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Theresa May to meet Nicola Sturgeon for union talks - politics live Theresa May meets Nicola Sturgeon for union talks - politics live
(35 minutes later)
3.12pm BST
15:12
Nicola Sturgeon has tweeted about her meeting with May:
Politics aside - I hope girls everywhere look at this photograph and believe nothing should be off limits for them. pic.twitter.com/QGZI3Cgw8d
3.10pm BST
15:10
Labour suspends biggest party branch amid accusations of abuse
Labour has suspended its biggest constituency party and annulled the result of a vote that installed officers supportive of Jeremy Corbyn in key posts.
Rowena Mason reports that the suspension of Brighton and Hove Labour party happened after accusations of abusive behaviour and an improper ballot at the annual general meeting last week, where leftwingers were elected to a raft of offices.
Concerns were also raised with Iain McNicol, the party’s general secretary, about entryism by people who had stood as candidates for the TUSC/Socialist party against Labour.
In response to complaints, the party sent a notice to Brighton, which has 6,000 members, saying it was subject to “administrative suspension” and would have to rerun the contest.
Read the full story below.
Related: Labour suspends Brighton branch amid accusations of improper ballot
3.07pm BST
15:07
A reader asked if we could sum up the papers’ reaction to May’s reshuffle on the blog. Sarah Redman has done just that:
Telegraph:
The Daily Telegraph claimed that May’s cabinet reshuffle was a tactical move to consolidate her power as Prime Minister. “[It] appears to eliminate anything that might grow into a power base” Fraser Nelson, columnist for the Daily Telegraph, said. Nelson also pointed out that, in appointing Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary, May has put in power “a global salesman, who makes an impact when he visits”.
Yet, the Prime Minister may have made a mistake in keeping Jeremy Hunt in his role as Health Secretary as doctors may feel rejected, “she may come to regret the one move she didn’t make” wrote Harry de Quetteville.
Daily Mail:
The Daily Mail described May’s cabinet reshuffle as “the bloodiest clear-out in modern history”. The Mail Online draws particular attention to and praises May for her decision to create a cabinet of equality, increasing the number of female cabinet members to eight “equal to the record set during the Blair years” as well as the number of State-educated to 70%.
The Mirror:
The Mirror refered to the reshuffle as a “brutal purge of top Tories” and criticised the appointment of the “bumbling blonde Brexiteer to the Foreign Office” “to the surprise and shock of almost everybody”. Mikey Smith and Dan Bloom discussed how May “already stamped her power… as she ditched George Osborne as Chancellor, leaving him to slip out Number 10’s back gate with his reputation in tatters”.
The Daily Express:
The Daily Express praised May for the reshuffle claiming that “decisive action is exactly what this country needs and Theresa May has already delivered”. It was optimistic about the future with May in Downing Street, stating: “The Prime Minister’s swift actions during her first days in office are an encouraging sign.”
The Times:
The Times praised May for appointing David Davis, Boris Johnson, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom as they now have to “redeem their promise to the nation”; they “were instrumental in creating the EU disaster, so it’s poetic justice that they put it right”.
The Sun:
The Sun referred to the cabinet reshuffle as a “No.10 revolution”, complimenting May’s decision “to boost the number of women in cabinet”. Trevor Kavanagh, Associate Editor, also congratulated May on her “master stroke in balancing a divided Tory party and the people over the future of Britain in Europe”.
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2.58pm BST
14:58
James Brokenshire, Northern Ireland’s new Secretary of State, has insisted he does not want to see a hardening of the Irish border in the wake of Brexit.
In his first full day in office, Brokenshire said both the UK and Irish governments were opposed to a return to border check points between north and south. In an interview with RTE, he said:
We certainly don’t want to see a return to the border of the past. We don’t want to see that hard border coming into place and I think there is a real sense of commitment between the UK government and also the Irish government to work together very closely so we don’t see that returning.
Ultimately the shape of the border between the UK and the Irish Republic will have to be agreed collectively by the EU’s remaining member states. During the referendum campaign, Theresa May indicated some form of border control would be required in Ireland if people in the UK voted to leave the EU.
Unlike his Brexiteer predecessor Theresa Villiers, Brokenshire, a close ally ofMay, campaigned for Remain. However, he said the UK now needed to unite and respect the outcome of the referendum. On the question of whether multi-million pound EU subsidies paid to Northern Ireland farmers will be replaced by the UK government after Brexit, Brokenshire said ministers were “looking very closely” at the issue.
He also expressed confidence that the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, such as those from the Republic of Ireland, could be guaranteed once the country left the European Union - but only if the rights of UK citizens living in the remaining member states were similarly respected.
2.15pm BST2.15pm BST
14:1514:15
Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion and Chair of Parliamentary CND, is urging MPs to vote against replacing Trident, Britain’s multibillion pound nuclear missile system on Monday. Lucas, who took over her role with the CND from Jeremy Corbyn, said:Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion and Chair of Parliamentary CND, is urging MPs to vote against replacing Trident, Britain’s multibillion pound nuclear missile system on Monday. Lucas, who took over her role with the CND from Jeremy Corbyn, said:
The Trident vote on Monday is defining moment for Britain. We have the chance to join the vast majority of countries by ridding these islands of nuclear weapons, or we can opt for a new generation of mulitibillion pound missiles that can never be used and do nothing to make us safer.The Trident vote on Monday is defining moment for Britain. We have the chance to join the vast majority of countries by ridding these islands of nuclear weapons, or we can opt for a new generation of mulitibillion pound missiles that can never be used and do nothing to make us safer.
Keeping our country safe should be the top priority for all of us in Parliament – which is why I’m urging all MPs to think very carefully before committing this country to this cold war relic. I believe that a new generation of nukes will not only fail to make Britain more secure, but will increase the dangers we’re facing. Just imagine any mistake or terrorist incident involving these weapons, it could kill millions. Keeping nukes also sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the world that security requires the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction. At a time of increased tension that’s the opposite of what we should be saying.Keeping our country safe should be the top priority for all of us in Parliament – which is why I’m urging all MPs to think very carefully before committing this country to this cold war relic. I believe that a new generation of nukes will not only fail to make Britain more secure, but will increase the dangers we’re facing. Just imagine any mistake or terrorist incident involving these weapons, it could kill millions. Keeping nukes also sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the world that security requires the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction. At a time of increased tension that’s the opposite of what we should be saying.
I would specifically urge anti-trident MPs to use the coming few days to lay out the case against Trident. Labour MPs in particular should make a stand against Trident renewal at a time when public finances are so stretched. We won’t get another chance like this: and every MP who believes in a nuke free Britain should be making their case heard loud and clear.I would specifically urge anti-trident MPs to use the coming few days to lay out the case against Trident. Labour MPs in particular should make a stand against Trident renewal at a time when public finances are so stretched. We won’t get another chance like this: and every MP who believes in a nuke free Britain should be making their case heard loud and clear.
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1.56pm BST1.56pm BST
13:5613:56
The people of Batley and Spen have turned out in their thousands to pay their respects to the MP Jo Cox, who was murdered outside an advice surgery last month, Helen Pidd reports. Read the full article below.The people of Batley and Spen have turned out in their thousands to pay their respects to the MP Jo Cox, who was murdered outside an advice surgery last month, Helen Pidd reports. Read the full article below.
Related: Jo Cox funeral brings thousands of mourners on to streetsRelated: Jo Cox funeral brings thousands of mourners on to streets
1.35pm BST1.35pm BST
13:3513:35
Theresa May’s official spokeswoman has responded to Leadsom’s nanny comments. “These were personal views that were expressed, and she, as in Andrea Leadsom, has said that she employed a male nanny for five years, and doesn’t think that men, or fathers, shouldn’t be nannies,” she said.Theresa May’s official spokeswoman has responded to Leadsom’s nanny comments. “These were personal views that were expressed, and she, as in Andrea Leadsom, has said that she employed a male nanny for five years, and doesn’t think that men, or fathers, shouldn’t be nannies,” she said.
1.31pm BST1.31pm BST
13:3113:31
Man arrested over death threats to Angela EagleMan arrested over death threats to Angela Eagle
A man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in an email to Labour Party leadership contender Angela Eagle.A man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in an email to Labour Party leadership contender Angela Eagle.
Merseyside Police said a 44-year-old suspect is being questioned following an arrest in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on Friday.Merseyside Police said a 44-year-old suspect is being questioned following an arrest in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on Friday.
A police spokeswoman said: “A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill. Officers from Merseyside Police executed a warrant in Paisley, Scotland, this morning, Friday July 15, and arrested the man.A police spokeswoman said: “A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill. Officers from Merseyside Police executed a warrant in Paisley, Scotland, this morning, Friday July 15, and arrested the man.
“He will be questioned by Merseyside detectives today.“He will be questioned by Merseyside detectives today.
“The arrest comes after an email was sent to the account of Wallasey MP Angela Eagle.”“The arrest comes after an email was sent to the account of Wallasey MP Angela Eagle.”
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at 1.32pm BSTat 1.32pm BST
1.12pm BST1.12pm BST
13:1213:12
May meets with Sturgeon in EdinburghMay meets with Sturgeon in Edinburgh
Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
Theresa May is currently in her meeting with Nicola Sturgeon, after making in her first official visit to Edinburgh as prime minister. The meeting comes as May’s government promises to involve Scotland’s devolved administration in negotiations to withdraw Britain from the EU.Theresa May is currently in her meeting with Nicola Sturgeon, after making in her first official visit to Edinburgh as prime minister. The meeting comes as May’s government promises to involve Scotland’s devolved administration in negotiations to withdraw Britain from the EU.
The two women posed briefly for photographers outside the first minister’s official residence, Bute House, before beginning their meeting which is scheduled to last for around 45 minutes. This is only the third time that the pair have met, and their first formal one-to-one encounter.The two women posed briefly for photographers outside the first minister’s official residence, Bute House, before beginning their meeting which is scheduled to last for around 45 minutes. This is only the third time that the pair have met, and their first formal one-to-one encounter.
After the meeting, May is expected to attend a party event along with Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives and a firm supporter of May for leader of the Westminster party.After the meeting, May is expected to attend a party event along with Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives and a firm supporter of May for leader of the Westminster party.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.28pm BSTat 1.28pm BST
1.05pm BST1.05pm BST
13:0513:05
Theresa May has arrived at Nicola Sturgeon’s official residence in Edinburgh for talks.Theresa May has arrived at Nicola Sturgeon’s official residence in Edinburgh for talks.
She was greeted at Bute House by Sturgeon, and the two shook hands and stopped on the steps for photographers.She was greeted at Bute House by Sturgeon, and the two shook hands and stopped on the steps for photographers.
May’s official spokeswoman said the meeting would look at Brexit issues, but the Prime Minister believed the issue of Scottish independence had now been settled.May’s official spokeswoman said the meeting would look at Brexit issues, but the Prime Minister believed the issue of Scottish independence had now been settled.
She said: “It will be an opportunity to discuss how they are going to work together. An opportunity for the Prime Minister to underline to the First Minister that she does want to make sure the UK Government fully engages with the Scottish Government on discussions around leaving the European Union.She said: “It will be an opportunity to discuss how they are going to work together. An opportunity for the Prime Minister to underline to the First Minister that she does want to make sure the UK Government fully engages with the Scottish Government on discussions around leaving the European Union.
“And with regard to a second referendum, the Prime Minister’s view is that we have already had a referendum. It was legal, and fair, and the result was decisive.”“And with regard to a second referendum, the Prime Minister’s view is that we have already had a referendum. It was legal, and fair, and the result was decisive.”
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at 1.06pm BSTat 1.06pm BST
12.00pm BST12.00pm BST
12:0012:00
Labour shadow minister Jon Ashworth has also responded to Leadsom’s comments. He said: “This is an extraordinarily offensive statement from the new Environment Secretary. Andrea Leadsom should apologise immediately and the Prime Minister should also distance herself from these comments.”Labour shadow minister Jon Ashworth has also responded to Leadsom’s comments. He said: “This is an extraordinarily offensive statement from the new Environment Secretary. Andrea Leadsom should apologise immediately and the Prime Minister should also distance herself from these comments.”
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.”
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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
10:51
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.
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.
10.23am BST
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.
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.”
10.18am BST
10:18
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 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:
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.
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.
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
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10.09am BST
10:09
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.
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:
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.
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.
It would bring substantial economic benefits and very clearly demonstrate to the rest of the world that London is open.
10.02am BST
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.
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.