labourlist--2020-05-25--Labour demands clarity on implications of Cummings defence for policing

Labour has asked the government for clarity on the implications that the Prime Minister ’ s defence of the coronavirus lockdown trip taken by Dominic Cummings could have for policing .
Boris Johnson stood by his senior aide at the coronavirus press conference on Sunday , saying Cummings had “ acted responsibly , legally and with integrity ” when driving from London to Durham with his wife who had Covid-19 symptoms .
The Prime Minister described Cummings as having “ very severe childcare difficulties ” and said he “ followed the instincts of every father and every parent ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him down for that.
” In a letter to Priti Patel today , Labour ’ s Nick Thomas-Symonds has raised questions such as whether guidance to police forces has been updated regarding travel restrictions for people experiencing symptoms of the virus .
NHS guidance states that if you or someone you live with has symptoms , you should “ not leave your home for any reason ” .
But the government now appears to have clarified that childcare needs are an exception .
Thomas-Symonds has asked whether , if people are travelling by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may require childcare at some point ” , the police will not be empowered to issue fines to them .
Labour has also requested that details of communications between the Durham Constabulary and government officials or ministers since May 21st be made public .
After the Durham Constabulary said it had spoken to the Cummings family , 10 Downing Street initially denied it – but later confirmed the conversation , though specified it was about “ security issues ” rather than self-isolation .
Keir Starmer has slammed the Prime Minister ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it was “ an insult to sacrifices made by the British people ” .
The Labour leader said he would have sacked the aide .
Labour has written to the Cabinet Secretary calling for an urgent inquiry into the matter to “ reassure the public that its most senior figures have been adhering to the same rules as everyone else ” .
Below is the full text of the letter from Nick Thomas-Symonds to Priti Patel .
The recent revelations regarding the actions of the Prime Minister ’ s most senior adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrying .
As you will be aware , Mr Cummings ’ decision to travel over 260 miles with a family member experiencing clear symptoms of Coronavirus has caused deep concerns .
This is both as a result of the public health risks this posed , and the stark difference from the way many families have addressed such challenges through this crisis .
As a result , I would be grateful if you could address the following questions : – Has guidance to police forces now been updated regarding travel restrictions for people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with someone experiencing symptoms ?
– If people who are travelling in a car in the expectation that they may require child care at some point , can you confirm that police will not be empowered to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to them ?
– Can you further confirm which modes of transport people are allowed to use when they are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or are in a household with someone else experiencing symptoms ?
– If using cars , are people in either of these situations allowed to break their journey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as a service station or rest point ?
– Can you provide assurance that Mr Cummings had put in place arrangements with police and other emergency services to ensure that were assistance needed en route that response staff would attend with appropriate PPE ?
– Can you outline in detail what the Prime Minister meant when he said that people are allowed to follow their “ instincts ” when seeking to isolate and how this supersedes the very clear public health guidance , which says : “ Essential travel does not include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or holidays .
People must remain in their primary residence .
Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.
” – How many Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued by police forces where those apprehended have used the need to access childcare as a mitigation ?
– Can you make public details of any communications between the Durham Constabulary and government officials and/or ministers since Thursday 21 May ?
As you know , police officers have put themselves at extraordinary risk to keep people safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with great skill to interpret and explain public health legislation .
The confusion and misinformation caused by the government ’ s response to these revelations appears to make this work even more difficult .
I find this deeply concerning and will do all I can to try and support the police ’ s efforts by requesting greater clarity on issue .
I look forward to your urgent response .

Labour has asked the government for clarity on the implications that the Prime Minister’s defence of the coronavirus lockdown trip taken by Dominic Cummings could have for policing.
Boris Johnson stood by his senior aide at the coronavirus press conference on Sunday, saying Cummings had “acted responsibly, legally and with integrity” when driving from London to Durham with his wife who had Covid-19 symptoms.
The Prime Minister described Cummings as having “very severe childcare difficulties” and said he “followed the instincts of every father and every parent”, adding: “I do not mark him down for that.”
In a letter to Priti Patel today, Labour’s Nick Thomas-Symonds has raised questions such as whether guidance to police forces has been updated regarding travel restrictions for people experiencing symptoms of the virus.
NHS guidance states that if you or someone you live with has symptoms, you should “not leave your home for any reason”. But the government now appears to have clarified that childcare needs are an exception.
Thomas-Symonds has asked whether, if people are travelling by car “in the expectation that they may require childcare at some point”, the police will not be empowered to issue fines to them.
Labour has also requested that details of communications between the Durham Constabulary and government officials or ministers since May 21st be made public.
After the Durham Constabulary said it had spoken to the Cummings family, 10 Downing Street initially denied it – but later confirmed the conversation, though specified it was about “security issues” rather than self-isolation.
Keir Starmer has slammed the Prime Minister’s decision not to take action against Cummings, saying it was “an insult to sacrifices made by the British people”. The Labour leader said he would have sacked the aide.
Labour has written to the Cabinet Secretary calling for an urgent inquiry into the matter to “reassure the public that its most senior figures have been adhering to the same rules as everyone else”.
Below is the full text of the letter from Nick Thomas-Symonds to Priti Patel.
Dear Priti,
The recent revelations regarding the actions of the Prime Minister’s most senior adviser, Mr Dominic Cummings, are deeply worrying.
As you will be aware, Mr Cummings’ decision to travel over 260 miles with a family member experiencing clear symptoms of Coronavirus has caused deep concerns. This is both as a result of the public health risks this posed, and the stark difference from the way many families have addressed such challenges through this crisis.
As a result, I would be grateful if you could address the following questions:
– Has guidance to police forces now been updated regarding travel restrictions for people with coronavirus symptoms and those in a household with someone experiencing symptoms?
– If people who are travelling in a car in the expectation that they may require child care at some point, can you confirm that police will not be empowered to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to them?
– Can you further confirm which modes of transport people are allowed to use when they are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or are in a household with someone else experiencing symptoms?
– If using cars, are people in either of these situations allowed to break their journey for comfort breaks at public spaces, such as a service station or rest point?
– Can you provide assurance that Mr Cummings had put in place arrangements with police and other emergency services to ensure that were assistance needed en route that response staff would attend with appropriate PPE?
– Can you outline in detail what the Prime Minister meant when he said that people are allowed to follow their “instincts” when seeking to isolate and how this supersedes the very clear public health guidance, which says:
“Essential travel does not include visits to second homes…whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People must remain in their primary residence. Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.”
– How many Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued by police forces where those apprehended have used the need to access childcare as a mitigation?
– Can you make public details of any communications between the Durham Constabulary and government officials and/or ministers since Thursday 21 May?
As you know, police officers have put themselves at extraordinary risk to keep people safe during this crisis, whilst also working with great skill to interpret and explain public health legislation. The confusion and misinformation caused by the government’s response to these revelations appears to make this work even more difficult.
I find this deeply concerning and will do all I can to try and support the police’s efforts by requesting greater clarity on issue.
I look forward to your urgent response.
Yours sincerely,
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP
Shadow Home Secretary


labourlist--2020-05-25--No more time to lose to prevent a jobs loss tsunami, says Unite

Unite the Union has warned today that there is “ no more time to lose if we are to prevent a jobs loss tsunami from sweeping through communities this summer ” as the UK prepares a bailout plan .
The Chancellor has signed off on a plan called ‘ Project Birch ’ .
It will aim to save strategically important companies whose failure would otherwise “ disproportionately harm the economy ” , according to the Financial Times .
Those firms eligible would have already exhausted support options developed by the Treasury during the Covid-19 crisis , such as the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of Rishi Sunak ’ s plan , Unite ’ s assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner said : “ It ’ s very welcome news that a rescue plan for UK PLC is finally taking shape .
“ We have to see the details , of course , but as trade unions we ’ ve been working hard with our industrial partners to persuade government of the need for long-term support for core industries and to build our way out of this crisis , saving jobs and skills.
” The FT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as saying the Treasury would not “ initially ” seek equity stakes in such companies , with the preference being to extend loans with the taxpayer “ at the top of the hierarchy of creditors ” .
The Treasury commented that such support would be offered “ on a ‘ last resort ’ basis ” , adding : “ We are putting in place sensible contingency planning and any such support would be on terms that protect the taxpayer.
” Earlier this month , Sunak announced that the job retention scheme would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be allowed to work part-time from August – but employers would have to start sharing the cost of paying salaries .
Further details of the changes accompanying the extension of the furlough scheme are promised by the end of May .
They will likely determine whether employers lay off workers or keep them furloughed .
Unite ’ s Turner said : “ We still need to ensure that proposed changes to the job retention scheme do not undermine a plan to recover and rebuild and that workers continue to get their wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a financial floor under major employers and their vast supply chains then we have the beginnings of a plan taking shape .
“ What we also need , and urgently , is phase two of the job retention scheme , a recovery phase to assist us rebuilding our economy , supporting flexible and short-time working while we pull the economy out of its deep freeze and attempt to stimulate demand .
“ These measures must come quickly and go hand-in-hand with an immediate and strategic programme to create new green jobs as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we know will not be coming back .
“ Recovery from this huge health and economic shock can not be piecemeal .
It has to be a national , systematic effort of the government , employers and unions in a partnership to repair and reshape our economy.
” Although 7.5 million jobs have been covered by the furlough scheme , unemployment has risen .
Over two million new claims for benefits were made in the two months following the start of the lockdown .
Around 935,000 businesses have used the job retention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made on the first of the government ’ s equivalent income support scheme for the self-employed , the Resolution Foundation has said .

Unite the Union has warned today that there is “no more time to lose if we are to prevent a jobs loss tsunami from sweeping through communities this summer” as the UK prepares a bailout plan.
The Chancellor has signed off on a plan called ‘Project Birch’. It will aim to save strategically important companies whose failure would otherwise “disproportionately harm the economy”, according to the Financial Times.
Those firms eligible would have already exhausted support options developed by the Treasury during the Covid-19 crisis, such as the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme.
Commenting on reports of Rishi Sunak’s plan, Unite’s assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner said: “It’s very welcome news that a rescue plan for UK PLC is finally taking shape.
“We have to see the details, of course, but as trade unions we’ve been working hard with our industrial partners to persuade government of the need for long-term support for core industries and to build our way out of this crisis, saving jobs and skills.”
The FT report describes the Chancellor’s allies as saying the Treasury would not “initially” seek equity stakes in such companies, with the preference being to extend loans with the taxpayer “at the top of the hierarchy of creditors”.
The Treasury commented that such support would be offered “on a ‘last resort’ basis”, adding: “We are putting in place sensible contingency planning and any such support would be on terms that protect the taxpayer.”
Earlier this month, Sunak announced that the job retention scheme would be extended until October, and furloughed employees would be allowed to work part-time from August – but employers would have to start sharing the cost of paying salaries.
Further details of the changes accompanying the extension of the furlough scheme are promised by the end of May. They will likely determine whether employers lay off workers or keep them furloughed.
Unite’s Turner said: “We still need to ensure that proposed changes to the job retention scheme do not undermine a plan to recover and rebuild and that workers continue to get their wages, but in these moves to put a financial floor under major employers and their vast supply chains then we have the beginnings of a plan taking shape.
“What we also need, and urgently, is phase two of the job retention scheme, a recovery phase to assist us rebuilding our economy, supporting flexible and short-time working while we pull the economy out of its deep freeze and attempt to stimulate demand.
“These measures must come quickly and go hand-in-hand with an immediate and strategic programme to create new green jobs as part of a just transition to replace those that we know will not be coming back.
“Recovery from this huge health and economic shock cannot be piecemeal. It has to be a national, systematic effort of the government, employers and unions in a partnership to repair and reshape our economy.”
Although 7.5 million jobs have been covered by the furlough scheme, unemployment has risen. Over two million new claims for benefits were made in the two months following the start of the lockdown.
Around 935,000 businesses have used the job retention scheme and a further 440,000 claims were made on the first day of the government’s equivalent income support scheme for the self-employed, the Resolution Foundation has said.


labourlist--2020-05-25--“One rule for Johnson’s closest adviser, another for everybody else,” says Labour

Labour has said that the government is sending the message that “ it ’ s one rule for Boris Johnson ’ s closest adviser , another for everybody else ” in response to the Dominic Cummings statement .
The Prime Minister ’ s senior adviser delivered a statement and answered questions from the press in the Downing Street Rose Garden this afternoon , and neither resigned nor apologised .
Cummings confirmed that he did drive from London to Durham during lockdown with his wife who was ill and his child , and explained that he did so because he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he drove for 30 minutes from his parents ’ home in Durham to Barnard Castle , with his family in the car , in order to test his eyesight after being ill .
He said that he did not check whether anyone in London could help he and his wife with childcare should that become necessary if they were too ill to look after their four-year-old child .
Cummings said : “ I don ’ t regret what I did and , as I said , I think reasonable people may well disagree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.
” He told journalists , “ I make mistakes every day ” , and added that he had not offered his resignation to the Prime Minister and had not considered the possibility of doing so .
Commenting on the statement , a Labour spokesperson said : “ The British people were looking for at least an apology from Dominic Cummings for breaking the lockdown .
They got none .
“ Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances .
They stayed at home to protect the NHS and save lives .
“ And yet , the message from this government is clear : it ’ s one rule for Boris Johnson ’ s closest adviser , another for everybody else.
” Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said : “ What is particularly upsetting for people listening to his statement is that they have followed the lockdown rules , while Dominic Cummings did not .
“ Some people have missed the chance to spend final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have missed their loved ones ’ funerals .
Some have had no help with childcare , despite illness .
Some people ’ s sacrifices during this time will leave a lasting trauma .
“ Dominic Cummings has not apologised for his actions .
He stands by his decision to put other peoples ’ lives in danger , showing he believes he is above the rules everyone else is following .
“ Boris Johnson ’ s handling of this situation has been unacceptable .
Dominic Cummings should be sacked immediately.
” Lisa Nandy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tweeted during the statement : “ Wow .
He really is saying he ’ s too important to follow the rules ” .
Jonathan Reynolds tweeted : “ He has confirmed at least one breach of the rules and added some possible further breaches .
Whatever your view on whether that ’ s a resignation issue , you ’ d think he would apologise ” .
Justin Madders , an opposition frontbencher as a member of Labour ’ s health team , tweeted : “ If Cummings gave that story to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand by him then his judgement is even worse than I thought ” .

Labour has said that the government is sending the message that “it’s one rule for Boris Johnson’s closest adviser, another for everybody else” in response to the Dominic Cummings statement.
The Prime Minister’s senior adviser delivered a statement and answered questions from the press in the Downing Street Rose Garden this afternoon, and neither resigned nor apologised.
Cummings confirmed that he did drive from London to Durham during lockdown with his wife who was ill and his child, and explained that he did so because he was seeking childcare.
He also claimed that he drove for 30 minutes from his parents’ home in Durham to Barnard Castle, with his family in the car, in order to test his eyesight after being ill.
He said that he did not check whether anyone in London could help he and his wife with childcare should that become necessary if they were too ill to look after their four-year-old child.
Cummings said: “I don’t regret what I did and, as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.”
He told journalists, “I make mistakes every day”, and added that he had not offered his resignation to the Prime Minister and had not considered the possibility of doing so.
Commenting on the statement, a Labour spokesperson said: “The British people were looking for at least an apology from Dominic Cummings for breaking the lockdown. They got none.
“Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown. Families have been forced apart, sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances. They stayed at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
“And yet, the message from this government is clear: it’s one rule for Boris Johnson’s closest adviser, another for everybody else.”
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “What is particularly upsetting for people listening to his statement is that they have followed the lockdown rules, while Dominic Cummings did not.
“Some people have missed the chance to spend final moments with a loved one, some have missed their loved ones’ funerals. Some have had no help with childcare, despite illness. Some people’s sacrifices during this time will leave a lasting trauma.
“Dominic Cummings has not apologised for his actions. He stands by his decision to put other peoples’ lives in danger, showing he believes he is above the rules everyone else is following.
“Boris Johnson’s handling of this situation has been unacceptable. Dominic Cummings should be sacked immediately.”
Lisa Nandy, Labour’s new Shadow Foreign Secretary, tweeted during the statement: “Wow. He really is saying he’s too important to follow the rules”.
Jonathan Reynolds tweeted: “He has confirmed at least one breach of the rules and added some possible further breaches. Whatever your view on whether that’s a resignation issue, you’d think he would apologise”.
Justin Madders, an opposition frontbencher as a member of Labour’s health team, tweeted: “If Cummings gave that story to the Prime Minister yesterday and then decided to stand by him then his judgement is even worse than I thought”.


labourlist--2020-05-26--Boris Johnson’s approval rating drops 20 points to -1% after defending Cummings

Boris Johnson ’ s personal approval rating has dropped by 20 points in four days to -1 % following his defence of the senior Downing Street political aide Dominic Cummings .
Polling from Savanta ComRes has shown that public opinion of the Prime Minister plummeted from +19 % over the weekend , during which he claimed his adviser had “ acted legally and with integrity ” despite breaking lockdown rules .
Meanwhile between May 24th and 25th , Keir Starmer saw his ratings rise from 7 % to 12 % according to Savanta Comres .
Another poll by Opinium similarly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of +5 % for the Labour leader and -1 % for Johnson .
Approval for the government has also fallen below zero – now at -2 % – amid the outrage sparked by Cummings .
This represents a drop of 16 percentage points , from +14 % , in a single day .
Cummings caused controversy when it was revealed that he had driven approximately 260 miles from London to Durham with his family during the lockdown last month – after displaying Covid-19 symptoms .
Boris Johnson defended the actions of his senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24th .
He claimed that Cummings had “ followed the instincts of every father and every parent ” and that he did not “ mark him down for that ” .
Other government ministers who have defended Cummings over the weekend also saw their ratings drop , including Health Secretary Matt Hancock ( -11 ) and Chancellor Rishi Sunak ( -15 ) .
This latest update on the personal approval ratings for the Prime Minister reveals a dramatic shift in attitude towards Johnson over the course of the coronavirus pandemic .
On March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was at +44 % .
One month ago , on April 25th , he still had a net approval rating of +26 % – and just four days ago this remained high at +19 % .
Labour has called for an urgent investigation into the actions of Cummings and Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has demanded clarity on the implications that Johnson ’ s defence of the lockdown trip could have for policing .

Boris Johnson’s personal approval rating has dropped by 20 points in four days to -1% following his defence of the senior Downing Street political aide Dominic Cummings.
Polling from Savanta ComRes has shown that public opinion of the Prime Minister plummeted from +19% over the weekend, during which he claimed his adviser had “acted legally and with integrity” despite breaking lockdown rules.
Meanwhile between May 24th and 25th, Keir Starmer saw his ratings rise from 7% to 12% according to Savanta Comres. Another poll by Opinium similarly placed Starmer ahead, with net approval of +5% for the Labour leader and -1% for Johnson.
Approval for the government has also fallen below zero – now at -2% – amid the outrage sparked by Cummings. This represents a drop of 16 percentage points, from +14%, in a single day.
Cummings caused controversy when it was revealed that he had driven approximately 260 miles from London to Durham with his family during the lockdown last month – after displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
Boris Johnson defended the actions of his senior aide during his press conference on May 24th. He claimed that Cummings had “followed the instincts of every father and every parent” and that he did not “mark him down for that”.
Other government ministers who have defended Cummings over the weekend also saw their ratings drop, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock (-11) and Chancellor Rishi Sunak (-15).
This latest update on the personal approval ratings for the Prime Minister reveals a dramatic shift in attitude towards Johnson over the course of the coronavirus pandemic.
On March 25th, approval for the Prime Minister was at +44%. One month ago, on April 25th, he still had a net approval rating of +26% – and just four days ago this remained high at +19%.
Labour has called for an urgent investigation into the actions of Cummings and Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has demanded clarity on the implications that Johnson’s defence of the lockdown trip could have for policing.


labourlist--2020-05-26--Activists demand online hustings for internal Momentum elections

Labour left activists have written to the current leadership of Momentum to demand that it facilitates online hustings for the upcoming internal elections .
In a letter to members of Momentum ’ s outgoing national coordinating group ( NCG ) , 24 candidates hoping to replace them have made the call for a “ proper debate ” .
The signatories are all standing on the platform of new time-limited campaign group Forward Momentum , which unveiled its slate of candidates last week .
The # Forward24 includes Labour MP Nadia Whittome , metro-mayor Jamie Driscoll , former parliamentary candidate Jennifer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have argued that Momentum , with its “ well-deserved reputation for innovations in digital campaigning ” , should be able to overcome technical difficulties presented by online hustings .
The activists also point out that volunteer-run Forward Momentum itself held video hustings as part of the open primaries process used to select members for its slate .
“ Over 64 prospective candidates spoke and 500 supporters watched , after which nearly 2,000 supporters voted in our primaries , ” the letter reads .
“ Going forward , Momentum needs more , not less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide an opportunity for grassroots activists and those without a large public profile or connections in high places to really make their mark.
” Momentum founder and current chair Jon Lansman announced via a LabourList piece that he would not be standing for the forthcoming internal NCG elections .
Another slate of candidates is expected to be released by rival campaign ‘ Momentum Renewal ‘ – backed by several Labour MPs – in the coming days .
NCG nominations will open on May 28th and close on June 11th , then a one-member-one-vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 16th to June 30th .
Below is the full text of the Forward Momentum letter .
As candidates for Forward Momentum , we are calling on you to reconsider your decision to not hold hustings for the coming NCG elections .
Momentum members deserve a meaningful debate about the future of our organisation .
Candidates should be given a chance to engage with each other , debate our visions for Momentum and outline where there are key differences .
Momentum must lead in facilitating this .
Such debates are part of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this critical crossroads for the left , they are essential .
But if open democratic debate is not allowed and supported , it will only further reinforce the feeling among many in Momentum that democracy is an inconvenience to be managed .
We know that many members have left Momentum or are considering leaving because they feel that they have no opportunity to get involved in important decisions .
While we understand the NCG ’ s concerns around the technical difficulties presented by online hustings , an organisation with a well-deserved reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Momentum is well-placed to overcome these obstacles .
Indeed , in the general election Momentum hosted many successful Zoom calls , reaching out to thousands of activists .
At Forward Momentum we also recently hosted our own video hustings as part of our open primaries process for selecting our slate of candidates , despite our campaign being just six weeks old , without resources and run entirely by volunteers .
Over 64 prospective candidates spoke and 500 supporters watched , after which nearly 2,000 supporters voted in our primaries .
Going forward Momentum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this engagement , which can provide an opportunity for grassroots activists and those without a large public profile or connections in high places to really make their mark .
Hustings are of course just one part of this election , and a small part of what makes an organisation democratic , but at this moment it is vital every effort is made to engage members , and fuel the debate on the future of Momentum .
Members frequently remark upon a culture of top-down decision-making in our organisation .
We know because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many others who have experienced it .
This culture has bred a sense of despondency and disengagement among members .
A desire to change it motivated many of us to stand for election .
Any action that can be taken to drive engagement in this election , and to encourage future participation in Momentum , should be taken , no matter how small .
So we respectfully ask you to start by implementing online hustings ; let ’ s have a proper debate and then let ’ s get on with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member-led and campaigning organisation we need it to be .

Labour left activists have written to the current leadership of Momentum to demand that it facilitates online hustings for the upcoming internal elections.
In a letter to members of Momentum’s outgoing national coordinating group (NCG), 24 candidates hoping to replace them have made the call for a “proper debate”.
The signatories are all standing on the platform of new time-limited campaign group Forward Momentum, which unveiled its slate of candidates last week.
The #Forward24 includes Labour MP Nadia Whittome, metro-mayor Jamie Driscoll, former parliamentary candidate Jennifer Forbes and writer Alan Gibbons.
They have argued that Momentum, with its “well-deserved reputation for innovations in digital campaigning”, should be able to overcome technical difficulties presented by online hustings.
The activists also point out that volunteer-run Forward Momentum itself held video hustings as part of the open primaries process used to select members for its slate.
“Over 64 prospective candidates spoke and 500 supporters watched, after which nearly 2,000 supporters voted in our primaries,” the letter reads.
“Going forward, Momentum needs more, not less, of this engagement, which can provide an opportunity for grassroots activists and those without a large public profile or connections in high places to really make their mark.”
Momentum founder and current chair Jon Lansman announced via a LabourList piece that he would not be standing for the forthcoming internal NCG elections.
Another slate of candidates is expected to be released by rival campaign ‘Momentum Renewal‘ – backed by several Labour MPs – in the coming days.
NCG nominations will open on May 28th and close on June 11th, then a one-member-one-vote ballot will be conducted by Momentum from June 16th to June 30th.
Below is the full text of the Forward Momentum letter.
To the outgoing NCG,
As candidates for Forward Momentum, we are calling on you to reconsider your decision to not hold hustings for the coming NCG elections.
Momentum members deserve a meaningful debate about the future of our organisation. Candidates should be given a chance to engage with each other, debate our visions for Momentum and outline where there are key differences. Momentum must lead in facilitating this.
Such debates are part of what makes a healthy democratic culture, and at this critical crossroads for the left, they are essential. But if open democratic debate is not allowed and supported, it will only further reinforce the feeling among many in Momentum that democracy is an inconvenience to be managed. We know that many members have left Momentum or are considering leaving because they feel that they have no opportunity to get involved in important decisions.
While we understand the NCG’s concerns around the technical difficulties presented by online hustings, an organisation with a well-deserved reputation for innovations in digital campaigning such as Momentum is well-placed to overcome these obstacles. Indeed, in the general election Momentum hosted many successful Zoom calls, reaching out to thousands of activists.
At Forward Momentum we also recently hosted our own video hustings as part of our open primaries process for selecting our slate of candidates, despite our campaign being just six weeks old, without resources and run entirely by volunteers. Over 64 prospective candidates spoke and 500 supporters watched, after which nearly 2,000 supporters voted in our primaries. Going forward Momentum needs more, not less, of this engagement, which can provide an opportunity for grassroots activists and those without a large public profile or connections in high places to really make their mark.
Hustings are of course just one part of this election, and a small part of what makes an organisation democratic, but at this moment it is vital every effort is made to engage members, and fuel the debate on the future of Momentum.
Members frequently remark upon a culture of top-down decision-making in our organisation. We know because we have experienced it, and spoken to so many others who have experienced it. This culture has bred a sense of despondency and disengagement among members. A desire to change it motivated many of us to stand for election. Any action that can be taken to drive engagement in this election, and to encourage future participation in Momentum, should be taken, no matter how small.
So we respectfully ask you to start by implementing online hustings; let’s have a proper debate and then let’s get on with the much-needed task of transforming Momentum into the member-led and campaigning organisation we need it to be.
Gaya Sriskanthan
Callum Bell
Liz Smith
Rory MacLean
Sonali Bhattacharyya
Ana Oppenheim
Mick Moore
Deborah Hermanns
Alan Gibbons
Charlie Bollan
Harriet Protheroe Soltani
Tracey Hylton
Abbie Clark
Andrew Scattergood
Mish Rahman
Solma Ahmed
Darran McLaughlin
Jennifer Forbes
Phil Clarke
Shona Jemphrey
Barrie Margetts
Christine Howard
Jamie Driscoll
Nadia Whittome


labourlist--2020-05-26--Government “out of control”, says Labour as minister quits over Cummings

Labour has accused the government of being “ out of control ” after junior Scottish minister Douglas Ross quit over the actions of senior adviser Dominic Cummings .
Amid sustained pressure on Downing Street to dismiss Cummings for having broken the lockdown rules last month , and after a press conference held by the adviser on Monday , Ross tendered his resignation from his post this morning .
In reacting to the news , Labour ’ s Shadow Scottish Secretary declared that “ integrity has been sadly lacking from this government ” , and said that Ross has “ shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carlaw ” .
Commenting on the resignation of the under-secretary of state , Murray said : “ Douglas was a fair and reasonable minister who has done the decent thing and resigned from a government that is out of control .
“ Integrity has been sadly lacking from this government , especially over the last 72 hours , so I commend him for making this difficult decision .
He understands that it ’ s not acceptable to have one rule for Boris Johnson ’ s closest adviser , another for everybody else .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw and other UK government ministers who have defended the indefensible and couldn ’ t be more out of touch with the people of Scotland and the UK.
” In his resignation letter Ross wrote : “ I have constituents who didn ’ t get to say goodbye to loved ones ; families who could not mourn together ; people who didn ’ t visit sick relatives because they followed the guidelines of the government .
“ I can not in good faith tell them they were all wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was right.
” Labour has called for an urgent investigation into the actions of Cummings , who took a 260-mile trip to Durham after he and his family began displaying symptoms of Covid-19 .
Government ministers have continued to defend the behaviour of the senior adviser , insisting over the weekend that he had done nothing wrong and had complied with the rules – despite having made the journey to Durham .
Boris Johnson defended the actions of his senior aide on Sunday .
He claimed that Cummings had “ acted responsibly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed the instincts of every father and every parent ” .
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to the government , demanding clarity on the implications that Johnson ’ s defence of the lockdown trip could have for policing .

Labour has accused the government of being “out of control” after junior Scottish minister Douglas Ross quit over the actions of senior adviser Dominic Cummings.
Amid sustained pressure on Downing Street to dismiss Cummings for having broken the lockdown rules last month, and after a press conference held by the adviser on Monday, Ross tendered his resignation from his post this morning.
In reacting to the news, Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary declared that “integrity has been sadly lacking from this government”, and said that Ross has “shown more integrity than Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw”.
Commenting on the resignation of the under-secretary of state, Murray said: “Douglas was a fair and reasonable minister who has done the decent thing and resigned from a government that is out of control.
“Integrity has been sadly lacking from this government, especially over the last 72 hours, so I commend him for making this difficult decision. He understands that it’s not acceptable to have one rule for Boris Johnson’s closest adviser, another for everybody else.
“Douglas has shown more integrity than Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw and other UK government ministers who have defended the indefensible and couldn’t be more out of touch with the people of Scotland and the UK.”
In his resignation letter Ross wrote: “I have constituents who didn’t get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn’t visit sick relatives because they followed the guidelines of the government.
“I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right.”
Labour has called for an urgent investigation into the actions of Cummings, who took a 260-mile trip to Durham after he and his family began displaying symptoms of Covid-19.
Government ministers have continued to defend the behaviour of the senior adviser, insisting over the weekend that he had done nothing wrong and had complied with the rules – despite having made the journey to Durham.
Boris Johnson defended the actions of his senior aide on Sunday. He claimed that Cummings had “acted responsibly, legally and with integrity” and “followed the instincts of every father and every parent”.
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to the government, demanding clarity on the implications that Johnson’s defence of the lockdown trip could have for policing.


labourlist--2020-05-26--Labour’s next general secretary: Byron Taylor or David Evans?

Dominic Cummings neither apologised nor expressed regret when he made the extraordinary move of hosting his own press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden yesterday .
The Prime Minister ’ s key aide instead confirmed that he , his ill wife and their child travelled 260 miles during the height of lockdown and also took a trip to Barnard Castle that just happened to fall on his wife ’ s birthday and Easter Sunday .
Apparently the first is excused by the fact that they were seeking childcare ( that they didn ’ t use , and they didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could do it ) and the second is justified because he was checking his eyesight ( which does not dignify a response ) .
We have heard much about the “ big brain ” of this supposed genius .
But he couldn ’ t come up with an explanation that wasn ’ t clearly ridiculous .
He even shoehorned into his statement a boast that he had been warning for years about the dangers of pandemics , pointing out that he wrote last year specifically on the threat of coronaviruses .
It turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fan of “ weirdos and misfits ” doesn ’ t even know about the Wayback Machine .
On the day he returned from Durham , April 14th , Cummings appears to have inserted a reference to coronavirus into an old blogpost .
LabourList had a quick look at the site map and archives last night , and noticed that he had recently added the tag “ pandemics ” to several posts .
Labour ’ s response has been restrained , in line with Keir Starmer ’ s style .
The party first called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then an “ urgent inquiry ” .
The Labour leader didn ’ t demand a resignation as others did , but on Sunday evening said : “ If I were Prime Minister , I ’ d have sacked Cummings.
” We can expect that the party will now use its capacity for detailed scrutiny to highlight the potential implications of the Cummings defence for policing and crucially for the testing and tracing programme that should be rolled out shortly .
Unfortunately there will be no Prime Minister ’ s Questions this week as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ junior minister has just resigned this morning .
The Rose Garden statement did not make this story go away .
I trust that readers are still interested in Labour news .
It is , of course , the day that Labour ’ s new general secretary will be appointed .
There are six shortlisted applicants , but sources on the national executive committee ( NEC ) say it now comes down to two : Byron Taylor , a former trade union and Labour liaison organisation ( TULO ) officer who is favoured by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former assistant general secretary preferred by the leadership .
LabourList has given space to different views on Evans : from the FBU and Bakers ’ criticisms to the praise of local government leaders .
And Taylor ?
You may never have heard of him , but he is in fact a quietly pivotal figure .
In the wake of the 2015 general election , the Labour left discussed the need to find a candidate if Ed Miliband resigned .
As detailed in Protest and Power : The Battle for the Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – until Jon Lansman attended a TULO reception hosted by Byron Taylor .
How about Jeremy Corbyn ?
He has no enemies and with some union support we could get him on the ballot paper , Taylor pointed out .
And that is how the Corbyn era was born .
Lansman describes Taylor in the book as “ not a rabid left-winger ” but “ a trade union bureaucrat who had been a party bureaucrat under New Labour ” .
Today , he is the left ’ s best chance of denying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for general secretary .
Who will succeed Jennie Formby ?
It has been a long time since there was a shortlist of more than two in the general secretary process , and the NEC is very finely balanced .
After the ruling body votes using a preferential system , we can expect the result to be released late afternoon or early evening .
Keep up with LabourList throughout the day for updates .

Dominic Cummings neither apologised nor expressed regret when he made the extraordinary move of hosting his own press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden yesterday. The Prime Minister’s key aide instead confirmed that he, his ill wife and their child travelled 260 miles during the height of lockdown and also took a trip to Barnard Castle that just happened to fall on his wife’s birthday and Easter Sunday. Apparently the first is excused by the fact that they were seeking childcare (that they didn’t use, and they didn’t check whether anyone in London could do it) and the second is justified because he was checking his eyesight (which does not dignify a response).
We have heard much about the “big brain” of this supposed genius. But he couldn’t come up with an explanation that wasn’t clearly ridiculous. He even shoehorned into his statement a boast that he had been warning for years about the dangers of pandemics, pointing out that he wrote last year specifically on the threat of coronaviruses. It turns out, however, that this tech-fascinated fan of “weirdos and misfits” doesn’t even know about the Wayback Machine. On the day he returned from Durham, April 14th, Cummings appears to have inserted a reference to coronavirus into an old blogpost. LabourList had a quick look at the site map and archives last night, and noticed that he had recently added the tag “pandemics” to several posts.
Labour’s response has been restrained, in line with Keir Starmer’s style. The party first called for a “swift explanation”, then an “urgent inquiry”. The Labour leader didn’t demand a resignation as others did, but on Sunday evening said: “If I were Prime Minister, I’d have sacked Cummings.” We can expect that the party will now use its capacity for detailed scrutiny to highlight the potential implications of the Cummings defence for policing and crucially for the testing and tracing programme that should be rolled out shortly. Unfortunately there will be no Prime Minister’s Questions this week as parliament is in recess, but a junior minister has just resigned this morning. The Rose Garden statement did not make this story go away.
I trust that readers are still interested in Labour news. It is, of course, the day that Labour’s new general secretary will be appointed. There are six shortlisted applicants, but sources on the national executive committee (NEC) say it now comes down to two: Byron Taylor, a former trade union and Labour liaison organisation (TULO) officer who is favoured by the left, or David Evans, a former assistant general secretary preferred by the leadership. LabourList has given space to different views on Evans: from the FBU and Bakers’ criticisms to the praise of local government leaders. And Taylor? You may never have heard of him, but he is in fact a quietly pivotal figure.
In the wake of the 2015 general election, the Labour left discussed the need to find a candidate if Ed Miliband resigned. As detailed in Protest and Power: The Battle for the Labour Party by David Kogan, they were struggling – until Jon Lansman attended a TULO reception hosted by Byron Taylor. How about Jeremy Corbyn? He has no enemies and with some union support we could get him on the ballot paper, Taylor pointed out. And that is how the Corbyn era was born. Lansman describes Taylor in the book as “not a rabid left-winger” but “a trade union bureaucrat who had been a party bureaucrat under New Labour”. Today, he is the left’s best chance of denying the leader’s office its top pick for general secretary.
Who will succeed Jennie Formby? It has been a long time since there was a shortlist of more than two in the general secretary process, and the NEC is very finely balanced. After the ruling body votes using a preferential system, we can expect the result to be released late afternoon or early evening. Keep up with LabourList throughout the day for updates.


labourlist--2020-05-26--David Evans named Labour’s new general secretary

David Evans has become Labour ’ s new general secretary following a vote of the national executive committee today that saw the ruling body choose from a shortlist of six applicants .
In a victory for Keir Starmer and the new leadership team , the three-week process has seen a former assistant general secretary picked to replace Corbynite trade unionist Jennie Formby .
According to LabourList sources , the result was close with only two votes in it .
NEC members were split 16 to 20 in favour of Evans over left-favoured candidate Byron Taylor .
Scottish leader Richard Leonard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended .
GMB ’ s two votes were decisive , as well as that of Welsh Labour ’ s Mick Antoniw .
Commenting on the news of his appointment , Evans said : “ It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed general secretary of the Labour Party .
“ We face a defining period in the history of our great party , with a global pandemic , an imminent recession and a mountain to climb to win the next election .
Through the strength of our movement , I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I look forward to working with our party , trade unions and members to build a team that can win us the next general election and give us the opportunity to once again serve the British people in government.
” Labour leader Keir Starmer said : “ I want to congratulate David on his appointment as general secretary .
He brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role and a clear understanding of the scale of the task ahead of us .
“ I look forward to working with David to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore trust with the British people and build a team that can win the next election.
” Deputy leader Angela Rayner added : “ David will make a fantastic general secretary of the Labour Party .
“ Last year ’ s election result was devastating for our movement .
It is now our duty to work as a team to unite our party , reconnect with the British people and offer the better future that our country deserves.
” Evans was a senior Labour official during the era of Tony Blair ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was widely understood that he was the favoured candidate of the leader ’ s office for the post .
He was a councillor in Croydon from 1986 to 1990 , and he is the founder and director of political research and consultancy firm The Campaign Company .
Reacting to the result , one NEC member told LabourList : “ If Evans now takes us back to the toxic culture in HQ , purges of left-wing members and stitch ups of parliamentary selections exposed in the leaked report , his appointment will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership .
“ Keir and Angela both stood on election platforms promising to unite the party .
Members won ’ t forgive them if they allow a hard-right general secretary to wage factional warfare against the left .
They are responsible for making sure Evans fulfils their election promise to bring our party together , not tear it apart.
” NEC member Rachel Garnham tweeted : “ Today Keir and Angela had the opportunity to prove their commitment to uniting our party .
“ Instead in their choice of gen sec so closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have shown their pledge to end factionalism to be a sham .
Any remaining illusions must now be shattered.
” Matt Wrack , general secretary of the FBU , had warned colleagues against picking Evans , describing him as a “ factional figure ” and “ likely to be extremely divisive ” on the basis of comments made during the Blair era .
Concerns were raised by the left after it was highlighted that Evans wrote a report in 1999 describing local parties as “ dysfunctional ” and comparing them to Del @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Trade unions on the left pointed out the paper recommended a “ radical overhaul ” of the party that could “ empower modernising forces within the party and marginalise Old Labour ” .
But Labour council leader Stephen Cowan defended Evans , calling the applicant a “ professional political campaigner – one of a small number of experts in the UK , and arguably the best in the country ” .
Allies say Evans is an excellent organiser , having overseen the campaign that allowed Labour to regain control of Croydon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BNP in Barking in 2010 .
Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell told LabourList that Evans really understands how to “ connect ” with voters , and thoroughly grasps the value of local government .
The Labour left on the NEC were in favour of trade unionist Byron Taylor , while many members on the party ’ s left had hoped that former executive director of policy Andrew Fisher could take up the role .
The soft left of the party , including a number of Labour MPs , had picked out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the applicant on which they were most keen .
President of the National Education Union and former parliamentary candidate Amanda Martin and Labour MEP for the West Midlands Neena Gill were also in the running .
Jewish Labour Movement : “ We welcome David Evans ’ appointment as Labour ’ s new general secretary .
We look forward to working with him to ensure Labour deals with its flawed disciplinary processes and the toxic culture in local parties , including acting on the 19 steps we set out for his predecessor.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evans , Labour ’ s new General Secretary .
He ’ s got the experience , the professionalism and most importantly the values we need to inspire and win .
Looking forward to working with him.
” Anneliese Midgley : “ Many congratulations to David Evans the new general secretary of @ UKLabour .
Looking forward to working with you for a Labour government David.
” Progress : “ Congratulations to David Evans on his appointment as GS of @ UKLabour – an innovative community campaigner , and great friend to Labour local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , we ’ re excited to get stuck in behind him !
” Tom Watson : “ When I was a young party staffer David taught me a great deal about the organisation of elections .
I wish him all the best in what is a crucial post for Keir and Angela ’ s future plans.
” Steve Reed MP : “ Fantastic news !
David ’ s the best choice to help Labour win the next election .
Worked with him in Lambeth and Croydon – an outstanding appointment ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ davidrevans , @ UKLabour ’ s new general secretary .
One time @ LabourNorthWest director and more recently working with @ LGA_Labour , I can ’ t think of a more experienced organiser and campaigner to help take our party forwards.
” Jon Ashworth MP : “ Congratulations David Evans our new @ UKLabour general secretary .
I first met David at an activist ’ s election training event at @ GMB_union College , Whalley Range , Manchester in 1996 !
David was vital to our election wins in 97 & 01 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the next GE .
”

David Evans has become Labour’s new general secretary following a vote of the national executive committee today that saw the ruling body choose from a shortlist of six applicants.
In a victory for Keir Starmer and the new leadership team, the three-week process has seen a former assistant general secretary picked to replace Corbynite trade unionist Jennie Formby.
According to LabourList sources, the result was close with only two votes in it. NEC members were split 16 to 20 in favour of Evans over left-favoured candidate Byron Taylor.
Scottish leader Richard Leonard was absent, and Peter Willsman remains suspended. GMB’s two votes were decisive, as well as that of Welsh Labour’s Mick Antoniw.
Commenting on the news of his appointment, Evans said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed general secretary of the Labour Party.
“We face a defining period in the history of our great party, with a global pandemic, an imminent recession and a mountain to climb to win the next election. Through the strength of our movement, I know we can rise to this challenge.
“I look forward to working with our party, trade unions and members to build a team that can win us the next general election and give us the opportunity to once again serve the British people in government.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “I want to congratulate David on his appointment as general secretary. He brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role and a clear understanding of the scale of the task ahead of us.
“I look forward to working with David to build a team that can help us restore trust with the British people and build a team that can win the next election.”
Deputy leader Angela Rayner added: “David will make a fantastic general secretary of the Labour Party.
“Last year’s election result was devastating for our movement. It is now our duty to work as a team to unite our party, reconnect with the British people and offer the better future that our country deserves.”
Evans was a senior Labour official during the era of Tony Blair’s leadership, between 1995 and 2001. It was widely understood that he was the favoured candidate of the leader’s office for the post.
He was a councillor in Croydon from 1986 to 1990, and he is the founder and director of political research and consultancy firm The Campaign Company.
Reacting to the result, one NEC member told LabourList: “If Evans now takes us back to the toxic culture in HQ, purges of left-wing members and stitch ups of parliamentary selections exposed in the leaked report, his appointment will be the worst mistake of Keir’s leadership.
“Keir and Angela both stood on election platforms promising to unite the party. Members won’t forgive them if they allow a hard-right general secretary to wage factional warfare against the left. They are responsible for making sure Evans fulfils their election promise to bring our party together, not tear it apart.”
NEC member Rachel Garnham tweeted: “Today Keir and Angela had the opportunity to prove their commitment to uniting our party.
“Instead in their choice of gen sec so closely aligned to the right of the party they have shown their pledge to end factionalism to be a sham. Any remaining illusions must now be shattered.”
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the FBU, had warned colleagues against picking Evans, describing him as a “factional figure” and “likely to be extremely divisive” on the basis of comments made during the Blair era.
Concerns were raised by the left after it was highlighted that Evans wrote a report in 1999 describing local parties as “dysfunctional” and comparing them to Del Boy’s “Trotters Independent Traders”.
Trade unions on the left pointed out the paper recommended a “radical overhaul” of the party that could “empower modernising forces within the party and marginalise Old Labour”.
But Labour council leader Stephen Cowan defended Evans, calling the applicant a “professional political campaigner – one of a small number of experts in the UK, and arguably the best in the country”.
Allies say Evans is an excellent organiser, having overseen the campaign that allowed Labour to regain control of Croydon in 2014 and helped Labour beat the BNP in Barking in 2010.
Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell told LabourList that Evans really understands how to “connect” with voters, and thoroughly grasps the value of local government.
The Labour left on the NEC were in favour of trade unionist Byron Taylor, while many members on the party’s left had hoped that former executive director of policy Andrew Fisher could take up the role.
The soft left of the party, including a number of Labour MPs, had picked out former Co-operative Party general secretary Karin Christiansen as the applicant on which they were most keen.
President of the National Education Union and former parliamentary candidate Amanda Martin and Labour MEP for the West Midlands Neena Gill were also in the running.
Reactions from the movement…
Jewish Labour Movement: “We welcome David Evans’ appointment as Labour’s new general secretary. We look forward to working with him to ensure Labour deals with its flawed disciplinary processes and the toxic culture in local parties, including acting on the 19 steps we set out for his predecessor.”
Jenny Chapman: “Congratulations to David Evans, Labour’s new General Secretary. He’s got the experience, the professionalism and most importantly the values we need to inspire and win. Looking forward to working with him.”
Anneliese Midgley: “Many congratulations to David Evans the new general secretary of @UKLabour. Looking forward to working with you for a Labour government David.”
Progress: “Congratulations to David Evans on his appointment as GS of @UKLabour – an innovative community campaigner, and great friend to Labour local government, a team-builder and an open-handed leader, we’re excited to get stuck in behind him!”
Tom Watson: “When I was a young party staffer David taught me a great deal about the organisation of elections. I wish him all the best in what is a crucial post for Keir and Angela’s future plans.”
Siobhain McDonagh MP: “Brilliant choice! Great campaigner and great guy!”
Steve Reed MP: “Fantastic news! David’s the best choice to help Labour win the next election. Worked with him in Lambeth and Croydon – an outstanding appointment”.
Andrew Gwynne MP: “Congratulations to @davidrevans, @UKLabour’s new general secretary. One time @LabourNorthWest director and more recently working with @LGA_Labour, I can’t think of a more experienced organiser and campaigner to help take our party forwards.”
Jon Ashworth MP: “Congratulations David Evans our new @UKLabour general secretary. I first met David at an activist’s election training event at @GMB_union College, Whalley Range, Manchester in 1996! David was vital to our election wins in 97 & 01. He will build a winning machine for the next GE.”


labourlist--2020-05-26--Labour calls for clarity on self-isolation after “confused picture” of past 48 hours

Anneliese Dodds has said that the past 48 hours have “ presented a confused picture ” and called on the government to state “ unequivocally ” that those with Covid-19 symptoms must self-isolate at home with their household .
In a letter sent to Rishi Sunak this afternoon , the Shadow Chancellor expressed her concern that “ recent developments suggest that clarity around public health messaging may no longer constitute a key government priority ” .
Dodds emphasised the impact of people not complying with the measures , and has asked that the Chancellor share details of the government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , business solvency and economic activity from : • Delays to reopening different sectors as a result of a potential increase in the R value ; and • Ineffective introduction of the ‘ test , track and protect ’ system involving reduced compliance with the ‘ protect ’ – or isolate – element , leading to continued transmission and the risk of additional lockdowns .
The Oxford East MP wrote that the country is facing the deepest recession in 300 years and highlighted the “ additional economic impact of measures being undermined and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Below is the full text of the letter sent to Sunak this afternoon .
Until a vaccine or effective treatments are found , any sustained return to more normal levels of economic activity is dependent on an effective ‘ test , track and protect ’ regime .
This includes of course the measures announced at the weekend for a phased return in retail .
The ‘ test , track and protect ’ regime will fail to prevent an additional surge in Covid-19 cases if people in contact with those infected do not properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them .
In addition , measures to enable limited re-openings remain , according to your government ’ s plan , contingent on the ‘ R ’ reducing over time , which again is dependent on those infected with Covid-19 self-isolating , as well as those sharing their household .
I am deeply concerned that the last 48 hours have presented a confused picture around what those with suspected Covid-19 should do , and those sharing households with them .
Your government must swiftly remedy this by stating unequivocally that those with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of their household .
However recent developments suggest that clarity around public health messaging may no longer constitute a key government priority .
I would therefore be grateful if you could please indicate to me what modelling Her Majesty ’ s Treasury has undertaken , if any , of the impact on a ) population incomes , b ) business solvency and c ) levels of UK economic activity of : • A delay in the dates intimated by the Prime Minister for the reopening of different sectors , due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistic ; and • Ineffective introduction of ‘ test , track and protect ’ involving reduced compliance with the ‘ protect ’ ( isolate ) element , leading to continued population transmission of Covid-19 and the risk of additional lockdowns , either nationally , regionally or locally ( as highlighted by a number of members of the SAGE advisory group on behavioural science ) .
Either of these eventualities would be catastrophic for the health of UK citizens , which must be our overriding concern .
However , in the midst of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced for 300 years , caused by necessary measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 , any Chancellor must surely be concerned about the additional economic impact of those measures being undermined and the contraction being unnecessarily prolonged .
I look forward to your response .

Anneliese Dodds has said that the past 48 hours have “presented a confused picture” and called on the government to state “unequivocally” that those with Covid-19 symptoms must self-isolate at home with their household.
In a letter sent to Rishi Sunak this afternoon, the Shadow Chancellor expressed her concern that “recent developments suggest that clarity around public health messaging may no longer constitute a key government priority”.
Dodds emphasised the impact of people not complying with the measures, and has asked that the Chancellor share details of the government’s modelling on the impact on incomes, business solvency and economic activity from:
Delays to reopening different sectors as a result of a potential increase in the R value; and Ineffective introduction of the ‘test, track and protect’ system involving reduced compliance with the ‘protect’ – or isolate – element, leading to continued transmission and the risk of additional lockdowns.
The Oxford East MP wrote that the country is facing the deepest recession in 300 years and highlighted the “additional economic impact of measures being undermined and the contraction being unnecessarily prolonged”.
Below is the full text of the letter sent to Sunak this afternoon.
Dear Chancellor,
Until a vaccine or effective treatments are found, any sustained return to more normal levels of economic activity is dependent on an effective ‘test, track and protect’ regime. This includes of course the measures announced at the weekend for a phased return in retail.
The ‘test, track and protect’ regime will fail to prevent an additional surge in Covid-19 cases if people in contact with those infected do not properly isolate themselves and those sharing a household with them.
In addition, measures to enable limited re-openings remain, according to your government’s plan, contingent on the ‘R’ reducing over time, which again is dependent on those infected with Covid-19 self-isolating, as well as those sharing their household.
I am deeply concerned that the last 48 hours have presented a confused picture around what those with suspected Covid-19 should do, and those sharing households with them. Your government must swiftly remedy this by stating unequivocally that those with Covid-19 must self-isolate at home, with the rest of their household. However recent developments suggest that clarity around public health messaging may no longer constitute a key government priority.
I would therefore be grateful if you could please indicate to me what modelling Her Majesty’s Treasury has undertaken, if any, of the impact on a) population incomes, b) business solvency and c) levels of UK economic activity of:
A delay in the dates intimated by the Prime Minister for the reopening of different sectors, due to a potential increase in the ‘R’ statistic; and Ineffective introduction of ‘test, track and protect’ involving reduced compliance with the ‘protect’ (isolate) element, leading to continued population transmission of Covid-19 and the risk of additional lockdowns, either nationally, regionally or locally (as highlighted by a number of members of the SAGE advisory group on behavioural science).
Either of these eventualities would be catastrophic for the health of UK citizens, which must be our overriding concern. However, in the midst of the fastest and deepest recession our country has faced for 300 years, caused by necessary measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, any Chancellor must surely be concerned about the additional economic impact of those measures being undermined and the contraction being unnecessarily prolonged.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Anneliese Dodds MP
Shadow Chancellor


labourlist--2020-05-26--The Cummings debate. Let’s talk about childcare

Dominic Cummings told us about what he clearly felt was an exceptional set of circumstances when he delivered a statement on Monday .
He found that if all the adults at home were unwell , there would have been nobody to provide childcare .
For mums of young children around the country , this sounds like pretty standard stuff .
And as a man who has at least six children , you might expect Boris Johnson to know a bit about childcare and the normality of this situation – but he referred to his advisor as having “ no alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ instincts of every father and every parent ” .
Any person who thinks being ill and parenting are incompatible clearly doesn ’ t live in the real world , and certainly not the world the rest of us have inhabited for the last ten weeks .
We all know that , ill or not , we can only rely on ourselves .
But maybe this lack of understanding that juggling childcare , work , homework and a thousand other things is the reality for most families shows just how out of touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I also think it shows what happens when you have such a limited array of lived experiences among decision-makers .
The government ’ s ‘ war cabinet ’ to deal with the pandemic is headed up by men : Rishi Sunak , Matt Hancock , Michael Gove and Dominic Raab .
The only female member of the government who has taken any of the daily briefings that have occurred since March 16th is Priti Patel , and she has only led three Covid press conferences .
This gives some indication as to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewed by them as ‘ unprecedented ’ , and why they seemed genuinely surprised that his tale of woe has not generated much sympathy with the public .
Perhaps this ignorance around the realities of family life is one reason for which childcare is never getting much of a look in when it comes to their policies .
It has long been a complaint of mine that childcare and family issues have been pushed to the back of the agenda time and time again – with the one exception of the introduction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in 1999 .
It is no coincidence that this marvellous , society-changing development occurred when a party with 101 female MPs took power and with Tessa Jowell – a woman who understood the issues – at the helm .
At this time , one fifth of the cabinet were women and this later became a third .
This stood in direct contrast to Margaret Thatcher , who promoted just one women – Janet Young as leader of the House of Lords – to her cabinet .
John Major promoted two women to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six .
Most notably , Johnson reduced the number of women in his cabinet in the February reshuffle , so that now only eight of the 26 ministers attending cabinet are women .
Despite having 163 more MPs than Labour , the Conservatives have only 87 female MPs compared to Labour ’ s 104 .
And it seems fair to say that the lived experiences of women are not a priority for them in policy-making .
Their common line is that the Tory Party is a meritocracy .
But the ways in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by childcare – mean a meritocracy is far from reality .
We can see the lack of female influence throughout the Conservatives ’ policies , including in their plan to stop virtual voting when many female MPs will still have children at home at present , or in their totally contemptuous response towards care workers – most of whom are women .
Or in the long-term policies they have pursued , which have caused women to be disproportionately affected by tax , benefit and public spending cuts .
Whilst gendered roles in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that women still take on most of the childcare responsibilities and most of the responsibility for all unpaid care activities .
Moreover , single-parent households are predominantly headed by women .
The unpredictability of child illness – as well as the need to manage the long school holidays – leaves many women trapped in the casual labour market , which is synonymous with low pay .
Research by the Fawcett Society also indicated that working women are likely to cut down pension contributions to pay for childcare – causing a gender pensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the Tory approach to these matters was driven from callousness but now , after this weekend , I genuinely wonder if it is a mark of their ignorance about ordinary life .
Childcare provision , meanwhile , is under serious threat .
The government made a ridiculous U-turn last month when it decided that daycare providers would be unable to fully access the job retention scheme while still receiving early entitlement funding .
This news came after some nurseries had already closed and furloughed staff in the belief that the government would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salaries .
Councils are allowed to direct the early entitlement funding to those settings that have remained open .
As a result , there is a real fear that as many as 10,000 nurseries will be economically unviable when the crisis ends .
There appears to be no plan as to how working parents are expected to manage with the potential loss of 150,000 childcare places .
And as well as being a means of allowing parents – mostly women – to access the workplace , good quality early years provision is recognised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is particularly relevant in a country where one quarter of four- and five-year olds lack the basic communication skills that they are expected to have by the end of their reception year at school .
It would be nice to think that these events may cause the cabinet – most of whom have all tweeted their support for Cummings ’ actions in what Matt Hancock called “ difficult circumstances ” – to think about the difficulties that childcare and the lack of it causes for parents around the country , and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our unequal society .
But somehow I doubt it .

Dominic Cummings told us about what he clearly felt was an exceptional set of circumstances when he delivered a statement on Monday. He found that if all the adults at home were unwell, there would have been nobody to provide childcare. For mums of young children around the country, this sounds like pretty standard stuff. And as a man who has at least six children, you might expect Boris Johnson to know a bit about childcare and the normality of this situation – but he referred to his advisor as having “no alternative” and said that he followed the “instincts of every father and every parent”.
Any person who thinks being ill and parenting are incompatible clearly doesn’t live in the real world, and certainly not the world the rest of us have inhabited for the last ten weeks. We all know that, ill or not, we can only rely on ourselves. But maybe this lack of understanding that juggling childcare, work, homework and a thousand other things is the reality for most families shows just how out of touch the government’s inner circle are. I also think it shows what happens when you have such a limited array of lived experiences among decision-makers.
The government’s ‘war cabinet’ to deal with the pandemic is headed up by men: Rishi Sunak, Matt Hancock, Michael Gove and Dominic Raab. The only female member of the government who has taken any of the daily briefings that have occurred since March 16th is Priti Patel, and she has only led three Covid press conferences. This gives some indication as to why a childcare crisis seems to be viewed by them as ‘unprecedented’, and why they seemed genuinely surprised that his tale of woe has not generated much sympathy with the public.
Perhaps this ignorance around the realities of family life is one reason for which childcare is never getting much of a look in when it comes to their policies. It has long been a complaint of mine that childcare and family issues have been pushed to the back of the agenda time and time again – with the one exception of the introduction of Sure Start by Tony Blair’s government in 1999. It is no coincidence that this marvellous, society-changing development occurred when a party with 101 female MPs took power and with Tessa Jowell – a woman who understood the issues – at the helm. At this time, one fifth of the cabinet were women and this later became a third.
This stood in direct contrast to Margaret Thatcher, who promoted just one women – Janet Young as leader of the House of Lords – to her cabinet. John Major promoted two women to his cabinet, and Theresa May managed six. Most notably, Johnson reduced the number of women in his cabinet in the February reshuffle, so that now only eight of the 26 ministers attending cabinet are women. Despite having 163 more MPs than Labour, the Conservatives have only 87 female MPs compared to Labour’s 104. And it seems fair to say that the lived experiences of women are not a priority for them in policy-making. Their common line is that the Tory Party is a meritocracy. But the ways in which women are held back – such as by childcare – mean a meritocracy is far from reality.
We can see the lack of female influence throughout the Conservatives’ policies, including in their plan to stop virtual voting when many female MPs will still have children at home at present, or in their totally contemptuous response towards care workers – most of whom are women. Or in the long-term policies they have pursued, which have caused women to be disproportionately affected by tax, benefit and public spending cuts.
Whilst gendered roles in the home have massively decreased, studies consistently show that women still take on most of the childcare responsibilities and most of the responsibility for all unpaid care activities. Moreover, single-parent households are predominantly headed by women. The unpredictability of child illness – as well as the need to manage the long school holidays – leaves many women trapped in the casual labour market, which is synonymous with low pay. Research by the Fawcett Society also indicated that working women are likely to cut down pension contributions to pay for childcare – causing a gender pensions gap in retirement. I used to think the Tory approach to these matters was driven from callousness but now, after this weekend, I genuinely wonder if it is a mark of their ignorance about ordinary life.
Childcare provision, meanwhile, is under serious threat. The government made a ridiculous U-turn last month when it decided that daycare providers would be unable to fully access the job retention scheme while still receiving early entitlement funding. This news came after some nurseries had already closed and furloughed staff in the belief that the government would cover 80% of their employees’ salaries. Councils are allowed to direct the early entitlement funding to those settings that have remained open. As a result, there is a real fear that as many as 10,000 nurseries will be economically unviable when the crisis ends. There appears to be no plan as to how working parents are expected to manage with the potential loss of 150,000 childcare places.
And as well as being a means of allowing parents – mostly women – to access the workplace, good quality early years provision is recognised as important in breaking intergenerational disadvantage. This is particularly relevant in a country where one quarter of four- and five-year olds lack the basic communication skills that they are expected to have by the end of their reception year at school.
It would be nice to think that these events may cause the cabinet – most of whom have all tweeted their support for Cummings’ actions in what Matt Hancock called “difficult circumstances” – to think about the difficulties that childcare and the lack of it causes for parents around the country, and how it often contributes to the continuation of our unequal society. But somehow I doubt it.


labourlist--2020-05-26--UNISON: New data shows claims of protecting care homes “ring hollow”

UNISON has said that claims by the government to have protected care homes throughout the coronavirus pandemic “ ring rather hollow ” as the latest figures show that hundreds are still dying in care homes .
Responding to information released by the Office for National Statistics today , assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said that it is “ shameful that hundreds of people in care homes are still dying of Covid-19 every week ” .
The trade union has argued that the government left care homes to “ fight the disease alone ” during the crisis , and called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Commenting on the data , McAnea said : “ It ’ s shameful that hundreds of people in care homes are still dying of Covid-19 every week .
Vulnerable residents and care workers looking after them have been left to fight the disease alone .
“ Many staff still don ’ t have the safety kit or tests they need .
Government claims of a protective ring being placed around care homes ring rather hollow.
” The numbers published by the ONS today revealed that , in the last week for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all deaths resulting from coronavirus happened in care homes .
“ The care sector needs to be completely overhauled once the crisis has passed .
Never again should the concerns of staff , unions and employers be ignored.
” The ONS numbers published today report that there had been a total of 42,173 coronavirus deaths in England and Wales by May 15th – the organisation has a ten-day delay in producing its Covid-19 figures .
This number released by the UK ’ s independent statistics authority is significantly higher than that accounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that there had been 33,998 coronavirus deaths by the same time .
UNISON has repeatedly called for urgent action to support care home staff and residents throughout this crisis .
Earlier this month , the trade union launched a petition calling for the adequate provision of personal protective equipment .

UNISON has said that claims by the government to have protected care homes throughout the coronavirus pandemic “ring rather hollow” as the latest figures show that hundreds are still dying in care homes.
Responding to information released by the Office for National Statistics today, assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said that it is “shameful that hundreds of people in care homes are still dying of Covid-19 every week”.
The trade union has argued that the government left care homes to “fight the disease alone” during the crisis, and called for an overhaul of the sector after the pandemic.
Commenting on the data, McAnea said: “It’s shameful that hundreds of people in care homes are still dying of Covid-19 every week. Vulnerable residents and care workers looking after them have been left to fight the disease alone.
“Many staff still don’t have the safety kit or tests they need. Government claims of a protective ring being placed around care homes ring rather hollow.”
The numbers published by the ONS today revealed that, in the last week for which we have data, 43.6% of all deaths resulting from coronavirus happened in care homes.
“The care sector needs to be completely overhauled once the crisis has passed. Never again should the concerns of staff, unions and employers be ignored.”
The ONS numbers published today report that there had been a total of 42,173 coronavirus deaths in England and Wales by May 15th – the organisation has a ten-day delay in producing its Covid-19 figures.
This number released by the UK’s independent statistics authority is significantly higher than that accounted for by Public Health England, which said that there had been 33,998 coronavirus deaths by the same time.
UNISON has repeatedly called for urgent action to support care home staff and residents throughout this crisis. Earlier this month, the trade union launched a petition calling for the adequate provision of personal protective equipment.


labourlist--2020-05-26--The end of the parliamentary road. An anticapitalist platform for Momentum

In the debate about the future of Momentum , all factions seem to agree that the organisation needs to be reformed to restore its connection to the grassroots and make it ‘ fit for purpose ’ .
They point to Momentum ’ s bureaucratisation and the need to win back the trust of disillusioned rank-and-file activists , turning outwards towards communities and trade unions .
But none have so far meaningfully answered the existential questions facing the Labour left after the failure of Corbynism : what exactly is socialism , can we get it through the Labour Party , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do differently to avoid repeating its mistakes ?
Corbynism failed as an electoral movement and a party reform movement .
But faced with catastrophic climate breakdown and the biggest economic crisis of our lifetimes , we need a militant alternative to Keir Starmer ’ s ‘ credible ’ opposition .
If we are serious about fundamental change , the left can not just carry on as before , waiting for our next turn at the party leadership .
Our resistance has to be based on a strategy for permanent , revolutionary changes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society .
The greatest potential of Corbyn ’ s leadership was not just its policies , which would have done no more than bring state spending up to the level of other European countries .
What the ruling class saw as a real threat was the possibility of an independent movement – Momentum – demanding and fighting for a much more fundamental transformation of society .
Ultimately , the potential for such a movement was suppressed by a leadership determined to limit it to supporting Corbyn , come what may .
The aims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electability ” , as defined by the ruling establishment , and avoidance of a split with the Labour right .
Electoral triangulation and strategic dependence on unity with the right forced Corbyn into damaging concessions on free movement and Brexit , which disoriented the left , disillusioned voters , and strengthened his enemies .
At every stage , Momentum went along with – and frequently even led – the charge for the movement ’ s bureaucratisation , because it saw electing a Corbyn-led labour government as its first priority .
This has left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unprepared for the generation-defining struggles ahead .
The Corbyn years have taught us that , if we define socialism as the social ownership of an economy under democratic control , then we can not rely on the slow , peaceful transformation of the Labour Party into a vehicle for socialist struggle .
We need to define our political goals and create our own independent organisations to fight for them – with or without the support of party and trade union officials .
That ’ s why we ’ re standing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anticapitalist Platform .
We believe that to renew the struggle for socialism , Momentum urgently needs to take the lead in organising local groups to build an anticapitalist resistance .
For this , democratic structures will be essential , but they are only the first step .
To win the trust not just of the Labour membership but of wider layers of workers , young people , and oppressed groups , Momentum will need to wage an uncompromising defence of their interests .
Each local Momentum group should draw up a plan of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the struggles arising out of the coronavirus crisis – and demand the Labour leadership back them .
We should coordinate councils of action and draw up People ’ s Budgets to restore capacity and accountability in the NHS and local government and protect against an unsafe return to work .
In the coming struggle over who pays for the unprecedented level of state spending during the crisis , we need to build a rank-and-file movement in the trade unions to strike and occupy against sackings and closures , and an unemployed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unorganised .
We need to fight for the nationalisations and controls on businesses that can pave the way to a democratically planned economy , which would manage our national and international wealth in the interests of working people .
And we must be clear about our ultimate goal – the overthrow of capitalism as a system and its replacement with socialism .
Coronavirus has hardened the borders but , at the same time , made obvious the need to dissolve them .
While any one part of the world is affected by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To confront the challenges posed by the breakdown of the neoliberal world order , we need to coordinate our efforts internationally .
It ’ s essential that we work to build structures of common action to unite labour , trade union and social movements around the world and to build an international resistance to the system that oppresses us all .

In the debate about the future of Momentum, all factions seem to agree that the organisation needs to be reformed to restore its connection to the grassroots and make it ‘fit for purpose’. They point to Momentum’s bureaucratisation and the need to win back the trust of disillusioned rank-and-file activists, turning outwards towards communities and trade unions. But none have so far meaningfully answered the existential questions facing the Labour left after the failure of Corbynism: what exactly is socialism, can we get it through the Labour Party, and what does the Labour left need to do differently to avoid repeating its mistakes?
Corbynism failed as an electoral movement and a party reform movement. But faced with catastrophic climate breakdown and the biggest economic crisis of our lifetimes, we need a militant alternative to Keir Starmer’s ‘credible’ opposition. If we are serious about fundamental change, the left cannot just carry on as before, waiting for our next turn at the party leadership. Our resistance has to be based on a strategy for permanent, revolutionary changes to the balance of power and wealth in society.
The greatest potential of Corbyn’s leadership was not just its policies, which would have done no more than bring state spending up to the level of other European countries. What the ruling class saw as a real threat was the possibility of an independent movement – Momentum – demanding and fighting for a much more fundamental transformation of society. Ultimately, the potential for such a movement was suppressed by a leadership determined to limit it to supporting Corbyn, come what may. The aims behind that were the achievement of “electability”, as defined by the ruling establishment, and avoidance of a split with the Labour right.
Electoral triangulation and strategic dependence on unity with the right forced Corbyn into damaging concessions on free movement and Brexit, which disoriented the left, disillusioned voters, and strengthened his enemies. At every stage, Momentum went along with – and frequently even led – the charge for the movement’s bureaucratisation, because it saw electing a Corbyn-led labour government as its first priority. This has left socialists in Labour bereft of a leadership and unprepared for the generation-defining struggles ahead.
The Corbyn years have taught us that, if we define socialism as the social ownership of an economy under democratic control, then we cannot rely on the slow, peaceful transformation of the Labour Party into a vehicle for socialist struggle. We need to define our political goals and create our own independent organisations to fight for them – with or without the support of party and trade union officials.
That’s why we’re standing in the Momentum national coordinating group elections on the Anticapitalist Platform. We believe that to renew the struggle for socialism, Momentum urgently needs to take the lead in organising local groups to build an anticapitalist resistance. For this, democratic structures will be essential, but they are only the first step.
To win the trust not just of the Labour membership but of wider layers of workers, young people, and oppressed groups, Momentum will need to wage an uncompromising defence of their interests. Each local Momentum group should draw up a plan of action to put themselves at the forefront of the struggles arising out of the coronavirus crisis – and demand the Labour leadership back them.
We should coordinate councils of action and draw up People’s Budgets to restore capacity and accountability in the NHS and local government and protect against an unsafe return to work. In the coming struggle over who pays for the unprecedented level of state spending during the crisis, we need to build a rank-and-file movement in the trade unions to strike and occupy against sackings and closures, and an unemployed and precarious workers’ movement to organise the unorganised. We need to fight for the nationalisations and controls on businesses that can pave the way to a democratically planned economy, which would manage our national and international wealth in the interests of working people.
And we must be clear about our ultimate goal – the overthrow of capitalism as a system and its replacement with socialism. Coronavirus has hardened the borders but, at the same time, made obvious the need to dissolve them. While any one part of the world is affected by the virus, no part is safe. To confront the challenges posed by the breakdown of the neoliberal world order, we need to coordinate our efforts internationally. It’s essential that we work to build structures of common action to unite labour, trade union and social movements around the world and to build an international resistance to the system that oppresses us all.