labourlist--2020-10-30--Momentum rally: “We can get Corbyn reinstated”

Jon Trickett has declared at a Momentum rally that he is “ convinced ” left-wing activists can get Jeremy Corbyn reinstated after his suspension from the Labour Party on Thursday .
Corbyn suggested after the release of Equalities and Human Rights Commission report that the scale of antisemitism had been “ dramatically overstated for political reasons ” , which led to his suspension from the party .
Speaking at a virtual Momentum rally this evening , former shadow cabinet member Jon Trickett said activists had the “ strength of numbers ” and “ strength of argument ” to convince the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The online event , which was titled ‘ Stand with Corbyn ’ , called for the immediate reinstatement of the former leader and featured a variety of Labour Party politicians , trade union figures and left-wing activists .
Referring to the last leadership ’ s failures on antisemitism at the event , Trickett said : “ Did we make mistakes ?
Of course , we made mistakes , it ’ s part of the human condition .
The thing is to try and learn from them… “ The question is : is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a part of the solution ?
I think it ’ s clear : we are a part of the solution .
Because whenever you look at any struggle against antisemitism for fascism anywhere , there is the left standing firm.
” Trickett added : “ I was speaking to him [ Corbyn ] yesterday .
He told me he joined the party in 1966 , I joined in 1969 .
So he ’ s done 54 years .
And in that time , whenever people were in difficulty , he had their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have his back .
And I ’ m convinced we can get him reinstated .
We can get him reinstated not simply because of our strength of numbers but because of our strength of argument.
” The EHRC concluded on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints ; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them ; and harassment .
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report , which claimed the “ the scale of the [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended , and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP , “ in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them ” .
Trickett appeared at the Momentum event tonight alongside Richard Burgon , John McDonnell and Diane Abbott , all of whom are Socialist Campaign Group MPs and former shadow cabinet members under Corbyn .
McDonnell told the event : “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll say because we have to be careful in our language at the moment .
We don ’ t want to give any hostages to fortune to any who would use our words , distort them and use them against the left .
“ So let me make it clear .
I ’ m here in solidarity with my longstanding comrade Jeremy Corbyn .
What happened to him yesterday – his suspension – was profoundly wrong .
That ’ s the bottom line .
It was profoundly wrong and must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the aftermath of the EHRC report , the former Shadow Chancellor added : “ It ’ s true , as well , that political opponents have attacked us over the issue of antisemitism .
“ Time and time again the Tories raised this in parliament , but without once criticising the racist and antisemitic behaviour of Boris Johnson their own leader .
I even had antisemitism raised in Treasury questions by the Tories .
“ But this does not mean that the evidence of antisemitism in our party doesn ’ t and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trumped up , and it doesn ’ t excuse not acknowledging its existence and stopping it .
“ But the acknowledgement made by us all of the horrendous nature of antisemitism and its existence in our party and our society is something that should bring us together not divide us… to ensure we fight against this evil .
“ That ’ s what I want , and that ’ s what Jeremy wants .
My appeal is not the launch of some civil war or for members to leave the party and set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is for unity.
” Former Shadow Justice Secretary and secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group Richard Burgon told the event : “ People are not going to sit idly by while the former leader of the Labour Party is expelled… “ It will be an uphill fight for Keir to become Prime Minister , which is what I want to see .
I want to see Keir as Prime Minister , I want to see that Labour government for the good of my community and the good of all communities.
” The former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouldn ’ t have that fight with one hand tied behind his back .
So the way forward is clear .
Readmit Jeremy .
Unite to take the fight to the Tories.
” Other members of the Socialist Campaign Group believe both that Corbyn ’ s statement and his suspension were wrong .
Nadia Whittome has said she is “ saddened by the suspension ” but “ can not agree ” with Corbyn ’ s statement on the EHRC report .
Posting on social media this morning , the Labour left MP wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to suspend Jeremy and remove the whip appears unjust and does more harm than good ” .
But Whittome also argued that the Islington MP was “ wrong ” to have issued the statement he did in response to the release of the 128-page document on the handling of antisemitism complaints during his time as leader .

Jon Trickett has declared at a Momentum rally that he is “convinced” left-wing activists can get Jeremy Corbyn reinstated after his suspension from the Labour Party on Thursday.
Corbyn suggested after the release of Equality and Human Rights Commission report that the scale of antisemitism had been “dramatically overstated for political reasons”, which led to his suspension from the party.
Speaking at a virtual Momentum rally this evening, former shadow cabinet member Jon Trickett said activists had the “strength of numbers” and “strength of argument” to convince the party to end Corbyn’s suspension.
The online event, which was titled ‘Stand with Corbyn’, called for the immediate reinstatement of the former leader and featured a variety of Labour Party politicians, trade union figures and left-wing activists.
Referring to the last leadership’s failures on antisemitism at the event, Trickett said: “Did we make mistakes? Of course, we made mistakes, it’s part of the human condition. The thing is to try and learn from them…
“The question is: is the left a part of the problem or a part of the solution? I think it’s clear: we are a part of the solution. Because whenever you look at any struggle against antisemitism for fascism anywhere, there is the left standing firm.”
Trickett added: “I was speaking to him [Corbyn] yesterday. He told me he joined the party in 1966, I joined in 1969. So he’s done 54 years. And in that time, whenever people were in difficulty, he had their back.
“Now we need to have his back. And I’m convinced we can get him reinstated. We can get him reinstated not simply because of our strength of numbers but because of our strength of argument.”
The EHRC concluded on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them; and harassment.
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report, which claimed the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended, and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP, “in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them”.
Trickett appeared at the Momentum event tonight alongside Richard Burgon, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott, all of whom are Socialist Campaign Group MPs and former shadow cabinet members under Corbyn.
McDonnell told the event: “I’m going to read much of what I’ll say because we have to be careful in our language at the moment. We don’t want to give any hostages to fortune to any who would use our words, distort them and use them against the left.
“So let me make it clear. I’m here in solidarity with my longstanding comrade Jeremy Corbyn. What happened to him yesterday – his suspension – was profoundly wrong. That’s the bottom line. It was profoundly wrong and must be reversed.”
On Corbyn’s comments in the aftermath of the EHRC report, the former Shadow Chancellor added: “It’s true, as well, that political opponents have attacked us over the issue of antisemitism.
“Time and time again the Tories raised this in parliament, but without once criticising the racist and antisemitic behaviour of Boris Johnson their own leader. I even had antisemitism raised in Treasury questions by the Tories.
“But this does not mean that the evidence of antisemitism in our party doesn’t and didn’t exist, or was trumped up, and it doesn’t excuse not acknowledging its existence and stopping it.
“But the acknowledgement made by us all of the horrendous nature of antisemitism and its existence in our party and our society is something that should bring us together not divide us… to ensure we fight against this evil.
“That’s what I want, and that’s what Jeremy wants. My appeal is not the launch of some civil war or for members to leave the party and set up some other party. My appeal is for unity.”
Former Shadow Justice Secretary and secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group Richard Burgon told the event: “People are not going to sit idly by while the former leader of the Labour Party is expelled…
“It will be an uphill fight for Keir to become Prime Minister, which is what I want to see. I want to see Keir as Prime Minister, I want to see that Labour government for the good of my community and the good of all communities.”
The former Shadow Justice Secretary concluded: “Keir shouldn’t have that fight with one hand tied behind his back. So the way forward is clear. Readmit Jeremy. Unite to take the fight to the Tories.”
Other members of the Socialist Campaign Group believe both that Corbyn’s statement and his suspension were wrong. Nadia Whittome has said she is “saddened by the suspension” but “cannot agree” with Corbyn’s statement on the EHRC report.
Posting on social media this morning, the Labour left MP wrote that she is “concerned that the decision to suspend Jeremy and remove the whip appears unjust and does more harm than good”.
But Whittome also argued that the Islington MP was “wrong” to have issued the statement he did in response to the release of the 128-page document on the handling of antisemitism complaints during his time as leader.


labourlist--2020-10-30--Labour favourability drops but Starmer seen as better leader, YouGov finds

Labour ’ s net favourability among voters has dropped by over ten points in the aftermath of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report and suspension of Jeremy Corbyn , according to a new snap poll .
Research conducted by YouGov over the last two days , which involved 1,852 UK adults , has found that Labour ’ s approval rating fell from -11 to -23 this week .
The new figure means the score is at its lowest since May .
The snap poll suggests that support for Labour among its own voters has dropped since the EHRC report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended from the party , but that Starmer is now seen as a better leader .
Starmer ’ s personal approval ratings have fallen slightly after the crisis , from +5 to -2 across all voters .
Among Labour voters , his net favourability has fallen from +53 to +40 , while among Conservatives it has risen from -45 to -35 .
But Starmer is now also seen as a better leader , according to the poll .
49 % of respondents said he was “ competent ” , a nine percentage point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 38 % said he was “ decisive ” after a five-point rise .
The research suggests that over October Starmer has improved on the metrics of being “ trustworthy ” ( up three points to 32 % ) , “ strong ” ( 37 % , up five points ) and “ likeable ” ( 42 % , up eight points ) .
49 % in the latest poll agreed that Starmer is “ competent ” ( up nine percentage points since October 5th ) , 38 % “ decisive ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % “ trustworthy ” ( up three points ) , 37 % “ strong ” ( up five points ) ; 42 % “ likeable ” ( up eight points ) .
Those consulted in the poll were not supportive of Corbyn ’ s actions on antisemitism .
76 % of those consulted said he dealt with antisemitism badly in Labour , and just 7 % of respondents said he had done well .
By comparison , Keir Starmer ’ s handling of Labour antisemitism is seen more positively .
39 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue “ well ” , compared to just 22 % of people who thought the contrary .
Fresh YouGov polling has also indicated that UK voters overwhelmingly support Starmer ’ s decision to suspend Corbyn from the Labour Party , by a margin of 58 % to 13 % .
A further 29 % of those surveyed said they did not know .
30 % of people surveyed said Labour was “ institutionally antisemitic ” , 27 % said the party was not and 43 % reporting being unsure .
The figures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer .
The EHRC concluded on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints ; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them ; and harassment .
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the EHRC report , which claimed the “ the scale of the [ antisemitism ] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour MP , “ in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them ” .
Several MPs and groups within the Labour Party , as well as trade union Unite leader Len McCluskey , have argued that the suspension is wrong , and called on the Labour leader to reverse the disciplinary action taken against Corbyn .
Keir Starmer has this morning defended the move from the party as “ appropriate ” but argued that he does not want a “ civil war ” .
He said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult , very difficult action but the right action , which I fully support.
” The YouGov results follow the release of an Ipsos MORI poll today , which showed that Labour leads the Tories on Westminster voting intention by five points , with 42 % of people supporting Labour compared to 37 % backing the Tories .
In research carried out between October 22nd and 28th , Ipsos MORI research showed support for the opposition party rose by five points since last month while the popularity of Boris Johnson ’ s Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time that Labour has been ahead in an Ipsos MORI poll since Theresa May stepped down as Prime Minister and Johnson took over the top job , with the party seeing its best score since March 2018 .

Labour’s net favourability among voters has dropped by over ten points in the aftermath of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report and suspension of Jeremy Corbyn, according to a new snap poll.
Research conducted by YouGov over the last two days, which involved 1,852 UK adults, has found that Labour’s approval rating fell from -11 to -23 this week. The new figure means the score is at its lowest since May.
The snap poll suggests that support for Labour among its own voters has dropped since the EHRC report was released on Thursday and Corbyn was suspended from the party, but that Starmer is now seen as a better leader.
Starmer’s personal approval ratings have fallen slightly after the crisis, from +5 to -2 across all voters. Among Labour voters, his net favourability has fallen from +53 to +40, while among Conservatives it has risen from -45 to -35.
But Starmer is now also seen as a better leader, according to the poll. 49% of respondents said he was “competent”, a nine percentage point rise over the course of the month, and 38% said he was “decisive” after a five-point rise.
The research suggests that over October Starmer has improved on the metrics of being “trustworthy” (up three points to 32%), “strong” (37%, up five points) and “likeable” (42%, up eight points).
49% in the latest poll agreed that Starmer is “competent” (up nine percentage points since October 5th), 38% “decisive” (up five points), 32% “trustworthy” (up three points), 37% “strong” (up five points); 42% “likeable” (up eight points).
Those consulted in the poll were not supportive of Corbyn’s actions on antisemitism. 76% of those consulted said he dealt with antisemitism badly in Labour, and just 7% of respondents said he had done well.
By comparison, Keir Starmer’s handling of Labour antisemitism is seen more positively. 39% of respondents said he has dealt with the issue “well”, compared to just 22% of people who thought the contrary.
Fresh YouGov polling has also indicated that UK voters overwhelmingly support the decision to suspend Corbyn from the Labour Party, by a margin of 58% to 13%. A further 29% of those surveyed said they did not know.
30% of people surveyed said Labour was “institutionally antisemitic”, 27% said the party was not and 43% reporting being unsure. The figures are relatively unchanged from previous polling in the summer.
The EHRC concluded on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them; and harassment.
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the EHRC report, which claimed the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended, and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP, “in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them”.
Several MPs and groups within the Labour Party, as well as trade union Unite leader Len McCluskey, have argued that the suspension is wrong, and called on the Labour leader to reverse the disciplinary action taken against Corbyn.
Keir Starmer has this morning defended the move from the party as “appropriate” but argued that he does not want a “civil war”. He said: “That’s the right action – difficult, very difficult action but the right action, which I fully support.”
The YouGov results follow the release of an Ipsos MORI poll today, which showed that Labour leads the Tories on Westminster voting intention by five points, with 42% of people supporting Labour compared to 37% backing the Tories.
In research carried out between October 22nd and 28th, Ipsos MORI research showed support for the opposition party rose by five points since last month while the popularity of Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party fell by three.
It marks the first time that Labour has been ahead in an Ipsos MORI poll since Theresa May stepped down as Prime Minister and Johnson took over the top job, with the party seeing its best score since March 2018.


labourlist--2020-10-30--How Labour left MPs have reacted to the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn

The publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report , followed swiftly by the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn , has caused a stir in the Labour Party .
The damning 128-page document concluded that Labour was responsible for unlawful breaches , which made Thursday , as Keir Starmer declared , a dark day for the party .
But the following news cycle has been less focused on the findings of the report than the disciplinary action taken against the former Labour leader .
Labour suspended Corbyn following his statement on the report into Labour antisemitism , in which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem was dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
He went on to say in a subsequent interview that he was not “ not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism ” , but again said “ the size of the issue ” had been exaggerated in the media .
Some Labour MPs and members have since rallied around the former Labour leader .
But the response has not been the same from all on the left .
A tweet from the Socialist Campaign Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body of Labour left MPs in parliament , declared on Thursday afternoon that they “ firmly oppose the decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn ” and have pledged to “ work tirelessly for his reinstatement ” .
But reports quickly emerged that not all in the left-wing SCG group had been consulted on the post .
One member said it was “ ill-advised to issue the statement ” and explained that they were waiting to find out the grounds on which Corbyn had been suspended .
( We still don ’ t know this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference set the tone for the left as more MPs tentatively contributed to the debate .
It seems that while many believe the suspension is wrong , not all agree that Corbyn ’ s statement was wise .
Nadia Whittome MP , for example , has said she is “ saddened ” by the suspension but “ can not agree ” with Corbyn ’ s statement on the EHRC report .
Meanwhile , John McDonnell has warned that Labour is “ drifting towards a hell of a row over use of language , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The response to the dramatic events has been mixed .
20 of the 33 SCG MPs ( not counting Corbyn himself ) have , at the time of writing , yet to comment on the suspension of the former Labour leader .
Another five have simply retweeted the initial SCG post calling for his reinstatement , while others such as Ian Lavery , Kate Osborne , Zarah Sultana , Bell-Ribeiro-Addy and currently-suspended Claudia Webbe have taken to social media condemning the disciplinary action but giving no comment on what Corbyn said .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as MP Clive Lewis , who has criticised Corbyn ’ s EHRC report statement .
The Norwich South MP and brief 2020 leadership contender appeared to agree with journalist Rachel Shabi that the comments of the Islington MP were “ ill-advised , to put it mildly ” and it is “ beyond frustrating to see Labour yet again descend into factionalism over this [ antisemitism ] issue and thus torpedo the EHRC report ” .
Silence from many of the Labour MPs is not entirely surprising .
Labour MPs were warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they were not to wade into any discussion of it unless they have been specific requested by the party to do so .
There have been few remarks in response to EHRC beyond endorsing its recommendations .
The action taken yesterday by the Labour Party in suspending Corbyn suggest the warning was a serious one .
Clearly many Corbynite MPs are keenly aware of the danger that making any comment on the substance of Corbyn ’ s statement could lead to their own suspension – and there is a reluctance to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be resolved .
This makes the wording of a petition circulating in support of Corbyn important .
It offers no comment on his argument or the scale of Labour ’ s antisemitism problem .
It simply states : “ We call for Jeremy Corbyn to be reinstated into the Labour Party.
” A call that left MPs and Labour members will feel safer rallying to .
Launched four hours ago , the petition is nearly at 6,000 signatures , every one a reminder of the strength of feeling towards the 2017 and @ @ @ @ @ @

The publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report, followed swiftly by the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn, has caused a stir in the Labour Party. The damning 128-page document concluded that Labour was responsible for unlawful breaches, which made Thursday, as Keir Starmer declared, a dark day for the party. But the following news cycle has been less focused on the findings of the report than the disciplinary action taken against the former Labour leader.
Labour suspended Corbyn following his statement on the report into Labour antisemitism, in which he argued that “the scale of the problem was dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”. He went on to say in a subsequent interview that he was not “not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism”, but again said “the size of the issue” had been exaggerated in the media. Some Labour MPs and members have since rallied around the former Labour leader. But the response has not been the same from all on the left.
A tweet from the Socialist Campaign Group’s social media account, the body of Labour left MPs in parliament, declared on Thursday afternoon that they “firmly oppose the decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn” and have pledged to “work tirelessly for his reinstatement”. But reports quickly emerged that not all in the left-wing SCG group had been consulted on the post. One member said it was “ill-advised to issue the statement” and explained that they were waiting to find out the grounds on which Corbyn had been suspended. (We still don’t know this crucial bit of information.)
This difference set the tone for the left as more MPs tentatively contributed to the debate. It seems that while many believe the suspension is wrong, not all agree that Corbyn’s statement was wise. Nadia Whittome MP, for example, has said she is “saddened” by the suspension but “cannot agree” with Corbyn’s statement on the EHRC report. Meanwhile, John McDonnell has warned that Labour is “drifting towards a hell of a row over use of language, misinterpretation, followed by overreaction”.
The response to the dramatic events has been mixed. 20 of the 33 SCG MPs (not counting Corbyn himself) have, at the time of writing, yet to comment on the suspension of the former Labour leader. Another five have simply retweeted the initial SCG post calling for his reinstatement, while others such as Ian Lavery, Kate Osborne, Zarah Sultana, Bell-Ribeiro-Addy and currently-suspended Claudia Webbe have taken to social media condemning the disciplinary action but giving no comment on what Corbyn said.
Then there are others on the Labour left, such as MP Clive Lewis, who has criticised Corbyn’s EHRC report statement. The Norwich South MP and brief 2020 leadership contender appeared to agree with journalist Rachel Shabi that the comments of the Islington MP were “ill-advised, to put it mildly” and it is “beyond frustrating to see Labour yet again descend into factionalism over this [antisemitism] issue and thus torpedo the EHRC report”.
Silence from many of the Labour MPs is not entirely surprising. Labour MPs were warned ahead of the report’s release that they were not to wade into any discussion of it unless they have been specific requested by the party to do so. There have been few remarks in response to EHRC beyond endorsing its recommendations. The action taken yesterday by the Labour Party in suspending Corbyn suggest the warning was a serious one. Clearly many Corbynite MPs are keenly aware of the danger that making any comment on the substance of Corbyn’s statement could lead to their own suspension – and there is a reluctance to speak out when it is possible the situation could be resolved.
This makes the wording of a petition circulating in support of Corbyn important. It offers no comment on his argument or the scale of Labour’s antisemitism problem. It simply states: “We call for Jeremy Corbyn to be reinstated into the Labour Party.” A call that left MPs and Labour members will feel safer rallying to. Launched four hours ago, the petition is nearly at 6,000 signatures, every one a reminder of the strength of feeling towards the 2017 and 2019 Labour candidate for PM.


labourlist--2020-10-30--Welsh Labour unveils 2021 Senedd election regional candidates list

Eluned Morgan and Joyce Watson have topped the list after the Welsh Labour Party announced its list of regional candidates for the upcoming Senedd election due to take place in May next year .
Unveiled this afternoon , party members have determined a diverse group of Labour contenders in the coming electoral contest .
55 % of the hopefuls are women , while 30 % are from a Black , Asian or minority ethnic ( BAME ) background .
Watson and Morgan are joined by a selection of candidates with strong local government experience , including councillors Ruba Sivagnanam , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Ath and deputy council leader Carolyn Thomas .
Commenting on the election , Morgan said : “ Now , more than ever , we need to retain our Welsh Labour government against the threat of Plaid ’ s divisive nationalism and the devastation that could be inflicted on our communities if the Conservatives win in Wales .
“ Welsh Labour has shielded our people and communities from the worst of Tory austerity .
I am proud to have helped deliver our hopeful , radical agenda and look forward to building on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prosperous and greener future for our nation .
“ Alongside Joyce Watson , I will continue to support our communities ; to champion causes and to fight for more equitable and sustainable society for all .
As a minister , my focus will remain on keeping the people of Wales safe during the greatest health threat our country has ever faced.
” The Senedd is made up of 60 members .
40 are elected by a first-past-the-post system like the one used to determine UK parliament representatives .
Another 20 are selected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four drawn from each region .
Those additional members are taken from party lists with the number of seats for each party determined by a proportional representation formula , meaning that the electorate in Wales have two votes to cast in May .
Also commenting on the outcome of the vote this afternoon , Watson said : “ It is a great honour to be chosen for a fourth time , and to win the support of all eight constituencies across mid and west Wales .
“ Thank you to all who supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by continuing to stand up for all our communities .
Eluned and I work well together as a strong Welsh Labour team.
” Party members voted earlier this year to determine the Labour Party regional candidates .
Ballots were issued to Welsh members on August 3rd with voting coming to a close on September 16th .
Below is the full list of Labour Party regional candidates selected .

Eluned Morgan and Joyce Watson have topped the list after the Welsh Labour Party announced its list of regional candidates for the upcoming Senedd election due to take place in May next year.
Unveiled this afternoon, party members have determined a diverse group of Labour contenders in the coming electoral contest. 55% of the hopefuls are women, while 30% are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) background.
Watson and Morgan are joined by a selection of candidates with strong local government experience, including councillors Ruba Sivagnanam, Majid Rahman, Cardiff mayor Dan De’Ath and deputy council leader Carolyn Thomas.
Commenting on the election, Morgan said: “Now, more than ever, we need to retain our Welsh Labour government against the threat of Plaid’s divisive nationalism and the devastation that could be inflicted on our communities if the Conservatives win in Wales.
“Welsh Labour has shielded our people and communities from the worst of Tory austerity. I am proud to have helped deliver our hopeful, radical agenda and look forward to building on our manifesto commitments to deliver a more equal, prosperous and greener future for our nation.
“Alongside Joyce Watson, I will continue to support our communities; to champion causes and to fight for more equitable and sustainable society for all. As a minister, my focus will remain on keeping the people of Wales safe during the greatest health threat our country has ever faced.”
I really appreciate members putting their trust in me at this challenging time. It has been a huge privilege to serve Mid & West Wales over the past term. Alongside Joyce Watson, I will continue to support our communities & fight for more equitable & sustainable society for all. pic.twitter.com/OLA4FN4ZBv — Eluned Morgan (@Eluned_Morgan) October 30, 2020
The Senedd is made up of 60 members. 40 are elected by a first-past-the-post system like the one used to determine UK parliament representatives. Another 20 are selected from five areas across Wales, with four drawn from each region.
Those additional members are taken from party lists with the number of seats for each party determined by a proportional representation formula, meaning that the electorate in Wales have two votes to cast in May.
Also commenting on the outcome of the vote this afternoon, Watson said: “It is a great honour to be chosen for a fourth time, and to win the support of all eight constituencies across mid and west Wales.
“Thank you to all who supported me – I will repay your trust by continuing to stand up for all our communities. Eluned and I work well together as a strong Welsh Labour team.”
Party members voted earlier this year to determine the Labour Party regional candidates. Ballots were issued to Welsh members on August 3rd with voting coming to a close on September 16th.
Below is the full list of Labour Party regional candidates selected.
North Wales
Carolyn Thomas Andy Short Diane Green Ryan O’Gorman
Mid and West Wales
Eluned Morgan Joyce Watson Helen Taylor Ben Gwalchmai
South Wales East
Helen Cunningham Peter Jones Mary Ann Brocklesby Majid Rahman
South Wales Central
Ruba Sivagnanam Dan De’Ath Maliika Kaaba Owain Williams
South Wales West


labourlist--2020-10-30--Our towns matter. Covid cannot dent our ambition to transform them

The way we work and live has changed , and so has the way we use our town centres .
I grew up in what was then a market town .
I now live in a market town .
As a teenager , I travelled to the town I now live in most Saturdays with my best friend on the bus with just enough money for my bus fare and a little extra , in case there was something in Woolies that caught my eye .
There are few household names left on our town centre high streets .
Often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of decline , which is felt much more keenly than the wider physical change we ’ ve witnessed in our communities .
Towns right across the UK face challenges – that is not unique to Wales .
But what is unique in Wales is the way the Welsh Labour government is supporting our town centres to survive these challenges , including the pandemic , and move into a new and different future .
The pandemic is all-consuming at the moment , but it has not dented or changed our ambition to help transform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
If anything , it has reinforced and reignited it .
But Covid has changed the circumstances in which we are operating .
For many businesses , the pandemic has helped accelerate a move to online platforms and increase the pressure on retail .
Coronavirus has placed incredible pressures on businesses across Wales , particularly those in our smaller town centres .
We have made capital funding available from our £90m ‘ Transforming Towns ‘ programme to pay for adaptions to support trading and public safety .
This includes outdoor seating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , outdoor waiting areas for salons , as well as signage , lighting and power for outdoor markets .
There have been some positives too .
The pandemic has brought with it a fresh appreciation for green spaces and for the nature on our doorstep .
We have seen reduced traffic , less congestion and , as a consequence , fewer vehicle emissions .
As a result of some of the regulations put in place in Wales to curb the transmission of the virus , there has been a shift towards shopping local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We want to lock in these changes and make them central to shaping the town centres of tomorrow .
We are even more determined to put our ‘ town centre first ’ principle into practice .
The starting point for all government policy is now : can this be done in a town centre ?
Can this building , this new service , be done in a high street or a town centre location ?
From further education and childcare to supported living and remote working hubs , the opportunities are only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Wales , we have continued to encourage people to work from home wherever they can .
In the longer term , we want more people to have the choice to work at home or closer to home .
We know a one-size-fits-all approach won ’ t work for everyone , but more flexible working options will help people fit work into their lives , rather than arranging the rest of their lives around their work .
This should improve both their quality of work and quality of life .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this a reality .
We are exploring the development of a network of community-based , remote-working hubs to give people more choices about where they work – beyond just working from home or the office .
These would be within walking and cycling distance of people ’ s homes and could be used by public , private and third-sector employees .
These co-working spaces , or hubs , would be based in town centres and support regeneration and economic activity while also helping boost footfall and employment as well as bringing environmental benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it doesn ’ t end there .
We are all familiar with the long-standing , eye-sore empty properties that have been the talk of the town and a blight on our communities .
We have set up a £15.2m fighting fund to ramp up enforcement and a £10m loan fund to support businesses and local authorities to take on and turn around empty properties .
A ministerial town centre action group with external expertise , supported by regional action groups is identifying and prioritising actions to boost our town centres in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and empowerment is central to this – this is not just about places but the people that make them .
It is only right that they shape their future .
Our ‘ Transforming Towns ’ agenda is more important than ever .
For me , this is a personal and political priority .
We need to secure the future of our towns so they thrive , not simply survive , and set out the clear direction that our towns are the future .
Towns are not just centres of business and trade – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places that matter to us at a much more intrinsic level .
They are places that are part of who we are and where we ’ re from .
Places that we all want to see not simply get by , but come back better – reaffirming our pride in place and bringing benefits to our local communities , economy and environment .
Our towns matter .
They matter to me and they matter to people all across Wales .

The way we work and live has changed, and so has the way we use our town centres. I grew up in what was then a market town. I now live in a market town. As a teenager, I travelled to the town I now live in most Saturdays with my best friend on the bus with just enough money for my bus fare and a little extra, in case there was something in Woolies that caught my eye.
There are few household names left on our town centre high streets. Often all that is left is a sense of decline, which is felt much more keenly than the wider physical change we’ve witnessed in our communities. Towns right across the UK face challenges – that is not unique to Wales. But what is unique in Wales is the way the Welsh Labour government is supporting our town centres to survive these challenges, including the pandemic, and move into a new and different future.
The pandemic is all-consuming at the moment, but it has not dented or changed our ambition to help transform our towns and give them a bright future. If anything, it has reinforced and reignited it. But Covid has changed the circumstances in which we are operating. For many businesses, the pandemic has helped accelerate a move to online platforms and increase the pressure on retail.
Coronavirus has placed incredible pressures on businesses across Wales, particularly those in our smaller town centres. We have made capital funding available from our £90m ‘Transforming Towns‘ programme to pay for adaptions to support trading and public safety. This includes outdoor seating, shelters and heating for cafes and pubs, outdoor waiting areas for salons, as well as signage, lighting and power for outdoor markets.
There have been some positives too. The pandemic has brought with it a fresh appreciation for green spaces and for the nature on our doorstep. We have seen reduced traffic, less congestion and, as a consequence, fewer vehicle emissions. As a result of some of the regulations put in place in Wales to curb the transmission of the virus, there has been a shift towards shopping local and outdoor markets have become more popular.
We want to lock in these changes and make them central to shaping the town centres of tomorrow. We are even more determined to put our ‘town centre first’ principle into practice. The starting point for all government policy is now: can this be done in a town centre? Can this building, this new service, be done in a high street or a town centre location? From further education and childcare to supported living and remote working hubs, the opportunities are only limited by our own imagination and creativity.
In Wales, we have continued to encourage people to work from home wherever they can. In the longer term, we want more people to have the choice to work at home or closer to home. We know a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for everyone, but more flexible working options will help people fit work into their lives, rather than arranging the rest of their lives around their work. This should improve both their quality of work and quality of life. We are working with our social partners to make this a reality.
We are exploring the development of a network of community-based, remote-working hubs to give people more choices about where they work – beyond just working from home or the office. These would be within walking and cycling distance of people’s homes and could be used by public, private and third-sector employees. These co-working spaces, or hubs, would be based in town centres and support regeneration and economic activity while also helping boost footfall and employment as well as bringing environmental benefits by reducing commuting and car journeys.
And it doesn’t end there. We are all familiar with the long-standing, eye-sore empty properties that have been the talk of the town and a blight on our communities. We have set up a £15.2m fighting fund to ramp up enforcement and a £10m loan fund to support businesses and local authorities to take on and turn around empty properties.
A ministerial town centre action group with external expertise, supported by regional action groups is identifying and prioritising actions to boost our town centres in the short and long term. Community engagement and empowerment is central to this – this is not just about places but the people that make them. It is only right that they shape their future. Our ‘Transforming Towns’ agenda is more important than ever. For me, this is a personal and political priority. We need to secure the future of our towns so they thrive, not simply survive, and set out the clear direction that our towns are the future.
Towns are not just centres of business and trade – crucial though that is – they are places that matter to us at a much more intrinsic level. They are places that are part of who we are and where we’re from. Places that we all want to see not simply get by, but come back better – reaffirming our pride in place and bringing benefits to our local communities, economy and environment. Our towns matter. They matter to me and they matter to people all across Wales.


labourlist--2020-10-30--Hodge: Suspending Corbyn will be “the making of Starmer as one of our great leaders”

Margaret Hodge has praised Keir Starmer following the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party and said the move “ will go down in history as the making of Keir Starmer as one of our great leaders ” .
During an interview with Times Radio this afternoon , the parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movement said that the current Labour leader showed “ strong , determined , consistent leadership ” by suspending his predecessor .
She also suggested she wants to focus on the findings of the EHRC report but that after Corbyn ’ s response it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set it up so that the report and its findings wouldn ’ t be the story but he would be the story ” .
Asked about the decision to suspend Corbyn from the Labour Party , Hodge told listeners : “ The lesson is really about Keir ’ s leadership .
There are these moments in history where leaders make decisions and it could make or break them .
“ And what Keir did yesterday – he showed strong , determined , consistent leadership and he took a decision , not because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to , but because he was right .
I think it was a day that will go down in history as the making of Keir Starmer as one of our great leaders.
” Commenting on whether the move would cause more division in the Labour Party , the longstanding Corbynsceptic Labour MP said : “ Well , to be honest , Jeremy Corbyn is standing on a platform where he is denying antisemitism.
” “ How on earth can you have a throng of people behind you , supporting you , creating division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent report from a statutory body , the EHRC , saying that it ’ s there ?
” She concluded : “ I think the platform on which he ’ s trying to rally his troops is so outrageously awful that I can not imagine that there are a lot of people , apart from the usual culprits , who will follow him.
” The EHRC concluded on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints ; failure to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and harassment .
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report , which claimed the “ the scale of the [ antisemitism ] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended , and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP , “ in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them ” .
Responding to his statement on the report , before the party announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn was in “ permanent denial ” about Labour antisemitism and said he had “ shamed the Labour Party ” .
Asked about antisemitism under Corbyn ’ s leadership this afternoon , she said : “ I had come to the conclusion that I was looking at it wrong and that he had become irrelevant .
That he was a man of the past and therefore we shouldn ’ t focus on him .
“ That we should focus on the findings of the report and moving forward .
And that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then I read the report and it ’ s much tougher than I thought it was going to be .
“ I thought it would be very bureaucratic and be all about processes and those sort of things but it wasn ’ t – it was tough , direct and clear .
And it found that the Labour Party had broken the law on three counts and it talked about a failure of leadership.
” The Barking MP added : “ And then Corbyn comes out with this statement – I haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination not to mention him on the day except in passing , well you just couldn ’ t avoid it… I couldn ’ t keep saying he ’ s irrelevant and a member of the past because he had made himself a member of the present.
” Several MPs and groups within the Labour Party , as well as trade union Unite leader Len McCluskey have argued that the suspension is wrong , and called on the Labour leader to reverse the disciplinary action taken against Corbyn .
Keir Starmer this morning defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate ” but argued that he does not want a “ civil war ” .
He said : “ That ’ s the right action – difficult , very difficult action but the right action , which I fully support.
” Former London mayor Ken Livingstone said earlier on the same programme : “ I agree with Jeremy Corbyn .
There was a small problem of antisemitism , but it wasn ’ t endemic in the party.
” He also claimed allegations of antisemitism were “ used against me because I was defending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the EHRC report was a “ scam ” and that if he were wealthier he would be “ suing them [ the EHRC ] for libel ” .
The EHRC report said that Livingstone ’ s defence of Naz Shah , references to the Israel lobby and more “ had the effect of creating an intimidating , hostile , degrading , humiliating or offensive environment for members , and prospective members.
” It also found that one of the former London mayor ’ s cases was delayed in being reported to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by officials due to “ very difficult ” political timing surrounding the case .
The EHRC report found that there were “ unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination for which the Labour Party is responsible ” and “ serious failings in leadership and an inadequate process for handling antisemitism complaints ” .
After repeatedly complaining to Labour about Corbyn but not finding that it would open an investigation , the Campaign Against Antisemitism formally referred the party to the EHRC in July 2018 .
The EHRC decided that the threshold for a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a probe in May 2019 into whether Labour had “ unlawfully discriminated against , harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish ” .
The Labour Party has been served with an unlawful act notice .
The party has six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published today .

Margaret Hodge has praised Keir Starmer following the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party and said the move “will go down in history as the making of Keir Starmer as one of our great leaders”.
During an interview with Times Radio this afternoon, the parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movement said that the current Labour leader showed “strong, determined, consistent leadership” by suspending his predecessor.
She also suggested she wants to focus on the findings of the EHRC report but that after Corbyn’s response it was “almost as if he had deliberately set it up so that the report and its findings wouldn’t be the story but he would be the story”.
Asked about the decision to suspend Corbyn from the Labour Party, Hodge told listeners: “The lesson is really about Keir’s leadership. There are these moments in history where leaders make decisions and it could make or break them.
“And what Keir did yesterday – he showed strong, determined, consistent leadership and he took a decision, not because it was easy, not because he wanted to, but because he was right. I think it was a day that will go down in history as the making of Keir Starmer as one of our great leaders.”
Commenting on whether the move would cause more division in the Labour Party, the longstanding Corbynsceptic Labour MP said: “Well, to be honest, Jeremy Corbyn is standing on a platform where he is denying antisemitism.”
“How on earth can you have a throng of people behind you, supporting you, creating division in the party, when there is an independent report from a statutory body, the EHRC, saying that it’s there?”
She concluded: “I think the platform on which he’s trying to rally his troops is so outrageously awful that I cannot imagine that there are a lot of people, apart from the usual culprits, who will follow him.”
The EHRC concluded on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them; and harassment.
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report, which claimed the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended, and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP, “in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them”.
Responding to his statement on the report, before the party announced his suspension, Hodge argued it showed Corbyn was in “permanent denial” about Labour antisemitism and said he had “shamed the Labour Party”.
Asked about antisemitism under Corbyn’s leadership this afternoon, she said: “I had come to the conclusion that I was looking at it wrong and that he had become irrelevant. That he was a man of the past and therefore we shouldn’t focus on him.
“That we should focus on the findings of the report and moving forward. And that’s where I started that morning, and then I read the report and it’s much tougher than I thought it was going to be.
“I thought it would be very bureaucratic and be all about processes and those sort of things but it wasn’t – it was tough, direct and clear. And it found that the Labour Party had broken the law on three counts and it talked about a failure of leadership.”
The Barking MP added: “And then Corbyn comes out with this statement – I haven’t got a clue. And my determination not to mention him on the day except in passing, well you just couldn’t avoid it… I couldn’t keep saying he’s irrelevant and a member of the past because he had made himself a member of the present.”
Several MPs and groups within the Labour Party, as well as trade union Unite leader Len McCluskey have argued that the suspension is wrong, and called on the Labour leader to reverse the disciplinary action taken against Corbyn.
Keir Starmer this morning defended the move from the party as “appropriate” but argued that he does not want a “civil war”. He said: “That’s the right action – difficult, very difficult action but the right action, which I fully support.”
Former London mayor Ken Livingstone said earlier on the same programme: “I agree with Jeremy Corbyn. There was a small problem of antisemitism, but it wasn’t endemic in the party.”
He also claimed allegations of antisemitism were “used against me because I was defending Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership”, that the EHRC report was a “scam” and that if he were wealthier he would be “suing them [the EHRC] for libel”.
The EHRC report said that Livingstone’s defence of Naz Shah, references to the Israel lobby and more “had the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for members, and prospective members.”
It also found that one of the former London mayor’s cases was delayed in being reported to the Labour national executive committee (NEC) by officials due to “very difficult” political timing surrounding the case.
The EHRC report found that there were “unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination for which the Labour Party is responsible” and “serious failings in leadership and an inadequate process for handling antisemitism complaints”.
After repeatedly complaining to Labour about Corbyn but not finding that it would open an investigation, the Campaign Against Antisemitism formally referred the party to the EHRC in July 2018.
The EHRC decided that the threshold for a full statutory investigation had been met and launched a probe in May 2019 into whether Labour had “unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”.
The Labour Party has been served with an unlawful act notice. The party has six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published today.


labourlist--2020-10-30--Labour “drifting towards a hell of a row”, John McDonnell warns

John McDonnell has warned that the Labour Party is “ drifting towards a hell of a row over the use of language ” after the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn over his statement on the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism .
Commenting on the Labour leader ’ s remarks earlier today about the disciplinary action , the former Shadow Chancellor tweeted : “ Keir Starmer this morning has rightfully said he doesn ’ t want a civil war in the Labour Party .
“ Let ’ s be clear .
Nobody does , but it seems we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over use of language , misinterpretation , followed by overreaction.
” The former Labour frontbencher reminded people that , when he stood down from his shadow position earlier in the year , he had suggested that he wanted to be an “ elder statesman ” to the new leadership of the party .
He added : “ Well here goes .
My advice is that with a bit of explanation over what was meant in various statements we could all save ourselves a lot of unnecessary grief and get on with tackling Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints ; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them ; and harassment .
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report , which claimed the “ the scale of the [ antisemitism ] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party ” .
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended , and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his comments made today and his failure to retract them ” .
The comments from the Shadow Chancellor on the row follow those of backbencher Nadia Whittome , who has said she is “ saddened by the suspension ” but “ can not agree ” with Corbyn ’ s statement on the EHRC report into antisemitism .
Posting on social media this morning , the Labour left MP wrote that she is “ concerned that the decision to suspend Jeremy and remove the whip appears unjust and does more harm than good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Islington MP was “ wrong ” to have issued the statement he did in response to the release of the 128-page document on the handling of antisemitism complaints during his time as leader .
Starmer today defended the suspension of the former leader as “ appropriate ” but argued that he does not want a “ civil war ” .
He said : “ That ’ s the right action – difficult , very difficult action but the right action , which I fully support.
” Several MPs and groups within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union Unite leader Len McCluskey , have argued that the suspension is wrong , and called on the Labour leader to reverse the disciplinary action .
Hackney MP and longstanding Corbyn-ally Diane Abbott tweeted her opposition to the suspension on Thursday and said she will “ work for his reinstatement ” , arguing that “ divided parties don ’ t win elections ” .
The former Shadow Home Secretary has since shared a petition calling for the former Labour leader to be reinstated , urging members to sign and adding : “ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must stand with him.
” McCluskey has said this morning that he hopes the party will “ be able to resolve the matter ” .
He argued : “ Yesterday should have been about moving on from antisemitism and embracing what the EHRC said , which Keir did .
“ And unfortunately now we ’ ve all been knocked off the rails a little bit by Jeremy ’ s suspension .
I think it was unjust and hopefully with discussions that can take place we can resolve it and we can all move @ @ @

John McDonnell has warned that the Labour Party is “drifting towards a hell of a row over use of language” after the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn over his statement on the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism.
Commenting on the Labour leader’s remarks earlier today about the disciplinary action, the former Shadow Chancellor tweeted: “Keir Starmer this morning has rightfully said he doesn’t want a civil war in the Labour Party.
“Let’s be clear. Nobody does, but it seems we are drifting towards a hell of a row over use of language, misinterpretation, followed by overreaction.”
The former Labour frontbencher reminded people that, when he stood down from his shadow position earlier in the year, he had suggested that he wanted to be an “elder statesman” to the new leadership of the party.
He added: “Well here goes. My advice is that with a bit of explanation over what was meant in various statements we could all save ourselves a lot of unnecessary grief and get on with tackling Covid and job cuts.”
The EHRC concluded on Thursday that Labour is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act – relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints; failure to provide adequate training to those handling them; and harassment.
Corbyn issued a statement in response to the report, which claimed the “the scale of the [antisemitism] problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party”.
A Labour spokesperson subsequently announced that Corbyn had been suspended, and the Parliamentary Labour Party whip removed from the Labour MP, “in light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them”.
The comments from the Shadow Chancellor on the row follow those of backbencher Nadia Whittome, who has said she is “saddened by the suspension” but “cannot agree” with Corbyn’s statement on the EHRC report into antisemitism.
Posting on social media this morning, the Labour left MP wrote that she is “concerned that the decision to suspend Jeremy and remove the whip appears unjust and does more harm than good”.
But Whittome also argued that the Islington MP was “wrong” to have issued the statement he did in response to the release of the 128-page document on the handling of antisemitism complaints during his time as leader.
Starmer today defended the suspension of the former leader as “appropriate” but argued that he does not want a “civil war”. He said: “That’s the right action – difficult, very difficult action but the right action, which I fully support.”
Several MPs and groups within the Labour Party, as well as trade union Unite leader Len McCluskey, have argued that the suspension is wrong, and called on the Labour leader to reverse the disciplinary action.
Hackney MP and longstanding Corbyn-ally Diane Abbott tweeted her opposition to the suspension on Thursday and said she will “work for his reinstatement”, arguing that “divided parties don’t win elections”.
The former Shadow Home Secretary has since shared a petition calling for the former Labour leader to be reinstated, urging members to sign and adding: “He has always stood with us. We must stand with him.”
McCluskey has said this morning that he hopes the party will “be able to resolve the matter”. He argued: “Yesterday should have been about moving on from antisemitism and embracing what the EHRC said, which Keir did.
“And unfortunately now we’ve all been knocked off the rails a little bit by Jeremy’s suspension. I think it was unjust and hopefully with discussions that can take place we can resolve it and we can all move on.”


labourlist--2020-10-31--McDonnell: Household bill and council tax arrears should be paused indefinitely

Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has called on the UK government to help struggling low-income families with debt – as the state did for bankers in 2008 – by indefinitely suspending household bill and council tax arrears .
Setting out a ‘ reset programme for domestic debt ’ during coronavirus today , the Labour MP said : “ The government helped the bankers on debt during the banking crisis – now it needs to help families facing debt as a result of the Covid crisis.
” McDonnell is using Claim the Future , a new economy-focused campaign group he launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the devastating effect of the pandemic on family finances – and demand urgent action from the UK government .
The Labour left figure has recommended that state intervention to tackle the debt burden incurred by furloughed workers or those made unemployed should include the indefinite suspension of arrears on household bills and council tax .
He is also advising that outstanding debts to pay day loan companies , banks and credit agencies should be tightly regulated , with interest payments and fees curbed or waived to alleviate the strain on low-paid workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour MP said : “ A huge personal debt crisis is being created by the pandemic as people being furloughed or losing their jobs and others on welfare benefits are unable to pay their rents , mortgages and other essential bills .
“ Not only is this causing immense stress and hardship for many families struggling to get by , it will hold back the economy recovering and could risk another financial crisis as the debt becomes unsustainable .
“ This is made worse by the high level of interest rates being charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the only actor that can borrow at low interest rates and act to control and reduce company and personal debts .
“ In the 2008 financial crisis , the government stepped forward to rescue the banks by taking on their bad debts .
The government launched UK Asset Resolution , the so-called ‘ bad bank ’ that purchased problem debts from the banks to clean up their balance sheets .
“ It ’ s time for the government to create a consumer equivalent to lift the debt burden off peoples ’ backs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates and charges on loans .
“ This vehicle would allow people to offload problem debts and refinance at affordable rates , avoiding the excessive interest rates and extortionate fees made by some lenders and bailiffs.
” The policy platform , which forms part of a broader “ socialist vision for a post-Covid economy ” , will be published alongside a speech delivered by McDonnell at Claim the Future ’ s online conference ‘ Resetting the Political Economy ‘ .
The events on Saturday will explore options for “ radical ” economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trade unions , academics and think tanks to build plans for a society offering “ security ” , “ hope ” , “ fairness ” and a “ sense of a future ” .
McDonnell-backed policies include a £15 minimum wage , a minimum income guarantee of at least £221 per week , and a jobs guarantee amid a massive infrastructure programme geared towards a just transition to a green economy .
The Hayes and Harlington MP , who served as Shadow Chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn , last month brought forward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would aim to block Covid financial aid from the government going to “ appalling employers ” .
In his first intervention in the UK parliament since stepping down from the shadow cabinet when Keir Starmer was elected Labour leader , McDonnell proposed a ‘ ten minute rule bill ’ on business standards and conditionality of coronavirus support .
The MP has also demanded the “ urgent nationalisation ” of the care sector , a call made in the summer amid fears of a second Covid wave , and for the temporary ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be extended for a further year .
He praised Keir Starmer ’ s approach to opposition during the Covid crisis as “ exactly right ” during an interview in August , and has urged Labour left members not to let themselves be “ portrayed as oppositionists , shouting from the sidelines ” .
But McDonnell has also been outspoken this week against the decision to suspend Corbyn from the party , warning that the Labour Party is “ drifting towards a hell of a row over use of language , misinterpretation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Momentum rally on Friday , he said : “ I ’ m here in solidarity with my longstanding comrade Jeremy Corbyn .
What happened to him yesterday – his suspension – was profoundly wrong .
That ’ s the bottom line .
It was profoundly wrong and must be reversed .
”

Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has called on the UK government to help struggling low-income families with debt – as the state did for bankers in 2008 – by indefinitely suspending household bill and council tax arrears.
Setting out a ‘reset programme for domestic debt’ during coronavirus today, the Labour MP said: “The government helped the bankers on debt during the banking crisis – now it needs to help families facing debt as a result of the Covid crisis.”
McDonnell is using Claim the Future, a new economy-focused campaign group he launched in July this year, to highlight the devastating effect of the pandemic on family finances – and demand urgent action from the UK government.
The Labour left figure has recommended that state intervention to tackle the debt burden incurred by furloughed workers or those made unemployed should include the indefinite suspension of arrears on household bills and council tax.
He is also advising that outstanding debts to pay day loan companies, banks and credit agencies should be tightly regulated, with interest payments and fees curbed or waived to alleviate the strain on low-paid workers and those who have lost jobs.
The Labour MP said: “A huge personal debt crisis is being created by the pandemic as people being furloughed or losing their jobs and others on welfare benefits are unable to pay their rents, mortgages and other essential bills.
“Not only is this causing immense stress and hardship for many families struggling to get by, it will hold back the economy recovering and could risk another financial crisis as the debt becomes unsustainable.
“This is made worse by the high level of interest rates being charged and by unscrupulous lenders. The government is the only actor that can borrow at low interest rates and act to control and reduce company and personal debts.
“In the 2008 financial crisis, the government stepped forward to rescue the banks by taking on their bad debts. The government launched UK Asset Resolution, the so-called ‘bad bank’ that purchased problem debts from the banks to clean up their balance sheets.
“It’s time for the government to create a consumer equivalent to lift the debt burden off peoples’ backs, whilst better regulating lending including capping interest rates and charges on loans.
“This vehicle would allow people to offload problem debts and refinance at affordable rates, avoiding the excessive interest rates and extortionate fees made by some lenders and bailiffs.”
The policy platform, which forms part of a broader “socialist vision for a post-Covid economy”, will be published alongside a speech delivered by McDonnell at Claim the Future’s online conference ‘Resetting the Political Economy‘.
The events on Saturday will explore options for “radical” economic change, aiming to bring together activists, trade unions, academics and think tanks to build plans for a society offering “security”, “hope”, “fairness” and a “sense of a future”.
McDonnell-backed policies include a £15 minimum wage, a minimum income guarantee of at least £221 per week, and a jobs guarantee amid a massive infrastructure programme geared towards a just transition to a green economy.
The Hayes and Harlington MP, who served as Shadow Chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, last month brought forward a bill in the House of Commons that would aim to block Covid financial aid from the government going to “appalling employers”.
In his first intervention in the UK parliament since stepping down from the shadow cabinet when Keir Starmer was elected Labour leader, McDonnell proposed a ‘ten minute rule bill’ on business standards and conditionality of coronavirus support.
The MP has also demanded the “urgent nationalisation” of the care sector, a call made in the summer amid fears of a second Covid wave, and for the temporary ban on evictions – which has now ended – to be extended for a further year.
He praised Keir Starmer’s approach to opposition during the Covid crisis as “exactly right” during an interview in August, and has urged Labour left members not to let themselves be “portrayed as oppositionists, shouting from the sidelines”.
But McDonnell has also been outspoken this week against the decision to suspend Corbyn from the party, warning that the Labour Party is “drifting towards a hell of a row over use of language, misinterpretation, followed by overreaction”.
At a Momentum rally on Friday, he said: “I’m here in solidarity with my longstanding comrade Jeremy Corbyn. What happened to him yesterday – his suspension – was profoundly wrong. That’s the bottom line. It was profoundly wrong and must be reversed.”


labourlist--2020-10-31--Tory horror: Halloween for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign

Halloween for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign ( OTJC ) is no longer a day of fictitious horror and ghost stories .
It now marks the anniversary of the acceptance of an actual atrocity : the Tory government ’ s refusal to order any kind of Orgreave inquiry .
On October 31st , 2016 , Tory Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced this decision in parliament .
The OTJC had been campaigning then for four years , to right injustices that were 32 years old .
Miners arrested during the strike , children of miners who have died and supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full horror of a Tory government bore down on us .
It will forever be remembered as the day this government put protecting the legacy of Margaret Thatcher ahead of truth , justice and accountability .
We know that the Tories will always close ranks to protect their own .
Nevertheless , two successive Home Secretaries implied that some kind of inquiry could be possible .
On September 15th , 2016 , The Times even reported that Rudd would be setting up a judge-led inquiry .
We dared to dream , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sadly has another anniversary to mark each year – one of Tory trick and no treat .
The Tories can not escape the ghosts of their past mistakes forever , and those who continue to fight against this historic injustice are not distant shadows but very much active and still angry .
What happened during the miners ’ strike is not history .
The 1984/85 strike was not only about fighting for the right to work and expose the lies of the Tory pit closure programme .
It was about protecting workers against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union movement to clear the path for their free-market ideology and privatisation plans .
The results of this are an unstable economy , the exploitation of workers and the private market putting profit before people .
While this was the case before Covid , the pandemic has sadly opened this Pandora ’ s box .
The government has made one U-turn after another during the current coronavirus crisis .
Some of their MPs are even rebelling over the callous vote against free school meals .
And a number of the new 2019 general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and represent the working class in previously Labour-voting , ex-mining communities – yet none have spoken in support of righting the wrongs of the strike , or in favour of an Orgreave inquiry .
This week brings hope .
SNP justice minister Humza Yousaf announced plans for a collective pardon for Scottish miners convicted there during the strike .
While the eligibility criteria are yet to be decided , this is a victory for those who have campaigned for so long , including ex-miners and their families , supporters , the National Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Labour MSP Neil Findlay .
We take hope from the justice minister ’ s agreement with concerns about the “ political motivation and interference ” in the strike by the UK government of the day and his commitment to calling on the Westminster government to order a review into the policing of the strike in England and Wales .
As Findlay says : “ The need for an inquiry into events at Orgreave over 30 years ago grows stronger as each year passes .
The need for justice does not diminish through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communities affected to get to the truth is inspiring .
We will not go away.
” The Welsh Assembly has continuously called for an inquiry .
Mick Antoniw was a trade union solicitor representing Welsh miners during the strike and during the ten-week Orgreave trial in May and July of 1985 .
Today , he is a Labour member of the Senedd , and continues to raise the issue in the Welsh Parliament .
Antoniw says : “ Orgreave is the great injustice of the 1980s that still remains to be resolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these years ?
Because it represents the gross abuse of power and a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by the state .
For many former miners and their communities , there will be no peace until there has been a full public inquiry and disclosure by the government of all the documents held by them that they still refuse to disclose .
What do they have to hide ?
” Labour ’ s 2017 and 2019 election manifesto commitment to holding an Orgreave inquiry was recently confirmed by Shadow Home Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pledge was put forward as a reason for left-wing MPs to abstain on the covert human intelligence sources ( CHIS ) bill this month .
Our campaign is not a trading card , however , and we continue to publicly voice our opposition to this legislation .
The instruction to abstain has sent out the wrong message to our campaign and supporters , as well as to our sister injustice campaigns including the Blacklisting Support Group , the Shrewsbury 24 Campaign , Justice 4 Grenfell and ‘ spycops ’ campaigners .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our activism is relentless but we need a political response , too – and the Labour Party , the party of our movement , needs to keep the pressure on .

Halloween for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) is no longer a day of fictitious horror and ghost stories. It now marks the anniversary of the acceptance of an actual atrocity: the Tory government’s refusal to order any kind of Orgreave inquiry.
On October 31st, 2016, Tory Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced this decision in parliament. The OTJC had been campaigning then for four years, to right injustices that were 32 years old. Miners arrested during the strike, children of miners who have died and supporters watched from the public gallery as the full horror of a Tory government bore down on us. It will forever be remembered as the day this government put protecting the legacy of Margaret Thatcher ahead of truth, justice and accountability.
We know that the Tories will always close ranks to protect their own. Nevertheless, two successive Home Secretaries implied that some kind of inquiry could be possible. On September 15th, 2016, The Times even reported that Rudd would be setting up a judge-led inquiry. We dared to dream, but that dream was shattered. The campaign now sadly has another anniversary to mark each year – one of Tory trick and no treat. The Tories cannot escape the ghosts of their past mistakes forever, and those who continue to fight against this historic injustice are not distant shadows but very much active and still angry.
What happened during the miners’ strike is not history. The 1984/85 strike was not only about fighting for the right to work and expose the lies of the Tory pit closure programme. It was about protecting workers against the Tory plan to destroy the trade union movement to clear the path for their free-market ideology and privatisation plans. The results of this are an unstable economy, the exploitation of workers and the private market putting profit before people. While this was the case before Covid, the pandemic has sadly opened this Pandora’s box.
The government has made one U-turn after another during the current coronavirus crisis. Some of their MPs are even rebelling over the callous vote against free school meals. And a number of the new 2019 general election intake of MPs claim they understand and represent the working class in previously Labour-voting, ex-mining communities – yet none have spoken in support of righting the wrongs of the strike, or in favour of an Orgreave inquiry.
This week brings hope. SNP justice minister Humza Yousaf announced plans for a collective pardon for Scottish miners convicted there during the strike. While the eligibility criteria are yet to be decided, this is a victory for those who have campaigned for so long, including ex-miners and their families, supporters, the National Union of Mineworkers and supportive politicians, such as Labour MSP Neil Findlay.
We take hope from the justice minister’s agreement with concerns about the “political motivation and interference” in the strike by the UK government of the day and his commitment to calling on the Westminster government to order a review into the policing of the strike in England and Wales. As Findlay says: “The need for an inquiry into events at Orgreave over 30 years ago grows stronger as each year passes. The need for justice does not diminish through time, the resolve of campaigners and the communities affected to get to the truth is inspiring. We will not go away.”
The Welsh Assembly has continuously called for an inquiry. Mick Antoniw was a trade union solicitor representing Welsh miners during the strike and during the ten-week Orgreave trial in May and July of 1985. Today, he is a Labour member of the Senedd, and continues to raise the issue in the Welsh Parliament. Antoniw says: “Orgreave is the great injustice of the 1980s that still remains to be resolved. Why is it important after all these years? Because it represents the gross abuse of power and a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by the state. For many former miners and their communities, there will be no peace until there has been a full public inquiry and disclosure by the government of all the documents held by them that they still refuse to disclose. What do they have to hide?”
Labour’s 2017 and 2019 election manifesto commitment to holding an Orgreave inquiry was recently confirmed by Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds, with LabourList reporting that this pledge was put forward as a reason for left-wing MPs to abstain on the covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) bill this month. Our campaign is not a trading card, however, and we continue to publicly voice our opposition to this legislation. The instruction to abstain has sent out the wrong message to our campaign and supporters, as well as to our sister injustice campaigns including the Blacklisting Support Group, the Shrewsbury 24 Campaign, Justice 4 Grenfell and ‘spycops’ campaigners.
The OTJC continues to explore any legal challenges. Our activism is relentless but we need a political response, too – and the Labour Party, the party of our movement, needs to keep the pressure on.
otjc.org.uk | Twitter @orgreavejustice | Facebook @OrgreaveTruthAndJusticeCampaign


labourlist--2020-10-30--Hodge: Suspension of Jeremy Corbyn will be “the making of Keir Starmer”


labourlist--2020-10-31--Exclusive: Unions release joint statement on Labour suspension of Corbyn

Seven trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party have released a joint statement expressing “ serious concerns ” over the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn and urging the party leadership to “ repair this damage ” , LabourList can exclusively reveal .
A Labour spokesperson announced after the release of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism this week that the former leader had been suspended “ in light of his comments… and his failure to retract them ” .
Corbyn had issued a statement describing “ one antisemite ” in the Labour Party as “ too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of Labour antisemitism was “ dramatically overstated for political reasons ” .
He has since urged the party to “ kindly think again ” about the decision to suspend him from Labour and withdraw the whip pending investigation .
Keir Starmer has since commented that he does not want a “ civil war ” to break out in the party .
Trade unions including Unite , Labour ’ s largest donor , and TSSA , which backed Starmer in the Labour leadership election , have now urged the party leadership to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unifying way forward ” in the interests of “ party unity ” .
Below is the statement by Labour-affiliated trade unions in relation to the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn .
As the general secretaries of trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party we seek to put on record our serious concerns about the manner of and rationale for suspension of the former party leader Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party .
The publication on Thursday of the EHRC report ought to have marked a moment of reflection and repair for our party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has caused division .
We therefore call upon the leader , Keir Starmer , the general secretary David Evans and the NEC to work now with us as affiliated unions to repair this damage .
We speak as the leaders of unions representing working people who desperately need a Labour government .
We can not comprehend why the leadership would not only compromise the opportunity to unite our party behind the implementation of the EHRC ’ s important recommendations so that they can be taken forward with the members ’ full trust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s democratic processes and , ultimately , our party unity .
We therefore urge Keir to work with us on a fairer , unifying way forward .

Seven trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party have released a joint statement expressing “serious concerns” over the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn and urging the party leadership to “repair this damage”, LabourList can exclusively reveal.
A Labour spokesperson announced after the release of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism this week that the former leader had been suspended “in light of his comments… and his failure to retract them”.
Corbyn had issued a statement describing “one antisemite” in the Labour Party as “too many” but adding that “the scale” of Labour antisemitism was “dramatically overstated for political reasons”.
He has since urged the party to “kindly think again” about the decision to suspend him from Labour and withdraw the whip pending investigation. Keir Starmer has since commented that he does not want a “civil war” to break out in the party.
Trade unions including Unite, Labour’s largest donor, and TSSA, which backed Starmer in the Labour leadership election, have now urged the party leadership to “work with us on a fairer, unifying way forward” in the interests of “party unity”.
Below is the statement by Labour-affiliated trade unions in relation to the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn.
As the general secretaries of trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party we seek to put on record our serious concerns about the manner of and rationale for suspension of the former party leader Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party.
The publication on Thursday of the EHRC report ought to have marked a moment of reflection and repair for our party. Instead, an ill-advised and unjust suspension has caused division.
We therefore call upon the leader, Keir Starmer, the general secretary David Evans and the NEC to work now with us as affiliated unions to repair this damage.
We speak as the leaders of unions representing working people who desperately need a Labour government. We cannot comprehend why the leadership would not only compromise the opportunity to unite our party behind the implementation of the EHRC’s important recommendations so that they can be taken forward with the members’ full trust and confidence, but also undermine our party’s democratic processes and, ultimately, our party unity.
We therefore urge Keir to work with us on a fairer, unifying way forward.
Signed
ASLEF, Mick Whelan
Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, Sarah Woolley and Ian Hodson (President)
CWU, Dave Ward
FBU, Matt Wrack
NUM, Chris Kitchen
TSSA, Manuel Cortes
Unite, Len McCluskey