Minister condemns ‘thuggish’ far-right, anti-migrant protesters in Portsmouth
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. But this crosses a line and I just want to take the opportunity to thank the police and other emergency services who have brought this under control.
We do not want to see this kind of behaviour anywhere, frankly.
Here is the agenda for the day.
Around 9.30am: John Healey, the chancellor, gives a speech on economic growth in the West Midlands.
11.30am: Downing Street holds a lobby briefing.
2.30pm: Angela Rayner, the housing secretary, takes questions in the Commons.
After 3.30pm: Emma Reynolds, the chief secretary to the Treasury, is due to make a statement to MPs.
Afternoon: MPs start debating the remaining stages of the health bill.
And Chris Bryant, the Northern Ireland secretary, is today meeting the Northern Ireland political leaders, as MLAs (members of the legislative assembly) return to Stormont after the summer recess.
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