labourlist--2020-07-29--The Tories must keep their word on Brexit – and deliver the deal promised

With no prospect of a deal in sight and barely five months to the end of the transition period , the UK ’ s future relationship with the European Union is shrouded in damaging uncertainty .
After the UK left the EU in January , the government ’ s original plan was to use this transition period to allow government departments , businesses , public bodies , consumers , holidaymakers and everyone else to prepare for the biggest changes for a generation .
But seven months down the line , and with the clock ticking , there is still an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if any – deal Boris Johnson and his government might be able to secure .
The signs are not good and businesses are understandably worried .
Today , I will be visiting the site of the government ’ s proposed giant lorry park in Kent with my Labour colleague Rosie Duffield , the MP for Canterbury .
We want to hear first-hand from local people about the impact of this plan and what the new border arrangements will mean for them and the wider region following warnings the new park could cause huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far about the plans for our new border arrangements , they have been badly communicated , risk causing chaos to communities in Kent , and will heap costs and restrictions on businesses .
If this ongoing saga is a sign of what is to come over the next few months , then we should all be seriously concerned .
Back in December 2019 , we were told repeatedly that Boris Johnson had an “ oven-ready deal ” .
On June 15th , the PM said he saw “ no reason why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July ” .
Yet with nothing to show , it begs the question : was the oven ever switched on at all ?
The recipe for the UK ’ s future relationship with the EU was published in the form of a political declaration agreed and published in October 2019 .
It is vital that the promises made in the document are upheld by the Conservatives .
While it would not have been the same jobs-friendly deal that a Labour government would have pursued , it includes some very important commitments for businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the promise : “ The economic partnership should through a Free Trade Agreement ensure no tariffs , fees , charges or quantitative restrictions across all sectors with appropriate and modern accompanying rules of origin , and with ambitious customs arrangements that are in line with the Parties ’ objectives and principles above.
” These are crucial commitments for UK industries , and Labour ’ s engagement with businesses and trade unions has only highlighted their importance in the current challenging climate .
The sooner such an agreement is negotiated , the better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In July 2016 , cabinet minister Michael Gove assured the country that “ we are in the driving seat now ” when it came to negotiations with the EU .
But four years later , we are stuck in second gear .
Now we are outside the EU , there is no point in labelling voters by how they voted in a referendum four years ago .
We need to pull together as a country and Labour is determined that the UK lifts living standards and tackles the many longstanding issues facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative governments .
People want to see greater investment in skills , better jobs , an industrial strategy that does not permit the flogging of our assets to the highest overseas bidders , a good life for all with high standards in employment , consumer , environmental and animal welfare rights and a constructive and co-operative approach to our European friends and neighbours .
There are ministers and MPs in the Conservative government who do not share that ambitious approach .
They seem determined to bend over backwards for a Trump trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welsh governments whose voices should be heard in these negotiations alongside those in England and Northern Ireland .
Despite repeated opportunities to legislate to guarantee high standards in the UK , the Conservatives have resolutely stood against these safeguards .
Meanwhile , trade unions tell me the Conservatives are demanding that they sign non-disclosure agreements before any meaningful discussions on overseas trade deals .
This government is in no position to command trust .
It is becoming apparent that the government will soon be binding businesses with considerable ‘ red tape ’ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This could add between £7bn and £13bn of extra business costs per year through new customs declarations .
The Conservatives need to be honest with the UK ’ s importing and exporting businesses about how much the government ’ s approach will cost them and what they intend to do to support them .
Any losses of contracts , jobs or lowering of living standards due , and it will be the government that must shoulder the blame .
The Conservatives have had four years to prepare .
We are now outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landing at our new destination .
The landing zone for a negotiated deal with the EU will surely be found in the principles and promises of the political declaration , which both the UK and EU committed to nine months ago .
This was the Brexit deal taken to the country – and it is what voters expect to be agreed this year .
The government needs to end its tin-eared approach to our future relationship with the EU and negotiate the deal they promised to deliver .

With no prospect of a deal in sight and barely five months to the end of the transition period, the UK’s future relationship with the European Union is shrouded in damaging uncertainty. After the UK left the EU in January, the government’s original plan was to use this transition period to allow government departments, businesses, public bodies, consumers, holidaymakers and everyone else to prepare for the biggest changes for a generation.
But seven months down the line, and with the clock ticking, there is still an alarming lack of clarity about what – if any – deal Boris Johnson and his government might be able to secure. The signs are not good and businesses are understandably worried.
Today, I will be visiting the site of the government’s proposed giant lorry park in Kent with my Labour colleague Rosie Duffield, the MP for Canterbury. We want to hear first-hand from local people about the impact of this plan and what the new border arrangements will mean for them and the wider region following warnings the new park could cause huge disruption.
From what we have seen so far about the plans for our new border arrangements, they have been badly communicated, risk causing chaos to communities in Kent, and will heap costs and restrictions on businesses. If this ongoing saga is a sign of what is to come over the next few months, then we should all be seriously concerned.
Back in December 2019, we were told repeatedly that Boris Johnson had an “oven-ready deal”. On June 15th, the PM said he saw “no reason why you shouldn’t get that done in July”. Yet with nothing to show, it begs the question: was the oven ever switched on at all?
The recipe for the UK’s future relationship with the EU was published in the form of a political declaration agreed and published in October 2019. It is vital that the promises made in the document are upheld by the Conservatives. While it would not have been the same jobs-friendly deal that a Labour government would have pursued, it includes some very important commitments for businesses and jobs.
In particular, there is the promise: “The economic partnership should through a Free Trade Agreement ensure no tariffs, fees, charges or quantitative restrictions across all sectors with appropriate and modern accompanying rules of origin, and with ambitious customs arrangements that are in line with the Parties’ objectives and principles above.”
These are crucial commitments for UK industries, and Labour’s engagement with businesses and trade unions has only highlighted their importance in the current challenging climate. The sooner such an agreement is negotiated, the better it will be for businesses and workers. In July 2016, cabinet minister Michael Gove assured the country that “we are in the driving seat now” when it came to negotiations with the EU. But four years later, we are stuck in second gear.
Now we are outside the EU, there is no point in labelling voters by how they voted in a referendum four years ago. We need to pull together as a country and Labour is determined that the UK lifts living standards and tackles the many longstanding issues facing our country including those shirked by successive Conservative governments.
People want to see greater investment in skills, better jobs, an industrial strategy that does not permit the flogging of our assets to the highest overseas bidders, a good life for all with high standards in employment, consumer, environmental and animal welfare rights and a constructive and co-operative approach to our European friends and neighbours.
There are ministers and MPs in the Conservative government who do not share that ambitious approach. They seem determined to bend over backwards for a Trump trade deal while picking pointless fights with Scottish and Welsh governments whose voices should be heard in these negotiations alongside those in England and Northern Ireland.
Despite repeated opportunities to legislate to guarantee high standards in the UK, the Conservatives have resolutely stood against these safeguards. Meanwhile, trade unions tell me the Conservatives are demanding that they sign non-disclosure agreements before any meaningful discussions on overseas trade deals. This government is in no position to command trust.
It is becoming apparent that the government will soon be binding businesses with considerable ‘red tape’ in the form of customs declarations and bureaucracy. This could add between £7bn and £13bn of extra business costs per year through new customs declarations.
The Conservatives need to be honest with the UK’s importing and exporting businesses about how much the government’s approach will cost them and what they intend to do to support them. Any losses of contracts, jobs or lowering of living standards due, and it will be the government that must shoulder the blame.
The Conservatives have had four years to prepare. We are now outside the EU but urgently need a soft landing at our new destination. The landing zone for a negotiated deal with the EU will surely be found in the principles and promises of the political declaration, which both the UK and EU committed to nine months ago. This was the Brexit deal taken to the country – and it is what voters expect to be agreed this year. The government needs to end its tin-eared approach to our future relationship with the EU and negotiate the deal they promised to deliver.


labourlist--2020-07-29--Rising childcare costs will stop parents returning to work, Labour warns

Labour has warned that a “ perfect storm ” of rising childcare costs and thousands of providers being at risk of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic will prevent many parents from returning to work .
New analysis by the party suggests that childcare costs have risen between two and a half and three times as fast as wages since 2010 , and that 19,000 childcare providers in England are at risk of closing in the next year .
Labour said that “ childcare has repeatedly been neglected by the government ” in its response to the pandemic , pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister have mentioned the sector in speeches on the crisis .
Shadow Secretary of State for Education Kate Green said : “ The Conservatives have created a perfect storm for working parents across the country , with a crisis in the childcare sector locking children out of early education and making it impossible for many parents to return to work .
“ Ordering parents back to work without allowing them to access the childcare they need is a stark reminder that Boris Johnson is completely out of touch with the needs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently provide targeted support to the childcare sector , and ensure that parents can access the childcare that they need.
” The research – using data from the Coram Family and Childcare ’ s childcare survey 2010 and 2020 – suggests that childcare costs have risen by more than 50 % in the last decade across many regions in the country .
At the same time , the party said that analysis of data from the Early Years Alliance found that 25 % of childcare providers felt it was “ somewhat ” or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be open in 12 months .
The party has warned that many families will struggle to access support over the summer , with its analysis showing that spending on children ’ s services has been cut by hundreds of millions of pounds in real terms since 2010 .
Earlier this month , Labour called on the government to focus financial support on the struggling childcare sector to “ prevent a wave of nursery closures ” in the coronavirus pandemic .
Shadow early years minister Tulip Siddiq warned that if a large number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to many parents – particularly women – losing their jobs , which would have a knock-on effect on the economy .
Labour MPs slammed Chancellor Rishi Sunak for the absence of support for female workers in the economic coronavirus recovery plan at a Treasury committee meeting this month .
Siobhain McDonagh highlighted that women had been disproportionately affected by the health crisis , and told Sunak that “ we are 51 % of the population , we are more likely to lose our jobs , and to not do the hours we normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that the Chancellor had failed to mention childcare once in the ‘ mini Budget ’ , despite the government acknowledging that women have been disproportionately impacted by Covid .

Labour has warned that a “perfect storm” of rising childcare costs and thousands of providers being at risk of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic will prevent many parents from returning to work.
New analysis by the party suggests that childcare costs have risen between two and a half and three times as fast as wages since 2010, and that 19,000 childcare providers in England are at risk of closing in the next year.
Labour said that “childcare has repeatedly been neglected by the government” in its response to the pandemic, pointing out that neither the Chancellor nor the Prime Minister have mentioned the sector in speeches on the crisis.
Shadow Secretary of State for Education Kate Green said: “The Conservatives have created a perfect storm for working parents across the country, with a crisis in the childcare sector locking children out of early education and making it impossible for many parents to return to work.
“Ordering parents back to work without allowing them to access the childcare they need is a stark reminder that Boris Johnson is completely out of touch with the needs of working families.
“The government must urgently provide targeted support to the childcare sector, and ensure that parents can access the childcare that they need.”
The research – using data from the Coram Family and Childcare’s childcare survey 2010 and 2020 – suggests that childcare costs have risen by more than 50% in the last decade across many regions in the country.
At the same time, the party said that analysis of data from the Early Years Alliance found that 25% of childcare providers felt it was “somewhat” or “very unlikely” that they would be open in 12 months.
The party has warned that many families will struggle to access support over the summer, with its analysis showing that spending on children’s services has been cut by hundreds of millions of pounds in real terms since 2010.
Earlier this month, Labour called on the government to focus financial support on the struggling childcare sector to “prevent a wave of nursery closures” in the coronavirus pandemic.
Shadow early years minister Tulip Siddiq warned that if a large number of nurseries are closed, this could lead to many parents – particularly women – losing their jobs, which would have a knock-on effect on the economy.
Labour MPs slammed Chancellor Rishi Sunak for the absence of support for female workers in the economic coronavirus recovery plan at a Treasury committee meeting this month.
Siobhain McDonagh highlighted that women had been disproportionately affected by the health crisis, and told Sunak that “we are 51% of the population, we are more likely to lose our jobs, and to not do the hours we normally do”.
Angela Eagle raised the fact that the Chancellor had failed to mention childcare once in the ‘mini Budget’, despite the government acknowledging that women have been disproportionately impacted by Covid.


labourlist--2020-07-29--FBU slams 2% pay bump for firefighters and control staff  as “insulting”

The Fire Brigades Union has condemned a 2 % pay bump proposed by employers and described the offer as an “ insult ” to frontline firefighters and control staff .
After a meeting of the executive council of the FBU today , the union has slammed fire service employers and chief fire officers for offering a pay rise below that of teachers , doctors , dentists , police and prison officers .
The union criticised government ministers for failing to step in and ensure firefighters were properly rewarded , “ especially in light of the extra work taken on in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The offer will now go out for consultation .
The FBU is recommending that the money be paid immediately to staff , but has said it will “ talk to members about their options to campaign for better pay over the next year , including industrial action ” .
General secretary Matt Wrack said that the offer “ does not address the needs of FBU members ” , but should be paid to them immediately as “ this money will be better in their pockets than sitting in employer reserves ” .
Commenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firefighters and control staff were due a pay offer on July 1st .
Nearly a month past that deadline , fire service employers have made an offer – there is absolutely no excuse for making our members wait like this .
“ Sadly , the offer reflects the fact that employers simply do not value the vital and life-saving work our members undertake every day , nor the extraordinary lengths many have gone to in aiding the coronavirus response .
“ Government ministers could have stepped in to ensure our members would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay round , but they chose to stand idly by.
” In March this year , the FBU and other stakeholders reached an arrangement to allow firefighters to take on additional roles in the Covid-19 crisis , including driving ambulances and retrieving dead bodies .
Wrack added : “ The chief fire officers who advise employers during pay negotiations must also bear some responsibility for the desperate situation facing our service and those who work in it .
“ Throughout the past decade they have done absolutely nothing to challenge the brutal austerity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rob our service of investment and resources .
“ This pay offer does not address the needs of FBU members whose wages have still not recovered from years of pay restraint , however firefighters and control staff desperately need an improvement in their living standards and this money will be better in their pockets than sitting in employer reserves .
“ We will now consult firefighters and control staff on the offer and discuss campaigning options around issues of pay and conditions over the coming year , including various forms of industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firefighters and control staff have seen repeated pay restraints imposed over the past ten years , and that firefighters are now £4,000 worse off than they were in 2010 .
It also pointed out that the pay increase proposed is the same settlement that employees were offered last year , despite firefighters having taken on an additional 14 areas of work to respond to the coronavirus pandemic .
Last week , firefighters agreed to continue aiding the Covid-19 response through the summer , saying that they would not “ abandon communities now ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the end of September .

The Fire Brigades Union has condemned a 2% pay bump proposed by employers and described the offer as an “insult” to frontline firefighters and control staff.
After a meeting of the executive council of the FBU today, the union has slammed fire service employers and chief fire officers for offering a pay rise below that of teachers, doctors, dentists, police and prison officers.
The union criticised government ministers for failing to step in and ensure firefighters were properly rewarded, “especially in light of the extra work taken on in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis”.
The offer will now go out for consultation. The FBU is recommending that the money be paid immediately to staff, but has said it will “talk to members about their options to campaign for better pay over the next year, including industrial action”.
General secretary Matt Wrack said that the offer “does not address the needs of FBU members”, but should be paid to them immediately as “this money will be better in their pockets than sitting in employer reserves”.
Commenting on negotiations, Wrack said: “Firefighters and control staff were due a pay offer on July 1st. Nearly a month past that deadline, fire service employers have made an offer – there is absolutely no excuse for making our members wait like this.
“Sadly, the offer reflects the fact that employers simply do not value the vital and life-saving work our members undertake every day, nor the extraordinary lengths many have gone to in aiding the coronavirus response.
“Government ministers could have stepped in to ensure our members would be properly rewarded in this year’s pay round, but they chose to stand idly by.”
In March this year, the FBU and other stakeholders reached an arrangement to allow firefighters to take on additional roles in the Covid-19 crisis, including driving ambulances and retrieving dead bodies.
Wrack added: “The chief fire officers who advise employers during pay negotiations must also bear some responsibility for the desperate situation facing our service and those who work in it.
“Throughout the past decade they have done absolutely nothing to challenge the brutal austerity policies of central government which have continued to rob our service of investment and resources.
“This pay offer does not address the needs of FBU members whose wages have still not recovered from years of pay restraint, however firefighters and control staff desperately need an improvement in their living standards and this money will be better in their pockets than sitting in employer reserves.
“We will now consult firefighters and control staff on the offer and discuss campaigning options around issues of pay and conditions over the coming year, including various forms of industrial action.”
The trade union highlighted that firefighters and control staff have seen repeated pay restraints imposed over the past ten years, and that firefighters are now £4,000 worse off than they were in 2010.
It also pointed out that the pay increase proposed is the same settlement that employees were offered last year, despite firefighters having taken on an additional 14 areas of work to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, firefighters agreed to continue aiding the Covid-19 response through the summer, saying that they would not “abandon communities now” and extending the arrangement reached in March until the end of September.


labourlist--2020-07-29--Labour Friends of Israel director to step down

Jennifer Gerber has announced that she will be stepping down as director of Labour Friends of Israel in September after ten years in the job .
Having taken the role in 2010 , she described today how “ it has been a huge honour to lead the LFI for the past decade ” – but talked of working with “ an incredibly challenging backdrop ” in recent years .
Gerber praised MPs who left the party over antisemitism , and said it was testament to them that “ Keir Starmer has committed to fully rooting out the antisemitism and Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past five years ” .
She said : “ It has been a huge honour to lead LFI for the past decade .
I am so proud of what the team achieved against an incredibly challenging backdrop .
It has not been easy to be a friend of Israel on the left , but we have never shied away , and continue to make the case for Israel on the left.
” “ It is testament to brave former MPs like Joan Ryan and Louise Ellman , that Keir Starmer has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Israel obsession we have seen in the party over the past five years .
“ I will miss my incredibly talented colleagues and all those who have supported the LFI over the years but look forward to seeing all it will do and achieve in the years ahead.
” Gerber had previously been the director of Progress , and worked as a special adviser to Andy Burnham , before serving as the director of the LFI .
She will be replaced by Michael Rubin , who is currently the political director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m delighted to have been appointed at this crucial time for friends of Israel on the left .
We now have a tremendous opportunity to make Labour a party that is proud to be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian.
” In what was his first meeting with the group as Labour leader last week , Starmer said he understood that “ the past few years have been difficult for members of LFI ” and pledged to visit Israel with the organisation .
He said : “ I was delighted to meet with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks for the crucial role they play in the Labour Party , for contributing to a balanced debate on the Middle East and for their work in supporting initiatives to promote a peaceful two-state solution for the people of Israel and Palestine .
“ I also wanted to make clear that I understand the past few years have been difficult for members of LFI as far too often the debate on the Middle East and Israel has descended into hateful antisemitism .
“ As Labour leader I am determined to confront this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we conduct our political debate in a respectful and constructive manner.
” He was welcomed by LFI chair Steve McCabe to the virtual event held via Zoom , who described how “ we have already seen the start of real progress in tackling the scourge of antisemitism in the party ” .
McCabe said that under Starmer “ Labour will once again be an honest-broker on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ” , and that “ ending the disproportionate obsession with Israel is also vital to making our party a safe and welcoming space for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is extremely positive that Keir has agreed to visit Israel with LFI as soon as is possible .
We will play a full and constructive role in supporting Keir and I look forward to working with him to rebuild our party.
” Under the new leadership , Labour last month called on the government to ban the importing of goods from illegal settlements in the West Bank if the Israeli government pressed ahead with annexation plans .
“ But the LFI has said it “ totally opposes imposing sanctions on Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve to weaken those in Israel fighting annexation and embolden the right in their bunker mentality ” .

Jennifer Gerber has announced that she will be stepping down as director of Labour Friends of Israel in September after ten years in the job.
Having taken the role in 2010, she described today how “it has been a huge honour to lead the LFI for the past decade” – but talked of working with “an incredibly challenging backdrop” in recent years.
Gerber praised MPs who left the party over antisemitism, and said it was testament to them that “Keir Starmer has committed to fully rooting out the antisemitism and Israel obsession we have seen in the party over the past five years”.
She said: “It has been a huge honour to lead LFI for the past decade. I am so proud of what the team achieved against an incredibly challenging backdrop. It has not been easy to be a friend of Israel on the left, but we have never shied away, and continue to make the case for Israel on the left.”
“It is testament to brave former MPs like Joan Ryan and Louise Ellman, that Keir Starmer has committed to fully rooting out the antisemitism and Israel obsession we have seen in the party over the past five years.
“I will miss my incredibly talented colleagues and all those who have supported the LFI over the years but look forward to seeing all it will do and achieve in the years ahead.”
Gerber had previously been the director of Progress, and worked as a special adviser to Andy Burnham, before serving as the director of the LFI. She will be replaced by Michael Rubin, who is currently the political director of the organisation.
Rubin said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed at this crucial time for friends of Israel on the left. We now have a tremendous opportunity to make Labour a party that is proud to be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian.”
In what was his first meeting with the group as Labour leader last week, Starmer said he understood that “the past few years have been difficult for members of LFI” and pledged to visit Israel with the organisation.
He said: “I was delighted to meet with LFI today to put on record my thanks for the crucial role they play in the Labour Party, for contributing to a balanced debate on the Middle East and for their work in supporting initiatives to promote a peaceful two-state solution for the people of Israel and Palestine.
“I also wanted to make clear that I understand the past few years have been difficult for members of LFI as far too often the debate on the Middle East and Israel has descended into hateful antisemitism.
“As Labour leader I am determined to confront this, rid our party of antisemitism and ensure we conduct our political debate in a respectful and constructive manner.”
He was welcomed by LFI chair Steve McCabe to the virtual event held via Zoom, who described how “we have already seen the start of real progress in tackling the scourge of antisemitism in the party”.
McCabe said that under Starmer “Labour will once again be an honest-broker on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”, and that “ending the disproportionate obsession with Israel is also vital to making our party a safe and welcoming space for Jewish members”.
He added: “It is extremely positive that Keir has agreed to visit Israel with LFI as soon as is possible. We will play a full and constructive role in supporting Keir and I look forward to working with him to rebuild our party.”
Under the new leadership, Labour last month called on the government to ban the importing of goods from illegal settlements in the West Bank if the Israeli government pressed ahead with annexation plans.
“But the LFI has said it “totally opposes imposing sanctions on Israel” as the policy “would only serve to weaken those in Israel fighting annexation and embolden the right in their bunker mentality”.


labourlist--2020-07-29--Want to help implement the Labour Together review? Join our workshops

We recently launched the Labour Together review into the 2019 general election , which was welcomed by groups and activists from across our movement .
When we first assembled our commission , we started with the understanding that our review would only contain facts and analysis that the whole commission could agree on .
Anything we couldn ’ t reach a consensus on would not be included .
With the diversity of opinions and perspectives in the room , there was some apprehension about how far we could get and how much could be included in the scope of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our commissioners could agree on ended up running to over 150 pages with 43 concrete recommendations on how we can move forward .
This outcome wasn ’ t guaranteed .
It took work , compromise and many hours on Zoom from our commissioners contributing hundreds of comments to Google Docs , listening to each other ’ s perspectives to arrive at a shared understanding of what happened ( alongside a truly heroic effort to synthesise viewpoints by our report author Martin McIvor ) .
This process of transparent co-editing and commenting , facilitated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared text , opened up a different kind of political space where , rather than suspecting each other ’ s motives , people could disagree constructively , listen and understand .
As we continue to rebuild Labour to make our party fit to win the next election , we need to make more of these spaces – spaces where our efforts and interactions with each other are focused on achieving concrete action .
Our review can ’ t end up being just a single document left on a shelf to gather dust .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can implement it .
While some recommendations and actions can only be done by the party centrally , so many of the others can be done from the ground up .
Change will come from local parties breaking out of factional wars and point scoring to instead focus on the shared task that matters – getting a Labour government , building a winning coalition and growing a movement that is genuinely rooted in our communities .
This is no small task , and will require the efforts of all our members .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of places across the country Labour members are already doing it .
From Broxtowe Labour who ( helped by our community organising unit ) have set up a high street community hub , to Northumberland Labour group who are co-creating a manifesto for the area with citizens and the public , to the Isle of Wight who took an innovative approach to campaigning in the last election , to the amazing CLP Secretaries Facebook Forum , which helps secretaries to share information and understand Labour ’ s processes and procedures .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already taking action on so many areas our review focused on .
Now we have to identify this best practice and amplify it across our movement .
We need to share best practices across local parties , learn from each other and move forward – and we need spaces and forums in which to do this .
This is why over the next 12 weeks , every Monday from 7pm until 9pm , we ’ ll be hosting weekly online workshops focused on each area of the recommendations in our review .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inviting speakers from across our movement and our commissioners to share their experiences and expertise .
Then we ’ ll be opening up smaller breakout group discussions so people from different parts of the country can meet each other and begin to share ideas to explore how our recommendations can be implemented .
Week One , to be held this coming Monday , will focus on political strategy with our commissioner Lucy Powell MP and Paul Hilder , CEO of Datapraxis , who did a lot of the analysis for our review .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll be considering everything from digital transformation , data ethics and deliberative policy making , right through to how we can innovate in campaigning , unlock the potential of our members and open up Labour to build better links with our communities .
If you ’ re interested in taking part in genuine discussion , you ’ re prepared to work with people who may have different views to you , and you ’ re happy to share ideas and think about new ways to operate , please do think about signing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workshops and register to attend them at www.labourtogether.uk/workshops .

We recently launched the Labour Together review into the 2019 general election, which was welcomed by groups and activists from across our movement. When we first assembled our commission, we started with the understanding that our review would only contain facts and analysis that the whole commission could agree on. Anything we couldn’t reach a consensus on would not be included. With the diversity of opinions and perspectives in the room, there was some apprehension about how far we could get and how much could be included in the scope of our review. In the end, what our commissioners could agree on ended up running to over 150 pages with 43 concrete recommendations on how we can move forward.
This outcome wasn’t guaranteed. It took work, compromise and many hours on Zoom from our commissioners contributing hundreds of comments to Google Docs, listening to each other’s perspectives to arrive at a shared understanding of what happened (alongside a truly heroic effort to synthesise viewpoints by our report author Martin McIvor). This process of transparent co-editing and commenting, facilitated by technology and focused on constructing a shared text, opened up a different kind of political space where, rather than suspecting each other’s motives, people could disagree constructively, listen and understand.
As we continue to rebuild Labour to make our party fit to win the next election, we need to make more of these spaces – spaces where our efforts and interactions with each other are focused on achieving concrete action. Our review can’t end up being just a single document left on a shelf to gather dust. We need to work out how we can implement it.
While some recommendations and actions can only be done by the party centrally, so many of the others can be done from the ground up. Change will come from local parties breaking out of factional wars and point scoring to instead focus on the shared task that matters – getting a Labour government, building a winning coalition and growing a movement that is genuinely rooted in our communities. This is no small task, and will require the efforts of all our members.
This is more than achievable, and in lots of places across the country Labour members are already doing it. From Broxtowe Labour who (helped by our community organising unit) have set up a high street community hub, to Northumberland Labour group who are co-creating a manifesto for the area with citizens and the public, to the Isle of Wight who took an innovative approach to campaigning in the last election, to the amazing CLP Secretaries Facebook Forum, which helps secretaries to share information and understand Labour’s processes and procedures. There are so many examples of Labour people already taking action on so many areas our review focused on.
Now we have to identify this best practice and amplify it across our movement. We need to share best practices across local parties, learn from each other and move forward – and we need spaces and forums in which to do this. This is why over the next 12 weeks, every Monday from 7pm until 9pm, we’ll be hosting weekly online workshops focused on each area of the recommendations in our review. For each workshop, we’ll be inviting speakers from across our movement and our commissioners to share their experiences and expertise. Then we’ll be opening up smaller breakout group discussions so people from different parts of the country can meet each other and begin to share ideas to explore how our recommendations can be implemented.
Week One, to be held this coming Monday, will focus on political strategy with our commissioner Lucy Powell MP and Paul Hilder, CEO of Datapraxis, who did a lot of the analysis for our review. In the weeks following, we’ll be considering everything from digital transformation, data ethics and deliberative policy making, right through to how we can innovate in campaigning, unlock the potential of our members and open up Labour to build better links with our communities.
If you’re interested in taking part in genuine discussion, you’re prepared to work with people who may have different views to you, and you’re happy to share ideas and think about new ways to operate, please do think about signing up.
See the list of Labour Together workshops and register to attend them at www.labourtogether.uk/workshops.
Read the full election review at electionreview.labourtogether.uk.


labourlist--2020-07-30--Why we’re campaigning across the country this summer for jobs, jobs, jobs

Today the furlough scheme that has been running since March will start winding down .
From tomorrow , the government will begin to push the cost of the furlough scheme onto employers .
It ’ s the first stage of their plan to increase the cost of furloughing employees between now and October , when the scheme will end completely .
That means the government has just 24 hours to change course on a one-size-fits-all plan that will in effect mean redundancy for so many workers across the country – a plan that Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds today rightly dubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Throughout this crisis , the government response – both in terms of public health and economic support – has been too slow .
They were too slow to engage with the emerging evidence about the disease , too slow into lockdown , and quite frankly they are still failing on test , trace and isolate .
Now they are dragging their feet on supporting jobs and livelihoods in the industries that have been hit hardest .
Just last week , we discovered that despite a pandemic being at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade , they had failed to plan for the economic impact of millions of people being unable to work .
There ’ s a pattern right across their response – a decade of complacency and underinvestment means they are repeatedly caught on the hoof and their attempted solutions simply fail to match the challenge .
Now the government is removing support for industries still affected by necessary public health measures , before many businesses have even had a chance to recover .
Again and again , Labour has called on the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries that most need support and which will be the foundation of an environmentally and economically sustainable future .
An ambitious Green New Deal would create secure jobs and stimulate the economy , as well as taking steps towards tackling the climate emergency .
Tory foot-dragging means that billions of pounds are now being spent in the wrong place , whilst sectors in genuine trouble are at real risk and sick pay arrangements are insufficient to support people to self-isolate .
We need to strengthen the social safety net and see investment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the risk of the virus taking hold again ahead of the winter .
We still urgently need a working test , trace and isolate system that gives all of us greater confidence .
Because as appealing as the promise of cheap meals out may be , the reason many people are staying at home isn ’ t because the price hasn ’ t been right .
It ’ s because the health response still isn ’ t right .
Their one-size-fits-all policies around the job retention bonus and the self-employment schemes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with hundreds of thousands of jobs already lost .
The government says it ’ s reluctant to “ pick winners ” by intervening to help different economic sectors , but it isn ’ t ‘ picking winners ’ to stop companies that were solvent and successful just a few months ago from going bust and protecting the livelihoods of their workforce .
In the weeks ahead , with parliament in recess , Labour will be campaigning across the country for a five-part plan to fight for jobs and keep workers safe , back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fight for jobs : by reforming the furlough scheme so that it supports jobs in the worst-hit sectors and targets aid to struggling industries .
• Back our businesses : by setting up a £1.7bn fightback fund to prevent firms going under and save our high streets .
• Leave no-one behind : by providing additional support to areas forced into local lockdowns , supporting the self-employed and helping those left out of existing schemes .
• Keep workers safe : by protecting workers ’ rights , boosting sick pay , making workplaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services the resources to avoid a second wave .
• Drive job creation : by investing in infrastructure , accelerating progress towards a zero-carbon economy and increasing access to skills and training opportunities .
Every day brings fresh news of job losses , fresh concerns about particular towns where the virus is spreading faster again , fresh fears for sectors which will be key to our recovery but just now can ’ t operate safely .
It isn ’ t enough for the Tories to sit back and do nothing .
This summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire – and show the country that a Labour government would be very , very different .

Today the furlough scheme that has been running since March will start winding down. From tomorrow, the government will begin to push the cost of the furlough scheme onto employers. It’s the first stage of their plan to increase the cost of furloughing employees between now and October, when the scheme will end completely.
That means the government has just 24 hours to change course on a one-size-fits-all plan that will in effect mean redundancy for so many workers across the country – a plan that Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds today rightly dubs a “python-like squeeze on jobs”.
Throughout this crisis, the government response – both in terms of public health and economic support – has been too slow. They were too slow to engage with the emerging evidence about the disease, too slow into lockdown, and quite frankly they are still failing on test, trace and isolate. Now they are dragging their feet on supporting jobs and livelihoods in the industries that have been hit hardest.
Just last week, we discovered that despite a pandemic being at the top of the government’s risk register for a decade, they had failed to plan for the economic impact of millions of people being unable to work. There’s a pattern right across their response – a decade of complacency and underinvestment means they are repeatedly caught on the hoof and their attempted solutions simply fail to match the challenge. Now the government is removing support for industries still affected by necessary public health measures, before many businesses have even had a chance to recover.
Again and again, Labour has called on the government to save jobs and livelihoods by investing in industries that most need support and which will be the foundation of an environmentally and economically sustainable future. An ambitious Green New Deal would create secure jobs and stimulate the economy, as well as taking steps towards tackling the climate emergency.
Tory foot-dragging means that billions of pounds are now being spent in the wrong place, whilst sectors in genuine trouble are at real risk and sick pay arrangements are insufficient to support people to self-isolate. We need to strengthen the social safety net and see investment in public services to protect people – especially given the risk of the virus taking hold again ahead of the winter.
We still urgently need a working test, trace and isolate system that gives all of us greater confidence. Because as appealing as the promise of cheap meals out may be, the reason many people are staying at home isn’t because the price hasn’t been right. It’s because the health response still isn’t right.
Their one-size-fits-all policies around the job retention bonus and the self-employment schemes are driving up unemployment in this country, with hundreds of thousands of jobs already lost. The government says it’s reluctant to “pick winners” by intervening to help different economic sectors, but it isn’t ‘picking winners’ to stop companies that were solvent and successful just a few months ago from going bust and protecting the livelihoods of their workforce.
In the weeks ahead, with parliament in recess, Labour will be campaigning across the country for a five-part plan to fight for jobs and keep workers safe, back businesses and protect our communities:
Fight for jobs : by reforming the furlough scheme so that it supports jobs in the worst-hit sectors and targets aid to struggling industries.
: by reforming the furlough scheme so that it supports jobs in the worst-hit sectors and targets aid to struggling industries. Back our businesses : by setting up a £1.7bn fightback fund to prevent firms going under and save our high streets.
: by setting up a £1.7bn fightback fund to prevent firms going under and save our high streets. Leave no-one behind : by providing additional support to areas forced into local lockdowns, supporting the self-employed and helping those left out of existing schemes.
: by providing additional support to areas forced into local lockdowns, supporting the self-employed and helping those left out of existing schemes. Keep workers safe : by protecting workers’ rights, boosting sick pay, making workplaces safe and giving our NHS and care services the resources to avoid a second wave.
: by protecting workers’ rights, boosting sick pay, making workplaces safe and giving our NHS and care services the resources to avoid a second wave. Drive job creation: by investing in infrastructure, accelerating progress towards a zero-carbon economy and increasing access to skills and training opportunities.
Every day brings fresh news of job losses, fresh concerns about particular towns where the virus is spreading faster again, fresh fears for sectors which will be key to our recovery but just now can’t operate safely. It isn’t enough for the Tories to sit back and do nothing. This summer we need to hold their feet to the fire – and show the country that a Labour government would be very, very different.


labourlist--2020-07-30--Labour launches new campaign with “24 hours to save British jobs” warning

Labour has launched a new ‘ jobs , jobs , jobs ’ campaign and warned that a failure to reverse the “ disastrous one-size-fits-all plan ” adopted by government for ending the furlough scheme would be a “ historic mistake ” .
The campaign comes as businesses across the UK prepare for changes being introduced to the coronavirus job retention scheme on August 1st , which will require employers to make National Insurance and pension contributions .
For September , the further tapering of the scheme will see employers required also to pay 10 % of furloughed employee wages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to top up wages , before the scheme comes to an end .
With just over 24 hours remaining before the changes kick in on Saturday morning , Anneliese Dodds has said : “ It ’ s not too late for the Chancellor to see sense , change course and support the businesses and sectors that need it most.
” She has argued that the contributions , which are the first stage in the government ’ s plan to wind down the furlough scheme between now and October , would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those industries worst hit by Covid .
The Shadow Chancellor will be joined by Keir Starmer on a visit to a manufacturer in Peterborough to launch the campaign on Friday .
Dodds is expected to accuse the government of having “ failed to match up to the scale of the crisis ” .
The party has said that the campaign will “ highlight one of the most important issues facing the country – supporting jobs , workers and businesses through the coronavirus crisis ” .
Dodds and Starmer will unveil the campaign ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for jobs by reforming the furlough scheme so that it supports jobs in the worst-hit sectors and targets aid to struggling industries ; • “ Back our businesses by setting up a £1.7bn fightback fund to prevent firms going under and save our high streets ; • “ Leave no-one behind by providing additional support to areas forced into local lockdowns , supporting the self-employed and helping those left out of existing schemes ; • “ Keep workers safe by protecting workers ’ rights , boosting sick pay , making workplaces safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources to avoid a second wave ; and • “ Drive job creation by investing in infrastructure , accelerating progress towards a zero-carbon economy and increasing access to skills and training opportunities.
” Commenting ahead of the changes to the furlough scheme , Dodds said : “ The Chancellor ’ s refusal to abandon his one-size-fits-all withdrawal of furlough is a historic mistake that risks a python-like squeeze on jobs in the worst-hit sectors .
“ The reward for months of hard work and sacrifice by the British people can not be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late for the Chancellor to see sense , change course and support the businesses and sectors that need it most .
“ But even if he does , there is still much to do .
That ’ s why Labour is today launching the ‘ Jobs Jobs Jobs ’ campaign – to offer concrete , constructive proposals that would protect the economy and people ’ s livelihoods .
“ The government should back viable businesses that are still impacted by coronavirus , support the self-employed and come up with a plan to drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
“ And it must ensure our NHS and care services are fully prepared for a second wave – because we won ’ t recover from this economic crisis until the government gets a grip on the health crisis.
” Labour has highlighted figures showing that footfall for retail and recreation locations was down 40 % on pre-pandemic levels on July 25th , unchanged from July 18th .
Footfall on public transport is down 37 % .
The party cited data from the Office for National Statistics , which showed that 43.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recreation had reported being temporarily closed or having paused trading between June 29th and July 12th .
The information provided by the statistics authority also shows that 71.8 % of businesses in the arts and entertainment sectors , and 83.9 % in food and accommodation industries , reported turnover down from what they would normally expect for this time of year .
Labour has repeatedly urged the government to change its approach to Covid support and end what it calls a ‘ one-size-fits-all ’ approach .
It said earlier this month that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too far ” for many businesses .
The party has also warned that certain towns and areas will be disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic .
Starmer this week described a growing jobs crisis faced by towns across the UK heavily dependent on domestic tourism .

Labour has launched a new ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ campaign and warned that a failure to reverse the “disastrous one-size-fits-all plan” adopted by government for ending the furlough scheme would be a “historic mistake”.
The campaign comes as businesses across the UK prepare for changes being introduced to the coronavirus job retention scheme on August 1st, which will require employers to make National Insurance and pension contributions.
For September, the further tapering of the scheme will see employers required also to pay 10% of furloughed employee wages, while in October they will pay 20% to top up wages, before the scheme comes to an end.
With just over 24 hours remaining before the changes kick in on Saturday morning, Anneliese Dodds has said: “It’s not too late for the Chancellor to see sense, change course and support the businesses and sectors that need it most.”
She has argued that the contributions, which are the first stage in the government’s plan to wind down the furlough scheme between now and October, would be a “python-like squeeze on jobs” for those industries worst hit by Covid.
The Shadow Chancellor will be joined by Keir Starmer on a visit to a manufacturer in Peterborough to launch the campaign on Friday. Dodds is expected to accuse the government of having “failed to match up to the scale of the crisis”.
The party has said that the campaign will “highlight one of the most important issues facing the country – supporting jobs, workers and businesses through the coronavirus crisis”. Dodds and Starmer will unveil the campaign’s five pledges:
“Fight for jobs by reforming the furlough scheme so that it supports jobs in the worst-hit sectors and targets aid to struggling industries;
by reforming the furlough scheme so that it supports jobs in the worst-hit sectors and targets aid to struggling industries; “Back our businesses by setting up a £1.7bn fightback fund to prevent firms going under and save our high streets;
by setting up a £1.7bn fightback fund to prevent firms going under and save our high streets; “Leave no-one behind by providing additional support to areas forced into local lockdowns, supporting the self-employed and helping those left out of existing schemes;
by providing additional support to areas forced into local lockdowns, supporting the self-employed and helping those left out of existing schemes; “Keep workers safe by protecting workers’ rights, boosting sick pay, making workplaces safe and giving our NHS and care services the resources to avoid a second wave; and
by protecting workers’ rights, boosting sick pay, making workplaces safe and giving our NHS and care services the resources to avoid a second wave; and “Drive job creation by investing in infrastructure, accelerating progress towards a zero-carbon economy and increasing access to skills and training opportunities.”
Commenting ahead of the changes to the furlough scheme, Dodds said: “The Chancellor’s refusal to abandon his one-size-fits-all withdrawal of furlough is a historic mistake that risks a python-like squeeze on jobs in the worst-hit sectors.
“The reward for months of hard work and sacrifice by the British people cannot be a P45. It’s not too late for the Chancellor to see sense, change course and support the businesses and sectors that need it most.
“But even if he does, there is still much to do. That’s why Labour is today launching the ‘Jobs Jobs Jobs’ campaign – to offer concrete, constructive proposals that would protect the economy and people’s livelihoods.
“The government should back viable businesses that are still impacted by coronavirus, support the self-employed and come up with a plan to drive job creation as we emerge from the pandemic.
“And it must ensure our NHS and care services are fully prepared for a second wave – because we won’t recover from this economic crisis until the government gets a grip on the health crisis.”
Labour has highlighted figures showing that footfall for retail and recreation locations was down 40% on pre-pandemic levels on July 25th, unchanged from July 18th. Footfall on public transport is down 37%.
The party cited data from the Office for National Statistics, which showed that 43.7% of businesses in arts, entertainment and recreation had reported being temporarily closed or having paused trading between June 29th and July 12th.
The information provided by the statistics authority also shows that 71.8% of businesses in the arts and entertainment sectors, and 83.9 % in food and accommodation industries, reported turnover down from what they would normally expect for this time of year.
Labour has repeatedly urged the government to change its approach to Covid support and end what it calls a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. It said earlier this month that the contributions will be a “step too far” for many businesses.
The party has also warned that certain towns and areas will be disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Starmer this week described a growing jobs crisis faced by towns across the UK heavily dependent on domestic tourism.


labourlist--2020-07-30--Labour disagrees with unions on face masks in schools

Labour has contradicted trade unions on face coverings in schools and said that its position is that children and staff do not need to wear them in schools settings .
In an interview with Sky News this afternoon , Kate Green told viewers that the party will “ follow the advice of the chief medical officer , the scientists , who have said that masks are not necessary in school settings ” .
She argued that schools are doing a “ great deal of work to make their premises safe for children to return in September ” , including undertaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimise contact between people .
The comments from the Shadow Education Secretary follow a call from the unions this week for teachers and support staff to be allowed to wear face masks in schools in England , in order to protect them and help limit the spread of Covid-19 .
Green said : “ The Labour Party says that the advice that is given by the scientists , by the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser , is the advice – that we would not second guess it , we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unions comes after the government changed its coronavirus rules to make face coverings mandatory in most enclosed public spaces earlier this month .
The unions have argued this leaves schools out of step with other settings .
Deputy general secretary of the NEU Avis Gilmore said : “ While the Department for Education and Public Health England have reaffirmed their position that coverings are not necessary , this is an issue that must be subject to regular review in light of developments in scientific opinion , experience and practice elsewhere .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advance of the anticipated full return in September .
It remains our view that no member of staff or pupil should be prevented from wearing a face mask if they wish to do so and we anticipate that the majority of schools and colleges will respect this.
” The change in the rules applies to children over the age of 11 , and NASUWT has said that the there is consequently a strong case for the wearing of masks to be made compulsory for older children when they return to school in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The government ’ s wider public health advice confirms that whilst children aged under 11 are not required to wear face masks , they are mandatory for children aged over 11 when they visit a range of other facilities.
” He added : “ So there is a strong argument that face masks should also be made compulsory for children when they return to secondary schools in September.
” The British Medical Association , which represents doctors in the UK , has stated that wherever two-metre social distancing can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks should be worn as a way of reducing transmission .
Dr David Strain of the BMA said : “ The idea of them wearing masks to stop spread around the school – enabling them to potentially take it home to older relatives and also risking teachers – is a sensible precaution.
” A report published last week by a group convened by the Royal Society said that “ the risks of transmission within schools can be reduced through enhanced cleaning and distancing and wearing face coverings ” .
The group called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial extra resources to ensure schools can minimise chains of transmission ” , including face coverings for “ teachers , older children and those with underlying heath issues ” .
The report concluded that “ older children , all adults in schools , as well as parents bringing their children into schools , should wear masks .
Masks should also be worn on public transport on the way to school in line with national guidance ” .

Labour has contradicted trade unions on face coverings in schools and said that its position is that children and staff do not need to wear them in schools settings.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, Kate Green told viewers that the party will “follow the advice of the chief medical officer, the scientists, who have said that masks are not necessary in school settings”.
She argued that schools are doing a “great deal of work to make their premises safe for children to return in September”, including undertaking additional cleaning and reconfiguring school layouts to minimise contact between people.
The comments from the Shadow Education Secretary follow a call from the unions this week for teachers and support staff to be allowed to wear face masks in schools in England, in order to protect them and help limit the spread of Covid-19.
Green said: “The Labour Party says that the advice that is given by the scientists, by the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser, is the advice – that we would not second guess it, we would accept that advice.”
Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green says the Labour party does not believe face masks are necessary in schools.#KayBurley Read today's top stories: https://t.co/4ozTbgvoxl pic.twitter.com/7SUusCsBrQ — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 30, 2020
The call from the unions comes after the government changed its coronavirus rules to make face coverings mandatory in most enclosed public spaces earlier this month. The unions have argued this leaves schools out of step with other settings.
Deputy general secretary of the NEU Avis Gilmore said: “While the Department for Education and Public Health England have reaffirmed their position that coverings are not necessary, this is an issue that must be subject to regular review in light of developments in scientific opinion, experience and practice elsewhere.
“Therefore we will continue to question this in advance of the anticipated full return in September. It remains our view that no member of staff or pupil should be prevented from wearing a face mask if they wish to do so and we anticipate that the majority of schools and colleges will respect this.”
The change in the rules applies to children over the age of 11, and NASUWT has said that the there is consequently a strong case for the wearing of masks to be made compulsory for older children when they return to school in September.
General secretary Patrick Roach said: “The government’s wider public health advice confirms that whilst children aged under 11 are not required to wear face masks, they are mandatory for children aged over 11 when they visit a range of other facilities.”
He added: “So there is a strong argument that face masks should also be made compulsory for children when they return to secondary schools in September.”
The British Medical Association, which represents doctors in the UK, has stated that wherever two-metre social distancing cannot be complied with – including in schools – masks should be worn as a way of reducing transmission.
Dr David Strain of the BMA said: “The idea of them wearing masks to stop spread around the school – enabling them to potentially take it home to older relatives and also risking teachers – is a sensible precaution.”
A report published last week by a group convened by the Royal Society said that “the risks of transmission within schools can be reduced through enhanced cleaning and distancing and wearing face coverings”.
The group called on government to “provide realistic guidance and substantial extra resources to ensure schools can minimise chains of transmission”, including face coverings for “teachers, older children and those with underlying heath issues”.
The report concluded that “older children, all adults in schools, as well as parents bringing their children into schools, should wear masks. Masks should also be worn on public transport on the way to school in line with national guidance”.


labourlist--2020-07-30--The government must stop misleading us. Voter ID could disenfranchise millions

The introduction of mandatory voter ID is set to be a flagship government policy during this parliament .
Huge swathes of the population are facing the loss of their vote at the next election with 3.5 million citizens , 7.5 % of the electorate in the UK without photo ID .
We saw with the Windrush scandal how some communities struggle to provide official documentation , with severe consequences .
Yet the Tories continue to plough on with changes that disproportionately exclude certain groups , such as the young , the old , disabled people and Black , Asian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government says enforcing voter ID will combat voter fraud .
However , there is no evidence that impersonation at polling stations is a significant problem .
After last year ’ s general election , which had a high turnout , there was just one conviction for personation .
As the Electoral Reform Society has put it , this is a solution without a problem .
New evidence by Labour revealed this week raises serious questions about whether ministers have misled the House over the impact that the government ’ s plans would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters .
Taking a leaf out of the Republican ’ s voter suppression handbook , Tory ministers have repeatedly claimed that imposing mandatory photographic ID at the next election will “ not impact any particular demographic group ” .
This carefully worded phrase has been repeated by rote time and time again .
When asked in a written question for this evidence , Chloe Smith , the Tory minister for the constitution , pointed to the Electoral Commission ’ s independent assessment of the Voter ID pilots .
But this so-called ‘ evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its post-pilot evaluation , the Electoral Commission said “ there is not yet enough evidence to fully address concerns and answer questions about the impact of identification requirements on voters ” .
And the government does not hold any evidence internally either .
A series of Freedom of Information requests further clarifies the baseless claims made by ministers , defending their plans .
We have revealed that no government department holds any data about the possession of ID by ethnicity .
The government is making the critical mistake of assuming that absence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the absence of evidence that Black , Asian and minority ethnic voters will face discrimination as a result of this policy is not evidence that discrimination will not occur .
Research suggests that Black , Asian and minority ethnic communities struggle to access photographic ID .
Indeed , ONS statistics reveal that 76 % of White people have a driving licence compared with 52 % of Black people .
The independent Equality and Human Rights Commission also notified the government that voter ID will have a disproportionate impact on voters with protected characteristics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , trans people and people with disabilities .
It is no accident that organisations including Operation Black Vote and Mencap have denounced the introduction of voter ID .
Since this policy was first announced in December 2016 , the government has received multiple warnings from charities , civil society figures and campaign groups that mandatory voter ID – if rolled out nationally – could pull up the drawbridge for millions of voters .
It begs the question of why the government has failed to collect this data , given the high-profile status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the government may be doing it not only despite , but because of , the disproportionate disenfranchisement of certain groups .
The groups most likely not to vote because of the introduction of voter ID are also among the least likely to vote for the current government .
 Behind the carefully crafted messaging , the government has made no effort to ensure voter ID does not disproportionately impact Black , Asian and minority ethnic people .
Ministers must clarify these inconsistencies and commit to instructing government departments to gather data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black , Asian and minority ethnic communities continue to remain invisible to public bodies , investigating the true impact of voter ID on them will be impossible .

The introduction of mandatory voter ID is set to be a flagship government policy during this parliament. Huge swathes of the population are facing the loss of their vote at the next election with 3.5 million citizens, 7.5% of the electorate, in the UK without photo ID.
We saw with the Windrush scandal how some communities struggle to provide official documentation with severe consequences. Yet the Tories continue to plough on with changes that disproportionately exclude certain groups, such as the young, the old, disabled people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic people from voting.
The government says enforcing voter ID will combat voter fraud. However, there is no evidence that impersonation at polling stations is a significant problem. After last year’s general election, which had a high turnout, there was just one conviction for personation. As the Electoral Reform Society has put it, this is a solution without a problem.
New evidence by Labour revealed this week raises serious questions about whether ministers have misled the House over the impact that the government’s plans would have on Black, Asian and minority ethnic voters. Taking a leaf out of the Republican’s voter suppression handbook, Tory ministers have repeatedly claimed that imposing mandatory photographic ID at the next election will “not impact any particular demographic group”. This carefully worded phrase has been repeated by rote time and time again.
When asked in a written question for this evidence, Chloe Smith, the Tory minister for the constitution, pointed to the Electoral Commission’s independent assessment of the Voter ID pilots. But this so-called ‘evidence’ simply does not exist. In its post-pilot evaluation, the Electoral Commission said “there is not yet enough evidence to fully address concerns and answer questions about the impact of identification requirements on voters”. And the government does not hold any evidence internally either.
A series of Freedom of Information requests further clarifies the baseless claims made by ministers, defending their plans. We have revealed that no government department holds any data about the possession of ID by ethnicity. The government is making the critical mistake of assuming that absence of evidence is evidence of absence. But the absence of evidence that Black, Asian and minority ethnic voters will face discrimination as a result of this policy is not evidence that discrimination will not occur.
Research suggests that Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities struggle to access photographic ID. Indeed, ONS statistics reveal that 76% of White people have a driving licence compared with 52% of Black people. The independent Equality and Human Rights Commission also notified the government that voter ID will have a disproportionate impact on voters with protected characteristics, particularly ethnic minority communities, older people, trans people and people with disabilities.
It is no accident that organisations including Operation Black Vote and Mencap have denounced the introduction of voter ID. Since this policy was first announced in December 2016, the government has received multiple warnings from charities, civil society figures and campaign groups that mandatory voter ID – if rolled out nationally – could pull up the drawbridge for millions of voters.
It begs the question of why the government has failed to collect this data, given the high-profile status of this flagship policy. My concern is that the government may be doing it not only despite, but because of, the disproportionate disenfranchisement of certain groups. The groups most likely not to vote because of the introduction of voter ID are also among the least likely to vote for the current government.
Behind the carefully crafted messaging, the government has made no effort to ensure voter ID does not disproportionately impact Black, Asian and minority ethnic people. Ministers must clarify these inconsistencies and commit to instructing government departments to gather data broken down by ethnicity. But whilst Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities continue to remain invisible to public bodies, investigating the true impact of voter ID on them will be impossible.


labourlist--2020-07-30--How will Young Labour’s national committee elections work?

As agreed by Labour ’ s national executive committee last week , elections for positions on Young Labour ’ s national committee have kicked off .
They will run alongside the NEC ’ s own elections and end , eventually , in November .
Young Labour gives young members a voice at the top of the party , supports local Young Labour groups and mobilises young people at election time .
It is made up of reps from various sections of the labour movement .
Each position is not elected in the same way , and this is the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the democracy review , which changed the processes slightly .
LabourList takes a look at how it all works below .
Which positions are up ?
Chair of Young Labour .
The chair determines the general direction of the youth section and chairs meetings of the national committee .
The current chair is Miriam Mirwitch , who was elected in 2018 .
She is ageing out of the role and therefore not able to restand .
Jess Barnard is the Labour left candidate for chair this year .
Regional Young Labour representatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from each region of England and from the Scottish and Welsh parties , amounting to 12 in total with at least six women .
Young Labour trade union representatives .
Ten places are reserved for reps from the trade union movement , and at least five of those elected must be women .
Young Labour student representatives .
Three student representatives are set to be elected , with women taking at least two of the positions .
Young Labour socialist society representative .
One member is to be elected by socialist societies affiliated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under 18s representative .
One position is being contested for the under 18s rep on the youth section ’ s governing body .
Young Labour international representative .
One seat on the committee is up for grabs for the international rep position .
The democracy review in 2018 changed the committee structure to remove the positions of ‘ ordinary representatives ’ , which had been a general role for a rep to voice the views of young members .
Three other positions on the governing body – that of BAME officer , disability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – are up for election at the next Young Labour equalities conference .
What is the timetable ?
How is each seat elected ?
The trade union and socialist society representatives are elected by the affiliated organisations , weighted according to the number of members that the groups affiliated to the Labour Party last year .
For the others , each needs to gain the required nominations to secure a place on the ballot paper .
Then it goes to a vote .
The nomination requirements , voting systems and electorates vary between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be under the age of 27 on November 13th – except for the under 18s rep , who must be… under 18 .
They all need to have been a member for at least 12 months .
A first-past-the-post voting system is used .
Candidates for chair need to be nominated by at least 50 young members and two affiliates .
The chair is then elected by all eligible members under the age of 27 via a one-member-one-vote ( OMOV ) ballot .
The regional Young Labour reps must be nominated by 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are then elected through an OMOV ballot of all eligible young members in their region .
Labour ’ s rule book says the regional rep in each location across the country should be a woman at least every other term .
It has therefore determined which seats are open and which are reserved by looking at the current post holder .
Yorkshire , the West Midlands , the South East , London , the East Midlands and the East are reserved for women , while the North , the North West , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are open to all .
The student reps must be nominated by at least 20 verified student members .
They will then be elected by OMOV of all verified student members of the Labour Party who are under the age of 27 .
The under 18s rep must secure nominations from at least 20 members under the age of 18 .
They will then be elected through an OMOV ballot of all members aged under 18 .
The international rep needs to receive nominations from at least 20 young members , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all eligible Labour members under the age of 27 .

As agreed by Labour’s national executive committee last week, elections for positions on Young Labour’s national committee have kicked off. They will run alongside the NEC’s own elections and end, eventually, in November.
Young Labour gives young members a voice at the top of the party, supports local Young Labour groups and mobilises young people at election time. It is made up of reps from various sections of the labour movement.
Each position is not elected in the same way, and this is the first time these elections have taken place since the democracy review, which changed the processes slightly. LabourList takes a look at how it all works below.
Which positions are up?
Chair of Young Labour. The chair determines the general direction of the youth section and chairs meetings of the national committee.
The current chair is Miriam Mirwitch, who was elected in 2018. She is ageing out of the role and therefore not able to restand. Jess Barnard and Eluned Anderson are standing for chair.
Regional Young Labour representatives. One regional rep is to be elected from each region of England and from the Scottish and Welsh parties, amounting to 12 in total with at least six women.
Young Labour trade union representatives. Ten places are reserved for reps from the trade union movement, and at least five of those elected must be women.
Young Labour student representatives. Three student representatives are set to be elected, with women taking at least two of the positions.
Young Labour socialist society representative. One member is to be elected by socialist societies affiliated to the Labour Party.
Young Labour under 18s representative. One position is being contested for the under 18s rep on the youth section’s governing body.
Young Labour international representative. One seat on the committee is up for grabs for the international rep position.
The democracy review in 2018 changed the committee structure to remove the positions of ‘ordinary representatives’, which had been a general role for a rep to voice the views of young members.
Three other positions on the governing body – that of BAME officer, disability representative and the women’s officer – are up for election at the next Young Labour equalities conference.
What is the timetable?
Monday 27th July – nominations opened
Sunday 27th September – nominations close
Monday 19th October – ballot dispatch begins
Thursday 12th November – ballot closes
Friday 13th November – results announced
How is each seat elected?
The trade union and socialist society representatives are elected by the affiliated organisations, weighted according to the number of members that the groups affiliated to the Labour Party last year.
For the others, each needs to gain the required nominations to secure a place on the ballot paper. Then it goes to a vote. The nomination requirements, voting systems and electorates vary between the different positions.
All candidates must be under the age of 27 on November 13th – except for the under 18s rep, who must be… under 18. They all need to have been a member for at least 12 months. A first-past-the-post voting system is used.
Candidates for chair need to be nominated by at least 50 young members and two affiliates. The chair is then elected by all eligible members under the age of 27 via a one-member-one-vote (OMOV) ballot.
The regional Young Labour reps must be nominated by 20 young members in their relevant region. They are then elected through an OMOV ballot of all eligible young members in their region.
Labour’s rule book says the regional rep in each location across the country should be a woman at least every other term. It has therefore determined which seats are open and which are reserved by looking at the current post holder.
Yorkshire, the West Midlands, the South East, London, the East Midlands and the East are reserved for women, while the North, the North West, Scotland, the South West and Wales are open to all.
The student reps must be nominated by at least 20 verified student members. They will then be elected by OMOV of all verified student members of the Labour Party who are under the age of 27.
The under 18s rep must secure nominations from at least 20 members under the age of 18. They will then be elected through an OMOV ballot of all members aged under 18.
The international rep needs to receive nominations from at least 20 young members, and is then elected by a OMOV ballot of all eligible Labour members under the age of 27.


labourlist--2020-07-30--Former Tory MP found guilty of three counts of sexual assault

A former Conservative MP has been found guilty of one count of sexual assault against a woman in 2007 , and two further counts against a second woman in 2016 .
Appearing in Southwark Crown Court today , Charlie Elphicke was convicted after having denied groping both women .
His wife and current MP for the constituency Natalie Elphicke was present at the trial .
Charlie Elphicke was one of two Tories who had the whip restored in 2018 , while facing claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour , by the then Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of a vote of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour ’ s then Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Dawn Butler described their reinstatement as a “ betrayal of women ” and asked “ how can Theresa May call herself a feminist ?
” The court heard today that Charlie Elphicke had lunged at a woman at his London home in 2007 , and that he had force her onto a sofa and groped her breast while trying to kiss her , before chasing her and chanting “ I ’ m a naughty Tory ” .
The MP for the South East constituency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had attempted to kiss her “ under a misapprehension ” after she became “ tactile ” but denied sexual assault .
The court heard that he had tried to kiss and grope a women in her 20s working in his office on one occasion in 2016 .
She also told the court that he had run his hand up her thigh towards her groin the following month .
The complainant said the MP had said “ I ’ m so naughty sometimes ” after one of these assaults .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the judge has said that there is a good chance he will receive an “ immediate custodial sentence ” .
Natalie Elphicke tweeted this afternoon in response to the outcome of the trial : “ Today ’ s verdict is one that brings profound sorrow .
It ends my 25 year marriage to the only man I have ever loved .
“ I would ask for some personal space and time to come to terms with the shocking events of the last three years .
I will not be commenting further.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaced by their spouse at the 2019 general election after facing misconduct claims .
MP for Burton in Staffordshire Kate Griffiths took over from her partner Andrew Griffiths .

A former Conservative MP has been found guilty of one count of sexual assault against a woman in 2007, and two further counts against a second woman in 2016.
Appearing in Southwark Crown Court today, Charlie Elphicke was convicted after having denied groping both women. His wife and current MP for the constituency Natalie Elphicke was present at the trial.
Charlie Elphicke was one of two Tories who had the whip restored in 2018, while facing claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour, by the then Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of a vote of no confidence.
At the time, Labour’s then Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Dawn Butler described their reinstatement as a “betrayal of women” and asked “how can Theresa May call herself a feminist?”
The court heard today that Charlie Elphicke had lunged at a woman at his London home in 2007, and that he had force her onto a sofa and groped her breast while trying to kiss her, before chasing her and chanting “I’m a naughty Tory”.
The MP for the South East constituency for nine years reportedly told the court that he had attempted to kiss her “under a misapprehension” after she became “tactile” but denied sexual assault.
The court heard that he had tried to kiss and grope a women in her 20s working in his office on one occasion in 2016. She also told the court that he had run his hand up her thigh towards her groin the following month.
The complainant said the MP had said “I’m so naughty sometimes” after one of these assaults. He is due to be sentenced on September 15th and the judge has said that there is a good chance he will receive an “immediate custodial sentence”.
Natalie Elphicke tweeted this afternoon in response to the outcome of the trial: “Today’s verdict is one that brings profound sorrow. It ends my 25 year marriage to the only man I have ever loved.
“I would ask for some personal space and time to come to terms with the shocking events of the last three years. I will not be commenting further.”
Charlie Elphicke was one of two MPs replaced by their spouse at the 2019 general election after facing misconduct claims. MP for Burton in Staffordshire Kate Griffiths took over from her partner Andrew Griffiths.


labourlist--2020-07-30--Review of Labour’s organisational structure launched with help of Bob Kerslake

New general secretary David Evans has informed party staff today that he is launching a review of Labour ’ s organisational structure with the help of former civil service head Bob Kerslake .
In a letter to staffers , Evans announced that the “ open ” review – seeking input from employees – will focus on “ how to ensure we are aligned around our core purpose of winning elections ” .
The review will take into account of the “ increased influence of digital campaigning and global politics ” as well as the impact of the coronavirus crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter describes the review as “ not focused on staffing levels ” , it adds : “ I appreciate that this may leave some of you feeling uncertain about the future.
” Kerslake will “ undertake an external component of the review in a voluntary capacity ” , Evans says , and will put together a “ small team of people with organisational development expertise to assist ” .
The ex-head of the civil service has carried out reviews for Labour of the Treasury in 2015 and later the Labour leader ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with helping the party prepare for government .
The crossbench life peer who sits in the Lords has acted as an occasional adviser and consultant to then Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and then leader Jeremy Corbyn over recent years .
Kerslake ’ s team will report to Evans , who will “ review recommendations and next steps for implementation in late September ” – including issues raised by the Equality and Human Rights Commission report .
The EHRC draft report has been received by the Labour Party and publication of the finalised review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected imminently , possibly next week .
Labour Together ’ s review of the 2019 election was released last month , and welcomed by the leadership .
Evans reportedly found it “ incredibly useful ” and “ read it twice over line by line ” .
The document concluded that Labour needs a “ major overhaul ” of its “ political strategy , organisation and campaigning infrastructure ” – including its digital tools and approach to online campaigns – to win again .
“ Labour needs to invest in and upgrade its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its working culture and structures to match , ” the 140-page Labour Together report said .
Evans ’ letter tells staff : “ I would like us to focus on ideas that can help us become a more agile , cohesive and purposeful organisation .
As such , this review will cover all areas… as we all contribute to electoral success .
“ We have a big set of elections in May 2021 and we need to be ready to face this challenge quickly .
”

New general secretary David Evans has informed party staff today that he is launching a review of Labour’s organisational structure with the help of former civil service head Bob Kerslake.
In a letter to staffers, Evans announced that the “open” review – seeking input from employees – will focus on “how to ensure we are aligned around our core purpose of winning elections”.
The review will take into account of the “increased influence of digital campaigning and global politics” as well as the impact of the coronavirus crisis, according to the general secretary.
While the letter describes the review as “not focused on staffing levels”, it adds: “I appreciate that this may leave some of you feeling uncertain about the future.”
Kerslake will “undertake an external component of the review in a voluntary capacity”, Evans says, and will put together a “small team of people with organisational development expertise to assist”.
The ex-head of the civil service has carried out reviews for Labour of the Treasury in 2015 and later the Labour leader’s office, and he was tasked with helping the party prepare for government.
The crossbench life peer who sits in the Lords has acted as an occasional adviser and consultant to then Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and then leader Jeremy Corbyn over recent years.
Kerslake’s team will report to Evans, who will “review recommendations and next steps for implementation in late September” – including issues raised by the Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
The EHRC draft report has been received by the Labour Party and publication of the finalised review on Labour’s handling of antisemitism is expected imminently, possibly next week.
Labour Together’s review of the 2019 election was released last month, and welcomed by the leadership. Evans reportedly found it “incredibly useful” and “read it twice over line by line”.
The document concluded that Labour needs a “major overhaul” of its “political strategy, organisation and campaigning infrastructure” – including its digital tools and approach to online campaigns – to win again.
“Labour needs to invest in and upgrade its technological infrastructure and capacities and should adapt its working culture and structures to match,” the 140-page Labour Together report said.
Evans’ letter tells staff: “I would like us to focus on ideas that can help us become a more agile, cohesive and purposeful organisation. As such, this review will cover all areas… as we all contribute to electoral success.
“We have a big set of elections in May 2021 and we need to be ready to face this challenge quickly.”