skynewspolitics--2020-01-17--Rees-Mogg: We are taking online child abuse seriously

Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the government will take online child abuse seriously Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the government is taking the rise of child sexual exploitation ( CSE ) material online seriously but refused to allow concerned MPs a debate in the House of Commons .
His statement was made after the Internet Watch Foundation ( IWF ) warned of an `` epidemic '' of child abuse images on the open web , according to reports the charity received last year .
Labour 's Chris Elmore MP , who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on social media , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry into the increase in CSE material online .
The charity received more than 260,000 reports in 2019 , a 14 % increase on the year before .
Of these reports , more than 132,000 were of images or videos of children being sexually abused .
According to the charity , the reports it received `` equate to millions of images and videos '' and its chief executive Susie Hargreaves OBE said it was `` really shocking ... that it 's all available on the open internet , or 'clear web ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leader of the House to bring forward either a government statement or time for a debate `` to ensure that the government is working with every organisation '' to protect children .
He added that he wanted to see `` social media providers ... tackled head on in dealing with these heinous crimes that children are facing '' .
Mr Rees-Mogg thanked him for the question , and said : `` The government has a very clear plan to ensure better enforcement in this area with continued rigour and is conscious of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they online or offline .
`` Therefore it is something the government will seek to take seriously , '' Mr Rees-Mogg said , before adding : `` I can not promise an immediate debate but there were DCMS questions previously and I would encourage him to continue raising it . ''
Susie Hargreaves said : `` We look forward to working with Chris Elmore on the inquiry , and providing our world-leading expertise on this issue .
`` These truly are heinous crimes , and the victims are all real children .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing more until all images of child sexual abuse are eradicated from the internet for good . ''

Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the government is taking the rise of child sexual exploitation (CSE) material online seriously but refused to allow concerned MPs a debate in the House of Commons.
His statement was made after the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) warned of an "epidemic" of child abuse images on the open web, according to reports the charity received last year.
Labour's Chris Elmore MP, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on social media, said he would work with the IWF on an inquiry into the increase in CSE material online.
The charity received more than 260,000 reports in 2019, a 14% increase on the year before. Of these reports, more than 132,000 were of images or videos of children being sexually abused.
According to the charity, the reports it received "equate to millions of images and videos" and its chief executive Susie Hargreaves OBE said it was "really shocking... that it's all available on the open internet, or 'clear web'."
Mr Elmore asked Mr Rees-Mogg as the leader of the House to bring forward either a government statement or time for a debate "to ensure that the government is working with every organisation" to protect children.
He added that he wanted to see "social media providers... tackled head on in dealing with these heinous crimes that children are facing".
Mr Rees-Mogg thanked him for the question, and said: "The government has a very clear plan to ensure better enforcement in this area with continued rigour and is conscious of the responsibilities of media providers, be they online or offline.
"Therefore it is something the government will seek to take seriously," Mr Rees-Mogg said, before adding: "I cannot promise an immediate debate but there were DCMS questions previously and I would encourage him to continue raising it."
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Susie Hargreaves said: "We look forward to working with Chris Elmore on the inquiry, and providing our world-leading expertise on this issue.
"These truly are heinous crimes, and the victims are all real children. We all need to make sure we are doing more until all images of child sexual abuse are eradicated from the internet for good."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-16--Long-Bailey vows to end 'gentlemen's club of politics' in leadership launch

Rebecca Long-Bailey will launch her campaign in Manchester Left-wing Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey is pledging to `` end the gentlemen ’ s club of politics '' and devolve power away from Westminster to the regions .
The 40-year-old , seen as `` keeper of the Corbynite flame '' , is launching her campaign in Manchester promising a `` democratic revolution '' which will shake up the way government works .
`` We will end the gentlemen 's club of politics and we will be setting out plans to go further by devolving power out of Westminster to a regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declare .
Ms Long-Bailey 's campaign launch comes after a day in which she received backing from the left-wing grassroots group Momentum but also became embroiled in a row over her views on abortion .
Momentum 's leadership claimed its members had overwhelmingly backed her for leader , with 70 % supporting her , even though only 7,000 of the group 's 40,000 members took part in the survey .
And Ms Long-Bailey was challenged by leadership rival Jess Phillips after it was revealed she told the Catholic church she disagreed with abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit of 24 weeks .
Ahead of the first hustings in Liverpool on Saturday , Ms Phillips has stepped up her campaign with an open letter to party members saying Labour must tell the truth in order to win back voters .
`` No more pussyfooting or pretending , '' she wrote in her typically blunt style .
`` We have to provide a version of the future that fills our hearts while being rooted in fact . ''
And in a surprise development , the party revealed that after a 48-hour window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £25 and register as temporary supporters to vote for leader and deputy leader .
At her campaign launch , Mr Long-Bailey , pitching herself as an anti-establishment leadership contender , will say : `` Where I grew up , Westminster , even London , felt like a million miles away .
`` The story of the last few years is that many people feel there is something wrong with their laws being drafted hundreds of miles away by a distant and largely unaccountable bureaucratic elite in Brussels .
: : Listen to All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' But I 'll be honest , Westminster did n't feel much closer , and it still does n't today .
`` That 's why I want to shake up the way government works and deliver a clear message to voters : we will put power where it belongs - in your hands .
`` The British state needs a seismic shock , to prise it open at all levels to the people - their knowledge , their skills , their demands . ''
And on her `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Proper democracy takes power away from the offshore bank account and places it on the ballot paper , so workers can have more and chief executives less , and we can tackle the climate crisis with a Green New Deal that unites all of Labour 's heartlands . ''
In a defence of Mr Corbyn 's tenure as leader , Ms Long-Bailey will say : `` The Labour Party now has four years to reconnect with the people of our country , build a powerful movement to raise up their demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take charge .
`` I understand the pride that millions feel in the place they call home .
Yes , millions of people have taken a knock to their quality of life from de-industrialisation and a decade of austerity .
`` But I also understand that has n't dented one bit our shining conviction , that our children 's lives must and will be better than our own , and that the future of our towns and cities must be worthy of their great past .
`` And I will fight for that @ @ @

Left-wing Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey is pledging to "end the gentlemen’s club of politics" and devolve power away from Westminster to the regions.
The 40-year-old, seen as "keeper of the Corbynite flame", is launching her campaign in Manchester promising a "democratic revolution" which will shake up the way government works.
"We will end the gentlemen's club of politics and we will be setting out plans to go further by devolving power out of Westminster to a regional and local level," she will declare.
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey is close to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
Ms Long-Bailey's campaign launch comes after a day in which she received backing from the left-wing grassroots group Momentum but also became embroiled in a row over her views on abortion.
Momentum's leadership claimed its members had overwhelmingly backed her for leader, with 70% supporting her, even though only 7,000 of the group's 40,000 members took part in the survey.
And Ms Long-Bailey was challenged by leadership rival Jess Phillips after it was revealed she told the Catholic church she disagreed with abortion on grounds of disability after the standard limit of 24 weeks.
Ahead of the first hustings in Liverpool on Saturday, Ms Phillips has stepped up her campaign with an open letter to party members saying Labour must tell the truth in order to win back voters.
"No more pussyfooting or pretending," she wrote in her typically blunt style. "We have to provide a version of the future that fills our hearts while being rooted in fact."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 'We weren't good enough': Long-Bailey on antisemitism
And in a surprise development, the party revealed that after a 48-hour window only 14,700 people had applied to pay £25 and register as temporary supporters to vote for leader and deputy leader.
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At her campaign launch, Mr Long-Bailey, pitching herself as an anti-establishment leadership contender, will say: "Where I grew up, Westminster, even London, felt like a million miles away.
"The story of the last few years is that many people feel there is something wrong with their laws being drafted hundreds of miles away by a distant and largely unaccountable bureaucratic elite in Brussels.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"But I'll be honest, Westminster didn't feel much closer, and it still doesn't today.
"That's why I want to shake up the way government works and deliver a clear message to voters: we will put power where it belongs - in your hands.
"The British state needs a seismic shock, to prise it open at all levels to the people - their knowledge, their skills, their demands."
And on her "democratic revolution", she will say: "Proper democracy takes power away from the offshore bank account and places it on the ballot paper, so workers can have more and chief executives less, and we can tackle the climate crisis with a Green New Deal that unites all of Labour's heartlands."
In a defence of Mr Corbyn's tenure as leader, Ms Long-Bailey will say: "The Labour Party now has four years to reconnect with the people of our country, build a powerful movement to raise up their demands and be the force that helps them take charge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'I want to abolish the House of Lords'
"I understand the pride that millions feel in the place they call home. Yes, millions of people have taken a knock to their quality of life from de-industrialisation and a decade of austerity.
"But I also understand that hasn't dented one bit our shining conviction, that our children's lives must and will be better than our own, and that the future of our towns and cities must be worthy of their great past.
"And I will fight for that future."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-17--New advice on travel to EU released ahead of Brexit Day on 31 January

Brexit will not affect your summer holiday to the EU , Britons told Brexit will not affect your summer holiday to the EU , Britons told Some Britons are worried about how Brexit will affect their travel plans .
File pic The travel industry is trying to reassure tourists that their summer holidays wo n't be affected by the UK 's departure from the European Union .
ABTA , which represents thousands of businesses in the sector , has updated its advice ahead of Brexit day on 31 January .
After this date , the UK is set to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of December 2020 , which means the country will continue to follow EU rules .
According to ABTA , this arrangement means valid passports can still be used as normal - and coaches and trains from the UK to the continent will be unaffected .
The cost of making calls , sending texts and using the internet will continue to be the same in the EU as it is in the UK , and European Health Insurance Cards ( EHICs ) will also remain valid .
Previous guidance from ABTA had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each of these areas - and that driving licences and the ability to take pets abroad could also be affected .
Mark Tanzer , ABTA 's chief executive , said : `` People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things wo n't change until at least the end of 2020 . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Little is certain about how travellers may be affected in 2021 and beyond .
Boris Johnson has said it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will strike a comprehensive trade deal with the EU by December 2020 , when the transition period ends .
The prime minister has vowed that this deadline will not be pushed back , but some critics have claimed that this timeframe is much too ambitious .
Andrej Plenkovic , his Croatian counterpart , recently told MEPs that `` it will take a lot of goodwill and a lot of work to bring these negotiations to an end in that period '' .
Last summer , a survey of more than 2,000 British consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit would affect their travel plans .

The travel industry is trying to reassure tourists that their summer holidays won't be affected by the UK's departure from the European Union.
ABTA, which represents thousands of businesses in the sector, has updated its advice ahead of Brexit day on 31 January.
After this date, the UK is set to enter into an 11-month transition period, until the end of December 2020, which means the country will continue to follow EU rules.
According to ABTA, this arrangement means valid passports can still be used as normal - and coaches and trains from the UK to the continent will be unaffected.
The cost of making calls, sending texts and using the internet will continue to be the same in the EU as it is in the UK, and European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) will also remain valid.
Previous guidance from ABTA had suggested there could be potential changes in each of these areas - and that driving licences and the ability to take pets abroad could also be affected.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA's chief executive, said: "People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things won't change until at least the end of 2020."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Little is certain about how travellers may be affected in 2021 and beyond.
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Boris Johnson has said it is "epically likely" that the UK will strike a comprehensive trade deal with the EU by December 2020, when the transition period ends.
The prime minister has vowed that this deadline will not be pushed back, but some critics have claimed that this timeframe is much too ambitious.
Andrej Plenkovic, his Croatian counterpart, recently told MEPs that "it will take a lot of goodwill and a lot of work to bring these negotiations to an end in that period".
Last summer, a survey of more than 2,000 British consumers revealed that 31% were unsure how Brexit would affect their travel plans.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-16--PM distances himself from Big Ben Brexit crowdfunding campaign

Boris Johnson has distanced himself from a public fundraiser to allow Big Ben to chime for Brexit , having initially given his backing to a campaign to allow people to `` bung a bob '' to see it bong .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said Commons authorities have raised concerns about such crowdfunding attempts to mark Britain 's EU exit later this month .
He added that Mr Johnson was now focused on official government events to mark Britain 's 31 January departure .
`` The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the spokesman said .
`` I think the PM 's focus is on the events which he and the government are planning to mark January 31 .
`` It 's a significant moment in our history and we want to ensure that 's properly recorded . ''
A statement from the House of Commons Commission said it would be an `` unprecedented approach '' to foot the bill through public donations and `` any novel form of funding would need to be consistent with principles of propriety and proper oversight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should contribute to the appeal , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` I 'm just reflecting that the parliamentary authorities have set out some potential problems .
`` Our focus is on the events that the Government are currently working on . ''
A national crowdfunding campaign was launched on Wednesday - and had raised more than £100,000 by 3pm on Thursday .
The PM suggested on Tuesday that the costs could be met by willing members of the public , saying ministers were `` working up a plan so people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben bong . ''
Tory Brexiteer Mark Francois and the StandUp4Brexit group were spearheading plans to help raise the cash to pay for the `` iconic timepiece '' to ring in the UK 's departure .
Mr Francois , who has pledged £1,000 of his own money to the cause , said : `` As the prime minister effectively initiated this campaign live on TV two days ago , and as we are clearly going to hit the target , he would be mad to back away from it . ''
Parliament officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Ben , which is currently undergoing restoration work , to sound later this month would be as high as £500,000 .
This is because the clock mechanism on parliament 's Elizabeth Tower , which usually powers the hammer that strikes the Great Bell ( commonly known as Big Ben ) , has been dismantled and removed for refurbishment .
A temporary striking mechanism and temporary floor of the belfry where Big Ben is housed would need to be installed in order for the famous bell to ring .
When they launched the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise the cash by the weekend , due to the time needed to prepare Big Ben .
If they failed to reach the £500,000 target , they said the fund would be donated to the Help for Heroes charity , as would any surplus money if the target was exceeded .
Mr Francois , speaking before Downing Street 's comments , admitted a `` Plan B '' could be to play a recording of Big Ben 's bongs .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been largely silent since a four-year , £61m , renovations programme began in 2017 .
The new clock face , revealed in October , turned out to be dark blue rather than black .

Boris Johnson has distanced himself from a public fundraiser to allow Big Ben to chime for Brexit, having initially given his backing to a campaign to allow people to "bung a bob" to see it bong.
The prime minister's official spokesman said Commons authorities have raised concerns about such crowdfunding attempts to mark Britain's EU exit later this month.
He added that Mr Johnson was now focused on official government events to mark Britain's 31 January departure.
Image: The PM suggested on Tuesday that the costs could be met by a public fundraising campaign
"The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations," the spokesman said.
"I think the PM's focus is on the events which he and the government are planning to mark January 31.
"It's a significant moment in our history and we want to ensure that's properly recorded."
A statement from the House of Commons Commission said it would be an "unprecedented approach" to foot the bill through public donations and "any novel form of funding would need to be consistent with principles of propriety and proper oversight of public expenditure".
When asked whether people should contribute to the appeal, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "I'm just reflecting that the parliamentary authorities have set out some potential problems.
"Our focus is on the events that the Government are currently working on."
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A national crowdfunding campaign was launched on Wednesday - and had raised more than £100,000 by 3pm on Thursday.
The PM suggested on Tuesday that the costs could be met by willing members of the public, saying ministers were "working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong."
Image: Mark Francois said he had put his hand into his pocket to help the cause
Tory Brexiteer Mark Francois and the StandUp4Brexit group were spearheading plans to help raise the cash to pay for the "iconic timepiece" to ring in the UK's departure.
Mr Francois, who has pledged £1,000 of his own money to the cause, said: "As the prime minister effectively initiated this campaign live on TV two days ago, and as we are clearly going to hit the target, he would be mad to back away from it."
Parliament officials have estimated that the cost of enabling Big Ben, which is currently undergoing restoration work, to sound later this month would be as high as £500,000.
This is because the clock mechanism on parliament's Elizabeth Tower, which usually powers the hammer that strikes the Great Bell (commonly known as Big Ben), has been dismantled and removed for refurbishment.
Image: The Elizabeth Tower's Great Bell, commonly known as 'Big Ben' Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
A temporary striking mechanism and temporary floor of the belfry where Big Ben is housed would need to be installed in order for the famous bell to ring.
When they launched the campaign, organisers said they had hoped to raise the cash by the weekend, due to the time needed to prepare Big Ben.
If they failed to reach the £500,000 target, they said the fund would be donated to the Help for Heroes charity, as would any surplus money if the target was exceeded.
Mr Francois, speaking before Downing Street's comments, admitted a "Plan B" could be to play a recording of Big Ben's bongs.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Big Ben has been largely silent since a four-year, £61m, renovations programme began in 2017.
The new clock face, revealed in October, turned out to be dark blue rather than black.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-16--Questions over Long-Bailey's stance on abortion law

Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey `` personally '' does not agree with current abortion law , it has emerged .
The Salford and Eccles MP has been revealed to dispute legislation that allows the termination of a pregnancy at any time , if there is a significant risk of the baby being born seriously disabled .
In England , Wales and Scotland an abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks into a pregnancy if authorised by two doctors .
However , an abortion can still be authorised beyond this time limit - and at any time - if there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped .
In written answers to questions from local Catholic priests , submitted prior to the general election and uncovered by the Red Roar website , Ms Long-Bailey expressed her disagreement with this exception to the 24-week abortion limit .
The shadow business secretary said : `` It is currently legal to terminate a pregnancy up to full-term on the grounds of disability while the upper limit is 24 weeks if there is no disability .
`` I personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree with the words of the Disability Rights Commission that 'the context in which parents choose whether to have a child should be one in which disability and non-disability are valued equally ' . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Long-Bailey , who is Catholic , vowed to the priests that she would `` play my part '' in a public consultation on the detail of new abortion laws and regulations `` in ensuring that your views are heard '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would never contemplate abortion '' but has `` tried to understand the agonising decisions many feel forced to make and what support they would need '' .
Ms Long-Bailey , 40 , is among five candidates vying to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader .
Following the focus on Ms Long-Bailey 's views on abortion , one of her rivals for the Labour leadership - Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips - posted on Twitter : `` I always have and always will trust women to make the decisions about their bodies .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passive view , it has taken struggle and effort for that right to choose to exist .
I will continue to be active in that struggle . ''
Sophie Walker , the founder of the Women 's Equality Party , said : `` Women 's equality starts and ends with control over our own bodies .
`` It would be deeply worrying if Labour 's front-runner and potential first woman leader did not trust women to make their own decisions . ''
A spokesperson for Ms Long-Bailey accused `` fake news peddlers '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP 's responses `` to propagate a misleading narrative '' .
`` Rebecca unequivocally supports a woman 's right to choose and has only ever voted in favour of extending the right to abortion , such as in Northern Ireland , '' they said .
The spokesperson added : `` Rebecca 's response to the Deanery of Salford clarified the existing law and current Labour policy , stating that abortion procedures should be properly regulated , and that women 's reproductive rights and the decriminalisation of abortion should be maintained .
`` Rebecca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her own personal agreement with the Disability Rights Commission ... rather than her view on policy .
`` During any proposed public consultation a wide range of views would of course be heard , and it is Rebecca 's duty as an MP to ensure her constituents are able to respond . ''
Ms Long-Bailey 's campaign received a boost on Thursday when members of left-wing campaign group Momentum voted to support her for the Labour leadership .
Of the 7,395 people who responded to the group 's consultation of its membership , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ms Long-Bailey .
However , members were not consulted about their views on other candidates , merely being asked : `` Should Momentum follow the National Coordinating Group recommendation to endorse Rebecca Long-Bailey as the next leader of the Labour Party ? ''
Momentum - who were key supporters of Mr Corbyn during his two leadership election victories - have pledged to `` launch a huge campaign and mobilise thousands of supporters '' to elect Ms Long-Bailey as Labour 's next leader on 4 April .

Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey "personally" does not agree with current abortion law, it has emerged.
The Salford and Eccles MP has been revealed to dispute legislation that allows the termination of a pregnancy at any time, if there is a significant risk of the baby being born seriously disabled.
In England, Wales and Scotland an abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks into a pregnancy if authorised by two doctors.
However, an abortion can still be authorised beyond this time limit - and at any time - if there is substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped.
In written answers to questions from local Catholic priests, submitted prior to the general election and uncovered by the Red Roar website, Ms Long-Bailey expressed her disagreement with this exception to the 24-week abortion limit.
The shadow business secretary said: "It is currently legal to terminate a pregnancy up to full-term on the grounds of disability while the upper limit is 24 weeks if there is no disability.
"I personally do not agree with this position and agree with the words of the Disability Rights Commission that 'the context in which parents choose whether to have a child should be one in which disability and non-disability are valued equally'."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Long-Bailey, who is Catholic, vowed to the priests that she would "play my part" in a public consultation on the detail of new abortion laws and regulations "in ensuring that your views are heard".
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She also revealed that she "would never contemplate abortion" but has "tried to understand the agonising decisions many feel forced to make and what support they would need".
Ms Long-Bailey, 40, is among five candidates vying to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader.
Image: The shadow business secretary is among five candidates for the Labour leadership
Following the focus on Ms Long-Bailey's views on abortion, one of her rivals for the Labour leadership - Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips - posted on Twitter: "I always have and always will trust women to make the decisions about their bodies.
"For me that isn't just a passive view, it has taken struggle and effort for that right to choose to exist. I will continue to be active in that struggle."
Sophie Walker, the founder of the Women's Equality Party, said: "Women's equality starts and ends with control over our own bodies.
"It would be deeply worrying if Labour's front-runner and potential first woman leader did not trust women to make their own decisions."
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A spokesperson for Ms Long-Bailey accused "fake news peddlers" of having "selectively quoted" the MP's responses "to propagate a misleading narrative".
"Rebecca unequivocally supports a woman's right to choose and has only ever voted in favour of extending the right to abortion, such as in Northern Ireland," they said.
The spokesperson added: "Rebecca's response to the Deanery of Salford clarified the existing law and current Labour policy, stating that abortion procedures should be properly regulated, and that women's reproductive rights and the decriminalisation of abortion should be maintained.
"Rebecca's response was also a reflection of her own personal agreement with the Disability Rights Commission... rather than her view on policy.
"During any proposed public consultation a wide range of views would of course be heard, and it is Rebecca's duty as an MP to ensure her constituents are able to respond."
Ms Long-Bailey's campaign received a boost on Thursday when members of left-wing campaign group Momentum voted to support her for the Labour leadership.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'I do want to abolish the House of Lords'
Of the 7,395 people who responded to the group's consultation of its membership, 70% backed Momentum giving its support to Ms Long-Bailey.
However, members were not consulted about their views on other candidates, merely being asked: "Should Momentum follow the National Coordinating Group recommendation to endorse Rebecca Long-Bailey as the next leader of the Labour Party?"
Momentum - who were key supporters of Mr Corbyn during his two leadership election victories - have pledged to "launch a huge campaign and mobilise thousands of supporters" to elect Ms Long-Bailey as Labour's next leader on 4 April.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-16--Morgan defends U-turn on serving under Johnson

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan says she took a job in Boris Johnson 's government in order to provide a `` variety of voices around the table '' - even though she previously ruled out serving under the prime minister .
The senior Conservative defended her decision to accept a Cabinet role last July , despite having stated less than a year before : `` I would not serve in a Boris Johnson cabinet . ''
Baroness Morgan also shrugged off criticism following her decision to not stand for re-election as an MP at last month 's general election , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary from the House of Lords .
In an interview with The House magazine , she said : `` My view is that I took the role in Cabinet when the prime minister offered it on the basis that I think it 's really important to have a variety of voices around the table with different views on the Conservative Party , different views on Brexit , and the prime minister understands and respects that .
`` I also think that if you 're asked to serve your country and parliament then you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very good reason to say no . ''
MPs are no longer able to directly ask Baroness Morgan in the House of Commons about her department 's work , with the cabinet minister watching from the Commons ' public gallery on Thursday as MPs fired questions to her junior ministers .
She will answer questions about her department 's work herself in the House of Lords next week .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked about the criticism she has received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Baroness Morgan said : `` At the end of the day , that 's for them .
`` The way of coping with being in the public eye and public life is to think about my own conduct and to explain the reasons why I 've made the decisions that I have . ''
Mr Johnson is set to hold a Cabinet reshuffle next month , in which Baroness Morgan has been tipped to lose her job .
Asked if she was currently keeping the seat warm at the Department for Digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her successor , she said : `` I 'm not sure that the department would think that it 's a holding pattern . ''
Baroness Morgan stressed the prime minister `` really , really wanted the focus to be on 31 January '' - the date the UK is due to leave the EU .
She spoke of an `` opportunity just to set some things up in the department '' , adding : `` My intention to step back remains but I will have the honour of being in the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ex-England international Gary Neville 's assertion that racism in football was mirrored in UK politics .
He also criticised both the Conservative Party and Labour for not doing enough to stamp out racism in their parties .
Baroness Morgan said : `` There are many causes .
But the lesson from the last three-and-a-half years is those of us in public life absolutely have to watch everything that we say , and we are obviously very conscious of that .
`` However , it provides no excuses for anybody .
I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football could look at Westminster and say that gives us an excuse . ''

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan says she took a job in Boris Johnson's government in order to provide a "variety of voices around the table" - even though she previously ruled out serving under the prime minister.
The senior Conservative defended her decision to accept a Cabinet role last July, despite having stated less than a year before: "I would not serve in a Boris Johnson cabinet."
Baroness Morgan also shrugged off criticism following her decision to not stand for re-election as an MP at last month's general election, before accepting a peerage to continue as culture secretary from the House of Lords.
In an interview with The House magazine, she said: "My view is that I took the role in Cabinet when the prime minister offered it on the basis that I think it's really important to have a variety of voices around the table with different views on the Conservative Party, different views on Brexit, and the prime minister understands and respects that.
Image: The peer could go in a Cabinet reshuffle next month
"I also think that if you're asked to serve your country and parliament then you should say yes unless there's a very good reason to say no."
MPs are no longer able to directly ask Baroness Morgan in the House of Commons about her department's work, with the cabinet minister watching from the Commons' public gallery on Thursday as MPs fired questions to her junior ministers.
She will answer questions about her department's work herself in the House of Lords next week.
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Asked about the criticism she has received for continuing her role as a peer, Baroness Morgan said: "At the end of the day, that's for them.
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"The way of coping with being in the public eye and public life is to think about my own conduct and to explain the reasons why I've made the decisions that I have."
Mr Johnson is set to hold a Cabinet reshuffle next month, in which Baroness Morgan has been tipped to lose her job.
Asked if she was currently keeping the seat warm at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for her successor, she said: "I'm not sure that the department would think that it's a holding pattern."
Baroness Morgan stressed the prime minister "really, really wanted the focus to be on 31 January" - the date the UK is due to leave the EU.
She spoke of an "opportunity just to set some things up in the department", adding: "My intention to step back remains but I will have the honour of being in the House of Lords."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Neville: 'Players should be empowered to walk off'
The peer also remarked on ex-England international Gary Neville's assertion that racism in football was mirrored in UK politics.
He also criticised both the Conservative Party and Labour for not doing enough to stamp out racism in their parties.
Baroness Morgan said: "There are many causes. But the lesson from the last three-and-a-half years is those of us in public life absolutely have to watch everything that we say, and we are obviously very conscious of that.
"However, it provides no excuses for anybody. I don't think anybody indulging in racism in football could look at Westminster and say that gives us an excuse."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-17--PM to give Brexit night speech - but there won't be any Big Ben bongs

PM to give Brexit night speech - but there wo n't be any Big Ben bongs PM to give Brexit night speech - but there wo n't be any Big Ben bongs Big Ben will not chime as the UK leaves the European Union Boris Johnson is promising to celebrate Brexit night on 31 January with light shows , Union Jack flags flying and a clock counting down to 11pm - but no Big Ben bongs .
The prime minister will make a special TV address to the nation , the cabinet will meet in the north of England and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulation the following day .
But to the dismay of Brexiteer Tory MPs , Downing Street has confirmed that the celebrations will not include the chiming of the Big Ben bell - currently out of service - inside Parliament 's Elizabeth Tower .
Despite nearly half the £500,000 cost being donated after the PM called on the public to `` bung a bob for a Big Ben bong '' , the House of Commons authorities have thwarted the crowdfunding campaign .
In a statement on the government 's Brexit day plans , Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant moment in our history as the United Kingdom leaves the EU and regains its independence .
`` The government intends to use this as a moment to heal divisions , re-unite communities and look forward to the country that we want to build over the next decade .
`` On 31 January , a special cabinet will take place outside of London .
Ministers will meet in a venue in the north of England .
`` They will discuss the PM 's levelling up agenda and how this government plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union of England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And on the celebrations , Downing Street said : `` In the evening , the prime minister is expected to speak to the nation in a special address .
`` No 10 is set to mark the hour itself with a light display in Downing Street , including a clock counting down to 11pm projected on to the black bricks of Downing Street .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
`` In response to public calls , the Union Jack will be flown on all of the flag poles in Parliament Square .
`` The commemorative Brexit coin will also come into circulation on the day we leave the EU .
The prime minister is expected to be one of the first to receive the new coin on the day , which reads 'Peace , prosperity and friendship with all nations ' . ''
The Downing Street announcement came at the end of a week in which critics claimed the handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commons authorities had descended into a fiasco .
After the PM 's `` bung a bob '' proposal in a TV interview on Tuesday , pro-Brexit MPs and campaigners launched an appeal to raise the £500,000 which Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle claimed the bongs would cost .
But as public donations poured in , the House of Commons Commission , chaired by the speaker , ruled that the money could not be used because of parliamentary regulations on financial donations .
Government sources blamed the `` intransigence '' of the Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers claimed the commission 's block on the bongs was a `` Remainer plot '' .
Millionaire Arron Banks and the Leave Means Leave group have donated £50,000 to the Big Ben crowdfunding campaign , which has now raised more than £240,000 .
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage hit out at the prime minister over his handling of the Big Ben issue and his response to the bongs campaign led by Brexiteer Tory MP Mark Francois .
`` Boris Johnson has misled people into donating money into the Mark Francois initiative and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , '' said Mr Farage .
`` And on a bigger level , why is it the government has no intention of marking or celebrating Brexit at all - when after all , this was the issue that won them the election and gave them a majority ?
`` And it seems to me they are embarrassed by Brexit and it makes me ask the question how much they really believe in it . ''
He said the lack of support for the Big Ben campaign was a very worrying sign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being mocked all over the world : 'Britain leaves the EU and they ca n't even get a clock to ring ' . ''
The Brexit Party leader said he did not think ringing Big Ben would be seen as triumphalist , but as an `` important symbol to mark a big moment in our history '' .

Boris Johnson is promising to celebrate Brexit night on 31 January with light shows, Union Jack flags flying and a clock counting down to 11pm - but no Big Ben bongs.
The prime minister will make a special TV address to the nation, the cabinet will meet in the north of England and a commemorative Brexit coin will come into circulation the following day.
But to the dismay of Brexiteer Tory MPs, Downing Street has confirmed that the celebrations will not include the chiming of the Big Ben bell - currently out of service - inside Parliament's Elizabeth Tower.
Despite nearly half the £500,000 cost being donated after the PM called on the public to "bung a bob for a Big Ben bong", the House of Commons authorities have thwarted the crowdfunding campaign.
Image: Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation on the eve of Brexit
In a statement on the government's Brexit day plans, Downing Street said: "31 January is a significant moment in our history as the United Kingdom leaves the EU and regains its independence.
"The government intends to use this as a moment to heal divisions, re-unite communities and look forward to the country that we want to build over the next decade.
"On 31 January, a special cabinet will take place outside of London. Ministers will meet in a venue in the north of England.
"They will discuss the PM's levelling up agenda and how this government plans to spread prosperity and opportunity across our great Union of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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And on the celebrations, Downing Street said: "In the evening, the prime minister is expected to speak to the nation in a special address.
"No 10 is set to mark the hour itself with a light display in Downing Street, including a clock counting down to 11pm projected on to the black bricks of Downing Street. Buildings around Whitehall will also be lit up.
"In response to public calls, the Union Jack will be flown on all of the flag poles in Parliament Square.
"The commemorative Brexit coin will also come into circulation on the day we leave the EU. The prime minister is expected to be one of the first to receive the new coin on the day, which reads 'Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations'."
The Downing Street announcement came at the end of a week in which critics claimed the handling of the preparations by the government and the commons authorities had descended into a fiasco.
After the PM's "bung a bob" proposal in a TV interview on Tuesday, pro-Brexit MPs and campaigners launched an appeal to raise the £500,000 which Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle claimed the bongs would cost.
Image: The Elizabeth Tower's Great Bell, commonly known as 'Big Ben' Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
But as public donations poured in, the House of Commons Commission, chaired by the speaker, ruled that the money could not be used because of parliamentary regulations on financial donations.
Government sources blamed the "intransigence" of the Commons authorities for the deadlock and some pro-Brexit ministers claimed the commission's block on the bongs was a "Remainer plot".
Millionaire Arron Banks and the Leave Means Leave group have donated £50,000 to the Big Ben crowdfunding campaign, which has now raised more than £240,000.
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage hit out at the prime minister over his handling of the Big Ben issue and his response to the bongs campaign led by Brexiteer Tory MP Mark Francois.
"Boris Johnson has misled people into donating money into the Mark Francois initiative and I should think people are pretty angry about that," said Mr Farage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 '‘Big Ben chiming would be provocative’
"And on a bigger level, why is it the government has no intention of marking or celebrating Brexit at all - when after all, this was the issue that won them the election and gave them a majority?
"And it seems to me they are embarrassed by Brexit and it makes me ask the question how much they really believe in it."
He said the lack of support for the Big Ben campaign was a very worrying sign, adding: "I can see us being mocked all over the world: 'Britain leaves the EU and they can't even get a clock to ring'."
The Brexit Party leader said he did not think ringing Big Ben would be seen as triumphalist, but as an "important symbol to mark a big moment in our history".


skynewspolitics--2020-01-17--Long-Bailey: I can reach parts of electorate Corbyn failed to

Labour leadership : Rebecca Long-Bailey says she can reach parts of electorate Corbyn failed to Labour leadership : Rebecca Long-Bailey says she can reach parts of electorate Corbyn failed to Rebecca Long-Bailey has launched her campaign to become Labour leader , saying she can reach parts of the electorate Jeremy Corbyn failed to .
The Salford and Eccles MP , who has been a long-time supporter of Mr Corbyn , tried to distance herself from the outgoing party leader after being accused of being a `` continuity candidate '' .
She has the backing of powerful left-wing group Momentum and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the union , but the latest YouGov survey for The Times shows she would get just 37 % of all members ' support , while rival Keir Starmer would get 63 % .
Despite being one of the key members of Mr Corbyn 's shadow cabinet , Mrs Long-Bailey has attacked the manifesto that lead to the party 's worst general election result since 1935 .
Speaking ahead of her campaign launch , she told Sky News : `` I supported Jeremy because he was a kind , honourable decent human being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd seen .
`` But , we lost the general election and we do need to understand we need to change .
`` Our manifesto spoke to helping the most vulnerable , and that 's what we should do as a Labour Party , but it did n't talk about aspiration and how our policies were going to raise people up and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations - and that 's the fundamental basis of what my economic revolution will do .
`` It was a range of issues , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromised position put us in a difficult situation in many of our communities .
`` I do n't think we were trusted in terms of our policy offering and that 's because we did n't explain it or have a message that resonated , despite many of the policies being the right answers to the right questions and we were n't trusted on matters such as antisemitism , taking that action within our party .
`` These are issues we have to tackle head on and whoever the leader is I 'm going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the candidates do . ''
Questioned on whether that means she is the candidate who can reach parts of the electorate Mr Corbyn just could not , she replied `` yes '' .
The shadow business secretary admitted she helped draft many of the Labour Party 's manifesto policies and will continue to support `` our green industrial revolution '' .
However , she said she has her own ideas , including a `` democratic revolution , abolishing the House of Lords and replacing it with a senate outside London because many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their community '' .
She also said she believes it is time for a female leader and one who is `` from outside of the Westminster bubble '' .
`` I 'm a northerner obviously , '' she said .
`` And of course I 've got to appeal to the whole country but I think it 's time we showed our communities that we 're not just about London we 're about everywhere . ''
Mrs Long-Bailey 's campaign launch came a day after it emerged she `` personally '' does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the termination of a pregnancy at any time , if there is a significant risk of the baby being born seriously disabled .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Emily Thornberry also launched her Labour leadership campaign on Friday , revealing she was badly bullied while at school in Guildford , Surrey , where she was speaking from .
She said her father walked out on her family when she was seven years old , leaving her family `` nearly homeless '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls who bullied her at school used to wait for her every day on the corner of the estate .
`` When I used to go home beaten and bruised , as I did far too often , I always stood up to them and would never let them make me walk the long way round , '' she said .
She also said she was living with her father when she was 15 years old and he went for a job interview in New York but never returned , leaving her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levels and A Levels .
Mrs Thornberry claimed she has repeatedly shown Boris Johnson up for the `` lying , reckless charlatan that he is '' .
She said the Labour Party should not be defined by whether a leader will `` take us to the left , or to the centre or to the right , because the only issue that really matters now is who will take us forward '' .

Rebecca Long-Bailey has launched her campaign to become Labour leader, saying she can reach parts of the electorate Jeremy Corbyn failed to.
The Salford and Eccles MP, who has been a long-time supporter of Mr Corbyn, tried to distance herself from the outgoing party leader after being accused of being a "continuity candidate".
She has the backing of powerful left-wing group Momentum and is likely to gain support from Unite the union, but the latest YouGov survey for The Times shows she would get just 37% of all members' support, while rival Keir Starmer would get 63%.
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey spoke to Sky News ahead of her leadership campaign launch
Despite being one of the key members of Mr Corbyn's shadow cabinet, Mrs Long-Bailey has attacked the manifesto that lead to the party's worst general election result since 1935.
Speaking ahead of her campaign launch, she told Sky News: "I supported Jeremy because he was a kind, honourable decent human being, he was different to any politician we'd seen.
"But, we lost the general election and we do need to understand we need to change.
"Our manifesto spoke to helping the most vulnerable, and that's what we should do as a Labour Party, but it didn't talk about aspiration and how our policies were going to raise people up and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations - and that's the fundamental basis of what my economic revolution will do.
"It was a range of issues, we weren't trusted on Brexit, our compromised position put us in a difficult situation in many of our communities.
"I don't think we were trusted in terms of our policy offering and that's because we didn't explain it or have a message that resonated, despite many of the policies being the right answers to the right questions and we weren't trusted on matters such as antisemitism, taking that action within our party.
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"These are issues we have to tackle head on and whoever the leader is I'm going to do that and I hope all the candidates do."
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey has been a long-time Corbyn supporter
Questioned on whether that means she is the candidate who can reach parts of the electorate Mr Corbyn just could not, she replied "yes".
The shadow business secretary admitted she helped draft many of the Labour Party's manifesto policies and will continue to support "our green industrial revolution".
However, she said she has her own ideas, including a "democratic revolution, abolishing the House of Lords and replacing it with a senate outside London because many people do not feel Westminster is connected to their community".
Image: Labour leadership candidates (left to right) Jess Phillips, Emily Thornberry, Lisa Nandy, Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey tried to distance herself from Jeremy Corbyn
She also said she believes it is time for a female leader and one who is "from outside of the Westminster bubble".
"I'm a northerner obviously," she said. "And of course I've got to appeal to the whole country but I think it's time we showed our communities that we're not just about London we're about everywhere."
Mrs Long-Bailey's campaign launch came a day after it emerged she "personally" does not agree with current abortion law which allows the termination of a pregnancy at any time, if there is a significant risk of the baby being born seriously disabled.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Emily Thornberry also launched her Labour leadership campaign on Friday, revealing she was badly bullied while at school in Guildford, Surrey, where she was speaking from.
She said her father walked out on her family when she was seven years old, leaving her family "nearly homeless".
The shadow foreign secretary said the girls who bullied her at school used to wait for her every day on the corner of the estate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Thornberry on dealing with bullies at school
"When I used to go home beaten and bruised, as I did far too often, I always stood up to them and would never let them make me walk the long way round," she said.
She also said she was living with her father when she was 15 years old and he went for a job interview in New York but never returned, leaving her to fend for herself and complete her O Levels and A Levels.
Mrs Thornberry claimed she has repeatedly shown Boris Johnson up for the "lying, reckless charlatan that he is".
She said the Labour Party should not be defined by whether a leader will "take us to the left, or to the centre or to the right, because the only issue that really matters now is who will take us forward".


skynewspolitics--2020-01-18--Has Rebecca Long-Bailey got the charisma to succeed where Corbyn failed?

Has Rebecca Long-Bailey got the charisma and experience to succeed where Corbyn failed ?
Has Rebecca Long-Bailey got the charisma and experience to succeed where Corbyn failed ?
Rebecca Long-Bailey 's campaign launch in Manchester had the look and feel of the Labour Party rallies we 've got used to in the Corbyn years .
Activists cheered her to the stage with that familiar Corbyn chant , slightly tweaked - `` Oh Becky Long-Bailey '' .
As she began her pitch , he joked with her supporters that they were `` going to have to think of a new song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left but she is working hard to put some clear red water between Mr Corbyn and herself .
But she also knows that her route to victory is to unite the left that once flocked to Mr Corbyn .
Some early polls suggest the left is now splintering between Ms Long-Bailey and Sir Keir Starmer .
Both the front-runners are flexing their left credentials - a sign of how far the party has shifted in the past four years .
And the decision for the 500,000 or so Labour Party members over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to which they want stick to the status quo of Corbynism via his protege Ms Long-Bailey or shift to Sir Keir , who is pitching himself as an oven-ready leader who will marry the best bits of Corbynism with electability .
It is set to be a tight race between the two candidates .
Sir Keir , out of the blocks early with a slick campaign and plenty of support from MPs and MEPs , looks like the one to beat , for now .
A YouGov survey of Labour members in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir on 63 % , with Ms Long-Bailey on 37 % .
But a different poll of members of the website LabourList this week put the shadow business secretary ahead of her opponents with 42 % of first preference votes , against 37 % for Sir Keir .
The shadow Brexit secretary may currently be the one to beat , but across 11 weeks of campaigning and 12 hustings , a lot could change if Ms Long-Bailey can convince those on the left to collect behind her .
And she has significant institutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Momentum , the left-wing movement within the party that helped propel Mr Corbyn into leadership .
Next week she should get the formal support of the powerful Unite union , led by Len McCluskey , another key Corbyn ally who helped the outgoing leader to the top of the party and keep him there .
Those in the Corbyn camp tell me that Ms Long-Bailey is the candidate with the `` right values '' who will grow into the job and is grounded in the very communities Labour need to win back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of John McDonnell and many in the shadow cabinet and Corbyn 's team .
As one senior Labour figure in the Corbyn camp told me last week , Ms Long-Bailey is the only candidate that will truly `` advance the socialist cause '' .
But her anointment as the candidate of the left has not been a straight coronation , and there remains unease among some that she 'll struggle to carry the Corbyn mantle - manifesting in the aborted leadership run of chairman Ian Lavery .
She may be the candidate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has she got the charisma and experience to succeed where Mr Corbyn failed and convert that into something more than a protest movement ?
Her allies insist that Ms Long-Bailey will bring a new energy to Corbynism and change the look and feel of Labour by broadening out the front-bench and bringing some of the talent sitting on the backbenchers back into the fold .
Even some who are publicly supporting her have their doubts .
`` Becky can win the leadership but she ca n't win an election , '' one MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meanwhile , is pitching himself as the candidate who can , promising to `` rebuild '' the party and `` be in a position to win an election so that change can actually happen '' .
And his pledge to stay true to Mr Corbyn 's radicalism is , in these early stages , appealing to members .
His allies hope it will blunt Ms Long-Bailey and the radical left 's attacks .
`` If Keir defends Jeremy Corbyn 's legacy and is not a threat to it , then it becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional support behind her , '' said one senior MP who is supporting Sir Keir .
Ms Long-Bailey 's challenge in the coming weeks is to prove to the members shattered from four successive election defeats that she can win where Mr Corbyn could not , in order to unite the left behind her rather than Sir Keir .

Rebecca Long-Bailey's campaign launch in Manchester had the look and feel of the Labour Party rallies we've got used to in the Corbyn years.
Activists cheered her to the stage with that familiar Corbyn chant, slightly tweaked - "Oh Becky Long-Bailey".
As she began her pitch, he joked with her supporters that they were "going to have to think of a new song".
She is the choice of the left but she is working hard to put some clear red water between Mr Corbyn and herself.
But she also knows that her route to victory is to unite the left that once flocked to Mr Corbyn.
Some early polls suggest the left is now splintering between Ms Long-Bailey and Sir Keir Starmer.
Both the front-runners are flexing their left credentials - a sign of how far the party has shifted in the past four years.
And the decision for the 500,000 or so Labour Party members over the next 11 weeks is the extent to which they want stick to the status quo of Corbynism via his protege Ms Long-Bailey or shift to Sir Keir, who is pitching himself as an oven-ready leader who will marry the best bits of Corbynism with electability.
It is set to be a tight race between the two candidates.
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Image: Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey are the front-runners for the Labour leadership
Sir Keir, out of the blocks early with a slick campaign and plenty of support from MPs and MEPs, looks like the one to beat, for now.
A YouGov survey of Labour members in the Times released on Friday night put Sir Keir on 63%, with Ms Long-Bailey on 37%.
But a different poll of members of the website LabourList this week put the shadow business secretary ahead of her opponents with 42% of first preference votes, against 37% for Sir Keir.
The shadow Brexit secretary may currently be the one to beat, but across 11 weeks of campaigning and 12 hustings, a lot could change if Ms Long-Bailey can convince those on the left to collect behind her.
And she has significant institutional backing.
Image: Ms Long-Bailey is being formally supported by Momentum
She is being formally supported by Momentum, the left-wing movement within the party that helped propel Mr Corbyn into leadership.
Next week she should get the formal support of the powerful Unite union, led by Len McCluskey, another key Corbyn ally who helped the outgoing leader to the top of the party and keep him there.
Those in the Corbyn camp tell me that Ms Long-Bailey is the candidate with the "right values" who will grow into the job and is grounded in the very communities Labour need to win back.
Ms Long-Bailey has the open support of John McDonnell and many in the shadow cabinet and Corbyn's team.
As one senior Labour figure in the Corbyn camp told me last week, Ms Long-Bailey is the only candidate that will truly "advance the socialist cause".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:44 This is where Labour went wrong
But her anointment as the candidate of the left has not been a straight coronation, and there remains unease among some that she'll struggle to carry the Corbyn mantle - manifesting in the aborted leadership run of chairman Ian Lavery.
She may be the candidate to press on with the Corbyn project but has she got the charisma and experience to succeed where Mr Corbyn failed and convert that into something more than a protest movement?
Her allies insist that Ms Long-Bailey will bring a new energy to Corbynism and change the look and feel of Labour by broadening out the front-bench and bringing some of the talent sitting on the backbenchers back into the fold.
Even some who are publicly supporting her have their doubts.
"Becky can win the leadership but she can't win an election," one MP told me last week.
Sir Keir, meanwhile, is pitching himself as the candidate who can, promising to "rebuild" the party and "be in a position to win an election so that change can actually happen".
And his pledge to stay true to Mr Corbyn's radicalism is, in these early stages, appealing to members. His allies hope it will blunt Ms Long-Bailey and the radical left's attacks.
"If Keir defends Jeremy Corbyn's legacy and is not a threat to it, then it becomes much harder for the left to build emotional support behind her," said one senior MP who is supporting Sir Keir.
Ms Long-Bailey's challenge in the coming weeks is to prove to the members shattered from four successive election defeats that she can win where Mr Corbyn could not, in order to unite the left behind her rather than Sir Keir.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-17--No alignment with EU rules after Brexit, chancellor says

Sajid Javid has warned businesses to 'adjust ' to the new reality The chancellor has told businesses there will not be alignment with EU rules after Brexit and urged them to `` adjust '' to the new reality .
Sajid Javid delivered a tough message to businesses , saying : `` There will be an impact on business one way or the other ; some will benefit , some wo n't . ''
In an interview with the Financial Times he also said that manufacturers seeking to stay in step with EU regulations would not receive support from the treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There will not be alignment , we will not be a ruletaker , we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union - and we will do this by the end of the year . ''
The chancellor aims to boost Britain 's annual economic growth rate to 2.7 % -2.8 % after Britain leaves the EU - around twice its current underlying rate .
But Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , CBI Director-General , urged him not to take a hardline approach .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK can benefit from its future right to diverge from EU regulation .
However we urge government not to treat this right as an obligation to diverge .
`` For some firms , divergence brings value , but for many others , alignment supports jobs and competitiveness . ''
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said : `` Tory promises of frictionless trade post Brexit prior to the election have now been exposed as not being worth the paper they were written on .
`` There are now real fears about food price increases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and manufacturing .
This is right wing ideology overriding common sense . ''
Mr Javid 's message comes as Boris Johnson promises to celebrate Brexit night on 31 January with light shows , Union Jack flags flying and a clock counting down to 11pm - but no Big Ben bongs .
The prime minister will make a special TV address to the nation , the cabinet will meet in the north of England and a commemorative Brexit coin will come into circulation the following day .
But to the dismay of Brexiteer Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the celebrations will not include the chiming of the Big Ben bell - currently out of service - inside Parliament 's Elizabeth Tower .
Despite nearly half the £500,000 cost being donated after the PM called on the public to `` bung a bob for a Big Ben bong '' , the House of Commons authorities have thwarted the crowdfunding campaign .
A Downing Street statement said : `` 31 January is a significant moment in our history as the United Kingdom leaves the EU and regains its independence .
`` The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to heal divisions , re-unite communities and look forward to the country that we want to build over the next decade .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' In the evening , the prime minister is expected to speak to the nation in a special address .
`` No 10 is set to mark the hour itself with a light display in Downing Street , including a clock counting down to 11pm projected on to the black bricks of Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lit up .
`` In response to public calls , the Union Jack will be flown on all of the flag poles in Parliament Square .
`` The commemorative Brexit coin will also come into circulation on the day we leave the EU .
The prime minister is expected to be one of the first to receive the new coin on the day , which reads 'Peace , prosperity and friendship with all nations ' . ''
The announcement came at the end of a week in which critics claimed the handling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commons authorities had descended into a fiasco .
After the PM 's `` bung a bob '' proposal in a TV interview on Tuesday , pro-Brexit MPs and campaigners launched an appeal to raise the £500,000 which Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle claimed the bongs would cost .
But as public donations poured in , the House of Commons Commission , chaired by the speaker , ruled that the money could not be used because of parliamentary regulations on financial donations .
Government sources blamed the `` intransigence '' of the Commons authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed the commission 's block on the bongs was a `` Remainer plot '' .
Millionaire Arron Banks and the Leave Means Leave group have donated £50,000 to the Big Ben crowdfunding campaign , which has now raised more than £240,000 .
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage hit out at the prime minister over his handling of the Big Ben issue and his response to the bongs campaign led by Brexiteer Tory MP Mark Francois .
`` Boris Johnson has misled people into donating money into the Mark Francois initiative and I should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Mr Farage .
`` And on a bigger level , why is it the government has no intention of marking or celebrating Brexit at all - when after all , this was the issue that won them the election and gave them a majority ?
`` And it seems to me they are embarrassed by Brexit and it makes me ask the question how much they really believe in it . ''
He said the lack of support for the Big Ben campaign was a very worrying sign , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mocked all over the world : 'Britain leaves the EU and they ca n't even get a clock to ring ' . ''
The Brexit Party leader said he did not think ringing Big Ben would be seen as triumphalist , but as an `` important symbol to mark a big moment in our history '' .

The chancellor has told businesses there will not be alignment with EU rules after Brexit and urged them to "adjust" to the new reality.
Sajid Javid delivered a tough message to businesses, saying: "There will be an impact on business one way or the other; some will benefit, some won't."
In an interview with the Financial Times he also said that manufacturers seeking to stay in step with EU regulations would not receive support from the treasury.
Mr Javid told the newspaper: "There will not be alignment, we will not be a ruletaker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union - and we will do this by the end of the year."
The chancellor aims to boost Britain's annual economic growth rate to 2.7%-2.8% after Britain leaves the EU - around twice its current underlying rate.
But Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, urged him not to take a hardline approach. She said: "There are areas where the UK can benefit from its future right to diverge from EU regulation. However we urge government not to treat this right as an obligation to diverge.
"For some firms, divergence brings value, but for many others, alignment supports jobs and competitiveness."
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) warned no regulatory alignment with the EU after Brexit could lead to price rises.
Its chief operating officer Tim Rycroft added: "This represents the death knell for frictionless trade.
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"It will mean businesses will have to adjust to costly new checks, processes and procedures, that will act as a barrier to frictionless trade with the EU and may well result in price rises."
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said its priority was to avoid "expensive tariffs and other behind-the-border barriers" between the UK and EU that limit market access.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "Tory promises of frictionless trade post Brexit prior to the election have now been exposed as not being worth the paper they were written on.
"There are now real fears about food price increases and threats to jobs in the motor industry and manufacturing. This is right wing ideology overriding common sense."
Mr Javid's message comes as Boris Johnson promises to celebrate Brexit night on 31 January with light shows, Union Jack flags flying and a clock counting down to 11pm - but no Big Ben bongs.
The prime minister will make a special TV address to the nation, the cabinet will meet in the north of England and a commemorative Brexit coin will come into circulation the following day.
But to the dismay of Brexiteer Tory MPs, Downing Street has confirmed that the celebrations will not include the chiming of the Big Ben bell - currently out of service - inside Parliament's Elizabeth Tower.
Image: Sajid Javid has warned businesses to 'adjust' to the new reality
Despite nearly half the £500,000 cost being donated after the PM called on the public to "bung a bob for a Big Ben bong", the House of Commons authorities have thwarted the crowdfunding campaign.
A Downing Street statement said: "31 January is a significant moment in our history as the United Kingdom leaves the EU and regains its independence.
"The government intends to use this as a moment to heal divisions, re-unite communities and look forward to the country that we want to build over the next decade.
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"In the evening, the prime minister is expected to speak to the nation in a special address.
"No 10 is set to mark the hour itself with a light display in Downing Street, including a clock counting down to 11pm projected on to the black bricks of Downing Street. Buildings around Whitehall will also be lit up.
"In response to public calls, the Union Jack will be flown on all of the flag poles in Parliament Square.
"The commemorative Brexit coin will also come into circulation on the day we leave the EU. The prime minister is expected to be one of the first to receive the new coin on the day, which reads 'Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations'."
The announcement came at the end of a week in which critics claimed the handling of the preparations by the government and the commons authorities had descended into a fiasco.
After the PM's "bung a bob" proposal in a TV interview on Tuesday, pro-Brexit MPs and campaigners launched an appeal to raise the £500,000 which Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle claimed the bongs would cost.
Image: The Elizabeth Tower's Great Bell, commonly known as 'Big Ben' Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
But as public donations poured in, the House of Commons Commission, chaired by the speaker, ruled that the money could not be used because of parliamentary regulations on financial donations.
Government sources blamed the "intransigence" of the Commons authorities for the deadlock and some pro-Brexit ministers claimed the commission's block on the bongs was a "Remainer plot".
Millionaire Arron Banks and the Leave Means Leave group have donated £50,000 to the Big Ben crowdfunding campaign, which has now raised more than £240,000.
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage hit out at the prime minister over his handling of the Big Ben issue and his response to the bongs campaign led by Brexiteer Tory MP Mark Francois.
"Boris Johnson has misled people into donating money into the Mark Francois initiative and I should think people are pretty angry about that," said Mr Farage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 'Big Ben chiming would be provocative'
"And on a bigger level, why is it the government has no intention of marking or celebrating Brexit at all - when after all, this was the issue that won them the election and gave them a majority?
"And it seems to me they are embarrassed by Brexit and it makes me ask the question how much they really believe in it."
He said the lack of support for the Big Ben campaign was a very worrying sign, adding: "I can see us being mocked all over the world: 'Britain leaves the EU and they can't even get a clock to ring'."
The Brexit Party leader said he did not think ringing Big Ben would be seen as triumphalist, but as an "important symbol to mark a big moment in our history".


skynewspolitics--2020-01-18--Labour leadership candidates clash over handling of antisemitism

Labour leadership hopeful Jess Phillips has appeared to suggest that other candidates failed to speak out about antisemitism in the party .
The five contenders to be leader clashed over their personal records on the issue as they went head to head in public for the first time .
Emily Thornberry , Rebecca Long-Bailey , Sir Keir Starmer , Lisa Nandy and Ms Phillips were in Liverpool to discuss key policies in front of the party faithful .
When challenged on antisemitism Ms Phillips said the party needed a leader who spoke out `` when others were keeping quiet '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people here being there '' .
She added that the party owed it to their Jewish members and supporters to fight all forms of racism and Labour had `` lost the moral high ground '' .
Responding to the suggestion she was not visible as the row engulfed the party last year , shadow foreign secretary Ms Thornberry said she had always stood against antisemitism .
She added that it was a problem across the country as well as in Labour , and said `` you must be critical of Netanyahu and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that is not the fault of the Jews '' .
Mrs Long-Bailey admitted that the party was not responding quickly enough when issues were raised , which meant trust was lost .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Nandy said she was `` ashamed '' of what had happened , particularly over the failure of the party to adopt an internationally recognised definition of antisemitism despite being begged by Jewish MPs to do so .
Sir Keir also said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without being antisemitic , but said `` if you are antisemitic , you should n't be in Labour '' .
They also spoke on Brexit , with Ms Thornberry saying `` let 's not kid ourselves - we are going to leave the EU '' before doubting that Boris Johnson would secure a trade deal by the end of the year .
Ms Nandy said Labour got the argument wrong because they allowed the Conservatives to frame the debate without tackling the nuance , while Sir Keir said people needed to move on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they voted in 2016 .
Mrs Long-Bailey said there needs to be a `` democratic revolution '' because people feel like there is a concentration of power in Westminster as they did with Brussels and the EU .
Asked why they were the candidate to battle against Mr Johnson , Ms Thornberry said she has experience in going up against him because she shadowed him when he was in the foreign office .
She said she could be on top of the detail and was proud of her record against him , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be exposed '' .
Ms Nandy said Labour needed someone who could speak for every part of the country , adding that the luxuries of the hung parliament days were behind them .
Sir Keir said the party needed to be effective in opposition and that he had the skills and experience to lead a large organisation and bring people together .
Ms Long-Bailey said she knew why communities were angry amid de-industrialisation and said she was here to `` shatter the Tory majority '' .
Ms Phillips said she had `` silenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backbenches , but admitted the party may not have been successful so far as a whole , given his party 's large majority .
The five were also asked for their least favourite policy in the most recent manifesto - with Ms Phillips admitting she was `` literally laughed at on the school run on broadband '' .
Ms Thornberry said the manifesto had too many policies , hinting she could n't keep up , let alone activists , while Ms Nandy said there had to be priorities set .
Sir Keir said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last four years '' but admitted the dense manifesto meant there was a `` tipping point and people did n't believe it '' .
But Mrs Long-Bailey , who was behind many of the party 's policies said she was proud of them but lacked a `` shining conviction '' .
The new leader will be announced on 4 April .

Labour leadership hopeful Jess Phillips has appeared to suggest that other candidates failed to speak out about antisemitism in the party.
The five contenders to be leader clashed over their personal records on the issue as they went head to head in public for the first time.
Emily Thornberry, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Ms Phillips were in Liverpool to discuss key policies in front of the party faithful.
When challenged on antisemitism Ms Phillips said the party needed a leader who spoke out "when others were keeping quiet" and said she "didn't remember some people here being there".
She added that the party owed it to their Jewish members and supporters to fight all forms of racism and Labour had "lost the moral high ground".
Responding to the suggestion she was not visible as the row engulfed the party last year, shadow foreign secretary Ms Thornberry said she had always stood against antisemitism.
She added that it was a problem across the country as well as in Labour, and said "you must be critical of Netanyahu and what the Israeli government is doing - but that is not the fault of the Jews".
Mrs Long-Bailey admitted that the party was not responding quickly enough when issues were raised, which meant trust was lost.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Ms Nandy said she was "ashamed" of what had happened, particularly over the failure of the party to adopt an internationally recognised definition of antisemitism despite being begged by Jewish MPs to do so.
Sir Keir also said there could be room to criticise Israeli policy without being antisemitic, but said "if you are antisemitic, you shouldn't be in Labour".
They also spoke on Brexit, with Ms Thornberry saying "let's not kid ourselves - we are going to leave the EU" before doubting that Boris Johnson would secure a trade deal by the end of the year.
Ms Nandy said Labour got the argument wrong because they allowed the Conservatives to frame the debate without tackling the nuance, while Sir Keir said people needed to move on from discussing people in terms of how they voted in 2016.
Mrs Long-Bailey said there needs to be a "democratic revolution" because people feel like there is a concentration of power in Westminster as they did with Brussels and the EU.
Asked why they were the candidate to battle against Mr Johnson, Ms Thornberry said she has experience in going up against him because she shadowed him when he was in the foreign office.
Image: The candidates laughed over some football jokes at the beginning
She said she could be on top of the detail and was proud of her record against him, adding: "That prime minister needs to be exposed".
Ms Nandy said Labour needed someone who could speak for every part of the country, adding that the luxuries of the hung parliament days were behind them.
Sir Keir said the party needed to be effective in opposition and that he had the skills and experience to lead a large organisation and bring people together.
Image: The candidates before the hustings
Ms Long-Bailey said she knew why communities were angry amid de-industrialisation and said she was here to "shatter the Tory majority".
Ms Phillips said she had "silenced" Mr Johnson on occasion from the backbenches, but admitted the party may not have been successful so far as a whole, given his party's large majority.
The five were also asked for their least favourite policy in the most recent manifesto - with Ms Phillips admitting she was "literally laughed at on the school run on broadband".
Ms Thornberry said the manifesto had too many policies, hinting she couldn't keep up, let alone activists, while Ms Nandy said there had to be priorities set.
Sir Keir said the party should not "trash the last four years" but admitted the dense manifesto meant there was a "tipping point and people didn't believe it".
But Mrs Long-Bailey, who was behind many of the party's policies said she was proud of them but lacked a "shining conviction".
The new leader will be announced on 4 April.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-18--PM to hand Lords seat to ICAP founder Spencer

Sources say Mr Spencer is 'virtually certain ' to be on the list The ICAP billionaire Michael Spencer is to be handed a peerage by Boris Johnson , paving the way for one of the City 's most prominent figures to finally join the House of Lords .
Sky News has learnt that Mr Spencer - who was arguably the most successful treasurer in Conservative Party history - is set to be among a cluster of new Tory peers named on the Dissolution Honours List in the coming weeks .
Westminster sources said this weekend that Mr Spencer was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list .
His appointment would come four years after a previous attempt by David Cameron to ennoble him ended in failure amid political acrimony .
Earlier efforts to hand Mr Spencer a peerage were blocked over ICAP 's involvement in the Libor rate-rigging scandal , which saw the interdealer broker fined £60m in 2013 by regulators in London and New York .
The City tycoon , however , was never personally implicated in any wrongdoing , and last year secured a significant victory when the European Court of Justice quashed a bid by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine on the company he used to run .
Writing in The Sunday Times shortly after that verdict , Mr Spencer accused watchdogs of using massive penalties to disguise their own shortcomings .
`` The other [ firms ] all paid up without murmur , despite the flimsiness of the case .
`` We challenged the decision because we knew we had not engaged in any cartel behaviour and the whole investigation was designed to deflect attention from the failings of regulators to spot the financial crisis coming . ''
Several ICAP employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their alleged role in the Libor scandal , but the case against them collapsed shortly after coming to court .
Having seen off the question marks against his reputation , the decision to ennoble Mr Spencer will come as little surprise .
He was among a group of substantial donors to Mr Johnson 's leadership bid last summer , and over a long period has given millions of pounds to the Tories .
Friends estimate that he helped raise in excess of £100m for party coffers during his four years as treasurer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corral the funds that took Mr Cameron into Downing Street in 2010 .
Mr Spencer is now firmly part of the Conservative establishment , having been appointed earlier this month as chair of the Thatcherite think-tank , the Centre for Policy Studies .
One ally of the businessman said that while his close links to the Tory leadership - and deep pockets - had helped resurrect his chances of a peerage , he would also make a significant contribution to the upper chamber .
`` Michael voted to remain in the EU referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who cares deeply about the future of the country , '' a source close to Mr Spencer said on Saturday .
`` He has a broad array of interests and he would be a valuable member of the Lords . ''
Mr Spencer is also a notable philanthropist , having helped to raise hundreds of millions of pounds for charities through private donations and the annual fundraising days staged at ICAP 's offices .
Since selling NEX Group , ICAP 's successor company , to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in 2018 for £3.9bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his fortune in start-up companies .
His family office vehicle now holds stakes in businesses such as Elvie , a manufacturer of female health products , and Veridium , a biometric fintech company .
It also holds a stake in The Tote 's parent company and Chapeldown , Britain 's largest winemaker .
If he is confirmed on the latest honours list , Mr Spencer will join the ranks of City grandees in the Lords , who include the likes of Lord Green , the former HSBC Holdings chairman and trade minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment banker and also a one-time Tory treasurer ; Lord Myners , who was parachuted in as a Treasury minister by Gordon Brown during the financial crisis ; and Lord Rose , the former Marks & Spencer boss .
Reports have suggested that a new crop of peers will be announced before the end of the month , although the list could still take until February to emerge , according to Westminster sources .
It is expected to be dominated by former MPs , with the former Cabinet Office minister David Lidington and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among those ennobled .
The nomination of new members of the Lords will inevitably provoke controversy given that they will almost certainly take the chamber 's membership above 800 .
Rebecca Long-Bailey , the Labour Party leadership contender , has vowed to abolish the Lords if she were ever to become prime minister .
The House of Lords Appointments Commission , which scrutinises political nominations for peerages , is not thought to have raised any objections to Mr Spencer 's name being on the list .
A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesman for Mr Spencer also declined to comment .

The ICAP billionaire Michael Spencer is to be handed a peerage by Boris Johnson, paving the way for one of the City's most prominent figures to finally join the House of Lords.
Sky News has learnt that Mr Spencer - who was arguably the most successful treasurer in Conservative Party history - is set to be among a cluster of new Tory peers named on the Dissolution Honours List in the coming weeks.
Westminster sources said this weekend that Mr Spencer was "virtually certain" to be on the list.
His appointment would come four years after a previous attempt by David Cameron to ennoble him ended in failure amid political acrimony.
Earlier efforts to hand Mr Spencer a peerage were blocked over ICAP's involvement in the Libor rate-rigging scandal, which saw the interdealer broker fined £60m in 2013 by regulators in London and New York.
The City tycoon, however, was never personally implicated in any wrongdoing, and last year secured a significant victory when the European Court of Justice quashed a bid by Brussels to levy a further multimillion pound fine on the company he used to run.
Writing in The Sunday Times shortly after that verdict, Mr Spencer accused watchdogs of using massive penalties to disguise their own shortcomings.
"The other [firms] all paid up without murmur, despite the flimsiness of the case.
"We challenged the decision because we knew we had not engaged in any cartel behaviour and the whole investigation was designed to deflect attention from the failings of regulators to spot the financial crisis coming."
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Several ICAP employees were charged by the Serious Fraud Office for their alleged role in the Libor scandal, but the case against them collapsed shortly after coming to court.
Having seen off the question marks against his reputation, the decision to ennoble Mr Spencer will come as little surprise.
He was among a group of substantial donors to Mr Johnson's leadership bid last summer, and over a long period has given millions of pounds to the Tories.
Friends estimate that he helped raise in excess of £100m for party coffers during his four years as treasurer, which culminated in him helping to corral the funds that took Mr Cameron into Downing Street in 2010.
Mr Spencer is now firmly part of the Conservative establishment, having been appointed earlier this month as chair of the Thatcherite think-tank, the Centre for Policy Studies.
One ally of the businessman said that while his close links to the Tory leadership - and deep pockets - had helped resurrect his chances of a peerage, he would also make a significant contribution to the upper chamber.
"Michael voted to remain in the EU referendum but he is a pragmatist and someone who cares deeply about the future of the country," a source close to Mr Spencer said on Saturday.
"He has a broad array of interests and he would be a valuable member of the Lords."
Mr Spencer is also a notable philanthropist, having helped to raise hundreds of millions of pounds for charities through private donations and the annual fundraising days staged at ICAP's offices.
Since selling NEX Group, ICAP's successor company, to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in 2018 for £3.9bn, Mr Spencer has invested small chunks of his fortune in start-up companies.
His family office vehicle now holds stakes in businesses such as Elvie, a manufacturer of female health products, and Veridium, a biometric fintech company.
It also holds a stake in The Tote's parent company and Chapeldown, Britain's largest winemaker.
If he is confirmed on the latest honours list, Mr Spencer will join the ranks of City grandees in the Lords, who include the likes of Lord Green, the former HSBC Holdings chairman and trade minister; Lord Lupton, the former Greenhill investment banker and also a one-time Tory treasurer; Lord Myners, who was parachuted in as a Treasury minister by Gordon Brown during the financial crisis; and Lord Rose, the former Marks & Spencer boss.
Reports have suggested that a new crop of peers will be announced before the end of the month, although the list could still take until February to emerge, according to Westminster sources.
It is expected to be dominated by former MPs, with the former Cabinet Office minister David Lidington and ex-Tory chairman Patrick McLoughlin tipped to be among those ennobled.
The nomination of new members of the Lords will inevitably provoke controversy given that they will almost certainly take the chamber's membership above 800.
Rebecca Long-Bailey, the Labour Party leadership contender, has vowed to abolish the Lords if she were ever to become prime minister.
The House of Lords Appointments Commission, which scrutinises political nominations for peerages, is not thought to have raised any objections to Mr Spencer's name being on the list.
A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Mr Spencer this weekend, while a spokesman for Mr Spencer also declined to comment.