Vince Cable
@vincecable
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Former MP for Twickenham; Leader of @LibDems 2017-19; Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 2010-15.
United Kingdom
Joined July 2009
Pleased to announce that my new book, How to be a Politician, is publishing this September. W H Allen takes Cable’s ‘ultimate book of political advice’
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A clear, honest, unambiguous message has won @libdems our best ever European election result. We have shown ourselves as the strongest Remain force in British politics. Thank you to everyone who put their faith in us. We will stand up for you and keep campaigning to #StopBrexit.
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Boris Johnson repeating the £350m lie doesn't make it true. Britain needs political grown-ups, not a pound shop Donald Trump.
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Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn’s kinder, gentler politics was found wanting this evening as he stomped out of the meeting with the Prime Minister before it began, rather than breathe the same air as Chuka Umunna.
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I will not attend the state banquet with Donald Trump when he visits. We should not be beguiled by pomp and circumstance into hobnobbing with a man who is on record as a misogynist and a racist. Rolling out the red carpet to Trump is a shameful stain on this government #BBCQT
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I warmly welcome decision by @greenparty to stand aside and to help @LibDems in #BreconandRadnor win as #StopBrexit party. Good step to #RemainAlliance.
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Visit of #Trump becoming nightmare for UK. He is no friend of Britain and enemy of our values and interests. #ClimateEmergency destroying #WTO trade system and warmongering with China and Iran End of #SpecialRelationship.
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Brexit is the product of a fraudulent, frivolous campaign led by 2 groups of silly public school boys reliving their dormitory pillow fights.
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Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party cannot procrastinate any longer. Either he backs Brexit or he backs the people. He has a responsibility to get off the fence and provide some effective opposition.
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Powerful piece by @carolecadwalla in the @observer on how treason has been quietly accepted because implications are too big. #Brexit not just a mess but fundamentally illegitimate.
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Police response in #Catalonia brutal and disproportionate. Boris Johnson must summon Spanish ambassador to tell him this is unacceptable.
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.@theresa_may says she wants a public debate on her deal. Such a debate cannot take place between two cosy Brexiteers - herself and @jeremycorbyn. I will take them both on, and argue for #PeoplesVote.
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But Mark Francois is now mainstream Tory who looks back fondly on the Battle of Britain in which I am sure he served with distinction.
Mark Francois on Newsnight referring to "Herr Juncker in the bunker". Mr Juncker is from Luxembourg. The hard right have taken over our government and still think we're in WW2.
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The government has totally failed in its duty to ensure EU citizens can use their right to vote today. EU citizens were wrongly denied a vote in the referendum and still their voice is being muted. @libdems will always stand up for EU citizens’ rights #DeniedMyVote #StopBrexit.
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Jeremy Corbyn supports a Brexit very similar to Theresa May’s deal. So frankly a general election now would only offer the choice between Tweedledum and Tweedledee. It’s time for a #People’s Vote.
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.@RoryStewartUK’s elimination is a painful symbol of the wider eviction of realism and pragmatism from @Conservatives. Their contest is now a competition between only slightly differing fantasies. The victor will be confronted by the same #Brexit problems faced by @theresa_may.
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He remains a class act: right tone; sensible; non-tribal; good insights. Source of better advice than Cummings et al.
Tony Blair, former prime minister says the #coronavirus outbreak is the "most complicated and difficult challenge I have ever seen in politics" but adds the government were "slow in the first stages" of the virus. #COVID19 latest:
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Theresa May stood by Toby Young when she should be firing him. This is a man who has a record of misogyny and backs eugenics. His appointment shows poor judgement and, as May admitted, a lack of due diligence. It seems all you need to survive is be a friend of Boris Johnson #Marr.
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Theresa May’s extreme Brexit has alienated our European allies and now she has lost her last major friend on the world stage, leaving Britain isolated and alone. The solution is clear: an exit from Brexit and a divorce from Trump.
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I strongly disagree with @timfarron’s personal views expressed today. @libdems have a long & proud record of fighting for #LGBT+ rights: campaigning to repeal section 28, equalising age of consent and legislating for equal marriage. I will continue to champion rights and dignity.
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Great to kick off the #PeoplesVoteMarch just now. There is a huge turnout of people here from all walks of life, of all ages and from all over the country. We are a Remain country now with 60% wanting to stop the Brexit mess. #ExitfromBrexit #PutitToThePeople
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We’re not in the middle on climate change, women’s abortion rights or equal marriage. We’re firmly on one side and unapologetically liberal and green and believe in an open, internationalist, outward-looking society and economy. That is now radically opposed to the main parties.
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There is now belated recognition that Jeremy Corbyn is the main stumbling block to a #PeoplesVote and #NoBrexit .He wants to help Theresa May deliver #Brexit. Time for Labour MPs, activists and unions to stand up and get their leader to do his job.
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On way to Chelmsford to celebrate best @libdems local election results in at least 15 years. In big cities and rural England - in both Leave and Remain areas - we have shown ourselves the strongest campaigning force and the big winners of the night. Three party politics is back.
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In any normal world Chris Grayling would have been fired long ago. It is incomprehensible that he is still in his role after this mess.
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More fence sitting from @jeremycorbyn on #Marr. No answer on whether he now wants to Leave or Remain, just tetchy dissembling as usual. Ordinarily loyal Labour supporters have had enough and are switching. Every @libdems vote sends a clear and unambiguous message - #StopBrexit.
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Govt now wants to copy and paste EU trade deals. Instead of jet-setting round the world, Liam Fox could be left in a room with a photocopier.
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This is a hugely sad day for the Liberal Democrats and for the very many people across political and public life who had immense affection and respect for @paddyashdown. He was famous for his politics but his talents extended well beyond that arena. RIP.
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Labour leadership whipped their MPs to abstain last night on amendment 124 to keep open option of staying in single market, supposedly their policy. Thank you to the 45 Labour MPs who defied their whips to vote with Lib Dems. Corbyn should be ashamed.
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There is little point postponing the #BrexitVote when nothing concerning the deal will change. This deadlock must be broken by giving the people the final say, including the opportunity to remain in the EU.
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Until recently this was a safe Conservative seat.
East Sheen (Richmond upon Thames) result:. LDEM: 58.9% (+12.6).CON: 35.5% (-11.8).WEP: 2.9% (+2.9).LAB: 2.7% (-3.8). Liberal Democrat HOLD.
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See @YouGov have @LibDems leading in the polls with 24% in four horse race. Not day-dreaming about no 10 just yet but clear end to wilderness years: popular formula of #StopBrexit and sensible practical liberal/social democratic/green agenda #BeyondBrexit.
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This defeat is beyond what anyone imagined. It is the beginning of the end of Brexit. Time for a #PeoplesVote.
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Completely phoney. Nothing to do with #brexitdividend which is negative. Will need to tax or borrow more as Institute of Fiscal Studies explains. Let us raise taxes for #NHS70 but be honest about reasons.
"There will be about £600 million a week more, in cash, going into the NHS," says @theresa_may #marr
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There must now be a People’s Vote to break the deadlock and get the country out of this mess.
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After our party’s best ever council election results and a surge of support for the European elections, my thanks to everyone who has helped rebuild the @LibDems. I’ll be proud to hand over a bigger, stronger party to a new leader on July 23rd. #StopBrexit.
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Sorry to pour cold water on progressive consensus but how does lockdown in Devon Cornwall Dorset etc help fight upsurge in cities at other end of country. And without track and trace there will be endless circuit breakers. Science says concentrate on clusters.
We are at a decisive moment in the fight against the coronavirus. That’s why I'm calling for a circuit break in England - to protect the NHS, fix testing and get control of the virus.
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Make no mistake - I am a hardline Remainer. The Liberal Democrats are the strongest party of Remain, and a vote for the Lib Dems on 23 May is a vote to stop Brexit.
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Highly significant that @Jacob_Rees_Mogg and #ERG are getting behind @theresa_may deal. Alarmed that #PeoplesVote is real risk. They might lose. Seems no longer worried about vassalage, bad deal and years of negotiating uncertainty. Tory unity comes first.
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Helpful confirmation that those references to 'watermelon smiles', piccaninnies and Muslim women dressed up as 'pillar boxes' were a bit more than just a tonally adrift Etonian sense of humour. By his friends shall ye know him.
NEW: Boris Johnson denied & denied & denied any relationship with Steve Bannon & called it ‘a lefty delusion’. So how to explain new video of Bannon describing ‘back & forth’ over key Brexit speech?? My piece with @aliklay footage in @ObserverUK .
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At last reality dawns.@theresa_may acknowledges that #Brexit may not happen. Mail on Sunday article recognises that staying in EU is default position if warring #torymeltdown factions don't support her. #FBPE #PeoplesVote.
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We should not be rolling out the red carpet for Donald Trump or involving the royals. Trump is doing great damage to British interests and our traditional alliance with America. #TrumpUKVisit
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If PM is confident her letter to the public is so persuasive she should have confidence to put deal vs No Brexit to voters. #PeoplesVote.
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At last the penny is dropping amongst Labour supporters that their leader is just a s committed to delivering Brexit as Theresa May. There are alternatives. @LibDems.
Jeremy Corbyn told supporting Brexit could cost Labour seats
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Just as @libdems were regarded as out on a limb over opposing war in Iraq - and then were vindicated - I believe we will be proved right about Europe. #StopBrexit
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Toby Young’s appointment was a serious mistake - even the man himself even has eventually realised as much and resigned. The Conservatives must get their basic due diligence right - getting a role in public office cannot be based solely on being a friend of Boris Johnson.
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Brexiters said we'd get £350m a week for the NHS, instead we face a costly divorce settlement that will last decades. As true cost of leaving becomes clear, it's vital people are given a chance to exit from Brexit through a referendum on the deal.
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If Theresa May is still struggling to get this deal past her own cabinet in No. 10, how will it win support in Parliament or the country? . There’s a sensible way out of this mess: go back to the country for a People’s Vote.
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Spot on Gordon. I think that makes three of last four living Prime Ministers (Major, Blair, Brown) supporting a #PeoplesVote and rejecting current #BrexitDeal.
"I think there will be a second referendum". Former PM Gordon Brown says people should "have the final say" on a #Brexit deal. More:
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I see Jeremy Corby will not debate #BrexitAgreement on BBC if other people i.e. #PeoplesVote are represented. What is he afraid of? Looks like debates will fall through because he and @theresa_may won't debate the real choices.
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Why vote Lib Dem? . Our message is clear and honest - we want to stop Brexit. We believe Britain is better in the European Union.
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Probably Mrs Thatchers most important single positive achievement: trashed by her successors.
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Worst of politics of hate is President Trump. One of Theresa May’s biggest political mistakes was to invite him here on a state visit. As far as I am concerned, he should be told he is not welcome any longer. The visit should be cancelled.
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Many congratulations to @joswinson on her substantial win in the @libdems leadership race. Commiserations to my parliamentary neighbour @EdwardJDavey who ran a strong campaign and will be a vital part of the team. Look forward to working with them both to keep the party winning!.
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It is time to return this issue to the country, and give people the option to Remain in the EU.
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There is a distinct possibility Brexit may not happen. We may get to the middle of next year and find it is just a horrible mess. The public should then have a choice whether to go ahead or exit from Brexit
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Let’s be very clear, no deal is a choice by the government. Not choosing to revoke Article 50 is a choice. By not revoking Article 50 is choosing to leave us with no deal.
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To mark his first year in office, I would like to remind @realDonaldTrump that he will never be welcomed on a state visit to the UK by the @LibDems
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The Brexiteers cannot make up their mind on what Brexit they want, and have paralysed the government. It's brought the country to the point of national crisis. The only way out of this mess is a People's Vote.
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Shame to see @OwenSmith_MP sacked for simply repeating the view of the majority of Labour members and, I suspect, MPs.
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. @realDonaldTrump no longer just offensive. Is becoming an enemy of Britain by undermining rules based system WTO NATO UN EU. supports autocratic not democrats. Trashes friendly Canada. Putins little helper.
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Right. So why were the Nightingales built if we knew that they couldn't be staffed?.
Dear John,. The NHS already has 86,000 vacancies and historic sickness absence levels. There are 7 nightingale hospitals. The London Nightingale alone requires 16,000 staff. Is your maths really that bad?. Regards,. Everyone who can do maths.
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When we know the outcome and the facts, public should have the choice whether to jump off the cliff or #ExitFromBrexit #PeoplesMarch4EU
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Evening Standard endorses @LibDems. “They had the courage from the start to say the referendum result was a mistake — and Britain needed to think again. As a result, voters have started to think again about them. We wish them well.”
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It says everything you need to know about this government's priorities that more funding has been found for Brexit than for our struggling NHS, schools and police #Budget2017.
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I plan to lead fight back to recapture Twickenham for Lib Dems. Brexit. Heathrow. School cuts. Social care. Plenty to campaign on.
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Liberal Democrats are ready to take our unapologetically pro-remain position to the country in European elections.
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So @realDonaldTrump now chooses our leaders. Hardly a surprise we are treated like Panama or El Salvador when government grovels for favours. Truly a #VassalState . No surprise Trump has chosen @BorisJohnson a narcissistic self-absorbed political twin.
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Congratulations to hundreds @LibDems councillors elected today, scoring 703 gains - the most in our party’s history. Your commitment and formidable campaigning were crucial to this stunning result. Next the European campaign, when every @LibDems vote will be a vote to #StopBrexit
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Honoured to attend the D-Day Commemoration in Portsmouth today with some of the men who fought. Also remembering those who didn’t come back and acknowledging our huge debt of gratitude to all for their bravery and their sacrifice. Today is about the veterans, not Trump.
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I’m sponsoring a cross party motion led by Oliver Letwin designed to prevent an extreme No Deal Brexit if the next Conservative Prime Minister tries to get it through.
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After Theresa May's statement from Downing Street the crucial change is that the Prime Minister and the Government have admitted for the first time that the choice for the country is not just between this bad deal or 'no deal'. Instead, 'No Brexit' is a very real possibility.
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.@ChukaUmunna will be a great asset to @LibDems. He joins alongside 20,000 people across the country this month, demonstrating clearly that the Liberal Democrats are the biggest, clearest and most formidable force in the liberal centre-ground of British politics today.
I’m delighted to say I’ve joined the @LibDems! - here’s my joint interview with @vincecable in tmr’s @thetimes where I explain why
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Midnight flits to Strasbourg and desperate late night Commons statements underline the chaos into which Project Brexit has descended. Ministers cannot negotiate a better deal than being in the EU, because the UK is stronger inside as a full member. #PeoplesVote.
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Vince Cable now wields more power and influence in Brussels than Theresa May
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A brilliant set of EU results so far for the @LibDems. Making gains around the country with some really impressive swings in many seats. Proof that the Lib Dems are the biggest, strongest voice of Remain #StopBrexit.
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These are fantastic results today. The Liberal Democrats are now ready to fight the European elections as the strongest Remain party with our clear message: Stop Brexit. #RemainBacklash
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With the resignations of Brexit idealogues, the PM’s fudged compromise is already proving unworkable. We must go to the British people to ask them if they want an exit from this chaotic Conservative Brexit.
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Looking forward to debating @Nigel_Farage on Wednesday. @libdems are taking the fight to Brexit with our unambiguous #StopBrexit message. The only debate of the election, between the two leading parties in the polls. #LibDemSurge #RemainBacklash
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Parliament has now taken back control. Brexiteers are losing the argument and losing votes in the Commons.The PM must now show leadership via a #PeoplesVote and take this crucial opportunity to show the changing will of the public, who are swinging firmly behind Remain.
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The Liberal Democrats are open to working with like-minded groups and individuals in order to give the people the final say on Brexit, with the option to remain in the EU. We will be engaging in talks to progress both that campaign and a wider political agenda. #LabourSplit.
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Labour are now clearly letting government off the hook. Working with others, @libdems have tabled an amendment to the @jeremycorbyn motion which would give it real teeth and bring a vote before MPs. Labour are running out of excuses. Their subterfuge on #peoplesvote must end.
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Resignation of Laura Smith and four PPS’ shows Labour leadership’s policy of waving through the Conservatives’ hard Brexit is no longer tenable. Time for Labour front-bench to join @LibDems in opposing the government on the biggest issue of the day. Together we can win.
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Giving the people the final say on Brexit, with the option to stay in the EU, remains the best way to end this mess.
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I see the unscrupulous and opportunistic #BorisJohnsonShouldNotBePM has decided to back #Heathrow expansion. End of retreat from commitment to lie in front of the bulldozers. On the bright side he may now support #PeoplesVote and #StopBrexit in a few months.
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I'm at #StopBrexitManchester to tell Theresa May and Boris Johnson we're not citizens of nowhere, but proud to be British and European.
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Lib Dems are seeing good signs in polls thanks to our strong record in local government, and our clear message for EU elections: stop Brexit. Remainers are beginning to unite behind the strongest Remain force in Britain. Every vote for @Libdems is a vote to #StopBrexit .#Peston
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This is a historic defeat for the Government - make no mistake about it. It is time to go back to the people and give them the final say on this deal, with the option to remain in the EU.
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Privileged to be able to take over from @timfarron today. Ambitious for our country, ambitious for our party.
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Today’s outcome was entirely predictable. No amount of parliamentary trickery can breathe life back into May’s deal. The only route to resolve the crisis is a final say with the option to Remain in the EU.
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The warning from Airbus is a stark reminder that the livelihoods of thousands of British workers are at risk from the UK leaving the EU with no deal. The longer the Prime Minister runs down the clock and fails to give businesses certainty to plan, the greater the risk to jobs.
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EU confirms Brexit can be reversed. @LibDems are offering an exit from Brexit by giving people a vote on final deal
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The NHS Chief Exec put out a warning they don’t have the necessary drug stocks. Those saying people will cope with the economic shock aren’t the ones who’ll feel it. A No Deal Brexit would cause huge concern here about drug supplies, funding, and ultimately patient safety.
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Police in a democracy should never drag people violently out of polling stations, whatever the arguments for or against holding a referendum
The Catalonian referendum is a matter for the Spanish govt & people. Imp that Spanish constitution respected & the rule of law upheld. (1/2).
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As anticipated, the Commons has not produced an absolutely clear way forward, but it is clearer where the centre of gravity now is. Whichever Brexit option the government pursues, it must be put to the public in a confirmatory vote. #indicativevotes.
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A little under a third of the vote going to Nigel Farage is not an "overwhelming victory" any more than the process of leaving the EU has proved “the easiest in human history”. #StopBrexit #RemainSurge
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Today I met with @MichelBarnier and my message was clear: it’s time to start serious contingency planning for a #PeoplesVote . We know the UK government has started making such plans as a result of the growing demand for such a vote, demonstrated by last weekend’s march.
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Sad day when MPs are sacked for doing what they think is right for the country. Government must be stopped from imposing their botched Brexit without giving Parliament and British people a say
Hearing Stephen Hammond - a leading Tory rebel in tonight's vote - just sacked as a Vice Chairman of the Conservative party. Number 10 is no longer in listening mode.
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A 44% swing belongs in the Guinness book of records. Many congratulations. Anything is possible now for @LibDems. Keep up the good work, @BorisJohnson, destroying your party's credibility.
Bridlington North (East Riding of Yorkshire) result:. LDEM: 42.7% (+42.7).CON: 26.6% (-44.5).YORK: 11.4% (+11.4).UKIP: 6.4% (+6.4).LAB: 4.4% (-24.5).IND (Dixon): 4.1% (+4.1).IND (Robson): 2.5% (+2.5).IND (Milns): 1.9% (+1.9). Liberal Democrat GAIN from Conservative.
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Boris Johnson's latest Brexit red lines would be disastrous for UK. He is motivated by selfish, personal ambition not the national interest.
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