Tory conference day two and three: New laws will stop sex offenders from changing name
Follow our blog for the latest updates on the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
Suella Braverman takes at at Labour during conference speech
Suella Braverman will introduce new laws to stop registered sex offenders from changing their names or gender.
The Home Secretary will close a loophole that allowed sex offenders to alter personal details with Government agencies without automatically alerting the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Speaking at the Tory conference, she said: “We will bring forward legislation to prevent registered sex offenders from changing their identities. We will work to strengthen background checks so that they can catch undisclosed changes of identity.”
Ms Braverman added: “I don’t care if anyone thinks this is interfering with their human rights. It’s time to worry less about the rights of sexual predators and more about the rights of victims.”
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KEY EVENTS
PM expected to give the go-ahead to expand HS2 into London
Mr Sunak has repeatedly ducked questions about scaling back HS2 despite northern leaders, businesses and former Tory premiers Boris Johnson, Theresa May and David Cameron all warning against the move.
But the Prime Minister did on Tuesday say the costs of the project had gone “far beyond” what had been predicted, and the sums involved were “enormous”.
The HS2 scheme was given a budget of £55.7 billion in 2015 but costs have ballooned, with an estimate of up to £98 billion – in 2019 prices – in 2020.
Since then, soaring inflation will have pushed costs even higher.
Reports suggested he will give the go-ahead for the scheme to reach central London in Euston, rather than terminating in the western suburbs of Old Oak Common after pressure from within the Cabinet.
Rishi to vow to 'tear up rule book' in tomorrow's speech
Tomorrow's speech will see Rishi Sunak vow to repair Britain's "broken" political system, saying voters are fed up after 30 years of "nothing ever changing", the Daily Express understands.
The PM will lay out his vision to “fundamentally” reform the country by taking tough long-term choices instead of the easy quick wins, as well as ditching HS2's next phase.
Mr Sunak is expected to say: “There is the undeniable sense that politics just doesn’t work the way it should. A feeling that Westminster is a broken system – and the same goes for Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and Stormont.
“It isn’t anger, it is an exhaustion with politics. In particular, politicians saying things, and then nothing ever changing. And you know what? People are right.
“Politics doesn’t work the way it should. We’ve had 30 years of a political system which incentivises the easy decision, not the right one.
“Thirty years of vested interests standing in the way of change.”
Home Secretary vows to win 'war on small boats' and 'close asylum hotels'
Suella Braverman said her and the PM are succeeding in stopping small boats, with numbers down by 20 percent this year compared to last.
She added Rishi Sunak will win next years' election as a result of his common sense politics.
Ms Braverman also revealed the Government “will soon be closing down migrant hotels”, to rapturous applause at the Daily Express event she was speaking at.
Speaking at a packed fringe event jointly hosted by the Commons Sense Group of Conservative MPs and the Daily Express, she told the crowd: “We’ve got to rally together, we’ve got to stay focussed on that prize".
Suella Braverman 'apologises to all dogs' at Daily Express event
Sunak to announce £30billion in transport spending, it has been claimed
Rishi Sunak will reportedly announce around £30bn of spending on road, rail and buses in his conference speech.
This could help to somewhat soften the blow of the second leg of HS2 - from Birmingham to Manchester - being scrapped.
Sky News' Sophy Ridge claimed the proposed spending will be announced in the PM's conference address tomorrow.
Tories battling over 'heart of the party' says former advisor
A former government advisor has said the Conservatives are embroiled in a battle for the “heart of the party”.
James Starkie, a former Home Office advisor, was speaking after Suella Braverman’s speech at the Tory conference in Manchester.
“It’s a lot about where does the party go?” he said of the Conservative gathering, in an appearance on Sky News.
Chancellor should reconsider cutting inheritance tax, claims Zahawi
Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said that while it would be "wrong of him" to suggest to Jeremy Hunt when to cut taxes, he should "absolutely" take another look when the time is right.
He said: "
I think when the chancellor has the headroom, he should absolutely look at things like inheritance tax.
"I will be making that argument, it's an unfair tax, it's a death tax."
Pressed again, Mr Zahawi said it would be "completely wrong of me" to "try and put a date on" when Mr Hunt will be able to cut taxes.
He added: "At the moment, there are still headwinds.
"Of course, we're seeing good numbers on inflation coming down."
HS2 will reach Manchester, but not with new tracks, it has been claimed
High-speed rails will meet Manchester, but will not involve the installation of new tracks, it has been reported.
According to Sky News' Sophy Ridge, HS2 will go from London to Manchester, but from Birmingham it will run on existing West Coast Mainline tracks.
This means that the new high-speed track will end at Birmingham.
Trains will also now start and terminate at Euston rather than at Old Oak Common in west London, the outlet claimed.
Rishi Sunak insists public do not want an election
The Prime Minister has said it is not the time for an election.
He said it would not be in the interest of the public to have one.
Mr Sunak told Sky News that people cared more about “politicians making a difference to their lives” than going to the polls.
His comments came ahead of his keynote address to the Conservative Party conference today.
last month a survey by YouGov found 26 percent of people want an election to be held before the end of 2023. A further 23 percent said one should be called for spring next year, while 7 percent opted for the summer, 8 percent for the autumn and 3 percent for the winter of 2024.
Tory MP lashes out at Suella Braverman's comments
Conservative MP Peter Aldous has criticised Ms Braverman's language when discussing net zero.
The Home Secretary referred to environmentalists as holding “luxury beliefs”, while Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho referred to eco campaigners as “zealots”.
Mr Aldous responded: "My constituents in the east of England are a coastal community at the forefront of climate change and also actually see net zero as in a positive light, as an opportunity to bring great jobs to the area and to have sustainable economic development. I wouldn’t describe them as holding luxury beliefs, or as zealots."
Jeremy Hunt drops out of northern productivity meeting
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has pulled out of a reception for the Northern Powerhouse Partnership on the fringes of the Conservative Party conference.
An email to those attending from Northern Powerhouse Partnership said the chancellor was no longer able to attend due to "urgent business".
Chaired by Jim O'Neill, the partnership aims to "drive up productivity in the North, providing a boost for the entire UK economy".
It works with Northern Powerhouse Rail, which plans new rail infrastructure in the north and had hoped to be "completely integrated" with HS2.
Suella Braverman calls for Tory heckler to be 'forgiven' and allowed to return
The Home Secretary tweeted: "Andrew Boff’s heckles were silly but I think he should be forgiven and let back into conference."
Mr Boff, chair of the London Assembly, was removed by police during Ms Braverman's speech after he quietly made disparaging remarks.
He accused her of being homophobic.
Speaking after he was removed from his party's conference, he criticised Ms Braverman's "ridiculous" language.
He said: "This Home Secretary was basically vilifying gay people and trans people by this attack on LGBT ideology, or gender ideology. It is fictitious, it is ridiculous.
"It is a signal to people who don't like people who are LGBT+ people."
He added: "Words like that in the forum of the party that I love need to be challenged."
Nigel Farage predicts Tory wipeout at next election
The former Ukip leader said the party was engaged in a "battle of ideas" and was doomed to fail.
Speaking at the party conference in Manchester, the first he has attended in 36 years, Mr Farage said: "What I saw today was not the usual battle of personalities for whose trying to get to the top and who may lead the party after the next election, what I saw today was a battle of ideas. I think there is a pretty broad acceptance they can't win the next election.
"What is going on now is a battle for what the Conservative Party is going to be after the next election.
"To my mind that's very necessary because I see the modern-day Conservative Party and Labour Party frankly as two forms of social democracy - big government, big spend, big tax, big deficit, huge immigration numbers and frankly not much to choose."
New laws will stop sex offenders from changing their name or gender
Suella Braverman will introduce new laws to stop registered sex offenders from changing their names or gender.
The Home Secretary will close a loophole that allowed sex offenders to alter personal details with Government agencies without automatically alerting the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Speaking at the Tory conference, she said: “We will bring forward legislation to prevent registered sex offenders from changing their identities. We will work to strengthen background checks so that they can catch undisclosed changes of identity.”
Ms Braverman added: “I don’t care if anyone thinks this is interfering with their human rights. It’s time to worry less about the rights of sexual predators and more about the rights of victims.”
'Everyone misses Boris!' Tory members weigh in on ex-PM's glaring absence from conference
Express.co.uk took the mood of Tory Party members at the conference in Manchester, asking one simple question: "Do you miss Boris Johnson?"
Watch the full clip below...
Conservative Conference: Do members miss Boris Johnson?
Tory member explains why he felt the need to challenge Braverman
Andrew Boff added that he felt he needed to challenge the Home Secretary's views.
"Words like that in the forum of the party that I love need to be challenged," he said.
"I went into the speech was I was interested to hear more, because all I had heard previously were reports about what she had said.
"And as much as I love the press, those reports aren't always accurate. I did want to hear from her own mouth what her views were and they were views that need challenged.
"When you hear bad views in a party that you love you challenge them."
Beachcomber: Suella de Vil
While Ms Braverman may have just delivered a speech to rapturous support from Tory members, not everyone is pleased with her behaviour at this week's conference.
Photos have emerged of the Home Secretary stepping on the tail of a guide dog in the exhibition hall!
A Tory member has been escorted out of Suella Braverman's speech
A heckler has been escorted out of Suella Braverman's speech at the Conservative Party Conference.
Andrew Boff, the Tory chair of the London Assembly, was removed from the main hall by police.
Footage on social media shows him accusing the Home Secretary of "homophobic madness" as he is dragged away.
Speaking to reporters as he was led out by police, he hit out at Ms Braverman's views on gender ideology.
"It is making our Conservative Party look transphobic and homophobic," he said.
"Our party has a proud record of standing up for LGBT+ rights and she is destroying it."
He added that he had been a "proud member" of the party for over 50 years.
UK could rent foreign prison spaces
The Government is considering renting prison cells overseas to tackle prison overcrowding, the Justice Secretary has announced.
Speaking from the main stage of the Tory Party conference, Alex Chalk said: "I can tell you today that we also intend to look at the Norwegian example and explore renting overseas capacity."
Michael Gove mocks Rejoiners and says NHS is being given more than £350m Brexit bus pledge
Michael Gove has boasted that the Tories have achieved Brexit and delivered the £350million extra a week in NHS funding promised by his and Boris’s Vote Leave battle bus.
Speaking at the Tory conference this lunchtime, Mr Gove boasted: “Brexit has been delivered, and membership of the world’s fastest-growing trade block secured.
“And there is now more than £350million extra a week for our NHS.”
Rishi Sunak hints Nigel Farage could rejoin Tories
Rishi Sunak has hinted he would welcome Nigel Farage back into the Tory Party.
The Prime Minster was asked whether the Brexit supremo would be able to join the Tories.
He responded saying: “I welcome lots of people who want to subscribe to our ideals, to our values.”
Pressed whether that would extend to Mr Farage, he said: “Look, the thing I care about is delivering for the country and the more people as we've seen at this conference - we've had record attendance I think at this conference. Lots of energy, lots of engagement.”
The former Ukip and Brexit Party leader has been filmed socialising with Tory big beasts like Liz Truss and Dame Priti Patel, even dancing and singing with MPs at last night’s GB News party.
Debating whether he should be allowed to return to the Tory fold, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg asserted that Mr Farage “is broadly a Tory and always has been”.
He said: “I’m a friend of Nigel’s, I think he’s a very effective campaigner and I think most of his political views are views I share.
“If he wanted to join I can’t think his membership would be refused.”
Huge queue for Theresa May book signing
Former PM Theresa May is proving nearly as popular as Liz Truss at this year's Tory conference.
Mrs May is currently doing a book signing in the central exhibition, and video footage shows an enormous queue.
It's the first time Mrs May has been to conference since her 2018 appearance when she was still party leader.
Theresa May signs books at Tory Conference
Beachcomber: Pro-HS2 protest coasters found at Tory conference
Following the news the PM plans on announcing a major cut to HS2, scrapping the Manchester-Birmingham branch, anti-Tory coasters have now been spotted inside the heart of Tory conference.
Snaps were sent over from the main bar of the Midland Hotel, with coasters warning "The North Remembers".
The reverse sets out a number of previous top Tories promising that HS2 would go to Manchester.
Mr Sunak is expected to confirm the cut tomorrow.
Jeremy Hunt hints that triple lock may be under threat
Jeremy Hunt has hinted that the triple lock promise could be under threat.
Speaking at the Tory conference, the Chancellor said breaking a manifesto promise "does happen" sometimes but needs to be a "very exceptional circumstance".
Asked during a Q&A at a fringe event hosted by the Centre for Policy Studies whether he would consider reviewing the state pension triple-lock, Mr Hunt said: "I think that we have to be very careful not to break manifesto promises. Sometimes, it does happen."
He added: "But I think it needs to be a very exceptional circumstance where people can see that there's a very good reason.
"And to give you an idea of the priority which I attach to that particular promise, which is very, very important to a large group of people, many of whom are very vulnerable, when I was having to do some very difficult sums in the run-up to the autumn statement, you know, cutting spending by £30 billion, increasing tax by £25 billion, that might have been a moment where we decided we had to do something with the triple-lock.
"We decided not to. So I think hopefully that indicates to you the priority with which we give that particular policy."
'They can't win!' Nigel Farage predicts election wipeout for Tories
Nigel Farage has predicted that the Tories will lose the next election.
The former UKIP leader said the party was engaged in a "battle of ideas" and was doomed to fail.
Speaking at the party conference in Manchester, the first he has attended in 36 years, Mr Farage said: "What I saw today was not the usual battle of personalities for whose trying to get to the top and who may lead the party after the next election, what I saw today was a battle of ideas. I think there is a pretty broad acceptance they can't win the next election.
"What is going on now is a battle for what the Conservative Party is going to be after the next election.
"To my mind that's very necessary because I see the modern day Conservative Party and Labour Party frankly as two forms of social democracy - big government, big spend, big tax, big deficit, huge immigration numbers and frankly not much to choose."
Michael Gove calls Keir Starmer the "jellyfish of British politics"
Michael Gove has taken aim at Sir Keir Starmer calling him the “jellyfish of British politics”.
The Levelling Up Secretary attacked the Labour leader for his flip-flopping on Brexit during a speech at the Tory conference.
Mr Gove told the crowd in Manchester: “Sir Keir, who was against Brexit then wanted to accept Brexit then wanted a second referendum on Brexit then he said that he wanted to make Brexit work and then just last month he said he wanted a Brexit which was actually identical to EU membership. He was saying, as he always does, whatever he thought people in the audience wanted to hear.
“Sir Keir Starmer is the jellyfish of British politics. He is transparent, spineless and swept along by the tide.”
Killer partners to be blocked from having role in their children's lives
The Daily Express End This Injustice campaign has won another crucial victory - with killers who murdered their partners about to be blocked from having a role in their children's lives.
Murderers will soon not be able to control their youngsters' lives from prison under powers to be put before Parliament by the end of the year.
Our crusade exposed how a paedophile father was able to continue the abuse of his two children from jail.
He prevented them from going on holiday or changing their surnames after attacking them while they slept and being locked up for 10 years.
He also stopped his ex-wife from selling the property where he live-streamed the abuse of his children to paedophiles.
The move, known as Jade's Law, is designed to put children first and protect families from being manipulated.
It is named after the case of Jade Ward, 27, who was stabbed and strangled by Russell Marsh as their four sons slept at their Flintshire home in 2021.
But Marsh has continued to contact her family, asking for photos, school reports and medical details of the children.
Alex Chalk, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, said: "Jade Ward's case and the moving campaign of her family has exposed an injustice in our family justice system, one that we are committed to fixing.
Support "Murderers who kill partners should not be able to manipulate and control their children from behind bars."
The new rules will create an automatic suspension of parental responsibility from a person who is convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughof ter of a person with whom they share parental responsibility.
The End This Injustice campaign fought for better protection for domestic abuse victims.
TV presenter Rachel Riley has lent her support to the campaign, highlighting the case of Rotherham survivor Sammy Woodhouse, 38, whose attacker had rights to see the son he had conceived through rape. She said: "For families most in danger, it's a step in the right direction."
End This Injustice is up for its eighth journalism award at the Media Freedom Awards next month.
Priti Patel heckled by Brexit loon Steve Bray
Priti Patel was heckled by a Brexit protestor as she headed into the Tory Party conference this morning.
The former Home Secretary ignored comments made by activist Steve Bray who has been protesting outside the event since Sunday.
He yelled "Priti vile Patel", accused her of "treason" and in a parting shot told her to "get out of Manchester. You're not welcome".
Tweeting a clip of the incident, he wrote: "It was an honour to welcome Priti Patel to the Manchester Tory Party Conference."
Yesterday Mr Bray was removed from a conference event by police.
Steve Barclay cracks down on trans women using female-only hospital wards
Steve Barclay has announced plans to prevent trans women from using female-only hospital wards.
The Health Secretary told the Conservative Party conference: "That is why today I am going further, by announcing that we will change the NHS constitution following a consultation later this year to make sure we respect the privacy, dignity and safety of all patients, recognise the importance of different biological needs and protect the rights of women."
Suella Braverman doubles down on claim that multiculturalism isn't working across the entire country
Suella Braverman has repeated comments that multiculturalism in Britain is not working.
The Home Secretary also said that her views on the issue have been mischaracterised.
In a speech last week she attacked the "misguided dogma" of multiculturalism, saying it had "failed", with communities living "parallel lives".
Rishi Sunak declined to back her comments and former home secretary Dame Priti Patel suggested she may have said them simply to attract attention.
On a visit to Bolton, Ms Braverman said: "It's my job, first and foremost, to be honest and speak for the majority of the British people.
"And my comments have been somewhat mischaracterised.
"We have so much to be proud of. We have a great multi-ethnic society and in many parts of our country integration has worked.
"But there are also many towns and cities around the United Kingdom where it hasn't and communities are living parallel lives.
"They are coming from abroad, they are not learning the language. They're not embracing British values, and they're not taking part in British life.
"And that needs to be identified, we must be fearless in calling that out and that's my job."
Rishi Sunak shrugs off Liz Truss' surge in popularity after barn-storming speech
Rishi Sunak has brushed off questions about his predecessor Liz Truss stealing the limelight at the party conference.The short-lived prime minister, whose fall from office paved the way for Mr Sunak to enter Number 10, was greeted by lengthy queues when she appeared in Manchester on Monday to call for tax cuts to "make Britain grow again".The Truss-aligned Conservative Growth Group is said to have the support of 60 MPs, a sizeable chunk of the parliamentary party and enough to threaten Mr Sunak's majority in the Commons.Ms Truss has not been shy about calling for the Government to change course in a bid to boost growth, urging Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to cut corporation tax to at least 19% and to slash Government spending.But Mr Sunak appeared unconcerned about the apparent popularity of his former leadership rival.Asked if it worried him, he said: "No, not at all."Lots of Conservatives here. I think the mood is great."People are excited about the things we're doing."
Beachcomber: Tory fringe venue plays prank on drinks reception
Yesterday evening saw the drinks party for the New Conservatives, after the group of Tory MPs launched their 'manifesto' that afternoon.
Just around the corner from the official conference, the reception saw Danny Kruger, Miriam Cates, Lee Anderson and others joined by Home Secretary Suella Braverman for speeches and backslapping.
Arriving at the venue, many people missed the text that had been placed above the door.
"Andy Burnham for Prime Minister"
Lee Anderson praises anti-Steve Bray 'here'
Lee Anderson has piled praise on a Tory activist who was filmed yesterday tackling noisy nuisance Steve Bray, after the Remainer gatecrashed a fringe event.
The Tory deputy chairman named the "hero" as Bruce, , adding "Without any thought of his own safety Brave Bruce stopped what could have been a nasty incident by physically ejecting Bray from the building. Luckily no one was hurt".
"Thanks Bruce."
Nigel Farage outlines two areas where he thinks Liz Truss is '100% bang on'
Nigel Farage said: "She put forward a simple package to axe the tax on businesses, saying the 25 percent rise in corporation tax put in place this year was bad news for the British economy. I agree with that 100 percent.
"She also pronounced that if we’re going to use oil and gas, we may as well produce it ourselves rather than exporting jobs and carbon emissions abroad. Once again, she’s 100 percent bang on."
Rishi Sunak fires back at BBC host in HS2 row after he declares: 'You've lost control!'
Rishi Sunak had a feisty exchange on BBC Breakfast this morning in the ongoing row over HS2 as he faces major pressure over the future of the rail line.
The PM hit back at Jon Kay's claim that he has "lost control" of the narrative at the Tory Party Conference.
He said: "Actually we're having a great conference. The mood here is great."
Good morning from Manchester
Welcome to day three of the Tory Party Conference!
Our political team will be bringing you all the latest updates from Manchester today where speeches in the main hall are, in order of appearance: Steve Barclay (11am), Michelle Donelan (11.15am), Michael Gove (11.30am), Alex Chalk (3pm) and Suella Braverman (3.15pm).
Fringe events today include Jeremy Hunt in conversation with the Centre for Policy Studies at - 12.30pm and Kemi Badenoch in conversation with the Spectator at 6.30pm.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt vows to axe 'woke Whitehall jobs'
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has vowed to drastically cut the number of woke government equality and diversity bosses under plans to shrink the Civil Service.
He clams the move could save £1billion a year and improve public sector productivity and reduce the tax burden.
Around 10,000 equality and diversity jobs are expected to go under the new plans.
Tory tax civil war will force Rishi to accept Liz Truss was right
What a difference a year makes. This time 12 months ago Liz Truss's government had plunged into a death spiral which ended it after 49 days after support for her tax-cutting mini budget collapsed.
Today hundreds of Conservative activists queued for hours to get into the former Prime Minister's "rally for growth" as her push for Rishi Sunak's government to accept tax cuts gathered momentum.
More than that, the woman who was so derided for allegedly crashing the economy (a claim which has been exaggerated to cover the failures of others), is now actually beginning to win over the public according to new polling analysis.
'Tough decisions' on HS2 says James Cleverly
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, speaking to ITV's Peston tonight at 10.45pm, was asked about HS2. He insisted no final announcement had been made on the Manchester leg but added the Prime Minister would make "tough decisions... for the long-term."
"Well first of all no final decision has been made on that leg and once it has been made, it will be announced," she said.
"But it's worth remembering that since 2010 we have invested £33 billion in transport infrastructure in the North of England so we are committed to levelling up right across the UK… we would always like to be able to do more.
"Obviously we've got to make sure that any decisions we make are sensible, pragmatic decisions and the Prime Minister's been absolutely clear - it's not about chasing cheap and easy headlines, it's about doing the right things, making the tough decisions, the important decisions for the long-term."
Iain Duncan Smith just handed Rishi Sunak a list of 100 changes to make Brexit great
Rishi Sunak was handed a list of 100 regulatory changes to make a success of Brexit by Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester on Monday.
Sir Iain used a speech at a fringe event hosted by the Centre for Brexit Policy named “Making the intellectual, evidence-based case for Brexit and its benefits” to explain how he thought the UK could be better capitalising on its freedom from the EU.
Truss demands Sunak 'axe the tax'
Liz Truss delivered a fiery speech to a packed-out room at a Tory conference fringe event today in which she demanded Rishi Sunak "axe the tax, cut the bills and build homes".
The former PM called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to cut corporation tax in November's autumn statement.
Speaking at the Great British Growth Rally event, she said: "I'm calling upon the Chancellor at the autumn statement to put corporation tax back down to 19 percent.
"And frankly, if we can get it lower, the better. What we know is that economic growth and making Britain grow again is not going to be delivered by the Treasury. It's not going to be delivered by more public spending. It's not going to be delivered by more regulation.
"It is going to be delivered by giving business the freedom they need to succeed."
Andy Street hits out at Rishi Sunak as conference hijacked by HS2 row
The Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands challenged the Prime Minister to "work with me and the private sector, grip the costs, and build Britain’s future".
He said: "I wasn’t expecting this in Manchester, but I won’t let HS2 go without a fight."
Owen Jones brands Tories 'enemy' of LGBT+ community in angry swipe at Suella Braverman
The left-wing commentator accused the Home Secretary of "tapping into base prejudice" after comments she made about gay asylum seekers.
Speaking to the Daily Express at the Conservative Conference in Manchester, Mr Jones said: "The Government have utter contempt for the LGBTQ community, you can see that with them scrapping proposals to ban conversion therapy in this country.
"The fact that gay Conservative MPs have said that this looks like a Government indulging in homophobia I think is something I would strongly agree with. It is tapping into base prejudices."
Owen Jones dubs Tories 'enemy' of LGBT+ community
Priti Patel blames Labour for 'woke' ideological take-over of schools
Priti Patel has blamed Labour for a "woke" ideological take-over of schools, public bodies and the civil service.
The former Home Secretary accused the left of stoking cultural wars rather than focussing on important issues.She told a crowd at the Conservative conference: "This nonsense and these distractions are created by the left. And in my view, it is quite obvious why they do it because, quite frankly, they start arguments about unconscious bias, or debating what a woman is and telling us what to think how to think and how to live our lives.
"From my point of view, it is obviously much easier for them than doing the hard nine yards of governing."
She added: "We need to call out these appalling ideas and we have to reject them because we need to stand up for what we believe in."
Coffey vows to drop 'absurd' EU regulations such as one on 'bendy bananas'
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: "We are going further to help farmers and rural businesses by making the most of our Brexit freedoms, freedom from European rules, freedom to choose what works best for Britain. We've already legislated to allow gene editing so that we can design crops that are fit for the future.
"My officials are cutting red tape and introducing smarter regulation, and, frankly, bent or straight, it's not for Government to decide the shape of bananas you want to eat.
"I just need to assure you that they are safe. So, we will be dropping absurd regulations including the one on bendy bananas.
"We also need more homes in the countryside so that rural communities can continue to flourish. That's why we've consulted to make it easier to turn disused farm buildings into homes."
Andrew Neil weighs in as huge row erupts over NHS supplier 'trying to influence Spectator event'
A Tory conference row erupted today after Professor Karol Sikora railed against a "blatant attempt at censorship".
The renowned oncologist was due to speak at the Spectator's "How to fix Britain’s cancer crisis" debate at the Conservative Party Conference.
But the healthcare professional said the organisers that sponsored the event, an NHS supplier, had threatened to pull its "substantial sponsorship fee" unless he was "removed from the panel".
He said: "I don't pretend, or want, to be the most popular person at NHS HQ. But if, as I suspect, they were involved in the attempted cancellation then that is worrying."
Jacob Rees-Mogg reveals he came up with tax plan so radical even Liz Truss blocked it
Brexiteer Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has revealed that during Liz Truss’s short-lived premiership, he came up with a tax-cutting plan so radical that even the Thatcher-loving Tory leader blocked it.
Speaking at a packed conference fringe event in Manchester, Sir Jacob says he backed an unprecedented plan to abolish income tax as we know it, and instead move to a single flat rate for all earners.
Rishi Sunak in stiches as Jeremy Hunt mocks SNP in hilarious quip
The Chancellor made fun of Humza Yousaf's party as he delivered his speech at the Conservative Party conference.
He said: "We'll tighten the law to stop people being de-banked for the wrong political views.
"The Lib Dems are wrong to want to overturn a democratic Brexit vote but they still need a cash point to withdraw their euros.
"The SNP are wrong to ignore a democratic vote for the union but they still need a bank account to pay for their motorhomes.
"And even Keir Starmer who's wrong on just about everything needs his trade union cash so he too can have a bank account, just never the keys to Downing Street."
Michael Gove plugs 'massive Tory pulling event'
The Levelling Up Secretary has issued a video advertisement for the Tory Party's closing LGBT disco.
Michael Gove said the gettogether would provide "every opportunity to meet the man, the woman, whoever, who can be that special person. Conservatives believe in bringing people together".
Jeremy Hunt is delivering his keynote address
The Chancellor said the level of tax is "too high".
He told the Tory Party conference in Manchester: "Conservatives will always protect public services, but we're also honest about the taxes that pay for them.
"After a once-in-a-century pandemic and the biggest energy crisis in a generation, the level of tax is too high. We were right to protect jobs and families."
He added to scattered applause: "If you work hard, a Conservative Government will always have your back."
WATCH: Daily Express Senior Political Correspondent gives a day two update from Tory Conference
Daily Express Senior Political Correspondent Christian Calgie gives you an essential low-down on all the latest drama and speeches from Manchester.
In his daily update, Mr Calgie said: "Let's talk about the mood of the place... well, generally the consensus is that there isn't one!
"It is not really anxious or angry they are not really going at each other.
"One person has even compared it to the Mary Celeste it is so vibe-less!"
Watch the full clip below.
Conservative Party Conference daily update
Steve Bray gatecrashes fringe event
Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray has been forcibly ejected after gatecrashing a fringe event at the Tory conference.
The Remain activist stood up and began shouting at the meeting organised by the Bruges Group think tank.
Mr Bray, who was wearing a blue T-shirt which read "stop the Tories", interrupted a speaker to question if Britain has benefited from Brexit.
As he was kicked out, he continued to rant, saying: "Brexit benefits, my a***. What a load of bull****, never heard so much c*** in all my life."
Police eject man from Tory conference
An eyewitness has told the Express that the police have just ejected someone from Tory conference. They said it was unclear why, but an inspector was heard telling other officers “if it’s not a criminal offence, then just take his pass and kick him out”.
The Tory Party have been contacted for comment.
Therese Coffey admits there are issues with shotguns in the UK
Therese Coffey has admitted there are issues with shotguns in the UK, citing the Plymouth shooting among the incidents that jeopardise gun ownership.
The Secretary of State for DEFRA admitted there was a risk that there would be restrictions brought in in the aftermath of these incidents.
But she said she was determined to protect people who owned shotguns from further restrictions.
Priti Patel attacks 'Brexit-bashing BBC' during a fiery speech at a gala dinner
Dame Priti Patel attacked the "Brexit-bashing BBC" during a fiery speech at a gala dinner on the first night of the Tory Party conference in Manchester on Sunday.
The former Home Secretary used an address at the Conservative Democratic Organisation's black-tie dinner to rail against "the free speech deniers at the BBC and the so-called mainstream media".
Making the case for a fundamental shift within the Tory Party in order to protect free speech, make the most of Brexit and uphold true Conservative values, she said: "We must offer them full-blooded Conservatism. A Conservative manifesto that has our values of Freedom, Enterprise and Opportunity at its heart.
"A manifesto that gives families and businesses the economic freedoms that they care about by cutting taxes, reducing red tape, and making the most of the freedoms we now have outside of the European Union.
"Our next manifesto must commit to rolling back the frontiers of the State by reforming public services so they are more efficient and effective, bring down the burden of State spending – the weight of which is making our country sink, and empower communities over planning and development."
Liz Truss speaks to a packed room at fringe growth rally
Liz Truss is ratcheting up the pressure on the Prime Minister today by speaking at a "Rally for Growth" event in the Trafford Suite of the Midland Hotel.
After being introduced by GB News's economics editor Liam Halligan, the former PM declared: "We need more GB News to challenge the economic orthodoxy."
She said: “Long may it continue!”
Nigel Farage spotted at Liz Truss rally
The former Brexit Party leader was spotted at the fringe event after being allowed into the Conservative Party Conference for the first time in decades.
Nigel Farage is expected to present his flagship GB News show later from within the conference's secure zone.
The former MEP told Express.co.uk he believes the last time he was allowed into a Tory conference was "probably the 1980s" when he was a member of the party.
Michael Fabricant defends Suella Braverman and pledges to be an ally of the LGBT+ community
Veteran Tory backbencher Michael Fabricant has defended Suella Braverman's call to limit gay asylum seekers, saying she is not homophobic.
The Lichfield MP and patron of the Conservative LGBT+ group said the Home Secretary has been unfairly attacked as "people love to seize on her".
Mrs Braverman has faced fierce criticism after she said in a speech in Washington that fearing discrimination for being gay or a woman should not be enough to qualify for refugee protection.
At the party conference's LGBT+ Conservative stand, Mr Fabricant told the Daily Express: "All she was saying is that if people are using as an excuse, it's wrong.
Every application has to be looked at on its merits but I certainly don't think that Suella Braverman is homophobic or was even trying to be.
"But of course, people seize on her that's what they love to do."
Around a dozen Tory MPs, including ministers, complained to the Chief Whip Simon Hart following last week's speech
Mr Fabricant went on to explain how he could not be happier that this year's Tory conference is in Manchester - which has some of the best LGBT+ nightlife in the world.
Popping by the LGBT+ Conservative stand he whooped as he told us his favourite bar on the famous Canal Street is drag cabaret bar Via Fossa... so you know where to find him later.
Jeremy Hunt praised for taking flight to Tory Party Conference
Former Brexit minister Lord Frost said "well done" to the Chancellor after it emerged he had caught a flight from London to Manchester.
He said: "I don't often say this but well done Jeremy Hunt. We can already get from London to Manchester in 30 minutes even without HS2. A modern society needs more flights not fewer.
"A modern society needs more flights not fewer."
Harper slams Labour over war on motorists
In his speech at the Tory conference, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "In London Sadiq Khan's ULEZ expansion is a Labour tax on the poorest drivers.
"And he wants to go further, his plans for road driving would see every driver pay per mile driven no matter how clean their car is.
"And in Labour-run Wales, Sir Keir Starmer's blueprint for Labour, there are blanket 20mph speed limits, an ideological ban on road building and plans to charge people to drive on the M4. And just last week they let slip their plans for road charging across Wales.
"It isn't just in Wales or in London. Right across our country, there is a Labour-backed movement to make cars harder to use, to make driving more expensive, and to remove your freedom to get from A to B however you want."
He added that the Conservatives are "proudly pro-car".
Ben Wallace promises Ukraine victory – but says West must help finish the job
The former Defence Secretary said Ukraine has the “momentum” against Russia and its counteroffensive is succeeding, “slowly but surely”.
But, using an op-ed in a national newspaper, Ben Wallace argued Britain was in a position to help Kyiv finish off the Russians.
He said: “Romance, ego and revenge drove Putin to cross into Ukraine and it will be his undoing. His army has lost more than 2,500 tanks, 6,500 armoured vehicles and nearly 300,000 dead or injured. Not a single commander who led the major Russian units into Ukraine is still in place.
“Putin is desperately grasping at the final two things that can save him – time and the splitting of the international community. Britain can do something about both.”
Rishi Sunak warned he must halt exodus of British talent abroad as Tory tax revolt looms
British talent is fleeing the country and needs to be encouraged to stay, a new report warns.
The Independent Business Network document will pile further pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to begin to slash taxes.
It comes as two major events today at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester will see leading figures demand that the Government stop increasing taxes and start cutting them.
Poll: Who is your favourite Tory politician?
As the Conservative Party's annual conference continues, the Express wants to know who your favourite Tory politician is.
Robert Jenrick dismisses claims the weather is behind a fall in Channel crossings
The immigration minister dismissed claims the weather is behind a fall in Channel crossings at the Tory Party conference today.
Robert Jenrick revealed the number of migrants reaching UK shores is down 25 percent, compared to last year.
He said he was given a “reasonable worst-case scenario” of 85,000 crossings this year.
The immigration minister said: “There does seem to be a reduction in demand, and the ability of the people smugglers to get people across the Channel, but I don’t overstate that because the public does not want to see a 25 percent reduction.
“They want to see a 100 percent reduction.”
Your full and comprehensive Tory Party Conference 2023 guide
The Conservatives are now in Manchester for their annual gathering of activists, MPs, ministers, lobbyists and journalists as the second day of the event kicks off.
While he goes into the conference in a perilous position, disliked by many members and miles behind Labour in the polls, the recent net zero announcement and closing of the gap between Labour and Tories have given Mr Sunak a glimmer of hope for a positive Manchester gathering.
Express.co.uk has taken an extensive look at everything happening at the Tory Party Conference 2023, including what's on the agenda, when the Prime Minister will speak and what onlookers should expect...
POLL: Should Jeremy Hunt cut taxes now?
The Chancellor is under pressure from within his own party to commit to tax cuts ahead of the next general election.
Jeremy Hunt has come under fire for the UK’s record-high tax bill but warned that it is “not the right time” for tax cuts and told BBC Breakfast that doing so in his upcoming Autumn Statement would fuel inflation and increase spending.
Do YOU think he should cut taxes now? Vote here in our poll...
Robert Jenrick declares the 'age of mass migration' will validate Brexit
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick has declared the "age of mass migration" will validate Brexit.
Mr Jenrick said it would give Britain more powers to control our borders.
But he admitted the migration system became "more liberal" after the historic 2016 vote.
Mr Jenrick said: “The age of mass migration that we’re living in completely validates the decision to leave the EU. It is already clear that having control of those levers is incredibly important. And it will be even more so in the decades to come.
“I think it is also true, to speak honestly with you, that after leaving the European Union, we ended up creating a system that was, if anything, more liberal than one that we had beforehand.
“It has led to more people coming into the country legally, in very large numbers.
“We have got to make changes to the system. The Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and I committed to doing that because that is what the British public have been asking us as politicians to do for decades.
“That’s why so many people voted to leave the European Union. We have to not just back control of the levers of immigration, but actually exercise them to bring control to our migration system.”
Bim Afolami mocks Keir Starmer in rousing speech
Bim Afolami gave a rousing speech at a business event last night, asking the crowd if anyone knew what Sir Keir Starmer thought about the economy.
Just one person at the back of the MHP Reception put their hand up.
To which the Conservative MP for Hitchin and Harpenden quipped: "Well apart from that one person who has had a private briefing from Keir."
Tensions burst as James Cleverly filmed in furious row over Windsor Famework
James Cleverly was on the receiving end of fury over the Windsor Framework last night, being filmed taking a verbal beating from a party member.
The row went on for some time at a late-night reception, with Mr Cleverly heard saying the Government had “inherited something that wasn’t working” and they’ve made it better.
In March, Boris Johnson led a failed rebellion against the new deal with the EU, with the ERG group of MPs saying that the "Stormont Brake" element of the deal is "practically useless”.
James Cleverly caught in furious row over Windsor Framework
Beachcomber: Gove's party telling off
It seems Tory Party chairman Greg Hands's private party last night didn't go entirely smoothly.
The party boss held a gathering at the Midland Hotel, where Michael Gove got into hot water after sneaking onto the balcony for a crafty cigarette.
He was swiftly told off by security - puff day at the office.
Meanwhile what was meant to be a private gathering for the party's top brass ended up accidentally being listed on the hotel lobby electronic billboard, resulting in multiple incidents of regular members calling the room asking to attend.
Jeremy Hunt appears to distance himself from Suella Braverman's approach to migration
The Chancellor said he "wouldn't use her words" when asked about the Home Secretary's latest migration speech, which was criticised by the United Nations refugee agency and fellow Tory MPs.
The Chancellor told TalkTV: "I am married to an immigrant and I've always believed that we benefit massively as a country from welcoming the brightest and best from all over the world.
"Suella Braverman wouldn't use my words, I wouldn't use her words.
"But she's absolutely right that the social contract that makes Britain one of the most tolerant countries in the world when it comes to immigrants depends on fairness.
"And what we're seeing at the moment with these criminal gangs smuggling thousands of people over the Channel is not fair. It's an abuse of the way the law works in Britain, it's an abuse of all the public services that you get free of charge here.
"And she is absolutely right to tackle that because otherwise we will undermine that social contract, and we won't have that tolerant attitude that we're so proud of having in this country."
Nigel Farage jubilant as he gets inside a Tory party conference for first time since 1980s
Nigel Farage will today be allowed into the Conservative Party conference secure zone for the first time since the 1980s.
The former Brexit Party and Ukip leader has been persona non grata with the Tories for decades and is seen as a major threat to their electoral hopes.
But today he walks into Manchester Central conference centre on a press pass to present his show for GB News and the Tories have decided not to veto his access.
Jeremy Hunt blasted on BBC with Tory rebellion growing
Jeremy Hunt was blasted on the BBC this morning for the UK’s record-high tax bill, which is now the highest since after the Second World War.
The BBC's Jon Kay pressed him over the extortionate tax bill, saying it’s “a bit rich” to talk about increasing the income tax threshold as he announces an increase in the National Minimum Wage.
Mr Kay said: “That’s a bit rich, isn’t it, because people watching this morning know all too well - your own MPs know only too well - that the tax bill has never been higher in history.”
Kemi Badenoch to slam Rejoiners in fiery speech with warning of Keir Starmer Brexit U-turn
Sir Keir Starmer’s party is relentlessly talking down the country and wrongly blaming global challenges on Britain’s departure from the EU, the Business and Trade Secretary will say today.
Kemi Badenoch will tell Tory grassroots that common sense Conservatism that focuses on getting things done is what the country needs.
She will say: “It has been a difficult time to be in government anywhere in the world. Ministers in other countries tell me about supply chain issues affecting everything from getting car components to stocking supermarket shelves.
“They tell me about how they are coping with unfilled vacancies as societies from Germany to Japan get older.
“But it is only when I am back in the UK that l am told that all these issues are down to Brexit.”
James Cleverly announces trip to Falklands with warning of Labour threat to independence
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced a forthcoming visit to the Falkland Islands.
He joked some members may have noticed he may have had a “run-in with the Argentinian Government at the moment”.
He said: “Some of you may have noticed that because they have an election coming they’re trying to do a bit of flexing of their muscles when it comes to the people of the Falklands.
“Now I believe in the right of people to have self-determination.
“And we need to return to a Conservative Government to make clear that they and others around the world are protected.”
Good morning
Good morning from Manchester. I’m Sam Stevenson, and – along with the rest of our Parliamentary team – I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the Tory Party Conference today.
Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
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