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General election: Boris Johnson urges voters to reject 'Sturgeon-Corbyn alliance' – live news General election: Boris Johnson urges voters to reject 'Sturgeon-Corbyn alliance' – live news
(32 minutes later)
The prime minister delivers the first big set-piece speech of the campaign as Labour pledges £26bn extra per year for NHSThe prime minister delivers the first big set-piece speech of the campaign as Labour pledges £26bn extra per year for NHS
A lot of longstanding traditional Conservative voters are “very uncomfortable” with the party’s approach to Brexit, David Gauke has claimed.
In particular, he cited a “failure to be straight with the British public that if we are going to get a free trade agreement with the European Union it’s going to take more than 11 months”. The former Tory, who is standing as an independent, has told Channel 4 News:
He added:
Gauke said the party has “changed very rapidly” in the last few months, adding that it should accommodate a range of views.
Some of the reasons offered by the government for failing to release the report on Russian meddling in the democratic process before the election are “utterly bogus”, according to the former chair of the committee that produced it.Some of the reasons offered by the government for failing to release the report on Russian meddling in the democratic process before the election are “utterly bogus”, according to the former chair of the committee that produced it.
Dominic Grieve, who sat at the head of the cross-party intelligence and security committee until the dissolution of parliament, has told LBC Radio this evening:Dominic Grieve, who sat at the head of the cross-party intelligence and security committee until the dissolution of parliament, has told LBC Radio this evening:
Asked if he felt Boris Johnson had “something to hide”, he said:Asked if he felt Boris Johnson had “something to hide”, he said:
Grieve added that he was concerned the report might never come out at all.Grieve added that he was concerned the report might never come out at all.
The Brexit party will refund its £100 fee to any general election candidate Nigel Farage has now ordered to stand down who wants it, a spokesman confirms.The Brexit party will refund its £100 fee to any general election candidate Nigel Farage has now ordered to stand down who wants it, a spokesman confirms.
Farage said the Brexit party would no longer stand in any of the 317 constituencies won by the Tories in 2017 as he backed out of a fight with the party on Monday.Farage said the Brexit party would no longer stand in any of the 317 constituencies won by the Tories in 2017 as he backed out of a fight with the party on Monday.
Boris Johnson has refused to hardened up his Brexit stance in a way that might have increased the chance of Nigel Farage giving the Conservative party a firmer electoral endorsement. Farage has already said that his Brexit party will not stand candidates in Tory-held seat and, ahead of the deadline tomorrow for nominations, he has been under pressure to withdraw his candidates in Labour-held marginals to help the Conservatives’ chances. There was speculation that an explicit commitment by Boris Johnson to have a no-deal Brexit by the end of 2020 if the UK-EU trade deal could not be agreed by then might have been enough to win Farage around. Farage hinted as much himself this afternoon. Johnson has ruled out extending the Brexit transition beyond the end of 2020. But in interviews this morning his ally Michael Gove repeatedly insisted that there was no prospect of a no-deal Brexit at the end of next year. And, in the Q&A after his speech, Johnson also declined various opportunities to talk up his willingness to countenance a no-deal Brexit, in language that might appeal to Farage. Instead he just urged the Brexit party to back the Tories to get Brexit done. He said:Boris Johnson has refused to hardened up his Brexit stance in a way that might have increased the chance of Nigel Farage giving the Conservative party a firmer electoral endorsement. Farage has already said that his Brexit party will not stand candidates in Tory-held seat and, ahead of the deadline tomorrow for nominations, he has been under pressure to withdraw his candidates in Labour-held marginals to help the Conservatives’ chances. There was speculation that an explicit commitment by Boris Johnson to have a no-deal Brexit by the end of 2020 if the UK-EU trade deal could not be agreed by then might have been enough to win Farage around. Farage hinted as much himself this afternoon. Johnson has ruled out extending the Brexit transition beyond the end of 2020. But in interviews this morning his ally Michael Gove repeatedly insisted that there was no prospect of a no-deal Brexit at the end of next year. And, in the Q&A after his speech, Johnson also declined various opportunities to talk up his willingness to countenance a no-deal Brexit, in language that might appeal to Farage. Instead he just urged the Brexit party to back the Tories to get Brexit done. He said:
Having earlier said that it might be possible for him to vote Tory in the election, Farage posted a tweet, at around the time Johnson’s Q&A was coming to an end, saying that this was now impossible. This means the Tories are now set to face a Brexit party challenge in many or all of their target seats.Having earlier said that it might be possible for him to vote Tory in the election, Farage posted a tweet, at around the time Johnson’s Q&A was coming to an end, saying that this was now impossible. This means the Tories are now set to face a Brexit party challenge in many or all of their target seats.
Johnson’s unwillingness to harden up his Brexit stance probably tells little about the Brexit policy he would adopt if he won the election. It is more likely that he is worried that any further pivot towards Faragism would cost him more votes from remain-inclined Tories.Johnson’s unwillingness to harden up his Brexit stance probably tells little about the Brexit policy he would adopt if he won the election. It is more likely that he is worried that any further pivot towards Faragism would cost him more votes from remain-inclined Tories.
Johnson has recast his opponents in the election as the “Sturgeon-Corbyn alliance”. Yesterday Jeremy Corbyn argued that the Brexit party decision to stand down in some seats meant Labour was fighting what amounted to a Trump/Farage/Johnson alliance. Today Johnson hit back by arguing that he too was up against an alliance. In his speech he argued:Johnson has recast his opponents in the election as the “Sturgeon-Corbyn alliance”. Yesterday Jeremy Corbyn argued that the Brexit party decision to stand down in some seats meant Labour was fighting what amounted to a Trump/Farage/Johnson alliance. Today Johnson hit back by arguing that he too was up against an alliance. In his speech he argued:
This is a rehash of an argument that David Cameron used in 2015, when he argued that an Ed Miliband government would be dependent on SNP support. The argument reflected an assumption that Labour could not win an outright majority, but it also appealed to latent anti-Scottish sentiment amongst English voters uncomfortable at the idea of Scotland having an undue influence on UK policy. Johnson also repeated his long-standing claim that the “Sturgeon-Corbyn” alliance would hold two referendums this year, even though Labour is saying it would not agree to a second Scottish independence one until after the Scottish parliament elections in 2021. But as he delivered the speech, Johnson did not deliver the line about how more referendums would amount to “more political self-obsession and onanism”. He joked that this was because the press got hold of a “stray early draft”, but he knows full well the comment was in a text press-released by CCHQ.This is a rehash of an argument that David Cameron used in 2015, when he argued that an Ed Miliband government would be dependent on SNP support. The argument reflected an assumption that Labour could not win an outright majority, but it also appealed to latent anti-Scottish sentiment amongst English voters uncomfortable at the idea of Scotland having an undue influence on UK policy. Johnson also repeated his long-standing claim that the “Sturgeon-Corbyn” alliance would hold two referendums this year, even though Labour is saying it would not agree to a second Scottish independence one until after the Scottish parliament elections in 2021. But as he delivered the speech, Johnson did not deliver the line about how more referendums would amount to “more political self-obsession and onanism”. He joked that this was because the press got hold of a “stray early draft”, but he knows full well the comment was in a text press-released by CCHQ.
Johnson claimed that Corbyn was “naive” when he told an interviewer earlier that it would have been better if the Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, had been arrested by US special forces, not killed by them. In response to a question that gave a partial account of what Corbyn said, Johnson replied:Johnson claimed that Corbyn was “naive” when he told an interviewer earlier that it would have been better if the Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, had been arrested by US special forces, not killed by them. In response to a question that gave a partial account of what Corbyn said, Johnson replied:
Corbyn did provoke outrage and incredulity in 2015 when he said it was a “tragedy” that Osama bin Laden had been killed by the US, not put on trial. But today, when asked if he also considered Baghdadi’s death a tragedy, Corbyn avoided that phrase and gave a measured response, arguing that if it had been possible to put Baghdadi on trial, that would have been preferable.Corbyn did provoke outrage and incredulity in 2015 when he said it was a “tragedy” that Osama bin Laden had been killed by the US, not put on trial. But today, when asked if he also considered Baghdadi’s death a tragedy, Corbyn avoided that phrase and gave a measured response, arguing that if it had been possible to put Baghdadi on trial, that would have been preferable.
Johnson said in his speech that, after Brexit, he wanted public procurement projects to prioritise hiring British apprentices. He said:Johnson said in his speech that, after Brexit, he wanted public procurement projects to prioritise hiring British apprentices. He said:
The former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke has urged people to vote for Liberal Democrat and independent candidates, saying a majority Tory government would lead to a “very hard Brexit” that would be “disastrous” for the UK.The former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke has urged people to vote for Liberal Democrat and independent candidates, saying a majority Tory government would lead to a “very hard Brexit” that would be “disastrous” for the UK.
Jeremy Corbyn’s key union supporter, Unite’s Len McCluskey, has told the Labour leader that victory in the general election means winning over the party’s traditional working-class supporters with a tough line on free movement of workers.Jeremy Corbyn’s key union supporter, Unite’s Len McCluskey, has told the Labour leader that victory in the general election means winning over the party’s traditional working-class supporters with a tough line on free movement of workers.
Labour’s NHS “rescue package” will be funded by higher income tax rates, at 45p for those earning more than £80,000 a year and 50p for those bringing in over £150,000, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has said.Labour’s NHS “rescue package” will be funded by higher income tax rates, at 45p for those earning more than £80,000 a year and 50p for those bringing in over £150,000, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has said.
Jo Swinson has sought to quell a mini-rebellion in the Liberal Democrats about whether to stand in highly marginal seats held by Labour over the Conservatives, insisting the party must give voters a genuine remain option in the election.Jo Swinson has sought to quell a mini-rebellion in the Liberal Democrats about whether to stand in highly marginal seats held by Labour over the Conservatives, insisting the party must give voters a genuine remain option in the election.
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is writing the blog now for the rest of the evening.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is writing the blog now for the rest of the evening.
Labour are casting this afternoon’s news that Royal Mail has won an injunction preventing the first national postal strike in a decade as evidence the system favours employers over workers. Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, has said:Labour are casting this afternoon’s news that Royal Mail has won an injunction preventing the first national postal strike in a decade as evidence the system favours employers over workers. Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, has said:
Labour’s plans to transition from oil and gas will be the “polar opposite” of the Conservative move away from coal in the 1980s, the party’s Scottish leader has said. Speaking at a miners’ welfare in Uddingston, in South Lanarkshire, Richard Leonard said the “green industrial revolution” being touted by Labour will be “by consent”.Labour’s plans to transition from oil and gas will be the “polar opposite” of the Conservative move away from coal in the 1980s, the party’s Scottish leader has said. Speaking at a miners’ welfare in Uddingston, in South Lanarkshire, Richard Leonard said the “green industrial revolution” being touted by Labour will be “by consent”.
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said he does not think his party’s environmental policy would spell the end for fossil fuels. He added that he was aware of the number of jobs dependent on the fossil fuel industry.The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said he does not think his party’s environmental policy would spell the end for fossil fuels. He added that he was aware of the number of jobs dependent on the fossil fuel industry.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, is now saying that he could not vote Conservative on the basis of what they have done this week. Earlier he suggested he might. (See 5.14pm.)Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, is now saying that he could not vote Conservative on the basis of what they have done this week. Earlier he suggested he might. (See 5.14pm.)
Q: Corbyn has ruled out a second referendum next year. Aren’t you misleading the public by saying otherwise? And is not your deal with the Brexit party just as shady as any Labour/SNP cooperation?Q: Corbyn has ruled out a second referendum next year. Aren’t you misleading the public by saying otherwise? And is not your deal with the Brexit party just as shady as any Labour/SNP cooperation?
Johnson says the Tories do not do deals.Johnson says the Tories do not do deals.
On what he calls “the Sturgeon/Corbyn alliance”, he says Nicola Sturgeon is Jeremy Corbyn’s “path to power” and his “yoke-mate of destiny”. She wants a referendum next year. So it is hard to see how Corbyn could turn her down.On what he calls “the Sturgeon/Corbyn alliance”, he says Nicola Sturgeon is Jeremy Corbyn’s “path to power” and his “yoke-mate of destiny”. She wants a referendum next year. So it is hard to see how Corbyn could turn her down.
He says this country has had enough of referendums like this. He wants to get on and get Brexit done, he says.He says this country has had enough of referendums like this. He wants to get on and get Brexit done, he says.
He says the potential of this country is perfectly represented by the electric vehicles being made at this factory. He is going to turbocharge – if you can turbocharge an electric vehicle – the opportunities for this country.He says the potential of this country is perfectly represented by the electric vehicles being made at this factory. He is going to turbocharge – if you can turbocharge an electric vehicle – the opportunities for this country.
And that’s it. The Q&A is over.And that’s it. The Q&A is over.
I will post a summary soon.I will post a summary soon.
Q: What will it mean if the Brexit party do stand against you?Q: What will it mean if the Brexit party do stand against you?
Johnson says his deal is ready to go. We can slam it in the oven, and be ready to leave in January.Johnson says his deal is ready to go. We can slam it in the oven, and be ready to leave in January.
Q: Have you got a message for Nigel Farage? And why did you refer to onanism in the extracts released last night, when you did not use that word this afternoon?Q: Have you got a message for Nigel Farage? And why did you refer to onanism in the extracts released last night, when you did not use that word this afternoon?
Johnson says he would urge people to back Conservative candidates.Johnson says he would urge people to back Conservative candidates.
And he says the “onanism” reference was in a “stray early draft” of his speech.And he says the “onanism” reference was in a “stray early draft” of his speech.
Q: (From the Daily Mail) Earlier today Jeremy Corbyn questioned the US government’s account of the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. [Er, not quite - see 4.28pm.] What is your reaction?Q: (From the Daily Mail) Earlier today Jeremy Corbyn questioned the US government’s account of the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. [Er, not quite - see 4.28pm.] What is your reaction?
Johnson says it is unrealistic to think Baghdadi could have been captured. He says he does not know the details of what Corbyn said. But if it is as the questioner suggested, Corbyn is being naive.Johnson says it is unrealistic to think Baghdadi could have been captured. He says he does not know the details of what Corbyn said. But if it is as the questioner suggested, Corbyn is being naive.
Q: What would you do to restore council budgets?Q: What would you do to restore council budgets?
Johnson says the government is putting more into social care, because that is where the real pinch is. But the best way to support councils such as Coventry is to support the economy, so that the tax base is there.Johnson says the government is putting more into social care, because that is where the real pinch is. But the best way to support councils such as Coventry is to support the economy, so that the tax base is there.
Q: David Gauke says if you win, that will be bad for the UK. Why should people trust you to lead the country when people who worked with you in cabinet don’t trust you?Q: David Gauke says if you win, that will be bad for the UK. Why should people trust you to lead the country when people who worked with you in cabinet don’t trust you?
Johnson says he leads a one nation government. He wants to deliver on the people’s priorities. But the problem at the moment is that parliament won’t push Brexit through.Johnson says he leads a one nation government. He wants to deliver on the people’s priorities. But the problem at the moment is that parliament won’t push Brexit through.
He says he would say to Gauke, unless the Tories have a working majority, there will be a coalition led by Jeremy Corbyn and “years of paralysis”.He says he would say to Gauke, unless the Tories have a working majority, there will be a coalition led by Jeremy Corbyn and “years of paralysis”.
Q: Will you apologise to the flood victims?Q: Will you apologise to the flood victims?
Johnson says the emergency services have been working flat out to help people. Being hit by a flood is a terrible thing. A huge amount of work is going on.Johnson says the emergency services have been working flat out to help people. Being hit by a flood is a terrible thing. A huge amount of work is going on.
He says it is important for people to understand what financial compensation is available.He says it is important for people to understand what financial compensation is available.
He says the UK needs to invest in flood defences. Some £2.6bn has already been put in, he says. But there is “much more work to be done”.He says the UK needs to invest in flood defences. Some £2.6bn has already been put in, he says. But there is “much more work to be done”.
Johnson is now taking questions.Johnson is now taking questions.
Q: You have been criticised for your handling of the floods, and you have got former Tories running as independents. Are you in control of this campaign?Q: You have been criticised for your handling of the floods, and you have got former Tories running as independents. Are you in control of this campaign?
Johnson says he has visited the flood areas twice now. He pays tribute to how people are coping. The government is ready to do what it can. No one can overestimate how terrible this is for people, he says. Where there are gaps in insurance, he will sort it out, he says.Johnson says he has visited the flood areas twice now. He pays tribute to how people are coping. The government is ready to do what it can. No one can overestimate how terrible this is for people, he says. Where there are gaps in insurance, he will sort it out, he says.
On the campaign generally, he says of course we need to get Brexit done, “because it has been paralysing politics for three years”.On the campaign generally, he says of course we need to get Brexit done, “because it has been paralysing politics for three years”.
This is from the Times’ Steven Swinford.This is from the Times’ Steven Swinford.
Johnson says he will make Britain the greatest place on earth.Johnson says he will make Britain the greatest place on earth.
We should get on with it, he says, instead of wasting 2020 on two referendums.We should get on with it, he says, instead of wasting 2020 on two referendums.
He asks people if they want to wake up on 13 December and find a Corbyn-Sturgeon “technicolour coalition of chaos”.He asks people if they want to wake up on 13 December and find a Corbyn-Sturgeon “technicolour coalition of chaos”.
Johnson says it is technical breakthroughs, like the ones being promoted by this factory, that will enable the UK to cut carbon emissions.Johnson says it is technical breakthroughs, like the ones being promoted by this factory, that will enable the UK to cut carbon emissions.