UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, criticised Jeremy Corbyn for his neutral stance on a future Brexit referendum if Labour wins the next general election. Speaking to Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed , after the special party leaders’ edition of BBC Question Time, Raab said: “How can you claim to be a leader and stay neutral on the biggest issue affecting this country in this election?” Corbyn has said acting as an “honest broker” was a “sensible way forward”.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, visited an eco-home building site in Kelham Island ahead of the special leaders’ edition of BBC Question Time in Sheffield. Swinson pledged to tackle homelessness by building more affordable homes. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Local politicians and community activists joined a rally at Fargate in solidarity with pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
With support for Boris Johnson building in the Tory leadership race, Sheffield Live! spoke to Alex Tant-Brown, chairman of Sheffield Hallam Conservative Association. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson extended his tally to 143 in the third round of voting while Rory Stewart has dropped out after receiving just 27 votes. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt secured 54 votes, Environment Secretary Michael Gove gained 51 and Home Secretary Sajid Javid came in with 38. The four remaining candidates will face further voting rounds until just two are left. Party members will then be able to vote on the final two, with the winner becoming Tory Party leader and the country’s next Prime Minister. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Campaigners marked the 35th anniversary of the Battle of Orgreave with a rally on Orgreave Lane at the site of the former coking plant. Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign are continuing to seek a public enquiry into the events of June 1984 when miners were assaulted and arrested by police on charges that were later dropped as allegations emerged of fabricated evidence and police brutality. The government has refused to grant their request. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The BBC has been criticised after its decision to scrap free TV licences in a move that will affect the majority of pensioners over the age 75. Following a public consultation, the BBC Board decided that from June 2020 only those households with someone who is both over 75 and in receipt of Pension Credit will be entitled to a free TV licence paid for by the broadcaster. Currently all households with people over 75 are entitled to a free TV licence. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Members of Parliament, including all of Sheffield’s MPs, have voted to reject a no deal Brexit, following the second defeat of the Prime Minister’s withdrawal plans. Speaking to Sheffield Live! earlier this week, Sheffield Central MP and Shadow Brexit Minister, Paul Blomfield, said: “the negotiations have been handled catastrophically by the government”. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Pro-European campaigners demonstrate at Sheffield Town Hall as MPs vote to reject the Prime Minister’s Brexit withdrawal agreement. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Neil Schofield, chair of Sheffield for Europe.
Hundreds of people attended a People’s Vote rally at Sheffield’s Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, to demand a second referendum on whether Britain should leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out another referendum as MPs debate government proposals for Brexit. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Councillor Jim Steinke, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community safety, told Sheffield Live! there is a need for better quality temporary accommodation for the homeless. His comments came as rough sleepers erected two makeshift tents last weekend at Park Hill flats, nearly two years after the previous “Tent City” was shut down by the authority. Baillor Jalloh reports.