Minister condemns ‘thuggish’ far-right, anti-migrant protesters in Portsmouth – UK politics live
Emma Reynolds says demonstrations ‘cross a line’ Good morning. John Healey is giving his first major speech on economic policy since he became chancellor seven weeks ago. It is meant to be the main government news of the morning and, as Pippa Crerar writes in her preview story, Healey will argue the government’s plans to boost growth across the whole country will enable the British economy to “turn a corner”. Healey’s deputy, Emma Reynolds , the chief secretary to the Treasury, has been giving interviews as part of the build-up. Continue reading...
Good morning. John Healey is giving his first major speech on economic policy since he became chancellor seven weeks ago. It is meant to be the main government news of the morning and, as Pippa Crerar writes in her preview story, Healey will argue the government’s plans to boost growth across the whole country will enable the British economy to “turn a corner”. Healey’s deputy, Emma Reynolds, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has been giving interviews as part of the build-up.
But, as well as taking questions about growth and tax, Reynolds has also found herself taking questions about the latest far-right protest about immigration, triggered by a large boat carrying migrants arriving for the first time in Portsmouth. Commenting on the behaviour of the protesters, who blocked roads and some of whom were masked, Reynolds said: This is thuggish and intimidating behaviour. This is not peaceful protest.
Obviously, as a politician, I absolutely support people’s right to peaceful protest.