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General election: leaders stake out climate credentials in Channel 4 debate – live news General election: leaders stake out climate credentials in Channel 4 debate – live news
(32 minutes later)
Boris Johnson replaced by melting ice sculpture in debate on Channel 4 discussing climate crisisBoris Johnson replaced by melting ice sculpture in debate on Channel 4 discussing climate crisis
Party leaders took part in Channel 4’s climate debate, while Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage refused to attend. With Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage refusing to take part (and getting replaced by melting ice sculptures), the leaders of the Greens, Lib Dems, SNP, Plaid Cymru and Labour took part in a relatively straightforward debate. While there were some barbs over the records of the Lib Dems, SNP and Labour in government, the debate mostly focused on how each party would out-bid the other in the fight against climate change. You can read the Guardian’s analysis of the event here.
Conservatives and Channel 4 row: Tories threaten Channel 4 after it replaced Boris Johnson with an ice sculpture . In an ongoing and worsening row between the Conservative party and Channel 4 News, the Tories have threatened to review the channel’s broadcasting remit after it replaced Boris Johnson with a melting ice sculpture following his failure to attend the leaders’ climate debate. Channel 4 News editor Ben de Pear then took to Twitter to accuse the Conservative party of behaving like Donald Trump, following Tory party chairman James Cleverly claiming that “this is not a presidential election”. Read the full story from the Guardian’s media editor Jim Waterson here.
Michael Gove attempts to attend the leaders’ debate on behalf of the Conservatives, and gets confronted by a 15-year-old climate activist. Michael Gove and the prime minister’s father, Stanley Johnson, turned up at the Channel 4 climate debate to ask if Gove could speak on behalf of the Conservatives. The broadcaster declined, as the debate was for party leaders only. Gove was also confronted by 15-year-old climate activist Izzy Warren, who challenged him on the Tories’ record on the environment in government.
SNP suspends election candidate over alleged anti-Semitism. Neale Hanvey, who was set to contest the marginal seat of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath currently held by Labour, has been stripped of his candidacy and suspended from the party.
BBC demands the Tories take down a Facebook ad featuring its presenters, arguing that the footage could damage the perception of impartiality. The paid-for advert uses selective footage of the BBC’s political editor Laura Kuenssberg and News at Ten host Huw Edwards to argue that chaotic debates over Brexit can be avoided if people vote Conservative. The BBC said its footage had been used without permission and asked the Conservatives to stop using the material in this manner.
Labour to launch regional manifestos in England under plans to hand ‘wealth and power back to every community’, which include several pledges on housing, transport and green jobs
Tory HQ warns party’s supporters against election complacency following predictions that Boris Johnson will reap a comfortable majority. “If the polls are wrong by a few points, and they have been wrong before, we end up with a hung parliament. Our team know that, and now we have to convince the public. There should be no complacency or let-up or change of direction. We will continue with our central messages: get Brexit done, more hospitals, more nurses, more police,” a senior party source said.
That’s all from me tonight.
Labour will launch a manifesto in every region of England under plans to hand “wealth and power back to every community”. The manifestos will include pledges on transport, housing and jobs.Labour will launch a manifesto in every region of England under plans to hand “wealth and power back to every community”. The manifestos will include pledges on transport, housing and jobs.
The manifestos will be launched alongside further details of the party’s £250bn Green Transformation Fund, which the party said is an “investment blitz” on a scale unseen since the Second World War.The manifestos will be launched alongside further details of the party’s £250bn Green Transformation Fund, which the party said is an “investment blitz” on a scale unseen since the Second World War.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the announcement will “bring our country back together”.Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the announcement will “bring our country back together”.
The pledges include a number of transport projects, such as:The pledges include a number of transport projects, such as:
Northern Powerhouse Rail - improving connections between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Hull, and Newcastle, and cutting journey timesNorthern Powerhouse Rail - improving connections between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Hull, and Newcastle, and cutting journey times
Investment in the Midlands Mainline railwayInvestment in the Midlands Mainline railway
Electrification of lines around Bristol Temple MeadsElectrification of lines around Bristol Temple Meads
There are also several pledges on green jobs, including:There are also several pledges on green jobs, including:
Three new steel recycling plants in Redcar, Workington and Corby, which Labour says will create over 1,000 jobs in each townThree new steel recycling plants in Redcar, Workington and Corby, which Labour says will create over 1,000 jobs in each town
Nine plastics remanufacture and recycling sites - one for each regionNine plastics remanufacture and recycling sites - one for each region
Three electric vehicle battery plants in Stoke, Swindon and South Wales - creating 5,000 jobs in each locationThree electric vehicle battery plants in Stoke, Swindon and South Wales - creating 5,000 jobs in each location
Investment in green energy manufacturing supply chains for eight portsInvestment in green energy manufacturing supply chains for eight ports
Emma Barnett grills Lib Dem deputy leader Ed Davey on the “toxicity” associated with Jo Swinson’s record in government with the Conservatives, and who the Lib Dems could realistically support to be prime minister.Emma Barnett grills Lib Dem deputy leader Ed Davey on the “toxicity” associated with Jo Swinson’s record in government with the Conservatives, and who the Lib Dems could realistically support to be prime minister.
On whether the Lib Dems underestimated the “toxicity” associated with Swinson’s role in the coalition government, Davey said that she is “going down really well in the seats that we need”.On whether the Lib Dems underestimated the “toxicity” associated with Swinson’s role in the coalition government, Davey said that she is “going down really well in the seats that we need”.
Admitting that it is “unlikely” the Lib Dems win a majority, he refused to answer who the party could plausibly support as prime minister.Admitting that it is “unlikely” the Lib Dems win a majority, he refused to answer who the party could plausibly support as prime minister.
“You will get Liberal Democrat MPs voting issue by issue,” he said, adding that the Lib Dems would not support Jeremy Corbyn or Boris Johnson.“You will get Liberal Democrat MPs voting issue by issue,” he said, adding that the Lib Dems would not support Jeremy Corbyn or Boris Johnson.
He added that he believes there will be “a lot” of parliamentary movement following the next election, and that the parties may change leader.He added that he believes there will be “a lot” of parliamentary movement following the next election, and that the parties may change leader.
“People aren’t looking for a bowel movement, they’re looking for a prime minister,” Barnett responded.“People aren’t looking for a bowel movement, they’re looking for a prime minister,” Barnett responded.
Emma Barnett asks Labour’s Lucy Powell on BBC Newsnight how she would campaign in a confirmatory referendum - something that is in Labour’s Brexit policy.Emma Barnett asks Labour’s Lucy Powell on BBC Newsnight how she would campaign in a confirmatory referendum - something that is in Labour’s Brexit policy.
Powell said that she will “probably vote remain”, but thinks “we are some way off that”.Powell said that she will “probably vote remain”, but thinks “we are some way off that”.
She added that she has spent the last few months “trying to get a compromise deal through parliament” as she believed it was “the best way of bringing the country together”.She added that she has spent the last few months “trying to get a compromise deal through parliament” as she believed it was “the best way of bringing the country together”.
This comes after Labour’s Clive Lewis was unable to say what percentage of the shadow cabinet would campaign to remain.This comes after Labour’s Clive Lewis was unable to say what percentage of the shadow cabinet would campaign to remain.
Emma Barnett asks Charles Walker, vice-chair of the Conservative’s 1922 Committee, what the prime minister is afraid of, in reference to his refusal to attend several televised debates between party leaders and his failure to secure an interview date with Andrew Neil.Emma Barnett asks Charles Walker, vice-chair of the Conservative’s 1922 Committee, what the prime minister is afraid of, in reference to his refusal to attend several televised debates between party leaders and his failure to secure an interview date with Andrew Neil.
“If you ask me, I wouldn’t do Andrew Neil,” Walker responded.“If you ask me, I wouldn’t do Andrew Neil,” Walker responded.
Emma Barnett rebuts: “Andrew Neil isn’t a criminal, he’s a journalist.”Emma Barnett rebuts: “Andrew Neil isn’t a criminal, he’s a journalist.”
Walker continues: “Boris will do what he wants to do. He is the prime minister.”Walker continues: “Boris will do what he wants to do. He is the prime minister.”
He later adds that if he himself were to be interviewed by Neil, Neil would tear him “to pieces”.He later adds that if he himself were to be interviewed by Neil, Neil would tear him “to pieces”.
Emma Barnett responds: “Let’s not demonise journalists, shall we?”Emma Barnett responds: “Let’s not demonise journalists, shall we?”
Labour’s shadow treasury minister Clive Lewis tells BBC Newsnight that he couldn’t say what percentage of the shadow cabinet would campaign for remain in the instance of a second referendum.Labour’s shadow treasury minister Clive Lewis tells BBC Newsnight that he couldn’t say what percentage of the shadow cabinet would campaign for remain in the instance of a second referendum.
Krishnan Guru-Murthy has now taken to Twitter to respond to Michael Gove’s claim that Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon refused to debate a Conservative, in an ongoing row between Channel 4 News and the Conservative party:Krishnan Guru-Murthy has now taken to Twitter to respond to Michael Gove’s claim that Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon refused to debate a Conservative, in an ongoing row between Channel 4 News and the Conservative party:
The Twitter spat between the Conservatives and Ben de Pear, the editor of Channel 4 News, continues:The Twitter spat between the Conservatives and Ben de Pear, the editor of Channel 4 News, continues:
Labour’s Deputy Leader Tom Watson says it is “deeply concerning” for Boris Johnson to threaten Channel 4 with its public service broadcasting licence for replacing him with an ice sculpture when he failed to turn up to tonight’s climate debate.Labour’s Deputy Leader Tom Watson says it is “deeply concerning” for Boris Johnson to threaten Channel 4 with its public service broadcasting licence for replacing him with an ice sculpture when he failed to turn up to tonight’s climate debate.
Tom Watson has written to Ofcom to urge the regulator to “call out this meddling”.Tom Watson has written to Ofcom to urge the regulator to “call out this meddling”.
His letter adds: “Boris Johnson has banned the Daily Mirror from its battle bus, ducked the Andrew Neil interview and now attempted to bully Channel 4.His letter adds: “Boris Johnson has banned the Daily Mirror from its battle bus, ducked the Andrew Neil interview and now attempted to bully Channel 4.
“It’s simple. If the Prime Minister didn’t want to be embarrassed by being replaced with an ice sculpture, he should have turned up to the debate.“It’s simple. If the Prime Minister didn’t want to be embarrassed by being replaced with an ice sculpture, he should have turned up to the debate.
“The truth is, Boris Johnson is in hiding because his record of failure on the climate emergency is indefensible.”“The truth is, Boris Johnson is in hiding because his record of failure on the climate emergency is indefensible.”
The campaign group Grime4Corbyn has claimed a Conservative win at the general election could lead to people “dying from austerity cuts” and “freezing to death in their homes”.The campaign group Grime4Corbyn has claimed a Conservative win at the general election could lead to people “dying from austerity cuts” and “freezing to death in their homes”.
Co-organiser Sofia Mason, 34, described the Tory party as “racist and harmful for our communities” and urged voters to opt for Labour in December.Co-organiser Sofia Mason, 34, described the Tory party as “racist and harmful for our communities” and urged voters to opt for Labour in December.
The Grime 4 Corbyn campaign group was inspired by grime artists expressing their support for the Labour leader at the 2017 election, and works with musicians to put on events.The Grime 4 Corbyn campaign group was inspired by grime artists expressing their support for the Labour leader at the 2017 election, and works with musicians to put on events.
More on the story of the SNP candidate for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, Neale Hanvey, who was stripped of his candidacy following alleged antisemitism:More on the story of the SNP candidate for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, Neale Hanvey, who was stripped of his candidacy following alleged antisemitism:
In a statement issued via his Twitter account, Hanvey issued an “unequivocal apology” for posting two items which he now realised were offensive and inappropriate. He said he fully supported the SNP’s decision to remove him as its candidate and suspend his party membership pending investigation.In a statement issued via his Twitter account, Hanvey issued an “unequivocal apology” for posting two items which he now realised were offensive and inappropriate. He said he fully supported the SNP’s decision to remove him as its candidate and suspend his party membership pending investigation.
He confirmed one was a Sputnik article which pictured Soros holding two world leaders as puppets, but did not realise that was an antisemitic trope. “I did not give any thought to Mr Soros’s faith. [I] fully accept that this was wrong,” Hanvey said.He confirmed one was a Sputnik article which pictured Soros holding two world leaders as puppets, but did not realise that was an antisemitic trope. “I did not give any thought to Mr Soros’s faith. [I] fully accept that this was wrong,” Hanvey said.
The second post drew parallels between the treatment of Palestinians today with the “unconscionable” treatment of Jews in Europe during the second world war. “This was insensitive, upsetting and deeply offensive”, Hanvey said.The second post drew parallels between the treatment of Palestinians today with the “unconscionable” treatment of Jews in Europe during the second world war. “This was insensitive, upsetting and deeply offensive”, Hanvey said.
Both posts were “dreadful errors of judgment,” he said. “I accept there may not be the words to express my regret for those I have offended but I am genuinely and deeply sorry.”Both posts were “dreadful errors of judgment,” he said. “I accept there may not be the words to express my regret for those I have offended but I am genuinely and deeply sorry.”
The BBC is demanding the Conservatives take down Facebook adverts featuring footage of its journalists Laura Kuenssberg and Huw Edwards, arguing that their inclusion could damage perceptions of the corporation’s impartiality.The BBC is demanding the Conservatives take down Facebook adverts featuring footage of its journalists Laura Kuenssberg and Huw Edwards, arguing that their inclusion could damage perceptions of the corporation’s impartiality.
The paid-for advert uses footage of the BBC’s political editor and the News at Ten host to argue that chaotic debates over Brexit can be avoided if people vote Conservative.The paid-for advert uses footage of the BBC’s political editor and the News at Ten host to argue that chaotic debates over Brexit can be avoided if people vote Conservative.
The move is in common with other intentionally provocative stunts pulled by the Conservatives during this campaign, such as rebranding their press office Twitter account as a fact checker.The move is in common with other intentionally provocative stunts pulled by the Conservatives during this campaign, such as rebranding their press office Twitter account as a fact checker.
Read more from the Guardian’s media editor, Jim Waterson, below:Read more from the Guardian’s media editor, Jim Waterson, below:
15-year-old Izzy Warren, the climate change activist from West London who confronted Michael Gove as he arrived at Channel 4 earlier, has spoken to the Guardian.“I just saw a really good opportunity to find out why Boris Johnson, the current prime minister, doesn’t view my generation’s future as a priority, why he doesn’t think it deserves his time,” she said.“I asked Gove why, if the Conservatives think this is a priority, the prime minister wasn’t here today,” said Warren. He told her that it shouldn’t matter who was there to speak and that they had the most ambitious manifesto ever on climate change.15-year-old Izzy Warren, the climate change activist from West London who confronted Michael Gove as he arrived at Channel 4 earlier, has spoken to the Guardian.“I just saw a really good opportunity to find out why Boris Johnson, the current prime minister, doesn’t view my generation’s future as a priority, why he doesn’t think it deserves his time,” she said.“I asked Gove why, if the Conservatives think this is a priority, the prime minister wasn’t here today,” said Warren. He told her that it shouldn’t matter who was there to speak and that they had the most ambitious manifesto ever on climate change.
“This is a party that has been in power for ten years and we haven’t seen climate action,” she said.Asked if he looked surprised, she added: “I think older men, quite frankly, aren’t used to being challenged by teenage girls. Which makes it all the more fun when you get to do it.”“This is a party that has been in power for ten years and we haven’t seen climate action,” she said.Asked if he looked surprised, she added: “I think older men, quite frankly, aren’t used to being challenged by teenage girls. Which makes it all the more fun when you get to do it.”
Here is video footage of Michael Gove getting confronted by Warren outside the Channel 4 studios in London:Here is video footage of Michael Gove getting confronted by Warren outside the Channel 4 studios in London:
Green party deputy leader, Amelia Womack, echoed Gruffydd’s frustration with the main parties.Green party deputy leader, Amelia Womack, echoed Gruffydd’s frustration with the main parties.
Speaking backstage, she said that it was frustrating to see parties who had been in government and opposition and who had previously taken no action, “feeling the time is now” to say it is their priority.Speaking backstage, she said that it was frustrating to see parties who had been in government and opposition and who had previously taken no action, “feeling the time is now” to say it is their priority.
She acknowledged that it was a welcome development that there was a TV debate on the subject. “It was only 2017 when [Green MP] Caroline Lucas was walking around Westminster with a big green question mark asking where the environment was in the public debate and just a few years later it’s become a central topic that parties are going to get held to account for.”She acknowledged that it was a welcome development that there was a TV debate on the subject. “It was only 2017 when [Green MP] Caroline Lucas was walking around Westminster with a big green question mark asking where the environment was in the public debate and just a few years later it’s become a central topic that parties are going to get held to account for.”
Llyr Gruffydd, a Plaid Cymru Welsh assembly member for north Wales, was watching the debate from backstage.Llyr Gruffydd, a Plaid Cymru Welsh assembly member for north Wales, was watching the debate from backstage.
“It always riles me to hear Jeremy Corbyn making these promises when we’ve had twenty years of Labour governments in Wales,” he said. “They are getting away with that all the time. In places where they have the power to affect that change, we’re just not seeing it.”“It always riles me to hear Jeremy Corbyn making these promises when we’ve had twenty years of Labour governments in Wales,” he said. “They are getting away with that all the time. In places where they have the power to affect that change, we’re just not seeing it.”
He repeated criticism by the party’s leader Adam Price of Labour’s plans to nationalise the gas grid. “They are going to pump tens of billions of pounds into buying infrastructure that they are effectively going to mothball and that’s money that they could actually invest in renewable energy. That’s questionable.”He repeated criticism by the party’s leader Adam Price of Labour’s plans to nationalise the gas grid. “They are going to pump tens of billions of pounds into buying infrastructure that they are effectively going to mothball and that’s money that they could actually invest in renewable energy. That’s questionable.”
Gruffydd described the suggestion that Channel 4 had conspired with Jeremy Corbyn to block the Conservatives from the debate as nonsense. “It’s so Cummings-eque,” he said. “It’s exactly the kind of thing we’ve learned to expect from the Tories. If they can’t engage in the debate then it’s toys and prams stuff.”Gruffydd described the suggestion that Channel 4 had conspired with Jeremy Corbyn to block the Conservatives from the debate as nonsense. “It’s so Cummings-eque,” he said. “It’s exactly the kind of thing we’ve learned to expect from the Tories. If they can’t engage in the debate then it’s toys and prams stuff.”
Conservative party chairman James Cleverly and Channel 4 News editor Ben de Pear have shared a frank exchange of opinion on Twitter:Conservative party chairman James Cleverly and Channel 4 News editor Ben de Pear have shared a frank exchange of opinion on Twitter:
A Conservative party spokesperson has accused Channel 4 of bias.A Conservative party spokesperson has accused Channel 4 of bias.
“We are deeply disappointed that Channel 4 News has conspired with Jeremy Corbyn to block the Conservatives from making the case for tackling climate change and protecting the environment in this evening’s debate,” they said.“Under this Government the UK was the first advanced economy in the world to legislate for a net zero target and we’ve reduced emissions faster than any other advanced economy while continuing to grow our economy. Broadcasters have important responsibilities to present a balanced debate representing all parties, and Michael Gove was well qualified to represent the Conservative position at this evening’s debate.”“We are deeply disappointed that Channel 4 News has conspired with Jeremy Corbyn to block the Conservatives from making the case for tackling climate change and protecting the environment in this evening’s debate,” they said.“Under this Government the UK was the first advanced economy in the world to legislate for a net zero target and we’ve reduced emissions faster than any other advanced economy while continuing to grow our economy. Broadcasters have important responsibilities to present a balanced debate representing all parties, and Michael Gove was well qualified to represent the Conservative position at this evening’s debate.”
Michael Gove was turned away from the debate, which was for party leaders only, after Boris Johnson refused to attend.Michael Gove was turned away from the debate, which was for party leaders only, after Boris Johnson refused to attend.
The Conservatives are now threatening to review the channel’s broadcasting remit after it decided to replace Boris Johnson with a melting ice sculpture during the debate.The Conservatives are now threatening to review the channel’s broadcasting remit after it decided to replace Boris Johnson with a melting ice sculpture during the debate.
This from Holly Gillibrand, a 14-year-old FridaysForFuture activist in Scotland on the climate debate:This from Holly Gillibrand, a 14-year-old FridaysForFuture activist in Scotland on the climate debate:
Michael Gove, who attempted to replace Boris Johnson in the Channel 4 climate debate, was confronted at the channel’s London studios by a 15-year-old climate activist.Michael Gove, who attempted to replace Boris Johnson in the Channel 4 climate debate, was confronted at the channel’s London studios by a 15-year-old climate activist.
As he was turned away from the debate after being told it was for party leaders only, he was confronted by Izzy Warren, who lambasted the prime minister’s failure to attend.As he was turned away from the debate after being told it was for party leaders only, he was confronted by Izzy Warren, who lambasted the prime minister’s failure to attend.
She told him: “What young people think is Boris Johnson’s showing up to discuss Brexit, he’s showing up to discuss all these other issues.She told him: “What young people think is Boris Johnson’s showing up to discuss Brexit, he’s showing up to discuss all these other issues.
“And actually he’s not here to talk about the climate. He’s not here to talk about what is ultimately the most pressing issue.”“And actually he’s not here to talk about the climate. He’s not here to talk about what is ultimately the most pressing issue.”
Michael Gove - a former environment secretary - replied: “I’m here. I can talk about it.”Michael Gove - a former environment secretary - replied: “I’m here. I can talk about it.”
You can watch the exchange in full below:You can watch the exchange in full below: