labourlist--2020-09-30--Three million jobs at risk as redundancy deadline looms, Labour analysis finds

New analysis by the Labour Party has found that almost three million jobs are at risk as the deadline approaches for small-and-medium-sized businesses to issue redundancy notices before the job retention scheme ends .
Commenting ahead of the deadline on Thursday , Labour ’ s Anneliese Dodds has accused Rishi Sunak of letting down businesses with his ‘ winter economy plan ’ and accused the Chancellor of adopting a “ sink or swim mentality ” .
Her remarks come as research by Labour shows that 2.8 million SME employees were furloughed at the start of September , with the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been introduced affecting 133,055 of these businesses .
Criticising the new ‘ job support scheme ’ , the Shadow Chancellor said : “ Last week the Chancellor should have listened to Labour and introduced a jobs recovery scheme that incentivised employers to keep more staff on .
“ Instead , millions of jobs are at risk because he ’ s forcing small businesses to choose which staff to keep and which to fire .
These are viable businesses that just need support to cope with the restrictions the government has imposed on them.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on which employers can issue notices if they are planning to lay off between 20 and 99 people before support under the coronavirus job retention scheme is fully withdrawn by the government on October 31st .
Labour has stressed that over a million SMEs are also still experiencing a decrease in turnover due to coronavirus , with approximately 310,000 turning over less than half what they did over the same period last year .
Dodds added : “ They pinned their hopes on the Chancellor to deliver , but he ’ s pulling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
This wasn ’ t by accident – it was by design .
“ This sink or swim mentality is a throwback to the worst days of Thatcher , and just like in the 1980s people on the lowest incomes will pay the highest price.
” The Shadow Chancellor wrote to Sunak on Tuesday and highlighted seven ways that the winter economic plan put forward by the Chancellor last week , in which he unveiled his new ‘ job support scheme ’ , “ fails Britain ’ s workers ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working at least one third of their normal hours – have their worked hours paid by employers and a portion of their unworked hours paid jointly by the government and their employer .
Dodds welcomed the “ U-turn ” but highlighted problems in the new scheme , which is set to begin in November and run for the following six months .
Designed to protect “ viable jobs ” only , it does not offer specific help to sectors such as hospitality .
The Resolution Foundation also pointed out that under the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 33 % more to employ two people for half their hours than one person full time , assuming an annual wage of £17,000 .
Using median salary calculations for hospitality workers , Labour showed that bringing back one bar manager full-time will cost £455.30 per week , but it would cost £610.89 for the same bar to bring back two workers for half their working week .
HMRC recorded the number of employees furloughed at the end of July in SMEs at 3.1 million .
But the public body estimated that the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be 10 % higher once all returns are received and revisions made .
The intervention from Dodds follows Keir Starmer ’ s comments to the Prime Minister on Wednesday , in which he accused Rishi Sunak of having made a “ political choice to reduce economic support just when the new health restrictions are coming in ” .

New analysis by the Labour Party has found that almost three million jobs are at risk as the deadline approaches for small-and-medium-sized businesses to issue redundancy notices before the job retention scheme ends.
Commenting ahead of the deadline on Thursday, Labour’s Anneliese Dodds has accused Rishi Sunak of letting down businesses with his ‘winter economy plan’ and accused the Chancellor of adopting a “sink or swim mentality”.
Her remarks come as research by Labour shows that 2.8 million SME employees were furloughed at the start of September, with the party highlighting that since then new restrictions have been introduced affecting 133,055 of these businesses.
Criticising the new ‘job support scheme’, the Shadow Chancellor said: “Last week the Chancellor should have listened to Labour and introduced a jobs recovery scheme that incentivised employers to keep more staff on.
“Instead, millions of jobs are at risk because he’s forcing small businesses to choose which staff to keep and which to fire. These are viable businesses that just need support to cope with the restrictions the government has imposed on them.”
October 1st is the last day on which employers can issue notices if they are planning to lay off between 20 and 99 people before support under the coronavirus job retention scheme is fully withdrawn by the government on October 31st.
Labour has stressed that over a million SMEs are also still experiencing a decrease in turnover due to coronavirus, with approximately 310,000 turning over less than half what they did over the same period last year.
Dodds added: “They pinned their hopes on the Chancellor to deliver, but he’s pulling up the drawbridge at the worst possible time. This wasn’t by accident – it was by design.
“This sink or swim mentality is a throwback to the worst days of Thatcher, and just like in the 1980s people on the lowest incomes will pay the highest price.”
The Shadow Chancellor wrote to Sunak on Tuesday and highlighted seven ways that the winter economic plan put forward by the Chancellor last week, in which he unveiled his new ‘job support scheme’, “fails Britain’s workers”.
The new scheme will see eligible employees – working at least one third of their normal hours – have their worked hours paid by employers and a portion of their unworked hours paid jointly by the government and their employer.
Dodds welcomed the “U-turn” but highlighted problems in the new scheme, which is set to begin in November and run for the following six months. Designed to protect “viable jobs” only, it does not offer specific help to sectors such as hospitality.
The Resolution Foundation also pointed out that under the new scheme, it would cost an employer 33% more to employ two people for half their hours than one person full time, assuming an annual wage of £17,000.
Using median salary calculations for hospitality workers, Labour showed that bringing back one bar manager full-time will cost £455.30 per week, but it would cost £610.89 for the same bar to bring back two workers for half their working week.
HMRC recorded the number of employees furloughed at the end of July in SMEs at 3.1 million. But the public body estimated that the number furloughed at the end of July is likely to be 10% higher once all returns are received and revisions made.
The intervention from Dodds follows Keir Starmer’s comments to the Prime Minister on Wednesday, in which he accused Rishi Sunak of having made a “political choice to reduce economic support just when the new health restrictions are coming in”.


labourlist--2020-09-30--Six Labour MPs vote against renewing Coronavirus Act provisions

Six Labour MPs have joined with other parliamentary colleagues in a group of 24 to vote against renewing the provisions in the Coronavirus Act , including former leadership challenger Rebecca Long-Bailey .
In a vote in the House of Commons this evening , MPs voted overwhelmingly to back extending the powers in the emergency legislation pushed through by the government earlier in the coronavirus pandemic .
But Long-Bailey , Dawn Butler , Kevan Jones , John Spellar , Graham Stringer and Derek Twigg defied the Labour whip to join six Tory rebels , Caroline Lucas and the Lib Dems in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Long-Bailey warned MPs during the debate that the government promise of parliamentary scrutiny was “ nothing more than a gentleman ’ s agreement ” , and said the Act allowed “ clumsy and asymmetric authoritarianism ” .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had announced that the government would start allowing Commons votes on significant national measures – held “ wherever possible ” before the rules are implemented – in a bid to reassure Tory rebels .
Dawn Butler issued a statement tonight to explain her vote .
She said breaking the party whip “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightly ” but she remains “ deeply concerned by the sweeping powers ” in the Coronavirus Act .
The Brent MP added : “ I do not believe we should be handing more unchecked powers over to this Conservative government , which have shown itself not to be trusted .
Voting this Act down would have given the government 21 days to propose a new framework to parliament.
” John Spellar wrote a piece for LabourList last week setting out his position on coronavirus restrictions .
The MP said the task was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , realistically , not eliminate the toll of Covid-19 on our lives ” .
Comparing Covid-19 to diseases such as malaria , the founder of the party ’ s ‘ old right ’ group Labour First described the “ prudent course of action ” as “ effective risk management rather than risk avoidance ” .
Commenting ahead of the vote , Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said : “ Here in the UK , we have seen over 42,000 deaths , lives altered in ways unimaginable a year ago , and our economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record .
“ We accept the challenge that presents , which is why we have recognised that , in a pandemic , any government needs extraordinary powers available , and why , with a heavy heart , facing this highly unsatisfactory situation of an all-or-nothing motion , we will not block its passage.
” Speaker Lindsay Hoyle prevented a Tory rebellion by not selecting amendments to the coronavirus legislation this afternoon , instead delivering a strong rebuke by accusing the government of showing “ contempt ” to the House of Commons .
Backbench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers by voting in favour of the Brady amendment , which would have forced the government to allow parliamentary votes on future coronavirus-related restrictions .
The Speaker took the opportunity to criticise the “ totally unsatisfactory ” way in which the government has exercised its powers during the Covid-19 crisis , and he urged ministers to “ rebuild trust ” with MPs .

Six Labour MPs have joined with other parliamentary colleagues in a group of 24 to vote against renewing the provisions in the Coronavirus Act, including former leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey.
In a vote in the House of Commons this evening, MPs voted overwhelmingly to back extending the powers in the emergency legislation pushed through by the government earlier in the coronavirus pandemic.
But Long-Bailey, Dawn Butler, Kevan Jones, John Spellar, Graham Stringer and Derek Twigg defied the Labour whip to join six Tory rebels, Caroline Lucas and the Lib Dems in rejecting the extension of the legislation.
Long-Bailey warned MPs during the debate that the government promise of parliamentary scrutiny was “nothing more than a gentleman’s agreement”, and said the Act allowed “clumsy and asymmetric authoritarianism”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had announced that the government would start allowing Commons votes on significant national measures – held “wherever possible” before the rules are implemented – in a bid to reassure Tory rebels.
Dawn Butler issued a statement tonight to explain her vote. She said breaking the party whip “wasn’t a decision I took lightly” but she remains “deeply concerned by the sweeping powers” in the Coronavirus Act.
The Brent MP added: “I do not believe we should be handing more unchecked powers over to this Conservative government, which have shown itself not to be trusted. Voting this Act down would have given the government 21 days to propose a new framework to parliament.”
John Spellar wrote a piece for LabourList last week setting out his position on coronavirus restrictions. The MP said the task was to “work out how to minimise but, realistically, not eliminate the toll of Covid-19 on our lives”.
Comparing Covid-19 to diseases such as malaria, the founder of the party’s ‘old right’ group Labour First described the “prudent course of action” as “effective risk management rather than risk avoidance”.
Commenting ahead of the vote, Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “Here in the UK, we have seen over 42,000 deaths, lives altered in ways unimaginable a year ago, and our economy facing one of the worst recessions on record.
“We accept the challenge that presents, which is why we have recognised that, in a pandemic, any government needs extraordinary powers available, and why, with a heavy heart, facing this highly unsatisfactory situation of an all-or-nothing motion, we will not block its passage.”
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle prevented a Tory rebellion by not selecting amendments to the coronavirus legislation this afternoon, instead delivering a strong rebuke by accusing the government of showing “contempt” to the House of Commons.
Backbench Tory MPs had been set to defy ministers by voting in favour of the Brady amendment, which would have forced the government to allow parliamentary votes on future coronavirus-related restrictions.
The Speaker took the opportunity to criticise the “totally unsatisfactory” way in which the government has exercised its powers during the Covid-19 crisis, and he urged ministers to “rebuild trust” with the House of Commons.


labourlist--2020-09-30--Labour: “Not surprising” that 47% of Tories think Islam is a threat to UK

Labour has said it is “ not surprising ” that a new HOPE not hate poll shows 47 % of Conservative Party members think Islam is a threat to the British way of life given the Prime Minister ’ s own history of Islamophobic remarks .
Responding to the research today , Labour called on Boris Johnson to “ initiate a genuinely independent and transparent investigation ” into anti-Muslim racism in his party following accusations that a current inquiry has been watered down .
The research from the anti-racism charity , which was submitted to the Tory inquiry into “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also indicated that a majority of party members held negative attitudes towards Muslims .
Commenting on the new findings , shadow faith minister Janet Daby told LabourList : “ These are very distressing figures .
British Muslims have the right to live without the fear of Islamophobic hate and prejudice .
“ This is a question of leadership .
Given Boris Johnson ’ s own disparaging comments about Muslims , it is perhaps not surprising that Islamophobia is so prevalent in his party .
To root this out and restore trust , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent and transparent investigation.
” Johnson has been accused of repeatedly making Islamophobic statements in the past , including arguing that it was a “ natural reaction ” to be afraid of Muslims , questioning their loyalty after the 7/7 bombings and comparing women who wear burqas to “ letterboxes ” .
The HOPE not hate poll of over 1,000 Conservative Party members showed that 47 % of those consulted thought Islam was a threat to the UK way of life , with only 27 % thinking it was compatible with living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a “ threat ” , 50 % agreed with the statement : “ Islam breeds intolerance for free speech and calls for violent actions against those who mock , criticise or depict the religion in ways they believe are offensive.
” 41 % of members polled believed Muslims did not want to integrate and the same number agreed with the idea that Islam promotes discrimination against , and the physical abuse of , women as well as the grooming of white British girls .
A further 24 % thought that the Muslim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate and will supplant white British people , mirroring the ideas of the far-right ‘ Great Replacement ‘ conspiracy theory .
58 % of the Tory members also agreed with the unfounded theory that there are no-go areas of the UK , where Sharia Law dominates and non-Muslims are not allowed to enter .
The data was collected by the charity for their submission to the party ’ s racism inquiry , alongside examples of 40 Conservative councillors , MPs and activists who have been faced Islamophobia complaints but faced no disciplinary action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory councillors include one calling Saudi Arabians “ sand peasants ” , another suggesting Tommy Robinson was a patriot and the Tory mayor of Pendle comparing Asian people to dogs .
During the Conservative leadership election last year , the then candidate Boris Johnson pledged in a BBC debate to implement an independent inquiry into Islamophobia in the Tory Party .
Johnson subsequently downgraded the pledge into a broad-brush review into how the party handles disciplinary complaints on all forms of racism as well as Islamophobia .
The decision led the general secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan to argue that the Conservative Party was following its “ customary approach to Islamophobia , that of denial , dismissal and deceit ” .
Commenting on the poll , HOPE not hate CEO Nick Lowles said : “ The Conservative Party has to face up to the widespread anti-Muslim prejudice in its ranks if it ever hopes to eradicate the problem .
“ It ’ s dispiriting that HOPE not hate has to again call attention to the prejudiced idea held by many within the Tory rank and file that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British .
“ We have also documented further instances of publicly expressed anti-Muslim sentiment from members , activists and councillors , and even MPs .
It ’ s difficult to argue against the many proofs of the problem , the real question is how bold the Conservatives will be in taking action.
” Despite the findings suggesting widespread Islamophobia among Tory members , past research from the charity has found that only 8 % of them believed their party had any kind of problem with anti-Muslim racism .
The group chose to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site Conservative Home in July last year to spread awareness of the Islamophobia problem , as well as to criticise the lack of any firm commitment from party leaders to deal with it .
Hate crimes in the UK doubled between 2013 and 2019 according to government figures published last year , including a significant rise in the number of hate crime offences perpetrated against Muslims .

Labour has said it is “not surprising” that a new HOPE not hate poll shows 47% of Conservative Party members think Islam is a threat to the British way of life given the Prime Minister’s own history of Islamophobic remarks.
Responding to the research today, Labour called on Boris Johnson to “initiate a genuinely independent and transparent investigation” into anti-Muslim racism in his party following accusations that a current inquiry has been watered down.
The research from the anti-racism charity, which was submitted to the Tory inquiry into “all forms of racism including Islamophobia”, also indicated that a majority of party members held negative attitudes towards Muslims.
Commenting on the new findings, shadow faith minister Janet Daby told LabourList: “These are very distressing figures. British Muslims have the right to live without the fear of Islamophobic hate and prejudice.
“This is a question of leadership. Given Boris Johnson’s own disparaging comments about Muslims, it is perhaps not surprising that Islamophobia is so prevalent in his party. To root this out and restore trust, the Prime Minister must initiate a genuinely independent and transparent investigation.”
Johnson has been accused of repeatedly making Islamophobic statements in the past, including arguing that it was a “natural reaction” to be afraid of Muslims, questioning their loyalty after the 7/7 bombings and comparing women who wear burqas to “letterboxes”.
The HOPE not hate poll of over 1,000 Conservative Party members showed that 47% of those consulted thought Islam was a threat to the UK way of life, with only 27% thinking it was compatible with living in Britain.
Of those who felt Muslims were a “threat”, 50% agreed with the statement: “Islam breeds intolerance for free speech and calls for violent actions against those who mock, criticise or depict the religion in ways they believe are offensive.”
41% of members polled believed Muslims did not want to integrate and the same number agreed with the idea that Islam promotes discrimination against, and the physical abuse of, women as well as the grooming of white British girls.
A further 24% thought that the Muslim population was growing at too fast a rate and will supplant white British people, mirroring the ideas of the far-right ‘Great Replacement‘ conspiracy theory.
58% of the Tory members also agreed with the unfounded theory that there are no-go areas of the UK, where Sharia Law dominates and non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.
The data was collected by the charity for their submission to the party’s racism inquiry, alongside examples of 40 Conservative councillors, MPs and activists who have been faced Islamophobia complaints but faced no disciplinary action.
Recent high-profile cases of racism among Tory councillors include one calling Saudi Arabians “sand peasants”, another suggesting Tommy Robinson was a patriot and the Tory mayor of Pendle comparing Asian people to dogs.
During the Conservative leadership election last year, the then candidate Boris Johnson pledged in a BBC debate to implement an independent inquiry into Islamophobia in the Tory Party.
Johnson subsequently downgraded the pledge into a broad-brush review into how the party handles disciplinary complaints on all forms of racism as well as Islamophobia.
The decision led the general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain Harun Khan to argue that the Conservative Party was following its “customary approach to Islamophobia, that of denial, dismissal and deceit”.
Commenting on the poll, HOPE not hate CEO Nick Lowles said: “The Conservative Party has to face up to the widespread anti-Muslim prejudice in its ranks if it ever hopes to eradicate the problem.
“It’s dispiriting that HOPE not hate has to again call attention to the prejudiced idea held by many within the Tory rank and file that there is a conflict between being Muslim and being British.
“We have also documented further instances of publicly expressed anti-Muslim sentiment from members, activists and councillors, and even MPs. It’s difficult to argue against the many proofs of the problem, the real question is how bold the Conservatives will be in taking action.”
Despite the findings suggesting widespread Islamophobia among Tory members, past research from the charity has found that only 8% of them believed their party had any kind of problem with anti-Muslim racism.
The group chose to take out banner ads on Tory activist news site Conservative Home in July last year to spread awareness of the Islamophobia problem, as well as to criticise the lack of any firm commitment from party leaders to deal with it.
Hate crimes in the UK doubled between 2013 and 2019 according to government figures published last year, including a significant rise in the number of hate crime offences perpetrated against Muslims.


labourlist--2020-09-30--WATCH: We need an “urgent review” into local lockdowns, says Starmer

Keir Starmer has called for an “ urgent review into whether these local lockdowns are working in the way intended ” after he highlighted that of the 48 areas that have seen additional restrictions , only one has seen those measures removed .
Responding after the Prime Minister delivered a televised Covid briefing alongside the chief medical and scientific officers this evening , the Labour leader voiced his concerns about whether the government ’ s strategy to suppress the virus is working .
Commenting on the prospect of more restrictions , Starmer said : “ The government is not ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced restrictions , we have supported them , so we ’ ll look at whatever they put forward .
The Labour leader ’ s comments follow a session of Prime Minister ’ s Questions earlier today , in which he questioned the efficacy of the approach previously described by the Prime Minister as a “ whack-a-mole strategy ” .
Starmer added : “ There are 48 areas with local restrictions and only on area , Luton , has come out of restrictions .
So , there needs to be an urgent review into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way intended .
“ Obviously , we will listen to what the government has to say about further restrictions .
We all want the infection rate to come down .
That is the national interest , and we ’ re all behind that effort .
“ But there does need to be a strategy .
There needs to be clear communication .
And test , trace and isolate still hasn ’ t been fixed.
” The Prime Minister told the public this evening that he “ will not hesitate ” to introduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but stressed the that the government is hopeful that these will not be needed .
A further 7,108 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed by the Department for Health and Social Care yesterday , down only slightly from Monday ’ s record of 7,143 .
71 virus deaths were confirmed .

Keir Starmer has called for an “urgent review into whether these local lockdowns are working in the way intended” after he highlighted that of the 48 areas that have seen additional restrictions, only one has seen those measures removed.
Responding after the Prime Minister delivered a televised Covid briefing alongside the chief medical and scientific officers this evening, the Labour leader voiced his concerns about whether the government’s strategy to suppress the virus is working.
Commenting on the prospect of more restrictions, Starmer said: “The government is not ruling out further restrictions. When they have introduced restrictions, we have supported them, so we’ll look at whatever they put forward.
The Labour leader’s comments follow a session of Prime Minister’s Questions earlier today, in which he questioned the efficacy of the approach previously described by the Prime Minister as a “whack-a-mole strategy”.
Starmer added: “There are 48 areas with local restrictions and only on area, Luton, has come out of restrictions. So, there needs to be an urgent review into whether these local lockdowns are working in the way intended.
“Obviously, we will listen to what the government has to say about further restrictions. We all want the infection rate to come down. That is the national interest, and we’re all behind that effort.
“But there does need to be a strategy. There needs to be clear communication. And test, trace and isolate still hasn’t been fixed.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says there needs to be an "urgent review" into whether local lockdowns are working and are controlling the number of #coronavirus cases. Follow live #COVID19 updates here: https://t.co/rOKxSKYf9f pic.twitter.com/5UCz2XxgkO — SkyNews (@SkyNews) September 30, 2020
The Prime Minister told the public this evening that he “will not hesitate” to introduce further Covid restrictions to combat the virus, but stressed the that the government is hopeful that these will not be needed.
A further 7,108 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed by the Department for Health and Social Care yesterday, down only slightly from Monday’s record of 7,143. 71 virus deaths were confirmed.


labourlist--2020-09-30--Exclusive: Interview with Labour NEC Welsh rep candidate Mick Antoniw

“ A historic first.
” That is how Mick Antoniw describes the one-member-one-vote ballot taking place from next month to elect the next Welsh representative on UK Labour ’ s ruling national executive committee .
“ This is the first time ever that Wales will have a representative on there who is accountable to the membership in Wales , ” the NEC candidate says as he talks me through the campaign that he and Mark Drakeford ran to reform the post .
“ The only reason it happened is because Mark and myself and others campaigned.
” Backing Jeremy Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing for leader of the Welsh Labour party in 2018 , Drakeford prioritised party democratisation – and the election of the NEC ’ s Welsh representative was a key part of his manifesto .
As Antoniw set out in his statement for the 2020 NEC election , he was appointed by Drakeford because both shared the aim of implementing this democratising agenda .
Antoniw is already the Welsh representative , but the NEC post has changed .
He currently holds the seat as one allocated to the leader of Welsh Labour , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the membership .
( The Scottish NEC seat is held directly by Richard Leonard . )
“ Part of Mark ’ s election campaign when he stood was that he was going to democratise this position , ” Antoniw tells me .
This year ’ s contest will be the first time that members in Wales have elected their representative to the party ’ s governing body .
This has implications for the nature of the post , Antoniw says .
“ At the moment , I regularly consult with the Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate comes from , but after November the mandate will be a far more diverse one , ” he says .
“ The role of this job , if I ’ m selected for it , is very different to how it has been in the past.
” If elected , he will consider himself to have a clear obligation not only to report back what happens on the NEC to constituencies , trade unions and other affiliated organisations in Wales , but also to seek their responses .
And he wants other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , too .
“ There is a need to look at the structure of the NEC because it doesn ’ t properly represent the regional structure within the UK as a whole , ” he tells me .
Antoniw hopes the “ breakthrough change ” of a directly elected Welsh rep is a sign of further reforms : “ There is no other region of England or part of the UK that has this specific place [ on the NEC ] , but I hope it ’ s indicative of a change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future.
” The incumbent wants the national ruling body to be more transparent , to publish more of what happens in its meetings and for rank-and-file members to have a greater understanding of its functions .
But above all , the structure and regional representation comes to the fore in our interview : “ The NEC and its structure doesn ’ t have any regional representation… It is still very much a structure that is based on the pre-devolution era.
” The Welsh executive committee ( WEC ) , like the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local party representatives divided regionally ( North Wales , South Wales West , etc ) rather than as a single block .
Calls have been made before to do the same for the NEC , but it was seen as an anti-left demand during the Corbyn era and rejected .
Crucially , though , Antoniw believes that it is not just the party ’ s governing body that should adjust further to devolution .
He says there is a real need for Labour to shift the rhetoric towards one that reflects the increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There has to be a greater understanding within shadow government of the fact that , very often , UK shadow ministers are speaking in effect as English ministers.
” This means better coordination between UK Labour ’ s frontbench and equivalent representatives in other nations of the UK – including in Wales , where the party actually has power at a national level .
“ It ’ s an issue I am continuing to push and will continue to push , ” Antoniw tells me .
Antoniw backed Corbyn ally Drakeford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn to be leader of the UK Labour Party in 2015 .
But he backed Keir Starmer in the leadership contest this year , rather than Rebecca Long-Bailey .
What is it about Starmer that attracted his support ?
“ One of the reasons I support Keir was his commitment to constitutional reform , ” the Welsh NEC rep tells me .
“ There is a very drastic need for UK Labour to seize the initiative on constitutional reform – on the issue of federalisation , decentralisation of power.
” He cites the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now Labour leader when he was standing for the top job .
“ The constitutional structure we have in the UK is not fit for purpose , ” Antoniw argues .
He says this has been exposed during the Covid crisis , with different parts of the UK seeing “ effectively four-nation government ” .
Antoniw is clearly passionate about devolution , and has a wealth of knowledge on the subject .
He says he could talk my ears off on the problems with the UK constitution , and I believe him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the UK is to survive , there has to be a purpose to the UK .
You have to actually define what the function and the purpose is of the UK and what the relationship within the UK is of the four nations.
” The constitution does not currently allow for that , he says , and it is propelling the UK towards increasing fragmentation and a “ break-up situation ” .
And as he argued recently in LabourList , the devolution debate inflamed again by the government ’ s controversial internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become “ the nations ’ champion for progressive reform of the constitution ” .
On the agenda for this NEC candidate is also pushing through change on parliamentary reselection processes – specifically , whether the reselection of MPs should be devolved to the Welsh Labour Party .
It already has power over the selection and reselection of Senedd members and councillors , and the selection of Welsh MPs , but not over their reselection .
A proposal to change that situation came before the NEC last year , with Antoniw drafting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ sudden emergence of unity across the NEC against the proposal ” .
Antoniw remains undeterred : “ We ’ re going to take the changes we want through the Welsh conference , and we ’ ll then come back to the NEC and say that ‘ these now have the mandate from the membership within Wales ’ .
” My conversation with the self-described “ socialist lawyer ” leaves a clear impression of his focus ; neither Labour ’ s structures nor those of the UK ’ s political institutions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The changes he wants to see reflect that view , which was summed up by Mick Antoniw as such : “ We are increasingly moving into ‘ four-nation government ’ , even though the constitution isn ’ t quite up to that yet , and our political structure needs to keep up with that as well .
”

“A historic first.” That is how Mick Antoniw describes the one-member-one-vote ballot taking place from next month to elect the next Welsh representative on UK Labour’s ruling national executive committee. “This is the first time ever that Wales will have a representative on there who is accountable to the membership in Wales,” the NEC candidate says as he talks me through the campaign that he and Mark Drakeford ran to reform the post.
“The only reason it happened is because Mark and myself and others campaigned.” Backing Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership bid in 2015 and standing for leader of the Welsh Labour party in 2018, Drakeford prioritised party democratisation – and the election of the NEC’s Welsh representative was a key part of his manifesto. As Antoniw set out in his statement for the 2020 NEC election, he was appointed by Drakeford because both shared the aim of implementing this democratising agenda.
Antoniw is already the Welsh representative, but the NEC post has changed. He currently holds the seat as one allocated to the leader of Welsh Labour, which makes Antoniw directly accountable to Drakeford rather than the membership. (The Scottish NEC seat is held directly by Richard Leonard.) “Part of Mark’s election campaign when he stood was that he was going to democratise this position,” Antoniw tells me. This year’s contest will be the first time that members in Wales have elected their representative to the party’s governing body.
This has implications for the nature of the post, Antoniw says. “At the moment, I regularly consult with the Welsh leader because that’s where my mandate comes from, but after November the mandate will be a far more diverse one,” he says. “The role of this job, if I’m selected for it, is very different to how it has been in the past.” If elected, he will consider himself to have a clear obligation not only to report back what happens on the NEC to constituencies, trade unions and other affiliated organisations in Wales, but also to seek their responses.
And he wants other parts of Labour’s NEC to change, too. “There is a need to look at the structure of the NEC because it doesn’t properly represent the regional structure within the UK as a whole,” he tells me. Antoniw hopes the “breakthrough change” of a directly elected Welsh rep is a sign of further reforms: “There is no other region of England or part of the UK that has this specific place [on the NEC], but I hope it’s indicative of a change to the structure of the NEC for the future.”
The incumbent wants the national ruling body to be more transparent, to publish more of what happens in its meetings and for rank-and-file members to have a greater understanding of its functions. But above all, the structure and regional representation comes to the fore in our interview: “The NEC and its structure doesn’t have any regional representation… It is still very much a structure that is based on the pre-devolution era.” The Welsh executive committee (WEC), like the Scottish one (SEC), has its local party representatives divided regionally (North Wales, South Wales West, etc) rather than as a single block. Calls have been made before to do the same for the NEC, but it was seen as an anti-left demand during the Corbyn era and rejected.
Crucially, though, Antoniw believes that it is not just the party’s governing body that should adjust further to devolution. He says there is a real need for Labour to shift the rhetoric towards one that reflects the increasingly devolved reality of government across the UK. “There has to be a greater understanding within shadow government of the fact that, very often, UK shadow ministers are speaking in effect as English ministers.” This means better coordination between UK Labour’s frontbench and equivalent representatives in other nations of the UK – including in Wales, where the party actually has power at a national level. “It’s an issue I am continuing to push and will continue to push,” Antoniw tells me.
Antoniw backed Corbyn ally Drakeford for leader in 2018 and then supported Corbyn to be leader of the UK Labour Party in 2015. But he backed Keir Starmer in the leadership contest this year, rather than Rebecca Long-Bailey. What is it about Starmer that attracted his support? “One of the reasons I support Keir was his commitment to constitutional reform,” the Welsh NEC rep tells me. “There is a very drastic need for UK Labour to seize the initiative on constitutional reform – on the issue of federalisation, decentralisation of power.” He cites the ‘radical devolution’ advocated by the now Labour leader when he was standing for the top job.
“The constitutional structure we have in the UK is not fit for purpose,” Antoniw argues. He says this has been exposed during the Covid crisis, with different parts of the UK seeing “effectively four-nation government”. Antoniw is clearly passionate about devolution, and has a wealth of knowledge on the subject. He says he could talk my ears off on the problems with the UK constitution, and I believe him. But his point is clear: “If the UK is to survive, there has to be a purpose to the UK. You have to actually define what the function and the purpose is of the UK and what the relationship within the UK is of the four nations.” The constitution does not currently allow for that, he says, and it is propelling the UK towards increasing fragmentation and a “break-up situation”. And as he argued recently in LabourList, the devolution debate inflamed again by the government’s controversial internal market bill presents an opportunity for Labour to become “the nations’ champion for progressive reform of the constitution”.
On the agenda for this NEC candidate is also pushing through change on parliamentary reselection processes – specifically, whether the reselection of MPs should be devolved to the Welsh Labour Party. It already has power over the selection and reselection of Senedd members and councillors, and the selection of Welsh MPs, but not over their reselection. A proposal to change that situation came before the NEC last year, with Antoniw drafting the motion. He laughs as he recalls a “sudden emergence of unity across the NEC against the proposal”. Antoniw remains undeterred: “We’re going to take the changes we want through the Welsh conference, and we’ll then come back to the NEC and say that ‘these now have the mandate from the membership within Wales’.”
My conversation with the self-described “socialist lawyer” leaves a clear impression of his focus; neither Labour’s structures nor those of the UK’s political institutions are fit for the changing political landscape. The changes he wants to see reflect that view, which was summed up by Mick Antoniw as such: “We are increasingly moving into ‘four-nation government’, even though the constitution isn’t quite up to that yet, and our political structure needs to keep up with that as well.”


labourlist--2020-09-30--Open Labour launches petition to “end the Covid crisis on our campuses”

Soft left group Open Labour has launched a new petition calling for the UK and devolved governments to “ end the Covid crisis on our campuses ” as thousands of students are locked down at university .
With students and university staff struggling to adapt to their circumstances amid local outbreaks and a testing and tracing system that has been heavily criticised , the campaign urges governments to ensure : • Food and basic living supplies go to self-isolating or quarantined students who are unable to access these from university-provided accommodation ; • A move to teaching online wherever possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • No retribution – financial or academic – against students who wish to cancel or defer contracts with university-provided accommodation ; • Equipment for students who need it to be able to access online learning , plus support for those with dyslexia and disabilities ; • An immediate investigation of allegations that students are being deprived of their liberty by universities , their servants or agents with no legal authority to do so ; • A long-term strategy for the post-18 education sector to deal with the long-term consequences of Covid-19 .
Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ It ’ s been a terrible summer for our young people struggling with the fiasco of exams for GCSE and A-Level students .
Now first-time uni and college goers are hit with a Covid crisis on campuses and lockdowns almost the moment they arrived.
” Kings College London student Maliha Reza added : “ We ’ ve had delay , dither and confusion , which needs to end .
The government needs to take responsibility , set out short-term measures and put in place a long-term plan , working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Edinburgh University student Elsie Greenwood commented : “ It shows yet again the Scottish government have not prioritised the wellbeing of students .
Once again , we see another mistake they ’ ve made on education because of a lack of foresight and planning in this crisis.
” In ongoing Young Labour elections , Clarke is standing for Young Labour chair , Reza is vying to become one of three student representatives and Greenwood is contesting the Young Labour Scotland representative post .
Keir Starmer ’ s spokesperson turned down the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests by university students when speaking to lobby journalists after Prime Minister ’ s Questions this afternoon .
Asked whether the Labour leader sympathises with students demanding refunds , his spokesperson replied : “ First and foremost , the immediate priority is making sure every student gets a good education , and that means them being able to learn safely either in person or remotely .
“ That has got to be the immediate priority .
And obviously we understand there is deep anxiety and frustration for students and also for their parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is making sure they get the best education they can right now.
” Pressed further on whether he sympathises with calls for requests , the spokesperson said : “ We have a huge amount of sympathy for what students are having to go through and also not to forget their parents as well .
It ’ s a hugely anxious time for them.
” But the opposition leader has given some support to the University and College Union call for online learning now to become the default due to Covid-19 , with Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more remote methods “ seems to be a sensible step ” .
Starmer will be joining Kate Green on a Zoom call on Thursday with students who have recently started university and with their parents , where they will discuss the challenges that they are facing during the pandemic .

Soft left group Open Labour has launched a new petition calling for the UK and devolved governments to “end the Covid crisis on our campuses” as thousands of students are locked down at university.
With students and university staff struggling to adapt to their circumstances amid local outbreaks and a testing and tracing system that has been heavily criticised, the campaign urges governments to ensure:
Food and basic living supplies go to self-isolating or quarantined students who are unable to access these from university-provided accommodation;
An emergency student-specific mental health support plan;
A move to teaching online wherever possible, as recommended by independent SAGE;
No retribution – financial or academic – against students who wish to cancel or defer contracts with university-provided accommodation;
Equipment for students who need it to be able to access online learning, plus support for those with dyslexia and disabilities;
An immediate investigation of allegations that students are being deprived of their liberty by universities, their servants or agents with no legal authority to do so;
A long-term strategy for the post-18 education sector to deal with the long-term consequences of Covid-19.
Open Labour’s youth officer Cathleen Clarke said: “It’s been a terrible summer for our young people struggling with the fiasco of exams for GCSE and A-Level students. Now first-time uni and college goers are hit with a Covid crisis on campuses and lockdowns almost the moment they arrived.”
Kings College London student Maliha Reza added: “We’ve had delay, dither and confusion, which needs to end. The government needs to take responsibility, set out short-term measures and put in place a long-term plan, working with students, universities, colleges and unions.”
Edinburgh University student Elsie Greenwood commented: “It shows yet again the Scottish government have not prioritised the wellbeing of students. Once again, we see another mistake they’ve made on education because of a lack of foresight and planning in this crisis.”
In ongoing Young Labour elections, Clarke is standing for Young Labour chair, Reza is vying to become one of three student representatives and Greenwood is contesting the Young Labour Scotland representative post.
Keir Starmer’s spokesperson turned down the opportunity to back tuition fee or rent refund requests by university students when speaking to lobby journalists after Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon.
Asked whether the Labour leader sympathises with students demanding refunds, his spokesperson replied: “First and foremost, the immediate priority is making sure every student gets a good education, and that means them being able to learn safely either in person or remotely.
“That has got to be the immediate priority. And obviously we understand there is deep anxiety and frustration for students and also for their parents across the country. Our immediate priority is making sure they get the best education they can right now.”
Pressed further on whether he sympathises with calls for requests, the spokesperson said: “We have a huge amount of sympathy for what students are having to go through and also not to forget their parents as well. It’s a hugely anxious time for them.”
But the opposition leader has given some support to the University and College Union call for online learning now to become the default due to Covid-19, with Starmer’s spokesperson saying a move toward more remote methods “seems to be a sensible step”.
Starmer will be joining Kate Green on a Zoom call on Thursday with students who have recently started university and with their parents, where they will discuss the challenges that they are facing during the pandemic.


labourlist--2020-09-30--McDonnell: We must “reassess how our society and economy operates”

John McDonnell has introduced a bill to block Covid aid being given to bad employers and told parliament today that the UK should “ reassess how our society and our economy operates ” in light of coronavirus .
In his first Commons intervention since stepping down from the shadow cabinet , the former Shadow Chancellor took aim at companies such as Boohoo , British Airways and Amazon whose behaviour he argued was “ not acceptable ” .
Under McDonnell ’ s proposals , employers would be denied Covid support , or even listing on the stock exchange , if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which Labour recently said should be outlawed , use zero-hour contracts , avoid tax or pollute the environment .
Presenting his ten minute rule bill , the MP for Hayes and Harlington told the Commons this afternoon : “ The pandemic has made us all think about what we value in life and to reassess how our society and our economy operates .
“ Of course , our main focus has been how we tackle and get through the pandemic but there has been a view expressed by many , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned from the crisis and he and others as we ’ ve come out the pandemic we must build back better .
“ This bill is part of that process of building back better .
Within our economy , the pandemic had exposed much of what is good but also regrettably some of what ’ s just not acceptable.
” McDonnell went on to compare the good practice of companies such as Warburtons – which paid all staff a higher rate of sick pay when they had to self-isolate or shield due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : “ Contrast that with Boohoo .
A recent independent report uncovered in their supply chain factories people working excessive hours on illegally low pay… without a face mask , in cramped conditions that were described as life-threatening.
” McDonnell also criticised British Airways , which employs many of his west London constituents , for using the furlough scheme to support wages before firing and rehiring employees on worse pay and conditions .
The Labour left MP said “ there had been no attempt to influence the behaviours ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , job support and bailouts thus far , despite many acting in an unscrupulous way .
He added : “ If we are to learn lessons and build back better , as the Prime Minister has urged us , we need a system that recognises and celebrates good practice in our economy .
And one that certainly does not lend support to those that fail to live up to basic business standards and undercut others that do.
” McDonnell set out various standards that companies would need to meet to get an accreditation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a real living wage , pay equality , making an effort to reduce emissions and paying all taxes , among others .
The proposed scheme would be overseen by a ‘ good business ’ commission , comprising representatives of business , trade unions , environmental groups and tax justice campaigners , which would have the power to impose tough sanctions .
His ideas mirror government policy in Denmark , where companies have been told that they will not be eligible for bailout funds to help them survive the coronavirus pandemic if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s proposals were put forward as a ‘ ten minute rule ’ bill , a process that allows backbench MPs to make their case for new legislation in a speech lasting up to ten minutes in the House of Commons .
Below is the full text of the speech delivered by John McDonnell today .
I seek leave of the House to bring in a bill to establish an accreditation scheme for businesses that meet standards regarding the treatment of workers , the payment of taxes and environmental practices ; and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us all think about what we value in life and to reassess how our society and our economy operates .
Of course , our main focus has to be on how we tackle and get through the pandemic .
But there has been a view expressed by many , including the Prime Minister , that lessons should be learned from this crisis and he and others have said as we come through the pandemic we must build back better .
This bill is part of that process of building back better .
Within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what ’ s good but also regrettably some of what ’ s just not acceptable .
I cite the contrasting examples of companies like Warburtons and Richer Sounds contrasted with Boohoo , British Airways and Amazon .
Two years ago , the Bakers Union and Warburtons secured a groundbreaking agreement .
It provided the workers with long term job security , ongoing skills development , better wages and conditions of employment and put people at the heart of the business .
The agreement provided the company with the skills and flexible working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To deal with the crisis the company has a safety committee involving union reps to monitor and review safety .
Warburtons has paid company sick pay to all those shielding or anyone needing to isolate .
Take Richer Sounds , whose owner , Julian Richer , has promoted a Good Business Charter and shared its ownership with his employees .
Now they are working hard together in a tough environment to preserve jobs whilst paying a decent level of sick to workers shielding .
Of course , it ’ s tough but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as best they can .
Contrast that with Boohoo .
A recent report uncovered in their supply chain factories people working excessive hours , on illegally low pay of £3.50 an hour , working without face masks in cramped conditions that were described as life-threatening .
A company , one of whose founders has now been found to have misled a Commons Committee .
Or British Airways that has taken taxpayers money for furloughing and drawn upon government lending facilities whilst it has used the crisis to introduce a policy of fire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and terms of employment and its parent company IAG is buying up competitors and awarding its outgoing chief executive an £800,000 golden goodbye .
Or Amazon – notoriously exposed this month in an independent report for endangering warehouse workers put at risk of contracting Covid-19 and retaliating against workers who spoke out about the working conditions .
A fortnight ago it was revealed that Amazon also paid only £290m in UK taxes despite a 26 % surge in sales to £14bn .
If we are to learn lessons and build back better as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need a system that recognises and celebrates good practice in our economy .
And one that certainly does not lend support to those that fail to live up to basic business standards and undercut others that do .
This bill seeks to introduce a system for exactly that by accrediting businesses on their behaviour in a number of key areas : the treatment of their employees , their impact on the environment and the payment of taxes .
The aim of the accreditation process is to enable the acknowledgment and celebration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , it will provide the basis for judging whether a business is upholding its responsibilities to its employees and the community .
The bill ’ s aims is to set out the system and process for determining the criteria upon which businesses will be judged .
It is proposed that an independent Good Business Commission be established on the model of the Low Pay Commission comprising representatives from business , trade unions , the major environmental voluntary organisations and the tax justice campaign .
This Good Business Commission will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which a business will be assessed as a good business on its employment practices , environmental policies and the payment of taxes .
The intention is that businesses will be encouraged to seek accreditation .
The award of a good business status has the potential of enhancing significantly the reputation of a business and confidence in its standing .
The failure of a business to apply for accreditation or to fail to achieve accreditation will also tell its own story .
In determining good business practice the Good Business Commission would examine for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business recognises a trade union , pays the real living wage , bans zero-hours contracts , has gender pay parity and addresses equal pay gaps for all protected characteristics , provides for worker representatives on the board and a pay ratio between the highest and average pay .
On environmental impact , whether the company has adopted a strategy for achieving net-zero emissions within 10 years .
On tax , whether the company is paying its taxes , not engaged in the use of tax havens and clear tax avoidance schemes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring forward proposals on how the business accreditation scheme could be used to incentivise compliance with good business practice and so establish thresholds on employment practice , environmental standards and fair tax payments which will determine access to government financial support and tax reliefs .
Thresholds that would be capable of being drawn upon by other bodies in their award of support , access or status to businesses , for example , listing on the London Stock Exchange .
During the Covid-19 pandemic , the government has introduced a number of schemes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downturn in the economy resulting from the lockdown and social distancing protective measures .
There has been a lack of conditions attached to much of this aid .
As a result , there has been no attempt to influence the behaviour of these companies , in particular in their treatment of their employees .
Some of the behaviour of these companies has been unacceptable as they have used the pandemic crisis as an excuse to implement their long-held strategy of cutting wages and undermining terms and conditions of employment .
A business accreditation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditionality in the award of government support established for the pandemic and for use in any future crises .
This bill is the start of a discussion about the business standards that we need if we are genuinely going to build back better .
I commend it to the House .

John McDonnell has introduced a bill to block Covid aid being given to bad employers and told parliament today that the UK should “reassess how our society and our economy operates” in light of coronavirus.
In his first Commons intervention since stepping down from the shadow cabinet, the former Shadow Chancellor took aim at companies such as Boohoo, British Airways and Amazon whose behaviour he argued was “not acceptable”.
Under McDonnell’s proposals, employers would be denied Covid support, or even listing on the stock exchange, if they use ‘fire and rehire’ tactics, which Labour recently said should be outlawed, use zero-hour contracts, avoid tax or pollute the environment.
Presenting his ten minute rule bill, the MP for Hayes and Harlington told the Commons this afternoon: “The pandemic has made us all think about what we value in life and to reassess how our society and our economy operates.
“Of course, our main focus has been how we tackle and get through the pandemic but there has been a view expressed by many, including the Prime Minister, that lessons should be learned from the crisis and he and others as we’ve come out the pandemic we must build back better.
“This bill is part of that process of building back better. Within our economy, the pandemic had exposed much of what is good but also regrettably some of what’s just not acceptable.”
McDonnell went on to compare the good practice of companies such as Warburtons – which paid all staff a higher rate of sick pay when they had to self-isolate or shield due to coronavirus – to employers with poor practices.
He said: “Contrast that with Boohoo. A recent independent report uncovered in their supply chain factories people working excessive hours on illegally low pay… without a face mask, in cramped conditions that were described as life-threatening.”
McDonnell also criticised British Airways, which employs many of his west London constituents, for using the furlough scheme to support wages before firing and rehiring employees on worse pay and conditions.
The Labour left MP said “there had been no attempt to influence the behaviours” of companies receiving government support like tax cuts, job support and bailouts thus far, despite many acting in an unscrupulous way.
He added: “If we are to learn lessons and build back better, as the Prime Minister has urged us, we need a system that recognises and celebrates good practice in our economy. And one that certainly does not lend support to those that fail to live up to basic business standards and undercut others that do.”
McDonnell set out various standards that companies would need to meet to get an accreditation, and thus access to support, including a real living wage, pay equality, making an effort to reduce emissions and paying all taxes, among others.
The proposed scheme would be overseen by a ‘good business’ commission, comprising representatives of business, trade unions, environmental groups and tax justice campaigners, which would have the power to impose tough sanctions.
His ideas mirror government policy in Denmark, where companies have been told that they will not be eligible for bailout funds to help them survive the coronavirus pandemic if they are registered in tax havens.
McDonnell’s proposals were put forward as a ‘ten minute rule’ bill, a process that allows backbench MPs to make their case for new legislation in a speech lasting up to ten minutes in the House of Commons.
Below is the full text of the speech delivered by John McDonnell today.
I seek leave of the House to bring in a bill to establish an accreditation scheme for businesses that meet standards regarding the treatment of workers, the payment of taxes and environmental practices; and for connected purposes.
The pandemic has made us all think about what we value in life and to reassess how our society and our economy operates. Of course, our main focus has to be on how we tackle and get through the pandemic. But there has been a view expressed by many, including the Prime Minister, that lessons should be learned from this crisis and he and others have said as we come through the pandemic we must build back better. This bill is part of that process of building back better.
Within our economy the pandemic has exposed much of what’s good but also regrettably some of what’s just not acceptable. I cite the contrasting examples of companies like Warburtons and Richer Sounds contrasted with Boohoo, British Airways and Amazon. Two years ago, the Bakers Union and Warburtons secured a groundbreaking agreement. It provided the workers with long term job security, ongoing skills development, better wages and conditions of employment and put people at the heart of the business. The agreement provided the company with the skills and flexible working needed to compete in a tough market. To deal with the crisis the company has a safety committee involving union reps to monitor and review safety. Warburtons has paid company sick pay to all those shielding or anyone needing to isolate.
Take Richer Sounds, whose owner, Julian Richer, has promoted a Good Business Charter and shared its ownership with his employees. Now they are working hard together in a tough environment to preserve jobs whilst paying a decent level of sick to workers shielding. Of course, it’s tough but people are working together to get through as best they can.
Contrast that with Boohoo. A recent report uncovered in their supply chain factories people working excessive hours, on illegally low pay of £3.50 an hour, working without face masks in cramped conditions that were described as life-threatening. A company, one of whose founders has now been found to have misled a Commons Committee.
Or British Airways that has taken taxpayers money for furloughing and drawn upon government lending facilities whilst it has used the crisis to introduce a policy of fire and rehire of its workforce on reduced wages and terms of employment and its parent company IAG is buying up competitors and awarding its outgoing chief executive an £800,000 golden goodbye.
Or Amazon – notoriously exposed this month in an independent report for endangering warehouse workers put at risk of contracting Covid-19 and retaliating against workers who spoke out about the working conditions. A fortnight ago it was revealed that Amazon also paid only £290m in UK taxes despite a 26% surge in sales to £14bn.
If we are to learn lessons and build back better as the Prime Minister has urged us, we need a system that recognises and celebrates good practice in our economy. And one that certainly does not lend support to those that fail to live up to basic business standards and undercut others that do.
This bill seeks to introduce a system for exactly that by accrediting businesses on their behaviour in a number of key areas: the treatment of their employees, their impact on the environment and the payment of taxes. The aim of the accreditation process is to enable the acknowledgment and celebration of good business practice and good businesses. At the same time, it will provide the basis for judging whether a business is upholding its responsibilities to its employees and the community.
The bill’s aims is to set out the system and process for determining the criteria upon which businesses will be judged. It is proposed that an independent Good Business Commission be established on the model of the Low Pay Commission comprising representatives from business, trade unions, the major environmental voluntary organisations and the tax justice campaign.
This Good Business Commission will have responsibility for determining the criteria by which a business will be assessed as a good business on its employment practices, environmental policies and the payment of taxes. The intention is that businesses will be encouraged to seek accreditation. The award of a good business status has the potential of enhancing significantly the reputation of a business and confidence in its standing. The failure of a business to apply for accreditation or to fail to achieve accreditation will also tell its own story.
In determining good business practice the Good Business Commission would examine for example: on employment, whether the business recognises a trade union, pays the real living wage, bans zero-hours contracts, has gender pay parity and addresses equal pay gaps for all protected characteristics, provides for worker representatives on the board and a pay ratio between the highest and average pay. On environmental impact, whether the company has adopted a strategy for achieving net-zero emissions within 10 years. On tax, whether the company is paying its taxes, not engaged in the use of tax havens and clear tax avoidance schemes.
The bill also charges the Good Business Commission to bring forward proposals on how the business accreditation scheme could be used to incentivise compliance with good business practice and so establish thresholds on employment practice, environmental standards and fair tax payments which will determine access to government financial support and tax reliefs. Thresholds that would be capable of being drawn upon by other bodies in their award of support, access or status to businesses, for example, listing on the London Stock Exchange.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has introduced a number of schemes to support businesses cope financially with the downturn in the economy resulting from the lockdown and social distancing protective measures. There has been a lack of conditions attached to much of this aid. As a result, there has been no attempt to influence the behaviour of these companies, in particular in their treatment of their employees.
Some of the behaviour of these companies has been unacceptable as they have used the pandemic crisis as an excuse to implement their long-held strategy of cutting wages and undermining terms and conditions of employment. A business accreditation scheme would be an effective basis for conditionality in the award of government support established for the pandemic and for use in any future crises. This bill is the start of a discussion about the business standards that we need if we are genuinely going to build back better. I commend it to the House.


labourlist--2020-09-30--LCID: We must listen to the voices of those caught up in conflict

As the United Nations general assembly met to mark the organisation ’ s 75th anniversary , secretary-general António Guterres renewed his call for a global ceasefire to help tackle the spread of coronavirus .
Ceasefires in some of the most long-lasting crises such as Syria , Yemen , and South Sudan will save lives .
The Labour Campaign for International Development ( LCID ) supports the call made by Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Gill to support these ceasefires and ensure that humanitarian aid gets through to those stuck in refugee camps .
These are places where social distancing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies are lacking .
This Tory government signed up to the UN security council ’ s ceasefire resolution on paper , yet has resumed weapons exports to Saudi Arabia in an act of staggering hypocrisy .
These weapons will almost certainly be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen .
As is the case everywhere , the Covid crisis is exacerbating problems that already existed , with these conflict zones already among the world ’ s worst humanitarian disasters .
It underlines the need to learn the right lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect civilians properly in the future .
Before she was killed , Labour MP Jo Cox was writing a report called ‘ The Cost of Doing Nothing ‘ .
It argued that the UK must uphold the UN responsibility to protect civilians and that protecting people from mass atrocities in any given situation requires a comprehensive strategy .
Such a strategy means recognising that both action and inaction are a choice and that each has a consequence .
Of absolutely crucial importance , too , is listening to what people caught up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether and how to act are frequently marked by angry exchanges , both within parliament and within our party .
The voices of those actually affected often aren ’ t heard , or in the worst cases , deliberately ignored .
For that reason , LCID has launched a new network of speakers to raise awareness about humanitarian issues – as well as other international development issues – amongst Labour members .
You ’ ll be able to request a speaker from our network to come to your local Labour Party meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion with you .
Our brilliant speakers include activists and survivors from countries including Rwanda , Syria , Bosnia , as well as the World Uyghur Congress , with speakers from Kosovo and Yemen soon to join .
You can request a speaker here .
While there is so much need at home during this Covid crisis , it is understandable that some will worry about focusing on international issues at all .
But we have always been an internationalist movement at the forefront of campaigns to end global poverty , inequality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country does not retreat inwards but upholds our international commitments – and we must ensure the voices of the most persecuted and vulnerable are properly heard .

As the United Nations general assembly met to mark the organisation’s 75th anniversary, secretary-general António Guterres renewed his call for a global ceasefire to help tackle the spread of coronavirus. Ceasefires in some of the most long-lasting crises such as Syria, Yemen, and South Sudan will save lives.
The Labour Campaign for International Development (LCID) supports the call made by Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Gill to support these ceasefires and ensure that humanitarian aid gets through to those stuck in refugee camps. These are places where social distancing is impossible, sanitation is inadequate and medical supplies are lacking. This Tory government signed up to the UN security council’s ceasefire resolution on paper, yet has resumed weapons exports to Saudi Arabia in an act of staggering hypocrisy. These weapons will almost certainly be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen.
As is the case everywhere, the Covid crisis is exacerbating problems that already existed, with these conflict zones already among the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. It underlines the need to learn the right lessons of the past if we are to protect civilians properly in the future.
Before she was killed, Labour MP Jo Cox was writing a report called ‘The Cost of Doing Nothing‘. It argued that the UK must uphold the UN responsibility to protect civilians and that protecting people from mass atrocities in any given situation requires a comprehensive strategy. Such a strategy means recognising that both action and inaction are a choice and that each has a consequence.
Of absolutely crucial importance, too, is listening to what people caught up in these conflicts have to say. Debates about whether and how to act are frequently marked by angry exchanges, both within parliament and within our party. The voices of those actually affected often aren’t heard, or in the worst cases, deliberately ignored.
For that reason, LCID has launched a new network of speakers to raise awareness about humanitarian issues – as well as other international development issues – amongst Labour members. You’ll be able to request a speaker from our network to come to your local Labour Party meeting to give a talk and have a discussion with you. Our brilliant speakers include activists and survivors from countries including Rwanda, Syria, Bosnia, as well as the World Uyghur Congress, with speakers from Kosovo and Yemen soon to join. You can request a speaker here.
While there is so much need at home during this Covid crisis, it is understandable that some will worry about focusing on international issues at all. But we have always been an internationalist movement at the forefront of campaigns to end global poverty, inequality, and conflicts. We must ensure our country does not retreat inwards but upholds our international commitments – and we must ensure the voices of the most persecuted and vulnerable are properly heard.


labourlist--2020-09-30--Starmer declines to back student requests for tuition fee or rent refunds

Keir Starmer ’ s spokesperson today declined to back tuition fee or rent refund requests by university students after they were encouraged to move to campuses but soon locked down in their accommodation .
Asked whether the Labour leader sympathises with university students demanding refunds , his spokesperson replied : “ First and foremost , the immediate priority is making sure every student gets a good education , and that means them being able to learn safely either in person or remotely .
“ That has got to be the immediate priority .
And obviously we understand there is deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their parents across the country .
Our immediate priority is making sure they get the best education they can right now.
” Pressed further on whether he sympathises with calls for requests , the spokesperson said : “ We have a huge amount of sympathy for what students are having to go through and also not to forget their parents as well .
It ’ s a hugely anxious time for them.
” Starmer will be joining Kate Green on a Zoom call on Thursday with students who have recently started university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will discuss the challenges that they are facing during the pandemic .
Asked whether the opposition leader backs the University and College Union call for online learning to become the default now , Starmer ’ s spokesperson said a move toward more remote methods “ seems to be a sensible step ” .
He said : “ It depends on each university .
But it ’ s clear that we should do all we can to reduce transmissions of the virus on university campuses .
Moving more learning online seems to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with high levels of the virus in those areas .
“ But where learning does move online , every student must be able to access it… The government must ensure that every student can learn remotely if that is what is introduced.
” Covid-19 outbreaks prompted by the start of university terms this month have led to thousands of students being shut into their halls of residence , including at Manchester Metropolitan University and in Edinburgh and Glasgow .
Robert Halfon , the Tory chair of the education select committee , has called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are not being taught face-to-face .
But Labour has emphasised that universities are in financial trouble .
Responding to journalists ’ queries after Prime Minister ’ s Questions , Starmer ’ s spokesperson was also asked about reports that Priti Patel looked at the idea of processing asylum seekers on a volcanic island in the South Atlantic .
Asked for Starmer ’ s response to the suggestion of sending asylum seekers to Ascension Island , he said : “ It ’ s ludicrous and inhumane .
It ’ s completely impractical and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a ridiculous idea from an incompetent government.
” The government allowed the emergency evictions ban – put in place to protect renters during the coronavirus pandemic – to end on September 20th , despite charities , housing organisations and councils warning that it would increase homelessness .
Momentum has launched an evictions resistance campaign , in which activists will be mobilised and encouraged to peacefully resist attempts by bailiffs to gain entry to their homes , while the Labour left group calls on landlords to forgive arrears .
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailiffs now that the coronavirus eviction ban has been lifted , the spokesperson said : “ The solution to this is for the government to listen to the demands we made a couple of weeks ago .
“ We didn ’ t support the eviction ban being lifted .
We said additional reforms need to be introduced .
If we ’ re going to stop mass evictions , it ’ s for the government to take national action to do that and it still has the power to do so.
” The Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Labour continues to support Covid restrictions despite describing them as confusing .
He replied : “ At the moment what the country wants to see is everyone come together and try to defeat this virus.
” At PMQs this afternoon , Starmer criticised the “ whack-a-mole ” strategy and highlighted that 48 areas have so far been placed under local lockdown restrictions but only one area has been released from those measures .

Keir Starmer’s spokesperson today declined to back tuition fee or rent refund requests by university students after they were encouraged to move to campuses but soon locked down in their accommodation.
Asked whether the Labour leader sympathises with university students demanding refunds, his spokesperson replied: “First and foremost, the immediate priority is making sure every student gets a good education, and that means them being able to learn safely either in person or remotely.
“That has got to be the immediate priority. And obviously we understand there is deep anxiety and frustration for students and also for their parents across the country. Our immediate priority is making sure they get the best education they can right now.”
Pressed further on whether he sympathises with calls for requests, the spokesperson said: “We have a huge amount of sympathy for what students are having to go through and also not to forget their parents as well. It’s a hugely anxious time for them.”
Starmer will be joining Kate Green on a Zoom call on Thursday with students who have recently started university and with their parents, where they will discuss the challenges that they are facing during the pandemic.
Asked whether the opposition leader backs the University and College Union call for online learning to become the default now, Starmer’s spokesperson said a move toward more remote methods “seems to be a sensible step”.
He said: “It depends on each university. But it’s clear that we should do all we can to reduce transmissions of the virus on university campuses. Moving more learning online seems to be a sensible step, particularly for those universities with high levels of the virus in those areas.
“But where learning does move online, every student must be able to access it… The government must ensure that every student can learn remotely if that is what is introduced.”
Covid-19 outbreaks prompted by the start of university terms this month have led to thousands of students being shut into their halls of residence, including at Manchester Metropolitan University and in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Robert Halfon, the Tory chair of the education select committee, has called on universities to consider discounts for students who are not being taught face-to-face. But Labour has emphasised that universities are in financial trouble.
Responding to journalists’ queries after Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer’s spokesperson was also asked about reports that Priti Patel looked at the idea of processing asylum seekers on a volcanic island in the South Atlantic.
Asked for Starmer’s response to the suggestion of sending asylum seekers to Ascension Island, he said: “It’s ludicrous and inhumane. It’s completely impractical and it would be hugely expensive for taxpayers. It’s a ridiculous idea from an incompetent government.”
The government allowed the emergency evictions ban – put in place to protect renters during the coronavirus pandemic – to end on September 20th, despite charities, housing organisations and councils warning that it would increase homelessness.
Momentum has launched an evictions resistance campaign, in which activists will be mobilised and encouraged to peacefully resist attempts by bailiffs to gain entry to their homes, while the Labour left group calls on landlords to forgive arrears.
Asked whether Starmer would support peaceful resistance to bailiffs now that the coronavirus eviction ban has been lifted, the spokesperson said: “The solution to this is for the government to listen to the demands we made a couple of weeks ago.
“We didn’t support the eviction ban being lifted. We said additional reforms need to be introduced. If we’re going to stop mass evictions, it’s for the government to take national action to do that and it still has the power to do so.”
The Labour leader’s spokesperson was also asked why Labour continues to support Covid restrictions despite describing them as confusing. He replied: “At the moment what the country wants to see is everyone come together and try to defeat this virus.”
At PMQs this afternoon, Starmer criticised the “whack-a-mole” strategy and highlighted that 48 areas have so far been placed under local lockdown restrictions but only one area has been released from those measures.


labourlist--2020-10-01--We need an urgent inquiry into the deaths of disabled people during Covid

As Boris Johnson strengthens coronavirus restrictions and Covid deaths continue to rise , it is time to admit that the pandemic is decimating disabled people – and it is time to do something about it .
Recent analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows that disabled people have accounted for six in every ten Covid deaths in the UK .
The same research reveals that , as a young disabled woman , I am 11 times more likely to die from Covid than my non-disabled friends .
The ONS figures reaffirm what so many of us disabled people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are seen as expendable .
The government ’ s lack of regard for disabled people isn ’ t surprising , but where is the public outcry over our lives ?
These statistics haven ’ t dominated the news .
Yet a clip of Matt Hancock and Sky News ’ Kay Burley talking about coronavirus sex rules secured nearly 80,000 views in just a few hours .
News of disabled people dying in huge numbers get a few hundred retweets .
This is not to judge the public , but more a question : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news story breaking through ?
The ONS data , while tragic , is not the only instance where deaths among disabled people have been largely ignored .
When the government first admitted that the UK was in the grip of a pandemic , they simply ignored the deaths of disabled people in care homes and other institutions .
April saw 18,000 excess deaths above average for the month in care homes , yet only 8,000 went recorded as Covid-related .
Yet when we turned on the TV , or looked at social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told that while Covid was dangerous , it mainly affected those with ‘ underlying conditions ’ .
Viewers at home should not worry because it was we , ultimately expendable , disabled people who are the most at risk .
Now we know the full extent : in the first five months of the pandemic , the UK experienced 58,000 excess deaths , the highest rate in Europe .
While the ONS has made clear just how stark the number of deaths among disabled people is , we should make it clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a number of ways .
It failed us with an ineffective shielding scheme , a broken social care system , the underfunding of services for disabled people , the removal of a duty of care and a huge lack of consultation with disabled people .
The price of this government ’ s refusal to effectively manage the pandemic has been disabled people ’ s lives – but also how we live .
Having lived with severe chronic health conditions for the past few years , I was already adjusted to a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my time indoors anyway .
I had reached a point where , with regular medical appointments and support around the house , I had some semblance of independence and autonomy .
I could work part-time hours and do the occasional trip out with friends .
But since I was first sent the letter that identified me as ‘ extremely clinically vulnerable ’ to Covid at the start of the pandemic , my life has been very different – mostly characterised by fear and insecurity .
Although I am fortunate that I could shield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to work from home , it has been difficult for us both because I need so much more support .
In order to manage my chronic health conditions , I ’ m treated across a number of different hospitals .
It has taken a lot to access the treatment I need , sometimes on years-long waiting lists to be seen .
Most of the appointments I was booked in for after March were cancelled .
Some clinics simply discharged me .
As a result , ongoing health issues haven ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go downhill .
Sometimes when I talk to non-disabled friends , it feels like people don ’ t understand why I am still being so cautious .
But it ’ s hard not to feel scared as I watch the government not taking our lives seriously , acting without caution or care .
Despite a fleeting focus on shielders at the beginning of the pandemic , we do not feature in any of the government ’ s recovery plans – including Rishi Sunak ’ s recent announcements .
Many say we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a group that makes up nearly a quarter of the population , it ’ s hard to believe it ’ s not by design .
Early on in the pandemic , the government pushed through legislation to remove local authorities of the duty to provide disabled people with care , claiming that councils may “ need to take difficult decisions and may need to be able to focus their resources on prioritising ” .
Our rights to social care weren ’ t just de-prioritised , there were warning signs that it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for treating Covid patients showed that priority should go to those without underlying health conditions or learning difficulties .
Fortunately , this was quickly challenged by disabled campaigners .
But these weren ’ t the only warning signs .
There were also numerous cases of GP surgeries sending out ‘ do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation ’ forms so that disabled people could sign away their right to treatment if they became ill with Covid , to make sure scarce ambulance resources could be targeted to non-disabled people .
The recent ONS figures must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone .
The government must develop a plan , led by disabled people , to ensure no more disabled people ’ s lives are lost .
Importantly , we need an urgent public inquiry to look into how it is possible that our lives have been treated with such callous disregard .

As Boris Johnson strengthens coronavirus restrictions and Covid deaths continue to rise, it is time to admit that the pandemic is decimating disabled people – and it is time to do something about it. Recent analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows that disabled people have accounted for six in every ten Covid deaths in the UK. The same research reveals that, as a young disabled woman, I am 11 times more likely to die from Covid than my non-disabled friends.
The ONS figures reaffirm what so many of us disabled people have said throughout this pandemic: our lives are seen as expendable. The government’s lack of regard for disabled people isn’t surprising, but where is the public outcry over our lives? These statistics haven’t dominated the news. Yet a clip of Matt Hancock and Sky News’ Kay Burley talking about coronavirus sex rules secured nearly 80,000 views in just a few hours. News of disabled people dying in huge numbers get a few hundred retweets. This is not to judge the public, but more a question: why isn’t such a major news story breaking through?
The ONS data, while tragic, is not the only instance where deaths among disabled people have been largely ignored. When the government first admitted that the UK was in the grip of a pandemic, they simply ignored the deaths of disabled people in care homes and other institutions. April saw 18,000 excess deaths above average for the month in care homes, yet only 8,000 went recorded as Covid-related. Yet when we turned on the TV, or looked at social media, disabled people watched as the nation was told that while Covid was dangerous, it mainly affected those with ‘underlying conditions’. Viewers at home should not worry because it was we, ultimately expendable, disabled people who are the most at risk. Now we know the full extent: in the first five months of the pandemic, the UK experienced 58,000 excess deaths, the highest rate in Europe.
While the ONS has made clear just how stark the number of deaths among disabled people is, we should make it clear that the government has failed disabled people in a number of ways. It failed us with an ineffective shielding scheme, a broken social care system, the underfunding of services for disabled people, the removal of a duty of care and a huge lack of consultation with disabled people.
The price of this government’s refusal to effectively manage the pandemic has been disabled people’s lives – but also how we live. Having lived with severe chronic health conditions for the past few years, I was already adjusted to a more restricted life, spending the majority of my time indoors anyway. I had reached a point where, with regular medical appointments and support around the house, I had some semblance of independence and autonomy. I could work part-time hours and do the occasional trip out with friends. But since I was first sent the letter that identified me as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ to Covid at the start of the pandemic, my life has been very different – mostly characterised by fear and insecurity.
Although I am fortunate that I could shield with my partner, who has been allowed to work from home, it has been difficult for us both because I need so much more support. In order to manage my chronic health conditions, I’m treated across a number of different hospitals. It has taken a lot to access the treatment I need, sometimes on years-long waiting lists to be seen. Most of the appointments I was booked in for after March were cancelled. Some clinics simply discharged me. As a result, ongoing health issues haven’t been treated and I have seen my health go downhill.
Sometimes when I talk to non-disabled friends, it feels like people don’t understand why I am still being so cautious. But it’s hard not to feel scared as I watch the government not taking our lives seriously, acting without caution or care. Despite a fleeting focus on shielders at the beginning of the pandemic, we do not feature in any of the government’s recovery plans – including Rishi Sunak’s recent announcements. Many say we’ve been forgotten or left behind. But for a group that makes up nearly a quarter of the population, it’s hard to believe it’s not by design.
Early on in the pandemic, the government pushed through legislation to remove local authorities of the duty to provide disabled people with care, claiming that councils may “need to take difficult decisions and may need to be able to focus their resources on prioritising”. Our rights to social care weren’t just de-prioritised, there were warning signs that it could be our lives too. The guidelines for treating Covid patients showed that priority should go to those without underlying health conditions or learning difficulties.
Fortunately, this was quickly challenged by disabled campaigners. But these weren’t the only warning signs. There were also numerous cases of GP surgeries sending out ‘do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ forms so that disabled people could sign away their right to treatment if they became ill with Covid, to make sure scarce ambulance resources could be targeted to non-disabled people.
The recent ONS figures must now be a call to arms for everyone. The government must develop a plan, led by disabled people, to ensure no more disabled people’s lives are lost. Importantly, we need an urgent public inquiry to look into how it is possible that our lives have been treated with such callous disregard.


labourlist--2020-10-01--I’ve got an apology. Now I’ll keep up the fight for community cohesion

I shed a few tears this morning .
More than a few , in fact , and it wasn ’ t exactly how I imagined I would respond to my hard-fought for apology from Leave.EU finally being published .
But it is a measure of how painful these last few months have been , and this is not a time for celebration .
I faced a significant level of abuse due to these false allegations .
Before it was removed , Leave.EU ’ s Facebook post had been shared 5,600 times and the tweet was retweeted hundreds of times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to direct their hate towards me .
The sad truth is that , for some in our society , if you are from an ethnic minority community or a Muslim you are not “ really British ” .
That is the consistent bigotry and abuse that I and others receive from the far right on a daily basis , with their agenda designed solely to promote division and violence .
Not long ago , those of us who were first elected in 2015 marked our fifth anniversary and remembered our friend Jo Cox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jo ’ s constituency of Batley and Spen isn ’ t far from my own of Bradford West – a point that was noted by the judge who jailed Stewart Hanson last year after he made threats to my life .
It further illustrates why these kind of threats and abuse must be taken seriously .
Even during this time of national crisis – when we need more solidarity and unity , and while the vast majority of us have been supporting our neighbours and helping the vulnerable – members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vile hate .
As Keir Starmer said , we want this country to be the best place to grow up in and grow old in .
Together we can and will create a better future for our children that is safe and secure .
I stand in solidarity with everyone who is on the receiving end of this kind of abuse .
And my message to the perpetrators is clear : for as long as god gives me breath , I will fight for equality , diversity and community cohesion .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will focus on continuing to support women and children who are victims of abuse .
Love is always stronger than hate .
They will not divide us .

I shed a few tears this morning. More than a few, in fact, and it wasn’t exactly how I imagined I would respond to my hard-fought for apology from Leave.EU finally being published. But it is a measure of how painful these last few months have been, and this is not a time for celebration.
I faced a significant level of abuse due to these false allegations. Before it was removed, Leave.EU’s Facebook post had been shared 5,600 times and the tweet was retweeted hundreds of times. This, of course, led people to direct their hate towards me.
The sad truth is that, for some in our society, if you are from an ethnic minority community or a Muslim you are not “really British”. That is the consistent bigotry and abuse that I and others receive from the far right on a daily basis, with their agenda designed solely to promote division and violence.
Not long ago, those of us who were first elected in 2015 marked our fifth anniversary and remembered our friend Jo Cox who was murdered by a far-right terrorist. Jo’s constituency of Batley and Spen isn’t far from my own of Bradford West – a point that was noted by the judge who jailed Stewart Hanson last year after he made threats to my life. It further illustrates why these kind of threats and abuse must be taken seriously.
Even during this time of national crisis – when we need more solidarity and unity, and while the vast majority of us have been supporting our neighbours and helping the vulnerable – members of the far right have continued to spread their vile hate.
As Keir Starmer said, we want this country to be the best place to grow up in and grow old in. Together we can and will create a better future for our children that is safe and secure. I stand in solidarity with everyone who is on the receiving end of this kind of abuse. And my message to the perpetrators is clear: for as long as god gives me breath, I will fight for equality, diversity and community cohesion.
I am putting this painful episode behind me, and will focus on continuing to support women and children who are victims of abuse. Love is always stronger than hate. They will not divide us.