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/2016/jun/28/brexit-live-cameron-eu-leaders-brussels-corbyn-confidence

The article has changed 32 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Brexit live: Cameron faces EU leaders for first time since vote to leave Brexit live: 'It was not our responsibility' to have plan for leaving EU, says Osborne
(35 minutes later)
8.29am BST
08:29
Diane Abbott is next up on Today to back Corbyn.
She says there is nothing in the rule book that permits today’s confidence vote. You wouldn’t run a parish council like this, she says.
But if it goes back to the membership, Abbott adds:
There’s a very good chance that Jeremy will win a leadership election.
The party will want MPs to rally behind the leader.
Party members will look dimly on MPs who have chosen to unleash this kind of mayhem.
8.22am BST
08:22
George Osborne confirms he won’t run for the party leadership and isn’t endorsing anyone else “at the moment”.
It could be a pro-remain candidate, he says, if that someone has a clear vision for the future relationship between Britain and the EU.
8.21am BST
08:21
Osborne: 'We need a plan'
Osborne: Do I think there’s going to be a post mortem about why the campaign was lost? Of course. We didn’t win.
We need a plan as a country to get ourselves out of this, while respecting the decision of the British people.
We have extensive contingency plans for the financial stability consequences of Brexit … and we spent a long time preparing those plans.
It was not the responsibility of those who wanted to remain in the EU to explain what plan we would follow if we voted to quit the EU.
8.16am BST
08:16
The chancellor says the markets will inevitably be a bit up and down:
We are in a prolonged period of economic adjustment … it will not be as economically rosy as life inside the EU. It’s very clear that the country is going to be poorer as a result of what is happening to the economy.
Will we get that emergency budget, he’s asked. Pressed on those doomy warnings (just a fortnight ago) that there would be spending cuts and tax rises, Osborne says: “Absolutely.”
But he adds:
That decision will come under a new prime minister.
Updated
at 8.19am BST
8.13am BST
08:13
George Osborne is next up on Radio 4.
He says he warned of the economic risks of leaving the EU, but will now do “everything I can” to steer the country through it.
I don’t think you can take the attitude: ‘The people have made a mistake, you need to elect a new people.’
He says he agreed with “the collective decision … to have a referendum”.
8.05am BST
08:05
Margaret Hodge says the rally in Parliament Square last night in support of Jeremy Corbyn does not mean he should stay as leader.
Those weren’t Labour party members – they were members of the Socialist Workers party and of Momentum.
She describes each of them as an “extreme left grouping”.
Hodge said she had been expecting opposition to her move against the party leader:
I thought I would get attacked … Actually I have had hundreds of emails from Labour party members and supporters asking me to pursue what I’m doing.
There were 9.3 million people who voted Labour in the last election – it’s their interests we have to serve.
MPs from every wing of the party are saying: Jeremy is a problem on the doorstep.
She said she would plead with Corbyn ...
... to do what we all know decent men do … and resign with dignity. This is the time when friends* should come up to the mark and say … this is the best interests of the party. The country needs strong opposition and a clear route forward.
[It’s worth clarifying here that Hodge was, it seems, referring to Diane Abbott, Corbyn ally and newly installed shadow health secretary, who is also appearing on the Today programme this morning.]
Updated
at 8.13am BST
7.59am BST
07:59
Margaret Hodge – who kickstarted today’s vote of no confidence in Corbyn with a letter circulated to Labour MPs last week, has been talking on the Today programme.
She says MPs might have stayed with Corbyn if he had mounted a stronger campaign in favour of remaining in the EU:
If we’d had that strong, effective, decisive leadership, that might have made a difference.
7.44am BST7.44am BST
07:4407:44
Jeremy Hunt 'seriously considering' leadership bidJeremy Hunt 'seriously considering' leadership bid
Jeremy Hunt has now confirmed that he is “seriously considering” running for the Conservative leadership and the keys to No 10.Jeremy Hunt has now confirmed that he is “seriously considering” running for the Conservative leadership and the keys to No 10.
Hunt told ITV’s Good Morning Britain:Hunt told ITV’s Good Morning Britain:
I am seriously considering it. Nominations close on Thursday lunchtime. I am seriously considering it. Nominations close on Thursday lunchtime. But what I want to do now is start making an argument as to what we do next as a country. This is a big, big change and if we get it right we can succeed.
But what I want to do now is start making an argument as to what we do next as a country. This is a big, big change and if we get it right we can succeed.
In his Telegraph column today, Hunt dangles the prospect of a second referendum, once the terms of a Brexit have been hammered out:In his Telegraph column today, Hunt dangles the prospect of a second referendum, once the terms of a Brexit have been hammered out:
Firstly we must not invoke article 50 straight away because that puts a time limit of two years on negotiations after which we could be thrown out with no deal at all.Firstly we must not invoke article 50 straight away because that puts a time limit of two years on negotiations after which we could be thrown out with no deal at all.
So before setting the clock ticking, we need to negotiate a deal and put it to the British people, either in a referendum or through the Conservative manifesto at a fresh general election.So before setting the clock ticking, we need to negotiate a deal and put it to the British people, either in a referendum or through the Conservative manifesto at a fresh general election.
The knowledge that once again we will trust the British people to decide on whether or not it is a good deal will concentrate minds across the Channel: if they want to conclude this amicably and quickly, which is in their interests as much as ours, they need to put a ‘Norway plus’ deal on the table. The knowledge that once again we will trust the British people to decide on whether or not it is a good deal will concentrate minds across the Channel: if they want to conclude this amicably and quickly, which is in their interests as much as ours, they need to put a ‘Norway-plus’ deal on the table.
By Norway plus, he explains, he means access to the single market but with some restrictions of freedom of movement. By Norway-plus, he explains, he means access to the single market but with some restrictions of freedom of movement.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.46am BST at 7.58am BST
7.39am BST7.39am BST
07:3907:39
Graeme WeardenGraeme Wearden
Global stock markets have suffered their biggest two-day rout ever, thanks to Britain’s shock decision to vote to leave the EU.Global stock markets have suffered their biggest two-day rout ever, thanks to Britain’s shock decision to vote to leave the EU.
Yesterday, $930bn was wiped off the world’s stock markets, in a fresh bout of selling. That followed the rout on Friday, which destroyed $2.03tn of value.Yesterday, $930bn was wiped off the world’s stock markets, in a fresh bout of selling. That followed the rout on Friday, which destroyed $2.03tn of value.
S&P’s Global Broad Market index, known as the BMI, has fallen almost 6.9% since Thursday night, its biggest ever loss in cash terms.S&P’s Global Broad Market index, known as the BMI, has fallen almost 6.9% since Thursday night, its biggest ever loss in cash terms.
The scale of the losses shows how unprepared investors were for the leave campaign’s surprise victory in the early hours of Friday morning.The scale of the losses shows how unprepared investors were for the leave campaign’s surprise victory in the early hours of Friday morning.
In Britain, the FTSE 100 has fallen by over 5% over the last two days, with bank shares sliding to their lowest levels since the 2008 financial crisis.In Britain, the FTSE 100 has fallen by over 5% over the last two days, with bank shares sliding to their lowest levels since the 2008 financial crisis.
America’s S&P 500 index, the broadest stock index, has lost 5.37% in its worst two-day decline since last August.America’s S&P 500 index, the broadest stock index, has lost 5.37% in its worst two-day decline since last August.
Related: Brexit wipes $3tn off global shares in record rout – business liveRelated: Brexit wipes $3tn off global shares in record rout – business live
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.42am BSTat 7.42am BST
7.30am BST7.30am BST
07:3007:30
Sky News says it believes Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, will throw his hat into the ring to be the next Tory leader (and prime minister).Sky News says it believes Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, will throw his hat into the ring to be the next Tory leader (and prime minister).
Jeremy Hunt to run for Tory leader - @SkyNews sourcesJeremy Hunt to run for Tory leader - @SkyNews sources
It wouldn’t be a huge surprise, given his column today in the Telegraph, in which he plots in some detail how he believes Britain ought to negotiate its new relationship with the EU (it’s “Norway-plus”, in a nutshell). The final paragraph certainly sounds like a declaration of sorts:It wouldn’t be a huge surprise, given his column today in the Telegraph, in which he plots in some detail how he believes Britain ought to negotiate its new relationship with the EU (it’s “Norway-plus”, in a nutshell). The final paragraph certainly sounds like a declaration of sorts:
The Conservative modernisation project succeeded in reassuring many younger and more liberal voters – but will not be complete until we are also connecting with many who are struggling to make ends meet at the more brutal end of modern capitalist economies.The Conservative modernisation project succeeded in reassuring many younger and more liberal voters – but will not be complete until we are also connecting with many who are struggling to make ends meet at the more brutal end of modern capitalist economies.
We need to unite the party after a bruising battle on the referendum – but we must remain resolved to unite the country as well. This is a time to remember our heritage as the party of one-nation Benjamin Disraeli as much as the free-trading Robert Peel – and tap into their remarkable vision and optimism for the future.We need to unite the party after a bruising battle on the referendum – but we must remain resolved to unite the country as well. This is a time to remember our heritage as the party of one-nation Benjamin Disraeli as much as the free-trading Robert Peel – and tap into their remarkable vision and optimism for the future.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.43am BSTat 7.43am BST
7.24am BST7.24am BST
07:2407:24
Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has been speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme in defence of Jeremy Corbyn.Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has been speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme in defence of Jeremy Corbyn.
He thinks Corbyn will win today’s confidence vote and accuses the Labour leader’s opponents of a “well-planned, orchestrated coup” – and says the wider Labour membership won’t thank them for “playing silly games”.He thinks Corbyn will win today’s confidence vote and accuses the Labour leader’s opponents of a “well-planned, orchestrated coup” – and says the wider Labour membership won’t thank them for “playing silly games”.
And he dismissed claims by some of those resigning from the front bench – including Andy Slaughter, who has gone this morning – that they had done so after getting the backing of local party members.And he dismissed claims by some of those resigning from the front bench – including Andy Slaughter, who has gone this morning – that they had done so after getting the backing of local party members.
If people really want to consult local party activists, they will have to go to a vote. They feel they can force Jeremy Corbyn to resign without any genuine democratic process.If people really want to consult local party activists, they will have to go to a vote. They feel they can force Jeremy Corbyn to resign without any genuine democratic process.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.43am BSTat 7.43am BST
7.16am BST7.16am BST
07:1607:16
The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, has asked supporters of the beleaguered Labour leader not to protest outside the offices of those MPs who aren’t backing Corbyn:The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, has asked supporters of the beleaguered Labour leader not to protest outside the offices of those MPs who aren’t backing Corbyn:
Please don't protest outside MPs offices.Staff feel threatened.Instead attend rallies & join party to have your say if you haven't already.Please don't protest outside MPs offices.Staff feel threatened.Instead attend rallies & join party to have your say if you haven't already.
In the Spectator, Isabel Hardman reports that Labour MPs were last night offered advice on safety after the fractious meeting of the PLP:In the Spectator, Isabel Hardman reports that Labour MPs were last night offered advice on safety after the fractious meeting of the PLP:
Labour MPs have this evening been contacted by their whips to advise them on their personal safety as they leave parliament after the late votes. They have been advised on what entrances are being kept open for their safety, and told that anyone who is worried should contact the serjeant at arms.Labour MPs have this evening been contacted by their whips to advise them on their personal safety as they leave parliament after the late votes. They have been advised on what entrances are being kept open for their safety, and told that anyone who is worried should contact the serjeant at arms.
The Guardian account of that meeting reports:The Guardian account of that meeting reports:
Ian Murray, the former shadow Scotland secretary, asked his leader to “call off the dogs” after facing protests outside his constituency office following his decision to resign from Labour’s frontbench at the weekend.Ian Murray, the former shadow Scotland secretary, asked his leader to “call off the dogs” after facing protests outside his constituency office following his decision to resign from Labour’s frontbench at the weekend.
“Momentum are people you and your office control,” he said, to shouts from others of: “They’re outside.”“Momentum are people you and your office control,” he said, to shouts from others of: “They’re outside.”
Jess Phillips said she had faced antisemitic abuse since stepping down, tweeting a Momentum email that accused her of being bought by “Zionist money”.Jess Phillips said she had faced antisemitic abuse since stepping down, tweeting a Momentum email that accused her of being bought by “Zionist money”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.19am BSTat 7.19am BST
7.06am BST7.06am BST
07:0607:06
Andy Slaughter resigns from frontbenchAndy Slaughter resigns from frontbench
The shadow justice minister, Andy Slaughter, has left his post this morning, adding to the pressure on Jeremy Corbyn on the day Labour MPs vote on a motion of no confidence in him.The shadow justice minister, Andy Slaughter, has left his post this morning, adding to the pressure on Jeremy Corbyn on the day Labour MPs vote on a motion of no confidence in him.
In a letter to the Labour leader, Slaughter writes:In a letter to the Labour leader, Slaughter writes:
The decision is my own, but taken after consultation with the officers of my local party and other members and councillors in Hammersmith. The view, by a clear majority, is that I should take this course.The decision is my own, but taken after consultation with the officers of my local party and other members and councillors in Hammersmith. The view, by a clear majority, is that I should take this course.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.16am BSTat 7.16am BST
6.39am BST6.39am BST
06:3906:39
Morning briefingMorning briefing
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Welcome back to another busy day of EU referendum fallout. I’m kicking things off with the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog until Andrew Sparrow takes his seat. Do come and chat in the comments below or find me on Twitter @Claire_Phipps.Welcome back to another busy day of EU referendum fallout. I’m kicking things off with the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog until Andrew Sparrow takes his seat. Do come and chat in the comments below or find me on Twitter @Claire_Phipps.
The big pictureThe big picture
The big picture is now beyond big. It’s a large-scale installation. Let’s break it down.The big picture is now beyond big. It’s a large-scale installation. Let’s break it down.
EU leaders meet in BrusselsEU leaders meet in Brussels
Today is the first day of a two-day summit. David Cameron is attending only the first day, today, because tomorrow the 27 other leaders need to talk about the UK behind its back. The soon-to-be-former prime minister first meets Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and Donald Tusk, the European council president, before joining the full group of EU leaders for dinner. The sole item on the agenda – presumably circulated on half a Post-it note – is Brexit.Today is the first day of a two-day summit. David Cameron is attending only the first day, today, because tomorrow the 27 other leaders need to talk about the UK behind its back. The soon-to-be-former prime minister first meets Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and Donald Tusk, the European council president, before joining the full group of EU leaders for dinner. The sole item on the agenda – presumably circulated on half a Post-it note – is Brexit.
The prime minister’s spokeswoman told the Guardian that – as Cameron insisted in the Commons on Monday – he would not be attempting to define the relationship that his successor might want with the European Union:The prime minister’s spokeswoman told the Guardian that – as Cameron insisted in the Commons on Monday – he would not be attempting to define the relationship that his successor might want with the European Union:
He’s likely to talk about a number of factors that he thinks were issues in the campaign, and in the debate. He will want to encourage people to think about how both the UK and the EU need to work together to make the best of the decision the British people have taken.He’s likely to talk about a number of factors that he thinks were issues in the campaign, and in the debate. He will want to encourage people to think about how both the UK and the EU need to work together to make the best of the decision the British people have taken.
He will reiterate that article 50 is a matter for the next prime minister.He will reiterate that article 50 is a matter for the next prime minister.
Will EU leaders be content with the wait-and-see approach? Speaking on Monday evening, after a meeting with the French president François Hollande, and the Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi, The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said the three had:Will EU leaders be content with the wait-and-see approach? Speaking on Monday evening, after a meeting with the French president François Hollande, and the Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi, The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said the three had:
... agreed that there will be no informal or formal talks about an exit of Great Britain until a request has been submitted to the European council.... agreed that there will be no informal or formal talks about an exit of Great Britain until a request has been submitted to the European council.
We don’t want this to turn into a never-ending story … So I await a communication about article 50 from the UK addressed to the EU … We should not wait a long time.We don’t want this to turn into a never-ending story … So I await a communication about article 50 from the UK addressed to the EU … We should not wait a long time.
The markets are still wobblingThe markets are still wobbling
Monday added to Friday’s woes, with £1tn wiped off world stock markets – adding to $2tn in losses on Friday – making this the largest two-day stock rout of all time.Monday added to Friday’s woes, with £1tn wiped off world stock markets – adding to $2tn in losses on Friday – making this the largest two-day stock rout of all time.
The UK also waved goodbye to its last AAA rating, with credit agency Standard & Poor’s saying the Brexit vote was “a seminal event” that would “lead to a less predictable, stable and effective policy framework in the UK”. Credit agency Fitch swiftly followed, lopping the UK’s rating from AA+ to AA.The UK also waved goodbye to its last AAA rating, with credit agency Standard & Poor’s saying the Brexit vote was “a seminal event” that would “lead to a less predictable, stable and effective policy framework in the UK”. Credit agency Fitch swiftly followed, lopping the UK’s rating from AA+ to AA.
Sterling fell on Monday (and in this instance didn’t win a penalty) to $1.32, its lowest point in more than 30 years. The Guardian business live blog will have all you need to know on the money stuff today.Sterling fell on Monday (and in this instance didn’t win a penalty) to $1.32, its lowest point in more than 30 years. The Guardian business live blog will have all you need to know on the money stuff today.
Jeremy Corbyn faces a no-confidence voteJeremy Corbyn faces a no-confidence vote
Labour MPs vote today in a secret ballot on a motion of no confidence in Corbyn. The parliamentary Labour party agreed in a heated Monday evening meeting to go ahead with the move, prompted by a letter circulated by Margaret Hodge and Ann Coffey, which asked:Labour MPs vote today in a secret ballot on a motion of no confidence in Corbyn. The parliamentary Labour party agreed in a heated Monday evening meeting to go ahead with the move, prompted by a letter circulated by Margaret Hodge and Ann Coffey, which asked:
Have you got confidence in Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the parliamentary Labour party when this country is facing immensely challenging times?Have you got confidence in Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the parliamentary Labour party when this country is facing immensely challenging times?
The Guardian account of the meeting accords with the verdict of one MP who labelled it “wild”. The Times called it “open warfare”, Buzzfeed described it as “miserable”, and the Mirror said Corbyn had “lost control”, using its front page to tell him: “Go now.”The Guardian account of the meeting accords with the verdict of one MP who labelled it “wild”. The Times called it “open warfare”, Buzzfeed described it as “miserable”, and the Mirror said Corbyn had “lost control”, using its front page to tell him: “Go now.”
Andy Slaughter is the latest frontbencher to leave this morning. He might not be the last, with the whips office being closely watched. Rosie Winterton, the chief whip, and Jonathan Ashworth, shadow cabinet office minister, are the only two of the “old” shadow cabinet not to have declared one way or the other if they’re staying or going.Andy Slaughter is the latest frontbencher to leave this morning. He might not be the last, with the whips office being closely watched. Rosie Winterton, the chief whip, and Jonathan Ashworth, shadow cabinet office minister, are the only two of the “old” shadow cabinet not to have declared one way or the other if they’re staying or going.
Having marshalled a new shadow cabinet following the resignations of 20 former members and a slew of frontbenchers, Corbyn has insisted he is staying put – and was rewarded on Monday evening with a rousing rally of several thousand grassroots Momentum supporters gathered in Westminster. The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, told them:Having marshalled a new shadow cabinet following the resignations of 20 former members and a slew of frontbenchers, Corbyn has insisted he is staying put – and was rewarded on Monday evening with a rousing rally of several thousand grassroots Momentum supporters gathered in Westminster. The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, told them:
Let me make it clear: if there is another leadership election, Jeremy Corbyn will be standing again and I will be supporting him.Let me make it clear: if there is another leadership election, Jeremy Corbyn will be standing again and I will be supporting him.
With the result of the vote expected around 4pm today, do we then move on from resignations to candidacies?With the result of the vote expected around 4pm today, do we then move on from resignations to candidacies?
As with the will-they, won’t-they over article 50, nobody seems quite sure whether Labour party rules plonk Corbyn straight back on to any new leadership ballot or whether he’ll need to round up nominations again. And standing against him? The deputy leader, Tom Watson, and Angela Eagle are the most bandied-about names so far.As with the will-they, won’t-they over article 50, nobody seems quite sure whether Labour party rules plonk Corbyn straight back on to any new leadership ballot or whether he’ll need to round up nominations again. And standing against him? The deputy leader, Tom Watson, and Angela Eagle are the most bandied-about names so far.
The Tory leadership race speeds upThe Tory leadership race speeds up
George Osborne, writing in the Times, says he’s not going to be the next PM:George Osborne, writing in the Times, says he’s not going to be the next PM:
I will not be a candidate in the Conservative leadership election to come.I will not be a candidate in the Conservative leadership election to come.
It isn’t in my nature to do things by half-measure, and I fought the referendum campaign with everything I’ve got … So it is clear that while I completely accept the result, I am not the person to provide the unity my party needs.It isn’t in my nature to do things by half-measure, and I fought the referendum campaign with everything I’ve got … So it is clear that while I completely accept the result, I am not the person to provide the unity my party needs.
With the decision by the Conservative party’s backbench 1922 committee that everyone should just jolly well stop faffing about and elect a new leader, we’ll have a fresh prime minister in place by 2 September. Nominations open tomorrow morning and close on Thursday. A Times/YouGov poll has Theresa May as the favourite, ahead even of Boris Johnson, by 31% to 24% among Tory voters.With the decision by the Conservative party’s backbench 1922 committee that everyone should just jolly well stop faffing about and elect a new leader, we’ll have a fresh prime minister in place by 2 September. Nominations open tomorrow morning and close on Thursday. A Times/YouGov poll has Theresa May as the favourite, ahead even of Boris Johnson, by 31% to 24% among Tory voters.
May’s supporters are said to be tantalising vote-sick voters with the notion that a new general election would not be needed in the event of a win by the home secretary, as she could share the mandate won in 2015 by Cameron.May’s supporters are said to be tantalising vote-sick voters with the notion that a new general election would not be needed in the event of a win by the home secretary, as she could share the mandate won in 2015 by Cameron.
Johnson at least has the backing of his brother – these things aren’t always a given – with the universities minister (and remainer) Jo Johnson saying he’s the man for the job.Johnson at least has the backing of his brother – these things aren’t always a given – with the universities minister (and remainer) Jo Johnson saying he’s the man for the job.
Also mooning about on the sidelines are Stephen Crabb and Sajid Javid, said by some to be considering a joint ticket for the keys to Nos 10 and 11; Nicky Morgan, Amber Rudd and pro-leavers Andrea Leadsom and Liam Fox. Health secretary Jeremy Hunt might also be waggling a toe over the water with a column in the Telegraph today setting out how he thinks Britain could stay in the single market but not with that pesky free movement element: “a Norway-plus option”.Also mooning about on the sidelines are Stephen Crabb and Sajid Javid, said by some to be considering a joint ticket for the keys to Nos 10 and 11; Nicky Morgan, Amber Rudd and pro-leavers Andrea Leadsom and Liam Fox. Health secretary Jeremy Hunt might also be waggling a toe over the water with a column in the Telegraph today setting out how he thinks Britain could stay in the single market but not with that pesky free movement element: “a Norway-plus option”.
You should also know:You should also know:
DiaryDiary
Action across Europe and the UK today, but I’ve stuck to BST for timings because life’s confusing enough at the moment:Action across Europe and the UK today, but I’ve stuck to BST for timings because life’s confusing enough at the moment:
Read theseRead these
Roger Cohen in the New York Times says the European Union “was the dream of my generation”:Roger Cohen in the New York Times says the European Union “was the dream of my generation”:
No miracle was ever so dull. Britain tended to see the EU in prosaic terms: it had not been delivered from ignominy or tyranny by European integration. Still, it gave the union heft, a free-market prod, a universal language and its second-largest economy. It was that recalcitrant member any good club needs …No miracle was ever so dull. Britain tended to see the EU in prosaic terms: it had not been delivered from ignominy or tyranny by European integration. Still, it gave the union heft, a free-market prod, a universal language and its second-largest economy. It was that recalcitrant member any good club needs …
The union, for all its failings, did not deserve to be betrayed by a huckster. It will not die because of this imbecilic vote, but something broke – a form of optimism about humankind, the promise of 1989.The union, for all its failings, did not deserve to be betrayed by a huckster. It will not die because of this imbecilic vote, but something broke – a form of optimism about humankind, the promise of 1989.
There’s a despairing column on LabourList from Peter Edwards:There’s a despairing column on LabourList from Peter Edwards:
It is not the job of LabourList to take sides on a day like this but the party cannot go as it is. The current situation is untenable and, after a day of quickfire resignations, it is deteriorating faster than many hacks can even type …It is not the job of LabourList to take sides on a day like this but the party cannot go as it is. The current situation is untenable and, after a day of quickfire resignations, it is deteriorating faster than many hacks can even type …
Corbyn has repeatedly said the leader will not resign. Nor will he do as John Major did 21 years ago and issue a ‘put up or shut up’ ultimatum to rebellious backbenchers, sources have confirmed. Corbyn sees no need to demand a fresh vote, given that he was elected so decisively less than a year ago, and he does not have the power to call an election. It is only if – or, rather, when – the Labour rebels muster the signatures of 51 MPs and MEPs that they will be able to trigger a leadership ballot. It is possible this could happen as soon as today …Corbyn has repeatedly said the leader will not resign. Nor will he do as John Major did 21 years ago and issue a ‘put up or shut up’ ultimatum to rebellious backbenchers, sources have confirmed. Corbyn sees no need to demand a fresh vote, given that he was elected so decisively less than a year ago, and he does not have the power to call an election. It is only if – or, rather, when – the Labour rebels muster the signatures of 51 MPs and MEPs that they will be able to trigger a leadership ballot. It is possible this could happen as soon as today …
For much of the winter we spent our time asking ourselves if voters were listening to us. Now, rest assured, they most definitely are. It is just that they might not like what they hear.For much of the winter we spent our time asking ourselves if voters were listening to us. Now, rest assured, they most definitely are. It is just that they might not like what they hear.
Rachel Sylvester in the Times says Boris Johnson might not find his glide to No 10 as straightforward as planned:Rachel Sylvester in the Times says Boris Johnson might not find his glide to No 10 as straightforward as planned:
To govern is to choose. A potential prime minister does not have the luxury of being able to fudge it. But Mr Johnson is riding two horses that are galloping towards rapidly diverging paths. If the nation is split between young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural, then so are the Brexiteers: between the buccaneering free marketeers who want to conquer the world and the anxious traditionalists who want to pull up the drawbridge.To govern is to choose. A potential prime minister does not have the luxury of being able to fudge it. But Mr Johnson is riding two horses that are galloping towards rapidly diverging paths. If the nation is split between young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural, then so are the Brexiteers: between the buccaneering free marketeers who want to conquer the world and the anxious traditionalists who want to pull up the drawbridge.
Mr Johnson and Michael Gove are in the first group … but they won the referendum by securing the support of the ‘left behind’ voters in the second group, who feel alienated by globalisation and angry about immigration.Mr Johnson and Michael Gove are in the first group … but they won the referendum by securing the support of the ‘left behind’ voters in the second group, who feel alienated by globalisation and angry about immigration.
And if you missed this yesterday: Martin Kettle’s annotated guide to what Johnson said about Brexit – and what he really meant.And if you missed this yesterday: Martin Kettle’s annotated guide to what Johnson said about Brexit – and what he really meant.
Celebrity endorsement of the dayCelebrity endorsement of the day
James Ward, booted out of Wimbledon on Monday by defending champion Novak Djokovic by rather more than a 52-48 margin, revealed he’d voted leave and “I’m not fussed saying it”:James Ward, booted out of Wimbledon on Monday by defending champion Novak Djokovic by rather more than a 52-48 margin, revealed he’d voted leave and “I’m not fussed saying it”:
I think we’ll be all right. Everyone needs to stop panicking and we’ll be fine.I think we’ll be all right. Everyone needs to stop panicking and we’ll be fine.
The day in tweetsThe day in tweets
Hodgson, the only man in England with a coherent plan for leaving Europe.Hodgson, the only man in England with a coherent plan for leaving Europe.
Roy Hodgson, for one, knows the difference between England and the UK:Roy Hodgson, for one, knows the difference between England and the UK:
Tsk, Tusk pic.twitter.com/Mx0OwZBEXvTsk, Tusk pic.twitter.com/Mx0OwZBEXv
If today were a reality TV show ...If today were a reality TV show ...
It would be Big Brother. Day five in the Big Brexit house and the nominations for evictions are flying, there are tearful confessions of morning-after regret and some of the participants are trying to escape over the wall.It would be Big Brother. Day five in the Big Brexit house and the nominations for evictions are flying, there are tearful confessions of morning-after regret and some of the participants are trying to escape over the wall.
And another thingAnd another thing
Would you like to wake up to this briefing in your inbox? Sign up here.Would you like to wake up to this briefing in your inbox? Sign up here.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.25am BSTat 7.25am BST