Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Conservative party conference - live updates: Philip Hammond warns of Cuba-style food shortages if Corbyn is elected

Follow the latest updates from the Conservative party conference in Manchester

Benjamin Kentish,Ashley Cowburn,Lizzy Buchan
Monday 02 October 2017 15:26 BST
Comments
Chancellor Philip Hammond arrives at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, alongside Theresa May
Chancellor Philip Hammond arrives at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, alongside Theresa May (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the second day of the Conservative party conference in Manchester.

During his keynote speech Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, claimed Britain risks Cuba and Venezuela-style food shortages if Jeremy Corbyn wins power at the next election.

Raising the spectre of failed socialist states, he branded Labour’s economic plans a “political version of Jurassic Park”.

It comes after the Chancellor warned Boris Johnson he could be fired if he keeps trying to push Theresa May towards a harder Brexit, saying: “Everyone is sackable.”

And he warned Cabinet divisions were damaging the chances of success in the Brexit talks, saying: “The more we can show unity, the stronger our negotiating position.”

Mr Hammond insisted the Cabinet had agreed a united position that the transition now being sought by the Prime Minister should last “around two years” – while admitting he had pushed for up to four years.

The Chancellor’s comments come after senior Tories rounded on Mr Johnson’s open challenge to Brexit policy. One told The Independent he was “incredibly disloyal”.

Meanwhile, the British Chambers of Commerce launched an outspoken attack on the Cabinet squabbling, demanding the Tories pull themselves together and show “competence and coherence”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in