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General election: Boris Johnson says 74 convicted terrorists released early from prison – live news General election: Boris Johnson says 74 convicted terrorists released early from prison – live news
(32 minutes later)
Prime minister and Labour leader interviewed on TV as scrutiny of counter-terrorism policies continuesPrime minister and Labour leader interviewed on TV as scrutiny of counter-terrorism policies continues
Battling against the grain of an otherwise largely critical reaction to Boris Johnson’s appearance on the Andrew Marr show, health secretary Matt Hancock has popped up on Twitter to do a bit of cheer leading for his boss
Something has gone wrong for the Lib Dems, according to Andrew Rawnsley, who writes in the Observer that the one of the party’s number has admitted to him that the election has not gone as planned.
More than a week before polling day, senior figures in the party already start sentences with the phrase: “When we conduct the postmortem…”
Some of it is down to tactical mistakes, he adds, but in the final furlong of the campaign, the Lib Dems will be marketing a vote for them as the means to prevent Boris Johnson from getting a majority.
“They will be pitching themselves as the Boris-blockers. It is an admission that they have dramatically calibrated their own ambitions downwards, but it is a better strategy than trying to persist with the pretence that Ms Swinson is going to become prime minister. When you are given lemons, make lemonade.”
There’s an interesting poll in the Sunday Times Scotland (£), which does not actually deal with the election taking place next week yet could have significant impact on what comes after it.
A Panelbase survey of voting intention for the 2021 Holyrood elections finds that, while the SNP hold their lead, the Scottish Conservatives enjoy a boost, meaning that the final results will be short of a pro-independence majority.
John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, calculates that, according to these intentions, the SNP would win 60 seats and the Greens four, leaving them one short of a majority, whilst among unionist parties, the Tories would win 35 seats, Labour 21 and the Lib Dems nine, enabling them to vote down a referendum.
While Nicola Sturgeon continues to call for a second independence referendum next year, neither Labour nor the Conservatives are likely to grant her the powers to do so - however, Jeremy Corbyn has suggested that a pro-independence majority at Holyrood could change his mind on the subject.
So here’s yet another known unknown to throw into this most unpredictable of election campaigns.
So how do you interview Boris Johnson? That Eddie Mair interview from back in 2013 stands to some as a template for how to approach him when the ruffling of hair and stream-of-consciousness quotes from Classical texts are used to distract.
Reacting to earlier today, there are opponents who insist that it still reflects badly on him. Here’s the SNP leader and Scotland’s first minister:
Some more thoughts:
And on a theme which Johnson kept implicitly evoking
In place of a grilling by the more formidable Andrew Neil, which Labour fears the prime minister will duck, Boris Johnson’s interview with Andrew Marr will have to suffice for now.In place of a grilling by the more formidable Andrew Neil, which Labour fears the prime minister will duck, Boris Johnson’s interview with Andrew Marr will have to suffice for now.
But it was a scrappy affair, and one that Tory strategists will likely be satisfied with as their man hustled over the finishing line without managing to commit few if any acts of “making news.” But it was a scrappy affair, and one that Tory strategists will likely be satisfied with as their man hustled over the finishing line without managing to commit few if any acts of “making news”.
About the only one was the figure of 74 which Johnson gave for the number of people who are out on early release in circumstances similar to that of the London Bridge attacker.About the only one was the figure of 74 which Johnson gave for the number of people who are out on early release in circumstances similar to that of the London Bridge attacker.
The Prime Minister was repeatedly accused by Marr of seeking to run the clock down, talking over questions in order to avoid answering them or just continuing to blame Labour in government despite the Tories having been in power since 2010. The prime minister was repeatedly accused by Marr of seeking to run the clock down, talking over questions in order to avoid answering them or just continuing to blame Labour in government despite the Tories having been in power since 2010.
It came to a rushed conclusion, with Marr asking the prime minister questions such as “Are you going to meet Donald Trump this week at the NATO summit?” to which the obvious and easy answer was “Of course I am.” It came to a rushed conclusion, with Marr asking the prime minister questions such as “Are you going to meet Donald Trump this week at the Nato summit?” to which the obvious and easy answer was “Of course I am.”
Jeremy Corbyn meanwhile came through his interview with Sophy Ridge of Sky – broadcast earlier – without taking on much flak either. Jeremy Corbyn, meanwhile, came through his interview with Sophy Ridge of Sky – broadcast earlier – without taking much flak either.
When the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, came on afterwards he seemed primed to attack the Labour leader over his past comments about not being happy about shoot-to-kill policies. Corbyn – presumably better primed by advisors at this point – had sought to nullify such attack lines however by agreeing that police at London Bridge had no choice but to shoot Usman Khan dead. When the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, came on afterwards, he seemed primed to attack the Labour leader over his past comments about shoot-to-kill policies. Corbyn – presumably better primed by advisers at this point – had sought to nullify such attack lines, however, by agreeing that police at London Bridge had no choice but to shoot Usman Khan dead.
There were other moments. Corbyn talked about the size of the Royal Family, but it’s highly debatable about how much that will be a vote loser (or even winner with some?) There were other moments. Corbyn talked about the size of the Royal family, but it’s highly debatable about how much that will be a vote loser (or even winner with some?).
On foreign policy, he was nuanced on NATO and avoiding leaving hostages to fortune by repeating past comments made from the time when he was more likely to be in the front line of Stop the War marches than on the opposition front benches, although one or two lines might invite further scrutiny. When he talked about “bringing about a respectful relationship with Russia” was this an echo of his past criticism of NATO expansion into states like Ukraine? On foreign policy, he was nuanced on Nato and avoiding leaving hostages to fortune by repeating past comments made from the time when he was more likely to be in the front line of Stop the War marches than on the opposition front benches, although one or two lines might invite further scrutiny. When he talked about “bringing about a respectful relationship with Russia”, was this an echo of his past criticism of Nato expansion into states like Ukraine?
Overall though, this was an assured performance by Corbyn, perhaps one of his best during the campaign so far. But it was largely playing it safe when his party are trailing the Tories in the polls.Overall though, this was an assured performance by Corbyn, perhaps one of his best during the campaign so far. But it was largely playing it safe when his party are trailing the Tories in the polls.
Johnson is asked at the end of the interview why he is avoiding being interviewed by Andrew Neil, who has already cross-examined Jeremy Corbyn.Johnson is asked at the end of the interview why he is avoiding being interviewed by Andrew Neil, who has already cross-examined Jeremy Corbyn.
The Tory leader makes light of it, applauding Marr’s brilliance.The Tory leader makes light of it, applauding Marr’s brilliance.
“I am perfectly happy to be interviewed by any interviewer called Andrew from the BBC,” replies Johnson. Is that a commitment?“I am perfectly happy to be interviewed by any interviewer called Andrew from the BBC,” replies Johnson. Is that a commitment?
The interview ends in a rushed and – in keeping with its tone throughout – scrappy way.The interview ends in a rushed and – in keeping with its tone throughout – scrappy way.
Marr fires a few last questions that seem off the hoof: “Are you going to meet Donald Trump this week?”Marr fires a few last questions that seem off the hoof: “Are you going to meet Donald Trump this week?”
“Of course I am.”“Of course I am.”
On Islamophobia, Boris Johnson is asked about candidates who are still in the Tory party, including one who has had multiple retweets of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson.On Islamophobia, Boris Johnson is asked about candidates who are still in the Tory party, including one who has had multiple retweets of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
“There is an independent process that needs to consider all such accusations of prejudice and we are ruthless about that. If people are convicted they are out,” he replies“There is an independent process that needs to consider all such accusations of prejudice and we are ruthless about that. If people are convicted they are out,” he replies
Next, Marr reads out writings by Johnson in the Spectator shortly after the bombings of 7 July 2005, when he wrote:Next, Marr reads out writings by Johnson in the Spectator shortly after the bombings of 7 July 2005, when he wrote:
His response to Marr is of the boilerplate type which he has deployed throughout the campaign and before when confronted by his past comments: “People are always going to drag out bits an pieces of what I have said over the years to distract.”His response to Marr is of the boilerplate type which he has deployed throughout the campaign and before when confronted by his past comments: “People are always going to drag out bits an pieces of what I have said over the years to distract.”
He adds that he is proud to say that his great grandfather knew the Qur’an off by heart.He adds that he is proud to say that his great grandfather knew the Qur’an off by heart.
There’s a personal cut from Marr who reminds Boris Johnson of his privileged access in to the past to libraries at Eton and elsewhere, while overseeing a situation now where libraries around Britain are struggling to stay open.There’s a personal cut from Marr who reminds Boris Johnson of his privileged access in to the past to libraries at Eton and elsewhere, while overseeing a situation now where libraries around Britain are struggling to stay open.
He blames local authorities: “I am afraid very often that local authorities.. some local authorities have been able to manage their finances so as to open libraries.”He blames local authorities: “I am afraid very often that local authorities.. some local authorities have been able to manage their finances so as to open libraries.”
He gives the example of his own borough where he says that the council has been able to open libraries.He gives the example of his own borough where he says that the council has been able to open libraries.
“I love libraries and I want to see them properly used .. I want to invest in libraries but we can only do that when we get the economy really motoring but at the moment we have this huge drag.”“I love libraries and I want to see them properly used .. I want to invest in libraries but we can only do that when we get the economy really motoring but at the moment we have this huge drag.”
Wondering what needs to be done to get that drag taken care off? Yes, it’s “Get Brexit done.”Wondering what needs to be done to get that drag taken care off? Yes, it’s “Get Brexit done.”
The Prime Minister goes on to insist that the party haven’t just selected a range of candidates who have been “lobotomised.”The Prime Minister goes on to insist that the party haven’t just selected a range of candidates who have been “lobotomised.”
Johnson doesn’t answer the question of whether he knows how many courts the Conservatives have closed since coming to power.Johnson doesn’t answer the question of whether he knows how many courts the Conservatives have closed since coming to power.
Marry tells him: “Nearly 300 magistrates and crown courts have been closed by the Tories since they have been in power. An astonishing number.”Marry tells him: “Nearly 300 magistrates and crown courts have been closed by the Tories since they have been in power. An astonishing number.”
Johnson replies: “Now is the time not just to make investment in the NHS but also in the justice system.”Johnson replies: “Now is the time not just to make investment in the NHS but also in the justice system.”
Boris Johnson says there are 74 other individuals in the same situation as the London Bridge attacker - a convicted terrorist who was released early.Boris Johnson says there are 74 other individuals in the same situation as the London Bridge attacker - a convicted terrorist who was released early.
What are the authorities doing about them?What are the authorities doing about them?
“I don’t want to go into the operational details. I am sure that people can imagine that what we are doing with the other 74 individuals is to ensure that they are being properly invigilated to ensure that there is no threat and we took that action because we were concerned.”“I don’t want to go into the operational details. I am sure that people can imagine that what we are doing with the other 74 individuals is to ensure that they are being properly invigilated to ensure that there is no threat and we took that action because we were concerned.”
The Tories is putting “huge sums” into the NHS, the police and tackling terror, insists Boris Johnson as the interview descends into a scrappy affair.The Tories is putting “huge sums” into the NHS, the police and tackling terror, insists Boris Johnson as the interview descends into a scrappy affair.
Does he have any regret for failing to invest in the probation service and for its privatisation?Does he have any regret for failing to invest in the probation service and for its privatisation?
“Obviously I think should be investing more in the criminal justice system,” says Johnson, who blames the last Labour government for leaving no money in the coffers. Liam Byrne’s ‘I’m sorry - there is no money left’ gets the obligatory mention.“Obviously I think should be investing more in the criminal justice system,” says Johnson, who blames the last Labour government for leaving no money in the coffers. Liam Byrne’s ‘I’m sorry - there is no money left’ gets the obligatory mention.
Marr accuses him of continuing to talk in order to avoid answering questions.Marr accuses him of continuing to talk in order to avoid answering questions.
“Although it is very early,” it is undeniable that the London Bridge attacker was out of prison on automatic early release, says Boris Johnson.“Although it is very early,” it is undeniable that the London Bridge attacker was out of prison on automatic early release, says Boris Johnson.
The judges had no choice but to comply with the law which was introduced by Labour in 2008, adds Johnson, who is reminded by Andrew Marr that the Conservatives have been in power since 2010.The judges had no choice but to comply with the law which was introduced by Labour in 2008, adds Johnson, who is reminded by Andrew Marr that the Conservatives have been in power since 2010.
Johnson continues to talk about Labour’s “early release” regime, with Marry pointing out that there was nothing in his party’s election manifesto that would have changed the circumstances in which Usman Khan was released.Johnson continues to talk about Labour’s “early release” regime, with Marry pointing out that there was nothing in his party’s election manifesto that would have changed the circumstances in which Usman Khan was released.
Johnson says that he say the conditions which were attached to Khan’s release but the problem was that he should have been in prison.Johnson says that he say the conditions which were attached to Khan’s release but the problem was that he should have been in prison.
“Because of changes to the law that were brought in by the Labour introduced... and which Jeremy Corbyn voted in favour off,” he adds.“Because of changes to the law that were brought in by the Labour introduced... and which Jeremy Corbyn voted in favour off,” he adds.
His release was necessary under the law under the automatic release scheme with which he was sentenced, says Johnson, who adds that he is now going to take steps to change that as prime minister.His release was necessary under the law under the automatic release scheme with which he was sentenced, says Johnson, who adds that he is now going to take steps to change that as prime minister.
Shami Chakrabarti says she “hopes” the Labour in power would not have to build more prisons.Shami Chakrabarti says she “hopes” the Labour in power would not have to build more prisons.
“I think there are too many people in prison who are not terrorists and who are there for minor offences, many of whom are women or there for substance abuse,” she adds.“I think there are too many people in prison who are not terrorists and who are there for minor offences, many of whom are women or there for substance abuse,” she adds.
“We have got overstuffed prisons and when you have overstuffed prisons the answer is not necessarily to build more.”“We have got overstuffed prisons and when you have overstuffed prisons the answer is not necessarily to build more.”
The Guardian’s Helen Pidd, who was on the Andrew Marr show earlier, has this nugget as we await Boris Johnson’s appearance:The Guardian’s Helen Pidd, who was on the Andrew Marr show earlier, has this nugget as we await Boris Johnson’s appearance:
Shami Chakrabarti, shadow attorney general, is being interviewed on Marr, where she’s being asked about the London terror attacks.Shami Chakrabarti, shadow attorney general, is being interviewed on Marr, where she’s being asked about the London terror attacks.
“What went wrong?” asks Andrew Marr, to which she replies “I don’t know.”“What went wrong?” asks Andrew Marr, to which she replies “I don’t know.”
Out of respect to the victims of the attack, their families and the views of the show, she says that she is not going to make pronouncements at this point about the process by which Usman Khan, the attacker, was released.Out of respect to the victims of the attack, their families and the views of the show, she says that she is not going to make pronouncements at this point about the process by which Usman Khan, the attacker, was released.
She adds: “I think it is very unedifying to be talked about knee-jerk legislation and throwing away the keys.”She adds: “I think it is very unedifying to be talked about knee-jerk legislation and throwing away the keys.”
Raab is being asked now about foreign policy and Nato and again goes on the offensive about past comments by Jeremy Corbyn.Raab is being asked now about foreign policy and Nato and again goes on the offensive about past comments by Jeremy Corbyn.
“The prime minister is a leading light both in terms of Nato defence spending but also operational support and Jeremy Corby has said that Nato should shut up shop and go away,” says Raab.“The prime minister is a leading light both in terms of Nato defence spending but also operational support and Jeremy Corby has said that Nato should shut up shop and go away,” says Raab.
It’s one of numerous reference to the Labour leader (at one point Ridge reminds Raab that the Tories have been in power for two decades and that he can’t just keep on talking about past Labour policies in power) who is also attacked by the foreign secretary for his comments about the monarchy.It’s one of numerous reference to the Labour leader (at one point Ridge reminds Raab that the Tories have been in power for two decades and that he can’t just keep on talking about past Labour policies in power) who is also attacked by the foreign secretary for his comments about the monarchy.
“I think it’s crazy. We need to be respecting the institution of the royal family and if Jeremy Corbyn is saying that he wants to cut the size of the royal family,” says Raab.“I think it’s crazy. We need to be respecting the institution of the royal family and if Jeremy Corbyn is saying that he wants to cut the size of the royal family,” says Raab.
“I would like to know who he has in mind.”“I would like to know who he has in mind.”
Dominic Raab is being interviewed live now on Sophy Ridge and appears to have arrived ready to criticism Jeremy Corbyn for his past comments about shoot to kill policiesDominic Raab is being interviewed live now on Sophy Ridge and appears to have arrived ready to criticism Jeremy Corbyn for his past comments about shoot to kill policies
The foreign secretary tells her that the major question in the election now is about the public’s attitude to the leaders: “Do they trust Boris Johnson to keep us safe of do they trust Jeremy Corbyn?”The foreign secretary tells her that the major question in the election now is about the public’s attitude to the leaders: “Do they trust Boris Johnson to keep us safe of do they trust Jeremy Corbyn?”
Ridge goes on to produce a quotes from the father of one of those killed on London Bridge on Friday, who effectively said that he did not want his son’s death to be used as a pretext for detaining people arbitrarily.Ridge goes on to produce a quotes from the father of one of those killed on London Bridge on Friday, who effectively said that he did not want his son’s death to be used as a pretext for detaining people arbitrarily.
David Merritt posted on Twitter: “My son, Jack, who was killed in this attack, would not wish his death to be used as the pretext for more draconian sentences or for detaining people unnecessarily.”David Merritt posted on Twitter: “My son, Jack, who was killed in this attack, would not wish his death to be used as the pretext for more draconian sentences or for detaining people unnecessarily.”
Raab replies that it is the Conservatives who will “stop at nothing” to keep people safe. From this election, and previous polls, he doesn’t think that anyone would consider the government’s measures to protect the public as “politicisation.”Raab replies that it is the Conservatives who will “stop at nothing” to keep people safe. From this election, and previous polls, he doesn’t think that anyone would consider the government’s measures to protect the public as “politicisation.”
Britain is on the brink of having a prime minister who is the most untruthful of all time, according to the Liberal Democrat deputy leader Ed Davey.Britain is on the brink of having a prime minister who is the most untruthful of all time, according to the Liberal Democrat deputy leader Ed Davey.
Following Jeremy Corbyn on Sophy Ridge, Davey goes on the offensive against Boris Johnson for the prime minster’s comments about the London bridge attack.Following Jeremy Corbyn on Sophy Ridge, Davey goes on the offensive against Boris Johnson for the prime minster’s comments about the London bridge attack.
“We should not, in the middle of a general election, mislead people,” says Davey, who goes on to talk about sentencing powers for terror offenders which he says that his party strengthened in power.“We should not, in the middle of a general election, mislead people,” says Davey, who goes on to talk about sentencing powers for terror offenders which he says that his party strengthened in power.
“The decision should not be taken by politicians. It should be taken by the parole board,” says Davey, who states that the law was brought in to require that terrorists serve at least two thirds of their sentence.“The decision should not be taken by politicians. It should be taken by the parole board,” says Davey, who states that the law was brought in to require that terrorists serve at least two thirds of their sentence.
Johnson was either incompetent or misleading people, he adds.Johnson was either incompetent or misleading people, he adds.
The interview closes with a last scoop. Corbyn says he will not – repeat, will not – be the new Arsenal manager.The interview closes with a last scoop. Corbyn says he will not – repeat, will not – be the new Arsenal manager.
That nugget came after he was asked who he would like to see as the new manager of the club he supports, replying: “Personally I like Patrick Vieira, iconic player, brilliant guy and has done so much for education of children back home in Africa. I think Patrick Vieira.”That nugget came after he was asked who he would like to see as the new manager of the club he supports, replying: “Personally I like Patrick Vieira, iconic player, brilliant guy and has done so much for education of children back home in Africa. I think Patrick Vieira.”
He adds: “No matter what happens, I will not be … No matter what happens in the election, I will not be the Arsenal manager but that might be good news for some people, whatever, but that’s the situation.”He adds: “No matter what happens, I will not be … No matter what happens in the election, I will not be the Arsenal manager but that might be good news for some people, whatever, but that’s the situation.”