Experts say Tory tax plans will mostly benefit wealthier people, as minister faces derision for saying government ‘not to blame’ for poverty - as it happened

All of the day's political action, as it happened

General Election 2019: What you need to know

The Conservatives have come under fire on two fronts, after experts said their tax plans would mostly benefit wealthier people and a senior minister gave a interview claiming the government was "not to blame" for poverty.

Labour said the comments from Priti Patel, the home secretary, were another example of the "cruelty" of the Tory government.

As Jeremy Corbyn unveiled Labour's manifesto, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said a Tory pledge to raise the national insurance threshold would predominantly help middle and high-earners.

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Key Points

• Jeremy Corbyn launches Labour election manifesto
• Experts say Tory tax pledge will mostly benefit wealthier people
• Priti Patel criticised over 'government not to blame for poverty' comments
• Labour makes 'transformational' housebuilding pledge 
• Guy Verhofstadt says Gove interview 'one of the most painful' he has ever seen

[21 November 2019 15:43 · Benjamin Kentish]

 Tories raise 26 more than Labour from big money donors

The Conservatives have totted up £5.7m in donations of £7,500 during the first week of the campaign, compared to the Lib Dems'  £250,000 and Labour's £218,500.

Jon Stone has the story.

 

[21 November 2019 16:11 · Benjamin Kentish]

Jeremy Corbyn says Final Say referendum would be legally binding 

The Labour leader says his government would "carry it out whatever the result of that vote is".

Here's Andrew Woodcock's story.

[21 November 2019 16:29 · Benjamin Kentish]

In one of the more bizarre political events of the day (year?), Lily Allen has tweeted a video of herself pretending to cry with joy at Labour's manifesto...

[21 November 2019 16:46 · Benjamin Kentish]

Varadkar hints at EU support for Labour's Brexit policy

The EU is "open to" Labour's Brexit policy, Leo Varadkar has said.

The Irish taoiseach claimed European leaders had always been receptive to the UK staying in the single market and customs union and would be happy to "work with" whoever wins the general election.

Jon Stone reports.

[21 November 2019 17:04 · Benjamin Kentish]

That's all for today's live coverage - thanks for covering.