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| Chuka Umunna endorses Liz Kendall for Labour leadership - Politics live | Chuka Umunna endorses Liz Kendall for Labour leadership - Politics live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 11.16am BST11:16 | |
| Polling analyst Mike Smithson has rounded up the betting companies’ odds on the next Labour leader. Liz Kendall’s prospects are increasingly improving. | |
| Latest round up of LAB leader betting price. Shaded blue = moving in. Red = moving out http://t.co/kzWBiyXkgK pic.twitter.com/tarB1dxqq1 | |
| 11.13am BST11:13 | |
| You can watch our video about Cameron’s new waxwork at Madame Tussauds below. | |
| 11.11am BST11:11 | |
| The Press Association is reporting that parliamentary standards Commissioner Kathryn Hudson has received a number of complaints about Alistair Carmichael’s conduct over the leaked Nicola Sturgeon memo, and is considering whether to launch a formal investigation. | |
| 10.52am BST10:52 | |
| The Twitter commentariat are of the opinion that Umunna’s endorsement will be a big boost to Kendall’s leadership chances. | |
| From the Spectator’s James Forsyth: | |
| Chuka’s entire leadership team backing Liz Kendall a big deal, shows she is now a credible candidate which should help her gain more support | |
| From the Telegraph’s Steven Swinford: | |
| Chuka Umunna and his entire leadership campaign have got behind @Liz4Labour, huge boost for her campaign #Labour | |
| From Bloomberg’s Tom Beardsworth: | |
| The odds are about to narrow on Liz Kendall winning, endorsements from Chuka and others http://t.co/W4u4060jmE | |
| From Sky News’ Sophy Ridge: | |
| Chuka Umunna backs Liz Kendall for leader - the endorsement everyone wanted http://t.co/rRcVecvm6U | |
| From the Spectator’s Isabel Hardman: | |
| Chuka Umunna’s endorsement of Liz Kendall makes her the ‘Progress candidate’ in this election http://t.co/RPrfTSd5gC | |
| From Total Politics’ David Singleton: | |
| Big boost for Liz Kendall to get backing of Chuka Umunna and pals. Suggests Chuka - who backed Ed in 2010 - is a Blairite after all... | |
| From the New Statesman’s George Eaton: | |
| If Kendall wins, Chuka is a good bet for shadow foreign secretary (and potentially under the others too). | |
| From PoliticsHome’s Josh May: | |
| Liz Kendall, Chuka Umunna and Tristram Hunt a pretty solid basis for a Labour frontbench team. | |
| Updated at 10.53am BST | |
| 10.46am BST10:46 | 10.46am BST10:46 |
| Umunna and his team write that Labour’s greatest strength has always been its commitment to a society that is fairer and freer. But they stress that the modern Labour Party faces many hurdles. Tax rates and regulation, welfare payments and tax credits will not alone deliver a fair and united society, they say, and Labour needs to be willing to grapple with the economic, social and global challenges that are before us now. They highlight three prevalent questions facing the party: | Umunna and his team write that Labour’s greatest strength has always been its commitment to a society that is fairer and freer. But they stress that the modern Labour Party faces many hurdles. Tax rates and regulation, welfare payments and tax credits will not alone deliver a fair and united society, they say, and Labour needs to be willing to grapple with the economic, social and global challenges that are before us now. They highlight three prevalent questions facing the party: |
| The answers, they say, include “a more creative and strategic relationship between the state and business, a much better use of government’s convening power to channel investment into R&D and a genuinely life-long education system”. The MPs add that in order to address an increasingly diverse society, Labour needs to reshape the state by moving towards a more federal UK, devolving power and money to cities and regions, and reforming the electoral system and political bodies. | The answers, they say, include “a more creative and strategic relationship between the state and business, a much better use of government’s convening power to channel investment into R&D and a genuinely life-long education system”. The MPs add that in order to address an increasingly diverse society, Labour needs to reshape the state by moving towards a more federal UK, devolving power and money to cities and regions, and reforming the electoral system and political bodies. |
| They also stress the importance of fighting to remain in the EU. | They also stress the importance of fighting to remain in the EU. |
| Updated at 11.19am BST | |
| 10.34am BST10:34 | 10.34am BST10:34 |
| Chuka Umunna endorses Liz Kendall for the Labour leadership | Chuka Umunna endorses Liz Kendall for the Labour leadership |
| Chuka Umunna and his leadership team - Emma Reynolds, Stephen Twigg and Jonathan Reynolds - have endorsed Liz Kendall for the Labour leadership. In an article for the New Statesman, the Labour MPs write that the party “must move beyond its comfort zone and find new ways of realising its age-old goals of equality and freedom.” | Chuka Umunna and his leadership team - Emma Reynolds, Stephen Twigg and Jonathan Reynolds - have endorsed Liz Kendall for the Labour leadership. In an article for the New Statesman, the Labour MPs write that the party “must move beyond its comfort zone and find new ways of realising its age-old goals of equality and freedom.” |
| For us, our next leader must get this vision right. On [the] big subjects, Liz Kendall has asked the tough questions and started to chart a course to the answers. She has been courageous in challenging conventional wisdom. She has no compunction in moving Labour beyond our comfort zone and is determined to build a team ready to chart a route forward. This is exactly what our party needs and that is why we are nominating her to be the next leader of the Labour Party. | For us, our next leader must get this vision right. On [the] big subjects, Liz Kendall has asked the tough questions and started to chart a course to the answers. She has been courageous in challenging conventional wisdom. She has no compunction in moving Labour beyond our comfort zone and is determined to build a team ready to chart a route forward. This is exactly what our party needs and that is why we are nominating her to be the next leader of the Labour Party. |
| Updated at 10.36am BST | Updated at 10.36am BST |
| 10.24am BST10:24 | 10.24am BST10:24 |
| Sturgeon attacks 'scale and speed' of government cuts | Sturgeon attacks 'scale and speed' of government cuts |
| Libby Brooks | Libby Brooks |
| Nicola Sturgeon has attacked the “scale and speed” of government spending cuts, while pledging that the Scottish government will campaign for the UK to stay in the EU. | Nicola Sturgeon has attacked the “scale and speed” of government spending cuts, while pledging that the Scottish government will campaign for the UK to stay in the EU. |
| In her first major speech on the economy since the general election, Scotland’s first minister argued that the proposed cuts would hamper the economic recovery and make reducing the deficit harder. | In her first major speech on the economy since the general election, Scotland’s first minister argued that the proposed cuts would hamper the economic recovery and make reducing the deficit harder. |
| Addressing business leaders in Edinburgh, Sturgeon insisted: “We will continue to oppose spending reductions of the scale and speed that the UK government has suggested. | Addressing business leaders in Edinburgh, Sturgeon insisted: “We will continue to oppose spending reductions of the scale and speed that the UK government has suggested. |
| “We believe these will slow economic recovery and make deficit reduction more difficult and that’s something that has been demonstrated already by the impact of the cuts that have been imposed since 2010.” | “We believe these will slow economic recovery and make deficit reduction more difficult and that’s something that has been demonstrated already by the impact of the cuts that have been imposed since 2010.” |
| The SNP leader added: “If the UK government does decide to stick to its current proposals we will argue for ways in which the impact on Scotland can be lessened.” | The SNP leader added: “If the UK government does decide to stick to its current proposals we will argue for ways in which the impact on Scotland can be lessened.” |
| Speaking ahead of the Queen’s speech later this week, which is expected to set out a bill for an EU referendum, Sturgeon also reiterated her support for continued EU membership. | Speaking ahead of the Queen’s speech later this week, which is expected to set out a bill for an EU referendum, Sturgeon also reiterated her support for continued EU membership. |
| She said: “During the run-up to the referendum the Scottish government will of course make a strong and positive case for staying in the European Union. | She said: “During the run-up to the referendum the Scottish government will of course make a strong and positive case for staying in the European Union. |
| “We don’t think it is perfect. We think reform is both desirable and necessary but we believe very strongly that Scotland’s interests are best served by being members of the European Union.” | “We don’t think it is perfect. We think reform is both desirable and necessary but we believe very strongly that Scotland’s interests are best served by being members of the European Union.” |
| 10.18am BST10:18 | 10.18am BST10:18 |
| David Cameron is gathering his Cabinet to finalise the Queen’s Speech. Due to his narrow majority, the PM must ensure he keeps his 330 MPs united and avoid revolts on key issues such as the referendum and human rights rules. The Telegraph has a handy explainer of all the pledges we can expect tomorrow. | David Cameron is gathering his Cabinet to finalise the Queen’s Speech. Due to his narrow majority, the PM must ensure he keeps his 330 MPs united and avoid revolts on key issues such as the referendum and human rights rules. The Telegraph has a handy explainer of all the pledges we can expect tomorrow. |
| EU Referendum: Holding an In/Out vote on Britain’s membership of the European Union by the end of 2017. | EU Referendum: Holding an In/Out vote on Britain’s membership of the European Union by the end of 2017. |
| Tax: Minimum wage earners working 30 hours a week will be taken out of income tax. Also a legal guarantee of income tax, VAT or national insurance rises before 2020. | Tax: Minimum wage earners working 30 hours a week will be taken out of income tax. Also a legal guarantee of income tax, VAT or national insurance rises before 2020. |
| Strike laws: A ban on strike action unless 40 per cent of all eligible union members vote for industrial action. | Strike laws: A ban on strike action unless 40 per cent of all eligible union members vote for industrial action. |
| Housing: Build more than 200,000 starter homes for first-time buyers which will be sold at a 20 per cent discount to people under the age of 40. | Housing: Build more than 200,000 starter homes for first-time buyers which will be sold at a 20 per cent discount to people under the age of 40. |
| Human Rights: Replacing the Human Rights Act – based on the European Convention of Human Rights – with a British Bill of Rights. | Human Rights: Replacing the Human Rights Act – based on the European Convention of Human Rights – with a British Bill of Rights. |
| Scotland: Implementation of the Smith Commission, which gives the Scottish Parliament controls to set income tax bands and change welfare policy. | Scotland: Implementation of the Smith Commission, which gives the Scottish Parliament controls to set income tax bands and change welfare policy. |
| Hunting Ban: Manifesto pledge to put repealing the Hunting Act to a free vote could appear. | Hunting Ban: Manifesto pledge to put repealing the Hunting Act to a free vote could appear. |
| Childcare: Double the amount of free childcare to 30 hours. | Childcare: Double the amount of free childcare to 30 hours. |
| NHS: Increase funding to £8bn extra a year by 2020 and create “a truly seven-day NHS”. | NHS: Increase funding to £8bn extra a year by 2020 and create “a truly seven-day NHS”. |
| Counter-extremism: Authorities to be given powers to close extremist mosques in range of measures to be legislated on from Theresa May. | Counter-extremism: Authorities to be given powers to close extremist mosques in range of measures to be legislated on from Theresa May. |
| Updated at 10.19am BST | Updated at 10.19am BST |
| 9.51am BST09:51 | 9.51am BST09:51 |
| Greg Clark, the communities secretary, was on the Today programme this morning, where he said that people should not be signing away their aspiration to own a home when agreeing a social tenancy. Clark also defended the previous coalition government’s record on replacing council housing stock after it extended the right-to-buy scheme. | Greg Clark, the communities secretary, was on the Today programme this morning, where he said that people should not be signing away their aspiration to own a home when agreeing a social tenancy. Clark also defended the previous coalition government’s record on replacing council housing stock after it extended the right-to-buy scheme. |
| We know that consistently over many years that nearly 90% - 86% of people want to own their own home. | We know that consistently over many years that nearly 90% - 86% of people want to own their own home. |
| That has fallen, it has started to rise, but I think just because you have signed a social tenancy you shouldn’t be signing away your aspiration forever to own your own home. | That has fallen, it has started to rise, but I think just because you have signed a social tenancy you shouldn’t be signing away your aspiration forever to own your own home. |
| We know council tenants have the ability to own their own home through right-to-buy and we think it’s fair to extend that to housing association tenants. | We know council tenants have the ability to own their own home through right-to-buy and we think it’s fair to extend that to housing association tenants. |
| The object of [the coalition’s] policy was not to replace the whole of the stock. This new policy is to replace it. | The object of [the coalition’s] policy was not to replace the whole of the stock. This new policy is to replace it. |
| The other thing to point out in terms of the last policy is housing associations and councils had three years to replace the stock that was sold and so there is a lag and some of those properties are now being built. | The other thing to point out in terms of the last policy is housing associations and councils had three years to replace the stock that was sold and so there is a lag and some of those properties are now being built. |
| That policy did not require every property to be replaced, it was the additional and it will be met. What happens is after three years if the properties haven’t been replaced the money comes back with interest to the government so the Homes and Community Agency can build that. | That policy did not require every property to be replaced, it was the additional and it will be met. What happens is after three years if the properties haven’t been replaced the money comes back with interest to the government so the Homes and Community Agency can build that. |
| The policy we’re announcing in the Queen’s Speech is very clear - every property that is sold will be replaced, one-for-one, so the housing stock is being expanded and people can achieve this aspiration that most of us want to own our home. | The policy we’re announcing in the Queen’s Speech is very clear - every property that is sold will be replaced, one-for-one, so the housing stock is being expanded and people can achieve this aspiration that most of us want to own our home. |
| 9.44am BST09:44 | 9.44am BST09:44 |
| In case you missed it, we reported last night that David Cameron’s referendum campaign has suffered a severe blow, after France and Germany forged a pact to integrate the eurozone without reopening the EU’s treaties. | In case you missed it, we reported last night that David Cameron’s referendum campaign has suffered a severe blow, after France and Germany forged a pact to integrate the eurozone without reopening the EU’s treaties. |
| Cameron has continued to call for a reopening of the treaties to enable the eurozone to integrate more closely while providing the British with a chance to reshape the UK’s relations with the EU and repatriate powers from Brussels. But EU members and senior officials in Brussels have repeatedly voiced their reluctance to reopen the Lisbon treaty – the EU’s fundamental constitutional document. And now, Angela Merkel and François Hollande have sealed an agreement aimed at fashioning a tighter political union among the single-currency countries while operating within the confines of the existing treaty. | Cameron has continued to call for a reopening of the treaties to enable the eurozone to integrate more closely while providing the British with a chance to reshape the UK’s relations with the EU and repatriate powers from Brussels. But EU members and senior officials in Brussels have repeatedly voiced their reluctance to reopen the Lisbon treaty – the EU’s fundamental constitutional document. And now, Angela Merkel and François Hollande have sealed an agreement aimed at fashioning a tighter political union among the single-currency countries while operating within the confines of the existing treaty. |
| The Franco-German proposals are to be put to an EU summit in Brussels next month, where they are likely to be endorsed. If that happens, it would close the door on any treaty renegotiation. | The Franco-German proposals are to be put to an EU summit in Brussels next month, where they are likely to be endorsed. If that happens, it would close the door on any treaty renegotiation. |
| Updated at 10.08am BST | Updated at 10.08am BST |
| 9.33am BST09:33 | 9.33am BST09:33 |
| The right-to-buy pledge will be included in the Queen’s speech tomorrow, the government has announced. | The right-to-buy pledge will be included in the Queen’s speech tomorrow, the government has announced. |
| The extension of Margaret Thatcher’s housing scheme will allow England’s 1.3 million housing association tenants to purchase their homes with the same discounts offered to council tenants. Read our report of that here. Meanwhile, here’s a quick glance at what other papers are saying: | The extension of Margaret Thatcher’s housing scheme will allow England’s 1.3 million housing association tenants to purchase their homes with the same discounts offered to council tenants. Read our report of that here. Meanwhile, here’s a quick glance at what other papers are saying: |
| Updated at 10.09am BST | Updated at 10.09am BST |
| 9.33am BST09:33 | 9.33am BST09:33 |
| Mark Smith | Mark Smith |
| David Cameron has not only got a new term as prime minister, he’s also got a new waxwork. Well, to be precise, Madame Tussauds have refreshed his existing likeness. | David Cameron has not only got a new term as prime minister, he’s also got a new waxwork. Well, to be precise, Madame Tussauds have refreshed his existing likeness. |
| Seems ripe for a caption competition. Post your best efforts below the line, and I’ll highlight the | Seems ripe for a caption competition. Post your best efforts below the line, and I’ll highlight the |
| best | best |
| , | , |
| funniest | funniest |
| , most suitable for family newspaper at about 12noon. The prize? Eternal liveblog respect and adulation. | , most suitable for family newspaper at about 12noon. The prize? Eternal liveblog respect and adulation. |
| Updated at 9.33am BST | Updated at 9.33am BST |
| 9.20am BST09:20 | 9.20am BST09:20 |
| Q: How can you bring business pledge to play across all UK? | Q: How can you bring business pledge to play across all UK? |
| A: I said if we were elected we wanted to play a positive part in politics of the whole of the UK and we intend to do that. Our MPs will encourage the UK government to become a living wage employer, and we will be very keen to take the philosophy of the business pledge to Westminster and encourage them to use it too. | A: I said if we were elected we wanted to play a positive part in politics of the whole of the UK and we intend to do that. Our MPs will encourage the UK government to become a living wage employer, and we will be very keen to take the philosophy of the business pledge to Westminster and encourage them to use it too. |
| 9.19am BST09:19 | 9.19am BST09:19 |
| Q: If business takes place south of the border, in event of future independence referendum, what measures would SNP put in place to ensure this continues? | Q: If business takes place south of the border, in event of future independence referendum, what measures would SNP put in place to ensure this continues? |
| A: I should be careful what I say in case people think I’m planning a second independence referendum, which I’m not. We have to campaign positively in the referendum we do know that’s approaching – the EU referendum. But we argued last year that an independent Scotland would be part of the European single market. A shared market like that would continue. The world is littered with independent countries that trade very easily with each other. | A: I should be careful what I say in case people think I’m planning a second independence referendum, which I’m not. We have to campaign positively in the referendum we do know that’s approaching – the EU referendum. But we argued last year that an independent Scotland would be part of the European single market. A shared market like that would continue. The world is littered with independent countries that trade very easily with each other. |
| 9.17am BST09:17 | 9.17am BST09:17 |
| Q: How can you make Scotland’s ageing population part of the pledge? | Q: How can you make Scotland’s ageing population part of the pledge? |
| A: We have to invest in our workforce, across all ages. We talk about the ageing population as if it’s some kind of burden, but it’s a wonderful thing. People can live longer and can contribute for longer. We have to invest in it. Obviously the ageing population underlines the productivity challenge. We have to invest in our work force to ensure that as it ages we increase productivity. | A: We have to invest in our workforce, across all ages. We talk about the ageing population as if it’s some kind of burden, but it’s a wonderful thing. People can live longer and can contribute for longer. We have to invest in it. Obviously the ageing population underlines the productivity challenge. We have to invest in our work force to ensure that as it ages we increase productivity. |
| 9.15am BST09:15 | 9.15am BST09:15 |
| Sturgeon is currently taking questions. She said it’s not mandatory for businesses to sign up to the Scottish Business Pledge, but you do it to boost your own productivity, your staff performance and your bottom line. | Sturgeon is currently taking questions. She said it’s not mandatory for businesses to sign up to the Scottish Business Pledge, but you do it to boost your own productivity, your staff performance and your bottom line. |
| Q: you described the business pledge as a movement/philosophy. How do you get that philosophy out to smaller businesses? | Q: you described the business pledge as a movement/philosophy. How do you get that philosophy out to smaller businesses? |
| A: Part of doing that is events like this, as well as day to day work we do engaging with businesses. And a growing part of it is coming from small to medium sized businesses themselves, who want to work towards paying the living wage and greater diversity. We’re seeing a self-motivated move towards the kind of thing we’re talking about. | A: Part of doing that is events like this, as well as day to day work we do engaging with businesses. And a growing part of it is coming from small to medium sized businesses themselves, who want to work towards paying the living wage and greater diversity. We’re seeing a self-motivated move towards the kind of thing we’re talking about. |
| 9.11am BST09:11 | 9.11am BST09:11 |
| Mark Smith | Mark Smith |
| More on the interview Sir Malcolm Bruce just gave to the Today programme. | More on the interview Sir Malcolm Bruce just gave to the Today programme. |
| In an unusually honest defence of his ex-colleague Alistair Carmichael, the former Lib Dem deputy leader said the House of Commons would be cleared out fast if every MP, cabinet minister and prime minister who told a brazen lie had to quit. | In an unusually honest defence of his ex-colleague Alistair Carmichael, the former Lib Dem deputy leader said the House of Commons would be cleared out fast if every MP, cabinet minister and prime minister who told a brazen lie had to quit. |
| Bruce also accused the SNP of attempting to “extinguish all opposition” in Scotland, adding that Mr Carmichael should stay in his post to avoid seeing the SNP “bully a very good MP out of office for a mistake he has acknowledged and apologised”. | Bruce also accused the SNP of attempting to “extinguish all opposition” in Scotland, adding that Mr Carmichael should stay in his post to avoid seeing the SNP “bully a very good MP out of office for a mistake he has acknowledged and apologised”. |
| Carmichael, the only Scottish Lib Dem MP, is under pressure to quit after he accepted responsibility for a leaked memo which alleged that Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon wanted David Cameron to win the general election. | Carmichael, the only Scottish Lib Dem MP, is under pressure to quit after he accepted responsibility for a leaked memo which alleged that Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon wanted David Cameron to win the general election. |
| Bruce told Mishal Hussein: | Bruce told Mishal Hussein: |
| I’m acknowledging that if (Mr Carmichael) has said ‘I didn’t know about something I did know in the heated atmosphere of an election campaign’ that was part of the mistake, which he has apologised for. | I’m acknowledging that if (Mr Carmichael) has said ‘I didn’t know about something I did know in the heated atmosphere of an election campaign’ that was part of the mistake, which he has apologised for. |
| My point is if you’re suggesting every MP who has never quite told the truth or indeed told a brazen lie, including ministers, including Cabinet ministers, including prime ministers, we’d clear out the House of Commons very fast, I would suggest. | My point is if you’re suggesting every MP who has never quite told the truth or indeed told a brazen lie, including ministers, including Cabinet ministers, including prime ministers, we’d clear out the House of Commons very fast, I would suggest. |
| He went on to say: | He went on to say: |
| Lots of people have told lies and you know that to be perfectly true. The point I’m making is we should, of course, hold people to account and if people lie they should take some consequences. | Lots of people have told lies and you know that to be perfectly true. The point I’m making is we should, of course, hold people to account and if people lie they should take some consequences. |
| But Alistair has taken consequences. He has apologised. He’s indicated had he been a minister he would resign. He’s forfeited his severance pay. I believe it’s perfectly reasonable for him to be able to say ‘I must now be allowed to get on with the job I was elected to do as the Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland’, a part of the country which needs people like Alistair Carmichael. | But Alistair has taken consequences. He has apologised. He’s indicated had he been a minister he would resign. He’s forfeited his severance pay. I believe it’s perfectly reasonable for him to be able to say ‘I must now be allowed to get on with the job I was elected to do as the Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland’, a part of the country which needs people like Alistair Carmichael. |
| Updated at 9.17am BST | Updated at 9.17am BST |
| 9.07am BST09:07 | 9.07am BST09:07 |
| Nicola Sturgeon urges Scottish businesses to sign up to Scottish Business Pledge | Nicola Sturgeon urges Scottish businesses to sign up to Scottish Business Pledge |
| First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has used a speech in Edinburgh to attack the Conservative government’s proposed spending cuts and reiterate the SNP’s support for Britain’s continued membership of the EU. She also unveiled the Scottish Business pledge, which aims to promote “fairness, equality and sustainable economic growth”. Here are the key points of her speech: | First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has used a speech in Edinburgh to attack the Conservative government’s proposed spending cuts and reiterate the SNP’s support for Britain’s continued membership of the EU. She also unveiled the Scottish Business pledge, which aims to promote “fairness, equality and sustainable economic growth”. Here are the key points of her speech: |
| There is clearly an opportunity to ensure that Scotland’s priorities are better understood. But there is also a significant challenge in working with a majority Government at Westminster - many of whose policies we disagree with. | There is clearly an opportunity to ensure that Scotland’s priorities are better understood. But there is also a significant challenge in working with a majority Government at Westminster - many of whose policies we disagree with. |
| We will continue to oppose spending reductions of the scale and speed that the UK government has suggested. These would slow economic recovery and make deficit reduction more difficult - something shown by the impact of the cuts imposed after 2010. | We will continue to oppose spending reductions of the scale and speed that the UK government has suggested. These would slow economic recovery and make deficit reduction more difficult - something shown by the impact of the cuts imposed after 2010. |
| We will propose a “double-lock”, meaning that exit is only possible if all four nations of the UK agree to it - something which would prevent Scotland from being forced out of the EU against our will. | We will propose a “double-lock”, meaning that exit is only possible if all four nations of the UK agree to it - something which would prevent Scotland from being forced out of the EU against our will. |
| “And during the run up to the referendum, the Scottish government will of course make a strong and positive case for staying in the EU. | “And during the run up to the referendum, the Scottish government will of course make a strong and positive case for staying in the EU. |
| There is a large body of credible evidence that shows progressive workplace practices, like workforce engagement, taking an active role in the community and investing in innovation, benefit companies through increased productivity, enhanced employee commitment and improved reputation. | There is a large body of credible evidence that shows progressive workplace practices, like workforce engagement, taking an active role in the community and investing in innovation, benefit companies through increased productivity, enhanced employee commitment and improved reputation. |
| With the living wage at its core, the pledge covers issues such as zero hours contracts, investing in young people, pursuing innovation and internationalisation and progressing diversity. Companies can now make their Scottish Business Pledge to demonstrate their commitment to these values and to delivering them through future plans. | With the living wage at its core, the pledge covers issues such as zero hours contracts, investing in young people, pursuing innovation and internationalisation and progressing diversity. Companies can now make their Scottish Business Pledge to demonstrate their commitment to these values and to delivering them through future plans. |
| The Scottish Business Pledge should become a badge of pride for Scottish business, sending a clear signal to employees, customers, the supply chain and the wider community that companies have strong growth ambitions and acknowledge their contribution to creating a fairer society. | The Scottish Business Pledge should become a badge of pride for Scottish business, sending a clear signal to employees, customers, the supply chain and the wider community that companies have strong growth ambitions and acknowledge their contribution to creating a fairer society. |
| 8.53am BST08:53 | 8.53am BST08:53 |
| Former Lib Dem deputy leader says lying in public life is widespread | Former Lib Dem deputy leader says lying in public life is widespread |
| Mark Smith | Mark Smith |
| The former deputy leader of the Lib Dems Sir Malcolm Bruce was just interviewed on the Today programme. And it’s being described as a “multiple M-way pile-up”. | The former deputy leader of the Lib Dems Sir Malcolm Bruce was just interviewed on the Today programme. And it’s being described as a “multiple M-way pile-up”. |
| Interviewed by Mishal Hussein, Bruce was talking about the former Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael, who is facing intense pressure to step down over his leaked memo about Nicola Sturgeon. | Interviewed by Mishal Hussein, Bruce was talking about the former Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael, who is facing intense pressure to step down over his leaked memo about Nicola Sturgeon. |
| Bruce seemed to suggest Carmichael was merely doing what many public officials do: lie to the country. | Bruce seemed to suggest Carmichael was merely doing what many public officials do: lie to the country. |
| We’ll attempt to source Bruce’s full quotes shortly. But here’s the reaction of the Guardian’s political editor on Twitter: | We’ll attempt to source Bruce’s full quotes shortly. But here’s the reaction of the Guardian’s political editor on Twitter: |
| Interviewer: "You are saying lying in public life is widespread ? Sir Malcolm Bruce former Lib Dem deputy leader responds "No, well, Yes". | Interviewer: "You are saying lying in public life is widespread ? Sir Malcolm Bruce former Lib Dem deputy leader responds "No, well, Yes". |
| Think Sir Malcolm Bruce defence of Alistair Carmichael was something to effect that everyone lies in public life so it is ok to lie. Novel. | Think Sir Malcolm Bruce defence of Alistair Carmichael was something to effect that everyone lies in public life so it is ok to lie. Novel. |
| And from ITV’s Chris Ship: | And from ITV’s Chris Ship: |
| Not sure Malcolm Bruce just gave a good lesson in how to be contrite after an election mauling & a 'mistake' by the only LibDem in Scotland | Not sure Malcolm Bruce just gave a good lesson in how to be contrite after an election mauling & a 'mistake' by the only LibDem in Scotland |
| Politics Home’s Paul Waugh said it was worse than a car crash interview: | Politics Home’s Paul Waugh said it was worse than a car crash interview: |
| This isn't a car crash interview by Malcolm Bruce, it's a multiple m-way way pile-up. Tells @MishalHusainBBC *all* MPs, ministers, PMs lie. | This isn't a car crash interview by Malcolm Bruce, it's a multiple m-way way pile-up. Tells @MishalHusainBBC *all* MPs, ministers, PMs lie. |
| 8.50am BST08:50 | 8.50am BST08:50 |
| Nicola Sturgeon has attacked Westminster spending cuts in her first speech on the economy since the general election. | Nicola Sturgeon has attacked Westminster spending cuts in her first speech on the economy since the general election. |
| Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Queen’s speech, Sturgeon also reiterated her support for Britain’s continued membership of the European union. | Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Queen’s speech, Sturgeon also reiterated her support for Britain’s continued membership of the European union. |
| She’s about to unveil the Scottish Business Pledge, which aims to promote “fairness, equality and sustainable economic growth”. | She’s about to unveil the Scottish Business Pledge, which aims to promote “fairness, equality and sustainable economic growth”. |
| I’ll post a summary of her speech once it’s over. You can watch it on BBC News now. | I’ll post a summary of her speech once it’s over. You can watch it on BBC News now. |
| 8.44am BST08:44 | 8.44am BST08:44 |
| Nadia Khomami | Nadia Khomami |
| Good morning and welcome to Tuesday’s politics live blog. I’m stepping in for Andrew today. I’ll be covering the breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. | Good morning and welcome to Tuesday’s politics live blog. I’m stepping in for Andrew today. I’ll be covering the breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. |
| If you’d like to get in touch, I’m on twitter @nadiakhomami and I’ll be reading your comments below the line as well. | If you’d like to get in touch, I’m on twitter @nadiakhomami and I’ll be reading your comments below the line as well. |
| Here are today’s main headlines: | Here are today’s main headlines: |