Thread by @jonlis1

Here we, here we, here we fucking go #EuropeanElectionResults

Whatever happens in next few hours, remember most important thing: these elections were never meant to happen. Like extension, PM swore they would not. But they have. We’ve participated in the democratic operation of EU and normalised idea of remaining. Nothing will change that.

Just think: when was the last time anyone in Britain really cared about European elections? Tonight there’ll likely be big turnout & we’ll be watching whole EU. For perhaps the first time in decades, we are genuinely engaged in the life of our continent. And that’s brilliant.

Wow. Emily Thornberry looking almost funereal on BBC. Admits that on defining issue, Labour wasn’t clear. Key: ‘should’ve said any deal would be put to people in confirmatory ballot’. Real lines of division opening now. If Corbyn doesn’t bow to this the Shadow Cabinet will split.

Extraordinary, totally extraordinary. Tories come 5th in North East. Until 2014 they had an MEP. Now they get beaten by the Greens! The natural party of government is absolute toast.

And yes, extraordinary that a party that’s existed for 6 weeks is going to knock this election out of the park. Farage is an extraordinarily charismatic and effective charlatan. But a strong Leave result was inevitable. Let’s wait to see if Leave parties score over 50%.

Astonishing that the Greens have beaten the Tories in the East of England. In the general election this region is almost uniformly blue. The Conservatives are breaking.

OMG. 8% Tory share in London. 8%! Until 2014 they had 3 MEPs. Now none. Feel sorry for Charles Tannock, who’s worked hard and backs Remain, but no tears whatsoever for Syed Kamall, a cynical careerist who knew Brexit was a shitshow, backed it anyway and now reaps his just reward

Also very glad Seb Dance was elected. He deserved his seat and will fight the cause of Remain every day. Oh, and superb that that miserable Islamophobe Gerard Batten was finally kicked out of the capital. His 15-year parliamentary career brought shame on our city.

Labour feared they would lose more than two seats. They were also expected to lose to the Greens. It’s good they held together and both London MEPs are staunch Remainers. But they still lost to the Lib Dems in a solidly Labour city and now have to accept why.

Blimey. Greens beat the Tories in West Midlands, another Tory heartland, and that party again comes 5th. Tonight is a disaster for Labour but an existential battering for the ruling party.

Vital point just made that Change UK cost the Lib Dems a seat in Wales. Time to admit defeat. The future of our country is more important than individual politicians’ egos, and in their hearts they must accept that.

We have to be honest everyone. National results obviously not complete but Remain parties are not doing nearly well enough against Brexit Party, Tories and UKIP. It’s not the end of the world, yet, but we’re not persuading enough people. Consider this a kick up the backside.

Absolutely amazing result in South West. Of three parties represented in last parliament, two have completely vanished and two have emerged from nowhere. If the Tories and Labour both leave empty-handed in a national election, that’s an earthquake.

Sorry, three parties vanish in South West, not two: Labour, Tories and UKIP. Brexit Party and Lib Dems come from nowhere. Only the Green MEP weathers the storm.

Likewise East Midlands. Tories and UKIP completely expelled, Brexit and Lib Dems arrive. This isn’t like previous European elections because for the first time Europe is the nation’s top issue. The country’s political landscape is being totally transformed.

Woah. In South East one Alexandra Phillips elected for Brexit and one Alexandra Phillips elected for Greens. Is this the first time in history two people with exactly the same name have been elected in the same country, let alone the same constituency? Someone pls write a sitcom

Superb that @julie4nw re-elected in North West, and that Lib Dems and Greens come from nowhere to take 3 seats. The Tories once again eliminated. Inconceivable even a year ago that ruling party would or could come 5th in a nationwide election.

Am I dreaming or is this conversation between Huw Edwards and Ann Widdecombe actually happening

Christ. Tories win 5% of the vote in Bristol. The 8th-biggest city in the UK, which elected a Tory MP as recently as 2015. 5%.

Heartbreaking result for Labour in Scotland. Even 14 years ago Scotland was a virtual one-party state. The party’s rule was unassailable. It now languishes in fifth place. If you love Labour, you don’t have long to save it.

And with that, I’m off to bed. I’ll be on BBC Radio London at about 7.15 in the morning to translate this Twitter thread into broadcastable radio. Night!