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General election: Johnson 'not fit to be PM' because he's selfish, dishonest and divisive, says Swinson – live news General election: Johnson 'not fit to be PM' because he's selfish, dishonest and divisive, says Swinson – live news
(32 minutes later)
Campaigns shift to climate crisis, though Boris Johnson has not confirmed attendance at televised environment debate tonightCampaigns shift to climate crisis, though Boris Johnson has not confirmed attendance at televised environment debate tonight
Jeremy Corbyn has not sought to make Boris Johnson’s character an election issue. He has been fiercely critical of Johnson’s policies, but he prides himself on being someone who does not resort to personal character assassination. He has summed up his attitude using the Michelle Obama’s line “When they go low, we go high” (although that’s a better slogan than it is a guide to how her husband won the 2012 election - but that’s another story.) This is very good on how Boris Johnson fights elections. It is a clip from Matthew McGregor, who worked for Labour on the Ken Livingstone campaign in 2008, when Johnson beat Livingstone for the London mayoralty.
This morning Jo Swinson was also asked about the YouGov MRP polling analysis suggesting the Lib Dems may gain just one seat at the election. She claimed it showed there was still “a huge amount to play for”. She explained:
Jeremy Corbyn has not sought to make Boris Johnson’s character an election issue. He has been fiercely critical of Johnson’s policies, but he prides himself on being someone who does not resort to personal character assassination. He has summed up his attitude using the Michelle Obama’s line “When they go low, we go high” (although that’s a better slogan than it is a guide to how her husband won the 2012 election – but that’s another story.)
But the Liberal Democrats are targeting Johnson personally. Chuka Umunna, the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, delivered a speech lambasting him on Monday, and this morning Jo Swinson, the party leader, followed that up with a speech entitled “the problem with Boris Johnson”. She said he only cared about himself.But the Liberal Democrats are targeting Johnson personally. Chuka Umunna, the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, delivered a speech lambasting him on Monday, and this morning Jo Swinson, the party leader, followed that up with a speech entitled “the problem with Boris Johnson”. She said he only cared about himself.
Swinson said Johnson was “not fit to be prime minister after “lying to the Queen” over prorogation. She went on: Swinson said Johnson was “not fit to be prime minister after lying to the Queen” over prorogation. She went on:
Whether this will make much difference is another matter. Negative campaigning can be effective, but Johnson, like Donald Trump, seems to be unusually impervious to this sort of criticism. Some people loath him because of his multiple character flaws. But other people don’t seem to mind ...Whether this will make much difference is another matter. Negative campaigning can be effective, but Johnson, like Donald Trump, seems to be unusually impervious to this sort of criticism. Some people loath him because of his multiple character flaws. But other people don’t seem to mind ...
Conservative candidates in the general election have been issued with a detailed dossier on how to attack Labour and Liberal Democrat rivals which contains numerous rehashed and potentially misleading claims, the Guardian can reveal. My colleagues Hilary Osborne and Richard Partington have the story here. Conservative candidates in the general election have been issued with a detailed dossier on how to attack Labour and Liberal Democrat rivals, which contains numerous rehashed and potentially misleading claims, the Guardian can reveal. My colleagues Hilary Osborne and Richard Partington have the story here.
On Tuesday, when responding to the Times article by the chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, saying he had allowed the “poison” of antisemitism to take root in Labour, Jeremy Corbyn was careful not to criticise Mirvis personally, or to question his right to speak out. Instead Corbyn just stressed his opposition to antisemitism, and explained what he had done to tackle the problem.On Tuesday, when responding to the Times article by the chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, saying he had allowed the “poison” of antisemitism to take root in Labour, Jeremy Corbyn was careful not to criticise Mirvis personally, or to question his right to speak out. Instead Corbyn just stressed his opposition to antisemitism, and explained what he had done to tackle the problem.
But on the World at One at few minutes ago Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary and Corbyn’s most influential ally in the union movement, went a bit further. He said that he disagreed with Mirvis; but he also implied that Mirvis was wrong to speak out in this way during an election. Commenting on the chief rabbi’s article, McCluskey said:But on the World at One at few minutes ago Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary and Corbyn’s most influential ally in the union movement, went a bit further. He said that he disagreed with Mirvis; but he also implied that Mirvis was wrong to speak out in this way during an election. Commenting on the chief rabbi’s article, McCluskey said:
When it was put to him that Mirvis would not have spoken out if he did not think there was a problem, McCluskey replied:When it was put to him that Mirvis would not have spoken out if he did not think there was a problem, McCluskey replied:
This is what Sajid Javid, the chancellor, said this morning about the IFS criticism of the Tories’ election plans. (See 9.50am, 10am and 10.45am.) In response to claims that the party was not being “honest” about its plans, he said:This is what Sajid Javid, the chancellor, said this morning about the IFS criticism of the Tories’ election plans. (See 9.50am, 10am and 10.45am.) In response to claims that the party was not being “honest” about its plans, he said:
The claim that the Conservative party’s manifesto costings document is “the most detailed” ever is dubious. The document (pdf) runs to nine pages, and does contain costings for the manifesto promises. But the Labour equivalent (pdf) runs to 40 pages and it includes an analysis taking into account behavioural responses (ie, how changes to tax rates will impact on the number of people paying those tax rates, and the likely consequences for the exchequer). The Tory document does not contain this level of detail.The claim that the Conservative party’s manifesto costings document is “the most detailed” ever is dubious. The document (pdf) runs to nine pages, and does contain costings for the manifesto promises. But the Labour equivalent (pdf) runs to 40 pages and it includes an analysis taking into account behavioural responses (ie, how changes to tax rates will impact on the number of people paying those tax rates, and the likely consequences for the exchequer). The Tory document does not contain this level of detail.
Unionists in Northern Ireland are united in opposition to Boris Johnson’s proposed Brexit deal, Nigel Dodds, the DUP’s deputy leader, said this morning. Speaking at the launch of his party’s election manifesto in Belfast, he said unionists would not accept plans that would effectively create a customs border in the Irish Sea. He said:Unionists in Northern Ireland are united in opposition to Boris Johnson’s proposed Brexit deal, Nigel Dodds, the DUP’s deputy leader, said this morning. Speaking at the launch of his party’s election manifesto in Belfast, he said unionists would not accept plans that would effectively create a customs border in the Irish Sea. He said:
The DUP’s manifesto is also explicit on this. It says:The DUP’s manifesto is also explicit on this. It says:
The latest Scottish opinion poll has given Nicola Sturgeon a mid-campaign boost by puting the Scottish National party at 44%, its highest rating since the 2017 election. The Ipsos Mori poll for STV has more grim news for Labour, putting its support at 16%.The latest Scottish opinion poll has given Nicola Sturgeon a mid-campaign boost by puting the Scottish National party at 44%, its highest rating since the 2017 election. The Ipsos Mori poll for STV has more grim news for Labour, putting its support at 16%.
The Ipsos poll also found the Conservatives have secured 26% of the vote, consistent with other recent polls, while the Liberal Democrats have failed to capitalise on Scotland’s strong pro-European sentiment, polling at just 11%.The Ipsos poll also found the Conservatives have secured 26% of the vote, consistent with other recent polls, while the Liberal Democrats have failed to capitalise on Scotland’s strong pro-European sentiment, polling at just 11%.
Only six months after the Brexit party won a Scottish seat in the European parliament with 14.8% of the vote, Ipsos found its support in Scotland now too low to be effectively measured: it puts it at under 1%.Only six months after the Brexit party won a Scottish seat in the European parliament with 14.8% of the vote, Ipsos found its support in Scotland now too low to be effectively measured: it puts it at under 1%.
The Ipsos poll, one of the few done by random telephone surveys, has a chink of light for Labour and the Lib Dems. It said 23% of the 1,046 voters it polled last week have yet to make up their mind. While 84% of Tory and SNP voters have decided, only 73% of Labour supporters and 66% of Lib Dems were sure which way they would vote.The Ipsos poll, one of the few done by random telephone surveys, has a chink of light for Labour and the Lib Dems. It said 23% of the 1,046 voters it polled last week have yet to make up their mind. While 84% of Tory and SNP voters have decided, only 73% of Labour supporters and 66% of Lib Dems were sure which way they would vote.
Even so, it suggests recent polls forecasting another dire election for Scottish Labour are correct.Even so, it suggests recent polls forecasting another dire election for Scottish Labour are correct.
Yesterday’s YouGov poll for the Times predicted Labour will only retain two of its seven seats, in Edinburgh South and Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill. Others say Labour can only save Edinburgh South, a seat held by the Scottish party’s most vehement critic of Jeremy Corbyn, Ian Murray.Yesterday’s YouGov poll for the Times predicted Labour will only retain two of its seven seats, in Edinburgh South and Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill. Others say Labour can only save Edinburgh South, a seat held by the Scottish party’s most vehement critic of Jeremy Corbyn, Ian Murray.
Ipsos asked respondents to spontaneously list the most important topics for them at the election: 72% of Tories and 79% of Lib Dems put Brexit first; 67% of Labour voters prioritised the NHS, followed by Brexit, and 55% of SNP voters put Brexit first, with 46% mentioning independence and 45% the NHS.Ipsos asked respondents to spontaneously list the most important topics for them at the election: 72% of Tories and 79% of Lib Dems put Brexit first; 67% of Labour voters prioritised the NHS, followed by Brexit, and 55% of SNP voters put Brexit first, with 46% mentioning independence and 45% the NHS.
It said Sturgeon was the only party leader not to have a negative satisfaction rating, but voters were split 48% to 48% on whether she was doing a good or bad job. Boris Johnson had a net satisfaction rating of -52, with 23% of Tory voters disliking him, while Jeremy Corbyn was -47, with 41% of Labour voters dissatisfied with him.It said Sturgeon was the only party leader not to have a negative satisfaction rating, but voters were split 48% to 48% on whether she was doing a good or bad job. Boris Johnson had a net satisfaction rating of -52, with 23% of Tory voters disliking him, while Jeremy Corbyn was -47, with 41% of Labour voters dissatisfied with him.
Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, appears to be less unpopular in Scotland than other UK polls suggest. While 25% of voters had no opinion of her, her net satisfaction rating was the best of the UK leaders at -21%.Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, appears to be less unpopular in Scotland than other UK polls suggest. While 25% of voters had no opinion of her, her net satisfaction rating was the best of the UK leaders at -21%.
Q: The IFS says some of the Waspi women who will benefit from your £58bn compensation are quite well off. And getting rid of tuition fees will help the rich rather than the poor. Are you happy about your manifesto choices, when you could be spending more reversing benefit cuts.Q: The IFS says some of the Waspi women who will benefit from your £58bn compensation are quite well off. And getting rid of tuition fees will help the rich rather than the poor. Are you happy about your manifesto choices, when you could be spending more reversing benefit cuts.
Corbyn says the Waspi women were very badly treated. This is a specific cohort of people. Some of them have been driven into stress and deep debt by what happened. He says he has met them. They are living difficult lives. Some tried to go back to work, and were told to try apprenticeships. He says he thinks the treatment of them has been “disgraceful”. It is moral duty to pay them.Corbyn says the Waspi women were very badly treated. This is a specific cohort of people. Some of them have been driven into stress and deep debt by what happened. He says he has met them. They are living difficult lives. Some tried to go back to work, and were told to try apprenticeships. He says he thinks the treatment of them has been “disgraceful”. It is moral duty to pay them.
Corbyn says the question challenges the principle of universality. He says he wants education to be a right for everyone.Corbyn says the question challenges the principle of universality. He says he wants education to be a right for everyone.
He will end universal credit, the two-child policy, the rape clause, and the wait to get benefits, he says.He will end universal credit, the two-child policy, the rape clause, and the wait to get benefits, he says.
Q: Your tree-planting policy implies 190 trees being planted every minute. Is it realistic?Q: Your tree-planting policy implies 190 trees being planted every minute. Is it realistic?
Corbyn says he is not talking about one person doing the planting. It is a massive commitment, he admits.Corbyn says he is not talking about one person doing the planting. It is a massive commitment, he admits.
Q: Do you support the Southampton airport extension?Q: Do you support the Southampton airport extension?
Corbyn says any airport expansions under Labour will have to meet tests of sustainability, air pollution, noise pollution and traffic.Corbyn says any airport expansions under Labour will have to meet tests of sustainability, air pollution, noise pollution and traffic.
He says rail connectivity has improved. He has looked at prices for going to Berlin. A train fare costs £200. But you can fly for £19. That’s not right, he says.He says rail connectivity has improved. He has looked at prices for going to Berlin. A train fare costs £200. But you can fly for £19. That’s not right, he says.
He says his green manifesto, a Plan for Nature, is a serious plan. But government cannot implement it on its own. It needs communities to help, he says.He says his green manifesto, a Plan for Nature, is a serious plan. But government cannot implement it on its own. It needs communities to help, he says.
And that’s it. The Q&A has finished.And that’s it. The Q&A has finished.
Q: In Southampton the Labour council recently abandoned plans to charge the most polluting vehicles being driven in the city. Shouldn’t councils be adopting ambitious policies in this regard?
Corbyn says he wants to give councils more power to integrate their transport systems, particularly bus services.
Q: Won’t creating a new national park in Dorset lead to more visitors coming to an already popular, making traffic and pollution worse?
Corbyn says Dorset is an incredibly beautiful area. He mentions Chesil beach in particular. He says making the area a national park would mean more money being available, and better controls. It would be there for all people.
He says it was the postwar Labour government that introduced national parks. And Chris Smith introduced the right to roam. Everyone should be able to enjoy the countryside, he says.
Q: How confident are you of gaining seats in the south? You have come through Dorset, which is as blue as it gets.
Corbyn says his message is for the whole country. He is confident of winning. He wants to see two Labour MPs in Southampton. (At the moment one is Labour and one is Tory.)
Jeremy Corbyn is now taking questions.
Q: What is your message to traditional Labour supporters who may be considering backing the Tories over Brexit?
Q: We have been told you are shifting strategy, to focus more on leave voters. Does that mean your campaign is not worked so far?
Corbyn says environmental problems can only be addressed on an international basis.
He says his plans on Brexit are “absolutely clear”. He summarises them: negotiating a new Brexit deal within three months, and holding a referendum within six months. As PM, he would make sure the referendum was fairly held, he says. He says people have got to come together.
He says he will take this message to every part of the country.
And he says he has the same message everywhere. He does not say one thing in one place, and another thing in another.
This point seems designed to address this CCHQ attack line.
Q: Downing Street has a big garden. How many trees would you plant personally if you become PM?
Corbyn says he has a nice hornbeam tree in a pot in his back garden. It was given to him by climate crisis protesters. He suggests the No 10 garden would be a really good place to plant it.
Q: The IFS says your plans are not credible. If they don’t believe you, why should the public?
Corbyn says the Labour manifesto is fully costed. He says he is happy to have it scrutinised.
And here is his peroration.
Corbyn says he wants to protect habitats.
We mistakenly left out Plaid Cymru in the post about parties taking part in tonight’s climate crisis debate on Channel 4 tonight (see 9.28am). The post has now been changed.
Corbyn also confirms the plan to plant 2bn trees over the next 20 years.
Corbyn is now confirming the plans for 10 new national parks.
Corbyn says government must tackle this crisis now.
Corbyn is now talking about the climate crisis.
Corbyn says the Tories have been caught “trying to cover things up”.
Yesterday Labour exposed “a secret plot” to sell out the NHS, he says.
He repeats the point he made in his speech yesterday about how he thinks the dossier released yesterday has “shredded” his claim that the NHS will not be on the table in UK-US trade talks.
He says “this election is now a fight for the survival of our NHS as a public service.”
(This is a claim that Labour tends to end up making at almost every election. Although it normally has some validity, when put like this it tends to be hyperbolic. Conservative governments have often been elected, and the NHS has survived as a public service.)