Jeremy Wright, the Conservative deputy chair of the intelligence. security committee who tabled the Mandelson UQ, said the committee had “considerable sympathy” with the arguments used by the government to justify the redactions that went beyond the redactions allowed by the humble address.
double quotation mark But we cannot accept. the government is entitled to ignore or to unilaterally alter the terms of the humble address. So does the Minister accept that if the government wants to argue that the humble address is too broad as drafted. needs to be refined, it must come to this house and make that argument and get the House’s consent for any alteration.
In response, Jones referred to his early comments justifying the redacting of information relating to personal data.
And referring to the government’s refusal to give the ISC informationn relating to Mandelson’s own security vetting, Jones said:
double quotation mark The raw data that is collected as part of those investigations, which, for example, might relate to how much money you have in a particular account or who you may have had a personal relationship with in the past, that raw data would never be published because if we did so, people would feel unable to answer those questions honestly. frankly in any UK security vetting investigation in the future, which would undermine the very basis of our national security system.
Darren Jones. chief secretary to the PM, has defended the government’s decision to withhold information relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Washington ambassador from a powerful parliamentary committee.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the candidate for the Makerfield byelection as Labour’s national executive committee rubber-stamped the mayor of Greater Manchester.
Two cabinet ministers have warned Labour colleagues against damaging anonymous briefings as the party prepares for a probable leadership contest. arguing it is disrespectful to voters to wage a factional war in public.
The HS2 high-speed railway will now cost up to £102.7bn. trains will not start running between London and Birmingham until as late as 2039, the government has admitted – £70bn more and 13 years later than originally promised.
For a full list of all the stories covered on the blog today. do scroll through the list of key event headlines near the top of the blog.
The grooming gangs inquiry will not be “squeamish” about examining whether ethnicity-influenced offending or shaped the response of institutions. its chair has said. As the Press Association reports, the statutory independent inquiry has been tasked with looking into how grooming gangs operated. how the police, local authorities, health services, social care services and schools responded to the abuse.
Anne Longfield, the inquiry’s chair, told the home affairs committee today:
double quotation mark We’re setting out to understand. demonstrate what caused it, what allowed it to happen, and what allowed it to continue to happen.
We’re not squeamish … we recognise that there’s no single type of survivor or perpetrator here, but we also know that answers can be sought there. delivered.
Inquiry panellist Zoe Billingham added:
double quotation mark We just have to take the evidence to the conclusions it will draw us to.
We know that in terms of prosecutions. in some parts of the country the perpetrators are from Asian, Pakistani heritage, we’re not going to shy away from that, we’re not going to find excuses for that.
We’re going to be forensically looking at how religion, culture, heritage. background could or could not have been a driver.
Our inquiry has to get us to the truth.
In his campaign video. Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate in Makerfield, claims he would be the first MP for the constituency actually born there. He also suggests that, as a genuine local, he would be unlike previous “career politicians” who have represented the seat. (See 2.15pm.)
In a series of posts on social media. Rob Ford, a politics professor at Manchester University, says Kenyon is misrepresenting the predecessor MPs. He also suggests that, as a line of attack against Andy Burnham, this won’t work.
double quotation mark By coincidence I was writing today about MPs elected here - all Labour since 1906. Here are their pocket bios: Stephen Walsh (1906-29) - orphan who left school to work in an Ashton-in-Makerfield mine at the age of 13
double quotation mark Gordon Macdonald (1929-42) - Welsh born. parents moved to area when he was a child, worked in an Ashton-in-Makerfield pit from the age of 13 Tom Brown (1942-64): born in Leigh next door, worked in (you guessed it) a local mine from the age of 12, called “the miners’ friend”
double quotation mark Michael McGuire (1964-87): Born in Ireland. parents moved to area for work when he was a baby, started working in a St Helens pit at the age of 13. Deselected in 1987 for siding with local miners when they voted against joining the Miners’ Strike of 1984-5
double quotation mark Ian McCartney (1987-2010): Born in Scotland. left school at 15, elected to Parliament after a number of years representing Abram ward in the seat on Wigan council. Founder of the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League group
double quotation mark Yvonne Fovargue (2010-24): grew up in Sale. worked in St Helens as chief exec of the Citizens Advice Bureau, served on Warrington council for 6 years before becoming the MP.
double quotation mark Josh Simons (2024-6): Cambridge childhood. Cambridge University, Harvard University (PhD), Meta, Labour Together, then imposed as candidate by the NEC after Fovargue’s late retirement.
double quotation mark Given memories of Simons’ controversial appointment are fresh, I’m not at all surprised Reform have gone hard behind an “authentic local voice” message. both the candidate and the video make that case well. However, the claims about no previous locals seem overcooked.
double quotation mark It is *possibly* true that none of the previous MPs was born in the seat, because several migrated there (either from nearby or further afield) as children,. it is stretching things beyond breaking point to claim none of the previous (Labour) MPs were “local”
double quotation mark In framing himself as a true worker unlike the “career politicians” standing for other parties. Robert Kenyon is placing himself firmly in the Ince/Makerfield tradition - for over 80 yrs from 1906 to 1987 this seat was represented by miners who worked pits in the area
double quotation mark This would be a killer campaign vs Simons. But whetherframing will work against Burnham - who grew up in nearby St Helens,. has lived in neighbouring Leigh (the seat he represented) for over 20 years - is less clear. Burnham can make a strong local credentials case of his own.
Ford also points out that that is exactly what Burnham has been doing in his own video. (See 9.42am.)
Severin Carrell is the Guardian’s Scotland editor.
Malcolm Offord. the Scottish leader of Reform UK, had been told he has to register his private family trust in Scotland by the country’s charity regulator.
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (Oscr) launched an investigation after a complaint was made that the Badenoch Trust was based in Scotland. focused on Scottish charities, yet was registered in England under English charity law. (See 2.45pm.)
This was a potential breach of the Charities. Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, putting the trust at risk of regulatory action.
In a new statement, an Oscr spokesperson said:
double quotation mark Based on the information the Badenoch Trust has provided to OSCR, it appears that the charity is managed. controlled mainly in Scotland and carries out ongoing administrative activities from premises in Scotland. As such, the charity meets the criteria for registration with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
In these circumstances, we have advised the charity to apply to register with OSCR at the earliest opportunity. Further guidance on cross-border charity regulation, including how to apply, can be found on the OSCR website.
Rhun ap Iorwerth. the new Welsh first minister, has said that he wants Wales to be treated as an “equal partner” in dealings with the UK government.
In a speech to the Senedd setting out his priorities for government. the Plaid Cymru leader, who is the first non-Labour figure to lead the government in Cardiff, said:
double quotation mark I was pleased to speak with Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week to set out the importance I place on a constructive relationship with the UK government,. to press the case for further discussion on how greater devolution and fair funding can improve the lives of the people of Wales.
As I have emphasised many times, I expect our nation to be treated as an equal partner in those discussions,. for the actions which follow from the UK government to reflect that in reality, not just in rhetoric.
Claiming that this is a union of equals is not enough. any analysis of the reality leaves such words ringing hollow.
Ap Iorwerth said his priorities in government would include cutting waiting lists, raising standards in schools, creating jobs, tackling child poverty, helping households with the cost-of-living crisis. “standing up for Wales”. He went on:
double quotation mark We only need to glance at the latest Westminster crisis to see how soon governments pay a heavy price when they stray from the path they promised to take.
My pledge to the people of Wales is that we will not waver because by realising these priorities. we are building the nation people deserve.
I will never stop pursuing fair treatment for my nation – on funding, the full benefits of our natural resources,. the powers we need to improve people’s lives.
Dan Thomas. leader of Reform Wales, which is now the second-largest party in the Senedd after the election, said he was “disappointed” to read reports saying ap Iorwerth had raised Welsh independence when he spoke to Starmer. Thomas said:
double quotation mark While the constitutional debates may excite politicians. commentators, most people in Wales are asking far more basic questions. Can I get a GP appointment? Will my child receive a decent education? Can I afford my bills?
While your statement today implies that these are your priorities. raising independence with the UK government suggests that you are distracted by constitutional issues.
Severin Carrell is the Guardian’s Scotland editor.
John Swinney has been re-elected Scotland’s first minister at Holyrood after an extended series of votes. speeches after every party leader stood for the post, to have a chance to speak on their favoured policies.
After winning his first election as Scottish National party leader on 7 May. Swinney was confirmed after 56 SNP MSPs backed him, after three rounds of voting where each leader was backed by their own MSPs.
The seventh Scottish parliament is slowly forming itself, after its presiding officer, Kenny Gibson, was elected on 14 May.
There will no business tomorrow while Swinney is formally sworn in by judges at the court of session. Swinney is due to name his cabinet tomorrow and ministers will be formally elected on Thursday. The inaugural first minister’s questions will take place on Thursday next week – three weeks after the election.
Anneliese Midgley. the Labour MP who is running the campaign in Makerfield, has sent a message to Labour MPs telling them that, in early canvassing in the constituency, the party has already contacted “lots of people who gave their vote elsewhere” in the local elections who say this time they are planning to vote for Andy Burnham. Max Kendix from the Times has the details.
Libby Brooks is the Guardian’s Scotland correspondent.
At Holyrood MSPs have just elected John Swinney to carry on as first minister.
Earlier today. he gave an interview to the Today programme where he defended his controversial manifesto pledge to cap the prices of up to 50 everyday food items.
Swinney said he has a “public health responsibility” to ensure people can afford to buy healthy food.
double quotation mark Throughout the election campaign, I heard loud. clear from members of the public just the difficulty they’re having in affording the most basic shopping items. That obviously has an impact on people’s nutrition, and that’s where the responsibilities of the Scottish government kick in.
The manifesto pledge resulted in an immediate backlash from retailers who branded it “unworkable”. said it puts undue pressure on farmers and producers as well as smaller retailers.
It also puts the SNP on a collision course with the UK government; although the SNP has insisted that it can legislate for the caps using devolved public health powers. this is likely to impact on the UK’s internal market rules, which could well result in another constitutional row with Westminster.
But Swinney insisted he would “work constructively” with the UK government. denied he wanted a fight with Westminster where he could say he was standing up for the poor.
double quotation mark I enter those discussions in the spirit of wanting to find a solution for people who are struggling to afford their shopping in Scotland today.
In her Guardian article today. covering the findings of her research into the views of voters in Reform UK-leaning, post-industrial towns in England (see 11.24am ), Sacha Hilorst said she spoke to many people who would favour SNP-style price caps on essential food items.
Andy Burnham has issued a statement following the confirmation that he will be Labour’s candidate for Makerfield.
Here is an extract from the statement.
double quotation mark I am glad. this by-election has finally put the places that make up the Makerfield constituency into the national spotlight. They have been neglected by national politics for too long. It is a good thing. all political parties are now on the hook to tell the voters here what they are going to do for them.
More than anything, people need life to be more affordable again. As Mayor, I have brought in changes which are helping, such as the £2 fare cap, free bus travel for our 16-18 year-olds. removing the 9.30am restriction from older and disabled people’s bus passes. But there is only so much I can do from Greater Manchester. If elected, I will have a relentless focus on reducing people’s everyday costs. bills and well as securing the investment these communities need.
Dear England playwright James Graham said he “may not have survived as an artist” if he “lived in a purely commercial environment” as he appeared in front of MPs to discuss the future of the BBC.
Giving evidence to the Commons culture committee this morning on BBC charter renewal, Graham said:
double quotation mark No one ever remembers the things I’ve done that didn’t work,. it’s the places where it didn’t work that I learned the most lessons as a creative. And if we lived in a purely commercial environment I may not have survived as an artist. particularly an artist from a background where I wasn’t given the training or I didn’t have the safety net of a subsidy from my parents.
I was allowed to fail and learn from that failing so that I can write a television drama.
Graham said his first ever play was supported by BBC Radio Nottingham.
double quotation mark We got a small budget from them, they gave us lots of publicity. chats as we opened in Nottingham, and I got both the confidence in talking about it, but also the empowerment and some of the resources and the training to do that.
He said the BBC did a “huge amount” of training, adding:
double quotation mark The drama programming budget at the BBC is under strain,. they probably are going to have to make cuts.
I worry about that, because I think it becomes a self-fulfilling cycle with the thing that you’re best at in the world. most admired at in the world, and you’re making cuts because of what I consider to be unnecessary funding pressures.
The HS2 high-speed railway will now cost up to £102.7bn. trains will not start running between London and Birmingham until as late as 2039, the government has admitted – £70bn more and 13 years later than originally promised. In the Commons. the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said that the truncated railway would not be entirely completed until as late as 2043. Gwyn Topham has the story.
Severin Carrell is the Gaurdian’s Scotland editor.
Scotland’s charity regulator has opened an investigation into whether the Reform Scotland leader. Malcolm Offord, has wrongly failed to register his family trust as a Scottish charity. Third Force News, the voluntary sector newspaper, has reported the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (Oscr) is investigating the Badenoch Trust because it is not registered with it, in contravention of the Charities. Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
Offord pledged during the Holyrood election campaign to donate his MSPs salary to the Badenoch Trust, which is based. run from his family office suite on Charlotte Square in Edinburgh’s new town. Despite stating it operates in Scotland, donating money to charities involved in young carers, mental health. education and the arts, amongst others, it is registered as a company and a charity in England. Oscr told TFN:
double quotation mark Following an assessment of concerns raised about Badenoch Trust, we have opened an inquiry to gather further information. determine whether regulatory action is required. In line with our published policies, we are unable to comment further at this time.
Offord has been contacted for comment. TFN noted he refused to respond to its questions.
Ben Quinn is a Guardian political correspondent.
Robert Kenyon. a plumber who was Reform’s candidate in Makerfield the general election, has been the party’s candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Born in Makerfield, he has served as an army reservist. previously worked for the NHS in Lancashire as a specialist technician. He came within 5,399 votes of Josh Simons, who won won the seat for Labour. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said:
double quotation mark This by-election contest is now a David versus Goliath battle. This is the ‘plucky plumber’ taking on ‘open borders Burnham’. Only Reform UK can beat Labour in this by-election.
In the last Commons byelection, in Gorton. Denton, Reform UK lost to the Greens after the Greens put up Hannah Spencer, who is also a professional plumber, as their candidate.
Kenyon said in a statement released by the party:
double quotation mark Makerfield has never had a member of parliament who was actually born in Makerfield. This will be a tough fight but I am going to give this contest my best shot.
A number of candidates are understood to have been interviewed at Reform’s headquarters in London on Monday.
Here is Kenyon’s campaign video.
David Davis, the former Tory cabinet minister, raised a point of order after the Mandelson UQ was over. He said that refusing to comply in full with a humble address was a contempt of parliament. he said, if after publication of the files he thought the humble address had been ignored, he would table a motion accusing the government of contempt.
He said when Keir Starmer was shadow Brexit secretary. Starmer tabled a motion accusing the then Tory government of contempt on exactly those grounds. That motions was passed, he said.
Back to the Mandelson files,. in the Commons SNP’s Dave Doogan asked when after the Whitsun recess the documents would be published.
Darren Jones. the chief secretary to the PM, said the documents would be published “as soon as we’re able to secure the time in the house”.
Christine Jardine (Lib Dem) tried again, and asked Jones when after recess the documents would be published.
Jones said he wanted it to be be published “as soon as possible after the Whitsun recess”. he said he was arranging that with the business managers.
But when Alec Shelbrooke (Con) asked if the documents would be published before the Makerfield byelection. which is expected on 18 June, Jones just said the documents would be released after the Whitsun recess.
Mark Francois (Con) asked again if the documents would come before 18 June. Jones said he needed to secure time from the business managers,. he said the files would be released “as soon as we’re ready to do so”.
Later. on a point of order, Francois said Jones would not need to secure parliamentary time for the files to be published because it is the government that controls parliamentary time.
Andy Burnham is Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield byelection, my colleague Jessica Elgot reports.
double quotation mark NEW – Andy Burnaham is the candidate for Makerfield.
After all that, the NEC didn’t shortlist anyone else. It’s done.
There were other people who applied to be the candidate, but they were not shortlisted.
Labour’s Kim Johnson told Jones she thought the government was “still continuing to cover up Mandelson’s dodgy dealings by redacting. withholding certain information”.
In response, Jones said the claim of a cover-up was “merely conspiracy theory”.
Discussion
Sign in to join the thread, react, and share images.