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General election: Corbyn expresses doubts about Trump's NHS pledge ahead of possible meeting – live news World leaders gather at Buckingham Palace for Nato summit – live news
(32 minutes later)
Doctors and nurses to march to Buckingham Palace, where US president to dine with Queen and other leadersDoctors and nurses to march to Buckingham Palace, where US president to dine with Queen and other leaders
The prime minister has met the German chancellor and the French and Turkish presidents this evening to discuss Syria, Libya and counter-terrorism. A Downing Street spokesman said:The prime minister has met the German chancellor and the French and Turkish presidents this evening to discuss Syria, Libya and counter-terrorism. A Downing Street spokesman said:
This is Kevin Rawlinson taking over the liveblog for the evening.This is Kevin Rawlinson taking over the liveblog for the evening.
My colleague Vikram Dodd has this report on the damning comments of the former head of counter-terrorism at Scotland Yard, Robert Quick, who attacks the prime minister for peddling “cliches” about sentencing laws after last Friday’s terror attack. Quick says cuts to police numbers have played the greater role in jeopardising public safety.My colleague Vikram Dodd has this report on the damning comments of the former head of counter-terrorism at Scotland Yard, Robert Quick, who attacks the prime minister for peddling “cliches” about sentencing laws after last Friday’s terror attack. Quick says cuts to police numbers have played the greater role in jeopardising public safety.
Donald Trump has sought to counter Labour claims that the NHS would be at risk under a UK-US trade deal by saying he would not want it even “on a silver platter”. With the election just over a week away, the Tories have been worried that any overt endorsement of Boris Johnson by the US president could backfire. But they have also been anxious for him to respond to Jeremy Corbyn’s much-repeated allegation (which clearly has some traction with the public) that a Trump trade deal would pose a threat to the NHS, particularly via possible higher drugs prices. As a result, in an extended press briefing this morning, Trump staged an intervention in the election - while claiming to be doing the opposite. The intervention came when he was asked if the NHS should be included in trade negotiations. He replied:Donald Trump has sought to counter Labour claims that the NHS would be at risk under a UK-US trade deal by saying he would not want it even “on a silver platter”. With the election just over a week away, the Tories have been worried that any overt endorsement of Boris Johnson by the US president could backfire. But they have also been anxious for him to respond to Jeremy Corbyn’s much-repeated allegation (which clearly has some traction with the public) that a Trump trade deal would pose a threat to the NHS, particularly via possible higher drugs prices. As a result, in an extended press briefing this morning, Trump staged an intervention in the election - while claiming to be doing the opposite. The intervention came when he was asked if the NHS should be included in trade negotiations. He replied:
This was, of course, disingenuous because one person who started the rumour was Trump himself, when he said in a press conference in the UK in June that “everything is on the table ... NHS or anything else”. Given Trump’s reputation when it comes to honesty, his assurance may have little or no impact on public opinion, and it ignores the granular detail of how a trade deal could impact negatively on British healthcare (which almost certainly would not involve US companies buying NHS hospitals). But, for the Conservatives, it is at least a quote they can use.This was, of course, disingenuous because one person who started the rumour was Trump himself, when he said in a press conference in the UK in June that “everything is on the table ... NHS or anything else”. Given Trump’s reputation when it comes to honesty, his assurance may have little or no impact on public opinion, and it ignores the granular detail of how a trade deal could impact negatively on British healthcare (which almost certainly would not involve US companies buying NHS hospitals). But, for the Conservatives, it is at least a quote they can use.
On broader electoral issues, Trump ostensibly avoided the temptation to take sides. He claimed that he had “no thoughts” on the election and, although he said he thought Johnson was “very capable”, he also said he could work with Corbyn if he became prime minister. Asked about this, he replied:On broader electoral issues, Trump ostensibly avoided the temptation to take sides. He claimed that he had “no thoughts” on the election and, although he said he thought Johnson was “very capable”, he also said he could work with Corbyn if he became prime minister. Asked about this, he replied:
This was also disingenuous because, only a few weeks ago, Trump had very clear thoughts on the election: he thought Corbyn would be “bad” for the UK, and he wanted Johnson to align with Nigel Farage. In a rare display of self-awareness that helped to explain his relative reticence, Trump also told the press conference today that intervening in the election would not be helpful because in Britain “they may not like me”.This was also disingenuous because, only a few weeks ago, Trump had very clear thoughts on the election: he thought Corbyn would be “bad” for the UK, and he wanted Johnson to align with Nigel Farage. In a rare display of self-awareness that helped to explain his relative reticence, Trump also told the press conference today that intervening in the election would not be helpful because in Britain “they may not like me”.
During his day in London Trump also managed to send share prices falling around the world, by saying a trade deal with China might be more than a year away, and to traduce the French president, Emmanuel Macron (for being rude about Nato, of all things - even Trump himself once called it “obsolete”). So, on the Trump mayhem front, the UK got off quite lightly.During his day in London Trump also managed to send share prices falling around the world, by saying a trade deal with China might be more than a year away, and to traduce the French president, Emmanuel Macron (for being rude about Nato, of all things - even Trump himself once called it “obsolete”). So, on the Trump mayhem front, the UK got off quite lightly.
Corbyn has cast doubt on the plausibility of Trump’s NHS assurances and said he intends to take the matter up with the president at a reception at Buckingham Palace early this evening. As I write, it is not clear yet whether the two men will be able to have a proper conversation – or whether their encounter (if it happens at all) will not get beyond pleasantries.Corbyn has cast doubt on the plausibility of Trump’s NHS assurances and said he intends to take the matter up with the president at a reception at Buckingham Palace early this evening. As I write, it is not clear yet whether the two men will be able to have a proper conversation – or whether their encounter (if it happens at all) will not get beyond pleasantries.
Channel 4 has been cleared of bias by the media regulator after replacing Johnson with a melting block of ice during last week’s leadership debate on the climate crisis.Channel 4 has been cleared of bias by the media regulator after replacing Johnson with a melting block of ice during last week’s leadership debate on the climate crisis.
Nigel Farage has claimed that Johnson only became prime minister because he launched the Brexit party this year out of anger about Theresa May’s handling of Brexit. He may be right. A new biography of May claims Johnson has said something similar in private.Nigel Farage has claimed that Johnson only became prime minister because he launched the Brexit party this year out of anger about Theresa May’s handling of Brexit. He may be right. A new biography of May claims Johnson has said something similar in private.
Corbyn has apologised for antisemitic incidents involving Labour party members and said he was dealing with the issue.Corbyn has apologised for antisemitic incidents involving Labour party members and said he was dealing with the issue.
A host of leading cultural figures, including the actors Steve Coogan, Mark Rylance and Julie Christie, the grime artist Kano and the writer and environmentalist Naomi Klein, have united to back Corbyn and praised Labour for prioritising “people and planet over profit”.A host of leading cultural figures, including the actors Steve Coogan, Mark Rylance and Julie Christie, the grime artist Kano and the writer and environmentalist Naomi Klein, have united to back Corbyn and praised Labour for prioritising “people and planet over profit”.
That’s all from me for this evening.That’s all from me for this evening.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.
The BBC’s Andrew Neil has said the Tories are still refusing to suggest a date for his proposed interview with Boris Johnson.The BBC’s Andrew Neil has said the Tories are still refusing to suggest a date for his proposed interview with Boris Johnson.
These are from my colleague Damien Gayle, who is covering the anti-Trump protest in London this afternoon.These are from my colleague Damien Gayle, who is covering the anti-Trump protest in London this afternoon.
And Sky’s Sam Coates has the latest YouGov polling.And Sky’s Sam Coates has the latest YouGov polling.
Here are three polling-related stories/blogs that are worth reading.Here are three polling-related stories/blogs that are worth reading.
The Evening Standard says polling in London shows that Labour is increasing support. It says:The Evening Standard says polling in London shows that Labour is increasing support. It says:
This table has the figures.This table has the figures.
Stephen Bush at the New Statesman says Labour is gaining generally at the Lib Dems’ expense. He says:Stephen Bush at the New Statesman says Labour is gaining generally at the Lib Dems’ expense. He says:
Lord Ashcroft, the former Conservative deputy chairman who is now a polling specialist, says the latest polling he has commissioned shows Boris Johnson extending his lead over Jeremy Corbyn on the best PM measure. He says:Lord Ashcroft, the former Conservative deputy chairman who is now a polling specialist, says the latest polling he has commissioned shows Boris Johnson extending his lead over Jeremy Corbyn on the best PM measure. He says:
The changes marked in the chart are from last week.The changes marked in the chart are from last week.
From the Sun’s Tom Newton DunnFrom the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn
Boris Johnson floated the idea of introducing charges for the NHS, including for ambulance visits, in a Spectator column in 1995, Business Insider’s Adam Bienkov has revealed. In his story Bienkov reports:Boris Johnson floated the idea of introducing charges for the NHS, including for ambulance visits, in a Spectator column in 1995, Business Insider’s Adam Bienkov has revealed. In his story Bienkov reports:
Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, has claimed that this proves Johnson has “extremist views on the NHS” and that he does not support the NHS being free at the point of use.Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, has claimed that this proves Johnson has “extremist views on the NHS” and that he does not support the NHS being free at the point of use.
At the time Johnson wrote the Spectator article he was not an MP. He has not expressed views like this recently, and the Conservative manifesto describes the NHS as representing “the best of this country”, particularly because it is free at the point of use.At the time Johnson wrote the Spectator article he was not an MP. He has not expressed views like this recently, and the Conservative manifesto describes the NHS as representing “the best of this country”, particularly because it is free at the point of use.
Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, has said that she does not trust Donald Trump when he says that he does not want the NHS to be included in a UK-US trade deal. (See 10.15am.) Responding to what Trump said this morning, and referring to what the president said in a press conference in Britain in the summer, she said:Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, has said that she does not trust Donald Trump when he says that he does not want the NHS to be included in a UK-US trade deal. (See 10.15am.) Responding to what Trump said this morning, and referring to what the president said in a press conference in Britain in the summer, she said:
Swinson also suggested that Trump’s comments this morning had been coordinated with No 10. Asked if she thought they had been agreed with Downing Street, she replied:Swinson also suggested that Trump’s comments this morning had been coordinated with No 10. Asked if she thought they had been agreed with Downing Street, she replied:
At a campaign event in Perth, where the SNP’s Pete Wishart is hoping to increase his majority of 23 votes over the Tories, I witnessed a phenomenon that it’s important to register is still ongoing: someone bursting into tears as they get a selfie with Nicola Sturgeon.At a campaign event in Perth, where the SNP’s Pete Wishart is hoping to increase his majority of 23 votes over the Tories, I witnessed a phenomenon that it’s important to register is still ongoing: someone bursting into tears as they get a selfie with Nicola Sturgeon.
“How can you not love her?” asked a tearful June Abbott, 69, a long-time independence supporter after the first minister had apologised for making her cry. “She just feels like she’s one of us.”“How can you not love her?” asked a tearful June Abbott, 69, a long-time independence supporter after the first minister had apologised for making her cry. “She just feels like she’s one of us.”
As cheering activists congregated around Wishart and Sturgeon at the city street stall, many reported what they believe is a change in mood towards their party since the last election campaign. The presence of a Brexit party candidate, who locals say has not been particularly visible, certainly helps in terms of hoovering up some former Tory voters, but Wishart himself was in buoyant mood, telling journalists that the two words doing best on the doorstep were “Boris” and “Johnson” in terms of winning SNP votes.As cheering activists congregated around Wishart and Sturgeon at the city street stall, many reported what they believe is a change in mood towards their party since the last election campaign. The presence of a Brexit party candidate, who locals say has not been particularly visible, certainly helps in terms of hoovering up some former Tory voters, but Wishart himself was in buoyant mood, telling journalists that the two words doing best on the doorstep were “Boris” and “Johnson” in terms of winning SNP votes.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, Sturgeon repeated concerns that Scotland’s NHS was “on the line” if a Tory-Trump post-Brexit trade deal were to take place.Speaking to reporters during the visit, Sturgeon repeated concerns that Scotland’s NHS was “on the line” if a Tory-Trump post-Brexit trade deal were to take place.
Asked about continuing concerns from the Scottish Jewish community about the SNP propping up a Corbyn minority administration, she said that she had yet to watch Corbyn’s earlier remarks on antisemitism (see 11.32am), but added:Asked about continuing concerns from the Scottish Jewish community about the SNP propping up a Corbyn minority administration, she said that she had yet to watch Corbyn’s earlier remarks on antisemitism (see 11.32am), but added:
Speaking at a rally in Bassetlaw earlier Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, claimed that his decision to stand down candidates in Tory-held constituencies might have cost up to 24 seats. He said:Speaking at a rally in Bassetlaw earlier Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, claimed that his decision to stand down candidates in Tory-held constituencies might have cost up to 24 seats. He said:
Farage also claimed that he deserved the credit for Johnson becoming prime minister. He said:Farage also claimed that he deserved the credit for Johnson becoming prime minister. He said:
Interesting, this analysis is one that Johnson shares himself. In their excellent new book about the Theresa May premiership, May at 10, Anthony Seldon and Raymond Newell quote what Johnson said to his supporter Conor Burns on the day of the final ballot of MPs in the summer leadership contest. Johnson said:Interesting, this analysis is one that Johnson shares himself. In their excellent new book about the Theresa May premiership, May at 10, Anthony Seldon and Raymond Newell quote what Johnson said to his supporter Conor Burns on the day of the final ballot of MPs in the summer leadership contest. Johnson said:
If you can bear reliving the last three years, May at 10 is well worth reading. Some of the revelations are extraordinary.If you can bear reliving the last three years, May at 10 is well worth reading. Some of the revelations are extraordinary.
Faisal Islam, the BBC’s economics editor, has posted a very good thread on Twitter explaining the extent to which drug prices would be an issue in a UK-US trade deal. It starts here.Faisal Islam, the BBC’s economics editor, has posted a very good thread on Twitter explaining the extent to which drug prices would be an issue in a UK-US trade deal. It starts here.
And here are his conclusions.And here are his conclusions.
From the Times’ Steven SwinfordFrom the Times’ Steven Swinford
Here are the main points from what Jeremy Corbyn said in his interview with Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 earlier about President Trump and the NHS.Here are the main points from what Jeremy Corbyn said in his interview with Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 earlier about President Trump and the NHS.
Corbyn said he hoped to be able to tell President Trump tonight that the NHS would not be for sale in UK-US trade talks. The two men are both attending a Buckingham Palace reception for the Nato summit. Corbyn said, if he got the chance, he would deliver a message to Trump. Asked what he would say, he replied:Corbyn said he hoped to be able to tell President Trump tonight that the NHS would not be for sale in UK-US trade talks. The two men are both attending a Buckingham Palace reception for the Nato summit. Corbyn said, if he got the chance, he would deliver a message to Trump. Asked what he would say, he replied:
Corbyn also stressed that he would be polite. He was “always polite”, he said.Corbyn also stressed that he would be polite. He was “always polite”, he said.
Corbyn said he would ask Trump to change the guidelines issued to his trade negotiators to reflect the fact that the NHS was not on the table. Asked what he would say to Trump if Trump told him that he did not want access to the NHS, Corbyn replied:Corbyn said he would ask Trump to change the guidelines issued to his trade negotiators to reflect the fact that the NHS was not on the table. Asked what he would say to Trump if Trump told him that he did not want access to the NHS, Corbyn replied:
But Corbyn also expressed scepticism about the assurances that Trump has given on this subject today. Asked about Trump saying this morning that the US would not want access to the NHS, even if that were offered “on a silver platter” (see 10.15am), Corbyn replied:But Corbyn also expressed scepticism about the assurances that Trump has given on this subject today. Asked about Trump saying this morning that the US would not want access to the NHS, even if that were offered “on a silver platter” (see 10.15am), Corbyn replied:
Corbyn was referring to the talks between UK and US officials described in detail in confidential government papers that were leaked and released by Labour last week. When it was put to him that those papers did not contain evidence of British officials agreeing that the US would get access to the NHS in a trade deal, Corbyn replied:Corbyn was referring to the talks between UK and US officials described in detail in confidential government papers that were leaked and released by Labour last week. When it was put to him that those papers did not contain evidence of British officials agreeing that the US would get access to the NHS in a trade deal, Corbyn replied:
Corbyn dismissed the significance of the claim in the Conservative election manifesto that “when we are negotiating trade deals, the NHS will not be on the table.” Asked about this assurance, Corbyn replied:Corbyn dismissed the significance of the claim in the Conservative election manifesto that “when we are negotiating trade deals, the NHS will not be on the table.” Asked about this assurance, Corbyn replied:
This is what the Tory manifesto says in full on this point:This is what the Tory manifesto says in full on this point:
Corbyn said, if he became prime minister, he would be respectful towards Trump in their dealings. Asked how he would treat the US president, he replied:Corbyn said, if he became prime minister, he would be respectful towards Trump in their dealings. Asked how he would treat the US president, he replied: