Quote of the day
From Stephen Kinnock, on Barry Gardiner: “Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake, fine. But you can’t pursue that strategy for two years.”
Tweet of the day
So: There would be a vote on the Govt’s deal, but remain would not be the alternative. How would Labour recommend people vote: for the Govt deal they have opposed, or No Deal? This is not a fudge; it is abdication. It is not opposition; it is surrender. https://t.co/Z3wOzFT4Yf
— David Miliband (@DMiliband) September 24, 2018
Debate of the day
When is a Brexit referendum not a Brexit referendum? John McDonnell was out on the morning media round, suggesting that whatever had been negotiated in Sunday night’s five-hour compositing meeting, Labour had no intention of calling for a referendum with “remain” as an option.
The shadow Brexit secretary, Keir Starmer, who, unlike McDonnell, was in the meeting, insisted no option – including remain – had been taken off the table.
The day in a picture
Row of the day
John McDonnell’s bold plans for earmarking company shares for workers, and forcing the bosses of renationalised water companies to reapply for their jobs on much lower salaries, infuriated business lobby groups.
The Institute of Directors said: “We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – business is not the enemy. The overwhelming majority of business leaders are as frustrated as anyone about poor wage growth, sluggish productivity, and corporate governance failures. But the answer will not be found in sweeping measures and angry rhetoric.”
Tuesday’s highlight
The Brexit debate, though it will be less contentious than anticipated now that a consensus position on a “people’s vote” has been hammered out. Widely tipped leadership candidates Emily Thornberry and Rebecca Long-Bailey will take their turn at the podium.
