Boris Johnson news – live: PM challenged over NHS funding plan as Labour attacks ‘billionaires’ manifesto’
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Boris Johnson faced scrutiny as he launched the Tory manifesto over its lack of a long term plan for social care, with the party’s commitment of £1bn a year having already been announced in September.
The document, titled “Get Brexit Done, Unleash Britain’s Potential”, also promises £1bn for primary schools to develop after-school and holiday childcare.
His pledge of “50,000 more nurses” led to accusations of “deceit”, as it turned out to include 18,500 existing nurses hopes to convince not to leave the workplace.
The PM also stumbled when quizzed on the Tories' fake fact checking debacle, stuttering incoherently before turning a series of metaphors about croutons, minestrone and the Bermuda Triangle into an attack on Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit stance.
Nigel Farage welcomed the manifesto, particularly on immigration, and claimed he recognised many of the ideas within it, as they resembled many of Ukip’s in the 2015 election.
Jacob Rees-Mogg was the only cabinet member not in attendance at Telford, continuing his conspicuous absence ever since he questioned Grenfell victims ”common sense” in following official advice.
We're now onto a hypothetical imagining of a Labour government in Brussels.
Lots of "bonjours", and "monsieurs", as ministers meet apparently bemused negotiators.
Madame Abbott draws the largest laugh.
PM now discussing union
"In 10 years time, I confidently prophesise, that people will be proud of their Scottish", Welsh and English identity, he says.
"But we will also be citizens of a proud and strong United Kingdom...more united than ever, flying that red, white and blue flag".
Johnson warns against a "Corbyn-Sturgeon coalition of chaos".
When have we heard that term before?
Mr Johnson repeats his new joke of going "carbon-neutral by 2050 and Corbyn-neutral by Christmas", which goes down a storm.
Corbyn himself appears less impressed.
Johnson now taking questions from the crowd
ITV's Robert Peston asks why anybody who wants change would vote for the Tories over Labour.
PM references One Nation conservatism and responds that he is unveiling "a radical agenda", making big commitments on public services and infrastructure.
This can only be done by sensibly managing the economy, he says.
The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg asks if it will be a “leap of faith” for people to vote for him after he failed to get Brexit done when in power previously.
Johnson denounces previous parliament as “politicians engaged in … procrastination, dither and delay. We’re the only party at this election that has a prospectus to” leave the EU.
Here's a clip from earlier, with Mr Johnson pledging 50,000 new nurses.
Nick Humphries of the Shropshire Star asks Mr Johnson about Telford's A&E.
PM responds that under a Tory government the A&E will be kept open, and invites journalist to talk to Matt Hancock.
A Telegraph journalist asks if the Conservatives are "taking Tory voters for granted" with this manifesto.
Johnson replies his party believes in cutting taxes and as a result of the economic disaster left by Labour they must do so: "It is right to focus our tax cuts on people who need them most."
Tom Newton Dunn of The Sun asks what has happened "to the party of fiscal credibility" and what will happen to funding for the armed services.
PM says he believes in our armed services and that despite spending pledges the Tories will reduce the country's debt.
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