15th May 2019 https://nfind.uk/brexit_cliff_edge/index.php/newsletter=66 brexit_cliff_edge

Economic Impact

Sky News https://news.sky.com/story/british-steel-seeks-new-75m-taxpayer-loan-to-avert-collapse-11719704 14th May 2019

Economic Impact

BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-48267688 14th May 2019

Economic Impact

The Guardian British Steel is seeking emergency funds from the government blaming politicians failure to strike a Brexit deal for a crisis that leaves one of the UKs last two steelworks and 4500 staff facing an uncertain future. The company which owns the Scunthorpe steelworks is in rescue talks with its lenders over a 75m rescue package that is understood to be at risk of falling apart unless the government contributes. British Steel blamed Brexitrelated issues for its difficulties with one source saying orders from increasingly anxious customers in the European Union had dried up. The government is thought to have drafted contingency plans after lenders to the company which is owned by private equity group Greybull Capital said they would consider putting it into administration if no money was forthcoming. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/14/british-steel-asks-for-state-help-to-avert-brexit-related-collapse 14th May 2019

Economic Impact

Bloomberg Ford Motor Co. will cut as many as 550 jobs in the U.K. as part of a revamp announced in January of its lossmaking European business according to a person familiar with the matter. The U.S. vehicle manufacturer which has said itll reduce its German workforce by 5000 positions will cut jobs in its salaried nonmanufacturing areas in the U.K. the person said. The move was reported earlier by Londons City AM newspaper. https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2019-05-13/ford-to-cut-up-to-550-u-k-jobs-as-part-of-europe-restructuring 14th May 2019

Economic Impact

The Guardian Rising inequality in Britain risks putting the country on the same path as the US to become one of the most unequal nations on earth according to a Nobelprize winning economist. Sir Angus Deaton is leading a landmark review of inequality in the UK amid fears that the country is at a tipping point due to a decade of stagnant pay growth for British workers. The Institute for Fiscal Studies thinktank which is working with Deaton on the study said the Britishborn economist would point to the risk of the UK following the US which has extreme inequality levels in pay wealth and health. https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2019/may/14/britain-risks-heading-to-us-levels-of-inequality-warns-top-economist 14th May 2019

Economic Impact

The Guardian Wage growth has slowed in the UK to put a squeeze on living standards despite the unemployment rate falling to its lowest level for more than 40 years. The fall in pay growth to 3.3 on the year in the three months to March from 3.5 in the three months to February also came as the buoyant labour market recorded a rise in employment to a new high of 32.7 million. The Office for National Statistics said the growing number of vacancies together with the falling level of unemployment indicated the jobs market was continuing to tighten. The jobless rate fell from 3.9 to a record 3.8 the lowest since 1974. However analysts said the shadow of Brexit uncertainty which has sent business investment plummeting was likely to have discouraged firms from hiring and improving wage rates. Illustrating the lack of investment labour productivity which measures the labour forces output per hour fell for the third consecutive quarter https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/14/uk-wage-growth-stalls-despite-record-employment 14th May 2019

Administrative Fall Out

The Independent Brexit could push British companies into greater contact with corrupt markets and increase bribery the National Crime Agency NCA has warned. With only a handful of trade deals in place as the clock ticks down to EU exit in October the agency has sent topsecret files to the government detailing countries of concern. It is a realistic possibility that the UKs exit from the EU will impact the prevalence of bribery and corruption over the next five years as UK companies potentially come into greater contact with corrupt markets the NCAs national strategic assessment said. Directorgeneral Lynne Owens told The Independent that further details of corrupt markets could not be made public. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-uk-business-corrupt-markets-trade-deal-a8914016.html 15th May 2019

Administrative Fall Out

BBC Wales has earned more than 100 accolades in the annual coast awards. Welsh beaches marinas and a boat operator have once again been judged to be among the best in the world. Keep Wales Tidy has revealed the 86 coastal areas that met the high environmental and safety standards needed to receive the international Blue Flag Green Coast Award and Seaside Award. Wales has more Blue Flags per mile than anywhere else in the UK. The Blue Flag is a worldrenowned ecolabel owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education FEE. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-48270780 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Express.co.uk Unless she can demonstrate something new that addresses the problem of the backstop then it is highly likely her deal will go down to defeat once again. The Prime Minister has not pursued the one option that has ever achieved a positive vote for something in Parliament. For the Bill to have any prospect of success then there must be real change to protect the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom and deliver Brexit. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt also warned that if MPs fail to deliver Brexit they will be crucified by voters. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1127264/Brexit-news-latest-update-Theresa-May-Brexit-vote-withdrawal-agreement-ERG-Steve-Baker-DUP 15th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

BBC Lib Dem leader Vince Cable says he was in favour of working with other Remain parties to present a common front at the European elections. The proEU MP told LBC Radio he had approached the Green Party and Change UK to suggest joint candidates. He said the parties shouldnt be squabbling but added Frankly we didnt get a very warm reception. The Greens say joint lists are not desirable and Change UK has said an alliance wasnt ever on the agenda. Elections for 73 MEPs to the European Parliament will take place on 23 May. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48265265 15th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Daily Mail Theresa May last night made a final offer to Jeremy Corbyn on Brexit as she bowed to Cabinet demands to accelerate efforts to take Britain out of the EU. In a high risk move Mrs May told the Cabinet that she would finally bring forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill legislation in the week beginning June 3 with or without a deal with Labour in the hope of getting a version of her deal through Parliament at the fourth attempt. That is the same week that President Trump is due to make a threeday state visit to the UK. It will also come just after the May 23 European elections in which the Tories are expected to take a huge battering from voters over delays to Brexit. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7027359/Labour-NINE-POINTS-ahead-Tories.html 15th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

iNews Meanwhile by obsessing about the Brexit Party Remainers are failing to talk to their own side. The 16 million people who supported staying in the EU a group which according to all polling has grown are being ignored put off even. When campaigns disintegrate into shrill attacks Fridkin Kahn and Kenney found in the American Political Science Review voters tend to stay home. So not only are we energising his base we are suppressing our own. Much has been made of the fragmenting of the Remain vote. Much handwringing on social media about how much better it would be if there had been some Remain alliance. As if moaning about it on Twitter can turn back time. More negativity more turnout suppression. We must stop. Think back to the Brexit Partys objective they have it spot on. The reward for doing well in the European Election is not a seat at the table. It is influence over those already at the table. The best strategy for Remain is to syphon as many votes as possible from those players especially Labour. https://inews.co.uk/opinion/comment/brexit-party-nigel-farage-european-elections-remainers-are-failing-to-talk-to-their-own-side/ 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Evening Times The UK Committee on Climate Change said that achieving net zero by 2045 will require extensive changes across the economy and they are right. The country faces a climate change emergency says Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17636972.nicola-sturgeon-climate-change-is-the-greatest-challenge-facing-the-world-there-is-no-planet-b/ 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Peterborough Evening Telegraph The Peterborough byelection featured on BBC Radio 4s Today programme this morning. Several of the candidates faced some tough questions from the BBCs Ross Hawkins during the segment which featured shortly before the 7.30am news. The byelection is ... https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/politics/peterborough-by-election-candidates-grilled-on-bbc-radio-4-s-today-programme-1-8926053 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Daily Express Martin Lewis and Tory MP Suella Braverman fiercely clashed on a BBC panel while discussing the upcoming European elections. Mr Lewis argued the Brexit vote was never structured as it should have been and Ms Braverman contended he showed a patronising attitude towards British people. Speaking on BBCs Politics Live the MoneySavingExpert.com founder declared It is just horrendously shameful from our political classes that we have been allowed to get to this stage. We trusted the political classes in the management of this process and for polemic reasons the vote was never structured as it should have been. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1127028/brexit-news-latest-bbc-martin-lewis-suella-braverman-mp-eu-european-elections-2019-party 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

iNews Nigel Farage has dismissed a challenge from Change UK leader Heidi Allen to a live TV debate ahead of next weeks European Parliament elections. Ms Allen the former Tory MP who left to join proRemain Change UK said she wanted to debate Brexit Party leader Mr Farage in order to allow the public to see two futures to the British people and choose between them. But Mr Farage declined to take up the offer with a party spokesman telling i One thing one learns in politics is not to aim down. Ms Allen made the challenge in a party election broadcast aired a rally in Cardiff on Monday evening. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/european-elections-2019-debate-brexit-party-nigel-farage-change-uk-heidi-allen-live-tv/ 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

BBC Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn are meeting to discuss ongoing Brexit talks between their two parties. A Labour source told the BBC it was about keeping in touch after meetings of both the PMs cabinet and the opposition leaders shadow cabinet. Earlier Labours John McDonnell said there had been no significant shift in the government position. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said a compromise was not impossible but talks could not continue indefinitely. The discussions have been going on for weeks with little sign of progress. Following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley said ministers had agreed they would continue. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48271650 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Telegraph In just over a fortnight the UK will head to the ballot box to vote in the European Parliament elections with both main parties expected to take a battering. Nigel Farages doeswhatitsaysonthetin Brexit Party are currently riding high in the polls as the clear voice of the proBrexit protest vote. However the three UKwide proRemain parties the Lib Dems the Greens and Change UK have chosen not to form an alliance for these elections risking a split in their vote and an underwhelming performance as a consequence. This decision seems even more shortsighted due to the slightly unusual electoral system that the UK uses for the European elections. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/14/lack-remain-alliance-will-hand-nigel-farages-brexit-party-victory/ 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian We are not trying to win over Brexiteers he said. There may become a point at which we get a referendum and that battle for the hearts and minds will take place but this isnt it. We are basically trying to get remain voters to get behind us. Vince Cable said he was optimistic his party would win more MEPs in the southeast London and the southwest. He said the Lib Dems were now hopeful they could secure some MEPs in the north something they didnt initially think would be possible. Were not going to get lots of MEPs he said. But we hope to have a respectable showing. We only won one last time so its difficult to go backwards. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/14/lib-dems-hope-brexit-can-outweigh-anger-over-coalition-years 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Politics Home https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/103865/watch-senior-tory-mp-calls-election-pact 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Daily Mail A Eurosceptic Tory has said the party should do a deal with Nigel Farage if the current deadlock over quitting the EU results in a general election warning that otherwise Brexit doesnt happen. Crispin Blunt said that the Conservatives must make an accommodation with the Brexit Party but stopped short of calling for a full coalition. He suggested they try to do a deal where the new antiEU party runs in the seats that we dont hold in an interview on the BBCs Newsnight. The Reigate MP 58 also said that Theresa May has to step down as party leader before the conference in the autumn. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7027313/Tory-MP-Crispin-Blunt-calls-general-election-pact-Nigel-Farages-Brexit-Party.html 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Telegraph Theresa May has tried to delay her resignation for almost three months by telling ministers she can get a Brexit deal done if she is allowed to stay as Prime Minister until the end of July. Mrs May met Jeremy Corbyn for crossparty talks on Tuesday night where she told him she will table a vote on a Brexit divorce bill next month with or without a deal with Labour. Mrs May earlier told her Cabinet it was imperative the Brexit legislation is passed before Parliament breaks for the summer. The Prime Minister has promised to quit once the Brexit divorce deal is agreed meaning she would stay in Number 10 for at least another 11 weeks. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/14/theresa-may-tells-cabinet-give-another-three-months-get-brexit/ 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Huffington Post UK The Conservative party will face oblivion unless it satisfies Brexit Party voters desire for a hard withdrawal from the EU a senior MP has warned amid suggestions of a Tory pact with Nigel Farages outfit. ArchEurosceptic Steve Baker called for a reconciliation between the parties after his Tory colleague the former minister Crispin Blunt urged an electoral pact with the Brexit Party. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/tories-face-oblivion-if-they-do-not-satisfy-farages-brexit-demands_uk_5cdac6e1e4b0f7ba48ab4220 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Theresa Mays Brexit talks with Labour have been criticised as a blind alley as she came under intense pressure from 14 senior party figures to abandon the idea of a crossparty pact. The former defence secretary Michael Fallon said the talks should be stopped after he joined 12 other former cabinet ministers and Sir Graham Brady the chair of the 1922 Committee in warning No 10 against any deal that involved a customs union. Fallon who was forced to resign by May in 2017 for inappropriate behaviour towards women said it would be better to stay in the EU than sign up to a customs union a key demand of Labour. This is a blind alley taking us into a customs union he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. We said we would leave a customs union very clearly at the time of the election. If you go into a customs union you cant start pursuing independent trade deals. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/14/brexit-talks-labour-blind-alley-senior-tories-may 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Labour List The Labour leader set out the shadow cabinets concerns about the Prime Ministers ability to deliver on any compromise agreement. In particular he raised doubts over the credibility of government commitments following statements by Conservative MPs and cabinet ministers seeking to replace the Prime Minister. Jeremy Corbyn made clear the need for further movement from the government including on entrenchment of any commitments. The Prime Ministers team agreed to bring back documentation and further proposals tomorrow. https://labourlist.org/2019/05/what-tonights-corbyn-may-meeting-means-for-brexit/ 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Huffington Post UK In a sign of hardening attitudes against the Labour talks May and her ministers also agreed that it was imperative that MPs passed the necessary legislation by the time parliaments recess starts in late July. A No.10 spokesman said This evening the Prime Minister met the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons to make clear our determination to bring the talks to a conclusion and deliver on the referendum result to leave the EU. We will therefore be bringing forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the week beginning June 3. In response Corbyn rejected any idea of Labour supporting the bill without its demands being met. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/brexit-theresa-may-summer-deadline_uk_5cdb00e7e4b061f59bf876be 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

BBC MPs will be asked to vote on Brexit again in early June whether or not the government and Labour have reached a deal Downing Street has said. A spokesman said a vote on the bill that would pave the way for Brexit was imperative if the UK was to leave the EU before MPs summer recess. However this would not amount to a fourth socalled meaningful vote on the PMs Withdrawal Agreement itself. Labour sources say they will not back the bill without a crossparty deal. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48275827 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

@Peston @theresamay sets a deadline of 3rd June to agree a Brexit deal with Labour. In that sense the government is prepared to be held hostage by @jeremycorbyn till AFTER the EU elections which is an odd look for @theresamay to choose. But as I said... https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1128389708109819905 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

STV News Nicola Sturgeon has said she absolutely suffers from imposter syndrome in her job as Scottish First Minister. She also revealed she speaks to her mother Joan every day and that getting married to her husband SNP chief executive Peter Murrell had made her feel more secure and stable. The condition involves a lack of selfconfidence anxiety and doubts about your thoughts abilities achievements and accomplishments. The SNP leader told community radio station Sunny Govan Radio Even though I have been in politics for a long time I have been First Minister for four years there will be days when I think should I even be here Is somebody about to find me out Radio host Anne Hughes had asked Ms Sturgeon who is Scotlands first female first minister if she ever suffered from imposter syndrome. The SNP leader told her Absolutely I dont think there is a woman alive particularly workingclass women who dont experience that at some point in their lives and probably quite regularly. I just think it is natural. In some ways I think women should work to overcome that and be encouraged to overcome it but there is a bit of humility as well that I dont think we should ever lose completely. https://stv.tv/news/politics/1437775-nicola-sturgeon-i-suffer-from-imposter-syndrome/ 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Business Insider Senior Labour Party figures say Brexit talks with the government are still a long way finding an agreement. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said that the governments offer was nowhere near what Labour wanted. He added that Conservative party infighting was making it harder for Labour to sign up to a deal Lets be absolutely straight today hasnt helped. Theresa May and her Cabinet agreed to continue Brexit talks with Labour on Monday. https://www.businessinsider.com/labour-john-mcdonnell-brexit-talks-with-government-have-hit-a-low-point-2019-5 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

@Peston Whatever the government and Labour say later tonight after talks between @theresamay and @jeremycorbyn I would be staggered if the Brexit negotiations between government and Labour continue beyond the end of this week. Collapse looms probably Thursday I am informed https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1128360720419233802 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The New European The police force investigating alleged breaches of election law by Leave campaigners during the EU referendum could decide if they believe any offences were committed within weeks. The Metropolitan Police have been examining material passed to the force by the electoral commission which found both the Vote Leave and Leave.EU groups breached spending rules. Met commissioner Cressida Dick said a criminal investigation has not yet been launched but told the London Assemblys police and crime committee her officers are close to coming to a decision on whether they believe any offences have been committed. I think its fair to say the team believe... that in some matters at least we may be able to come to the end of the assessment in weeks and not months and months and months she said. I hope that is the case and that would be based on our view we have all the relevant material. There may be a tiny bit more to get. https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/police-could-make-decision-on-leave-campaigns-in-weeks-1-6050055 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

Politics Home MPs will be given a fresh vote on Theresa Mays Brexit deal within three weeks even if the Government fails to strike a deal with Labour. Downing Street has confirmed that the Withdrawall Agreement Bill the legislation needed to confirm the UKs departure from the EU will be introduced to the Commons at the start of June. The announcement followed useful and constructive talks between the Prime Minister and Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday evening. https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/brexit/news/103883/theresa-may-vows-give-mps-fresh-brexit-vote-next-month 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

@BBCPolitics During the European Parliamentary elections campaign all the main UK parties will be interviewed on the BBC News Channel @huwbbc has been putting questions from BBC viewers to Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage https://twitter.com/BBCPolitics/status/1128411911194804224 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

@BBCPolitics During the European Parliamentary elections campaign all the main UK parties will be interviewed on the BBC News Channel @huwbbc has been putting questions from BBC viewers to Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage https://twitter.com/BBCPolitics/status/1128411911194804224 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Scotsman Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said he and Jeremy Corbyn are Remainers deep in their hearts as he warned that Labour MPs wouldnt sign up to a compromise Brexit deal that could be ripped up by the next Conservative leader and which doesnt include a second EU referendum. Speaking at the Wall Street Journal CEO Council conference in London Mr McDonnell appealed to proEU voters who have drifted away from Labour saying Deep in my heart Im still a Remainer. Asked if Mr Corbyn was also a Remainer in his heart the shadow chancellor said Yes. https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/mcdonnell-in-heartfelt-appeal-to-remainers-drifting-from-labour-1-4927223 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Guardian Senior figures in Change UK have expressed concern that the Peoples Vote campaign may fall foul of electoral law accusing key staff at the nonpartisan campaign of taking orders from Labour. Among those who have made complaints are the Change UK MPs Chuka Umunna formerly of Labour and Anna Soubry a former Tory both founding members of the campaign. The Guardian understands that other parties including the Lib Dems have also expressed concerns about how the campaign has portrayed Labours position on a second referendum. The allegation has been fiercely disputed by the Peoples Vote campaign which said it had repeatedly criticised Labours position on Brexit for being too weak. It denied that the party had had undue influence in its campaign. The row spilled into the open last week after senior Peoples Vote staffers were accused of persuading a proremain activist Femi Oluwole to drop his independent candidacy in the Peterborough byelection where he would have been backed by Change UK the Lib Dems and the Green party. A Change UK source said the candidate was subject to the most extreme pressure by Labour figures in the Peoples Vote campaign. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/14/peoples-vote-campaign-accused-of-taking-orders-from-labour 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Independent Theresa May has vowed to bring forward key Brexit legislation for a Commons vote in the first week of June in what could be her last move as prime minister. After a latenight meeting with Jeremy Corbyn the prime minister said the crossparty talks with Labour to find a solution to the deadlock at Westminster will continue despite both sides being downbeat about any resolution being found. The government made clear a vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill WAB will be brought forward regardless of the outcome of the discussions however in the week beginning 3 June the same week the US president Donald Trump is to visit the UK on an official state visit. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-latest-may-corbyn-talks-vote-june-withdrawal-agreement-a8914201.html 14th May 2019

Political Shenanigans

The Telegraph Nigel Farage is channelling Lord Kitchener. The Field Marshals hat has been replaced by the Brexiteers trademark flat cap and there is no elaborate moustache but the message is as pointed as Farages index finger Britain needs the Brexit Party and the Brexit Party needs you Standing on a ledge overlooking the white cliffs of Dover the campaign video echoes the mood inside the Featherstone Working Mens Club near Pontefract where Britains beleaguered political system appears well and truly on the brink. Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe has just been given a standing ovation and now the largely Leftleaning residents of this former mining town are chanting the name of the nations new party leader https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/14/nigel-farage-brexit-party-24-hours-man-transforming-politics/ 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

Byline Times Clearly a Political funding act nearly 20 years old cannot be fit for purpose in the digital age. In 2019 only suspicious transactions have faint or invisible traces and there is no reason why data on all contributions should not be comprehensive and available to the Electoral Commission on request. In my opinion modern money laundering obligations on companies could provide the basis for a kind of system suited for modern elections and Political Parties. Architectures that allow transactions that are opaque or appear to be unnecessarily complex making it difficult to identify the beneficial owner should be disallowed and preemptively punished. In 2018 the Electoral Commissions guidelines stated We check the information parties provide to us and evaluate the risk of those we regulate to prioritise our compliance monitoring. In the runup to major elections and referendums we also carry out targeted campaign monitoring to check that people are complying with the rules on spending and donations. The Electoral Commission must put action where these words are. https://bylinetimes.com/2019/05/14/brexit-party-donations-an-open-invitation-to-launder-money/ 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

Financial Times Labour is now paying for this confusion. As they prepare to go to the ballot box many of these proRemain Labour voters face a stark choice do they stick with Labours muddled position on Brexit or do they cast a clear vote for Remain by voting for the Lib Dems and others According to Labour MP Ben Bradshaw the YouGov poll shows that about 48 per cent of traditional Labour voters are preparing to vote for parties that are firmly proRemain and prosecond referendum. If that kind of shift is truly realised at the polls Mr Corbyn will have a real problem on his hands. https://www.ft.com/content/fc065f38-7636-11e9-be7d-6d846537acab 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

Daily Mail Nigel Farage has again blasted Andrew Marr over his ludicrous interview and accused the BBC of secretly taking millions in EU cash while trying to keep him off TV. The Brexit Party leader 55 clashed with the broadcaster 59 on his Sunday morning show in a row that has shocked and split viewers. Mr Farage who was asked about comments he had made about Putin climate change and the NHS said It was bizarre that the ludicrous line of questioning persisted all the way through. This is a public service broadcaster that we all pay money to. We deserve better. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7026489/Nigel-Farage-blasts-Andrew-Marrs-ludicrous-BBC-Brexit-interview.html 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

Indy100.com A candidate for the Brexit Party has falsely claimed that the European Union is responsible for child poverty. During an interview with Radio 4s Today Programme Mike Greene who is campaigning to win the Peterborough byelection said that once Brexit takes place Britain will have more control over education and child poverty. Well have more control about what we do in education what we do in child poverty how we spend the money thats going to the EU at the moment. BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins then questioned this notion from Greene asking him which part of EU legislation is stopping the UK from doing those things. So which bit of European law or administration or bureaucracy is stopping us from doing something that you would specifically like to do and address problems in child education and child poverty Hawkins question was met with relative silence as he didnt seem to know the answer to this query before blurting out this. I havent gone into the detail of specific laws but what I do know is that we are hampered by laws that are being put in place by people that arent elected. I dont see how the EU are helping. https://www.indy100.com/article/brexit-party-mike-greene-peterborough-by-election-radio-4-interview-8912781 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

Express.co.uk Brexiteer John Mann MP launched an offensive on editors at the licence feefunded corporation after it featured an interview with ardent Remainer Nick Boles MP who quit the Tory Party to join the Independent Group now Change UK. He tweeted The editors of the Today programme put on a different Brexit remain perspective every day sometimes several. An echo chamber of how the middle classes choose to ignore the perspectives of working class Britain. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1126898/bbc-radio-4-today-john-mann-brexit-latest-bbc-bias 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

The Telegraph Ousting Theresa May and replacing her with a Brexiteer will not save the Tories from electoral annihilation according to a new poll that shows the Conservatives 12 percentage points down. The ComRes survey on voting intention found Labour leading on 27 per cent with the Tories neckandneck with the Brexit Party on 20 per cent and the Lib Dems trailing on 13 per cent. That represents a five percentage point fall for Labour since last month while the Lib Dems vote share rose by six percentage points. If the parties were to achieve these vote shares at a general election it would result in Labour being the largest party but 13 seats short of a majority with Nigel Farages party emerging... https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/14/even-changing-leader-will-not-save-tories-new-poll-shows-level/ 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

BBC After more than six months of complex legal delays Lady Justice Sharp said the trial for contempt against Stephen YaxleyLennon which carries a maximum sentence of two years should go ahead. She said reasons for the decision would be given at a later date. Mr Robinsons supporters who had gathered outside the Old Bailey booed and chanted shame on you after it was announced. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48273780 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian With Nigel Farages Brexit party riding high in the polls the foreign secretary was questioned on why people should vote for his party but he initially could only come up with Because you believe in Conservative policies. Challenged for a better answer he said OK let me give you another reason. Let me have another stab at it Because we are not going to solve this problem by retreating to populist extremes. Hunt who is known to be building a leadership campaign team said both the Conservatives and Labour would be crucified by our bases if they failed to implement Brexit by a general election. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/14/jeremy-hunt-flounders-on-why-people-should-vote-conservative 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

ITV News Or to put it another way the political system is paralysed disillusionment with the big established parties is seemingly at an alltime high the traditional purgative of a general election is hard to administer because of David Camerons fixed term parliament act. Even if it could be administered there is only a slim prospect the country would give a decisive answer to the question of who we want in charge another hidebound minority government looks likely. If the system is as bankrupt so one thng follows we need electoral reform as adversorial politics is not working https://www.itv.com/news/2019-05-14/what-is-going-on-in-uk-politics-analysis-by-robert-peston/ 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

Metro.co.uk https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/14/case-boris-johnson-brexit-lies-will-public-hearing-eu-election-day-9540055/ 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

The indy100 https://www.indy100.com/article/boris-johnson-court-brexit-nhs-bus-vote-leave-westminster-magistrates-8912701 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian A judge will next week decide whether to summon Boris Johnson to court after the first hearing of a crowdfunded private prosecution over claims made by the MP during the 2016 EU referendum. Marcus Ball who has accused Johnson of misconduct in public office was applauded outside Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday by supporters who have helped him to raise more than 200000 to finance the case. It relates to claims emblazoned on the side of a bus used by the Vote Leave campaign during the referendum that the UK sends 350m each week to the European Union. The hearing took place in private in front of district judge Margot Coleman ahead of a public hearing next Thursday where an application for a summons will be considered. A legal team assembled by Johnson was in court. They included Adrian Darbishire QC and lawyers from BCL solicitors. Johnson was not present. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/14/boris-johnson-could-be-challenged-in-court-on-brexit-vote-claim 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

Daily Mirror Nigel Farage has rowed back on a claim he made about black people in Oldham. But he immediately made another false claim about Asian people in the town complaining that he was getting caught up in terminology. The Brexit Party leader was branded dangerous after falsely claiming there was a street in Oldham where one side was populated by black people and the other entirely by white people. No such street exists. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/nigel-farage-forced-admit-claim-15760051 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

The Guardian The first flaws in the new immigration scheme for EU citizens who want to remain in the UK after Brexit have been exposed after a couple who live in Oxford were blocked from getting a flight back from Turkey to the UK. Arthur Vissing a Danish citizen and his Turkish wife Ezgi Vissing called on the government to urgently review its procedures to allow those who hold residency rights in the UK to travel unhindered. Their ordeal started last Thursday at Istanbul airport when British Airways told them a number of times Ezgi did not have the right paperwork to get on the flight. It took 24 hours seven phone calls to the Home Office and others and the intervention of their Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran before BA let them on the plane. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/14/eu-settlement-scheme-doesnt-work-say-couple-held-at-airport 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

The New European An old video has resurfaced of Nigel Farage waving cash around boasting about how little work he has to do as a Member of European Parliament to earn his money. Holding a wad of cash he boasts to cameras Everyones a winner He explains That represents four working days and one journey. Asked about how much it represents in English money he says gleefully Were talking about 1900. He proudly proclaims Its jobless While Farage produced the video to show how much money was on offer to MEPs at the European Parliament they point to how much money he has claimed for poor attendance to brand him a conman. He is ranked 745th out of the 751 politicians for the number of votes he has attended according to Vote Watch Europe and recently shrugged off the point that he had attended just one meeting of the EU fisheries committee out of 43. https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/nigel-farage-boasts-about-money-from-mep-job-1-6049103 14th May 2019

Political Setbacks

The Telegraph If you were asked to name as I was recently the most influential politician of the past 40 years who would it be My immediate response was Margaret Thatcher since she changed so much that had previously been taken for granted. But coming in second must be Nigel Farage given the shattering impact Brexit has had on our national politics. It is a different sort of influence of course. While Mrs T brought about farreaching reforms that have affected the lives of millions from presiding over City deregulation and the privatisation of the utilities to removing the power of the trade unions to hold the nation to ransom Farage has been disruptive. He has become a lightning rod for the grievances of millions https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/14/theresa-may-could-have-neutralised-nigel-farage-now-worst-nightmare/ 14th May 2019