Tories under pressure over social care funding, ahead of manifestos from Greens, and in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland * Labour pledges to abolish tuition fees as early as autumn 2017 * Greens to unveil plans for universal basic income in manifesto launch * The Snap: sign up for our daily election email – and read today’s 9.46am BST Ukip are holding a press conference this morning, about protecting the older generation. But, as the Sun’s HARRY COLE says, press interest isn’t exactly high. 3 scribes, a snapper + cameraman at UKIP's latest morning presser. Only party bothering, but appeal waning with 2 and half weeks to go... pic.twitter.com/bLVTvttm0n 9.33am BST THERESA MAY ALREADY HAS A REPUTATION FOR TALKING THE POUND DOWN, AND THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY MANIFESTO IS REINFORCING IT THIS MORNING. Sterling has fallen by almost 0.5% against the US dollar in early trading, falling to $1.297, having hit a seven-month high last week. While a nine-point lead could still give Theresa May a comfortable victory on 8 June, the fact her lead has been slashed in half in just a few days may reinforce to financial markets that her victory is not a certainty. With three weeks to go before the election, another bad PR week for PM May and her team and the Tories’ lead over Labour could fall further into the low single figures, which could encourage sterling selling ahead of this crucial vote. #Sterling on back foot & back under US$1.30 against #dollar as lack of major #UK #economic news puts #market focus on #Tory dip in polls Related: Pound hit by Tory social care backlash, as Greek debt talks loom – business live Continue reading...
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