James Cleverly defends plan to revive Truss policy as Tory leadership hopefuls make final pitches – UK politics live | Western Morning News
Tugendhat criticizes Jenrick for incorporating footage of his deceased friend in a misleading allegation regarding British special forces.
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James Cleverly has committed to eliminating stamp duty on home purchases for first-time buyers to support a flourishing economy.
The candidate vying for the Tory leadership pledged to implement the policy pushed by former Prime Minister Liz Truss if he emerges victorious in the race. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program, he expressed that stamp duty is "holding back the market."
His commitment arrives just as opponents in the Conservative leadership contest get ready for their last opportunity to speak at the party's conference in their bid to succeed Rishi Sunak.
When Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat, and Mr. Cleverly speak to the attendees, they will discuss various issues, including the future of the party and the economy.
The last session follows Mr. Jenrick facing backlash for showing a video of a soldier in Afghanistan who died after the footage was shot. He asserted that UK special forces are focused on “killing instead of capturing terrorists.”
Tory opponent Mr. Tugendhat expressed that it was "distressing" to use a video of his deceased friend and called the comments made by the former immigration minister "simply false."
Sir Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure to support the European youth mobility program as he prepares for his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen during his trip to Brussels today.
The political team at The Independent will provide live coverage during the Conservative Party conference taking place in Birmingham.
James Cleverly To Unveil ‘Joyful Conservatism’
James Cleverly has vowed to introduce a cheerful version of Conservatism if he gets elected as the new leader of the party.
In his keynote address this morning, the former home secretary encouraged the Conservative Party to move away from their reputation as the “grumpy party” and adopt a more “enthusiastic” and “positive” approach while in opposition.
He will address the conference by saying, “Let’s embrace enthusiasm; be approachable; focus on the positive; and foster optimism.”
"Let’s showcase the advantages of a Conservative government with enthusiasm. We won’t regain voters by pretending to be something we’re not. Instead, we’ll attract them by being truthful, maintaining professionalism, and embracing our Conservative values."
Salma Ouaguira October 2, 2024, 9:40 AM
Tories Must Show They're Serving The Public Good
If significant measures aren't taken, the Conservative Party risks losing its presence in Parliament in the upcoming election. Here is the reasoning behind this warning from Jesse Norman, the MP for Hereford:
Salma Ouaguira, October 2, 2024, at 9:30 AM.
Tory Contenders Embrace Blair's 'New Conservative' Playbook
Today, candidates vying for the Tory leadership will communicate to their members that it's essential to create “a New Conservative Party” in order to meet the country's demands and improve their situation following a significant loss, marking the worst setback in their 346-year existence.
Leading candidate Robert Jenrick and competitor Tom Tugendhat will advocate for a revamped Conservative Party, seemingly drawing inspiration from Tony Blair’s strategy.
The previous Labour prime minister led the party back into office in 1997 under the banner of "New Labour," ending an 18-year period of being out of power.
Our political editor, David Maddox, provides the complete story below:
Salma Ouaguira, October 2, 2024, at 9:15 AM.
Tugendhat: Iranian Influence In The Middle East Harmful
Tom Tugendhat has condemned the Iranian impact in Lebanon and the broader Middle East, labeling it as "extremely harmful."
The shadow security secretary, who started his career as a freelance reporter for The Times in Lebanon, alleged that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s administration is "disseminating its revolutionary beliefs" throughout the area.
He commented to Times Radio, "It's something they practice in Yemen, they attempted it in Bahrain, and many others are also involved in similar actions."
When questioned about Israel's commitment to respond in a manner they deem appropriate and the potential for civilian impacts, he remarked, “I have no doubt that, like any skilled military force, they will focus on military objectives.”
From what I've observed over the last few days, it seems that Israel's strategy has been focused on striking the locations that are launching the rockets and supplying the weapons. While I'm not involved with the Israeli leadership, this aligns closely with my actions.
“As the head of the Conservative Party and as prime minister, I would be encouraging them to take precisely that action.”
Salma Ouaguira October 2, 2024, at 9:00 AM
"Defence Secretary Meets Cypriot Counterpart"
Salma Ouaguira, October 2, 2024, at 8:45 AM.
Tugendhat Hits Back: Jenrick's Claims Are False
Tom Tugendhat, who is making the rounds on morning media, has intensified his criticism of Robert Jenrick's remarks about special forces.
This follows remarks from the former immigration secretary who claimed that the SAS was “eliminating instead of apprehending terrorists.”
In reaction to his statement, Mr. Tugendhat mentioned to Times Radio: “Unfortunately, the information presented in that video is simply not correct; it’s false.”
When asked if the remarks posed a threat, the deputy security secretary described them as “unwise.”
Salma Ouaguira, October 2, 2024, at 8:35 AM
Kemi Badenoch: "Our Country Isn't A Dormitory"
Kemi Badenoch, a candidate for Conservative leadership, stated that individuals looking to relocate to the UK must demonstrate strong dedication. She emphasized that the UK should not be seen as just a place to sleep and live temporarily.
When asked how she would incorporate culture into an immigration strategy, the former business secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today program: “It's essential to approach everything simultaneously. While I believe that numbers are important, culture holds even greater significance. However, effective leadership is crucial, and we have to consider all aspects collectively.”
In the past, we mostly relied on the Home Office to monitor who was entering and leaving the country. However, it's important for us to ensure that those arriving here are individuals who will add value to our society and are genuinely invested in the well-being and prosperity of our nation.
Certainly, there will be individuals just passing through, such as those on student visas. However, for those who wish to settle here, it's important to understand that we are living in a time that requires a strong commitment. This place isn't merely a temporary stay or a place to take what you can without giving back.
"I moved to this country at the age of 16 because I genuinely desired to be here and to embrace this way of life. That's why culture is important to me."
When asked about her approach to integration, Ms. Badenoch stated, "It's essential to uphold our values. Values such as citizenship go beyond simply holding a passport; they involve setting expectations for individuals. The government must address this issue."
Salma Ouaguira, October 2, 2024, at 8:30 AM
Last Day Of Conservative Party Conference In Birmingham
The Conservative Party conference is wrapping up, and Tory candidates are preparing to speak to the delegates one last time to present their closing arguments.
Tom Tugendhat is scheduled to speak first at 10:45 AM. The shadow security minister will outline his vision for a "new Conservative revolution," focusing on issues like the economy and housing.
James Cleverly is set to deliver his speech second, while Robert Jenrick will follow with the third presentation. This comes as both face criticism from their opponents over Jenrick's assertion that UK special forces are “killing rather than capturing” terrorists.
Kemi Badenoch, seen as a favorite among the grassroots, will deliver the closing keynote address at the conference.
We'll provide you with real-time updates and insights from the Conservative party conference all day long.
Salma Ouaguira, October 2, 2024, at 08:22.
"Proposes Cutting Stamp Duty If Elected PM"
James Cleverly has indicated that he is open to eliminating stamp duty on home purchases to support the economy’s growth.
When asked if he would commit to reducing the tax if he won the Tory leadership race, the former Conservative minister explained on BBC Radio 4’s Today show that stamp duty is holding back the market.
He mentioned: "During the most recent general election, my party, the Conservative Party, faced criticism from the Labour Party for having high taxes."
“If we fail to reduce taxes, we risk slowing down the economy and ultimately jeopardizing our country's ability to prosper.”
When it was mentioned that Liz Truss had looked into this measure during her brief time as prime minister, Mr. Cleverly responded, "Are you saying that just because a previous leader suggested it, we can never bring it up again?"
"As a result, we are currently facing the heaviest tax load since the war. This burden is greater than that of many of our global rivals, which has given the Labour Party the confidence to voice their criticisms of us."
Salma Ouaguira, October 2, 2024, at 8:20 AM.
Tugendhat Slams Jenrick For Misusing Video Of Late Friend
Tugendhat Criticizes Jenrick For Dead Friend Video
Tom Tugendhat has taken aim at Robert Jenrick for including footage of a friend who is a Special Forces soldier in a promotional video that suggests British special forces are "killing instead of capturing terrorists." Jenrick, who formerly held the immigration minister position, made this assertion while promoting his campaign for the Conservative party leadership. In an interview with Newsnight, Tugendhat pointed out that the footage features a soldier who passed away shortly after it was recorded. “What’s especially troubling is that this video uses images of some of my fellow servicemen, including one who lost his life shortly after this footage was taken and can't defend himself against these accusations being hurled at him,” Tugendhat stated.
Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of that section: Salma Ouaguira - October 2, 2024, at 8:10 AM.
