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General election: Labour would 'immediately' buy homes to house rough sleepers, says Corbyn - live news General election: Labour would 'immediately' buy homes to house rough sleepers, says Corbyn - live news
(32 minutes later)
These are from Mark Urban, Newsnight’s diplomatic editor, on the story that Boris Johnson has been accused of holding back the publication of a report from parliament’s intelligence and security report looking at the issue of Russian interference in British elections.
The Parliamentary Intelligence & Security Cttee report on Russian actions against the UK was sent to No10 on 17/10 with the idea it should be released on 28/10, before the election, but No10 has not signed it off 1/3
I understand that the Int & Sec Cttee report includes evidence from the UK intelligence services concerning Russian attempts to influence the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum and 2017 General Election 2/3
The report will have to be released by Tuesday at latest before current committee is dissolved, & failure to do so because of a refusal by No10 to sign it off may be seen by many as an attempt to suppress evidence of previous Russian attempts to subvert UK polls 3/3
Labour would rather run a minority government if necessary than try to form a coalition or pact with another party, the shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said. Speaking to Sky News this morning, at the Labour campaign launch, McDonnell said he expected the party to win a majority. But when asked what would happen if it didn’t, but if it was still in a position to govern (ie, it was the largest party in a hung parliament), he replied:
We would run a minority government. We’d implement the policies and we’d expect the other parties to support them. If they didn’t, well, we’ll go back to the people. Look, who wouldn’t vote for a £10 living wage? Who wouldn’t vote for the way in which we want to solve Brexit, going back to the people? Who wouldn’t vote for actually ensuring we invested in all our public services, and a fair taxation system?
Asked if Labour would consider a confidence and supply agreement with one of the smaller parties, McDonnell went on:
No deals, no deals. We do in as a majority government. If there is a minority, we will implement our manifesto, full stop.
Jeremy Corbyn has said that Labour will “immediately” start rehousing the homeless if it wins the election. Speaking at a campaign event in Milton Keynes, Corbyn called the level of homelessness in the UK a “disgrace and insult to our country”, and promised a Labour government would end austerity. As the Press Assocaition reports, he said:Jeremy Corbyn has said that Labour will “immediately” start rehousing the homeless if it wins the election. Speaking at a campaign event in Milton Keynes, Corbyn called the level of homelessness in the UK a “disgrace and insult to our country”, and promised a Labour government would end austerity. As the Press Assocaition reports, he said:
On our first day in office, we will immediately buy all the properties necessary to house the rough sleepers.On our first day in office, we will immediately buy all the properties necessary to house the rough sleepers.
Boris Johnson paid an election stop to a primary school in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, where he joined a group of children in an activity sorting pictures of London into past and present, the Press Association reports. The PM held one black and white image aloft and suggested “past?”. One pupil agreed and said it “looks dirtier”, to which the prime minister replied: “That was when Ken Livingstone was running it.”Boris Johnson paid an election stop to a primary school in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, where he joined a group of children in an activity sorting pictures of London into past and present, the Press Association reports. The PM held one black and white image aloft and suggested “past?”. One pupil agreed and said it “looks dirtier”, to which the prime minister replied: “That was when Ken Livingstone was running it.”
Referring to a photo of London Bridge, Johnson told the youngsters: “You know what they used to do? They used to stick the decapitated heads of the enemies on spikes.”Referring to a photo of London Bridge, Johnson told the youngsters: “You know what they used to do? They used to stick the decapitated heads of the enemies on spikes.”
He also visited a classroom where children were mummifying pumpkins with salt, and another where they made firework collages.He also visited a classroom where children were mummifying pumpkins with salt, and another where they made firework collages.
At the last election the conventional opinion polls turned out to be a very poor guide to the result. On that basis some people argue they should be ignored completely, but the political parties take them seriously, they are better than most other ways of trying to gauge public opinion and even sceptics will admit that they pick up movements in opinion, even if they don’t provide a reliable guide to the final result.At the last election the conventional opinion polls turned out to be a very poor guide to the result. On that basis some people argue they should be ignored completely, but the political parties take them seriously, they are better than most other ways of trying to gauge public opinion and even sceptics will admit that they pick up movements in opinion, even if they don’t provide a reliable guide to the final result.
With that in mind, here are the results of the three polls around today.With that in mind, here are the results of the three polls around today.
An Ipsos Mori poll for the Evening Standard gives the Tories a 17-point lead over Labour. The poll also confirms that Jeremy Corbyn’s personal approval ratings remain dismal. The Standard reports:An Ipsos Mori poll for the Evening Standard gives the Tories a 17-point lead over Labour. The poll also confirms that Jeremy Corbyn’s personal approval ratings remain dismal. The Standard reports:
Mr Johnson has the best personal scores of any leader since 2017, with 46 per cent satisfied and 44 dissatisfied — a net score of plus 2.Mr Johnson has the best personal scores of any leader since 2017, with 46 per cent satisfied and 44 dissatisfied — a net score of plus 2.
Conservatives are overwhelmingly happy with their leader, with 80 per cent satisfied and nine per cent dissatisfied.Conservatives are overwhelmingly happy with their leader, with 80 per cent satisfied and nine per cent dissatisfied.
Mr Corbyn has failed to improve since last month’s record-breaking low personal scores. Just 15 per cent of voters are happy with his performance and 75 per cent are unhappy — a net score of minus 60.Mr Corbyn has failed to improve since last month’s record-breaking low personal scores. Just 15 per cent of voters are happy with his performance and 75 per cent are unhappy — a net score of minus 60.
Labour voters are divided about their leader, with 46 per cent satisfied and 49 per cent dissatisfied.Labour voters are divided about their leader, with 46 per cent satisfied and 49 per cent dissatisfied.
Westminster voting intention:CON: 41% (+8)LAB: 24% (-)LDEM: 20% (-3)BREX: 7% (-3)GRN: 3% (-1)via @IpsosMORI, 25 - 28 OctWestminster voting intention:CON: 41% (+8)LAB: 24% (-)LDEM: 20% (-3)BREX: 7% (-3)GRN: 3% (-1)via @IpsosMORI, 25 - 28 Oct
A YouGov poll gives the Tories a 15-point lead over Labour.A YouGov poll gives the Tories a 15-point lead over Labour.
Latest Westminster voting intention (29-30 Oct)Con - 36%Lab - 21%Lib Dem - 18%Brexit Party - 13%Green - 6%Other - 6%https://t.co/H0i9cEjDBW pic.twitter.com/OFE7zR3Y8TLatest Westminster voting intention (29-30 Oct)Con - 36%Lab - 21%Lib Dem - 18%Brexit Party - 13%Green - 6%Other - 6%https://t.co/H0i9cEjDBW pic.twitter.com/OFE7zR3Y8T
A Survation poll for the Daily Mail gives the Tories an eight-point lead over Labour. As the Mail reports, it also gives Boris Johnson a small lead over Jeremy Corbyn on the issue of health. It says:A Survation poll for the Daily Mail gives the Tories an eight-point lead over Labour. As the Mail reports, it also gives Boris Johnson a small lead over Jeremy Corbyn on the issue of health. It says:
Asked which leader had the best health policies, 36% of voters said Mr Johnson while 34% opted for Mr Corbyn.Asked which leader had the best health policies, 36% of voters said Mr Johnson while 34% opted for Mr Corbyn.
We have new Westminster voting intention figures in tomorrow’s Daily Mail. Both Labour and the Conservatives have seen a small increase in support in the past 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/f2a1TGvql1We have new Westminster voting intention figures in tomorrow’s Daily Mail. Both Labour and the Conservatives have seen a small increase in support in the past 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/f2a1TGvql1
There is more information here on the Guardian’s election poll tracker.There is more information here on the Guardian’s election poll tracker.
I missed this picture earlier. Perhaps Jeremy Corbyn was practising for when he meets the Queen ...I missed this picture earlier. Perhaps Jeremy Corbyn was practising for when he meets the Queen ...
The House of Commons has just approved the recommendation from the Commons standards committee for Keith Vaz to be suspended for six months for offering to buy drugs for sex workers. The motion was passed without a division.The House of Commons has just approved the recommendation from the Commons standards committee for Keith Vaz to be suspended for six months for offering to buy drugs for sex workers. The motion was passed without a division.
With parliament due to be dissolved at the end of Tuesday ahead of the general election, the decision may have little practical effect. Vaz is under pressure not to stand again as a candidate. (See 9.47am).With parliament due to be dissolved at the end of Tuesday ahead of the general election, the decision may have little practical effect. Vaz is under pressure not to stand again as a candidate. (See 9.47am).
The debate was marked by a bitter exchanges between Andrew Bridgen, a Conservative backbencher, and John Bercow, who is on his last day as Speaker. Bridgen accused Bercow of being biased in favour of Vaz. Bercow denied this and, referring to Bridgen, he told MPs:The debate was marked by a bitter exchanges between Andrew Bridgen, a Conservative backbencher, and John Bercow, who is on his last day as Speaker. Bridgen accused Bercow of being biased in favour of Vaz. Bercow denied this and, referring to Bridgen, he told MPs:
He can try to smear me, he will get the square root of nowhere.He can try to smear me, he will get the square root of nowhere.
Here is a good question from below the line.Here is a good question from below the line.
It's being reported that Jeremy Corbyn has the lowest approval rating of any opposition leader since 1977. But the leader of the opposition in 1977 was Margaret Thatcher, who went on to win three general elections. Am I missing something?It's being reported that Jeremy Corbyn has the lowest approval rating of any opposition leader since 1977. But the leader of the opposition in 1977 was Margaret Thatcher, who went on to win three general elections. Am I missing something?
You are right, but you are missing something.You are right, but you are missing something.
It was Sky’s Beth Rigby who put it to Jeremy Corbyn that he has the lowest approval rating for any opposition leader since 1977. (See 11.51am.) She was referring to this Ipsos Mori survey. But I don’t think she meant it in the way you have interpreted it. What Ipsos Mori says is that Corbyn has “the lowest net satisfaction ratings of any opposition leader since the survey began in 1977” - not the lowest rating since the opposition leader in 1977, Margaret Thatcher.It was Sky’s Beth Rigby who put it to Jeremy Corbyn that he has the lowest approval rating for any opposition leader since 1977. (See 11.51am.) She was referring to this Ipsos Mori survey. But I don’t think she meant it in the way you have interpreted it. What Ipsos Mori says is that Corbyn has “the lowest net satisfaction ratings of any opposition leader since the survey began in 1977” - not the lowest rating since the opposition leader in 1977, Margaret Thatcher.
Here are the figures.Here are the figures.
Boris Johnson has been accused of sitting on a key report assessing the threat posed by Russia to Britain’s democratic processes, the Press Association reports. The former attorney general Dominic Grieve argued voters must have access to the report by the intelligence and security committee, which he chairs, given an election has been called for 12 December. He said it was “unacceptable” for the prime minister to “sit on it”, informing the Commons that Johnson should have confirmed on Thursday that no classified matters were remaining in the report.Boris Johnson has been accused of sitting on a key report assessing the threat posed by Russia to Britain’s democratic processes, the Press Association reports. The former attorney general Dominic Grieve argued voters must have access to the report by the intelligence and security committee, which he chairs, given an election has been called for 12 December. He said it was “unacceptable” for the prime minister to “sit on it”, informing the Commons that Johnson should have confirmed on Thursday that no classified matters were remaining in the report.
The full story is here.The full story is here.
Johnson accused of withholding key report on Russia from votersJohnson accused of withholding key report on Russia from voters
After his failure to meet his cast-iron, “do or die” pledge to deliver Brexit by 31 October (today), you might have thought that Boris Johnson would think twice before setting a fresh deadline for Brexit. But he has been at it again. During a visit to Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge, he said if the Conservatives were elected, Brexit would definitely happen by the end of January. He said:After his failure to meet his cast-iron, “do or die” pledge to deliver Brexit by 31 October (today), you might have thought that Boris Johnson would think twice before setting a fresh deadline for Brexit. But he has been at it again. During a visit to Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge, he said if the Conservatives were elected, Brexit would definitely happen by the end of January. He said:
If you vote for us and we get our programme through ... then we can be out at the absolute latest by January next year.If you vote for us and we get our programme through ... then we can be out at the absolute latest by January next year.
He also said he had an “oven-ready” Brexit deal ready to go if he won the election.He also said he had an “oven-ready” Brexit deal ready to go if he won the election.
This morning the Telegraph splashed on a story saying the Brexit party could stand aside in hundreds of seats - a move that could considerably help the Conservatives, who are at risk from the pro-Brexit vote being split. As Gordon Rayner and James Rothwell report in their story (paywall):This morning the Telegraph splashed on a story saying the Brexit party could stand aside in hundreds of seats - a move that could considerably help the Conservatives, who are at risk from the pro-Brexit vote being split. As Gordon Rayner and James Rothwell report in their story (paywall):
Splits have emerged in Nigel Farage’s party over its election strategy, with several senior figures backing the ‘sensible’ option of focusing its resources on a small number of Leave-voting Labour seats that it stands a realistic chance of winning.Splits have emerged in Nigel Farage’s party over its election strategy, with several senior figures backing the ‘sensible’ option of focusing its resources on a small number of Leave-voting Labour seats that it stands a realistic chance of winning.
One senior Brexit party MEP suggested the party could field as few as 20 candidates, while other sources suggested the figure would be nearer 100.One senior Brexit party MEP suggested the party could field as few as 20 candidates, while other sources suggested the figure would be nearer 100.
Mr Farage, who previously suggested he would field 600 candidates, said on Wednesday night he was still ‘working through’ his options, but there are fears at the top of the party that splitting the Leave vote in marginal constituencies could lead to a Jeremy Corbyn premiership.Mr Farage, who previously suggested he would field 600 candidates, said on Wednesday night he was still ‘working through’ his options, but there are fears at the top of the party that splitting the Leave vote in marginal constituencies could lead to a Jeremy Corbyn premiership.
Asked about the report today, Farage played it down, but did not deny it outright. He told PA Media:Asked about the report today, Farage played it down, but did not deny it outright. He told PA Media:
This is idle speculation. I have not spoken to anyone of any seniority in the party [about this].This is idle speculation. I have not spoken to anyone of any seniority in the party [about this].
The Daily Telegraph: Brexit party could aid Tories by not fighting hundreds of seats #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/uZZgYXoAVIThe Daily Telegraph: Brexit party could aid Tories by not fighting hundreds of seats #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/uZZgYXoAVI
The Lib Dems have confirmed they are standing aside in Beaconsfield to help Dominic Grieve, the former Tory, run as a pro-remain independent candidate. Rob Castell, the party’s former parliamentary candidate, said it was true that he would step back because of these “unprecedented times”.The Lib Dems have confirmed they are standing aside in Beaconsfield to help Dominic Grieve, the former Tory, run as a pro-remain independent candidate. Rob Castell, the party’s former parliamentary candidate, said it was true that he would step back because of these “unprecedented times”.
Grieve, a supporter of a second referendum and key architect of the parliamentary battle against no deal, said today:Grieve, a supporter of a second referendum and key architect of the parliamentary battle against no deal, said today:
I will run as an independent. I have no idea what the outcome will be. All I can do is offer myself to my constituents as an individual. If they want me, I’m here to serve. If they don’t, no hard feelings.I will run as an independent. I have no idea what the outcome will be. All I can do is offer myself to my constituents as an individual. If they want me, I’m here to serve. If they don’t, no hard feelings.
In Grieve’s Buckinghamshire seat of Beaconsfield, he won 36,559 votes for the Tories in 2017, compared with Labour’s 12,016 and 4,448 for the Lib Dems.In Grieve’s Buckinghamshire seat of Beaconsfield, he won 36,559 votes for the Tories in 2017, compared with Labour’s 12,016 and 4,448 for the Lib Dems.
At first minister’s questions in the Scottish parliament the Scottish Tories’ interim leader, Jackson Carlaw, immediately asked Nicola Sturgeon if she’d like to thank Jeremy Corbyn for allowing her a second independence referendum.At first minister’s questions in the Scottish parliament the Scottish Tories’ interim leader, Jackson Carlaw, immediately asked Nicola Sturgeon if she’d like to thank Jeremy Corbyn for allowing her a second independence referendum.
(Actually Corbyn was yesterday using the same form of words that the Labour leadership has done since the summer: opposing independence but not refusing another referendum, though not in early years of a Labour government. The trouble is that this contradicts Scottish Labour’s official policy and, like their Brexit stance, isn’t easy to put across on the doorsteps.)(Actually Corbyn was yesterday using the same form of words that the Labour leadership has done since the summer: opposing independence but not refusing another referendum, though not in early years of a Labour government. The trouble is that this contradicts Scottish Labour’s official policy and, like their Brexit stance, isn’t easy to put across on the doorsteps.)
Sturgeon hit back by asking Carlaw about a story in this morning’s Times, suggesting an electoral pact by Tories and Labour to step back and allow the Lib Dems a clear run in their attempts to oust SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, in his Highland constituency, previously held by the late Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy.Sturgeon hit back by asking Carlaw about a story in this morning’s Times, suggesting an electoral pact by Tories and Labour to step back and allow the Lib Dems a clear run in their attempts to oust SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, in his Highland constituency, previously held by the late Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy.
She also hit a nerve by telling Carlaw that she sympathised with him, given that his party had so little confidence in him that they used a backbencher’s photo in their election material. This refers to leaflets bearing the face of recently departed leader Ruth Davidson: the loss of her personal voter appeal is something the Scottish Tories are expected to feel keenly during this campaign.She also hit a nerve by telling Carlaw that she sympathised with him, given that his party had so little confidence in him that they used a backbencher’s photo in their election material. This refers to leaflets bearing the face of recently departed leader Ruth Davidson: the loss of her personal voter appeal is something the Scottish Tories are expected to feel keenly during this campaign.
While Sturgeon hammered her message that only a vote for the SNP could keep the Tories out of Downing Street, and Carlaw pitched the Tory guarantee of no more referendums, don’t expect the electioneering at Holyrood to let up anytime soon ....While Sturgeon hammered her message that only a vote for the SNP could keep the Tories out of Downing Street, and Carlaw pitched the Tory guarantee of no more referendums, don’t expect the electioneering at Holyrood to let up anytime soon ....
Jeremy Corbyn will be pleased with that speech. It had a clear message, it was very well received from the activists in the hall and even the Mail on Sunday’s Dan Hodges, who has cast more vitriol over Corbyn than almost anyone else in the British commentariat, had to concede that Corbyn had done a good job. It did not contain any surprises, but it set out Labour’s platform quite compellingly.Jeremy Corbyn will be pleased with that speech. It had a clear message, it was very well received from the activists in the hall and even the Mail on Sunday’s Dan Hodges, who has cast more vitriol over Corbyn than almost anyone else in the British commentariat, had to concede that Corbyn had done a good job. It did not contain any surprises, but it set out Labour’s platform quite compellingly.
Low bar. But that was one of Corbyn’s most effective performances. Boris has a fight on his hands here, especially with the Trump/NHS line.Low bar. But that was one of Corbyn’s most effective performances. Boris has a fight on his hands here, especially with the Trump/NHS line.
The key points from the speech are summarised at 9.02am and at 9.24am.The key points from the speech are summarised at 9.02am and at 9.24am.
As usual, the more unexpected stuff came in the Q&A. Here are the main points.As usual, the more unexpected stuff came in the Q&A. Here are the main points.
Corbyn said the election was not about him personally. In response to a question about his own personal extremely low approval ratings, he said it was not a “presidential election”. It was Labour’s platform that mattered, he said. He replied:Corbyn said the election was not about him personally. In response to a question about his own personal extremely low approval ratings, he said it was not a “presidential election”. It was Labour’s platform that mattered, he said. He replied:
It’s not about me. It’s not about any individual on this platform. It’s not a presidential election ... It’s about each and every one of us standing as labour candidates - the Labour shadow cabinet or any other position - with all the diversity that we’ve got and all the different life experiences we bring to this country and to our party and to our parliament.It’s not about me. It’s not about any individual on this platform. It’s not a presidential election ... It’s about each and every one of us standing as labour candidates - the Labour shadow cabinet or any other position - with all the diversity that we’ve got and all the different life experiences we bring to this country and to our party and to our parliament.
There is a lot of truth in this. People do vote for candidates and parties, not individual leaders, and at the last election Labour performed far better than was expected by people who thought that Corbyn’s leadership would be the decisive factor. But elections do decide who serves as prime minister, and you cannot pretend leadership is irrelevant.There is a lot of truth in this. People do vote for candidates and parties, not individual leaders, and at the last election Labour performed far better than was expected by people who thought that Corbyn’s leadership would be the decisive factor. But elections do decide who serves as prime minister, and you cannot pretend leadership is irrelevant.
He said that he wanted all NHS services to be delivered by NHS employees. In response to a question about whether he wanted to stop some NHS services being provided by private companies, as is the case now, he said it was possible to visit a hospital pharmacy now and find that the staff there were not NHS employees. But they wanted to be NHS employees, he said. He went on:He said that he wanted all NHS services to be delivered by NHS employees. In response to a question about whether he wanted to stop some NHS services being provided by private companies, as is the case now, he said it was possible to visit a hospital pharmacy now and find that the staff there were not NHS employees. But they wanted to be NHS employees, he said. He went on:
Yes, I do want our NHS to be one where everyone delivering the services of the NHS are NHS employees, part of the family of NHS employees.Yes, I do want our NHS to be one where everyone delivering the services of the NHS are NHS employees, part of the family of NHS employees.
He sidestepped a question about how he would vote in the referendum Labour plans to hold after the election offering a choice between remain and a soft Brexit. Corbyn has repeatedly refused to answer this question, fuelling speculation that he might personally remain neutral.He sidestepped a question about how he would vote in the referendum Labour plans to hold after the election offering a choice between remain and a soft Brexit. Corbyn has repeatedly refused to answer this question, fuelling speculation that he might personally remain neutral.
He refused to commit Labour to abolishing public schools. Asked if Labour would get rid of schools like Eton, he said that the manifesto would be decided at a clause V meeting (a meeting of the shadow cabinet, Labour’s national executive committee and union leaders). But he went on:He refused to commit Labour to abolishing public schools. Asked if Labour would get rid of schools like Eton, he said that the manifesto would be decided at a clause V meeting (a meeting of the shadow cabinet, Labour’s national executive committee and union leaders). But he went on:
For starters, we will definitely be making sure that all those private schools – public schools as they call themselves – will actually have to pay their taxes in a fair and proper way.For starters, we will definitely be making sure that all those private schools – public schools as they call themselves – will actually have to pay their taxes in a fair and proper way.
This will not come as any surprise to anyone who looked closely at what Angela Rayner, the shadow education, was promising in her speech to the Labour conference in September. But there was a difference between what Rayner actually promised (integrating private schools with state schools), what the much more radical motion passed by delegates actually promised, and the way Momentum, the organisation for Corbyn supporters, described the significance of the motion. It put out a press release after the composite was carried saying: “Labour commits to abolishing private schools in next manifesto.” From what Corbyn is saying today, it sounds as if the manifesto will not be saying that.This will not come as any surprise to anyone who looked closely at what Angela Rayner, the shadow education, was promising in her speech to the Labour conference in September. But there was a difference between what Rayner actually promised (integrating private schools with state schools), what the much more radical motion passed by delegates actually promised, and the way Momentum, the organisation for Corbyn supporters, described the significance of the motion. It put out a press release after the composite was carried saying: “Labour commits to abolishing private schools in next manifesto.” From what Corbyn is saying today, it sounds as if the manifesto will not be saying that.
Corbyn refused to commit himself to serving a full five-year term if elected prime minister.Corbyn refused to commit himself to serving a full five-year term if elected prime minister.
He refused to commit to appoint members of the shadow cabinet to the cabinet posts they currently shadow.He refused to commit to appoint members of the shadow cabinet to the cabinet posts they currently shadow.
He said that he last spoke to Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader and Scottish first minster, about 10 days ago. He implied that, if he were prime minister, he would be better than Johnson at maintaining good relations with other parties.He said that he last spoke to Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader and Scottish first minster, about 10 days ago. He implied that, if he were prime minister, he would be better than Johnson at maintaining good relations with other parties.
I do keep in touch with, obviously, political leaders around the country because that is what leading the party is all about. You know what, when we go into government, it’s going to be so much different and so much better, because we’ll have a different world and a different society and take government that doesn’t try and divide people, but instead tries to bring them together.I do keep in touch with, obviously, political leaders around the country because that is what leading the party is all about. You know what, when we go into government, it’s going to be so much different and so much better, because we’ll have a different world and a different society and take government that doesn’t try and divide people, but instead tries to bring them together.
According to the Times Scottish political editor, Kieran Andrews, Sturgeon was less cordial when speaking about Corbyn at first minister’s questions today.According to the Times Scottish political editor, Kieran Andrews, Sturgeon was less cordial when speaking about Corbyn at first minister’s questions today.
Nicola Sturgeon has just called Corbyn “useless” at #FMQs https://t.co/VpfCqN9nBhNicola Sturgeon has just called Corbyn “useless” at #FMQs https://t.co/VpfCqN9nBh
Corbyn said he would like the media to “just report what we say”. Talking about the campaign, he said:Corbyn said he would like the media to “just report what we say”. Talking about the campaign, he said:
I’ll be all over the country, meeting people, listening to people and taking that message there. And I ask our media, as good journalists, to just report what we say.I’ll be all over the country, meeting people, listening to people and taking that message there. And I ask our media, as good journalists, to just report what we say.
This was just a plea for fair reporting, but it has attracted some comment on Twitter from journalists who have had to put up with complaints from left that reporting what No 10 says amounts to mere stenography.This was just a plea for fair reporting, but it has attracted some comment on Twitter from journalists who have had to put up with complaints from left that reporting what No 10 says amounts to mere stenography.