleventh hour – that may find some common ground between the EU and the UK.I remain hopeful that the penny is finally dropping with the UK that there are pragmatic and practical solutions can actually be introduced into the debate at this stage – albeit at the eleventh hour – that may find some common ground between the EU and the UK.
Asked if the two sides were heading in the direction of a Northern Ireland-only backstop, Hogan replied:Asked if the two sides were heading in the direction of a Northern Ireland-only backstop, Hogan replied:
Yes. The taoiseach has indicated in the last 24 hours that the Northern Ireland-only backstop is quite an interesting idea to revisit.Yes. The taoiseach has indicated in the last 24 hours that the Northern Ireland-only backstop is quite an interesting idea to revisit.
Hogan also said Boris Johnson was shifting his stance. He explained:Hogan also said Boris Johnson was shifting his stance. He explained:
Mr Johnson has made a proposal in the last few days talking about an all-Ireland food zone. That is certainly a clear indication of divergence between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the EU and the rest of the UK. This is the first time that this has been spoken about by a British prime minister where they are prepared to accept some level of divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.Mr Johnson has made a proposal in the last few days talking about an all-Ireland food zone. That is certainly a clear indication of divergence between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the EU and the rest of the UK. This is the first time that this has been spoken about by a British prime minister where they are prepared to accept some level of divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
If we can build on that we certainly might get closer to one another in terms of a possible outcome.If we can build on that we certainly might get closer to one another in terms of a possible outcome.
Hogan told the Irish Times that he would expect it to take “a number of years” to conclude a final trade deal with the EU. But he said that, because of the UK’s long membership of the EU, the process should not take as long as normal trade deals.Hogan told the Irish Times that he would expect it to take “a number of years” to conclude a final trade deal with the EU. But he said that, because of the UK’s long membership of the EU, the process should not take as long as normal trade deals.
At the weekend there was speculation that Matt Hancock, the health secretary, might follow Amber Rudd in resigning from the cabinet. He is another remain-voting centrist thought to be suffering from extreme buyer’s remorse following his decision to back Boris Johnson for leader. During the leadership campaign Hancock endorsed Johnson, only for Johnson to then criticise a plan for a sugar levy on milkshakes that Hancock was promoting. Then Johnson decided to prorogue parliament for five weeks - even though Hancock, during the leadership campaign, said such a move would dishonour everything people fought and died for at D-day.At the weekend there was speculation that Matt Hancock, the health secretary, might follow Amber Rudd in resigning from the cabinet. He is another remain-voting centrist thought to be suffering from extreme buyer’s remorse following his decision to back Boris Johnson for leader. During the leadership campaign Hancock endorsed Johnson, only for Johnson to then criticise a plan for a sugar levy on milkshakes that Hancock was promoting. Then Johnson decided to prorogue parliament for five weeks - even though Hancock, during the leadership campaign, said such a move would dishonour everything people fought and died for at D-day.
But, if anything, Hancock’s enthusiasm for Johnson is growing. This morning after cabinet he put this on Twitter.But, if anything, Hancock’s enthusiasm for Johnson is growing. This morning after cabinet he put this on Twitter.
1. I’ve now attended Cabinet, off & on, for five years. Today’s Cabinet on the domestic agenda and Queen’s Speech, was the most energising I can remember. #LetsMoveForward1. I’ve now attended Cabinet, off & on, for five years. Today’s Cabinet on the domestic agenda and Queen’s Speech, was the most energising I can remember. #LetsMoveForward
Theresa May made sure her cricketing hero Geoffrey Boycott got a knighthood in her resignation honours list. This was controversial, because Boycott was convicted for assaulting his then girlfriend 21 years ago. Boycott did not do his case any good with the patronising and dismissive approach when asked about this by Martha Kearney on the Today programme this morning. My colleague Maya Wolfe-Robinson has written it up here.Theresa May made sure her cricketing hero Geoffrey Boycott got a knighthood in her resignation honours list. This was controversial, because Boycott was convicted for assaulting his then girlfriend 21 years ago. Boycott did not do his case any good with the patronising and dismissive approach when asked about this by Martha Kearney on the Today programme this morning. My colleague Maya Wolfe-Robinson has written it up here.
Geoffrey Boycott: 'I don't give a toss' about criticism of knighthoodGeoffrey Boycott: 'I don't give a toss' about criticism of knighthood
Now Labour is saying Boycott should have his knighthood rescinded. This is from Dawn Butler, the shadow minister for women and equalities.Now Labour is saying Boycott should have his knighthood rescinded. This is from Dawn Butler, the shadow minister for women and equalities.
Celebrating a man convicted of assaulting his partner by giving him a knighthood is an insult to victims and survivors of domestic violence.Celebrating a man convicted of assaulting his partner by giving him a knighthood is an insult to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Honouring a perpetrator of domestic violence just because he is the former prime minister’s favourite sportsman shows how out of touch and nepotistic the honours list is.Honouring a perpetrator of domestic violence just because he is the former prime minister’s favourite sportsman shows how out of touch and nepotistic the honours list is.
Boris Johnson should rescind his knighthood today. The whole honours system needs radically overhauling, alongside peerages, so that our political system works for the many not the few.Boris Johnson should rescind his knighthood today. The whole honours system needs radically overhauling, alongside peerages, so that our political system works for the many not the few.
Here are some more lines from the Downing Street lobby briefing. I have already posted what the prime minister’s spokesman said about today’s cabinet meeting. (See 1.22pm.)Here are some more lines from the Downing Street lobby briefing. I have already posted what the prime minister’s spokesman said about today’s cabinet meeting. (See 1.22pm.)
The spokesman confirmed that the government intended to publish a revised version of the government’s Operational Yellowhammer report about what might happen in the event of a no-deal Brexit. But he refused to say any more about how the government would respond to yesterday’s Commons vote saying the government should publish all documents relating to Yellowhammer, as well as private messages from nine government aides relating to prorogation. He said the government would respond to the vote in due course. But he also said the request for private messages was disproportionate and unprecedentedThe spokesman confirmed that the government intended to publish a revised version of the government’s Operational Yellowhammer report about what might happen in the event of a no-deal Brexit. But he refused to say any more about how the government would respond to yesterday’s Commons vote saying the government should publish all documents relating to Yellowhammer, as well as private messages from nine government aides relating to prorogation. He said the government would respond to the vote in due course. But he also said the request for private messages was disproportionate and unprecedented
The spokesman dismissed suggestions that Johnson is considering a Northern Ireland-only backstop. (See 9.58am.) The spokesman said: “We are not seeking a Northern Ireland-only backstop.”The spokesman dismissed suggestions that Johnson is considering a Northern Ireland-only backstop. (See 9.58am.) The spokesman said: “We are not seeking a Northern Ireland-only backstop.”
The spokesman confirmed that Johnson would not be attending a hearing with the liaison committee tomorrow. Sarah Wollaston, the committee’s chair, thought she had an understanding with Johnson that he would appear on Wednesday and yesterday she wrote to him asking if that hearing could go ahead, regardless of prorogation (which means committees can no longer hold formal parliamentary hearings). But the spokesman said that Johnson would be offering an alternative debate. He said committees don’t meet while parliament is prorogued.The spokesman confirmed that Johnson would not be attending a hearing with the liaison committee tomorrow. Sarah Wollaston, the committee’s chair, thought she had an understanding with Johnson that he would appear on Wednesday and yesterday she wrote to him asking if that hearing could go ahead, regardless of prorogation (which means committees can no longer hold formal parliamentary hearings). But the spokesman said that Johnson would be offering an alternative debate. He said committees don’t meet while parliament is prorogued.
The spokesman suggested that Johnson would be holding more meetings with EU leaders soon. There are reports today saying the PM will go to Brussels next week. Asked about this, the spokesman said Johnson would be speaking with other EU leaders in the coming weeks and that his travel plans would be announced in the usual way (ie, nearer the time). He also said David Frost, the PM’s chief Brexit adviser, would be in Brussels for talks with the EU’s Brexit team tomorrow and on Friday.The spokesman suggested that Johnson would be holding more meetings with EU leaders soon. There are reports today saying the PM will go to Brussels next week. Asked about this, the spokesman said Johnson would be speaking with other EU leaders in the coming weeks and that his travel plans would be announced in the usual way (ie, nearer the time). He also said David Frost, the PM’s chief Brexit adviser, would be in Brussels for talks with the EU’s Brexit team tomorrow and on Friday.
The spokesman said that a new minister for women and equalities would be appointed soon to replace Amber Rudd, who resigned at the weekend. Rudd has already been replaced in her capacity as work and pensions secretary by Thérèse Coffey.The spokesman said that a new minister for women and equalities would be appointed soon to replace Amber Rudd, who resigned at the weekend. Rudd has already been replaced in her capacity as work and pensions secretary by Thérèse Coffey.
The spokesman confirmed that Johnson would meet Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds, leader and deputy leader of the DUP, in Downing Street this afternoon.The spokesman confirmed that Johnson would meet Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds, leader and deputy leader of the DUP, in Downing Street this afternoon.
Today’s cabinet sounds as if it was the first meeting of the committee drafting the next Conservative manifesto.Today’s cabinet sounds as if it was the first meeting of the committee drafting the next Conservative manifesto.
Brexit was discussed. Boris Johnson briefed colleagues on his “constructive discussions” with Leo Varadkar yesterday, the prime minister’s spokesman told journalists at the lobby briefing. But the spokesman said there was also a substantial discussion on domestic policy, with ministers saying what their plans were for their own departments.Brexit was discussed. Boris Johnson briefed colleagues on his “constructive discussions” with Leo Varadkar yesterday, the prime minister’s spokesman told journalists at the lobby briefing. But the spokesman said there was also a substantial discussion on domestic policy, with ministers saying what their plans were for their own departments.
Johnson’s decision last week to remove the whip from 21 Tory rebels last week, effectively deselecting them as candidates at the next election, has been seen as sign that he is making the Conservative party increasingly extreme. In her letter announcing her resignation on Saturday night Amber Rudd said the removal of 21 one nation Tories was an “act of political vandalism”. The former party leader William Hague said in his Telegraph column today (see 10.25am) that this could prompt moderate Tories to start looking for a new home. Ruth Davidson, the former Scottish Tory leader, made a similar argument in the Evening Standard yesterday.Johnson’s decision last week to remove the whip from 21 Tory rebels last week, effectively deselecting them as candidates at the next election, has been seen as sign that he is making the Conservative party increasingly extreme. In her letter announcing her resignation on Saturday night Amber Rudd said the removal of 21 one nation Tories was an “act of political vandalism”. The former party leader William Hague said in his Telegraph column today (see 10.25am) that this could prompt moderate Tories to start looking for a new home. Ruth Davidson, the former Scottish Tory leader, made a similar argument in the Evening Standard yesterday.
At cabinet Johnson pushed back against this claim. According to his spokesman, Johnson told the cabinet that he would lead a one nation government. The spokesman said:At cabinet Johnson pushed back against this claim. According to his spokesman, Johnson told the cabinet that he would lead a one nation government. The spokesman said:
The prime minister then led a discussion on the government’s priorities for the autumn. The PM said he would lead a one nation government which would respect the result of the referendum by leaving the European Union on October 31 while energetically focusing on the NHS, tackling violent crime, education and the cost of living.The prime minister then led a discussion on the government’s priorities for the autumn. The PM said he would lead a one nation government which would respect the result of the referendum by leaving the European Union on October 31 while energetically focusing on the NHS, tackling violent crime, education and the cost of living.
Secretaries of state then set out priorities for their individual departments.Secretaries of state then set out priorities for their individual departments.
On crime and policing, the government will begin recruiting 20,000 new police officers and progress plans to invest up to £2.5bn to deliver 10,000 new prison places. The government has also kicked off an urgent review of sentencing policy to ensure the public are protected from the most dangerous criminals.On crime and policing, the government will begin recruiting 20,000 new police officers and progress plans to invest up to £2.5bn to deliver 10,000 new prison places. The government has also kicked off an urgent review of sentencing policy to ensure the public are protected from the most dangerous criminals.
On education, a £7.1bn increase in funding for schools by 2022-23 has been announced as the government focuses on giving all young people the same opportunities to succeed regardless of where they go to school.On education, a £7.1bn increase in funding for schools by 2022-23 has been announced as the government focuses on giving all young people the same opportunities to succeed regardless of where they go to school.
On health, as well as reaffirming the five-year settlement for the NHS, with an additional £33.9bn a year by 2023-24, ministers will focus on ensuring this money gets to the front line and delivers real improvements for patients.On health, as well as reaffirming the five-year settlement for the NHS, with an additional £33.9bn a year by 2023-24, ministers will focus on ensuring this money gets to the front line and delivers real improvements for patients.
The prime minister concluded the meeting by saying that the government would use education, infrastructure and technology to level up across the country.The prime minister concluded the meeting by saying that the government would use education, infrastructure and technology to level up across the country.
Number 10 sources are not contesting the Spectator report saying Johnson also described himself as “the most liberal Conservative PM in decades”. (See 12.43pm.)Number 10 sources are not contesting the Spectator report saying Johnson also described himself as “the most liberal Conservative PM in decades”. (See 12.43pm.)
Tony Blair, the former Labour prime minister, has said it would be wrong to use the general election to try to resolve the Brexit crisis. A referendum was needed for that, he argued, because an election should be fought on wider issues. Speaking at an event at King’s College London, he said:Tony Blair, the former Labour prime minister, has said it would be wrong to use the general election to try to resolve the Brexit crisis. A referendum was needed for that, he argued, because an election should be fought on wider issues. Speaking at an event at King’s College London, he said:
It is wrong as a matter of principle to mix the general election up with the specific Brexit question.It is wrong as a matter of principle to mix the general election up with the specific Brexit question.
If the British people end up having a general election on Brexit you are going to mix up issues that should be kept separate.If the British people end up having a general election on Brexit you are going to mix up issues that should be kept separate.
What Boris Johnson thinks is: if I fight a Brexit general election, I can say to people: ‘Look it’s no deal or you get Jeremy Corbyn.’What Boris Johnson thinks is: if I fight a Brexit general election, I can say to people: ‘Look it’s no deal or you get Jeremy Corbyn.’
You could end up with the bizarre situation where, let’s just suppose the Conservatives manage to win a majority with 35% to 40% of the vote, they will claim a mandate for no-deal when, if you add the votes for all the parties opposed to no-deal together, they will come to more than 50% of the vote. It is a completely undemocratic way of deciding it.You could end up with the bizarre situation where, let’s just suppose the Conservatives manage to win a majority with 35% to 40% of the vote, they will claim a mandate for no-deal when, if you add the votes for all the parties opposed to no-deal together, they will come to more than 50% of the vote. It is a completely undemocratic way of deciding it.
I’m just back from the Downing Street lobby briefing, much of which focused on what happened at cabinet. I’ll post the highlights shortly, but you are better off reading James Forsyth’s take in the Spectator, which is more interesting. Here’s an excerpt.I’m just back from the Downing Street lobby briefing, much of which focused on what happened at cabinet. I’ll post the highlights shortly, but you are better off reading James Forsyth’s take in the Spectator, which is more interesting. Here’s an excerpt.
At the start of the meeting, Boris Johnson took on the argument made by many of the Tory 21 that this is an extreme government, and that he is turning the Tories into a rightwing sect. He argued that most voters want the referendum result delivered, which is what he is trying to do, and that his domestic agenda is in the common ground of British politics. He pointed out that he was more trusted on the NHS than Jeremy Corbyn, which would hardly be the case if the critics’ charge was true. He told the cabinet that he was ‘the most liberal Conservative PM in decades’. At which point, Matt Hancock interjected: ‘Don’t tell Priti.’At the start of the meeting, Boris Johnson took on the argument made by many of the Tory 21 that this is an extreme government, and that he is turning the Tories into a rightwing sect. He argued that most voters want the referendum result delivered, which is what he is trying to do, and that his domestic agenda is in the common ground of British politics. He pointed out that he was more trusted on the NHS than Jeremy Corbyn, which would hardly be the case if the critics’ charge was true. He told the cabinet that he was ‘the most liberal Conservative PM in decades’. At which point, Matt Hancock interjected: ‘Don’t tell Priti.’
And here is another YouGov poll of some interest.And here is another YouGov poll of some interest.
52% of Leave voters want Boris Johnson to break the law for Brexithttps://t.co/dKs3cTTHkT pic.twitter.com/oUk588wPA152% of Leave voters want Boris Johnson to break the law for Brexithttps://t.co/dKs3cTTHkT pic.twitter.com/oUk588wPA1
I’m off to the No 10 lobby briefing now. I will post again after 12.30pm.I’m off to the No 10 lobby briefing now. I will post again after 12.30pm.