Afternoon summary
Kemi Badenoch has backed her shadow justice secretary, Nick Timothy, after he claimed that Islamic prayers taking place in public are intimidating and un-British, with Labour saying the Conservatives had embraced the “gutter” politics of prejudice. Speaking at an event in Scotland, where he was unveiling Reform UK’s manifesto for Scotland, Nigel Farage went even further in his support for Timothy’s position, claiming that what happened in Trafalgar Square on Monday was “a shock” and “an open, deliberate, wilful attempt, not at the private observance of a different religion, but the attempt to overtake, intimidate and dominate our way of life”. (See 3.10pm.)
For a full list of all the stories covered on the blog today, do scroll through the list of key event headlines near the top of the blog.
Badenoch says people should be more willing to tackle shoplifters
Kemi Badenoch has said that people should be more willing to intervene physically to stop shoplifters.
In an interview with Times Radio, she said the failure of the public to intervene made shoplifters and other criminals “think that they can get away with it”.
She added:
I know that there is now a tendency for people not to put themselves in harm’s way. But I also think that sometimes we need to send a message that this is not acceptable.
Asked if she would be willing to do this personally, Badenoch, who is about 5ft 4in, replied:
I think it depends on how big they are. But yes, broadly, it would be my instinct. I think people should look after their personal safety. I think those people who are stronger should do more.
