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| Vince Cable says he's not too old, citing Gladstone, as he launches Lib Dem leadership bid - Politics live | Vince Cable says he's not too old, citing Gladstone, as he launches Lib Dem leadership bid - Politics live |
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| According to the Evening Standard’s Kate Proctor, the government has dropped plans to scrap free school meals for all infants. The proposal was in the manifesto, but it won’t be in the Queen’s speech tomorrow. Ministers have accepted that, without a majority, it would not be possible to get the measure through the House of Commons. | |
| 2.47pm BST | |
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| Gerard Coyne sacked by Unite | |
| Gerard Coyne, the senior Unite official who challenged Len McCluskey for the leadership of the union but narrowly lost, has been sacked, my colleague Rajeev Syal reports. Coyne was told that he must leave the union after 28 years for the alleged misuse of data. | |
| Here is Rajeev’s story. | |
| 1.42pm BST | 1.42pm BST |
| 13:42 | 13:42 |
| Lunchtime summary | Lunchtime summary |
| Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, has subtly mocked Boris Johnson’s claims about the benefits of Brexit in a speech arguing that leaving the EU is a threat to the economy. (See 10.40am.) | Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, has subtly mocked Boris Johnson’s claims about the benefits of Brexit in a speech arguing that leaving the EU is a threat to the economy. (See 10.40am.) |
| Fears that the start of Brexit negotiations will damage the economy mean that interest rates should remain at their record-low level, Carney has said. | Fears that the start of Brexit negotiations will damage the economy mean that interest rates should remain at their record-low level, Carney has said. |
| A Brexit deal that puts jobs and prosperity first is the only way the UK will be able to deliver the strong growth that will enable it finally to escape from the long years of austerity, the chancellor has said. As Larry Elliott reports, in his strongest call yet for a managed approach, Philip Hammond said a comprehensive trade agreement, a transitional deal after the 2019 deadline for the end of talks, and a commitment to keep borders open should form a three-point Brexit plan for Britain. Barry Gardiner, the shadow international trade secretary, said that Hammond’s speech showed that he had “swallowed entirely the Labour playbook” on Brexit. Gardiner told the Daily Politics: | A Brexit deal that puts jobs and prosperity first is the only way the UK will be able to deliver the strong growth that will enable it finally to escape from the long years of austerity, the chancellor has said. As Larry Elliott reports, in his strongest call yet for a managed approach, Philip Hammond said a comprehensive trade agreement, a transitional deal after the 2019 deadline for the end of talks, and a commitment to keep borders open should form a three-point Brexit plan for Britain. Barry Gardiner, the shadow international trade secretary, said that Hammond’s speech showed that he had “swallowed entirely the Labour playbook” on Brexit. Gardiner told the Daily Politics: |
| Our Labour manifesto come out [in the speech] absolutely loud and clear. So it was fair and managed migration, it was about a jobs-first Brexit, it was about no deal being a very, very bad deal for the UK. [Hammond] has even said today he would look remaining within the customs union. | Our Labour manifesto come out [in the speech] absolutely loud and clear. So it was fair and managed migration, it was about a jobs-first Brexit, it was about no deal being a very, very bad deal for the UK. [Hammond] has even said today he would look remaining within the customs union. |
| Labour also claimed the speech showed how the Tories were split over Breixt. But Iain Duncan Smith, the Conservative former work and pensions secretary and a leading figure on the leave wing of the party, said that he was happy with what Hammond said in the speech. He told the World at One: | Labour also claimed the speech showed how the Tories were split over Breixt. But Iain Duncan Smith, the Conservative former work and pensions secretary and a leading figure on the leave wing of the party, said that he was happy with what Hammond said in the speech. He told the World at One: |
| I thought the speech was fine. It was straightforward - not much to disagree with in it. | I thought the speech was fine. It was straightforward - not much to disagree with in it. |
| Vince Cable has launched his bid to become the next leader of the Liberal Democrats just over a week after winning back the Twickenham seat he lost to the Tories in 2015. Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Cable said that if he won, he could stand down later for a “younger colleague”. But he also said that his age - he is 74 now, and will be almost 79 on the date pencilled in for the next election in 2022 - should not count against him. He said that he felt young, and that Gladstone was much older when he became PM for the last time. He said: | Vince Cable has launched his bid to become the next leader of the Liberal Democrats just over a week after winning back the Twickenham seat he lost to the Tories in 2015. Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Cable said that if he won, he could stand down later for a “younger colleague”. But he also said that his age - he is 74 now, and will be almost 79 on the date pencilled in for the next election in 2022 - should not count against him. He said that he felt young, and that Gladstone was much older when he became PM for the last time. He said: |
| [In] four years time the question arises, of a general election coming up, I’ve then got to make a choice; do I let one of my very able younger colleagues take over or do I do what William Gladstone did, quite a while ago, he became prime minister when he was 82, I think, way beyond my years. Winston Churchill did in his mid seventies. I mean these things happen, some of the brightest and most interesting people in British politics recently have been relatively old. You remember Bernie Sanders in America as well. I think age is a surety, if you feel old. I don’t feel old. I feel young and energetic and I’m very much up for a contest. | [In] four years time the question arises, of a general election coming up, I’ve then got to make a choice; do I let one of my very able younger colleagues take over or do I do what William Gladstone did, quite a while ago, he became prime minister when he was 82, I think, way beyond my years. Winston Churchill did in his mid seventies. I mean these things happen, some of the brightest and most interesting people in British politics recently have been relatively old. You remember Bernie Sanders in America as well. I think age is a surety, if you feel old. I don’t feel old. I feel young and energetic and I’m very much up for a contest. |
| Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has written to Theresa May making recommendations for how the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire should be run. Among other suggestions, he said that an interim report should be published now, and that steps should be taken to stop relevant paperwork being destroyed. | Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has written to Theresa May making recommendations for how the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire should be run. Among other suggestions, he said that an interim report should be published now, and that steps should be taken to stop relevant paperwork being destroyed. |
| It is also important that immediate steps are taken to preserve evidence if there is a risk of it being destroyed by those holding it. The relevant authorities, whether pursuant to an inquiry or to a criminal investigation should be considering whether those powers of seizure need to be exercised now as a matter of urgency. I strongly suggest that immediate legal advice is obtained as to how material should be preserved and the process of that material being reviewed for the purposes of disclosure to core participants so that there are not a lengthy delays relating to disclosure to core participants, as have occurred in other recent inquiries. | It is also important that immediate steps are taken to preserve evidence if there is a risk of it being destroyed by those holding it. The relevant authorities, whether pursuant to an inquiry or to a criminal investigation should be considering whether those powers of seizure need to be exercised now as a matter of urgency. I strongly suggest that immediate legal advice is obtained as to how material should be preserved and the process of that material being reviewed for the purposes of disclosure to core participants so that there are not a lengthy delays relating to disclosure to core participants, as have occurred in other recent inquiries. |
| I would also urge you to require that there will be an interim report published this summer. Not only is this crucial for community confidence, but it will allow for the swift implementation of any urgent steps that need taking as regards fire safety in similar buildings across the country. | I would also urge you to require that there will be an interim report published this summer. Not only is this crucial for community confidence, but it will allow for the swift implementation of any urgent steps that need taking as regards fire safety in similar buildings across the country. |
| Labour has demanded answers from the government after leaked letters appeared to show ministers were repeatedly warned that fire regulations were not keeping people safe in high rise blocks like Grenfell Tower. As the Press Association reports, shadow housing secretary John Healey has written to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid demanding a formal response after the BBC said the letters show ministers were warned that people living in high rises were “at risk”. The dozen letters, sent by the all-party parliamentary fire safety and rescue group in the aftermath of a 2009 fatal fire in Lakanal House, south London, warned the Government “could not afford to wait for another tragedy”, according to Panorama. The parliamentary group wrote in March 2014: | Labour has demanded answers from the government after leaked letters appeared to show ministers were repeatedly warned that fire regulations were not keeping people safe in high rise blocks like Grenfell Tower. As the Press Association reports, shadow housing secretary John Healey has written to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid demanding a formal response after the BBC said the letters show ministers were warned that people living in high rises were “at risk”. The dozen letters, sent by the all-party parliamentary fire safety and rescue group in the aftermath of a 2009 fatal fire in Lakanal House, south London, warned the Government “could not afford to wait for another tragedy”, according to Panorama. The parliamentary group wrote in March 2014: |
| Surely ... when you already have credible evidence to justify updating ... the guidance ... which will lead to the saving of lives, you don’t need to wait another three years in addition to the two already spent since the research findings were updated, in order to take action? | Surely ... when you already have credible evidence to justify updating ... the guidance ... which will lead to the saving of lives, you don’t need to wait another three years in addition to the two already spent since the research findings were updated, in order to take action? |
| As there are estimated to be another 4,000 older tower blocks in the UK, without automatic sprinkler protection, can we really afford to wait for another tragedy to occur before we amend this weakness? | As there are estimated to be another 4,000 older tower blocks in the UK, without automatic sprinkler protection, can we really afford to wait for another tragedy to occur before we amend this weakness? |
| Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, has said she is “back to fighting fitness” after her recent illness. | Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, has said she is “back to fighting fitness” after her recent illness. |
| Theresa May is facing a landmark legal challenge over her proposed deal with the Democratic Unionist party on the grounds that it breaches the Good Friday agreement. As Josh Halliday and Owen Bowcott report, an experienced legal team, which has been involved in constitutional challenges, is planning to apply for a judicial review of the deal once it is announced, the Guardian has learned.High court judges would be asked to examine whether the pact breaches the British government’s commitment to exercise “rigorous impartiality” in the Good Friday agreement. | Theresa May is facing a landmark legal challenge over her proposed deal with the Democratic Unionist party on the grounds that it breaches the Good Friday agreement. As Josh Halliday and Owen Bowcott report, an experienced legal team, which has been involved in constitutional challenges, is planning to apply for a judicial review of the deal once it is announced, the Guardian has learned.High court judges would be asked to examine whether the pact breaches the British government’s commitment to exercise “rigorous impartiality” in the Good Friday agreement. |
| Carmakers have called on ministers to keep the UK in the EU single market and customs union for at least five years or risk permanent damage to the industry. | Carmakers have called on ministers to keep the UK in the EU single market and customs union for at least five years or risk permanent damage to the industry. |
| Backbench Labour MPs are urging the party’s leadership to place membership of the single market back on the table in terms of Brexit policy, claiming the general election result has “dramatically changed” the context of the talks. | Backbench Labour MPs are urging the party’s leadership to place membership of the single market back on the table in terms of Brexit policy, claiming the general election result has “dramatically changed” the context of the talks. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.51pm BST | at 1.51pm BST |
| 1.02pm BST | 1.02pm BST |
| 13:02 | 13:02 |
| The Times’ Sam Coates has written an interesting take (paywall) on Philip Hammond’s speech. Here’s an extract. | The Times’ Sam Coates has written an interesting take (paywall) on Philip Hammond’s speech. Here’s an extract. |
| Although technically the chancellor did not breach any collective government positions on Brexit or the economy, it is inconceivable that [Hammond] could have delivered such a speech before the botched general election a fortnight ago. | Although technically the chancellor did not breach any collective government positions on Brexit or the economy, it is inconceivable that [Hammond] could have delivered such a speech before the botched general election a fortnight ago. |
| Mr Hammond took aim at a series of Mrs May’s core beliefs: the need to bear down heavily on migration, the damage caused by globalisation, the ease with which the public spending taps can be turned on, and the need for a full “transition” deal rather than Mrs May’s “implementation” phase. | Mr Hammond took aim at a series of Mrs May’s core beliefs: the need to bear down heavily on migration, the damage caused by globalisation, the ease with which the public spending taps can be turned on, and the need for a full “transition” deal rather than Mrs May’s “implementation” phase. |
| Before the election he would have been blocked from giving such an address and it had been expected that he would be removed from his post. Mrs May’s fall from grace, which has not yet halted, has given him new power and he is determined to use it to try and stop Britain making, in his view, catastrophic mistakes on Brexit. | Before the election he would have been blocked from giving such an address and it had been expected that he would be removed from his post. Mrs May’s fall from grace, which has not yet halted, has given him new power and he is determined to use it to try and stop Britain making, in his view, catastrophic mistakes on Brexit. |
| 12.44pm BST | 12.44pm BST |
| 12:44 | 12:44 |
| The Institute of Directors has welcomed Philip Hammond’s Mansion House speech. Allie Renison, its head of EU and trade policy, said: | The Institute of Directors has welcomed Philip Hammond’s Mansion House speech. Allie Renison, its head of EU and trade policy, said: |
| Business leaders will welcome the pragmatic approach taken when talking about Brexit in his Mansion House speech. There were no big surprises, but the focus on jobs and the economy is a step towards shoring up shaky business confidence. The chancellor reiterated the government’s intention to leave the EU customs union, which always seemed likely in the long-term, but crucially showed some flexibility on pushing for an orderly process to do so. The emphasis on the need for an early agreement on transitional provisions – as opposed to sorting this out toward the end of the negotiations – is positive. Firms will need to know, at the latest by next summer, whether there will be substantive changes to trade and migration arrangements in order to have time to activate any contingency plans. | Business leaders will welcome the pragmatic approach taken when talking about Brexit in his Mansion House speech. There were no big surprises, but the focus on jobs and the economy is a step towards shoring up shaky business confidence. The chancellor reiterated the government’s intention to leave the EU customs union, which always seemed likely in the long-term, but crucially showed some flexibility on pushing for an orderly process to do so. The emphasis on the need for an early agreement on transitional provisions – as opposed to sorting this out toward the end of the negotiations – is positive. Firms will need to know, at the latest by next summer, whether there will be substantive changes to trade and migration arrangements in order to have time to activate any contingency plans. |
| 12.28pm BST | 12.28pm BST |
| 12:28 | 12:28 |
| Number 10 has sent out a (characteristically dull) read-out from this morning’s cabinet meeting. Here it is. It’s from a spokesman. | Number 10 has sent out a (characteristically dull) read-out from this morning’s cabinet meeting. Here it is. It’s from a spokesman. |
| In this morning’s cabinet meeting, ministers discussed upcoming parliamentary business, including tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech which heralds an historically important two-year session to help deliver the legislation for a successful Brexit. | In this morning’s cabinet meeting, ministers discussed upcoming parliamentary business, including tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech which heralds an historically important two-year session to help deliver the legislation for a successful Brexit. |
| Ministers also discussed the awful events of the past week. The prime minister expressed her appreciation of the police and emergency services for their bravery and professionalism. | Ministers also discussed the awful events of the past week. The prime minister expressed her appreciation of the police and emergency services for their bravery and professionalism. |
| On Grenfell Tower, the secretary of state for communities and local government updated cabinet on the efforts to ensure everything is being done to help victims’ families and other survivors, as well as looking ahead to the longer-term recovery effort. On the tragic incident at Finsbury Park, the prime minster and home secretary discussed the importance of ongoing government work in reviewing its counter terrorism strategy and ensuring that police and security services have the powers they need. | On Grenfell Tower, the secretary of state for communities and local government updated cabinet on the efforts to ensure everything is being done to help victims’ families and other survivors, as well as looking ahead to the longer-term recovery effort. On the tragic incident at Finsbury Park, the prime minster and home secretary discussed the importance of ongoing government work in reviewing its counter terrorism strategy and ensuring that police and security services have the powers they need. |
| The chancellor of the exchequer provided cabinet with an update on the economy and public finances, emphasising the underlying strengths of the UK economy and setting out the importance of making the case for a market economy, sound money and growth as well as prioritising rising productivity. | The chancellor of the exchequer provided cabinet with an update on the economy and public finances, emphasising the underlying strengths of the UK economy and setting out the importance of making the case for a market economy, sound money and growth as well as prioritising rising productivity. |
| The secretary of state for Northern Ireland also provided an update to progress on talks to restore power-sharing institutions. | The secretary of state for Northern Ireland also provided an update to progress on talks to restore power-sharing institutions. |
| 12.00pm BST | 12.00pm BST |
| 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Henry McDonald | Henry McDonald |
| It is day 2 of the talks in Belfast aimed at restoring the power sharing devolved government in Northern Ireland. Day 1 has been described as “reasonably constructive” by one senior Irish official. | It is day 2 of the talks in Belfast aimed at restoring the power sharing devolved government in Northern Ireland. Day 1 has been described as “reasonably constructive” by one senior Irish official. |
| Both the Irish foreign minister, Simon Coveney, and the Northern Ireland secretary, James Brokenshire, are not at Stormont for the all-party discussions today. Coveney is holding Brexit talks at the EU in Brussels while Brokenshire has commitments in London. However, the parties, most notably Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionists, will continue talking today. | Both the Irish foreign minister, Simon Coveney, and the Northern Ireland secretary, James Brokenshire, are not at Stormont for the all-party discussions today. Coveney is holding Brexit talks at the EU in Brussels while Brokenshire has commitments in London. However, the parties, most notably Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionists, will continue talking today. |
| One of the substantive issues on the table is Sinn Fein’s demand for an Irish Language Act that would put the gaelic language on a par with English, which would be a similar outcome to the situation already pertaining in Wales, where the Welsh language has parity to English. Sources at the talks say this morning that aspects of Ulster Protestant culture rooted in terms of “respect” for things like Ulster Scots might also be built into the legislation to make the language act more acceptable to unionists. | One of the substantive issues on the table is Sinn Fein’s demand for an Irish Language Act that would put the gaelic language on a par with English, which would be a similar outcome to the situation already pertaining in Wales, where the Welsh language has parity to English. Sources at the talks say this morning that aspects of Ulster Protestant culture rooted in terms of “respect” for things like Ulster Scots might also be built into the legislation to make the language act more acceptable to unionists. |
| The other major area of contention is legacy or how to deal with the past crimes and atrocities of the Troubles. It appears that, while draft legislation may be possible, the ideas formulated at the talks will be put out to public consultation across Northern Ireland and in particular to a whole range of victims groups. By doing this, it is believed the ‘sting’ will be taken out of the legacy issue and it won’t become a deal breaker at Stormont. | The other major area of contention is legacy or how to deal with the past crimes and atrocities of the Troubles. It appears that, while draft legislation may be possible, the ideas formulated at the talks will be put out to public consultation across Northern Ireland and in particular to a whole range of victims groups. By doing this, it is believed the ‘sting’ will be taken out of the legacy issue and it won’t become a deal breaker at Stormont. |
| Meanwhile those other talks - the ones between the DUP and the Tories - aimed at creating a minority Conservative government go on in London today. They also cast a shadow over the Belfast negotiations with Sinn Fein and others keeping one eye on what the outcome of the DUP/Tory discussions may bring forward. | Meanwhile those other talks - the ones between the DUP and the Tories - aimed at creating a minority Conservative government go on in London today. They also cast a shadow over the Belfast negotiations with Sinn Fein and others keeping one eye on what the outcome of the DUP/Tory discussions may bring forward. |
| In terms of the Belfast talks though the clock is ticking, with the 29 June deadline fopr the restoration of power sharing looming ever closer. | In terms of the Belfast talks though the clock is ticking, with the 29 June deadline fopr the restoration of power sharing looming ever closer. |
| 11.51am BST | 11.51am BST |
| 11:51 | 11:51 |
| Sir Vince Cable is leaving open the option of only serving as a caretaker leader, the BBC’s Norman Smith reports. | Sir Vince Cable is leaving open the option of only serving as a caretaker leader, the BBC’s Norman Smith reports. |
| Vince Cable leaves open option of serving as two year caretaker leader of @LibDems | Vince Cable leaves open option of serving as two year caretaker leader of @LibDems |
| Cable is 74. If the next election is in 2022, he will be just days away from his 79th birthday when it takes place. Jo Swinson, who is 37 and who has ruled out running for the leadership this time, is running for the deputy leadership and hinted in her statement on Sunday that she would go for the top job in due course. Cable could end up running on the understanding that before 2022 he would step aside for her. | Cable is 74. If the next election is in 2022, he will be just days away from his 79th birthday when it takes place. Jo Swinson, who is 37 and who has ruled out running for the leadership this time, is running for the deputy leadership and hinted in her statement on Sunday that she would go for the top job in due course. Cable could end up running on the understanding that before 2022 he would step aside for her. |
| 11.42am BST | 11.42am BST |
| 11:42 | 11:42 |
| According to the BBC’s Chris Mason, Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem former energy secretary, will announce later this week if he is standing for the party leadership. | According to the BBC’s Chris Mason, Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem former energy secretary, will announce later this week if he is standing for the party leadership. |
| Asked if he will also be running for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats, the former Energy Secretary Sir Ed Davey has just told me... | Asked if he will also be running for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats, the former Energy Secretary Sir Ed Davey has just told me... |
| ... "I'll be letting you know later in the week." | ... "I'll be letting you know later in the week." |
| 11.13am BST | 11.13am BST |
| 11:13 | 11:13 |
| Vince Cable announces he is running for Lib Dem leadership | Vince Cable announces he is running for Lib Dem leadership |
| Sir Vince Cable, the Lib Dem business secretary in the coalition who has just been re-elected to parliament after losing his seat in 2015, has announced in a blog for Lib Dem Voice that he is running for the party leadership. | Sir Vince Cable, the Lib Dem business secretary in the coalition who has just been re-elected to parliament after losing his seat in 2015, has announced in a blog for Lib Dem Voice that he is running for the party leadership. |
| Here is an extract. | Here is an extract. |
| There are big opportunities ahead. The Conservatives are in disarray and in retreat. The Labour Party outperformed expectations but complacently believes that ‘one more heave’ will see it into office. But an economic policy based on offering lots of free things lacks economic credibility and will be found out. Investing in infrastructure, rather than borrowing for everyday running costs is credible. There is a big space in British politics which I am determined that we should occupy. | There are big opportunities ahead. The Conservatives are in disarray and in retreat. The Labour Party outperformed expectations but complacently believes that ‘one more heave’ will see it into office. But an economic policy based on offering lots of free things lacks economic credibility and will be found out. Investing in infrastructure, rather than borrowing for everyday running costs is credible. There is a big space in British politics which I am determined that we should occupy. |
| The contest will take place with the largest membership electorate in our party’s history. We should be ambitious about increasing our number still further and in particular attracting young people to our cause. I welcome the more diverse party and parliamentary party we now have and will give priority to promoting diversity, an issue I championed as a minister and with some success in business leadership. | The contest will take place with the largest membership electorate in our party’s history. We should be ambitious about increasing our number still further and in particular attracting young people to our cause. I welcome the more diverse party and parliamentary party we now have and will give priority to promoting diversity, an issue I championed as a minister and with some success in business leadership. |
| The party has survived five difficult years of Coalition government and the disadvantage of the current unreformed voting system. We are now growing again and the political winds are moving in our favour. I believe I can, as leader, offer the energy, dedication and drive, as well as experience, to help – with you – to make our party a credible contender for power. | The party has survived five difficult years of Coalition government and the disadvantage of the current unreformed voting system. We are now growing again and the political winds are moving in our favour. I believe I can, as leader, offer the energy, dedication and drive, as well as experience, to help – with you – to make our party a credible contender for power. |
| With Jo Swinson having announced on Sunday that she is not standing, the bookmakers now have Cable and Norman Lamb (who has not yet said whether he will stand or not) as the favourites. | With Jo Swinson having announced on Sunday that she is not standing, the bookmakers now have Cable and Norman Lamb (who has not yet said whether he will stand or not) as the favourites. |