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Brexit: Boris Johnson heckled in Rotherham over suspension of parliament – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson heckled in Rotherham over suspension of parliament – live news
(about 1 hour later)
We’re going to pause the blog for now. Here’s a summary:We’re going to pause the blog for now. Here’s a summary:
The prime minister has been challenged by voters in Yorkshire. A speech to northern politicians and business leaders in Rotherham was interrupted by a man who urged him to get back to parliament to sort out the mess he had created. Earlier a woman in Doncaster confronted Johnson face-to-face and accused him of telling fairy tales about spending and Brexit. The prime minister has been challenged by voters in Yorkshire. A speech to northern politicians and business leaders in Rotherham was interrupted by a man who urged him to get back to parliament to sort out the mess he had created. Earlier a woman in Doncaster confronted Boris Johnson face-to-face and accused him of telling fairytales about spending and Brexit.
Scotland Yard has announced that no further action will be taken against Leave.EU, the Brexit campaign founded by businessman Arron Banks and spearheaded by Nigel Farage. It said there had been “technical breaches” of electoral law but insufficient evidence to justify any further criminal investigation.Scotland Yard has announced that no further action will be taken against Leave.EU, the Brexit campaign founded by businessman Arron Banks and spearheaded by Nigel Farage. It said there had been “technical breaches” of electoral law but insufficient evidence to justify any further criminal investigation.
Boris Johnson will head to Luxembourg on Monday to meet Jean-Claude Juncker and Michel Barnier to try to break the Brexit impasse. The prime minister said he was “cautiously optimistic” about getting a deal. Johnson will head to Luxembourg on Monday to meet Jean-Claude Juncker and Michel Barnier to try to break the Brexit impasse. The prime minister said he was “cautiously optimistic” about getting a deal.
Jo Swinson has ruled out backing a Jeremy Corbyn-led government after a general election, saying the Liberal Democrats could not even have an informal support arrangement with Labour, despite recent cooperation to block a no-deal Brexit. Major policy differences and serious personal worries about Corbyn and Boris Johnson meant she could not support either in government, Swinson told the Guardian. Jo Swinson has ruled out backing a Jeremy Corbyn-led government after a general election, saying the Liberal Democrats could not even have an informal support arrangement with Labour, despite recent cooperation to block a no-deal Brexit. Major policy differences and serious personal worries about Corbyn and Johnson meant she could not support either in government, Swinson told the Guardian.
The Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, has said the “gap is very wide” between the EU and the UK on Brexit. The taoiseach said he got the impression that Johnson was serious about a deal following their meeting on Monday in Dublin but what the UK was talking about “falls very far short” of what is required for a deal. The Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, has said the “gap is very wide” between the EU and the UK on Brexit. The taoiseach said he got the impression that Johnson was serious about a deal after their meeting on Monday in Dublin but what the UK was talking about “falls very far short” of what is required for a deal.
The DUP has played down a report that it is softening its line on a Northern Ireland only backstop. Its leader, Arlene Foster, and its Brexit spokesman, Sammy Wilson, both described as “nonsense” a Times story claiming the DUP was dropping its objection to a border in the Irish Sea. The Democratic Unionist party has played down a report that it is softening its line on a Northern Ireland-only backstop. Its leader, Arlene Foster, and its Brexit spokesman, Sammy Wilson, both described as “nonsense” a Times story claiming the DUP was dropping its objection to a border in the Irish Sea.
Support for Welsh independence would soar if it meant that Wales could remain in the EU, a new poll suggests. According to the YouGov poll commissioned by Plaid Cymru, 41% of those who expressed a preference would back independence if it led to Wales remaining in the EU. Support for Welsh independence would soar if it meant Wales could remain in the EU, a new poll suggests. According to the YouGov poll commissioned by Plaid Cymru, 41% of those who expressed a preference would back independence if it led to Wales remaining in the EU.
The Brexit party has taken control of Hartlepool borough council after forming a pact with the Conservatives overnight, dealing a significant blow to Labour in the north-east of England. The party announced it had taken control of the local authority at a council meeting on Thursday night, where it revealed that nine councillors had joined the party and formed a pact with the council’s three Conservatives.The Brexit party has taken control of Hartlepool borough council after forming a pact with the Conservatives overnight, dealing a significant blow to Labour in the north-east of England. The party announced it had taken control of the local authority at a council meeting on Thursday night, where it revealed that nine councillors had joined the party and formed a pact with the council’s three Conservatives.
The senior Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin has accused John Bercow of wielding a “majoritarian dictatorship” against Brexit.He called for the Speaker’s powers to be curtailed. The senior Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin has accused John Bercow of wielding a “majoritarian dictatorship” against Brexit. He called for the Speaker’s powers to be curtailed.
The election of the new Speaker will take place on Monday 4 November. Bercow, who has held the office since 2009, will take the chair for a final time on Thursday 31 October. The election of the new Speaker will take place on Monday 4 November. Bercow, who has held the office since 2009, will take the chair for tge final time on Thursday 31 October.
In response to the decision by the Metropolitan Police not to take any further action against Leave.EU, its’ financial backer Arron Banks, has called for the resignation of the head of the Electoral Commission, Bob Posner, and the chair of the Commons’ culture committee, Damian Collins. In response to the decision by the Metropolitan police not to take any further action against Leave.EU, its financial backer Arron Banks has called for the resignation of the head of the Electoral Commission, Bob Posner, and the chair of the Commons’ culture committee, Damian Collins.
In a statement Banks said:In a statement Banks said:
“The disgraceful political collusion between the Electoral Commission and the Damian Collins ‘Remain-biased’ DCMS committee and a number of leading Remain MPs, demonstrates a serious abuse of public office and we will be demanding a full public inquiry investigation into their actions. The disgraceful political collusion between the Electoral Commission and the Damian Collins ‘remain-biased’ DCMS committee and a number of leading remain MPs, demonstrates a serious abuse of public office and we will be demanding a full public inquiry investigation into their actions.
“We will be writing to the prime minster today demanding a public inquiry into the actions of the Electoral Commission. We will be writing to the prime minster today demanding a public inquiry into the actions of the Electoral Commission.
“I am today calling for the resignation of Damian Collins and the CEO of Electoral Commission as a result of today’s news. I am today calling for the resignation of Damian Collins and the CEO of Electoral Commission as a result of today’s news.
“The Electoral Commission have serious questions to answer about political bias and whether it is fit for purpose as a regulator. The Electoral Commission have serious questions to answer about political bias and whether it is fit for purpose as a regulator.
“The management board is overseen by third-rate politicos and people who have shown clear political bias. The chairman himself described Brexit as a “collection of Eurosceptic nonsense” and one of the EC board called for a second referendum. The management board is overseen by third-rate politicos and people who have shown clear political bias. The chairman himself described Brexit as a “collection of Eurosceptic nonsense” and one of the EC board called for a second referendum.
“The investigation has taken a huge personal toll on Liz Bilney, her family and the harassment and lies perpetrated by anti-Brexit MPs is disgraceful. The investigation has taken a huge personal toll on Liz Bilney, her family and the harassment and lies perpetrated by anti-Brexit MPs is disgraceful.
MPs like Stephen and Ian Lavery should apologise to Liz and the 1.5 million supporters of Leave.EU they tried to smear.MPs like Stephen and Ian Lavery should apologise to Liz and the 1.5 million supporters of Leave.EU they tried to smear.
“During the last two years, the Metropolitan Police have been professional and thorough. They spent many hours investigating our case and they should be commended for doing a difficult job in a difficult political climate. They remained impartial and operated with complete integrity. During the last two years, the Metropolitan police have been professional and thorough. They spent many hours investigating our case and they should be commended for doing a difficult job in a difficult political climate. They remained impartial and operated with complete integrity.
“We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police Commissioner for giving her officers her full support at all times.” “We would like to thank the Metropolitan police commissioner for giving her officers her full support at all times.
Here’s video of Johnson being challenged in Doncaster.Here’s video of Johnson being challenged in Doncaster.
Here’s a summary of Johnson’s trip to Yorkshire:Here’s a summary of Johnson’s trip to Yorkshire:
The prime minister has been challenged by voters in Doncaster and Rotherham. A speech to northern politicians and business leaders in Rotherham was interrupted by a man who urged him to get back to Parliament to sort out the mess he had created. The prime minister has been challenged by voters in Doncaster and Rotherham. A speech to northern politicians and business leaders in Rotherham was interrupted by a man who urged him to get back to parliament to sort out the mess he had created.
Earlier a woman in Doncaster confronted Johnson face-to-face and accused him of telling fairytales about spending and Brexit. “People have died because of austerity, and you’ve got the cheek to come here and tell us austerity’s over and it’s all good now,” she said.Earlier a woman in Doncaster confronted Johnson face-to-face and accused him of telling fairytales about spending and Brexit. “People have died because of austerity, and you’ve got the cheek to come here and tell us austerity’s over and it’s all good now,” she said.
Johnson insisted he won’t be deterred by political turmoil from delivering Brexit by the end of October deadline. He said: “Whatever the shenanigans that maybe going on at Westminster we will get on with delivering our agenda and preparing to take this country out of the EU on October 31st”. Johnson insisted he won’t be deterred by political turmoil from delivering Brexit by the 31 October deadline. He said: “Whatever the shenanigans that may be going on at Westminster we will get on with delivering our agenda and preparing to take this country out of the EU on October 31st.”
Johnson confirmed he will be meeting Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president and the EU’s chief negotiator for Brexit talks on Monday. He said he was “cautiously optimistic” about reaching a deal. Johnson confirmed he will be meeting Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and the EU’s chief negotiator for Brexit talks on Monday. He said he was “cautiously optimistic” about reaching a deal.
The prime minister refused to commit to various northern projects including Yorkshire devolution, a Leeds mass transit system and extra spending in Sheffield. “I’m reluctant to make more spending commitments,” he admitted. The prime minister refused to commit to various northern projects, including Yorkshire devolution, a Leeds mass transit system and extra spending in Sheffield. “I’m reluctant to make more spending commitments,” he admitted.
Johnson denied accusing police forces of “spaffing money up the wall” on historical child abuse case, six months after telling LBC just that. He said he wanted police to concentrate on fighting crime. Johnson denied accusing police forces of “spaffing money up the wall” on historical child abuse cases, six months after telling LBC just that. He said he wanted police to concentrate on fighting crime.
In his speech Johnson announced plans to devolve transport powers for fares, stations and rolling stock. “It is time for the north to run its own trains,” he said. In his speech, Johnson announced plans to devolve transport powers for fares, stations and rolling stock. “It is time for the north to run its own trains,” he said.
In the Q&A with journalists the best questions came from ITV’s Paul Brand. He asked: In the Q&A with journalists, the best questions came from ITV’s Paul Brand. He asked:
You’ve got five weeks left to get a Brexit deal, can you update us on what you think is the latest probability of finding an agreement that the DUP can get behind? And secondly, you called David Cameron ‘a girly swot’, are you a little bit be worried what he might call you in his upcoming memoirs?You’ve got five weeks left to get a Brexit deal, can you update us on what you think is the latest probability of finding an agreement that the DUP can get behind? And secondly, you called David Cameron ‘a girly swot’, are you a little bit be worried what he might call you in his upcoming memoirs?
On the first part Johnson replied: On the first part, Johnson replied:
On where we are with Brexit, I think people do deserve to know what’s going on. We’re working incredibly hard to get a deal, there is the rough shape of a deal to be done. I myself have been to talk to various other EU leaders, particularly in Germany, in France, and in Ireland, where we made a good deal of progress. I’m seeing a president of the Commission, and the chief negotiator, Michel Barnier on Monday, and we’ll talk about the ideas that we’ve been working on. And we’ll see where we get. I’m cautiously optimistic. But whatever happens we will come out on October 31st. On where we are with Brexit, I think people do deserve to know what’s going on. We’re working incredibly hard to get a deal, there is the rough shape of a deal to be done. I myself have been to talk to various other EU leaders, particularly in Germany, in France, and in Ireland, where we made a good deal of progress. I’m seeing the president of the [European] commission, and the chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Monday, and we’ll talk about the ideas that we’ve been working on. And we’ll see where we get. I’m cautiously optimistic. But whatever happens we will come out on October 31st.
To the second he said: To the second, he said:
Absolutely nothing that David Cameron says in his memoirs, in the course of the next few days, will diminish the affection and respect in which I hold him. Not least for what he did in turning this country around, after Labour left it bankrupt, and delivering a jobs miracle in the UK, record low unemployment. I think he has a very distinguished record and a legacy to be proud of. Absolutely nothing that David Cameron says in his memoirs, in the course of the next few days, will diminish the affection and respect in which I hold him. Not least for what he did in turning this country around after Labour left it bankrupt, and delivering a jobs miracle in the UK, record low unemployment. I think he has a very distinguished record and a legacy to be proud of.
While Johnson was speaking, Scotland Yard announced that no further action will be taken against Leave.EU, the Brexit campaign founded by businessman Arron Banks and spearheaded by Nigel Farage.While Johnson was speaking, Scotland Yard announced that no further action will be taken against Leave.EU, the Brexit campaign founded by businessman Arron Banks and spearheaded by Nigel Farage.
A Met statement said:A Met statement said:
“On 5 August 2019 the MPS submitted a file to the CPS for Early Investigative Advice in relation to the Leave.EU investigation and this advice has now been received.“On 5 August 2019 the MPS submitted a file to the CPS for Early Investigative Advice in relation to the Leave.EU investigation and this advice has now been received.
“It is clear that whilst some technical breaches of electoral law were committed by Leave.EU in respect of the spending return submitted for their campaign, there is insufficient evidence to justify any further criminal investigation.“It is clear that whilst some technical breaches of electoral law were committed by Leave.EU in respect of the spending return submitted for their campaign, there is insufficient evidence to justify any further criminal investigation.
“Leave.EU’s responsible person has been has been told that they will face no further police action.”“Leave.EU’s responsible person has been has been told that they will face no further police action.”
The force said investigations into the spending returns of Vote Leave and BeLeave were ongoing.The force said investigations into the spending returns of Vote Leave and BeLeave were ongoing.
Here’s a fuller transcript of Johnson’s response to both the heckler and a question from a journalist about how he can deliver various promises when he can’t get an election and Brexit done.Here’s a fuller transcript of Johnson’s response to both the heckler and a question from a journalist about how he can deliver various promises when he can’t get an election and Brexit done.
Johnson said:Johnson said:
I certainly won’t be deterred by anybody from our goal of coming out of the EU on October 31st. I think the people of this country want us to get Brexit done. But I also won’t be deterred with getting on with our domestic agenda.I certainly won’t be deterred by anybody from our goal of coming out of the EU on October 31st. I think the people of this country want us to get Brexit done. But I also won’t be deterred with getting on with our domestic agenda.
I’m a passionate believer in devolution and in giving power to strong local leaders to champion their areas and to be accountable for their transport networks. Whatever the shenanigans that maybe going on at Westminster we will get on with delivering our agenda and preparing to take this country out of the EU on October 31st. And there will be ample time for Parliament to consider the deal that I very much hope to do at the EU summit on October 17th and 18th. I’m a passionate believer in devolution and in giving power to strong local leaders to champion their areas and to be accountable for their transport networks. Whatever the shenanigans that may be going on at Westminster we will get on with delivering our agenda and preparing to take this country out of the EU on October 31st. And there will be ample time for parliament to consider the deal that I very much hope to do at the EU summit on October 17th and 18th.
To the gentlemen who left prematurely, not necessarily under his own steam, that is the answer to his question. To the gentleman who left prematurely, not necessarily under his own steam, that is the answer to his question.
To have a Queen’s speech and to set out our domestic agenda, we’ve lost about four days of parliamentary sitting time. There’s ample time for Parliament to consider not just Brexit but all kinds of things both before and after the European Council on October 17th so lets get on an do it. To have a Queen’s speech and to set out our domestic agenda, we’ve lost about four days of parliamentary sitting time. There’s ample time for parliament to consider not just Brexit but all kinds of things both before and after the European council on October 17th so lets get on and do it.
Q: You called David Cameron a ‘girly swot’ are you worried about what he’ll say in his memoirs?Q: You called David Cameron a ‘girly swot’ are you worried about what he’ll say in his memoirs?
Nothing Cameron writes in his memoirs diminish the affection and respect in which I hold him, Johnson says.Nothing Cameron writes in his memoirs diminish the affection and respect in which I hold him, Johnson says.
Q: What’s the probability of a Brexit deal?Q: What’s the probability of a Brexit deal?
We’re working incredibly hard. We’ve made a good deal of progress, he says. “We’ll see where we get” on Monday. “I’m cautiously optimistic, but whatever happens we will come out on October 31st.”We’re working incredibly hard. We’ve made a good deal of progress, he says. “We’ll see where we get” on Monday. “I’m cautiously optimistic, but whatever happens we will come out on October 31st.”
Q: Will you commit to mass transit system in Leeds?Q: Will you commit to mass transit system in Leeds?
Oh God, Johnson said. I want to do it, Leeds should have a mass transit system, but I’m not going to commit to a budget to it today. Oh God, Johnson says. I want to do it, Leeds should have a mass transit system, but I’m not going to commit to a budget to it today.
Q: Are you committed to Yorkshire devolution.Q: Are you committed to Yorkshire devolution.
Further work needs to be done on that Johnson says, acknowledging different views. Further work needs to be done on that, Johnson says, acknowledging different views.
Q: Why has Sheffield been underfunded?Q: Why has Sheffield been underfunded?
I’ve just but £3.6bn into towns, Johnson says before admitted it won’t apply to Sheffield. I’m reluctant to make more spending commitments. I’ve just but £3.6bn into towns, Johnson says before admitting it won’t apply to Sheffield. I’m reluctant to make more spending commitments, he says.
Q: Do you still think police forces are ‘spaffing up the wall’ on abuse allegations? Q: Do you still think police forces are ‘spaffing up the wall’ on historical child abuse allegations?
That’s not what I said, Johnson said. I want to see police officers fighting crime, he added.That’s not what I said, Johnson said. I want to see police officers fighting crime, he added.
Fact check by my boss:Fact check by my boss:
Boris Johnson tells reporter from Rotherham Advertiser he didn't say money spent on investigations into historic child abuse was "spaffed up the wall". This must be an imposter then...https://t.co/HY6TGJ5bliBoris Johnson tells reporter from Rotherham Advertiser he didn't say money spent on investigations into historic child abuse was "spaffed up the wall". This must be an imposter then...https://t.co/HY6TGJ5bli
Q: Why did you delay the domestic abuse bill?Q: Why did you delay the domestic abuse bill?
The bill is certainly going to be carried over. It will right there in the Queen’s speech, Johnson says. The bill is certainly going to be carried over. It will be right there in the Queen’s speech, Johnson says.
In the Q&A Johnson says political uncertainty won’t put him off getting Brexit done by 31 October. He also repeats that there will be “ample time” to debate Brexit, in response to the heckler.In the Q&A Johnson says political uncertainty won’t put him off getting Brexit done by 31 October. He also repeats that there will be “ample time” to debate Brexit, in response to the heckler.
Johnson confirms plans to devolve transport to regions in the north. “It is time for the north to run its own trains,” he says. This will involve powers over fares, stations and rolling stock, Johnson says.Johnson confirms plans to devolve transport to regions in the north. “It is time for the north to run its own trains,” he says. This will involve powers over fares, stations and rolling stock, Johnson says.
The arrangement will involve a partnership between the railways and the north.The arrangement will involve a partnership between the railways and the north.
Johnson comes up with a better joke about pacer trains.Johnson comes up with a better joke about pacer trains.
Boris Johnson on Pacers: “I love buses but not when they are supposed to be trains.”Boris Johnson on Pacers: “I love buses but not when they are supposed to be trains.”
Here’s video of that heckler:Here’s video of that heckler:
“Get back to Parliament” shouts protester at Boris Johnson speech. pic.twitter.com/Eb3LPm1foO“Get back to Parliament” shouts protester at Boris Johnson speech. pic.twitter.com/Eb3LPm1foO
Helen Pidd, who is in Rotherham, says the heckler was promptly thrown out.Helen Pidd, who is in Rotherham, says the heckler was promptly thrown out.
Heckler just thrown out of the Convention of the North for heckling Boris Johnson, telling him to get back to parliament and listen to MPs.Heckler just thrown out of the Convention of the North for heckling Boris Johnson, telling him to get back to parliament and listen to MPs.