HSBC latest in a long line of companies warning of the dangers of a re-elected Tory government taking Britain out of the European Union - Ed Balls

Ed Balls, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, said:

“HSBC is just the latest in a long line of companies warning of the dangers of a re-elected Tory government taking Britain out of the European Union.

“The big risk to our economy over the next few years is EU exit if the Tories win the election. It would have a disastrous impact on jobs, trade and investment in Britain. It’s a risk we cannot afford to take.

“Labour will secure Britain’s place in a reformed EU and reform our banking industry so we have more competition and boost lending to business. This is how we defend British jobs and British business and put the national economic interest above party politics.”

Best of the #labourdoorstep this week

Snapping a selfie at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge

Jon Trickett, Labour’s Shadow Minister without Portfolio responds to Nigel Farage’s comments on UKIP MPs supporting a Conservative government

“Once again it is clear that the Tories and UKIP are preparing to work together. 

"Their shared agenda of increased NHS privatisation, more tax cuts for millionaires and extreme spending plans is a recipe for disaster for working people.

"The Tories refuse to rule out doing a deal with UKIP and the terms of a deal are now clear. It’s what a growing proportion of Tory backbenchers and activists want and so David Cameron should come clean and tell us about his plans to work with Nigel Farage.”

Ends

Notes to editors

“…from a Ukip perspective, we would rather see David Cameron as the biggest party, though we don’t trust him at all to hold the referendum on free and fair terms, but David Cameron as the biggest party with enough Ukip MPs to hold his feet to the fire is for us the best option.”

Nigel Farage, Sky News 24 April 2015

Comment on Cameron’s admission that he does not know how much the living wage is

Chuka Umunna, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on David Cameron’s admission on Radio One today that he does not know how much the living wage is, said:

“David Cameron has shown again that he’s completely out of touch. It’s no wonder the Tories have nothing to offer working people.

“And unlike the Tories who have done nothing to promote it, Labour will help employers pay a living wage with new incentives through Make Work Pay contracts.” 

Watch the excellent @ghostpoet performing our favourite from his latest album, X marks the spot, on @BBCLater

Ahem…