labourlist--2020-04-15--7 policies backed by Labour’s new Shadow Education Secretary

The internal Labour elections drew to a close at the start of this month , and when new leader Keir Starmer picked his shadow cabinet he handed a top job to former rival Rebecca Long-Bailey .
The MP for Salford and Eccles has moved from her role as Shadow Business Secretary under Jeremy Corbyn , and now been reappointed to the frontbench as Shadow Education Secretary .
Here , we ’ ve take a look at the education policies she has backed in the past .
As the left-wing candidate in the recent leadership contest , it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said reaffirms commitments in the last two manifestos .
But we think it ’ s useful to take a look at what she has said specifically about education as a Labour MP .
The new education spokesperson has been a longstanding and staunch supporter of the policy that formed a key plank of both the 2017 and 2019 general election manifestos .
Commenting on the election result before she entered the leadership race , Long-Bailey said : “ There are many lessons to learn from the defeat , but it ’ s clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our commitments to scrap universal credit , invest in public services or abolish tuition fees.
” Long-Bailey fully supports the creation of a National Education Service .
The NES is based on the idea of education ‘ from cradle to grave ’ – free at the point of use , incorporating all forms of education from early years through to adult learning .
Featuring in both of the last Labour manifestos , a group of 16 was appointed by Corbyn in February 2019 to a commission focused on expanding lifelong learning as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marsden wrote about its continued importance amid coronavirus .
Long-Bailey also reaffirmed the 2017 and 2019 commitments to introduce free school meals for all primary school children during her leadership campaign .
The new education spokesperson cited the policy as essential to the cradle-to-grave offer of the NES .
Research shows that there are around one million children who live in poverty but don ’ t receive school meals , and that the policy would be worth around £400 a year per child for families .
In February , Long-Bailey penned a piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democratic and socialist ” vision for local government , in which she pledged to bring in “ local democratic control of schools ” .
She later confirmed that she wanted to “ end the fragmentation and marketisation of our schools ” and that local authorities should be responsible for delivering education – borrowing some lines from the 2019 manifesto .
Her position is exactly that of Labour ’ s policy platform for December last year .
The 2017 manifesto committed the party only to opposing “ any attempt to force schools to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed her commitment to the 2019 manifesto to replace Ofsted with a new body .
In a Q & A session a month before the conclusion of the Labour leadership election , Long-Bailey said : “ We need a democratically accountable inspectorate designed to drive genuine improvements in our schools .
“ This new system must see local authorities and inspectors working hand in hand with teachers , doing away with the current system , which is punitive , fixated on league tables at the expense of meaningful standards.
” Educational maintenance allowance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 16-18 year old students in low-income households to keep them in further education , was scrapped by the coalition government in 2010 .
In her bid to become the Labour leader and as part of her ‘ aspirational socialism ’ platform , Long-Bailey committed to the 2017 and 2019 Labour pledge to restore EMA – describing the benefit as a “ lifeline for poorer students ” .
Labour advocated removing the VAT exemption on private school fees in both of the last elections , and the then leadership hopeful included the pledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But could she be about to go further ?
In a recent letter to the Education Secretary , Long-Bailey pointed out that many private schools are facing financial difficulty as a result of coronavirus .
She asked : “ What steps are your department taking to support such settings , particularly integrating them into the state sector ?
” Abolishing private schools is certainly a popular policy with the rank-and-file of the Labour Party – a motion was successfully passed at the 2019 conference calling for the redistribution of their endowments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
YouGov polling during the leadership election for the Long-Bailey campaign showed that 48 % of Labour members were still in favour of the policy , compared to only 18 % against .

The internal Labour elections drew to a close at the start of this month, and when new leader Keir Starmer picked his shadow cabinet he handed a top job to former rival Rebecca Long-Bailey.
The MP for Salford and Eccles has moved from her role as Shadow Business Secretary under Jeremy Corbyn, and now been reappointed to the frontbench as Shadow Education Secretary. Here, we’ve take a look at the education policies she has backed in the past.
As the left-wing candidate in the recent leadership contest, it’s not surprising that much of what she has said reaffirms commitments in the last two manifestos. But we think it’s useful to take a look at what she has said specifically about education as a Labour MP.
Abolishing university tuition fees
The new education spokesperson has been a longstanding and staunch supporter of the policy that formed a key plank of both the 2017 and 2019 general election manifestos.
Commenting on the election result before she entered the leadership race, Long-Bailey said: “There are many lessons to learn from the defeat, but it’s clear we didn’t lose because of our commitments to scrap universal credit, invest in public services or abolish tuition fees.”
Creating a National Education Service
Long-Bailey fully supports the creation of a National Education Service. The NES is based on the idea of education ‘from cradle to grave’ – free at the point of use, incorporating all forms of education from early years through to adult learning.
Featuring in both of the last Labour manifestos, a group of 16 was appointed by Corbyn in February 2019 to a commission focused on expanding lifelong learning as a key part of the NES. Gordon Marsden wrote about its continued importance amid coronavirus.
Introducing free school meals for all primary school children
Long-Bailey also reaffirmed the 2017 and 2019 commitments to introduce free school meals for all primary school children during her leadership campaign. The new education spokesperson cited the policy as essential to the cradle-to-grave offer of the NES.
Research shows that there are around one million children who live in poverty but don’t receive school meals, and that the policy would be worth around £400 a year per child for families.
Ending the academy and free school system
In February, Long-Bailey penned a piece for LabourList outlining her “green, democratic and socialist” vision for local government, in which she pledged to bring in “local democratic control of schools”.
She later confirmed that she wanted to “end the fragmentation and marketisation of our schools” and that local authorities should be responsible for delivering education – borrowing some lines from the 2019 manifesto.
Her position is exactly that of Labour’s policy platform for December last year. The 2017 manifesto committed the party only to opposing “any attempt to force schools to become academies”.
Abolishing Ofsted
The Salford MP also confirmed her commitment to the 2019 manifesto pledge to replace Ofsted with a new body. In a Q&A session a month before the conclusion of Labour’s leadership election, Long-Bailey said: “We need a democratically accountable inspectorate designed to drive genuine improvements in our schools.
“This new system must see local authorities and inspectors working hand-in-hand with teachers, doing away with the current system, which is punitive, fixated on league tables at the expense of meaningful standards.”
Bringing back the educational maintenance allowance
Educational maintenance allowance, EMA, which offered weekly finance to 16-18 year old students in low-income households to keep them in further education, was scrapped by the coalition government in 2010.
In her bid to become the Labour leader and as part of her ‘aspirational socialism’ platform, Long-Bailey committed to the 2017 and 2019 Labour pledge to restore EMA – describing the benefit as a “lifeline for poorer students”.
Abolishing private schools?
Labour advocated removing the VAT exemption on private school fees in both of the last elections, and the then leadership hopeful included the pledge in her policy platform earlier this year.
But could she be about to go further? In a recent letter to the Education Secretary, Long-Bailey pointed out that many private schools are facing financial difficulty as a result of coronavirus. She asked: “What steps are your department taking to support such settings, particularly integrating them into the state sector?”
Abolishing private schools is certainly a popular policy with the rank-and-file of the Labour Party – a motion was successfully passed at the 2019 conference calling for the redistribution of their endowments, investments and properties across the state sector.
YouGov polling during the leadership election for the Long-Bailey campaign showed that 48% of Labour members were still in favour of the policy, compared to only 18% against.


labourlist--2020-04-15--WATCH: Labour calls for government to underwrite 100% of Covid-19 loans

Shadow Secretary for Business Ed Miliband has called for 100 % government underwriting of the coronavirus business interruption loans .
In an interview with Sky News today , the former Labour leader acknowledged that it is an “ extraordinary step ” , but said that it is “ necessary for these times ” .
He argued that “ the more businesses we keep afloat during this crisis , the more we will protect ourselves against the inevitable long term affects on the economy ” .
The intervention by Miliband comes as figures show that fewer than a quarter of companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme have been able to secure a loan .
Miliband explained that because the banks are still required to underwrite 20 % of the risk for the loans , they are still going through the normal commercial underwriting processes – which acts as a delay on companies received support .
The MP for Doncaster North said : “ We have seen 6,00 loans go out .
We ’ ve got 6,000,000 SMEs in this country .
So that is one in every 1,000 businesses getting help .
Not every business needs help , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are so many businesses adversely affected by the necessary public health measures.
” He stressed that the scheme needs to “ change urgently ” , and reminded viewers that the proposal to for the government to underwrite 100 % of the loans has also been made by former Chancellors Sajid Javid and George Osborne .
Statistics show that 6,020 businesses received £1.1bn worth of loans in the first three weeks of the government ’ s scheme .
This compares to other countries such as Switzerland , where 70,000 business have claimed £12bn @ @ @ @ @ @

Shadow Secretary for Business Ed Miliband has called for 100% government underwriting of the coronavirus business interruption loans.
In an interview with Sky News today, the former Labour leader acknowledged that it is an “extraordinary step”, but said that it is “necessary for these times”.
He argued that “the more businesses we keep afloat during this crisis, the more we will protect ourselves against the inevitable long term affects on the economy”.
The intervention by Miliband comes as figures show that fewer than a quarter of companies that have applied for support through the scheme have been able to secure a loan.
Miliband explained that because the banks are still required to underwrite 20% of the risk for the loans, they are still going through the normal commercial underwriting processes – which acts as a delay on companies received support.
The MP for Doncaster North said: “We have seen 6,00 loans go out. We’ve got 6,000,000 SMEs in this country. So that is one in every 1,000 businesses getting help. Not every business needs help, but if you look across the economy there are so many businesses adversely affected by the necessary public health measures.”
He stressed that the scheme needs to “change urgently”, and reminded viewers that the proposal to for the government to underwrite 100% of the loans has also been made by former Chancellors Sajid Javid and George Osborne.
"The reality has now got to match the ambitions" Shadow Business Secretary @Ed_Miliband says the #Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme needs to change urgently and calls for the government to underwrite 100% of the loans Latest on #COVID19: https://t.co/9tYlYKXl3d pic.twitter.com/hRoHdf4RN7 — SkyNews (@SkyNews) April 15, 2020
Statistics show that 6,020 businesses received £1.1bn worth of loans in the first three weeks of the government’s scheme. This compares to other countries such as Switzerland, where 70,000 business have claimed £12bn in loans in one week.


labourlist--2020-04-15--Unite behind Keir Starmer to cleanse Labour’s shame

The whole labour movement will be shocked by the revelations contained in the leaked report concerning how Labour HQ has handled complaints over antisemitism over the last few years .
Even those of us well aware of the dislike many officials held for Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership did not imagine that their bile would go so far as actively wishing for – even working for – Labour ’ s defeat in elections , including the 2017 general election .
Every activist will remember how agonisingly close we came to defeating Theresa May then .
I have no doubt that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of all Labour MPs and of Party HQ , both of which it had the right to expect , the result would have been closer still .
Let us be clear what the officials whose cynical , abusive and factional conduct has now been exposed were actually doing .
In working for a Labour defeat , they were working for a Tory victory – that is to say , empowering the party that stood for austerity and a “ hard Brexit ” .
These politically-crooked officials were prepared to risk dramatic damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and working people just in order to scratch their factional itch .
Their conduct is a reminder of the truth of what was said by the eminent socialist writer Stuart Hall : the only thing the Labour right are interested in , the only thing they are good at , is fighting the left .
Bear in mind that these are the people who accused Corbyn supporters of only being interested in political purity and not in winning power .
Even the most demented sectarian on the left has not championed a Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And some of these officials have now secured peerages or been dubbed this-or-that of the British Empire “ for services to the Labour Party ” .
If they are to keep these distinctions , at the very least the citations should be changed to “ services to the Tory Party ” .
This is not about legitimate political disagreement .
A large minority of the Labour Party membership never supported Jeremy Corbyn and they had a right to their views .
If they were employed by the party they had every right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to do them diligently , loyally and professionally .
But that is a world away from the rancid , and very cruel , political culture revealed in the report on Labour ’ s governance and legal unit ( GLU ) .
The atmosphere exposed in the exchanges varies between what one might expect to hear in the toilets at a teenage nightclub – “ she ’ s so fat ” , “ she smells ” – and the banter at a Trump rally – the black woman is “ disgusting ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fire ” .
Mean Girls meets Mississippi Burning .
They seem to regard the Labour Party as their private property and anyone a millimetre to the left of Tony Blair as a “ Trot ” .
Andy Burnham has spoken out about how he feels the same apparatus undermined him on NHS policy .
And we – the labour movement – were paying for all this .
Indeed , it seems we were also handing over money that was , unbeknownst to the national executive committee , allegedly being squirrelled away into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs who party officialdom favoured .
At first glance there would appear to be a case to answer for breaches of electoral law as well as party governance procedures .
Since Unite was by far the largest single donor to the 2017 election campaign , giving around 75 % of total union donations , we have the right to expect an honest accounting for this .
Some of the responses to the report have been deeply revealing .
One might have expected groups and individuals who have campaigned loudly against Labour antisemitism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the party ’ s failings in respect of handling complaints and its honest exposure of what went wrong and when .
Yet Labour Against Anti-Semitism and Labour MP turned Tory supporter Ian Austin , to take two examples , have instead rushed to denounce it .
This can only fuel the suspicion that they are only interested in challenging failings in addressing antisemitism when they think these can be exclusively attributed to Jeremy Corbyn and the left , and are prepared to turn a blind eye to the negligence of those they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not noticed a peep from journalist John Ware , whose Panorama programme on Labour antisemitism can now be seen to fall a long way short of the standards expected of the BBC , in that it failed to interrogate his interviewees at all concerning their own shortcomings in handling antisemitism allegations .
The movement should keep the focus on the content of the report and not be distracted by secondary issues regarding its commissioning – clearly it formed part of the necessary work being done to assist the EHRC investigation and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaking .
Those named in the report have of course the right to defend , contextualise or explain what is set out .
They could even just apologise .
We should not pre-empt any outcome , either legally or in terms of party rule .
But this can not be swept under the carpet .
First of all , the party should make a properly-redacted version of the report publicly available .
This should not be a crisis for Keir Starmer .
His desire to unite the party is almost universally shared , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
He has rightly reached out to the leading organisations of the Jewish community to rebuild relations .
He bears no responsibility for the state of affairs the GLU report reveals .
It is absolutely right that his full focus now should be on the coronavirus crisis .
But it falls to him and the party NEC to direct the clean-up .
In my view , where there is clear evidence of a party member having engaged in misogynistic or abusive conduct , or having worked to undermine the party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , there is a case for suspension pending a thorough investigation ( with no presumption of guilt ) .
I know there are tens of thousands of Labour Party members , many of them also in my union , whose dismay at these revelations may lead them to wonder why they should stay in a party where such things can happen .
Let me urge them to remain with the party and get behind our newly-elected leadership as they handle this crisis .
Labour can , will and must move on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am confident that Keir Starmer and Angie Rayner will be guided by these values , and will allow no return of the poisonous environment which prevailed when the hard right of the party last ran the machine we all pay for .

The whole labour movement will be shocked by the revelations contained in the leaked report concerning how Labour HQ has handled complaints over antisemitism over the last few years. Even those of us well aware of the dislike many officials held for Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership did not imagine that their bile would go so far as actively wishing for – even working for – Labour’s defeat in elections, including the 2017 general election.
Every activist will remember how agonisingly close we came to defeating Theresa May then. I have no doubt that had the party leadership enjoyed the full-on support of all Labour MPs and of Party HQ, both of which it had the right to expect, the result would have been closer still.
Let us be clear what the officials whose cynical, abusive and factional conduct has now been exposed were actually doing. In working for a Labour defeat, they were working for a Tory victory – that is to say, empowering the party that stood for austerity and a “hard Brexit”. These politically-crooked officials were prepared to risk dramatic damage to the interests of the British economy and working people just in order to scratch their factional itch.
Their conduct is a reminder of the truth of what was said by the eminent socialist writer Stuart Hall: the only thing the Labour right are interested in, the only thing they are good at, is fighting the left. Bear in mind that these are the people who accused Corbyn supporters of only being interested in political purity and not in winning power. Even the most demented sectarian on the left has not championed a Tory election victory to win an inner-party argument.
And some of these officials have now secured peerages or been dubbed this-or-that of the British Empire “for services to the Labour Party”. If they are to keep these distinctions, at the very least the citations should be changed to “services to the Tory Party”.
This is not about legitimate political disagreement. A large minority of the Labour Party membership never supported Jeremy Corbyn and they had a right to their views. If they were employed by the party they had every right to keep their jobs, provided they continued to do them diligently, loyally and professionally.
But that is a world away from the rancid, and very cruel, political culture revealed in the report on Labour’s governance and legal unit (GLU). The atmosphere exposed in the exchanges varies between what one might expect to hear in the toilets at a teenage nightclub – “she’s so fat”, “she smells” – and the banter at a Trump rally – the black woman is “disgusting”, that left-wing activist should “die in a fire”. Mean Girls meets Mississippi Burning.
They seem to regard the Labour Party as their private property and anyone a millimetre to the left of Tony Blair as a “Trot”. Andy Burnham has spoken out about how he feels the same apparatus undermined him on NHS policy.
And we – the labour movement – were paying for all this. Indeed, it seems we were also handing over money that was, unbeknownst to the national executive committee, allegedly being squirrelled away into secret slush funds devoted to supporting those MPs who party officialdom favoured. At first glance there would appear to be a case to answer for breaches of electoral law as well as party governance procedures. Since Unite was by far the largest single donor to the 2017 election campaign, giving around 75% of total union donations, we have the right to expect an honest accounting for this.
Some of the responses to the report have been deeply revealing. One might have expected groups and individuals who have campaigned loudly against Labour antisemitism in recent years to welcome its frank admission of the party’s failings in respect of handling complaints and its honest exposure of what went wrong and when.
Yet Labour Against Anti-Semitism and Labour MP turned Tory supporter Ian Austin, to take two examples, have instead rushed to denounce it. This can only fuel the suspicion that they are only interested in challenging failings in addressing antisemitism when they think these can be exclusively attributed to Jeremy Corbyn and the left, and are prepared to turn a blind eye to the negligence of those they consider their political allies.
And I have not noticed a peep from journalist John Ware, whose Panorama programme on Labour antisemitism can now be seen to fall a long way short of the standards expected of the BBC, in that it failed to interrogate his interviewees at all concerning their own shortcomings in handling antisemitism allegations.
The movement should keep the focus on the content of the report and not be distracted by secondary issues regarding its commissioning – clearly it formed part of the necessary work being done to assist the EHRC investigation and the party’s response – or its leaking. Those named in the report have of course the right to defend, contextualise or explain what is set out. They could even just apologise. We should not pre-empt any outcome, either legally or in terms of party rule.
But this cannot be swept under the carpet. First of all, the party should make a properly-redacted version of the report publicly available. This should not be a crisis for Keir Starmer. His desire to unite the party is almost universally shared, and certainly has Unite’s full support. He has rightly reached out to the leading organisations of the Jewish community to rebuild relations. He bears no responsibility for the state of affairs the GLU report reveals. It is absolutely right that his full focus now should be on the coronavirus crisis. But it falls to him and the party NEC to direct the clean-up.
In my view, where there is clear evidence of a party member having engaged in misogynistic or abusive conduct, or having worked to undermine the party’s election campaign, or even having broken the law, there is a case for suspension pending a thorough investigation (with no presumption of guilt).
I know there are tens of thousands of Labour Party members, many of them also in my union, whose dismay at these revelations may lead them to wonder why they should stay in a party where such things can happen. Let me urge them to remain with the party and get behind our newly-elected leadership as they handle this crisis.
Labour can, will and must move on. Transparency and accountability will be key. I am confident that Keir Starmer and Angie Rayner will be guided by these values, and will allow no return of the poisonous environment which prevailed when the hard right of the party last ran the machine we all pay for.


labourlist--2020-04-15--Small businesses urge Labour not to freeze them out of Covid-19 talks

Small businesses – led by SME4Labour – are urging the new Labour leadership not to freeze them out of discussions being held to develop the party ’ s response to the Covid-19 pandemic .
Labour leader Keir Starmer , Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds and Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband have been asked to involve small business leaders in forming Labour ’ s response .
SME4Labour has welcomed the call , made by Miliband over the weekend , for the government to underwrite 100 % of the loans available to small businesses rather than only 80 % .
But the organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its members are taken into account – though LabourList understands that Miliband ’ s office has been in touch with them .
SME4Labour is hoping that a virtual meeting between the group and the leadership team can be held by the end of the week to facilitate input from Labour-backing business leaders .
Commenting on the concerns , SME4Labour co-chair Ibrahim Dogus warned that the “ voices of small business must not be drowned out ” .
“ Otherwise , we risk being in a situation where large corporations , many of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonuses , are receiving support before small family run businesses that provide a modest income to their owners and employees , ” Dogus said .
“ The Labour Party has a huge role to play in ensuring this is not the case .
We welcome their commitment to work with the government , highlight gaps in the current schemes and propose alternatives .
“ But this must be done in partnership with the hundreds of small businesses who support the party ’ s mission.
” Co-chair Sonny Leong added : “ For too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been absent from the policy-making process within the Labour Party .
Under new leadership , and at a time of national crisis , it is time for this to change .
“ Small businesses are a central plank of Britain ’ s economy and are responsible for over 16 million jobs .
Unless our concerns are put front-and-centre of the economic response to Covid-19 outbreak , we will not come out of this as strongly as we know we can as a country .
“ Our members could be a huge asset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be no further delay in ensuring the leadership hears from them directly.
” Miliband has said today that the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme is “ simply not working well enough ” and ministers must “ do more to simplify the application process ” .
New figures show that 6,020 UK businesses received £1.1bn worth of loans in the first three weeks .
This compares poorly with the take-up in Switzerland , which has seen 70,000 businesses receiving £12bn in loans in one week .

Small businesses – led by SME4Labour – are urging the new Labour leadership not to freeze them out of discussions being held to develop the party’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds and Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband have been asked to involve small business leaders in forming Labour’s response.
SME4Labour has welcomed the call, made by Miliband over the weekend, for the government to underwrite 100% of the loans available to small businesses rather than only 80%.
But the organisation wants to ensure that the experiences of its members are taken into account – though LabourList understands that Miliband’s office has been in touch with them.
SME4Labour is hoping that a virtual meeting between the group and the leadership team can be held by the end of the week to facilitate input from Labour-backing business leaders.
Commenting on the concerns, SME4Labour co-chair Ibrahim Dogus warned that the “voices of small business must not be drowned out”.
“Otherwise, we risk being in a situation where large corporations, many of whom have paid out millions in dividends and bonuses, are receiving support before small family run businesses that provide a modest income to their owners and employees,” Dogus said.
“The Labour Party has a huge role to play in ensuring this is not the case. We welcome their commitment to work with the government, highlight gaps in the current schemes and propose alternatives.
“But this must be done in partnership with the hundreds of small businesses who support the party’s mission.”
Co-chair Sonny Leong added: “For too long, the views of small businesses have been absent from the policy-making process within the Labour Party. Under new leadership, and at a time of national crisis, it is time for this to change.
“Small businesses are a central plank of Britain’s economy and are responsible for over 16 million jobs. Unless our concerns are put front-and-centre of the economic response to Covid-19 outbreak, we will not come out of this as strongly as we know we can as a country.
“Our members could be a huge asset for the Labour Party. There can be no further delay in ensuring the leadership hears from them directly.”
Miliband has said today that the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme is “simply not working well enough” and ministers must “do more to simplify the application process”.
New figures show that 6,020 UK businesses received £1.1bn worth of loans in the first three weeks. This compares poorly with the take-up in Switzerland, which has seen 70,000 businesses receiving £12bn in loans in one week.


labourlist--2020-04-15--Red Labour, JVL and LRC join forces to launch new left network

Three groups have come together today to call on left-wing Labour members to stay in the party and join a newly launched national grassroots network .
Red Labour , Jewish Voice for Labour ( JVL ) and the Labour Representation Committee ( LRC ) have released a joint statement based on the message ‘ Don ’ t Leave – Organise ’ .
The groups say they have been working together to respond to the December defeat and recent disappointing internal election results for the Labour left .
Their new initiative is supported by the Bakers ’ Union and figures such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary Jo Bird and retired ASLEF president Tosh McDonald .
They say the general election , the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn and the left ’ s loss of seats on Labour ’ s national executive committee “ constitute a major setback ” – but that they are not defeated .
Their statement urges socialists to remain in the Labour Party , “ contribute to the efforts to re-unite the left , and be part of a renewed focus for mobilising to demand the society we need for the many ” .
Commenting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the groups said : “ The signatories to this initial statement of intent will be part of the answer but we do not presume to offer a complete solution .
“ This is just the start – one piece of a much bigger jigsaw .
Any genuine coalition of the left should include both traditional established organisations and emerging new groupings.
” Former Labour MP Laura Pidcock added : “ There is a major reconstruction task to be done to strengthen and reconnect the Labour left .
This new , national network offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and debate.
” All three of the organisations leading the call for this new network are on the Labour left and were supportive of the Corbyn leadership .
Leader and deputy contests and NEC by-elections drew to a close on April 4th .
Keir Starmer won the leadership race on first preferences , beating Corbynite rival Rebecca Long-Bailey .
Corbynsceptics backed by Labour First and Progress swept the board in the NEC by-elections , securing the two positions for local party representatives and the one BAME vacancy .
Below is the full statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Red Labour .
The loss of the general election , the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn , and the defeat of the left in the NEC elections , together constitute a major setback .
But we are not defeated .
We are also working in the unprecedented landscape caused by Covid-19 and the government response to this health emergency .
So we urge all socialists to stay in the party , contribute to the efforts to re-unite the left , and be part of a renewed focus for mobilising to demand the society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great achievement of the Corbyn period was to bring the left together into a force able to influence the terms of debate , to mobilise for and win a left orientated NEC and get radical motions passed at conference .
Before Jeremy ’ s election we worked as many separate groups , but under his leadership we showed that together , we could wield real influence .
Remember how much we ’ ve achieved in the past five years .
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic Labour had forced the Conservatives to make reverses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new investment in infrastructure and public services .
The £10 an hour Living Wage campaign was and still is a great example of successful campaigning that became Labour Party policy and pushed the Tories into moving on this issue .
We reaffirm our commitment to the Labour Party which remains , through its historic connection with the trade union and labour movement , the most important expression of the organised working class and a voice for the many .
• First is to help build a strong opposition to the right-wing Tory government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rely on support from within the Labour Party for our socialist policies , industrial action and active campaigning .
• Our second task , therefore , is to help strengthen and reconnect the Labour left .
There is a major task of reconstruction to be taken up urgently .
United we are rock , divided we are sand Many existing left groups and trade unions , as well as emerging new grassroots organisations , have complementary strengths and a shared purpose , so we are calling for a national network of the grassroots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial statement of intent will be part of the answer but we do not presume to offer a complete solution .
This is just the start – one piece of a much bigger jigsaw .
Any genuine coalition of the left should include both traditional established organisations and emerging new groupings .
Developing such a movement is the first stage in a process of getting people to think about what kind of society they want to live in .
This has to be a grassroots activity bringing together individuals and groups , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade unions , councillors , MPs and others in influential positions who actively support a transformative agenda – and demonstrating the importance of going back to our roots through workplace and community organising .
We also need to promote understanding of the socialist potential a post-Covid-19 political landscape will offer .
A new and different landscape The Covid-19 crisis , along with its tragic consequences , has made campaigners think about new ways of organising and mobilising .
It has already highlighted the importance of public services and exposed the damage that decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions while destroying any opportunities for our youth to thrive .
Across all regions and nations of the United Kingdom , party members are joining mutual aid groups .
This kind of co-operative activity could sow the seeds of radical change , moving away from the cruelty of Tory individualism and its market-led ideology .
The crisis around the pandemic has also seen a growth in workplace militancy , in particular resistance to working in unsafe conditions .
And in the unprecedented environment of lock-down we are finding different ways to communicate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , chat groups , virtual meetings and events .
These are particularly important while most party structures are all but shut down .
We need to demand they are opened up virtually to ensure that all members have a voice in party business .
Our principles and commitment to concrete action Socialists in the party need to work together , in coalition , now more than ever .
Alongside others in the Labour Party , we will help rebuild the left around a new , national network , which will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to deliver the socialist society we all need .
We commit to democratic and transparent organisation ; working to democratise the Labour Party and the trade unions ; defending party members against unjust disciplinary processes and supporting the self-organisation of groups contesting particular oppressions .
Some of the key policies that we will be supporting and campaigning for are : • Struggles against employer attacks and oppression of workers ; struggles for unionising unorganised workforces ; • Public ownership of , and investment in , our public services , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opposing all forms of racism including antisemitism , and all other forms of discrimination ; • Rolling back the growth of the far right ; • An internationalist policy stance based on justice and peace which by definition includes support for the Palestinians ; • Labour belongs to us .
Let ’ s unite to form an opposition and movement we can be proud of , to build the society we believe in .
How to get involved – we want to hear from you We are already talking to groups we expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this network .
If you are in a left Labour/Momentum/constituency group , trade union branch , self-organising group representing liberation strands or broad left Labour organisation which you believe would be interested in joining this network we want to hear from you .
We will use contact details , with permission , to put people in touch with each other and start to develop the networking potential of the Labour left .
We also want to involve community cultural and arts groups to support diversity of political education .
There are many vibrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here are a couple of examples supporting people working in low paid jobs and the gig economy that stand out in their organisation and ambition .
Please contact them direct for further information and to sign up .
We ’ re proud to support : We look forward to connecting activists involved in many such campaigns , covering issues including our NHS , housing , education and many more through our network as it develops .
Please get in touch via : [ email protected ] and our Facebook page We are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials for education , communication and organisation – open to everyone in the network .
Get in touch if you want to contribute ideas , skills and local campaign details .
We aim to hold a major gathering , virtual if necessary , to connect all groups working towards our shared goals .
Please contact us if you would like to be part of an organising group to make it happen .

Three groups have come together today to call on left-wing Labour members to stay in the party and join a newly launched national grassroots network.
Red Labour, Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL) and the Labour Representation Committee (LRC) have released a joint statement based on the message ‘Don’t Leave – Organise’.
The groups say they have been working together to respond to the December defeat and recent disappointing internal election results for the Labour left.
Their new initiative is supported by the Bakers’ Union and figures such as ex-MP Laura Pidcock, council group secretary Jo Bird and retired ASLEF president Tosh McDonald.
Other supporters include past Labour parliamentary candidates Jane Aitchison, Kate Linnegar, Sophie Wilson, Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt, Tina McKay and Pamela Fitzpatrick.
They say the general election, the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn and the left’s loss of seats on Labour’s national executive committee “constitute a major setback” – but that they are not defeated.
Their statement urges socialists to remain in the Labour Party, “contribute to the efforts to re-unite the left, and be part of a renewed focus for mobilising to demand the society we need for the many”.
Commenting on the launch of the national network, the groups said: “The signatories to this initial statement of intent will be part of the answer but we do not presume to offer a complete solution.
“This is just the start – one piece of a much bigger jigsaw. Any genuine coalition of the left should include both traditional established organisations and emerging new groupings.”
Former Labour MP Laura Pidcock added: “There is a major reconstruction task to be done to strengthen and reconnect the Labour left. This new, national network offers us a space to organise, educate and debate.”
All three of the organisations leading the call for this new network are on the Labour left and were supportive of the Corbyn leadership.
Leader and deputy contests and NEC by-elections drew to a close on April 4th. Keir Starmer won the leadership race on first preferences, beating Corbynite rival Rebecca Long-Bailey.
Corbynsceptics backed by Labour First and Progress swept the board in the NEC by-elections, securing the two positions for local party representatives and the one BAME vacancy.
Below is the full statement released today by JVL, the LRC and Red Labour.
Don’t leave, organise… for a broad left network
The loss of the general election, the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn, and the defeat of the left in the NEC elections, together constitute a major setback. But we are not defeated. We are also working in the unprecedented landscape caused by Covid-19 and the government response to this health emergency.
So we urge all socialists to stay in the party, contribute to the efforts to re-unite the left, and be part of a renewed focus for mobilising to demand the society we need for the many.
One great achievement of the Corbyn period was to bring the left together into a force able to influence the terms of debate, to mobilise for and win a left orientated NEC and get radical motions passed at conference. Before Jeremy’s election we worked as many separate groups, but under his leadership we showed that together, we could wield real influence.
Remember how much we’ve achieved in the past five years. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic Labour had forced the Conservatives to make reverses on austerity – including the promise of new investment in infrastructure and public services. The £10 an hour Living Wage campaign was and still is a great example of successful campaigning that became Labour Party policy and pushed the Tories into moving on this issue.
We reaffirm our commitment to the Labour Party which remains, through its historic connection with the trade union and labour movement, the most important expression of the organised working class and a voice for the many.
Our tasks are twofold:
First is to help build a strong opposition to the right-wing Tory government. Sadly, we cannot always rely on support from within the Labour Party for our socialist policies, industrial action and active campaigning. Our second task, therefore, is to help strengthen and reconnect the Labour left. There is a major task of reconstruction to be taken up urgently.
United we are rock, divided we are sand
Many existing left groups and trade unions, as well as emerging new grassroots organisations, have complementary strengths and a shared purpose, so we are calling for a national network of the grassroots Labour left. The signatories to this initial statement of intent will be part of the answer but we do not presume to offer a complete solution. This is just the start – one piece of a much bigger jigsaw. Any genuine coalition of the left should include both traditional established organisations and emerging new groupings.
Developing such a movement is the first stage in a process of getting people to think about what kind of society they want to live in. This has to be a grassroots activity bringing together individuals and groups, both within and outside the party together with trade unions, councillors, MPs and others in influential positions who actively support a transformative agenda – and demonstrating the importance of going back to our roots through workplace and community organising. We also need to promote understanding of the socialist potential a post-Covid-19 political landscape will offer.
A new and different landscape
The Covid-19 crisis, along with its tragic consequences, has made campaigners think about new ways of organising and mobilising. It has already highlighted the importance of public services and exposed the damage that decades of austerity have done to workers’ conditions while destroying any opportunities for our youth to thrive.
Across all regions and nations of the United Kingdom, party members are joining mutual aid groups. This kind of co-operative activity could sow the seeds of radical change, moving away from the cruelty of Tory individualism and its market-led ideology. The crisis around the pandemic has also seen a growth in workplace militancy, in particular resistance to working in unsafe conditions.
And in the unprecedented environment of lock-down we are finding different ways to communicate, organise and express solidarity – through social media, chat groups, virtual meetings and events. These are particularly important while most party structures are all but shut down. We need to demand they are opened up virtually to ensure that all members have a voice in party business.
Our principles and commitment to concrete action
Socialists in the party need to work together, in coalition, now more than ever. Alongside others in the Labour Party, we will help rebuild the left around a new, national network, which will be a place to organise, educate and debate in order to deliver the socialist society we all need.
We commit to democratic and transparent organisation; working to democratise the Labour Party and the trade unions; defending party members against unjust disciplinary processes and supporting the self-organisation of groups contesting particular oppressions.
Some of the key policies that we will be supporting and campaigning for are:
A commitment to repealing all anti-trade union legislation;
Struggles against employer attacks and oppression of workers; struggles for unionising unorganised workforces;
Combating damaging climate change nationally and internationally;
Public ownership of, and investment in, our public services, in particular our NHS and social care;
Opposing all forms of racism including antisemitism, and all other forms of discrimination;
Rolling back the growth of the far right;
An internationalist policy stance based on justice and peace which by definition includes support for the Palestinians;
Labour belongs to us. Let’s unite to form an opposition and movement we can be proud of, to build the society we believe in.
How to get involved – we want to hear from you
We are already talking to groups we expect to be among the first participants in this network. If you are in a left Labour/Momentum/constituency group, trade union branch, self-organising group representing liberation strands or broad left Labour organisation which you believe would be interested in joining this network we want to hear from you.
We will use contact details, with permission, to put people in touch with each other and start to develop the networking potential of the Labour left. We also want to involve community cultural and arts groups to support diversity of political education.
There are many vibrant campaigns going on at grassroots level. Here are a couple of examples supporting people working in low paid jobs and the gig economy that stand out in their organisation and ambition. Please contact them direct for further information and to sign up. We’re proud to support:
We look forward to connecting activists involved in many such campaigns, covering issues including our NHS, housing, education and many more through our network as it develops. Please get in touch via: [email protected] and our Facebook page
We are also building an internet hub of resources and materials for education, communication and organisation – open to everyone in the network. Get in touch if you want to contribute ideas, skills and local campaign details.
We aim to hold a major gathering, virtual if necessary, to connect all groups working towards our shared goals. Please contact us if you would like to be part of an organising group to make it happen.


labourlist--2020-04-15--Leaked report “causing immense stress”, says GMB Labour staff branch

The GMB Labour Party staff branch has slammed the leaked internal review and said that it is “ causing immense stress ” for the workers named and a “ deep sense of mistrust towards their employer ” .
In a statement released today , the organisation thanked Keir Starmer for “ acting swiftly ” , and expressed concerns over the content of the internal review and the way in which it was made public over the weekend .
The branch stated that it is “ worrying that the report contains transcripts of private conversations between staff ” , and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being seen within context ” and are being “ flatly denied ” .
The statement follows the leaking of a report into antisemitism in the party over the weekend , which described alleged mishandling of disciplinary cases and attempts by members of staff to undermine Jeremy Corbyn .
Following the release of this 851-page document , Starmer committed to an “ urgent independent investigation ” into the background , the content and the way in which the report has been released into the public domain .
The Labour leader has not said whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are found to have undermined his predecessor , saying : “ I ’ ll obviously look at the result when we get it .
But I am not going to preempt that.
” Below is the full statement released today by the GMB Labour Party staff branch .
GMB Labour Party staff branch welcomes the statement from Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner , committing to commissioning an urgent independent investigation into the recent leaked internal report into the work of the Labour Party ’ s Governance and Legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branch also welcomes and agrees with the three areas which the investigation will focus on , namely : • The background and circumstances in which the report was commissioned and the process involved .
• The contents and wider culture and practices referred to in the report .
• The circumstances in which the report was put into the public domain .
We believe the independence of this investigation is absolutely critical , and we thank the Leader and Deputy Leader for acting swiftly to commission it .
We will also be requesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership team at the earliest convenience to discuss the matter prior to the commencement of the investigation .
We would urge any internal investigation to support and complement this independent investigation rather than competing against it .
We are deeply concerned with the report , and the means by which it was commissioned , created , and made public .
It is also disappointing that much of the report diverts from the scope of its declared intention , which was to look into the Labour Party ’ s response to antisemitism .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contains transcripts of private conversations between staff on private accounts , using personal equipment .
We agree some of the selected comments attributed to senior staff are absolutely indefensible , it is worth noting that they are not being seen within context and some comments attributed are being flatly denied .
It is also unacceptable that staff members across all levels have had their private communication accessed and their names leaked publicly .
The Labour Party would rightly not accept this level of surveillance and intrusion into private conversations of staff in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore should never countenance such practices in the party – let alone authorise them .
This is causing immense stress for those workers , as well as colleagues who are not named but now feel a deep sense of mistrust toward their employer , and the GMB is available to provide support for any of those staff members that require it .
The report has led to a number of people publicly questioning the commitment of Labour Party staff .
As a branch , we condemn these suggestions in the strongest terms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the party to behave with restraint when engaging on social media .
We consider the mental and physical wellbeing of our members who have no right of reply to be of the utmost importance at this time .
Labour Party staff work extremely hard to deliver a functioning , campaign-ready organisation , and , particularly during elections , give way over and above what is expected of them to help Labour win .
Staff regularly put their lives on hold to work for the party , sacrifice time with their families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical wellbeing to the limit .
They do this work regardless of the politicians they are working directly with and for , and regardless of who leads the party at any given time , because they are dedicated to Labour winning elections and creating a fairer , more just society .
None of them would want to be embroiled in this internal argument during a time like this , when other very serious matters are occupying everyone ’ s thoughts – indeed , many of them will be working hard in their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
We await the authoritative outcomes of the independent investigation , and hope that people refrain from drawing their own conclusions until it is concluded , and also refrain from attacks , in public and in private , against staff members .

The GMB Labour Party staff branch has slammed the leaked internal review and said that it is “causing immense stress” for the workers named and a “deep sense of mistrust towards their employer”.
In a statement released today, the organisation thanked Keir Starmer for “acting swiftly”, and expressed concerns over the content of the internal review and the way in which it was made public over the weekend.
The branch stated that it is “worrying that the report contains transcripts of private conversations between staff”, and said that the alleged comments are “not being seen within context” and are being “flatly denied”.
The statement follows the leaking of a report into antisemitism in the party over the weekend, which described alleged mishandling of disciplinary cases and attempts by members of staff to undermine Jeremy Corbyn.
Following the release of this 851-page document, Starmer committed to an “urgent independent investigation” into the background, the content and the way in which the report has been released into the public domain.
The Labour leader has not said whether he is prepared to expel members that are found to have undermined his predecessor, saying: “I’ll obviously look at the result when we get it. But I am not going to preempt that.”
Below is the full statement released today by the GMB Labour Party staff branch.
GMB Labour Party staff branch welcomes the statement from Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, committing to commissioning an urgent independent investigation into the recent leaked internal report into the work of the Labour Party’s Governance and Legal Unit in relation to antisemitism.
The branch also welcomes and agrees with the three areas which the investigation will focus on, namely:
The background and circumstances in which the report was commissioned and the process involved. The contents and wider culture and practices referred to in the report. The circumstances in which the report was put into the public domain.
We believe the independence of this investigation is absolutely critical, and we thank the Leader and Deputy Leader for acting swiftly to commission it. We will also be requesting a meeting between GMB representatives and the leadership team at the earliest convenience to discuss the matter prior to the commencement of the investigation.
We would urge any internal investigation to support and complement this independent investigation rather than competing against it.
We are deeply concerned with the report, and the means by which it was commissioned, created, and made public. It is also disappointing that much of the report diverts from the scope of its declared intention, which was to look into the Labour Party’s response to antisemitism. It is also extremely worrying that the report contains transcripts of private conversations between staff on private accounts, using personal equipment.
We agree some of the selected comments attributed to senior staff are absolutely indefensible, it is worth noting that they are not being seen within context and some comments attributed are being flatly denied.
It is also unacceptable that staff members across all levels have had their private communication accessed and their names leaked publicly. The Labour Party would rightly not accept this level of surveillance and intrusion into private conversations of staff in any other workplace, and we believe it therefore should never countenance such practices in the party – let alone authorise them.
This is causing immense stress for those workers, as well as colleagues who are not named but now feel a deep sense of mistrust toward their employer, and the GMB is available to provide support for any of those staff members that require it.
The report has led to a number of people publicly questioning the commitment of Labour Party staff. As a branch, we condemn these suggestions in the strongest terms and would encourage elected representatives and senior figures within the party to behave with restraint when engaging on social media. We consider the mental and physical wellbeing of our members who have no right of reply to be of the utmost importance at this time.
Labour Party staff work extremely hard to deliver a functioning, campaign-ready organisation, and, particularly during elections, give way over and above what is expected of them to help Labour win. Staff regularly put their lives on hold to work for the party, sacrifice time with their families and friends, and push their mental and physical wellbeing to the limit.
They do this work regardless of the politicians they are working directly with and for, and regardless of who leads the party at any given time, because they are dedicated to Labour winning elections and creating a fairer, more just society.
None of them would want to be embroiled in this internal argument during a time like this, when other very serious matters are occupying everyone’s thoughts – indeed, many of them will be working hard in their communities to help with the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
We await the authoritative outcomes of the independent investigation, and hope that people refrain from drawing their own conclusions until it is concluded, and also refrain from attacks, in public and in private, against staff members.


labourlist--2020-04-15--WATCH: Starmer says he won’t preempt outcome of leaked dossier investigation

Keir Starmer has declared that he will not “ preempt the outcome ” of the new independent probe into a leaked internal report on Labour ’ s handling of antisemitism .
In an interview with Sky News today , the Labour leader was asked whether he was prepared to expel people from the party who were apparently undermining his predecessor .
He refused to answer , saying : “ I have set it up .
I want it to be speedy .
And I ’ ll obviously look at the result when we get it .
But I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not going to preempt the outcome of this investigation . ''
Labour leader @ Keir_Starmer is pushed on whether he is prepared to eject people from the party over the leaked internal antisemitism review .
# KayBurleyhttps : //t.co/qXAZZEe20X pic.twitter.com/yh7dUhzKty An internal party report was leaked over the weekend , describing alleged mishandling of disciplinary cases and attempts by members of Labour staff to undermine the then leader Jeremy Corbyn .
Following the release of the 851-page document , Starmer committed to commissioning an “ urgent independent investigation ” into the background @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the report has been released into the public domain .

Keir Starmer has declared that he will not “preempt the outcome” of the new independent probe into a leaked internal report on Labour’s handling of antisemitism.
In an interview with Sky News today, the Labour leader was asked whether he was prepared to expel people from the party who were apparently undermining his predecessor.
He refused to answer, saying: “I have set it up. I want it to be speedy. And I’ll obviously look at the result when we get it. But I am not going to preempt that.”
"I'm not going to preempt the outcome of this investigation." Labour leader @Keir_Starmer is pushed on whether he is prepared to eject people from the party over the leaked internal antisemitism review. #KayBurleyhttps://t.co/qXAZZEe20X pic.twitter.com/yh7dUhzKty — SkyNews (@SkyNews) April 15, 2020
An internal party report was leaked over the weekend, describing alleged mishandling of disciplinary cases and attempts by members of Labour staff to undermine the then leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Following the release of the 851-page document, Starmer committed to commissioning an “urgent independent investigation” into the background, the content and the way in which the report has been released into the public domain.


labourlist--2020-04-14--Starmer urges government to publish exit strategy this week

Keir Starmer has urged the government to publish its exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown this week and warned that people are experiencing “ silent pressures ” .
In a letter to Dominic Raab , who is deputising for the Prime Minister , the Labour leader confirms that his party will support the extension of Covid-19 measures that is expected on Thursday .
Starmer says : “ The question for Thursday… is no longer about whether the lockdown should be extended , but about what the government ’ s position is on how and when it can be eased in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision will be taken .
“ Ministers have argued that now is not the time to talk about this .
I profoundly disagree .
Overcoming this crisis requires taking the British public with you.
” He makes the demand for the release of an exit plan on the basis that the government must be “ open and transparent ” , and that such an approach would “ maintain morale and hope ” .
Noting that the lockdown has “ exacerbated existing inequalities ” , the Labour leader warns that some are struggling with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insecurity and others with loneliness .
The letter to the First Secretary of State also notes that it is “ obvious ” testing and contact tracing will “ play a huge part ” in ending the lockdown , but that the government is experiencing “ difficulties ” in reaching its testing target .
Less than 15,000 tests are currently being conducted daily , despite the government vowing to reach 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month and a more ambitious aim of 250,000 was also mentioned by Boris Johnson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer ’ s letter to Dominic Raab .
While the Prime Minister is recuperating , I am writing to you in your capacity as First Secretary of State .
First of all , would you please pass on my best wishes to the Prime Minister on his recovery when you next speak to him .
I agreed wholeheartedly with his praise for the job the doctors , nurses and other NHS staff have done in caring for him and so many others during this outbreak .
They have been a credit to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , under my leadership , the Labour Party ’ s intention is to work constructively with the government on managing this crisis and helping to protect people ’ s lives and livelihoods .
It is clear that the government intends to extend the lockdown when the review date comes this Thursday .
I can confirm today that we will support this decision , as we supported the introduction of the lockdown in March .
The question for Thursday therefore is no longer about whether the lockdown should be extended , but about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how and when it can be eased in due course and on what criteria that decision will be taken .
Ministers have argued that now is not the time to talk about this .
I profoundly disagree .
Overcoming this crisis requires taking the British public with you .
Millions of people have played their part and exceeded government assumptions about their willingness to make sacrifices and to stay at home in the national interest .
In return , the government needs to be open and transparent with the public about how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , how this decision will be informed and what measures are being put in place to plan for this eventuality .
We agree the measures need to remain in place , but to maintain morale and hope , people need a sense of what comes next .
The silent pressures on communities across the country can not be underestimated .
Many will be struggling with their mental health as well as other health conditions that may not receive the attention they normally would without the virus .
For some it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will make ends meet .
For others the challenge will be loneliness and separation from loved ones , illness or losing someone to this terrible disease .
This lockdown is not affecting people equally .
In fact , it has exacerbated existing inequalities in our country .
A family living in an overcrowded flat will have particular challenges .
And it is hard to imagine the daily horror of someone trapped in a home with his or her abuser .
The government has a duty to do what it can to alleviate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore writing to urge that on Thursday you commit to the following : • Setting out clearly the criteria the government will be using to inform how and when it intends to ease the lockdown measures .
• Publishing the government ’ s exit strategy now or in the coming week , so that when parliament has returned from the Easter recess it can be subject to proper parliamentary scrutiny .
• Outlining the sectors of the economy and the core public services ( e.g .
schools ) that you consider most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be accompanied by a clear plan to protect workers and family members as well an assessment of the impact such measures will have on the economy and existing government support schemes .
Any exit strategy will only be effective if the government puts the necessary planning , investment and infrastructure in place early .
We would be keen to discuss this with the government at the earliest opportunity .
Whatever the preferred option , it seems obvious to us testing and contact tracing will have to play a huge part .
Given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to its 25,000 tests per day by mid-April , it shows why planning is needed .
Or on the question of a vaccine , if this is the government ’ s priority , it must start preparation now to put in place a comprehensive national vaccine programme .
We can not repeat mistakes that have already been made on testing and access to protective equipment .
I understand that there is a lot of scientific advice , analysis and forecasting on the coronavirus .
However , it is political decisions by ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At a time of national crisis , it is more important than ever that those decisions are taken swiftly and transparently .
I hope you will give this request serious consideration and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you further .
I am making a copy of this available to the public .

Keir Starmer has urged the government to publish its exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown this week and warned that people are experiencing “silent pressures”.
In a letter to Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the Prime Minister, the Labour leader confirms that his party will support the extension of Covid-19 measures that is expected on Thursday.
Starmer says: “The question for Thursday… is no longer about whether the lockdown should be extended, but about what the government’s position is on how and when it can be eased in due course and on what criteria that decision will be taken.
“Ministers have argued that now is not the time to talk about this. I profoundly disagree. Overcoming this crisis requires taking the British public with you.”
He makes the demand for the release of an exit plan on the basis that the government must be “open and transparent”, and that such an approach would “maintain morale and hope”.
Noting that the lockdown has “exacerbated existing inequalities”, the Labour leader warns that some are struggling with their mental health, some with job insecurity and others with loneliness.
The letter to the First Secretary of State also notes that it is “obvious” testing and contact tracing will “play a huge part” in ending the lockdown, but that the government is experiencing “difficulties” in reaching its testing target.
Less than 15,000 tests are currently being conducted daily, despite the government vowing to reach 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month and a more ambitious aim of 250,000 was also mentioned by Boris Johnson.
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer’s letter to Dominic Raab.
Dear Dominic,
While the Prime Minister is recuperating, I am writing to you in your capacity as First Secretary of State.
First of all, would you please pass on my best wishes to the Prime Minister on his recovery when you next speak to him. I agreed wholeheartedly with his praise for the job the doctors, nurses and other NHS staff have done in caring for him and so many others during this outbreak. They have been a credit to the country.
As I have said before, under my leadership, the Labour Party’s intention is to work constructively with the government on managing this crisis and helping to protect people’s lives and livelihoods. It is clear that the government intends to extend the lockdown when the review date comes this Thursday. I can confirm today that we will support this decision, as we supported the introduction of the lockdown in March.
The question for Thursday therefore is no longer about whether the lockdown should be extended, but about what the government’s position is on how and when it can be eased in due course and on what criteria that decision will be taken.
Ministers have argued that now is not the time to talk about this. I profoundly disagree. Overcoming this crisis requires taking the British public with you. Millions of people have played their part and exceeded government assumptions about their willingness to make sacrifices and to stay at home in the national interest. In return, the government needs to be open and transparent with the public about how it believes the lockdown will ease and eventually end, how this decision will be informed and what measures are being put in place to plan for this eventuality.
We agree the measures need to remain in place, but to maintain morale and hope, people need a sense of what comes next. The silent pressures on communities across the country cannot be underestimated. Many will be struggling with their mental health as well as other health conditions that may not receive the attention they normally would without the virus. For some it will be heightened concerns about their jobs or how they will make ends meet. For others the challenge will be loneliness and separation from loved ones, illness or losing someone to this terrible disease.
This lockdown is not affecting people equally. In fact, it has exacerbated existing inequalities in our country. A family living in an overcrowded flat will have particular challenges. And it is hard to imagine the daily horror of someone trapped in a home with his or her abuser. The government has a duty to do what it can to alleviate these pressures on people.
I am therefore writing to urge that on Thursday you commit to the following:
Setting out clearly the criteria the government will be using to inform how and when it intends to ease the lockdown measures.
Publishing the government’s exit strategy now or in the coming week, so that when parliament has returned from the Easter recess it can be subject to proper parliamentary scrutiny.
Outlining the sectors of the economy and the core public services (e.g. schools) that you consider most likely to see restrictions eased. This should be accompanied by a clear plan to protect workers and family members as well an assessment of the impact such measures will have on the economy and existing government support schemes.
Any exit strategy will only be effective if the government puts the necessary planning, investment and infrastructure in place early. We would be keen to discuss this with the government at the earliest opportunity. Whatever the preferred option, it seems obvious to us testing and contact tracing will have to play a huge part. Given the difficulties the government is experiencing now ramping up to its 25,000 tests per day by mid-April, it shows why planning is needed. Or on the question of a vaccine, if this is the government’s priority, it must start preparation now to put in place a comprehensive national vaccine programme. We cannot repeat mistakes that have already been made on testing and access to protective equipment.
I understand that there is a lot of scientific advice, analysis and forecasting on the coronavirus. However, it is political decisions by ministers that will determine what happens next. At a time of national crisis, it is more important than ever that those decisions are taken swiftly and transparently. I hope you will give this request serious consideration and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you further.
I am making a copy of this available to the public.
Yours sincerely,
Keir Starmer MP
Leader of the Labour Party


labourlist--2020-04-14--My first 100 days as a Labour MP

My first 100 days as a Labour MP

Without sounding dramatic , on December 12th – well , the early hours of December 13th to be specific – my life changed overnight .
I ’ d gone from being a new mam on maternity leave to being elected as the MP for Pontypridd , the area in which I was born , raised and still live in .
It ’ s now been a little more than 100 days since that evening , and it really has been a rollercoaster ride .
On Monday 16th December , I began what I can only describe as Parliamentary Bootcamp .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come , but as welcoming as colleagues and the Parliamentary staff were , I was also missing home and my nine-month-old son in particular .
I was particularly crushed that my first vote – and one that I ’ ll always remember – was to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement .
We all know how that one ended… Christmas was a blur , and January came quicker than we all would have liked , but I returned to Parliament invigorated for how I could best serve the people that I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks prior .
As is often the case , the world had different plans for me .
In January , the Health Board announced that they were exploring the future of the local Accident and Emergency Department in the local hospital in my constituency .
If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything , it ’ s that you don ’ t mess with the NHS .
People in my area were angry at the thought of losing vital A & E services , and I suddenly found myself at the centre of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all bad , though .
January brought some highlights including being officially sworn in – a good excuse for my family to join me in London for the day !
The whole ‘ living in a hotel room ’ experience was also putting real pressure on my ability to breastfeed my son Sullivan , and I knew it needed to change .
I spoke with Mr Speaker about my experiences and was so proud when , after our discussion , he gave women the green light to breastfeed in the Commons .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the most senior figures in British politics had taken on board my comments and had set a new precedent for women and mams in parliament .
This was one of the first ‘ a-ha ’ moments I had in parliament , and served as a reminder of the genuine honour that it is to serve as an MP .
By the time February rocked around , I was finally managing to find my flow .
But I was soon hit with another crisis .
This time , it was something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or prepared for .
Storm Dennis caused the worst flooding damage and destruction that has ever been seen in my constituency .
The River Taff in Pontypridd burst its banks and the water levels rose to more than a metre higher than previous records .
It was truly heart-breaking to witness , and I ’ ll never forget seeing the horrendous footage of water flooding through our high street , destroying local shops and whatever else stood in its way .
I ’ ve always been a ‘ do-er ’ and am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I set up a crowdfunder with the hope of raising £5,000 to support the people who had lost the most .
What followed over the coming weeks was truly extraordinary .
The fundraising page that aimed to raise money for a place that many people outside of South Wales have never even heard of ended up topping more than £35,000 .
In a time of genuine adversity for my local community , it was overwhelming in the best sense to have support from so wide and far .
Even Prince Charles paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us all in Ponty .
It ’ s certainly not often that my patch in the Valley ’ s receives royal attention .
Yet the clear-up was , and remains to this day , huge .
Lives and businesses have been changed forever – and while I ’ m proud of the fantastic community spirit that was shown , the flooding was truly an eye-opening experience for me on so many levels .
I channelled my energy into pushing the UK government for help .
I asked the Prime Minister , Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He tried to fob me off , twice !
Then I asked the Secretary of State for Environmental and Rural Affairs the same .
Again , I received a vague response.
‘ Frustrating ’ is not the word – I was tampin ’ and borderline furious with their ignorance .
I persisted , and also dived into new challenges in parliament .
International Women ’ s Day brought me an opportunity to speak publicly about something extremely personal to me : my experiences with fertility treatment and my difficulties with conceiving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ always my intention to do politics differently .
A huge part of that is personalising the politics , and it was really important for me to be as honest and as ‘ human ’ as possible during my time on the green benches .
My speech focused on the difficult journey that my incredible husband and I went on , to bring our beautiful boy into the world .
I hope that it allowed others who are struggling to feel less alone .
However , another crisis was looming .
This time it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us all , and it ’ s a really unsettling time for people everywhere .
Life has certainly taken a strange turn once again .
I am now working from my living room and my day often consists of calls with my local council .
We spend time discussing morgues , the death rate , and how badly hit my area will be .
All the while , it ’ s my job to maintain a service to people in Pontypridd – to reassure them and to do everything I can to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs , lost their incomes and have sadly lost loved ones .
Many of the businesses in my area were also only just beginning to recover from the flooding damage .
It ’ s not easy when coronavirus has changed every precedent – political and beyond – that we knew of .
As I write , the UK Prime Minister has just left hospital after spending a few days in intensive care , which brought the harsh reality of this disease close to home .
Yet I know it will not last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at night worrying about the flooding and wondering if my community could recover , I kept reminding myself that things can and will get better .
To say it ’ s been a busy 100 days or so would be an understatement .
At times , it ’ s felt like I ’ ve jumped from crisis to crisis .
I ’ m half expecting to wake up in May to the news that a plague of locusts has arrived in Pontypridd .
Yet with a new leader of the Labour Party comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics – one that I am extremely excited for .
I can also certainly say that I am really missing being in the Commons , which is something that in those first few lonely weeks I worried would never happen .
As I mentioned in my maiden speech only a few months ago , I didn ’ t stand for election to sit back , say nothing and be a shrinking violet .
I can only hope that Westminster and the chamber is ready for my return – whenever that may be .

Without sounding dramatic, on December 12th – well, the early hours of December 13th to be specific – my life changed overnight. I’d gone from being a new mam on maternity leave to being elected as the MP for Pontypridd, the area in which I was born, raised and still live in. It’s now been a little more than 100 days since that evening, and it really has been a rollercoaster ride.
On Monday 16th December, I began what I can only describe as Parliamentary Bootcamp. I was excited by all that was to come, but as welcoming as colleagues and the Parliamentary staff were, I was also missing home and my nine-month-old son in particular. I was particularly crushed that my first vote – and one that I’ll always remember – was to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement. We all know how that one ended…
Christmas was a blur, and January came quicker than we all would have liked, but I returned to Parliament invigorated for how I could best serve the people that I’d been chosen to represent only a few weeks prior. As is often the case, the world had different plans for me.
In January, the Health Board announced that they were exploring the future of the local Accident and Emergency Department in the local hospital in my constituency. If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that you don’t mess with the NHS. People in my area were angry at the thought of losing vital A&E services, and I suddenly found myself at the centre of it all.
It wasn’t all bad, though. January brought some highlights including being officially sworn in – a good excuse for my family to join me in London for the day! The whole ‘living in a hotel room’ experience was also putting real pressure on my ability to breastfeed my son Sullivan, and I knew it needed to change. I spoke with Mr Speaker about my experiences and was so proud when, after our discussion, he gave women the green light to breastfeed in the Commons.
Only a few weeks after being elected, one of the most senior figures in British politics had taken on board my comments and had set a new precedent for women and mams in parliament. This was one of the first ‘a-ha’ moments I had in parliament, and served as a reminder of the genuine honour that it is to serve as an MP.
By the time February rocked around, I was finally managing to find my flow. But I was soon hit with another crisis. This time, it was something that none of us could have ever imagined or prepared for. Storm Dennis caused the worst flooding damage and destruction that has ever been seen in my constituency.
The River Taff in Pontypridd burst its banks and the water levels rose to more than a metre higher than previous records. It was truly heart-breaking to witness, and I’ll never forget seeing the horrendous footage of water flooding through our high street, destroying local shops and whatever else stood in its way.
I’ve always been a ‘do-er’ and am not one to shy away from a challenge. I set up a crowdfunder with the hope of raising £5,000 to support the people who had lost the most. What followed over the coming weeks was truly extraordinary. The fundraising page that aimed to raise money for a place that many people outside of South Wales have never even heard of ended up topping more than £35,000.
In a time of genuine adversity for my local community, it was overwhelming in the best sense to have support from so wide and far. Even Prince Charles paid us a visit – a big day for us all in Ponty. It’s certainly not often that my patch in the Valley’s receives royal attention.
Yet the clear-up was, and remains to this day, huge. Lives and businesses have been changed forever – and while I’m proud of the fantastic community spirit that was shown, the flooding was truly an eye-opening experience for me on so many levels.
I channelled my energy into pushing the UK government for help. I asked the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, for fair funding for Wales. He tried to fob me off, twice! Then I asked the Secretary of State for Environmental and Rural Affairs the same. Again, I received a vague response.‘Frustrating’ is not the word – I was tampin’ and borderline furious with their ignorance.
I persisted, and also dived into new challenges in parliament. International Women’s Day brought me an opportunity to speak publicly about something extremely personal to me: my experiences with fertility treatment and my difficulties with conceiving.
After I was elected, it was always my intention to do politics differently. A huge part of that is personalising the politics, and it was really important for me to be as honest and as ‘human’ as possible during my time on the green benches. My speech focused on the difficult journey that my incredible husband and I went on, to bring our beautiful boy into the world. I hope that it allowed others who are struggling to feel less alone.
However, another crisis was looming. This time it was going global. Coronavirus has impacted us all, and it’s a really unsettling time for people everywhere. Life has certainly taken a strange turn once again. I am now working from my living room and my day often consists of calls with my local council. We spend time discussing morgues, the death rate, and how badly hit my area will be.
All the while, it’s my job to maintain a service to people in Pontypridd – to reassure them and to do everything I can to help those in need. People have lost their jobs, lost their incomes and have sadly lost loved ones. Many of the businesses in my area were also only just beginning to recover from the flooding damage. It’s not easy when coronavirus has changed every precedent – political and beyond – that we knew of.
As I write, the UK Prime Minister has just left hospital after spending a few days in intensive care, which brought the harsh reality of this disease close to home. Yet I know it will not last. When I was kept up late at night worrying about the flooding and wondering if my community could recover, I kept reminding myself that things can and will get better.
To say it’s been a busy 100 days or so would be an understatement. At times, it’s felt like I’ve jumped from crisis to crisis. I’m half expecting to wake up in May to the news that a plague of locusts has arrived in Pontypridd. Yet with a new leader of the Labour Party comes a whole new ‘feel’ to politics – one that I am extremely excited for.
I can also certainly say that I am really missing being in the Commons, which is something that in those first few lonely weeks I worried would never happen. As I mentioned in my maiden speech only a few months ago, I didn’t stand for election to sit back, say nothing and be a shrinking violet. I can only hope that Westminster and the chamber is ready for my return – whenever that may be.


labourlist--2020-04-14--How the co-operative movement has responded to Covid-19

Co-operation is an inherently practical part of Labour ’ s radical tradition .
We are a movement of action , putting our values and principles into practice every day to create the kind of society we believe in – from the early co-operators from Rochdale providing affordable food , to the modern movement who are stepping up to meet the challenge of Covid-19 .
As businesses owned and run by their staff and customers , co-operatives have always led the way in giving back to their communities .
During this crisis , co-operatives have consistently set an example that other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed .
Perhaps the best-known face of the co-operative movement is your local Co-op supermarket .
These co-operative retail societies and their workers are on the front line of this crisis , helping to keep the nation fed .
To reflect this , it was Co-operative MPs who made sure that retail workers were designated key workers , giving them better protection and recognition .
And co-operatives are doing much more on food justice during Covid-19 beyond simply staying open .
There are almost too many examples to count of co-ops making generous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go hungry , from co-op pubs to community cafes .
The Larder in Preston , for example , is fundraising to provide 10,000 meals for people in their community , and the community-owned Bevy in Brighton has transformed from a pub to a delivery service getting hot meals to elderly diners .
At the other end of the spectrum , the retail co-ops like Central England Co-operative have made a substantial donation so that FareShare can continue delivering food packages to the most vulnerable , and are providing discounts for NHS staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the nation fed too – Arla farmers are contributing 900,000 litres of long-life milk to government grocery packs for vulnerable people .
Beyond food , the co-operative movement exists in almost every sector and all are doing their bit .
The Little Pioneers nurseries , run by Midcounties Co-operative , are keeping nurseries nearest hospitals open and affordable for children of key workers .
They ’ re offering additional temporary places for key workers who are unable to rely on their usual childcare arrangements and are developing a Frontline Hero Support Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For those parents keeping their kids at home , they ’ re not charging fees unlike many private nurseries , and for their staff who have been furloughed they ’ re topping up the 80 % salary from government so workers see no drop in income .
Co-operative academies are staying open over the Easter holidays to support parents in critical frontline jobs .
To tackle holiday hunger for those children no longer attending school , the Co-operative Group is donating £20 a week in food vouchers to children who would usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have to stay home .
To make homeschooling work for children with special needs , the Phone Co-op sourced phones so that their teachers could keep in touch .
This is just the beginning .
As the political voice of this great movement , the Co-operative Party are glad we can work together in our near 100 year electoral partnership with Labour to represent the co-operative movement in Westminster , the Welsh Assembly , Holyrood and town halls across the country .
Our strength at a local level has been crucial during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operative councillors across the UK , and their co-operative values are shining through .
Liverpool councillors have supported cycle co-op Peloton Liv and Agile Liverpool , using some of their Mayoral Neighbourhood Fund to fund free home deliveries on cargo bikes .
And co-operative councillors are volunteering in local co-op stores too – helping out at the busiest times to keep customers safe .
As Labour ’ s new leadership turns its focus to responding to the coronavirus crisis , we can be reassured that the new shadow cabinet is full of co-operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quarter of the total , are Labour and Co-operative MPs , and these MPs draw from the same practical values as the wider co-operative movement and are poised to put them into practice in their new briefs .
As we look at this crisis and beyond , the work of our movement and its representatives gives us hope that beyond a difficult present lies a fairer future for all .

Co-operation is an inherently practical part of Labour’s radical tradition. We are a movement of action, putting our values and principles into practice every day to create the kind of society we believe in – from the early co-operators from Rochdale providing affordable food, to the modern movement who are stepping up to meet the challenge of Covid-19.
As businesses owned and run by their staff and customers, co-operatives have always led the way in giving back to their communities. During this crisis, co-operatives have consistently set an example that other businesses and even the Government have since followed.
Perhaps the best-known face of the co-operative movement is your local Co-op supermarket. These co-operative retail societies and their workers are on the front line of this crisis, helping to keep the nation fed. To reflect this, it was Co-operative MPs who made sure that retail workers were designated key workers, giving them better protection and recognition.
And co-operatives are doing much more on food justice during Covid-19 beyond simply staying open. There are almost too many examples to count of co-ops making generous donations so that others don’t go hungry, from co-op pubs to community cafes. The Larder in Preston, for example, is fundraising to provide 10,000 meals for people in their community, and the community-owned Bevy in Brighton has transformed from a pub to a delivery service getting hot meals to elderly diners.
At the other end of the spectrum, the retail co-ops like Central England Co-operative have made a substantial donation so that FareShare can continue delivering food packages to the most vulnerable, and are providing discounts for NHS staff. Co-operative farmers are doing their bit to keep the nation fed too – Arla farmers are contributing 900,000 litres of long-life milk to government grocery packs for vulnerable people.
Beyond food, the co-operative movement exists in almost every sector and all are doing their bit. The Little Pioneers nurseries, run by Midcounties Co-operative, are keeping nurseries nearest hospitals open and affordable for children of key workers. They’re offering additional temporary places for key workers who are unable to rely on their usual childcare arrangements and are developing a Frontline Hero Support Fund to subsidise fees for key worker families. For those parents keeping their kids at home, they’re not charging fees unlike many private nurseries, and for their staff who have been furloughed they’re topping up the 80% salary from government so workers see no drop in income.
Co-operative academies are staying open over the Easter holidays to support parents in critical frontline jobs. To tackle holiday hunger for those children no longer attending school, the Co-operative Group is donating £20 a week in food vouchers to children who would usually receive free school meals for every week they have to stay home. To make homeschooling work for children with special needs, the Phone Co-op sourced phones so that their teachers could keep in touch.
This is just the beginning. As the political voice of this great movement, the Co-operative Party are glad we can work together in our near 100 year electoral partnership with Labour to represent the co-operative movement in Westminster, the Welsh Assembly, Holyrood and town halls across the country.
Our strength at a local level has been crucial during this crisis – there are over 1,000 co-operative councillors across the UK, and their co-operative values are shining through. Liverpool councillors have supported cycle co-op Peloton Liv and Agile Liverpool, using some of their Mayoral Neighbourhood Fund to fund free home deliveries on cargo bikes. And co-operative councillors are volunteering in local co-op stores too – helping out at the busiest times to keep customers safe.
As Labour’s new leadership turns its focus to responding to the coronavirus crisis, we can be reassured that the new shadow cabinet is full of co-operators. Nine shadow cabinet members, over a quarter of the total, are Labour and Co-operative MPs, and these MPs draw from the same practical values as the wider co-operative movement and are poised to put them into practice in their new briefs. As we look at this crisis and beyond, the work of our movement and its representatives gives us hope that beyond a difficult present lies a fairer future for all.