Election latest news: Nigel Farage says Tories ‘screwed’ regardless of Reform as party warns against extremist right

Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay has said his the party would “push” Labour to be “bolder” on climate if it wins the general election.

With the polls indicating a record result for Sir Keir Starmer, he urged voters to back Green MPs to “bring diversity of views into this next parliament.”

Mr Ramsay told Sky News, he would “move Keir Starmer beyond the U-turns he’s been making on climate and on funding for public services”.

He added: “And that’s why we’re on track to having a record green result of this election.”

A recent poll has revealed Labour is 30 points ahead of the Tories in London.

The Savanta’s final survey shows 49 per cent of Londoners would back Sir Keir Starmer wile the Conservatives are on just 19 per cent, and Reform 11 per cent.

The Liberal democrats are on 10 per cent while the Greens have six per cent of the votes.

Chris Hopkins, Savanta’s research director, said: “Our research suggests that the Conservatives could be all but wiped out from London this week, if our results are replicated on election day.

“Their party is deeply unpopular in the capital, leaking votes to Reform UK and facing threats from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

“Labour is seen by Londoners as most trusted on every policy issue important to them, from housing to the cost of living. That ultimately will be likely what drives Londoners on polling day, with our research also suggesting they’re looking forward to a London Mayor and a national government working together.”

The Independent is giving readers the chance to chat directly with candidates from some of the major political parties in a special general election series of Ask Me Anything events.

Two of Reform’s core five pledges are to do with migration. The party says it would freeze non-essential immigration, but concedes there would be exceptions with work in healthcare considered essential.

Elsewhere, the party pledges big tax cuts for small businesses, an overhaul of the adult social care system, scrapping the net zero target, banning ‘transgender ideology’ in schools, and axing the rest of the HS2 rail link.

Home Secretary James Cleverly has warned if a future Labour government “falls short” in facing issues surrounding immigration, extremist parties would take advantage of the situation.

Speaking amid the rising right at the French elections, James Cleverly told GB News: “I gave a speech at the end of last year where I said if governments don’t get a grip of immigration and work internationally and cooperatively, there is a risk that extremist parties take advantage of the disquiet.”

He added: “The Conservatives are taking action… I worry that when Labour, not if, when Labour fall short on this issue, the anger of the British people could erupt in a whole load of different ways. This is why it’s so important people think very carefully how they vote on July 4.”

The independent candidate for Islngton North has posted on Instagram a picture of him holding a marrow.

The former Labour leader asked followers to “zoom in” on the vegetable to support his campaign.

The message reads: “Help us get out the vote on Islington North. Link in bio.”

Shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth has confirmed Labour has budgeted for the compensation package for victims of the infected blood scandal.

Asked about the issue on BBC Breakfast, Mr Ashworth said: “Yeah, we have agreed with the Government about the compensation package that was announced.”

He added: “Just before the General Election was called, the Government announced the package. We supported that package.

“The infected blood scandal is a scandal in the true sense of the term. It is heartbreaking for people affected and the wider families who have been impacted.

“We’ve supported the compensation package and that is something where there has been cross-party support.”

James Cleverly has accused Labour of copying his campaign promises on immigration policy.

The Home Secretary told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I’m absolutely determined as Home Secretary to continue looking at ways of smashing the gangs, interrupting their supply of boats, interrupting their supply of engines, interrupting their illegal money, and of course having the deterrent, the Rwanda scheme, which is designed to deter people from making that dangerous and illegal crossing.”

Asked whether the phrase “smash the gangs” was part of Labour’s policy on immigration, Mr Cleverly said: “They are copying my work.”