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General election: parties vie for veterans' votes as Keith Vaz quits – live news General election: parties vie for veterans' votes as Keith Vaz quits – live news
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Labour and the Tories pledge more help for service personnel, while controversial former minister says he’s standing down. Follow all the developments on day five with our live blogLabour and the Tories pledge more help for service personnel, while controversial former minister says he’s standing down. Follow all the developments on day five with our live blog
The shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry has been questioned over what would be on the ballot paper under Labour’s plans to offer a second referendum. Later, on the Today programme, Thornberry that service personnel would be paid a “proper wage” through the lifting of the public sector pay cap under Labour’s proposals.
Thornberry welcomed the Tories’ pledge to stop “vexatious and unfair actions” against veterans, but pointed towards Theresa May’s undelivered announcement of a similar policy. However, she said she did not believe the Human Rights Act had to be changed, and rather prosecuting authorities should not allow for such claims to be heard in court.
Questioned over Jeremy Corbyn’s personal support for the armed forces, Thornberry said: “When you see Jeremy interacting with members of the armed services .. you can see he is incredibly empathetic.”
However, she was unable to provide an example of when Corbyn backed UK military action abroad.
Pointing to interventions in the Middle East and Libya, she said recent military campaigns had not led to what the UK had wanted. Nevertheless, she restated Labour’s support for maintaining the Trident nuclear weapons system.
The shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, has been questioned over what would be on the ballot paper under Labour’s plans to offer a second referendum.
She was also asked whether she would use a nuclear weapon to defend the UK.She was also asked whether she would use a nuclear weapon to defend the UK.
Moving on to another election pledge, Wallace said serving personnel would be provided with free wraparound care for their four- to 11-year-old children.Moving on to another election pledge, Wallace said serving personnel would be provided with free wraparound care for their four- to 11-year-old children.
The £165m scheme to help service people “with their pressures” would be introduced alongside a veterans’ railcard and a new help-to-buy scheme under a future Tory government.The £165m scheme to help service people “with their pressures” would be introduced alongside a veterans’ railcard and a new help-to-buy scheme under a future Tory government.
“We’re going to invest in the most important equipment of our armed forces if we win this election and that is our servicemen and women,” he said.“We’re going to invest in the most important equipment of our armed forces if we win this election and that is our servicemen and women,” he said.
There should be a 10-year limit on the prosecution of soldiers unless “compelling new evidence” emerges, Wallace said. But he stressed the UK would not be leaving the European court of human rights.There should be a 10-year limit on the prosecution of soldiers unless “compelling new evidence” emerges, Wallace said. But he stressed the UK would not be leaving the European court of human rights.
Asked what exactly would change, Wallace said:Asked what exactly would change, Wallace said:
Asked whether it would apply to everyone who might be involved in these inquests, including paramilitaries, terrorists and soldiers, Wallace said it would apply for all.Asked whether it would apply to everyone who might be involved in these inquests, including paramilitaries, terrorists and soldiers, Wallace said it would apply for all.
Asked how this is not an “amnesty for terrorists”, he said: “It’s not an amnesty. Everyone will still be able to avail themselves of the European court of human rights in the Hague. But what they won’t be able to avail themselves of the right, is continually going back to our courts in the UK.”Asked how this is not an “amnesty for terrorists”, he said: “It’s not an amnesty. Everyone will still be able to avail themselves of the European court of human rights in the Hague. But what they won’t be able to avail themselves of the right, is continually going back to our courts in the UK.”
Questioned over his previous remarks in the House of Commons, when he said “I don’t support amnesty for people who went out and killed many of these young men and women who went out to defend us. I don’t think that’s a solution”, he replied:Questioned over his previous remarks in the House of Commons, when he said “I don’t support amnesty for people who went out and killed many of these young men and women who went out to defend us. I don’t think that’s a solution”, he replied:
Questioned over the failure of previous defence secretary’s to promise to deliver the proposal, he said: “It’s time to finish this.”Questioned over the failure of previous defence secretary’s to promise to deliver the proposal, he said: “It’s time to finish this.”
Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, has said the Conservatives’ election pledge to protect veterans from prosecution is not an “amnesty”.Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, has said the Conservatives’ election pledge to protect veterans from prosecution is not an “amnesty”.
He said the Tories’ pledge to change the law would protect veterans from “vexatious” legal action and would take up the defence select committee’s recent recommendations on limiting prosecutions of soldiers.He said the Tories’ pledge to change the law would protect veterans from “vexatious” legal action and would take up the defence select committee’s recent recommendations on limiting prosecutions of soldiers.
Wallace told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that conflicts between different pieces of international law have meant that lawyers defending people representing “terrorists killed in the act of terror” have led to “continued, repeated” inquests.Wallace told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that conflicts between different pieces of international law have meant that lawyers defending people representing “terrorists killed in the act of terror” have led to “continued, repeated” inquests.
Asked on whether the law would apply retroactively, Wallace noted the independence of the judiciary and said that the changes would apply only to future prosecutions.Asked on whether the law would apply retroactively, Wallace noted the independence of the judiciary and said that the changes would apply only to future prosecutions.
The Conservatives want to end unfair trials of veterans where no new evidence has been produced and the accusations have been questioned exhaustively in court by amending the Human Rights Act so it does not apply to incidents – including deaths during the Troubles – which took place before the law came into force in 2000.The Conservatives want to end unfair trials of veterans where no new evidence has been produced and the accusations have been questioned exhaustively in court by amending the Human Rights Act so it does not apply to incidents – including deaths during the Troubles – which took place before the law came into force in 2000.
In July, the House of Commons defence select committee said a 10-year “qualified statute of limitations” should be introduced to protect veterans and serving armed forces personnel from reinvestigation for alleged crimes.In July, the House of Commons defence select committee said a 10-year “qualified statute of limitations” should be introduced to protect veterans and serving armed forces personnel from reinvestigation for alleged crimes.
It also called on the government to consider amending the Human Rights Act to provide a presumption against prosecution for historical offences.It also called on the government to consider amending the Human Rights Act to provide a presumption against prosecution for historical offences.
However, Sinn Féin has previously raised fears over the amnesty proposal. One of the party’s MPs, Francie Molloy, said that any attempt to create a hierarchy “by protecting perpetrators of murders and other serious crime committed by British state forces are totally unacceptable”.However, Sinn Féin has previously raised fears over the amnesty proposal. One of the party’s MPs, Francie Molloy, said that any attempt to create a hierarchy “by protecting perpetrators of murders and other serious crime committed by British state forces are totally unacceptable”.
News that British Steel may be about to be bought by a Chinese conglomerate for £70m could spark discussion about Britain’s industrial policy on the campaign trail.News that British Steel may be about to be bought by a Chinese conglomerate for £70m could spark discussion about Britain’s industrial policy on the campaign trail.
A deal with Jingye Group could go through in the next couple of days according to our reporter Rob Davies, who has seen an email sent to employees about the sale.A deal with Jingye Group could go through in the next couple of days according to our reporter Rob Davies, who has seen an email sent to employees about the sale.
That is good news for the company’s 4,000 employees, most of whom work in the marginal constituency of Scunthorpe. The seat is held by Labour’s Nic Dakin with a majority of just over 3,000. The North Lincolnshire town is traditional Labour territory but it also voted heavily for Brexit – 68.68% in favour of leaving compared with 31.32% for remain.That is good news for the company’s 4,000 employees, most of whom work in the marginal constituency of Scunthorpe. The seat is held by Labour’s Nic Dakin with a majority of just over 3,000. The North Lincolnshire town is traditional Labour territory but it also voted heavily for Brexit – 68.68% in favour of leaving compared with 31.32% for remain.
Here’s Rob’s full story:Here’s Rob’s full story:
On the Ulster campaign trail, the SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, says Northern Ireland should become a leader in renewable energy technology. Eastwood, who is standing for the constituency of Foyle, says better education of children to raise awareness of global warming is a moral imperative.On the Ulster campaign trail, the SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, says Northern Ireland should become a leader in renewable energy technology. Eastwood, who is standing for the constituency of Foyle, says better education of children to raise awareness of global warming is a moral imperative.
Keith Vaz announced last night he was standing down, a move that spares Jeremy Corbyn a tricky issue because the longstanding MP for Leicester East was facing suspension from the Commons for “expressing interest” in buying cocaine for prostitutes.Keith Vaz announced last night he was standing down, a move that spares Jeremy Corbyn a tricky issue because the longstanding MP for Leicester East was facing suspension from the Commons for “expressing interest” in buying cocaine for prostitutes.
Vaz, who won the seat from the Tories in 1987, said in a statement that the people of Leicester “will always be in my heart”.Vaz, who won the seat from the Tories in 1987, said in a statement that the people of Leicester “will always be in my heart”.
He continued:He continued:
Corbyn paid generous tribute to his now ex-parliamentary colleague, saying:Corbyn paid generous tribute to his now ex-parliamentary colleague, saying:
You can read our full story on his decision here:You can read our full story on his decision here:
Most of the papers lead with election-related stories, with the Times going on the row over Labour’s spending plans and the Mail and the Telegraph leading on the Tories’ rehashed policy to ban prosecutions of veterans.Most of the papers lead with election-related stories, with the Times going on the row over Labour’s spending plans and the Mail and the Telegraph leading on the Tories’ rehashed policy to ban prosecutions of veterans.
Here are some of the front pages:Here are some of the front pages:
Boris Johnson will visit the Black Country today as he pushes his party’s policies to help service personnel and veterans.Boris Johnson will visit the Black Country today as he pushes his party’s policies to help service personnel and veterans.
Jeremy Corbyn will be with other senior members of the Labour leadership team to discuss migration policy.Jeremy Corbyn will be with other senior members of the Labour leadership team to discuss migration policy.
The Lib Dems are talking about education and will promise every adult in England £10,000 to spend on education and training throughout their life.The Lib Dems are talking about education and will promise every adult in England £10,000 to spend on education and training throughout their life.
It seems likely that Nigel Farage will have something to say about both immigration and veterans when he launches the Brexit party’s campaign in Hartlepool. Also present will be the party’s chairman, Richard Tice, who is standing as MP for the Teesside town.It seems likely that Nigel Farage will have something to say about both immigration and veterans when he launches the Brexit party’s campaign in Hartlepool. Also present will be the party’s chairman, Richard Tice, who is standing as MP for the Teesside town.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will be on the stump in Aberdeen.SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will be on the stump in Aberdeen.
Good morning. I’m Martin Farrer and welcome to the election live blog.Good morning. I’m Martin Farrer and welcome to the election live blog.
The fifth day of the campaign might be Armistice Day but there is no prospect of a ceasefire between the parties. The unusual instance of Remembrance Day falling in an election campaign has left the big players unable to resist promoting policies for veterans. The Tories are planning to offer more childcare help for families in the military, a railcard for veterans and will also repeat previous pledges to prevent “vexatious” legal claims such as those faced by ex-soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Labour has said it will improve pay and conditions for service personnel by scrapping the public sector pay cap, better housing and improved access to schools for children of force members.The fifth day of the campaign might be Armistice Day but there is no prospect of a ceasefire between the parties. The unusual instance of Remembrance Day falling in an election campaign has left the big players unable to resist promoting policies for veterans. The Tories are planning to offer more childcare help for families in the military, a railcard for veterans and will also repeat previous pledges to prevent “vexatious” legal claims such as those faced by ex-soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Labour has said it will improve pay and conditions for service personnel by scrapping the public sector pay cap, better housing and improved access to schools for children of force members.
Another major focus will be immigration. Our political editor, Heather Stewart, reports that Labour activists are pushing Jeremy Corbyn to incorporate radical changes to migration policy in the party’s manifesto. Senior leaders are meeting today to thrash out the party’s definitive stance with many calling for them to adopt the more open border policy backed by members at party conference in September. The Tories are hoping to portray Labour as soft on immigration and believe that a more liberal policy could cost Corbyn votes in northern and Midlands heartland seats.Another major focus will be immigration. Our political editor, Heather Stewart, reports that Labour activists are pushing Jeremy Corbyn to incorporate radical changes to migration policy in the party’s manifesto. Senior leaders are meeting today to thrash out the party’s definitive stance with many calling for them to adopt the more open border policy backed by members at party conference in September. The Tories are hoping to portray Labour as soft on immigration and believe that a more liberal policy could cost Corbyn votes in northern and Midlands heartland seats.
One Midlands seat that will be a bit different this time is Leicester East, where Keith Vaz’s name will not be on the ballot paper for the first time in 32 years. The former minister, who was facing suspension from the Commons for “expressing willingness” to purchase cocaine for sex workers, announced last night that he is standing down. Vaz, who is 62, said it had been “an honour and a privilege to serve my constituency”, while Corbyn said Vaz had led the way for black and Asian Labour MPs.One Midlands seat that will be a bit different this time is Leicester East, where Keith Vaz’s name will not be on the ballot paper for the first time in 32 years. The former minister, who was facing suspension from the Commons for “expressing willingness” to purchase cocaine for sex workers, announced last night that he is standing down. Vaz, who is 62, said it had been “an honour and a privilege to serve my constituency”, while Corbyn said Vaz had led the way for black and Asian Labour MPs.
No campaign day would be complete without a spending row and this one will be no exception with Labour hitting back at Tory claims that its policies would cost £1.2tn. Andrew Gwynne, Labour’s election coordinator, described the claims as “absolute work of fiction by the Conservatives”. Our economic correspodent, Richard Partington, has interrogated the Tory claims and concludes that they have added in the cost of Labour policies over a five-year period to inflate the headline number.No campaign day would be complete without a spending row and this one will be no exception with Labour hitting back at Tory claims that its policies would cost £1.2tn. Andrew Gwynne, Labour’s election coordinator, described the claims as “absolute work of fiction by the Conservatives”. Our economic correspodent, Richard Partington, has interrogated the Tory claims and concludes that they have added in the cost of Labour policies over a five-year period to inflate the headline number.
Thanks for joining us and enjoy day five.Thanks for joining us and enjoy day five.