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'Britain deserves better than Boris Johnson,' says new Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson - live news 'Britain deserves better than Boris Johnson,' says new Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson - live news
(32 minutes later)
Jo Swinson has been elected the new leader of the Liberal Democrats, winning a vote among party members to take over following Vince Cable’s two-year tenure, with the party newly resurgent in the polls.
Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, has said the government will try to put together a European-led mission to protect shipping in the Gulf. In a Commons statement about Iran’s seizure of a British-flagged tanker, Hunt said:
Because freedom of navigation is a vital interest of every nation, we will now seek to put together a European-led maritime protection mission to support safe passage of both crew and cargo in this vital region.
We have had constructive discussions with a number of countries in the last 48 hours and will discuss later this week the best way to complement this with recent US proposals in this area.
The new force will be focused on free navigation, bearing in mind that one fifth of the world’s oil, a quarter of its liquefied natural gas – and trade worth half a trillion dollars - pass through the Strait of Hormuz every year .
It will not be part of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran because we remain committed to preserving the Iran nuclear agreement.
Alan Duncan, a senior Conservative critic of Boris Johnson, resigned from the government in order to test whether the new prime minister commands the confidence of the House of Commons.
The mounting risk of no-deal Brexit may have pushed the UK economy into a recession already, one of the country’s foremost economic forecasters has warned.
School budgets face cuts to fund a new teachers’ pay rise after the government announced it would only partially fund the award of 2.75%.
Three former prime ministers, Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, have all told Boris Johnson that opting for a no-deal Brexit would be unacceptable. (See 1.55pm.)
Boris Johnson has put his faith in optimism to find technological solutions to prevent a hard Irish border if he becomes prime minister, as the DUP impressed on him the need to resolve the issue of the backstop to keep their support.
Labour’s shadow cabinet is backing a plan to speed up the expulsion from the party of antisemites. According to the party, Jeremy Corbyn told a shadow cabinet meeting:
It is wrong to deny there is antisemitism in the Labour party. And those who deny that it does exist are part of the problem. We have to stand for a serious, anti-racist, inclusive socialism.
Labour is not an antisemitic party. But one antisemite is always one too many.
I also know that some complaints have taken too long to deal with. This is not good enough.
Our members don’t want to share their party with anyone who is racist - and they want to be able to demonstrate there is no place for antisemitism among them.
Corbyn presented the shadow cabinet with two options for speeding up the party’s complaints process. Under his preferred option the most serious of cases would be referred to a special panel consisting of the party’s general secretary and NEC officers who would have the power to expel the member - allowing for more rapid action. After the meeting the shadow cabinet issued a statement saying:
As part of tackling antisemitism, the shadow cabinet has today supported the proposal for summary exclusion outlined by the Labour leader, which he will put to the national executive committee tomorrow.
The shadow cabinet also supports the proposal to introduce independent oversight of our processes, and will continue to seek to engage with Jewish community organisations to build confidence.
The Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke has been charged with three counts of sexual assault relating to two women, prosecutors have said.
Self-styled yellow vest protester James Goddard has been handed a suspended prison sentence and been banned from an area around parliament for hurling abuse at remain-supporting MP Anna Soubry, the Press Association reports.
That’s all from me for today.
Thanks for the comments.
This is a fascinating chart. The tweet is from James Morris, a pollster who in the past has worked for Labour, but the data is from a poll published by Lord Ashcroft earlier this month (pdf). This graphic presents the information in a much clearer way than the table in the Ashcroft report (table 10).This is a fascinating chart. The tweet is from James Morris, a pollster who in the past has worked for Labour, but the data is from a poll published by Lord Ashcroft earlier this month (pdf). This graphic presents the information in a much clearer way than the table in the Ashcroft report (table 10).
The two most positive readings in this chart are those that show what remain-voting Labour voters feel about the Green party (they prefer it to Labour) and what leave-voting Tories feel about the Brexit party (they prefer it to the Conservative party).The two most positive readings in this chart are those that show what remain-voting Labour voters feel about the Green party (they prefer it to Labour) and what leave-voting Tories feel about the Brexit party (they prefer it to the Conservative party).
Labour Remain voters pretty much as positive about the Lib Dems as LabourLabour Leave voters pretty much as positive about the Brexit party as LabourConditions for possible Pasokification pic.twitter.com/R28ZfzXcG2Labour Remain voters pretty much as positive about the Lib Dems as LabourLabour Leave voters pretty much as positive about the Brexit party as LabourConditions for possible Pasokification pic.twitter.com/R28ZfzXcG2
In her first letter to party members as Lib Dem leader, Jo Swinson said:In her first letter to party members as Lib Dem leader, Jo Swinson said:
I love this party - and honestly if you’d told me when I first joined at the age of 17 that I’d one day get the chance to write you this message, as the party’s new leader, I’d never have believed you.I love this party - and honestly if you’d told me when I first joined at the age of 17 that I’d one day get the chance to write you this message, as the party’s new leader, I’d never have believed you.
The first thing I want to do is say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in this election, and especially to my good friend Ed Davey.The first thing I want to do is say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in this election, and especially to my good friend Ed Davey.
Over the last seven weeks Ed has shown the country what an outstanding politician he is; energetic, passionate and thoughtful. We’ve debated and challenged each other in the way the contest deserved, but always in a spirit of friendship and unity. The contrast with the Conservative party couldn’t be starker.Over the last seven weeks Ed has shown the country what an outstanding politician he is; energetic, passionate and thoughtful. We’ve debated and challenged each other in the way the contest deserved, but always in a spirit of friendship and unity. The contrast with the Conservative party couldn’t be starker.
I also want to pay tribute to Vince Cable, whose leadership has put us in an exciting position to have a real impact on British politics.I also want to pay tribute to Vince Cable, whose leadership has put us in an exciting position to have a real impact on British politics.
And I want to pay tribute to all of you, who not only have challenged and tested us over the course of the contest, but whose hard work has ensured the party I’m now so proud to lead is looking at a much brighter future than many predicted just six months ago, ready to take on the challenges ahead.And I want to pay tribute to all of you, who not only have challenged and tested us over the course of the contest, but whose hard work has ensured the party I’m now so proud to lead is looking at a much brighter future than many predicted just six months ago, ready to take on the challenges ahead.
The first of those is, of course, stopping Brexit. And as your new leader, it’s the task that is absolutely at the top of my agenda.The first of those is, of course, stopping Brexit. And as your new leader, it’s the task that is absolutely at the top of my agenda.
When I say Bollocks to Brexit I mean it. This isn’t a normal political issue - this is about the fundamental direction of our country for generations to Brexit, in any form, is a disaster for our country and we’ll do everything in our power to stop it.When I say Bollocks to Brexit I mean it. This isn’t a normal political issue - this is about the fundamental direction of our country for generations to Brexit, in any form, is a disaster for our country and we’ll do everything in our power to stop it.
This is from Ed Davey, congratulating Jo Swinson on beating him in the Lib Dem leadership contest.This is from Ed Davey, congratulating Jo Swinson on beating him in the Lib Dem leadership contest.
Huge congratulations @joswinson - you will be a great leader to take our message of hope, respect and love for others across the country and build a Liberal Britain. Thanks to @vincecable for taking us to this point; thanks to my supporters and team. You’ve all been incredible. https://t.co/OFJs6YLVJOHuge congratulations @joswinson - you will be a great leader to take our message of hope, respect and love for others across the country and build a Liberal Britain. Thanks to @vincecable for taking us to this point; thanks to my supporters and team. You’ve all been incredible. https://t.co/OFJs6YLVJO
Here is my colleague Peter Walker’s profile of Jo Swinson.Here is my colleague Peter Walker’s profile of Jo Swinson.
Jo Swinson: youthful veteran long seen as natural heir to Vince CableJo Swinson: youthful veteran long seen as natural heir to Vince Cable
In the Commons Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, is making a statement about the situation in the Gulf.In the Commons Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, is making a statement about the situation in the Gulf.
He says the seizure of the British-flagged Stena Impero was an act of state piracy.He says the seizure of the British-flagged Stena Impero was an act of state piracy.
He says the UK will try to put together a European-led mission to protect ships in the Gulf. He says it will not be part of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran, because the UK remains committed to the Iran nuclear deal.He says the UK will try to put together a European-led mission to protect ships in the Gulf. He says it will not be part of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran, because the UK remains committed to the Iran nuclear deal.
He says British-flagged ships will be asked to advise the government on when they are planning to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, so that they can be offered assistance.He says British-flagged ships will be asked to advise the government on when they are planning to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, so that they can be offered assistance.
He says Iran may end up with an increased foreign naval presence on its doorstep. But if that happens, Iran only has itself to blame, he says.He says Iran may end up with an increased foreign naval presence on its doorstep. But if that happens, Iran only has itself to blame, he says.
Here are the Lib Dem election results in full.Here are the Lib Dem election results in full.
Some 106,075 ballot papers were issued, and 76,429 were returned, giving a turnout of 72 per cent.Some 106,075 ballot papers were issued, and 76,429 were returned, giving a turnout of 72 per cent.
Ed Davey: 28,021 (37%)Jo Swinson: 47,997 (63%)Ed Davey: 28,021 (37%)Jo Swinson: 47,997 (63%)
Swinson says this is a time for working together.Swinson says this is a time for working together.
And she says she has a message for MPs in other parties: if you want to stop Brexit and Corbyn, work with the Lib Dems. My door is always open, she says.And she says she has a message for MPs in other parties: if you want to stop Brexit and Corbyn, work with the Lib Dems. My door is always open, she says.
And she says she has a message for people at home. If you want change, it is not enough to shout at the TV. Join us, she says.And she says she has a message for people at home. If you want change, it is not enough to shout at the TV. Join us, she says.
She winds up saying we should change politics so we can change the country.She winds up saying we should change politics so we can change the country.
Jo Swinson is still giving her victory speech.Jo Swinson is still giving her victory speech.
She says in 2017 she knew she had to stand in East Dunbartonshire again to try to win back her seat.She says in 2017 she knew she had to stand in East Dunbartonshire again to try to win back her seat.
The 2017 campaign was ugly, she says. But she says she had seen this already in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. That campaign was marked by Twitter trolls and rows about fake news.The 2017 campaign was ugly, she says. But she says she had seen this already in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. That campaign was marked by Twitter trolls and rows about fake news.
She says she felt sick in 2016 when Nigel Farage said leave won without a shot being filed. Just a week before Jo Cox had been murdered. But Farage did not seem to care, she says.She says she felt sick in 2016 when Nigel Farage said leave won without a shot being filed. Just a week before Jo Cox had been murdered. But Farage did not seem to care, she says.
She says the Lib Dems champion freedom. But Brexit means the next generation will be less free to work, live and love across Europe.She says the Lib Dems champion freedom. But Brexit means the next generation will be less free to work, live and love across Europe.
She talks about a rise in the number of hate crimes, and Islamophobia and antisemitism at the heart of politics. And she condemns President Trump. Ilhan Omar is a strong woman, she says. But because of what Trump says migrant women feel less safe.She talks about a rise in the number of hate crimes, and Islamophobia and antisemitism at the heart of politics. And she condemns President Trump. Ilhan Omar is a strong woman, she says. But because of what Trump says migrant women feel less safe.
Turning to Boris Johnson, she says he only cares about himself. Ask Kim Darroch. “Britain deserves better than Boris Johnson,” she says.Turning to Boris Johnson, she says he only cares about himself. Ask Kim Darroch. “Britain deserves better than Boris Johnson,” she says.
And, on Labour, she says any party that cannot decide on the biggest issue of our time does not deserve her time or her vote.And, on Labour, she says any party that cannot decide on the biggest issue of our time does not deserve her time or her vote.
Swinson says she stands her today not just as Lib Dem leader, but as a candidate for PM.Swinson says she stands her today not just as Lib Dem leader, but as a candidate for PM.
She says there is no limit to her ambition. She is ready to take her party into a general election and win it, she says.She says there is no limit to her ambition. She is ready to take her party into a general election and win it, she says.
Here is my colleague Peter Walker’s story on Jo Swinson’s election.Here is my colleague Peter Walker’s story on Jo Swinson’s election.
Jo Swinson elected new Lib Dem leaderJo Swinson elected new Lib Dem leader
Swinson says, when she decided to stand, she thought the challenge would be different. The Lib Dems were only on around 8% in the poll. New parties (ie Change UK) were after their vote.Swinson says, when she decided to stand, she thought the challenge would be different. The Lib Dems were only on around 8% in the poll. New parties (ie Change UK) were after their vote.
But now there has been a turnaround, she says. She says Liberal Democrats are winning again.But now there has been a turnaround, she says. She says Liberal Democrats are winning again.
She pays tribute to her two predecessors: to Tim Farron for saying after the referendum that the Lib Dems would be the party of remain, and to Sir Vince Cable for overseeing a transformation in the party’s fortunes.She pays tribute to her two predecessors: to Tim Farron for saying after the referendum that the Lib Dems would be the party of remain, and to Sir Vince Cable for overseeing a transformation in the party’s fortunes.
Jo Swinson is speaking now.Jo Swinson is speaking now.
She says she is “over the moon” to be elected leader.She says she is “over the moon” to be elected leader.
The Liberal Democrats are like a family to her, she says.The Liberal Democrats are like a family to her, she says.
She says liberalism is alive and thriving. And she will do whatever she can to stop Brexit, she says.She says liberalism is alive and thriving. And she will do whatever she can to stop Brexit, she says.
She says the Lib Dems will lead the revive the country needs.She says the Lib Dems will lead the revive the country needs.
She thanks her husband, the former Lib Dem MP Duncan Hames, and her mum, and says her two young children have brought her pure joy.She thanks her husband, the former Lib Dem MP Duncan Hames, and her mum, and says her two young children have brought her pure joy.
And she thanks Sir Ed Davey. She says he has carried himself in the campaign with grace. She has huge respect for him, and they agree on most things, she says. She says this did not make for an interesting contest. She is proud to call him a friend, and he will be central to her team, she says.And she thanks Sir Ed Davey. She says he has carried himself in the campaign with grace. She has huge respect for him, and they agree on most things, she says. She says this did not make for an interesting contest. She is proud to call him a friend, and he will be central to her team, she says.
Brinton reads out the resultsBrinton reads out the results
Ed Davey: 28,021Ed Davey: 28,021
Jo Swinson: 47,XXXJo Swinson: 47,XXX
(We could not hear the rest of Swinson’s tally because there was so much cheering.)(We could not hear the rest of Swinson’s tally because there was so much cheering.)
She says Cable has campaigned tirelessly for the Lib Dems’ recovery.She says Cable has campaigned tirelessly for the Lib Dems’ recovery.
The Lib Dems won more than 700 council seats this year, and the party is now running at about 20% in the polls.The Lib Dems won more than 700 council seats this year, and the party is now running at about 20% in the polls.
She says the Lib Dem leadership contest has been unlike the Tories’. Ed Davey and Jo Swinson have fought a courteous campaign, and they have respected each other.She says the Lib Dem leadership contest has been unlike the Tories’. Ed Davey and Jo Swinson have fought a courteous campaign, and they have respected each other.
They have shown that there is a different way of doing politics.They have shown that there is a different way of doing politics.
The message from members has been how hard it has been to decide, because both are exceptional candidates, she says.The message from members has been how hard it has been to decide, because both are exceptional candidates, she says.
Sal Brinton, the Lib Dem president, is making the announcement.Sal Brinton, the Lib Dem president, is making the announcement.
She pays tribute to Sir Vince Cable, the outgoing leader.She pays tribute to Sir Vince Cable, the outgoing leader.