This might be one of the quickest U-turns in modern political history. He goes from saying he’ll be “watching the game for sure” to “I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to watch the game” within the space of about ten seconds. That’s one player staying on the bench over the campaign to open the pubs early. “Honestly…”
A galactico line-up of cross-party leaders are calling on local councils to grant extensions to alcohol licences so that punters can enjoy a pint for the Women’s World Cup Final this weekend. The LibDems kicked-off, never missing a chance to deploy their tried and tested method of political gamesmanship, and demanded the recall of Parliament so that a last minute statutory instrument could be scored. Although this ended up being yet another own goal – Parliament was, of course, not recalled – the government quickly got on the counter-attack. Michael Gove got onside with a Bright press release, setting up local councils to make the decisions themselves. It’s an open goal…
The offensive was assisted from the right wing, with Nigel Farage posting a video on X cheering on local councils to “pull your fingers out” and get the pubs open. Not to be excluded, Labour hit right back, with shadow minister Steven Morgan telling Times Radio that licences “have got to be flexible”. Now councils just need to get the ball over the line.
Political pundits and Westminster hacks (along with the rest of the country) eagerly watched England’s triumphant victory against rivals Germany in last night’s match. Guido has collected the best and worst political reactions.
Boris Johnson limbs when Kane scored. pic.twitter.com/4b8SepNo3J
— Away Days Videos (@AwayDaysVideos) June 29, 2021
Congratulations, @England
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 29, 2021
(Still just one team unbeaten by 🏴 so far in @EURO2020 😉🏴)
I’m genuinely worried Priti Patel would stop football at the border and try to deport it https://t.co/rTwckjmyj0
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) June 29, 2021
Last night on Sky News, Isabel Oakeshott accused the Sky News of trying to start a “race row” with the worst take that goal scorer Raheem Sterling should have appeared on more front pages of newspapers.
Having avoided a national row about the kneeling, could we not avoid a race row when everyone is celebrating?
A video message for a national celebration arguably shouldn’t be newsworthy, however Guido’s checked the records and this is only the third ever video message on St. George’s Day from a British PM since 2008. It’s the first since Cameron in 2016…
One of the smallest parts of the UK is handling the vaccine rollout best. According to official data, Northern Ireland has vaccinated the highest proportion of any part of the UK, and is miles ahead of its neighbour to the south too. Next comes England, close behind. Curiously after that a significant gap has opened up…
Scotland started off as the most vaccinated part of the UK, yet now has slid almost as low as Wales. If Sturgeon spent less time setting up new independence committees and more time driving the vaccine rolls out, perhaps Scotland would not be lagging so much. Wales has consistently lagged behind with the rollout, hindered by Mark Drakeford’s insane “go slow” approach. The first minister opposes using all the vaccine he has quickly to avoid leaving “our vaccinators standing around with nothing to do”.
10 Downing Street and government departments are flying the #ENG flag this morning. Will the St George’s flag be on display outside your home? Send us you pics… pic.twitter.com/DMpJ6GH6tk
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 28, 2018
The Department for International Trade is claiming they were “one of – if the not the first dept – to fly the England flag this morning”, following a successful campaign by Nick Boles and The Sun. Whitehall sources, send us your pics… not expecting to hear from the Treasury.
UPDATE: Boris next out of the blocks
FCO proudly showing our support for @GarethSouthgate and the team ahead of the match against Belgium tonight. Best of luck – the whole country will be cheering you on! #LetTheLionsRoar #ENGBEL pic.twitter.com/x7zkB4jVgR
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 28, 2018