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.
Theresa May to meet Nicola Sturgeon for union talks - politics live
Theresa May to meet Nicola Sturgeon for union talks - politics live
(35 minutes later)
11.35am BST
11:35
Tim Farron has responded to Andrea Leadsom’s comments on male nannies, saying that she should “not be sat around the cabinet table”.
Interesting to note Farron's suggestion that Leadsom is wearing multiple masks, that keep slipping off. pic.twitter.com/cEYQHlvjYc
11.28am BST
11:28
Libby Brooks
The SNP have hit back at Scottish secretary David Mundell’s comment that Scotland is “in no mood” for a second independence referendum.
Speaking ahead of first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s meeting with the new prime minister in Edinburgh later this morning, the SNP’s finance and constitution minister Derek Mackay said:
“The Scottish Secretary has this morning claimed that Scotland is in no mood for an independence referendum – but what Scotland is actually in no mood for are any lectures from a Tory UK Government.
“We have been put in a position where our vital interests – businesses, jobs, universities, freedom to travel, workers’ rights and much else besides – are all at risk. It is a Conservative Government which has put us into this position, so the onus is now on them to prove that our interests can be protected within UK – because the fact is that the EU referendum has placed a very big question mark over that.
“Warm words about a ‘special Union’ are simply not enough – a Union that ignores our wishes and drags us out of EU against our democratic will would not be very special.”
Updated
at 11.29am BST
11.26am BST
11:26
Ahead of Jo Cox’s funeral, hundreds of people have lined the streets of her Batley and Spen constituency to pay their respects.
Cox’s funeral cortege slowed down in the town of Heckmondwike before continuing to Batley. Many threw flowers in the path of the cortege.
11.09am BST
11:09
In last night’s council by-elections the Lib Dems gained four seats. The Tories narrowly beat Labour (by just 27 votes) at Selby Council.
Last night's council by-elections: Lib Dems gain four seats; Tories take a Labour marginal: https://t.co/cLH7f7XkZe pic.twitter.com/F62AoMBgyo
Amazing win in Astley by-election just outside N Norfolk constit Great, energetic candidate @PierreButikofer excellent campaign, Ed Maxfield
11.06am BST
11:06
Theresa May has said Britain must redouble its efforts to defeat “brutal” terrorist “murderers” after the “horrifying” attack in Nice, and has called a meeting of senior officials in the government’s emergency Cobra committee, the Press Association reports.
May said Britain stands “shoulder to shoulder” with France.
Updated
at 11.14am BST
10.51am BST
10.51am BST
10:51
10:51
Libby Brooks
Libby Brooks
Ahead of Theresa May’s first official visit to Scotland, the sole remaining Liberal Democrat MP north of the border, Alistair Carmichael, has challenged the new prime minister on human rights.
Ahead of Theresa May’s first official visit to Scotland, the sole remaining Liberal Democrat MP north of the border, Alistair Carmichael, has challenged the new prime minister on human rights.
He said that May, who will meet first minister Nicola Sturgeon later this morning to discuss Brexit negotiations, had an opportunity “to show that her commitment to the Union goes beyond warm words by scrapping the idea of repealing the Human Rights Act which is hard wired into the devolution settlement and would involve a complete rewriting of the Scotland Act”.
He said that May, who will meet first minister Nicola Sturgeon later this morning to discuss Brexit negotiations, had an opportunity “to show that her commitment to the Union goes beyond warm words by scrapping the idea of repealing the Human Rights Act which is hard wired into the devolution settlement and would involve a complete rewriting of the Scotland Act”.
“By abandoning this dangerous and pointless manifesto commitment, she could set a constructive and productive tone to her working relationship with the Scottish Government,” he said.
“By abandoning this dangerous and pointless manifesto commitment, she could set a constructive and productive tone to her working relationship with the Scottish Government,” he said.
10.23am BST
10.23am BST
10:23
10:23
Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens, one of Jeremy Corbyn’s most loyal backers, has switched allegiance and called on party members to back rival leadership candidate Owen Smith.
Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens, one of Jeremy Corbyn’s most loyal backers, has switched allegiance and called on party members to back rival leadership candidate Owen Smith.
In an email to Labour members, Stevens wrote: “During the past two weeks it has become painfully obvious that we have been unable to fulfil the very basic day to day operation as the official opposition in Parliament. We cannot present ourselves as a government in waiting without leadership and a leadership team that commands the respect and support of not only members....but Labour voters and potential Labour voters.”
In an email to Labour members, Stevens wrote: “During the past two weeks it has become painfully obvious that we have been unable to fulfil the very basic day to day operation as the official opposition in Parliament. We cannot present ourselves as a government in waiting without leadership and a leadership team that commands the respect and support of not only members....but Labour voters and potential Labour voters.”
She added: “I want to let you know I will be supporting Owen Smith.”
She added: “I want to let you know I will be supporting Owen Smith.”
10.18am BST
10.18am BST
10:18
10:18
David Davis has said Britain will be in a position to trigger Article 50 “before or by the start of next year”.
David Davis has said Britain will be in a position to trigger Article 50 “before or by the start of next year”.
Davis said the government’s “first order of business” will be to begin negotiations with the aim of striking trade deals with non-EU countries such as the United States and China within two years. This would give Britain a free trade area “almost twice the size of the EU” before the negotiation with the European bloc is complete, he said.
Davis said the government’s “first order of business” will be to begin negotiations with the aim of striking trade deals with non-EU countries such as the United States and China within two years. This would give Britain a free trade area “almost twice the size of the EU” before the negotiation with the European bloc is complete, he said.
Davis insisted Britain would be able to put in place new trade agreements to come into force at the point of exit from the EU having been fully negotiated beforehand.
Davis insisted Britain would be able to put in place new trade agreements to come into force at the point of exit from the EU having been fully negotiated beforehand.
Writing in The Sun, he said:
Writing in The Sun, he said:
I expect the new Prime Minister to trigger a round of global trade deals with all our most favoured partners - and the negotiation of most within between 12 and 24 months.
I expect the new Prime Minister to trigger a round of global trade deals with all our most favoured partners - and the negotiation of most within between 12 and 24 months.
Within two years, before the negotiation with the EU is likely to be complete, we can negotiate a free trade area massively larger than the EU.
Within two years, before the negotiation with the EU is likely to be complete, we can negotiate a free trade area massively larger than the EU.
Deals with the US and China alone will give us a trade area almost twice the size of the EU - and of course, we will also be seeking deals with many others.
Deals with the US and China alone will give us a trade area almost twice the size of the EU - and of course, we will also be seeking deals with many others.
This will provide massive markets for our exports and cut costs for our manufacturing industries.
This will provide massive markets for our exports and cut costs for our manufacturing industries.
Davis said Article 50 should not be triggered immediately in case EU countries act “irrationally” and refuse tariff-free access to the European single market because the UK will not compromise on ending free movement so it can control immigration.
Davis said Article 50 should not be triggered immediately in case EU countries act “irrationally” and refuse tariff-free access to the European single market because the UK will not compromise on ending free movement so it can control immigration.
Updated
Updated
at 10.23am BST
at 10.23am BST
10.09am BST
10.09am BST
10:09
10:09
Sadiq Khan backs second runway at Gatwick
Sadiq Khan backs second runway at Gatwick
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has urged Theresa May to back a second runway at Gatwick. He said the airport was “the only show in town” and would bring substantial economic benefits to the capital.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has urged Theresa May to back a second runway at Gatwick. He said the airport was “the only show in town” and would bring substantial economic benefits to the capital.
Khan warned that pressing ahead with a third runway at Heathrow would mean years of legal challenges, splits in the Conservative party and political turmoil in London, the Evening Standard reports.
Khan warned that pressing ahead with a third runway at Heathrow would mean years of legal challenges, splits in the Conservative party and political turmoil in London, the Evening Standard reports.
Khan told the paper:
Khan told the paper:
If you want an increase in flight capacity sooner rather than later Gatwick is the only show in town.
If you want an increase in flight capacity sooner rather than later Gatwick is the only show in town.
There are no legal obstacles, it’s cheaper, they’re ready to go, there would be jobs and growth in that part of the city as a consequence and nowhere near the same problems with noise and air as Heathrow.
There are no legal obstacles, it’s cheaper, they’re ready to go, there would be jobs and growth in that part of the city as a consequence and nowhere near the same problems with noise and air as Heathrow.
But also Gatwick with a new runway means that Heathrow has got to raise its game. If she was to go ahead with Heathrow it would mean years of legal challenges, splits in the Tory party, and it doesn’t lead to the increase in airports capacity that we need.
But also Gatwick with a new runway means that Heathrow has got to raise its game. If she was to go ahead with Heathrow it would mean years of legal challenges, splits in the Tory party, and it doesn’t lead to the increase in airports capacity that we need.
The new prime minister has a very important decision to make regarding new airport capacity, and I urge her to rule as swiftly as possible in favour of a second runway at Gatwick.
The new prime minister has a very important decision to make regarding new airport capacity, and I urge her to rule as swiftly as possible in favour of a second runway at Gatwick.
It would bring substantial economic benefits and very clearly demonstrate to the rest of the world that London is open.
It would bring substantial economic benefits and very clearly demonstrate to the rest of the world that London is open.
10.02am BST
10.02am BST
10:02
10:02
The UK has sought advice from Canada on how to cut a trade agreement with the European Union following the Brexit vote, the Guardian’s Sarah Butler reports.
The UK has sought advice from Canada on how to cut a trade agreement with the European Union following the Brexit vote, the Guardian’s Sarah Butler reports.
Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s trade minister who is scheduled to meet Liam Fox, the UK’s new secretary of state for international trade, on Friday afternoon, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme her team had been having “technical exchanges” with the UK about its recently finalised deal with the EU.
Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s trade minister who is scheduled to meet Liam Fox, the UK’s new secretary of state for international trade, on Friday afternoon, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme her team had been having “technical exchanges” with the UK about its recently finalised deal with the EU.
This comes as David Davis said yesterday that his preferred model for the UK’s ongoing relationship with the EU is Canada’s comprehensive and economic trade agreement, known as Ceta.
This comes as David Davis said yesterday that his preferred model for the UK’s ongoing relationship with the EU is Canada’s comprehensive and economic trade agreement, known as Ceta.
9.52am BST
09:52
Sam Coates in the Times writes that Osborne’s allies are reportedly angry at the manner of his sacking.
Osborne allies angry at manner of his sacking: via @samcoatestimes https://t.co/60IL7Ey3jE pic.twitter.com/lzeAovctle
9.49am BST
09:49
More tributes to victims of the Nice attacks are being tweeted this morning.
Shocking & horrific attack in France. My thoughts are with the victims & their families. Solidarity with emergency services & people of Nice
Shocked and saddened by the appalling events in Nice, and the terrible loss of life.
Dreadful reports from Nice. Thoughts with all involved. https://t.co/iQ7FmyP0Gm
9.34am BST
09:34
Oliver Letwin says UK does not have its own trade negotiators
Oliver Letwin, the former chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who was sacked as part of May’s cabinet reshuffle has suggested the UK does not have its own trade negotiators because they are all working for the European Union.
Letwin was appointed by Cameron to be the architect of the UK’s negotiations with the EU, but was replaced in that role by David Davis, who has been appointed Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.
One of the key tasks faced by Mr Davis, along with Liam Fox, the newly appointed International Trade Secretary, will be to negotiate trade deals with the world.
But speaking on the Today programme, Letwin said: “The trade negotiators who are Brits, at the moment are basically working for the EU.”
He was then asked again exactly how many, to which he responded:
Quite a number... but they are employed there and it’s up to them obviously whether they are recruited into Whitehall. There are obviously very experienced trade negotiators elsewhere in the world as well.
Letwin was then asked if the UK has in fact got any of its own trade negotiators.
No, no. We don’t have trade negotiators because the trade negotiation has been going on in the EU so we are going to have to hire a whole - David Davis is going to have to hire - group to deal with the EU negotiations and Liam Fox of course in what I think is an excellent plan of Theresa’s to create a new Department of International Trade.
Philip Hammond, the former foreign secretary and newly appointed Chancellor, has previously said that Britain is willing to hire trade negotiators from “wherever” it can in the world. He said the Government is “actively seeking” to recruit trade specialists to help the UK strike the deals it needs for when it has formally left the EU. That includes approaching former civil servants who have retired and those who have moved to the private sector.
Updated
at 9.38am BST
9.25am BST
09:25
Theresa May’s Cabinet has the lowest proportion of privately-educated ministers in more than 70 years, according to a study by the Sutton Trust.
70% of the new PM’s cabinet were state-educated - 44% at comprehensive schools and 26% at grammar schools. At 30%, the proportion of independently-schooled ministers is at its lowest since the government of Labour’s Clement Attlee in 1945 with 25%.
But of the 27 members or attendees at the top table, 44%, including May herself, went to Oxford or Cambridge (with the exception of Gordon Brown, every prime minister since 1937 who attended university went to Oxford).
May spoke of tackling “burning injustice” during her maiden speech outside Number 10. “If you’re at a state school you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you’re educated privately,” she said.
Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust and Education Endowment Foundation said he was “heartened” by May’s declaration. “She was absolutely right to highlight the importance of ensuring that everyone should get as far as their talents can take them,” he said.
9.17am BST
09:17
A private funeral will take place later today for Labour MP Jo Cox in her Batley and Spen constituency. Her family have asked that the funeral service will be a small and private occasion for close family and friends only. Members of the public have been told there will be two places where the cortege will slow down so people can pay their respects.
Cox’s husband Brendan tweeted this morning:
Jo wld ask us not 2 fight hate with hate but draw together 2 drain the swamp that extremism breeds in.Thinking of all victims of hatred 2day
Updated
at 9.44am BST
8.51am BST
08:51
David Mundell says 'no mood' in Scotland for second referendum
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has made some media appearances this morning, during which he insisted there is “no mood” in Scotland for a second independence referendum. He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme:
What people in Scotland don’t want is this toxic and divisive issue of a second Scottish independence referendum being put on the table and blurring the issues around the EU negotiations.
People in Scotland are in no mood for a second independence referendum and business in particular in Scotland isn’t in a mood to have the issue of Scottish independence blurring the very, very important negotiations to get Scotland the best possible deal from the EU negotiations.
Mundell, who was re-appointed to his position by May late on Thursday evening, was asked whether Westminster would stand in the way of a second independence referendum should the Scottish people not like the deal that is eventually struck with Brussels. He said:
Of course there could be another independence referendum but the big issue is should there be another independence referendum given that over two million people voted 18 months ago to remain in the United Kingdom.
I’m clear there shouldn’t and will continue to passionately make the case for that and also for the benefit Scotland gets from the United Kingdom.
Mundell also told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland programme that “it’s quite clear that Theresa May is committed to being prime minister for the whole of the UK, and committed to keeping the UK together.”
Asked about his previous comments that Scotland might be able to pursue a separate deal with the EU post-Brexit, he insisted: “If it is possible then of course it will be looked at, which is why I’ve said that the first minister is welcome to pursue any separate arrangements.” However, he added: “It is clear that we had a vote on whether the UK should leave the EU and it is very difficult to envisage the UK signing up to part remaining while the rest leaves”.
Mundell said that May’s visit to Edinburgh confirmed her desire to bring Scotland “right into the heart of the negotiation process”. “I’ll be looking to ensure that the Scottish government and wider Scottish interests play a full part in that,” he said.
8.43am BST
08:43
Leadsom says it's 'not sensible' to allow male nanny to look after children
Anushka Asthana
Andrea Leadsom, Theresa May’s new environment secretary who pulled out of the race for the leadership after being plunged into controversy over comments on motherhood made in an interview with the Times, appears to have slipped up again.
In further comments released from the same interview, Leadsom said it was not “sensible” to appoint a man to look after young children because of the danger that they could be a paedophile.
“As an employer we’re not — let’s face it — most of us don’t employ men as nannies, most of us don’t. Now you can call that sexist, I call that cautious and very sensible when you look at the stats. Your odds are stacked against you if you employ a man. We know paedophiles are attracted to working with children. I’m sorry but they’re the facts,” she said.
The comments are likely to anger the 5% of nannies who are male. A survey by the pre-school learning alliance has shown that the vast majority of parents are happy for men to work with children aged 3 to 5 at nurseries, with 89% happy for younger children.
The government has been trying to boost the number of men in childcare saying the “gender imbalance” should be addressed.
8.43am BST
08:43
Owen Smith postpones launch of Labour leadership bid
Owen Smith, the former shadow work and pension secretary, has postponed the formal launch of his Labour leadership bid after the attacks in Nice.
Smith was due to make a speech in Pontypridd setting out why he wanted to challenge Jeremy Corbyn. But he said he would not go ahead as planned following the “heartbreaking” news from Nice overnight.
The Pontypridd MP had been expected to say at his campaign launch:
This is a moment of deep peril for Labour, if we carry on as we are the party I love will end up in a disastrous spilt. I am not prepared to let that happen.
The Labour party must pull through this crisis and unite, we owe it to the millions of people across Britain who look to the Labour party to provide hope and optimism for their lives.
So now it falls to a new generation of Labour MPs to step forward and secure Labour’s future. I am the only person in this race than can do that. It’s not enough just to talk about being anti-austerity, Labour needs to set out the details of how we overcome Tory austerity and secure the next Labour government that delivers investment, not cuts.
That’s what I will be doing throughout this campaign, setting out the vision and policies that can unite the party and lead us into government.
Read our full report below.
Related: Owen Smith postpones leadership campaign launch after Nice attack
Updated
at 9.02am BST
8.38am BST
08:38
Reactions to Nice attack
More condolences pour in from politicians in the wake of the attack in France.
Terrible and tragic news from Nice today - all thoughts and prayers with those affected, and the people of France.
Shocked and hurt by the devastating events in Nice last night. Our thoughts are with the French people and we stand together in solidarity.
Deep sorrow for the victims of Nice attacks. Unspeakable and shocking. Solidarity with the French people.
Thoughts and prayers of millions of Londoners are with the victims of this horrific attack on #Nice, their families & their friends.
Horrified by events in Nice. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Awful news about the terrorist attack in France. Thoughts & prayers with all affected #PrayForNice
Unimaginable horror in Nice. We pray for those affected, show solidarity with French people & send love to dear friends there #PrayForNice
Updated
at 8.45am BST
8.24am BST
08:24
Morning briefing
Nadia Khomami
Good morning and welcome to our daily politics live blog.
The big picture
Today, Theresa May is using her first official visit as prime minister to try to persuade Scotland that there is nothing to fear in a post-Brexit UK.
May will go to Edinburgh and meet with SNP first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has warned that a backlash against Brexit made a second independence referendum highly likely. Scotland voted 62% to 38% to remain in the EU, and according to Sturgeon it would be against the country’s national interest to be forced out of the bloc.
Speaking ahead of the visit, May said:
I believe with all my heart in the United Kingdom - the precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This visit to Scotland is my first as Prime Minister and I’m coming here to show my commitment to preserving this special union that has endured for centuries.
And I want to say something else to the people of Scotland too: the government I lead will always be on your side. Every decision we take, every policy we take forward, we will stand up for you and your family - not the rich, the mighty or the powerful.
That’s because I believe in a union, not just between the nations of the United Kingdom, but between all of our citizens. Whether it’s reforming the economy or strengthening our society, we are going to build a better Britain and a nation that works for everyone - not just the privileged few.
The reshuffle
The new PM is expected to announce a raft of junior minister portfolios today.
But shockwaves from her radical Cabinet reshuffle continue to surge through the Tory party, with George Osborne, Michael Gove, Nicky Morgan, Oliver Letwin and John Wittingdale all out, and Boris Johnson, Andrea Leadsom, Amber Rudd, Justine Greening and Liz Truss in. Oh, and after much confusion, Jeremy Hunt keeps his job.
'Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated...' Thrilled to be back in the best job in Government.
May insisted her Cabinet shake-up was “bold” and necessary, but some Tory MPs have expressed confusion over who will control Brexit policy as three outspoken Leave campaigners - Johnson, now foreign secretary, as well as David Davis at the new department for EU withdrawal, and Liam Fox, who was put in charge of International Trade - were all placed in control of different aspects of the project.
What’s happening with Labour?
While May’s spokesman said her appointments show a commitment to putting social reform at the heart of her government, Labour said the promotion of a string of right-wingers contradicted May’s “warm words” on her entry into Downing Street about seeking to govern “not for a privileged few, but for every one of us”.
Ed Miliband expressed concern at the apparent down-grading of climate change policy in the shake-up of Whitehall departments , branding the move “stupid”.
And as the world comes to terms with the horrific terror attack in Nice last night, in which at least 84 people were killed, politicians have expressed their condolences.
These include Owen Smith, who has cancelled the planned launch of his Labour leadership campaign in Pontypridd in the wake of the attack. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump has also delayed the announcement of his running mate.
In light of the heartbreaking news from Nice, I am cancelling today's campaign launch. Solidarité et fraternité avec le peuple Français.
Reading list
John Harris says there’s a fetid cloud of acrimony over Labour – it’s the reek of death.
Aditya Chakrabortty says George Osborne’s austerity choked off the recovery and Brexit is his legacy.
And the Guardian view on Boris Johnson, which is that he’s no joke at all.
One more thing
Would you like to wake up to our morning briefing in your inbox? Sign up here.
