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General election: Johnson says it's 'very hard' to see Brexit happening if Tories don't win majority – live news General election: Johnson says it's 'very hard' to see Brexit happening if Tories don't win majority – live news
(32 minutes later)
Latest developments as general election campaign enters final daysLatest developments as general election campaign enters final days
My colleague, Dan Sabbagh, has put together this guide to tactical voting:
The Guardian has just published its view on this Thursday’s general election:The Guardian has just published its view on this Thursday’s general election:
We reported earlier that a group of Extinction Rebellion protesters had stuck themselves to the Tory campaign bus (see 5.16pm). After about an hour and a half, the three men have been unstuck and placed in handcuffs by police.We reported earlier that a group of Extinction Rebellion protesters had stuck themselves to the Tory campaign bus (see 5.16pm). After about an hour and a half, the three men have been unstuck and placed in handcuffs by police.
Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, has been told that he retains Jeremy Corbyn’s backing after a tape of a private conversation was released in which Ashworth said Labour was certain to lose the election and Corbyn was a major reason why. In the 11-minute recording Ashworth said:Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, has been told that he retains Jeremy Corbyn’s backing after a tape of a private conversation was released in which Ashworth said Labour was certain to lose the election and Corbyn was a major reason why. In the 11-minute recording Ashworth said:
The recording was obtained by the anti-Labour website Guido Fawkes and posted online this morning. Ashworth immediately accepted that the tape, which seems to have been recorded early last week, was genuine. He was talking to a Tory activist who had had known for years and whom he considered a friend, he said. Ashworth initially said that his comments, which included a vague hint that Corbyn might be considered a security risk by officials in No 10, were “banter” and later he expanded on this, saying that he was deliberately trying to lull the Tories into a false sense of security. He told the BBC’s Politics Live (no relation to the original Politics Live at the Guardian):The recording was obtained by the anti-Labour website Guido Fawkes and posted online this morning. Ashworth immediately accepted that the tape, which seems to have been recorded early last week, was genuine. He was talking to a Tory activist who had had known for years and whom he considered a friend, he said. Ashworth initially said that his comments, which included a vague hint that Corbyn might be considered a security risk by officials in No 10, were “banter” and later he expanded on this, saying that he was deliberately trying to lull the Tories into a false sense of security. He told the BBC’s Politics Live (no relation to the original Politics Live at the Guardian):
If Ashworth really was engaged in a cunning attempt to mislead CCHQ, he is a better actor than people have given him credit for and clearly has potential as a double agent. (You can listen to the recording here, and decide what to think for yourself.) Notwithstanding, he apologised to Labour members anyway. And Corbyn indicated that he accepted Ashworth’s explanation of what happened, telling the BBC:If Ashworth really was engaged in a cunning attempt to mislead CCHQ, he is a better actor than people have given him credit for and clearly has potential as a double agent. (You can listen to the recording here, and decide what to think for yourself.) Notwithstanding, he apologised to Labour members anyway. And Corbyn indicated that he accepted Ashworth’s explanation of what happened, telling the BBC:
In politics, as in most walks of life, people do say disobliging things about their bosses in private from time to time and Ashworth’s comments were relatively mild compared to some of the comments made about Corbyn by his MPs behind his back. In public at least, Ashworth’s colleagues have been supportive. Most of them probably feel understandable sympathy for the way Ashworth appears to have been let down by long-standing friend he thought he could trust.In politics, as in most walks of life, people do say disobliging things about their bosses in private from time to time and Ashworth’s comments were relatively mild compared to some of the comments made about Corbyn by his MPs behind his back. In public at least, Ashworth’s colleagues have been supportive. Most of them probably feel understandable sympathy for the way Ashworth appears to have been let down by long-standing friend he thought he could trust.
Boris Johnson has said it is “very hard” to see Brexit happening if the Tories fail to get a majority. Speaking at a Q&A at a JCB factory, he said:Boris Johnson has said it is “very hard” to see Brexit happening if the Tories fail to get a majority. Speaking at a Q&A at a JCB factory, he said:
Johnson has given his strongest hint yet that he is not planning to scrap HS2.Johnson has given his strongest hint yet that he is not planning to scrap HS2.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has claimed that Johnson has changed Brexit strategy within the last week, opting for a softer version. At a news conference, Farage said this explained why he would not be voting Tory in his own constituency, where the Brexit party aren’t fielding a candidate. In truth, Johnson’s Brexit plan has not changed, but Farage is right to say that on the campaign trail Johnson has increasingly been suggesting that fact that he has an “oven-ready” withdrawal agreement ready to go (which is true) also means that his eventual UK-EU trade deal is also nearly complete (which is not true at all).Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has claimed that Johnson has changed Brexit strategy within the last week, opting for a softer version. At a news conference, Farage said this explained why he would not be voting Tory in his own constituency, where the Brexit party aren’t fielding a candidate. In truth, Johnson’s Brexit plan has not changed, but Farage is right to say that on the campaign trail Johnson has increasingly been suggesting that fact that he has an “oven-ready” withdrawal agreement ready to go (which is true) also means that his eventual UK-EU trade deal is also nearly complete (which is not true at all).
Jo Swinson has accused Boris Johnson of showing “an empathy bypass” in his attitude to other people, as the Liberal Democrats made a final push to persuade traditional Labour supporters to vote tactically and deny the Conservatives a majority.Jo Swinson has accused Boris Johnson of showing “an empathy bypass” in his attitude to other people, as the Liberal Democrats made a final push to persuade traditional Labour supporters to vote tactically and deny the Conservatives a majority.
A medical secretary has claimed her Facebook account was hacked after it was used to post false information claiming that a photograph of an ill boy on the floor at Leeds General Infirmary was staged for political purposes.A medical secretary has claimed her Facebook account was hacked after it was used to post false information claiming that a photograph of an ill boy on the floor at Leeds General Infirmary was staged for political purposes.
The father of Jack Merritt, who was murdered in the London Bridge terrorist attack last month, has directly criticised the prime minister for treating his son’s death as a political “opportunity”.The father of Jack Merritt, who was murdered in the London Bridge terrorist attack last month, has directly criticised the prime minister for treating his son’s death as a political “opportunity”.
That’s all from my for today.That’s all from my for today.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is writing the blog now.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is writing the blog now.
A complaint has been lodged with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development accusing JCB of having done nothing to protect human rights over the use of its mechanical equipment in the Palestinian occupied territories.A complaint has been lodged with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development accusing JCB of having done nothing to protect human rights over the use of its mechanical equipment in the Palestinian occupied territories.
The OECD complaint alleges that the British multinational has allowed its products to be used repeatedly to bulldoze Palestinian villages, or construct illegal settlements in alleged breach of international law.The OECD complaint alleges that the British multinational has allowed its products to be used repeatedly to bulldoze Palestinian villages, or construct illegal settlements in alleged breach of international law.
The claim was lodged on Tuesday by Lawyers for Palestinian Rights, the same day that Boris Johnson went to the JCB’s factory in the Midlands of the UK to knock over a polystyrene wall. JCB family members have been a long-term funders of the Tory party.The claim was lodged on Tuesday by Lawyers for Palestinian Rights, the same day that Boris Johnson went to the JCB’s factory in the Midlands of the UK to knock over a polystyrene wall. JCB family members have been a long-term funders of the Tory party.
The legal charity is bringing the claim against JCB under Chapter 4 of the OECD guidelines for multinationals concerning the need to take into account human rights considerations when selling products.The legal charity is bringing the claim against JCB under Chapter 4 of the OECD guidelines for multinationals concerning the need to take into account human rights considerations when selling products.
The group’s claim states:The group’s claim states:
It says JCB should “immediately suspend supply of products to Comasco (an Israeli company which is the exclusive dealer of JCB products in Israel) that could be identified as being part of the supply chain that results in demolitions or settlement-related construction, and to permanently cease supply to Comasco should it not be able to provide credible and verifiable guarantees that such products will not be involved in the violation of Palestinian human rights”.It says JCB should “immediately suspend supply of products to Comasco (an Israeli company which is the exclusive dealer of JCB products in Israel) that could be identified as being part of the supply chain that results in demolitions or settlement-related construction, and to permanently cease supply to Comasco should it not be able to provide credible and verifiable guarantees that such products will not be involved in the violation of Palestinian human rights”.
Tareq Shrourou and Claire Jeffwitz of Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights, said:Tareq Shrourou and Claire Jeffwitz of Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights, said:
JCB has been contacted for comment.JCB has been contacted for comment.
Jeremy Corbyn has indicated that he accepts Jonathan Ashworth’s claim that what he said in a private conversation with a Tory activist whom he considered an old friend was just “reverse psychology”, intended to lull the Tories into a false sense of security. Asked about the tape (see 11.44am). Speaking to the BBC, Corbyn said:Jeremy Corbyn has indicated that he accepts Jonathan Ashworth’s claim that what he said in a private conversation with a Tory activist whom he considered an old friend was just “reverse psychology”, intended to lull the Tories into a false sense of security. Asked about the tape (see 11.44am). Speaking to the BBC, Corbyn said:
Corbyn also said that Ashworth had been a “fantastic” shadow health secretary and that the material was leaked to distract media attention away from stories about the state of the NHS. (The Guido Fawkes website, which leaked the material, backs Boris Johnson.)Corbyn also said that Ashworth had been a “fantastic” shadow health secretary and that the material was leaked to distract media attention away from stories about the state of the NHS. (The Guido Fawkes website, which leaked the material, backs Boris Johnson.)
Asked if people would believe this was just banter, Corbyn said people could decide on Thursday whether they wanted to vote for a party that backed the NHS, or one that might destroy it “by a thousand cuts”.Asked if people would believe this was just banter, Corbyn said people could decide on Thursday whether they wanted to vote for a party that backed the NHS, or one that might destroy it “by a thousand cuts”.
Asked about Ashworth’s suggestion that Corbyn might be a security risk, Corbyn said his colleague was joking. He explained:Asked about Ashworth’s suggestion that Corbyn might be a security risk, Corbyn said his colleague was joking. He explained:
Asked if Ashworth would become health secretary if Labour won the election, Corbyn said he would announce his team on Friday.Asked if Ashworth would become health secretary if Labour won the election, Corbyn said he would announce his team on Friday.
Extinction Rebellion protesters, some dressed as bees, gathered around the Conservative campaign bus as it tried to leave JCB in Uttoxeter, the Press Association reports. They appear to have stuck themselves to the vehicle. Boris Johnson not on board.Extinction Rebellion protesters, some dressed as bees, gathered around the Conservative campaign bus as it tried to leave JCB in Uttoxeter, the Press Association reports. They appear to have stuck themselves to the vehicle. Boris Johnson not on board.
From MLex’s Matthew HolehouseFrom MLex’s Matthew Holehouse
Here are the main points from Boris Johnson’s Q&A at the JCB plant.Here are the main points from Boris Johnson’s Q&A at the JCB plant.
Johnson said that it was “very hard” to see Brexit happening if the Tories failed to get a working majority. Asked if he had a plan B to deliver Brexit in the event of not having a majority, he replied:Johnson said that it was “very hard” to see Brexit happening if the Tories failed to get a working majority. Asked if he had a plan B to deliver Brexit in the event of not having a majority, he replied:
He claimed the leaked recording of Jonathan Ashworth’s private conversation about Labour and Corbyn showed that Corbyn was a security threat. Describing Corbyn as a “Hamas-backing, IRA-supporting, antisemitism-condoning appeaser of the Kremlin”, Johnson went on:He claimed the leaked recording of Jonathan Ashworth’s private conversation about Labour and Corbyn showed that Corbyn was a security threat. Describing Corbyn as a “Hamas-backing, IRA-supporting, antisemitism-condoning appeaser of the Kremlin”, Johnson went on:
See 11.44am for a summary of what Ashworth does say on the tape. There is only one reference to Corbyn as a possible security risk, and Ashworth’s language is less specific than Johnson claims.See 11.44am for a summary of what Ashworth does say on the tape. There is only one reference to Corbyn as a possible security risk, and Ashworth’s language is less specific than Johnson claims.
Johnson gave what might be his strongest hint yet that he is not planning to scrap HS2. Asked if he would press on with it if he won the election, he said he had already set up a review, under Douglas Oakervee, to consider whether the project should continue.Johnson gave what might be his strongest hint yet that he is not planning to scrap HS2. Asked if he would press on with it if he won the election, he said he had already set up a review, under Douglas Oakervee, to consider whether the project should continue.
He rejected claims that the Conservatives were “home and dry” for an election victory. When asked if he accepted this, he replied:He rejected claims that the Conservatives were “home and dry” for an election victory. When asked if he accepted this, he replied:
He said MPs would not be justifying their pay if they continued to block Brexit after the election. When an employee at the plant asked if Johnson agreed that MPs should stop getting paid if they continued to block Brexit, he replied:He said MPs would not be justifying their pay if they continued to block Brexit after the election. When an employee at the plant asked if Johnson agreed that MPs should stop getting paid if they continued to block Brexit, he replied:
Jo Swinson has accused Boris Johnson of showing “an empathy bypass” in his attitude to other people, as the Liberal Democrats made a final push to persuade traditional Labour supporters to vote tactically and deny the Conservatives a majority.Jo Swinson has accused Boris Johnson of showing “an empathy bypass” in his attitude to other people, as the Liberal Democrats made a final push to persuade traditional Labour supporters to vote tactically and deny the Conservatives a majority.
Speaking to the Guardian during a campaign rally in Bath, Swinson said her party could confound gradually slipping national poll ratings to spring a series of surprises in up to a dozen or so Conservative-held seats, if the anti-Tory vote coalesces.Speaking to the Guardian during a campaign rally in Bath, Swinson said her party could confound gradually slipping national poll ratings to spring a series of surprises in up to a dozen or so Conservative-held seats, if the anti-Tory vote coalesces.
The Lib Dem leader said the task of denying Johnson a majority was all the more urgent following his much-criticised ITV interview in which the prime minister repeatedly refused to look at a photograph of Jack Williment-Barr, the four-year-old boy pictured sleeping on the floor of an overstretched A&E unit in Leeds.The Lib Dem leader said the task of denying Johnson a majority was all the more urgent following his much-criticised ITV interview in which the prime minister repeatedly refused to look at a photograph of Jack Williment-Barr, the four-year-old boy pictured sleeping on the floor of an overstretched A&E unit in Leeds.
Calling Johnson’s approach astonishing, Swinson said it fitted a wider pattern of behaviour, such as over the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman jailed in Iran, and his dismissal as “humbug” female MPs’ concerns over inflammatory political language. She went on:Calling Johnson’s approach astonishing, Swinson said it fitted a wider pattern of behaviour, such as over the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman jailed in Iran, and his dismissal as “humbug” female MPs’ concerns over inflammatory political language. She went on:
This YouGov poll suggests people do not believe the Tory suggestion (see 3.30pm) that leaving the EU on 31 January would amount to Brexit being over.This YouGov poll suggests people do not believe the Tory suggestion (see 3.30pm) that leaving the EU on 31 January would amount to Brexit being over.
Jeremy Corbyn is speaking at a Labour event in Carlisle.Jeremy Corbyn is speaking at a Labour event in Carlisle.
He talks about the report about the UK from the UN special rapporteur on poverty. That is shaming, he says.He talks about the report about the UK from the UN special rapporteur on poverty. That is shaming, he says.
He says he is glad the press highlighted the problems with the NHS yesterday. And he says it is extraordinary that, when Boris Johnson was asked about this, he chose to put the phone showing the picture in his pocket.He says he is glad the press highlighted the problems with the NHS yesterday. And he says it is extraordinary that, when Boris Johnson was asked about this, he chose to put the phone showing the picture in his pocket.
The dossier from the UK-US trade talks showed that the NHS is on the table in those negotiations, he says. He saPeople have a right to know what was going on, he says, and that is why Labour published it.The dossier from the UK-US trade talks showed that the NHS is on the table in those negotiations, he says. He saPeople have a right to know what was going on, he says, and that is why Labour published it.
He says people accuse him of politicising the NHS. But setting up the NHS was a political choice, he says. And he says Aneurin Bevan said it would last as long as there were folk around to fight for it. Well, we are folk, and we will fight for it, he says.He says people accuse him of politicising the NHS. But setting up the NHS was a political choice, he says. And he says Aneurin Bevan said it would last as long as there were folk around to fight for it. Well, we are folk, and we will fight for it, he says.
The Johnson Q&A is over.The Johnson Q&A is over.
He only took three questions from journalists.He only took three questions from journalists.
Q: If you are running a minority government after the election, what is your plan B for Brexit?Q: If you are running a minority government after the election, what is your plan B for Brexit?
Johnson says it is “very hard” to see how they can achieve Brexit without a Conservative government with a working majority.Johnson says it is “very hard” to see how they can achieve Brexit without a Conservative government with a working majority.
Johnson is now taking questions from journalists.Johnson is now taking questions from journalists.
Q: Jonathan Ashworth says you are going to win. He’s right, isn’t he? You are home and dry.Q: Jonathan Ashworth says you are going to win. He’s right, isn’t he? You are home and dry.
Johnson says he does not accept that.Johnson says he does not accept that.
He says polls can be wrong. Remember what happened in 2017.He says polls can be wrong. Remember what happened in 2017.
He claims Ashworth raises serious questions about the security risk Jeremy Corbyn would pose.He claims Ashworth raises serious questions about the security risk Jeremy Corbyn would pose.
He claims the tape also shows Labour would block Brexit.He claims the tape also shows Labour would block Brexit.