This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2020/feb/24/labour-leadership-starmer-refuses-to-commit-to-offering-corbyn-shadow-cabinet-post-live-news

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Brexit: France says it will not sign up to bad trade deal with UK just to meet Johnson's deadline - live news Brexit: France says it will not sign up to bad trade deal with UK just to meet Johnson's deadline - live news
(30 minutes later)
Rolling coverage of the day’s political developments as they happenRolling coverage of the day’s political developments as they happen
There are two government statements in the Commons this afternoon.
This morning Leo Varadkar, who remains Ireland’s caretaker prime minister after the inconclusive general election, said there must be no “backsliding” from the UK on the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol, the deal that will keep Northern Ireland in the single market after Brexit, effectively putting a customs border down the Irish Sea.This morning Leo Varadkar, who remains Ireland’s caretaker prime minister after the inconclusive general election, said there must be no “backsliding” from the UK on the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol, the deal that will keep Northern Ireland in the single market after Brexit, effectively putting a customs border down the Irish Sea.
Responding to a report in the Sunday Times (paywall) saying Boris Johnson intends to “get round” those requirements, Varadkar said:Responding to a report in the Sunday Times (paywall) saying Boris Johnson intends to “get round” those requirements, Varadkar said:
According to Tim Shipman’s report in the Sunday Times, No 10 is determined to interpret the protocol differently. Shipman said:According to Tim Shipman’s report in the Sunday Times, No 10 is determined to interpret the protocol differently. Shipman said:
Q: Is the UK trying to blackmail France into accepting a trade deal, as the French Europe minister implied this morning? (See 10.39am.)Q: Is the UK trying to blackmail France into accepting a trade deal, as the French Europe minister implied this morning? (See 10.39am.)
No, says the spokesman.No, says the spokesman.
Q: Is the PM concerned about suggestions that the UK is trying to wriggle out of the commitments it made in the Northern Ireland protocol on checks on goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland.Q: Is the PM concerned about suggestions that the UK is trying to wriggle out of the commitments it made in the Northern Ireland protocol on checks on goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland.
The spokesman says there will be unfettered access from Northern Ireland to Britain.The spokesman says there will be unfettered access from Northern Ireland to Britain.
He says the UK will comply with its obligations.He says the UK will comply with its obligations.
Q: Can people trust the UK to keep its word?Q: Can people trust the UK to keep its word?
The spokesman says the UK will comply with its obligations.The spokesman says the UK will comply with its obligations.
Q: Can the UK comply with its obligations without having to impose checks on goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland?Q: Can the UK comply with its obligations without having to impose checks on goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland?
The spokesman says the PM set out during the election campaign his understanding of the terms of the protocol.The spokesman says the PM set out during the election campaign his understanding of the terms of the protocol.
He says the government has not asked ports to impose new checks or controls on goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland.He says the government has not asked ports to impose new checks or controls on goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland.
And that’s it. The briefing is over.And that’s it. The briefing is over.
I will post a full summary soon.I will post a full summary soon.
Q: If the threat is low, why is the government buying millions of face masks?Q: If the threat is low, why is the government buying millions of face masks?
The spokesman says the UK government has been sending supplies to China, including 43,000 gloves, 37,000 medical and 2,500 face masks.The spokesman says the UK government has been sending supplies to China, including 43,000 gloves, 37,000 medical and 2,500 face masks.
Q: How many Britons are affected by the coronavirus quarantine in Italy?Q: How many Britons are affected by the coronavirus quarantine in Italy?
The spokesman says he has no updates on this.The spokesman says he has no updates on this.
He says there was a ministerial meeting of the Cobra emergency committee last week, and an officials’ meeting too.He says there was a ministerial meeting of the Cobra emergency committee last week, and an officials’ meeting too.
Q: Has the UK contingency plans for sealing off areas, in the way the Italians have done?Q: Has the UK contingency plans for sealing off areas, in the way the Italians have done?
The spokesman says the government will follow the advice of public health experts.The spokesman says the government will follow the advice of public health experts.
The chief medical officer says the risks to people in the UK are low, the spokesman says. And he says the NHS is extremely well prepared.The chief medical officer says the risks to people in the UK are low, the spokesman says. And he says the NHS is extremely well prepared.
Q: Will travel advice to Italy be changed?Q: Will travel advice to Italy be changed?
The spokesman says the advice on the Foreign Office’s website was changed at the weekend to reflect the situation in some parts of Italy.The spokesman says the advice on the Foreign Office’s website was changed at the weekend to reflect the situation in some parts of Italy.
Q: Can you explain the background to the appointment of someone to review the conditions of work for special advisers?Q: Can you explain the background to the appointment of someone to review the conditions of work for special advisers?
The spokesman says the government decided to review this at the end of last year. This appointment is part of that process, he says.The spokesman says the government decided to review this at the end of last year. This appointment is part of that process, he says.
On Priti Patel, the spokesman says the home secretary and her permanent secretary issued a statement last night. He says the PM has full confidence in Patel.On Priti Patel, the spokesman says the home secretary and her permanent secretary issued a statement last night. He says the PM has full confidence in Patel.
Q: Does the PM have confidence in Philip Rutnam, permanent secretary at the Home Office?Q: Does the PM have confidence in Philip Rutnam, permanent secretary at the Home Office?
The spokesman says the PM has confidence in the whole of the civil service.The spokesman says the PM has confidence in the whole of the civil service.
Q: Does he think MI5 have been withholding information from Patel?Q: Does he think MI5 have been withholding information from Patel?
No, says the spokesman.No, says the spokesman.
Q: Does the PM want to move Rutnam?Q: Does the PM want to move Rutnam?
The spokesman says the PM has confidence in the whole of the civil service. He says permanent secretary appointments are for the cabinet secretary.The spokesman says the PM has confidence in the whole of the civil service. He says permanent secretary appointments are for the cabinet secretary.
Q: Is there an inquiry going on into the leak of information critical of Patel?Q: Is there an inquiry going on into the leak of information critical of Patel?
No, says the spokesman. And he says no inquiry was requested.No, says the spokesman. And he says no inquiry was requested.
The PM’s spokesman is here.The PM’s spokesman is here.
He starts by announcing what is happening today.He starts by announcing what is happening today.
He says the PM is working from Downing Street. Later he is meeting the Croatian PM.He says the PM is working from Downing Street. Later he is meeting the Croatian PM.
James Brokenshire, the Home Office minister, has announced plans for a “protect duty” on people who own open spaces.James Brokenshire, the Home Office minister, has announced plans for a “protect duty” on people who own open spaces.
Thérèse Coffey, the DWP secretary, is publishing a report on auto-enrolment in pensions schemes.Thérèse Coffey, the DWP secretary, is publishing a report on auto-enrolment in pensions schemes.
Alok Sharma, the business secretary, is attending a climate change conference.Alok Sharma, the business secretary, is attending a climate change conference.
Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, is doing a visit in Northern Ireland.Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, is doing a visit in Northern Ireland.
Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, is announcing the final local government settlement. MPs will vote on it later today.Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, is announcing the final local government settlement. MPs will vote on it later today.
The spokesman is now taking questions.The spokesman is now taking questions.
Q: Does the PM intend to make a statement on plans for new Trident warheads?Q: Does the PM intend to make a statement on plans for new Trident warheads?
The spokesman says he does not have anything to announce on this.The spokesman says he does not have anything to announce on this.
Q: Was the PM annoyed that this news came out in the US?Q: Was the PM annoyed that this news came out in the US?
The spokesman does not have anything to add.The spokesman does not have anything to add.
Q: Was the PM on holiday last week?Q: Was the PM on holiday last week?
The spokesman says the PM was working last week. He had calls with the Chinese and US presidents. He was kept updated on the flooding. And he was working on his domestic agenda and on the budget.The spokesman says the PM was working last week. He had calls with the Chinese and US presidents. He was kept updated on the flooding. And he was working on his domestic agenda and on the budget.
Q: Why did the PM not visit any of the flooded areas?Q: Why did the PM not visit any of the flooded areas?
The spokesman says the government is very grateful to all the emergency services who were called out. He says the environment secretary has been in the lead on this. It is important not to distract from the relief effort.The spokesman says the government is very grateful to all the emergency services who were called out. He says the environment secretary has been in the lead on this. It is important not to distract from the relief effort.
Q: He was happy to do that last year, when there was an election on.Q: He was happy to do that last year, when there was an election on.
The spokesman repeats the point about being grateful to the emergency services.The spokesman repeats the point about being grateful to the emergency services.
No 10 defends PM’s decision to stay away from flooded areas, saying such visits would be a distraction.No 10 defends PM’s decision to stay away from flooded areas, saying such visits would be a distraction.
I’m at 9 Downing Street for the morning lobby briefing. It will be the first we’ve had for a week (No 10 don’t hold daily briefings during recess) and so there is quite a lot to cover.I’m at 9 Downing Street for the morning lobby briefing. It will be the first we’ve had for a week (No 10 don’t hold daily briefings during recess) and so there is quite a lot to cover.
The embargo arrangements for these briefings are a bit hit and miss, but I’m expecting the embargo to be lifted, and so I should be able to cover the proceedings live.The embargo arrangements for these briefings are a bit hit and miss, but I’m expecting the embargo to be lifted, and so I should be able to cover the proceedings live.
We’re waiting for the prime minister’s spokesman to arrive.We’re waiting for the prime minister’s spokesman to arrive.
This is from Amélie de Montchalin, the French Europe minister. She is saying that France will not sign up to a bad trade deal with the UK just to meet Boris Johnson’s December 2020 deadline. (Johnson has set this deadline by ruling out an extension to the post-Brexit transition.)This is from Amélie de Montchalin, the French Europe minister. She is saying that France will not sign up to a bad trade deal with the UK just to meet Boris Johnson’s December 2020 deadline. (Johnson has set this deadline by ruling out an extension to the post-Brexit transition.)
And here is a translation from my colleague Jennifer Rankin.And here is a translation from my colleague Jennifer Rankin.
Jennifer says EU diplomats are meeting again this afternoon to have another go at finalising the EU’s mandate for the trade negotiation with the UK.Jennifer says EU diplomats are meeting again this afternoon to have another go at finalising the EU’s mandate for the trade negotiation with the UK.
On the subject of who might get appointed to Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet, if he wins the Labour leadership, the Economist’s Duncan Weldon has a Twitter thread on who might be appointed shadow chancellor. It starts here.On the subject of who might get appointed to Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet, if he wins the Labour leadership, the Economist’s Duncan Weldon has a Twitter thread on who might be appointed shadow chancellor. It starts here.
And here is his conclusion. He thinks Jonathan Reynolds or Anneliese Dodds, both shadow Treasury ministers, could get the job.And here is his conclusion. He thinks Jonathan Reynolds or Anneliese Dodds, both shadow Treasury ministers, could get the job.
Sir Keir Starmer was interviewed this morning by Kay Burley on Sky News, by Mishal Husain on Today and by Nick Ferrari on LBC. Here are the main points from all three interviews.Sir Keir Starmer was interviewed this morning by Kay Burley on Sky News, by Mishal Husain on Today and by Nick Ferrari on LBC. Here are the main points from all three interviews.
Starmer refused to commit to offering Jeremy Corbyn a post in the shadow cabinet if he won. (See 9.21am.) He insisted that he had not had any discussions about possible shadow cabinet appointments, and he refused to comment on claims that there might be jobs for people like Ed Miliband or Yvette Cooper.Starmer refused to commit to offering Jeremy Corbyn a post in the shadow cabinet if he won. (See 9.21am.) He insisted that he had not had any discussions about possible shadow cabinet appointments, and he refused to comment on claims that there might be jobs for people like Ed Miliband or Yvette Cooper.
He said he was opposed to the government’s plan to use salary thresholds to determine if migrants should be allowed to come to the UK to work. Asked about the Home Office proposals announced last week, he said:He said he was opposed to the government’s plan to use salary thresholds to determine if migrants should be allowed to come to the UK to work. Asked about the Home Office proposals announced last week, he said:
When asked if that meant he would do away with salary thresholds, he replied:When asked if that meant he would do away with salary thresholds, he replied:
He did not rule out campaigning for the UK to move towards a Norway-style relationship with the EU at the next general election. He said he expected the next election to be in 2024. Asked if at that point he might be advocating a closer relationship with the EU, akin to Norway’s, he said: “We will have to see what the situation is in 2024.” But he also said that it was in the UK’s interests to be economically close to the EU.He did not rule out campaigning for the UK to move towards a Norway-style relationship with the EU at the next general election. He said he expected the next election to be in 2024. Asked if at that point he might be advocating a closer relationship with the EU, akin to Norway’s, he said: “We will have to see what the situation is in 2024.” But he also said that it was in the UK’s interests to be economically close to the EU.
He said he disagreed with what Tony Blair said last week about how Labour should not let its support for trans rights lead to it getting involved in a culture war with conservatives. Blair said:He said he disagreed with what Tony Blair said last week about how Labour should not let its support for trans rights lead to it getting involved in a culture war with conservatives. Blair said:
Asked about this, Starmer said:Asked about this, Starmer said:
But Starmer also praised the record of the last Labour government, saying “a lot of good stuff” happened when it was in power. He said that it was wrong to “trash” the record of previous Labour governments, but that it was also wrong to “trash” the record of what had done in opposition over the last five years. He praised Jeremy Corbyn for turning the party into an anti-austerity party.But Starmer also praised the record of the last Labour government, saying “a lot of good stuff” happened when it was in power. He said that it was wrong to “trash” the record of previous Labour governments, but that it was also wrong to “trash” the record of what had done in opposition over the last five years. He praised Jeremy Corbyn for turning the party into an anti-austerity party.
Starmer claimed that “outriders” from other campaigns were floating allegations that his campaign was funded by wealthy donors. He said that he had received contributions from trade unions, from crowdfunding and from individuals, as other candidates had, and he said that donations would all be declared. He implied the accusations were unfair.Starmer claimed that “outriders” from other campaigns were floating allegations that his campaign was funded by wealthy donors. He said that he had received contributions from trade unions, from crowdfunding and from individuals, as other candidates had, and he said that donations would all be declared. He implied the accusations were unfair.
He said that it had been a mistake for him to abstain on the second reading of the welfare reform bill in 2015. He said that he was a new MP at the time and he was abstaining in line with the party whip.He said that it had been a mistake for him to abstain on the second reading of the welfare reform bill in 2015. He said that he was a new MP at the time and he was abstaining in line with the party whip.
He struggled to refute a suggestion that he was boring. On LBC Ferrari said a Financial Times profile of him today is headlined: ‘Boring’ Starmer seeks to heal wounded party.’ Asked to name the most exciting thing he had done, to prove he was not boring, Starmer replied:He struggled to refute a suggestion that he was boring. On LBC Ferrari said a Financial Times profile of him today is headlined: ‘Boring’ Starmer seeks to heal wounded party.’ Asked to name the most exciting thing he had done, to prove he was not boring, Starmer replied:
He eventually came up with a story about how, when he got stranded in Newcastle one day during the campaign, on Valentine’s night, he checked into a hotel and went to his room to find someone sleeping in the bed. Asked if it was a man or a woman, Starmer said he did not stay long enough to find out.He eventually came up with a story about how, when he got stranded in Newcastle one day during the campaign, on Valentine’s night, he checked into a hotel and went to his room to find someone sleeping in the bed. Asked if it was a man or a woman, Starmer said he did not stay long enough to find out.
Starmer rejected claims that he tried to bring down Corbyn in 2016. Asked about a Twitter video released by the leftwing Fire Brigades Union, and whether he had tried to bring down Corbyn at the time, Starmer denied this. But he confirmed that he did resign from the shadow cabinet. Starmer said that, when Corbyn won the subsequent leadership election, he agreed to serve again in shadow cabinet. He said that he viewed Corbyn as a friend and that, when he disagreed with him, he kept that private.Starmer rejected claims that he tried to bring down Corbyn in 2016. Asked about a Twitter video released by the leftwing Fire Brigades Union, and whether he had tried to bring down Corbyn at the time, Starmer denied this. But he confirmed that he did resign from the shadow cabinet. Starmer said that, when Corbyn won the subsequent leadership election, he agreed to serve again in shadow cabinet. He said that he viewed Corbyn as a friend and that, when he disagreed with him, he kept that private.
One of Priti Patel’s Home Office ministerial colleagues has dismissed claims that she is bullying officials, as the home secretary pushed for an inquiry into a series of damaging leaks about her approach in the department, my colleague Peter Walker reports. After the Home Office released a statement denying a rift between Patel and her most senior civil servant, and MI5 rejected reports it is witholding intelligence from her, James Brokenshire called the reports “absolute nonsense”.One of Priti Patel’s Home Office ministerial colleagues has dismissed claims that she is bullying officials, as the home secretary pushed for an inquiry into a series of damaging leaks about her approach in the department, my colleague Peter Walker reports. After the Home Office released a statement denying a rift between Patel and her most senior civil servant, and MI5 rejected reports it is witholding intelligence from her, James Brokenshire called the reports “absolute nonsense”.
Today ballot papers start going out in the Labour leadership contest (or, in most cases, emails - people are generally expected to vote electronically) and this morning Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary and the clear favourite in the contest, has doing a round of interviews. On the Today programme he was asked if there would be space for Jeremy Corbyn in his shadow cabinet if he won and, although he dodged the question, listeners might have concluded that the answer was no. When Mishal Husain asked Starmer if he would give Corbyn a job, Starmer replied:Today ballot papers start going out in the Labour leadership contest (or, in most cases, emails - people are generally expected to vote electronically) and this morning Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary and the clear favourite in the contest, has doing a round of interviews. On the Today programme he was asked if there would be space for Jeremy Corbyn in his shadow cabinet if he won and, although he dodged the question, listeners might have concluded that the answer was no. When Mishal Husain asked Starmer if he would give Corbyn a job, Starmer replied:
Husain then pressed him again, saying he must have a view on this. But Starmer stuck to the same line.Husain then pressed him again, saying he must have a view on this. But Starmer stuck to the same line.
Although Starmer may not have discussed specific shadow cabinet jobs with anybody, at a Labour hustings yesterday he did say that there would be top jobs for both Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy if he won. Previously he had declined to make that commitment.Although Starmer may not have discussed specific shadow cabinet jobs with anybody, at a Labour hustings yesterday he did say that there would be top jobs for both Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy if he won. Previously he had declined to make that commitment.
In truth, most Labour members would probably expect Corbyn to leave the frontbench whoever wins – not least because that is normally what outgoing leaders do (although some do later return to cabinet or shadow cabinet roles, like William Hague). Long-Bailey herself said less than two weeks ago that Corbyn had done his bit and that it was time for a new generation. But she has also said separately that she would offer Corbyn a job because she likes him so much, and the leftwing deputy leadership candidate Richard Burgon has said the “ideal” outcome would be for Corbyn to stay on as shadow foreign secretary. Last week Corbyn did not rule out taking a shadow cabinet post if offered one.In truth, most Labour members would probably expect Corbyn to leave the frontbench whoever wins – not least because that is normally what outgoing leaders do (although some do later return to cabinet or shadow cabinet roles, like William Hague). Long-Bailey herself said less than two weeks ago that Corbyn had done his bit and that it was time for a new generation. But she has also said separately that she would offer Corbyn a job because she likes him so much, and the leftwing deputy leadership candidate Richard Burgon has said the “ideal” outcome would be for Corbyn to stay on as shadow foreign secretary. Last week Corbyn did not rule out taking a shadow cabinet post if offered one.
I will post more from the Starmer interviews shortly.I will post more from the Starmer interviews shortly.
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
9.30am: Prof Sir Michael Marmot publishes a report on health inequalities across England.9.30am: Prof Sir Michael Marmot publishes a report on health inequalities across England.
9.30am: David Gauke, the former Tory cabinet minister, speaks at the launch of a Resolution Foundation report on the outlook for next month’s budget. As Richard Partington reports, it says the government is set to increase borrowing to spend more than £1tn a year, increasing the size of the British state to make it bigger than at any point under the 10-year premiership of Labour’s Tony Blair.9.30am: David Gauke, the former Tory cabinet minister, speaks at the launch of a Resolution Foundation report on the outlook for next month’s budget. As Richard Partington reports, it says the government is set to increase borrowing to spend more than £1tn a year, increasing the size of the British state to make it bigger than at any point under the 10-year premiership of Labour’s Tony Blair.
11am: Downing Street lobby briefing.11am: Downing Street lobby briefing.
2.30pm: The Commons starts sitting again after the half-term recess. After housing questions, there are likely to be urgent questions or government statements.2.30pm: The Commons starts sitting again after the half-term recess. After housing questions, there are likely to be urgent questions or government statements.
After 3pm: Peers start debating the emergency terrorist offenders (restriction of early release) bill. It is due to clear all its Lords stages by the end of the day.After 3pm: Peers start debating the emergency terrorist offenders (restriction of early release) bill. It is due to clear all its Lords stages by the end of the day.
As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. I plan to post a summary when I wrap up.As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. I plan to post a summary when I wrap up.
You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.
If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.
I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.
If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.