Lammy refuses to support Lib Dem call for Farage’s resignation to be blocked until standards inquiry over – UK politics live

Deputy PM faced shadow housing secretary James Cleverly at PMQs, while Keir Starmer attends a Nato summit More Reform UK transactions worth millions reported to National Crime Agency For anyone involved in British politics, an invitation to be interviewed on Radio 4’s Today programme is the ultimate badge of seriousness. There are probably hundreds of MPs who have never made it onto the programme because they have not been deemed important enough. But, as if to prove the point that the Clacton byelection really is a “farce” (see 7.59am ), this morning Today had an interview with Count Binface , the serial joke byelection candidate who may turn out to be Nigel Farage’s main opposition in Clacton. Probably not, but then you know my job is to celebrate and defend the wonders of British democracy. And look at this, eh? The fact that you are interviewing me on the Today Programme, because all the other parties aren’t standing, says more about them than it does about me. I don’t believe that single-handedly will tackle homophobia, racism or indeed any hate crime. But I do strongly believe that returning power back to people’s hands is a huge part of the role we should all be playing as elected public servants – and it’s how we build trust again. Continue reading...