This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/nov/04/general-election-news-latest-health-chief-urge-parties-not-to-use-nhs-as-political-weapon-live-news

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
General election: MPs choose new Speaker to replace John Bercow – live news General election: MPs choose new Speaker to replace John Bercow – live news
(32 minutes later)
Rolling coverage of the day’s political events as they happen, including 2019 general election campaigningRolling coverage of the day’s political events as they happen, including 2019 general election campaigning
I’ve beefed up some of the earlier posts with direct quotes, from the Press Association wires, from the speeches given by the seven candidates for Commons Speaker. To get the updates to appear, you may need to refresh the page.
The UK’s national terrorism threat level has been downgraded from severe to substantial for the first time in five years, the home secretary has said, although this means a terrorist attack is still likely, my colleagues Jamie Grierson and Vikram Dodd report.
My colleague Peter Walker has more from the Brexit party event.My colleague Peter Walker has more from the Brexit party event.
Ken Clarke thanks Harman.Ken Clarke thanks Harman.
He says he will open the ballot. But first he has to give an explanation of the voting process. It is not clear to MPs. (That is because they are voting by secret ballot, a process only ever used in the Commons for these votes, and for select committee elections.)He says he will open the ballot. But first he has to give an explanation of the voting process. It is not clear to MPs. (That is because they are voting by secret ballot, a process only ever used in the Commons for these votes, and for select committee elections.)
He says the ballot will remain open for 20 minutes. Around 45 minutes after the ballot closes, the result will be announced.He says the ballot will remain open for 20 minutes. Around 45 minutes after the ballot closes, the result will be announced.
He declares the ballot open.He declares the ballot open.
So we have to wait about an hour until we get the results of the first round of voting.So we have to wait about an hour until we get the results of the first round of voting.
Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, is the final candidate to make her pitch.Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, is the final candidate to make her pitch.
She says politics is broken. MPs are facing regular threats. So this election is important.She says politics is broken. MPs are facing regular threats. So this election is important.
She says, when she was leader of the Commons, she was fair to all sides.She says, when she was leader of the Commons, she was fair to all sides.
She says the Speaker’s powers must be transparent.She says the Speaker’s powers must be transparent.
And she would be fearless in standing up for the Commons.And she would be fearless in standing up for the Commons.
She says her governing principle would be that all constituents are equal, and that all MPs are equal. She would do her best to ensure that all MPs can do their best.She says her governing principle would be that all constituents are equal, and that all MPs are equal. She would do her best to ensure that all MPs can do their best.
She has not been a member of a minor party in the Commons, she says. So she says she would appoint a fourth deputy speaker, from one of the smaller parties, so their perspective does not get overlooked.She has not been a member of a minor party in the Commons, she says. So she says she would appoint a fourth deputy speaker, from one of the smaller parties, so their perspective does not get overlooked.
She says she has pushed for reform, including the introduction of proxy voting only recently.She says she has pushed for reform, including the introduction of proxy voting only recently.
The Commons was 97% male when she was first elected, she says. She says that has changed enormously. But she says there has only been one female Speaker, Betty Boothroyd (who is watching from the gallery).The Commons was 97% male when she was first elected, she says. She says that has changed enormously. But she says there has only been one female Speaker, Betty Boothroyd (who is watching from the gallery).
Can the Commons show the country it has changed by putting a second woman in the Speaker’s chair?
Many MPs are standing down, she says, sometimes only after a short time. That should concern people. She wishes them all well.Many MPs are standing down, she says, sometimes only after a short time. That should concern people. She wishes them all well.
Addressing Ken Clarke, she says he has been an exemplary parliamentarian. She wants to thank him.Addressing Ken Clarke, she says he has been an exemplary parliamentarian. She wants to thank him.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the senior deputy Speaker, goes next. He is seen as the favourite, and he starts by praising Ken Clarke, but telling him that MPs expect to carry on hearing from him when he stands down.Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the senior deputy Speaker, goes next. He is seen as the favourite, and he starts by praising Ken Clarke, but telling him that MPs expect to carry on hearing from him when he stands down.
He says what matters is that MPs can use parliament to hold the government to account.He says what matters is that MPs can use parliament to hold the government to account.
As deputy Speaker, he has tried to ensure that everyone gets their voice heard. This is not a club where only people who have been here 35 years count.As deputy Speaker, he has tried to ensure that everyone gets their voice heard. This is not a club where only people who have been here 35 years count.
He says the Speaker must be trusted. And they must have proven track record. He hopes people will accept that he has that. And he has shown that you can reduce the time taken for Commons matters, he says.He says the Speaker must be trusted. And they must have proven track record. He hopes people will accept that he has that. And he has shown that you can reduce the time taken for Commons matters, he says.
He says security must be improved. But a lot has been done already, he says. He hopes people will credit him for what he has done to ensure that MPs are safe, their families are safe and their staff are safe.He says security must be improved. But a lot has been done already, he says. He hopes people will credit him for what he has done to ensure that MPs are safe, their families are safe and their staff are safe.
He says the chamber is under-used. There are great ideas for how it could be used more. He will not let MPs down, and he will be accountable.He says the chamber is under-used. There are great ideas for how it could be used more. He will not let MPs down, and he will be accountable.
Meg Hillier, the Labour chair of the public accounts committee, is making her case now.Meg Hillier, the Labour chair of the public accounts committee, is making her case now.
She says she would be a Speaker who spoke less, but who, when she did speak, would be there to speak up for MPs.She says she would be a Speaker who spoke less, but who, when she did speak, would be there to speak up for MPs.
She would be an impartial Speaker. UQs and statements are allowed to go on for too long, she says.She would be an impartial Speaker. UQs and statements are allowed to go on for too long, she says.
She says she used to be mayor of a London borough. She had a casting vote, and had to handle some tricky situations.She says she used to be mayor of a London borough. She had a casting vote, and had to handle some tricky situations.
She says MPs know her as someone who can be discreet.She says MPs know her as someone who can be discreet.
She says, on the restoration and renewal project, she was the MP who tabled the amendment saying MPs should move out of the building while the work goes on.She says, on the restoration and renewal project, she was the MP who tabled the amendment saying MPs should move out of the building while the work goes on.
She says bullying and harassment is still too rife in this building.She says bullying and harassment is still too rife in this building.
There are good MPs to work for and bad MPs to work for. Some members of staff are afraid to raise concerns about how they are treated. She says the Commons needs better HR. This must be addressed now, she says.There are good MPs to work for and bad MPs to work for. Some members of staff are afraid to raise concerns about how they are treated. She says the Commons needs better HR. This must be addressed now, she says.
Dame Eleanor Laing, another deputy Speaker, goes next.Dame Eleanor Laing, another deputy Speaker, goes next.
She thanks Ken Clarke for his service to the Commons.She thanks Ken Clarke for his service to the Commons.
She says the Commons is full of good people.She says the Commons is full of good people.
She is very sad that so many MPs have decided to leave. It is time someone had the courage to defend MPs, not just in his house but outside as well, she says. She says that is what she would do as Speaker.She is very sad that so many MPs have decided to leave. It is time someone had the courage to defend MPs, not just in his house but outside as well, she says. She says that is what she would do as Speaker.
There is a real anxiety about the health to the democratic system, she says. She says there is a need to rebuild trust in the political system. This is a time for change, she says, and she would deliver change.There is a real anxiety about the health to the democratic system, she says. She says there is a need to rebuild trust in the political system. This is a time for change, she says, and she would deliver change.
She says there must be an end to bullying in the Commons. She has always discharged her duties with kindness, she says.She says there must be an end to bullying in the Commons. She has always discharged her duties with kindness, she says.
She says the Speaker must support the welfare of MPs.She says the Speaker must support the welfare of MPs.
And she says the Speaker should not say any more than needs to be said. And the Speaker should not be taking up the time that should be there for MPs.And she says the Speaker should not say any more than needs to be said. And the Speaker should not be taking up the time that should be there for MPs.
Sir Edward Leigh, a Conservative, is speaking now.Sir Edward Leigh, a Conservative, is speaking now.
He says he would want to encourage backbenchers who are sincere in their beliefs.He says he would want to encourage backbenchers who are sincere in their beliefs.
He says he thinks the Speaker should submerge his personality into the job. He should be a servant of the house, he says. He says Winterton and Bryant were proposing the same idea in their speeches.He says he thinks the Speaker should submerge his personality into the job. He should be a servant of the house, he says. He says Winterton and Bryant were proposing the same idea in their speeches.
MPs should be proud of what the Commons has achieved in the last three years, he says. Every point of view has been aired, he says.MPs should be proud of what the Commons has achieved in the last three years, he says. Every point of view has been aired, he says.
They should recreate the great debates in this place, he says. Everyone should get a fair crack of the whip, he says.They should recreate the great debates in this place, he says. Everyone should get a fair crack of the whip, he says.
He says it is also important for MPs to maintain the building properly. He says the restoration can be down cheaply and efficiently. He says he does not support the need for Richmond House to be gutted to home a replacement chamber.He says it is also important for MPs to maintain the building properly. He says the restoration can be down cheaply and efficiently. He says he does not support the need for Richmond House to be gutted to home a replacement chamber.
He urges MPs to hold the executive to account, and to be sincere in their beliefs.He urges MPs to hold the executive to account, and to be sincere in their beliefs.
The Labour MP Chris Bryant goes next.The Labour MP Chris Bryant goes next.
He says he loves parliament. He says much good work goes on here that is not appreciated. MPs work together on campaigns that make a real difference, he says.He says he loves parliament. He says much good work goes on here that is not appreciated. MPs work together on campaigns that make a real difference, he says.
He says he wants to restore the rulebook. It is important for the Speaker to know it backwards, he says. He says he sleeps with Erskine May at his bedside.He says he wants to restore the rulebook. It is important for the Speaker to know it backwards, he says. He says he sleeps with Erskine May at his bedside.
He says as Speaker he would have no favourites.
He says he wants to get PMQs back to 30 minutes.He says he wants to get PMQs back to 30 minutes.
He would publish lists of speakers for debates, so that MPs know when they will be called, he says.He would publish lists of speakers for debates, so that MPs know when they will be called, he says.
He says he wants to stop clapping in the chamber.He says he wants to stop clapping in the chamber.
He ends by saying he just wants the chance to serve.He ends by saying he just wants the chance to serve.
Dame Rosie Winterton, a deputy speaker, goes first.Dame Rosie Winterton, a deputy speaker, goes first.
She says she has been a chief whip (for Labour) and a deputy Speaker.She says she has been a chief whip (for Labour) and a deputy Speaker.
She says in every job she has done she has been conciliatory.She says in every job she has done she has been conciliatory.
She says, as a Speaker from the north, she would show the House of Commons is open to all. And she says the last Speaker from the north (Betty Boothroyd) did a good job.She says, as a Speaker from the north, she would show the House of Commons is open to all. And she says the last Speaker from the north (Betty Boothroyd) did a good job.
She says she does not like to see speakers at the end of debates being given just three minutes to finish speeches. She says urgent questions and PMQs should not be allowed to over-run.She says she does not like to see speakers at the end of debates being given just three minutes to finish speeches. She says urgent questions and PMQs should not be allowed to over-run.
(That marks a contrast with John Bercow, who regularly let UQs and PMQs run until everyone down to ask a question had had a go.)(That marks a contrast with John Bercow, who regularly let UQs and PMQs run until everyone down to ask a question had had a go.)
She says he father was a headteacher. He was not seen as a disciplinarian. He was seen as “fair, encouraging and trusted”, she says. She says she would like to be the same as Speaker. She would “not seek the limelight”, but build trust.She says he father was a headteacher. He was not seen as a disciplinarian. He was seen as “fair, encouraging and trusted”, she says. She says she would like to be the same as Speaker. She would “not seek the limelight”, but build trust.
In the Commons MPs have just started the debate to choose a new Speaker.In the Commons MPs have just started the debate to choose a new Speaker.
Ken Clarke, the father of the Commons, is chairing proceedings. He said all seven candidates would make a five-minute speech. He said he drew lots this morning to decide the order in which they would speak.Ken Clarke, the father of the Commons, is chairing proceedings. He said all seven candidates would make a five-minute speech. He said he drew lots this morning to decide the order in which they would speak.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been speaking at at Westminster event where he is unveiling Brexit party election candidates. He says his party will not be standing aside for the Tories.Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been speaking at at Westminster event where he is unveiling Brexit party election candidates. He says his party will not be standing aside for the Tories.
John Woodcock, who was elected as Labour MP for Barrow and Furness but who left the party last year, has announced that he won’t stand again for election because he and his partner, the Spectator journalist Isabel Hardman, are having a baby. He has children by his previous partner now living in Edinburgh and, as he explains in an open letter to his constituents, he thinks his new family circumstances would make continuing as an MP for a Cumbria seat impossible.John Woodcock, who was elected as Labour MP for Barrow and Furness but who left the party last year, has announced that he won’t stand again for election because he and his partner, the Spectator journalist Isabel Hardman, are having a baby. He has children by his previous partner now living in Edinburgh and, as he explains in an open letter to his constituents, he thinks his new family circumstances would make continuing as an MP for a Cumbria seat impossible.
Woodcock strongly criticised Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of antisemitism allegations when he resigned from the Labour party, although at the time he was also facing a misconduct allegation himself.Woodcock strongly criticised Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of antisemitism allegations when he resigned from the Labour party, although at the time he was also facing a misconduct allegation himself.
In his letter Woodcock says he had been looking forward to defending his seat as an independent. But his chances of re-election would have been minimal. Independents very rarely win in UK parliamentary elections, and in 2017 Woodcock had a majority of just 209 over the Tories.In his letter Woodcock says he had been looking forward to defending his seat as an independent. But his chances of re-election would have been minimal. Independents very rarely win in UK parliamentary elections, and in 2017 Woodcock had a majority of just 209 over the Tories.
The number of deaths in Northern Ireland linked to paramilitary activity has increased year on year, a new report has found.The number of deaths in Northern Ireland linked to paramilitary activity has increased year on year, a new report has found.
The Independent Reporting Commission, which was set up to monitor progress on the peace process in the region, also says that Brexit could fuel further violence.The Independent Reporting Commission, which was set up to monitor progress on the peace process in the region, also says that Brexit could fuel further violence.
“The real issue about the dangers for peace in Northern Ireland, therefore, is not that Brexit itself could be the direct cause of a renewal of violence, but rather that it has the potential to add fuel to the fire of continued paramilitarism,” it said in its second annual report.“The real issue about the dangers for peace in Northern Ireland, therefore, is not that Brexit itself could be the direct cause of a renewal of violence, but rather that it has the potential to add fuel to the fire of continued paramilitarism,” it said in its second annual report.
It said that while the level of paramilitary violence over the last 10 years had reduced, it was “disturbing” to see three paramilitary-linked deaths in the year to 20 September including the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.It said that while the level of paramilitary violence over the last 10 years had reduced, it was “disturbing” to see three paramilitary-linked deaths in the year to 20 September including the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.
It found that loyalist paramilitaries were responsible for more assaults and republican paramilitaries were involved in more shootings.It found that loyalist paramilitaries were responsible for more assaults and republican paramilitaries were involved in more shootings.
There are 88 organised crime groups in Northern Ireland, 22 of which have paramilitary links, it says.There are 88 organised crime groups in Northern Ireland, 22 of which have paramilitary links, it says.
Jack Irvine, the veteran public relations specialist who has been taken on by the Brexit party for the election (see 12.25pm), has said he agrees with its criticisms of Boris Johnson’s deal “100%”. In a brief email exchange following news of his appointment, Irvine said the party had hired him on a Media House contract “but I will be working seven days a week” for it.Jack Irvine, the veteran public relations specialist who has been taken on by the Brexit party for the election (see 12.25pm), has said he agrees with its criticisms of Boris Johnson’s deal “100%”. In a brief email exchange following news of his appointment, Irvine said the party had hired him on a Media House contract “but I will be working seven days a week” for it.
Asked whether he endorsed its policies, he said:Asked whether he endorsed its policies, he said:
Plaid chose the same setting for its election campaign launch as it plumped for in 2017 – a hotel close to the Menai Bridge in north Wales. But the tone and message was very different.Plaid chose the same setting for its election campaign launch as it plumped for in 2017 – a hotel close to the Menai Bridge in north Wales. But the tone and message was very different.
Two years ago the slogan was “Defending Wales” - against what Plaid saw as the Tories’ indifference and the Labour-led Welsh government’s incompetence. Plaid’s ultimate goal – independence – hardly got a look-in.Two years ago the slogan was “Defending Wales” - against what Plaid saw as the Tories’ indifference and the Labour-led Welsh government’s incompetence. Plaid’s ultimate goal – independence – hardly got a look-in.
This time the new Plaid leader, Adam Price, who took over from Leanne Wood last year, went on the attack - and put independence front and centre.This time the new Plaid leader, Adam Price, who took over from Leanne Wood last year, went on the attack - and put independence front and centre.
He argued that this was the time for the people of Wales to find their voice and insist that they shape their future as an independent country within the EU.He argued that this was the time for the people of Wales to find their voice and insist that they shape their future as an independent country within the EU.
Plaid’s ambition for Wales to break away from the UK has been boosted by marches for independence in Wales that have attracted thousands. Its slogan this time round is: “Wales, it’s us.”Plaid’s ambition for Wales to break away from the UK has been boosted by marches for independence in Wales that have attracted thousands. Its slogan this time round is: “Wales, it’s us.”
Price’s speech was typically passionate and colourful. At one point he seemed to be pinching a sound bite from the Star Wars movies, speaking about “a new hope for all of us.”Price’s speech was typically passionate and colourful. At one point he seemed to be pinching a sound bite from the Star Wars movies, speaking about “a new hope for all of us.”
He also pointed out that 11 December [1282] was the day Wales lost its independence. This year 12 December could be the start of a new push back towards independence, he claimed.He also pointed out that 11 December [1282] was the day Wales lost its independence. This year 12 December could be the start of a new push back towards independence, he claimed.
The speech was full of aspiration – a green jobs revolution, better support for children who are in poverty, more affordable homes, a separate Welsh legal system.The speech was full of aspiration – a green jobs revolution, better support for children who are in poverty, more affordable homes, a separate Welsh legal system.
And there was also a reaching out from Plaid’s leader in Westminster, Liz Saville Roberts, towards voters who tend not to back the nationalists - including English people who live in Wales. “We are the party for Wales and everyone who lives there,” she said. “If Wales is in your heart we are the party for you.”And there was also a reaching out from Plaid’s leader in Westminster, Liz Saville Roberts, towards voters who tend not to back the nationalists - including English people who live in Wales. “We are the party for Wales and everyone who lives there,” she said. “If Wales is in your heart we are the party for you.”
Sinn Fein has announced it will not stand in three constituencies in Northern Ireland in a bid to prevent DUP MPs winning the seats. The party will stand aside in South Belfast, East Belfast and North Down. As the Press Association reports, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald urged supporters to instead back the SDLP, the Alliance party and independent unionist Lady Sylvia Hermon respectively in those three seats.Sinn Fein has announced it will not stand in three constituencies in Northern Ireland in a bid to prevent DUP MPs winning the seats. The party will stand aside in South Belfast, East Belfast and North Down. As the Press Association reports, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald urged supporters to instead back the SDLP, the Alliance party and independent unionist Lady Sylvia Hermon respectively in those three seats.
Announcing the move, McDonald said:Announcing the move, McDonald said:
What is novel, and striking, about today’s announcement is the plan for Sinn Fein to stand aside to help Lady Sylvia Hermon. Hermon now sits as an independent, but she is a unionist, she was first elected to parliament as an Ulster Unionist party MP and she is the widow of Sir Jack Hermon, a former chief constable of the RUC.What is novel, and striking, about today’s announcement is the plan for Sinn Fein to stand aside to help Lady Sylvia Hermon. Hermon now sits as an independent, but she is a unionist, she was first elected to parliament as an Ulster Unionist party MP and she is the widow of Sir Jack Hermon, a former chief constable of the RUC.
Karen Bradley, the former Northern Ireland secretary, was widely mocked last year when she admitted that, before she took on the job, she did not realise that nationalists in Northern Ireland don’t vote for unionists. “I didn’t understand things like when elections are fought, for example, in Northern Ireland – people who are nationalists don’t vote for unionist parties and vice versa,” she said. She was deemed ignorant because for years in Northern Ireland the unionist/nationalist divide has trumped everything.Karen Bradley, the former Northern Ireland secretary, was widely mocked last year when she admitted that, before she took on the job, she did not realise that nationalists in Northern Ireland don’t vote for unionists. “I didn’t understand things like when elections are fought, for example, in Northern Ireland – people who are nationalists don’t vote for unionist parties and vice versa,” she said. She was deemed ignorant because for years in Northern Ireland the unionist/nationalist divide has trumped everything.
But today’s announcement from Sinn Fein shows that in some parts of Northern Ireland (but not all - see my colleague Rory Carroll at 12.30pm) these rigidities are starting to crack. Asked if she was comfortable about asking Sinn Fein supporters to back a unionist in North Down, McDonald replied:But today’s announcement from Sinn Fein shows that in some parts of Northern Ireland (but not all - see my colleague Rory Carroll at 12.30pm) these rigidities are starting to crack. Asked if she was comfortable about asking Sinn Fein supporters to back a unionist in North Down, McDonald replied:
From my colleague Jennifer RankinFrom my colleague Jennifer Rankin