labourlist--2020-10-21--Conservatives reject call to extend free school meals over holidays

The government has voted down – by a majority of 61 – a motion put forward by the Labour Party calling on the Conservatives to extend free school meals over the holidays up to and including the Easter break next year .
Following an opposition day debate in the Commons this evening , the government declined to support the proposal that would have seen the same level of support afforded to families as was provided over the summer break .
Closing the discussion tonight , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey claimed that the government was trying to “ make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first ” but also said that “ work is the best way out of poverty ” .
Addressing the House today , Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green told government ministers today : “ Child poverty is a pandemic of its own .
It is a pandemic that reflects the great evils still haunting our society .
“ A society blighted by wages that are not enough for working families to make ends meet , a housing crisis that creates insecurity , and a social security system cut to ribbons by the party opposite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a silver bullet , and they will not end child poverty .
They are a sticking plaster , but one that is badly and urgently needed .
Needed by the 1.4 million children who could go hungry without them.
” She added : “ While the provision of free school meals is closed , the gravy train is still open for business .
£7,000 a day for consultants working on a test and trace system that doesn ’ t work.
” Coventry MP Taiwo Owatemi gave an impassioned and personal speech on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , telling MPs : “ I am completely saddened that we are here talking about free school meals as if it is a luxury .
It is not a luxury… “ I was on free school meals and I know how important it was for me and my family .
I know there were many , many mornings when I had to rush into school and a free school meal provided me with breakfast , with lunch and a snack… “ We shouldn ’ t be here deciding whether or not this should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should never be something that is put to a vote .
It should have been something on which we actually work together across the opposite bench.
” Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP pointed out to MPs this evening that just as it was the “ right and humane thing ” for the government to provide free school meals over the summer holiday , it should do so the same over the winter period .
Naz Shah gave a fierce defence of free school meals , lambasting Tory MPs : “ It is about morality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This isn ’ t a debate about whether it ’ s food bank vouchers or whether it ’ s free school meals .
“ This is a debate about poverty , which bit of that do people in this House not get ?
This is about children who will not have a meal , will not have sufficient nutrients to go to school or go about their daily lives and be able to learn.
” The Bradford West MP also warned that the Trussel Trust has warned that there will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the government ’ s insistence on withdrawing the £20 uplift in Universal Credit .
Shadow early years minister Tulip Siddiq highlighted the positive step taken elsewhere in the UK to commit to a holiday provision .
She told parliament : “ It is only children in England who won ’ t get this support… “ I want to pay tribute in particular to the Welsh government who have not only guaranteed this support but at every stage they have announced it well in advance , giving families the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan… “ The result of this strong leadership is that parents in Wales are not having to worry about whether they can put food on the table next year.
” The Welsh Labour government last week announced that it had put together a funding package of £11m to make sure that free school meals are provided during every school holiday , up to and including the Easter break in 2021 .
The UK government has been under pressure to provide support for families in England .
A petition started by footballer Marcus Rashford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during term breaks , has gather over 300,000 signatures .
The government saw some opposition its own backbench MPs today , with Robert Halfon arguing in the debate that it is a “ no-brainer ” to extend free school meal provision at least until the end of the pandemic .
Five Tories voted with Labour to support the motion this evening : Halfon ; Caroline Ansell ; Jason McCartney ; Anne Marie Morris ; and Holly Mumby-Croft .
The petition also calls on Downing Street to introduce free school meals for all under-16s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universal Credit or the equivalent legacy benefit , and to raise the ‘ healthy vouchers ’ scheme to £4.24 per week .
The demands in the petition follow from the recommendations of the National Food Strategy .
Rashford led the successful campaign for free school meals over the summer , which forced the government into a U-turn earlier this year .
Labour had also launched its own ‘ Holidays Without Hunger ’ campaign and party leader Keir Starmer hailed the climb down from Downing Street at the time as “ another welcome U-turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week for free school meals to be extended over all holidays between now and spring 2021 .
Johnson has so far rejected all pleas , saying : “ It ’ s not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holidays.
” Below is the full text of the motion voted down by the Tories today .
That this House calls on the government to continue directly funding provision of free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021 to prevent over a million children going hungry during @ @ @

The government has voted down – by a majority of 61 – a motion put forward by the Labour Party calling on the Conservatives to extend free school meals over the holidays up to and including the Easter break next year.
Following an opposition day debate in the Commons this evening, the government declined to support the proposal that would have seen the same level of support afforded to families as was provided over the summer break.
Closing the discussion tonight, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey claimed that the government was trying to “make sure we continue to put the vulnerable first” but also said that “work is the best way out of poverty”.
Addressing the House, Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green told government ministers today: “Child poverty is a pandemic of its own. It is a pandemic that reflects the great evils still haunting our society.
“A society blighted by wages that are not enough for working families to make ends meet, a housing crisis that creates insecurity, and a social security system cut to ribbons by the party opposite.
“Today’s proposals are not a silver bullet, and they will not end child poverty. They are a sticking plaster, but one that is badly and urgently needed. Needed by the 1.4 million children who could go hungry without them.”
She added: “While the provision of free school meals is closed, the gravy train is still open for business. £7,000 a day for consultants working on a test and trace system that doesn’t work.”
Coventry MP Taiwo Owatemi gave an impassioned and personal speech on her experience of free school meals, telling MPs: “I am completely saddened that we are here talking about free school meals as if it is a luxury. It is not a luxury…
“I was on free school meals and I know how important it was for me and my family. I know there were many, many mornings when I had to rush into school and a free school meal provided me with breakfast, with lunch and a snack…
“We shouldn’t be here deciding whether or not this should be a vote. Free school meals should never be something that is put to a vote. It should have been something on which we actually work together across the opposite bench.”
Tan Dhesi MP pointed out to MPs this evening that just as it was the “right and humane thing” for the government to provide free school meals over the summer holiday, it should do so the same over the winter period.
Naz Shah offered a fierce defence of free school meals, lambasting Tory MPs: “It is about morality. It’s absolutely about morality. This isn’t a debate about whether it’s food bank vouchers or whether it’s free school meals.
“This is a debate about poverty, which bit of that do people in this House not get? This is about children who will not have a meal, will not have sufficient nutrients to go to school or go about their daily lives and be able to learn.”
The Bradford West MP also cited the Trussell Trust as warning that there will be a 9% increase in food bank usage as a result of the government’s insistence on withdrawing the £20 uplift in Universal Credit.
Shadow early years minister Tulip Siddiq highlighted the positive step taken elsewhere in the UK to commit to a holiday provision. She told parliament: “It is only children in England who won’t get this support…
“I want to pay tribute in particular to the Welsh government who have not only guaranteed this support but at every stage they have announced it well in advance, giving families the right to have certainty and the right to plan.”
The Welsh Labour government last week announced that it had put together a funding package of £11m to make sure that free school meals are provided during every school holiday, up to and including the Easter break in 2021.
The UK government has been under pressure to provide support for families in England. A petition started by footballer Marcus Rashford for the government to provide free school during term breaks, has gather over 300,000 signatures.
The government saw some opposition its own backbench MPs today, with Robert Halfon arguing in the debate that it is a “no-brainer” to extend free school meal provision at least until the end of the pandemic.
Five Tories voted with Labour to support the motion this evening: Robert Halfon; Caroline Ansell; Jason McCartney; Anne Marie Morris; and Holly Mumby-Croft.
Rashford’s petition calls on Downing Street to introduce free school meals for all under-16s where a guardian is in receipt of Universal Credit or the equivalent legacy benefit, and to raise the ‘healthy vouchers’ scheme to £4.24 per week.
The demands follow from the recommendations of the National Food Strategy. Rashford led the successful campaign for free school meals over the summer, which forced the government into a U-turn earlier this year.
Labour had also launched its own ‘Holidays Without Hunger’ campaign and party leader Keir Starmer hailed the climb down from Downing Street at the time as “another welcome U-turn from Boris Johnson”.
Labour called last week for free school meals to be extended over all holidays between now and spring 2021. Johnson has so far rejected all pleas, saying: “It’s not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holidays.”
Below is the full text of the motion voted down by the Tories today.
That this House calls on the government to continue directly funding provision of free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021 to prevent over a million children going hungry during this crisis.


labourlist--2020-10-21--Elsie Greenwood: Why I’m standing to be Young Labour’s Scotland rep

At every election , big or small , people say : “ This is the most important election.
” Often this can be hyperbolic .
But this year ’ s Young Labour election is the most important for Scottish members because our belief in devolution and its importance is on the line .
In casting your vote for Scotland representative this year , you will also be electing the chair of Scottish Young Labour .
These two roles were combined at the 2019 Labour conference , tucked away in a pile of democracy review changes , without the express approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even knowing that it was happening .
Devolution has had 20 years to be understood and respected , yet decisions affecting people here in Scotland are still being made by members in the South .
In fact , many only realised this year ’ s Young Labour election was a two-for-the-price-of-one special after I launched my campaign .
Even members of the current Scottish Young Labour leadership and Labour ’ s Scottish executive committee were unaware of the change .
Regardless of your thoughts on the rule change and whether there is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , what young Scottish Labour members should be asking themselves is : “ how can we ensure that decisions about us are never made without us again ?
” .
That ’ s why I ’ m standing to be Scotland representative and chair of Scottish Young Labour .
I was encouraged to stand for many reasons , but the tipping point for me was realising that we in Scotland need someone who is prepared to fight our corner every step of the way .
To put Scotland on the map , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart of decisions at a UK level .
We will never win a general election if we do not win back Scotland – and if young members are the future , as much as we are the present , we need to organise now and be the leaders of our movement .
I want to redefine the purpose of the Scotland representative role and ensure young members have someone willing to defend devolution and fight for Scottish Young Labour ’ s autonomy , whilst working collaboratively with the UK committee on campaigns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , my ambition goes much further than that .
I have a plan if elected as Chair of Scottish Young Labour , too .
As a queer disabled woman I am – like many other young people – feeling the brunt of austerity , insufficient mental health funding , insecure work and exploitative landlords .
For too long , our youth wing has been a playground for factional battles , undemocratic endorsements and a toxic comms operation .
In doing so , it has missed out on opportunities to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was Scottish Young Labour when young people in Scotland were scapegoated by the government over rising coronavirus cases ?
Young members in Scotland are frustrated , and rightly so .
We have a membership that is brimming with talented and energetic socialists , who are organising on their campuses , in their workplaces and within their local communities .
We need a youth wing that supports and uplifts them .
I do not want to manage Scottish Young Labour – I want to lead a wholesale reformation of it .
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s easy to repeat the usual tag lines of ‘ socialism ’ , ‘ democracy ’ and ‘ transparency ’ .
Whilst all these remain important , I ’ m bringing an actionable plan to the table .
My five key ideas are as follows : • Ensure Scottish Young Labour is open , democratic and accessible to all members .
• Commit to being an organisation that stands up for minorities .
It ’ s this agenda that is going to push Scottish Young Labour off Twitter and into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong plan that is going to democratise our youth wing , increase engagement and make us present in every region across Scotland .
A leadership for young members that will be organised , passionate and determined to fight in the 2021 Holyrood election – and win .
Next year , we will be well and truly in the fight of our lives .
Richard Leonard and the party have a transformative agenda for Scotland , and our youth wing needs to be ready to rally behind them .
I can see what our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that in the face of Covid-19 ripping our communities apart now more than ever we need a youth wing that is not just active but leading the fight for a fairer society .
Young members know more than anyone that under the SNP and Tory governments we have fewer secure jobs and less secure housing .
Young members know better than anyone how to use online platforms and fight for social justice there .
Young members are not just the future of this movement , they are the organisers of today and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of and for them .
At this crucial time in our party , I am asking you to vote Elsie Greenwood for Scotland representative .

At every election, big or small, people say: “This is the most important election.” Often this can be hyperbolic. But this year’s Young Labour election is the most important for Scottish members because our belief in devolution and its importance is on the line. In casting your vote for Scotland representative this year, you will also be electing the chair of Scottish Young Labour. These two roles were combined at the 2019 Labour conference, tucked away in a pile of democracy review changes, without the express approval of Scottish members, and without many even knowing that it was happening.
Devolution has had 20 years to be understood and respected, yet decisions affecting people here in Scotland are still being made by members in the South. In fact, many only realised this year’s Young Labour election was a two-for-the-price-of-one special after I launched my campaign. Even members of the current Scottish Young Labour leadership and Labour’s Scottish executive committee were unaware of the change. Regardless of your thoughts on the rule change and whether there is an argument for the roles being combined or not, what young Scottish Labour members should be asking themselves is: “how can we ensure that decisions about us are never made without us again?”.
That’s why I’m standing to be Scotland representative and chair of Scottish Young Labour. I was encouraged to stand for many reasons, but the tipping point for me was realising that we in Scotland need someone who is prepared to fight our corner every step of the way. To put Scotland on the map, and ensure Scottish Labour is at the heart of decisions at a UK level. We will never win a general election if we do not win back Scotland – and if young members are the future, as much as we are the present, we need to organise now and be the leaders of our movement.
I want to redefine the purpose of the Scotland representative role and ensure young members have someone willing to defend devolution and fight for Scottish Young Labour’s autonomy, whilst working collaboratively with the UK committee on campaigns, influencing and challenging the leadership. But, of course, my ambition goes much further than that. I have a plan if elected as Chair of Scottish Young Labour, too. As a queer disabled woman I am – like many other young people – feeling the brunt of austerity, insufficient mental health funding, insecure work and exploitative landlords.
For too long, our youth wing has been a playground for factional battles, undemocratic endorsements and a toxic comms operation. In doing so, it has missed out on opportunities to lead on campaigns. Where, for example, was Scottish Young Labour when young people in Scotland were scapegoated by the government over rising coronavirus cases? Young members in Scotland are frustrated, and rightly so. We have a membership that is brimming with talented and energetic socialists, who are organising on their campuses, in their workplaces and within their local communities. We need a youth wing that supports and uplifts them.
I do not want to manage Scottish Young Labour – I want to lead a wholesale reformation of it. I have a bold plan to make this happen. It’s easy to repeat the usual tag lines of ‘socialism’, ‘democracy’ and ‘transparency’. Whilst all these remain important, I’m bringing an actionable plan to the table. My five key ideas are as follows:
Defend and protect Scottish Young Labour’s autonomy.
Ensure Scottish Young Labour is open, democratic and accessible to all members.
Commit to being an organisation that stands up for minorities.
Build a strong working relationship with trade and tenants’ unions.
Make Scottish Young Labour a socialist campaign force in Scotland.
It’s this agenda that is going to push Scottish Young Labour off Twitter and into our communities. It’s a strong plan that is going to democratise our youth wing, increase engagement and make us present in every region across Scotland. A leadership for young members that will be organised, passionate and determined to fight in the 2021 Holyrood election – and win.
Next year, we will be well and truly in the fight of our lives. Richard Leonard and the party have a transformative agenda for Scotland, and our youth wing needs to be ready to rally behind them. I can see what our movement is capable of, and I know that in the face of Covid-19 ripping our communities apart now more than ever we need a youth wing that is not just active but leading the fight for a fairer society.
Young members know more than anyone that under the SNP and Tory governments we have fewer secure jobs and less secure housing. Young members know better than anyone how to use online platforms and fight for social justice there. Young members are not just the future of this movement, they are the organisers of today and if elected I will be a champion of and for them. At this crucial time in our party, I am asking you to vote Elsie Greenwood for Scotland representative.


labourlist--2020-10-21--London mayor vows to fight Tories over threats to take control of TfL

Sadiq Khan has rejected calls from the government to accept severe conditions attached to a potential Covid bailout for London and pushed back on Tory threats to take central control of Transport for London .
In a Sky News interview this afternoon , the Labour mayor warned that “ unless the government reaches a deal with us by the end of this month , we won ’ t have monies that we ’ re required to do so by law ” .
His comments followed threats by the UK government to take control of the capital ’ s transport system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congestion charge zone and increase travel fares across the city .
The mayor told viewers that TfL will soon be facing significant financial difficulties due to the pandemic and that this would necessitate running fewer services .
He added that this would pose a threat to public health .
Khan said : “ What I ’ ll need to be doing is reducing services in London… The problem with that is not only will businesses suffer , but at a time when there ’ s a pandemic we need people who use public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has declared that that the government “ will be taking reserve legislative powers allowing us if necessary to direct TfL ” if London does not submit to the impositions .
The mayor added : “ What I ’ m saying is , in the short term , we need a Covid grant to support us and then let ’ s work on a long-term plan to make sure TfL is on a sustainable financial footing.
” Khan posted on social media earlier this afternoon to say that Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister ’ s Questions this afternoon when he accused the mayor of having “ bankrupted London ” .
He argued : “ The Prime Minister on the floor of the Commons basically told a lie , which is to give the impression that the reason TfL has financial challenges is because things we did , I did , before the pandemic struck .
“ The reality is that over the last four years , we ’ ve managed to reduce the deficit I inherited by more than 71 % .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reduced to £200m before the pandemic struck.
” The mayor explained that the difficulties facing the transport system in the capital have been caused by a reduction in fares of more than 90 % , and he accused the Tories of “ attaching draconian conditions ” to a grant .
He rejected the conditions and told viewers : “ I ’ m not willing to accept that four million additional Londoners up to the north circular and south circular pay £15 a day for using their car .
“ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the poorest Londoners pay an increase in regressive council tax to pay for public transport .
I ’ m not willing to accept a well-above inflation increase in fares.
” The government earlier this year withheld a support package of £1.6bn until the mayor agreed an increase in the congestion charge and an extension of the ultra-low emission zone charge to the weekend .
The Labour London mayor said this afternoon : “ I think it ’ s wrong to remove travel for the poorest children in our city .
And I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our poorest 60 year olds , as well.
” Commenting on the Tory proposals , ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said : “ This is a punitive , and politically motivated , move with the privatised train companies getting a bailout from the government , but not TfL , which is in the public sector .
“ That is not just wrong , and ideologically-driven , but stupid .
London is the only major city in Western Europe without a government grant for day-to-day transport operations .
“ Passengers and fares have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that is not the fault of Sadiq Khan , the London mayor , nor is it the fault of staff.
” The dispute over the funding comes as TfL confirmed the latest death of a bus driver from coronavirus , which has brought the number of fatalities among workers during the pandemic to 45 .

Sadiq Khan has rejected calls from the government to accept severe conditions attached to a potential Covid bailout for London and pushed back on Tory threats to take central control of Transport for London.
In a Sky News interview this afternoon, the Labour mayor warned that “unless the government reaches a deal with us by the end of this month, we won’t have monies that we’re required to do so by law”.
His comments followed threats by the UK government to take control of the capital’s transport system if the mayor does not expand the congestion charge zone and increase travel fares across the city.
The mayor told viewers that TfL will soon be facing significant financial difficulties due to the pandemic and that this would necessitate running fewer services. He added that this would pose a threat to public health.
Khan said: “What I’ll need to be doing is reducing services in London… The problem with that is not only will businesses suffer, but at a time when there’s a pandemic we need people who use public transport to keep a social distance.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has declared that that the government “will be taking reserve legislative powers allowing us if necessary to direct TfL” if London does not submit to the impositions.
The mayor added: “What I’m saying is, in the short term, we need a Covid grant to support us and then let’s work on a long-term plan to make sure TfL is on a sustainable financial footing.”
Khan posted on social media earlier this afternoon to say that Boris Johnson had lied to MPs in parliament during Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon when he accused the mayor of having “bankrupted London”.
He argued: “The Prime Minister on the floor of the Commons basically told a lie, which is to give the impression that the reason TfL has financial challenges is because things we did, I did, before the pandemic struck.
“The reality is that over the last four years, we’ve managed to reduce the deficit I inherited by more than 71%. It was £1.5bn when I became mayor, it was reduced to £200m before the pandemic struck.”
The mayor explained that the difficulties facing the transport system in the capital have been caused by a reduction in fares of more than 90%, and he accused the Tories of “attaching draconian conditions” to a grant.
He rejected the conditions and told viewers: “I’m not willing to accept that four million additional Londoners up to the north circular and south circular pay £15 a day for using their car.
“I’m not willing to accept that some of the poorest Londoners pay an increase in regressive council tax to pay for public transport. I’m not willing to accept a well-above inflation increase in fares.”
The government earlier this year withheld a support package of £1.6bn until the mayor agreed an increase in the congestion charge and an extension of the ultra-low emission zone charge to the weekend.
The Labour London mayor said this afternoon: “I think it’s wrong to remove travel for the poorest children in our city. And I think it’s wrong to remove travel for our poorest 60 year olds, as well.”
Commenting on the Tory proposals, ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said: “This is a punitive, and politically motivated, move with the privatised train companies getting a bailout from the government, but not TfL, which is in the public sector.
“That is not just wrong, and ideologically-driven, but stupid. London is the only major city in Western Europe without a government grant for day-to-day transport operations.
“Passengers and fares have fallen by 90% during this pandemic but that is not the fault of Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, nor is it the fault of staff.”
The dispute over the funding comes as TfL confirmed the latest death of a bus driver from coronavirus, which has brought the number of fatalities among workers during the pandemic to 45.


labourlist--2020-10-21--Who is set to succeed Tim Roache? Quick guide to GMB’s general secretary race

GMB is currently without a general secretary .
The union has acting general secretary John Phillips filling in , but will soon need to elect a replacement for Tim Roache .
LabourList has put together a quick guide to the Labour-affiliated union ’ s election before it gets underway .
Why is the election happening ?
Tim Roache stood down from the general secretary position in April , less than six months after he was re-elected with 61 % of the vote .
He cited ill health as the cause , but was facing allegations of impropriety that he strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GMB head in 2015 as the successor to Paul Kenny , under whose leadership the union secured some of the best pay deals since the financial crash for its members .
After Roache stood down , an independent investigation was launched into sexism at the trade union .
The conclusion of that independent investigation was damning , with the very first line of the report reading : “ The GMB is institutionally sexist ” .
The report authored by Karon Monaghan QC concluded that there was “ significant job segregation ” at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ male-dominated with limited female participation ” .
The document declared that “ bullying , misogyny , cronyism and sexual harassment are endemic within the GMB ” .
It also criticised the behaviour of past general secretaries at the union , in particular their mismanaged handling of sexual harassment complaints .
The union ’ s general secretary election is starting to be seen by many as a chance for the GMB leadership to break from the kinds of behaviour detailed in the report and work to improve the culture at the union .
Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been no official announcements from any candidates yet , it is largely expected that the election will end up being a two-horse race between Gary Smith and Rehana Azam .
Smith is currently the union ’ s Scotland secretary , a role he has served in since 2015 .
He was an outside candidate in that year ’ s general secretary election after unexpectedly receiving over three times the nominations needed to stand , although he eventually dropped out of the race that Tim Roache went on to win .
He created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard , who had been a lifelong member and former officer in the GMB , when his position was being challenged .
Azam has served as one of the GMB ’ s national officers for many years , having initially been elected in 2004 as the officer responsible for the union ’ s equalities policy .
She has previously described her experience of first getting involved in workplace organising after she was racially abused for her Asian heritage while working in a clothing factory .
The GMB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to act on the sexism report , tweeting at the time of its release : “ No longer can we airbrush , dismiss or dilute people ’ s lived experiences .
All talent should be nurtured , all achievement celebrated and no position should ever be inaccessible to any member because of their gender or background.
” How does it work ?
In the 2019 general secretary election , candidates needed at least 50 nominations from local GMB branches and two nominations from the union ’ s nine wider regions to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the union ’ s more than 620,000 members to vote on the qualified candidates .
Only 8.5 % of eligible members voted in the 2019 election .
LabourList reached out to the union to ask about any changes to the election process that might be implemented this year , but has not received an answer .
There has been no official announcement on a timeline for the election yet .
Why does it matter ?
For one , whoever wins the contest is expected to facilitate the creation of a new culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the behaviour of several former GMB general secretaries , and this election offers the chance for their successor to forge a new path .
What the future candidates say about the report and the outcome of the race will also tell us how likely it is that the union will go on to make radical changes .
The election will have interesting consequences for the Labour Party .
GMB has not been hostile towards Keir Starmer , notably helping him to secure his favourite for the party ’ s own new general secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – of whom Roache was a big supporter – in the leadership election .
The beliefs and priorities of the next GMB general secretary will shape its relationship with Labour and its leadership .

GMB is currently without a general secretary. The union has acting general secretary John Phillips filling in, but will soon need to elect a replacement for Tim Roache. LabourList has put together a quick guide to the Labour-affiliated union’s election before it gets underway.
Why is the election happening?
Tim Roache stood down from the general secretary position in April, less than six months after he was re-elected with 61% of the vote. He cited ill health as the cause, but was facing allegations of impropriety that he strongly denies.
Roache was first elected as the GMB head in 2015 as the successor to Paul Kenny, under whose leadership the union secured some of the best pay deals since the financial crash for its members. After Roache stood down, an independent investigation was launched into sexism at the trade union.
The conclusion of that independent investigation was damning, with the very first line of the report reading: “The GMB is institutionally sexist”. The report authored by Karon Monaghan QC concluded that there was “significant job segregation” at the union and that branches were “male-dominated with limited female participation”.
The document declared that “bullying, misogyny, cronyism and sexual harassment are endemic within the GMB”. It also criticised the behaviour of past general secretaries at the union, in particular their mismanaged handling of sexual harassment complaints.
The union’s general secretary election is starting to be seen by many as a chance for the GMB leadership to break from the kinds of behaviour detailed in the report and work to improve the culture at the union.
Who is likely to stand?
Although there have been no official announcements from any candidates yet, it is largely expected that the election will end up being a two-horse race between Gary Smith and Rehana Azam.
Smith is currently the union’s Scotland secretary, a role he has served in since 2015. He was an outside candidate in that year’s general secretary election after unexpectedly receiving over three times the nominations needed to stand, although he eventually dropped out of the race that Tim Roache went on to win.
He created headlines earlier this year after he refused to support Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard, who had been a lifelong member and former officer in the GMB, when his position was being challenged.
Azam has served as one of the GMB’s national officers for many years, having initially been elected in 2004 as the officer responsible for the union’s equalities policy. She has previously described her experience of first getting involved in workplace organising after she was racially abused for her Asian heritage while working in a clothing factory.
The GMB national officer has been vocal about the need to act on the sexism report, tweeting at the time of its release: “No longer can we airbrush, dismiss or dilute people’s lived experiences. All talent should be nurtured, all achievement celebrated and no position should ever be inaccessible to any member because of their gender or background.”
How does it work?
In the 2019 general secretary election, candidates needed at least 50 nominations from local GMB branches and two nominations from the union’s nine wider regions to make the ballot. Ballots were then distributed to the union’s more than 620,000 members to vote on the qualified candidates. Only 8.5% of eligible members voted in the 2019 election.
LabourList reached out to the union to ask about any changes to the election process that might be implemented this year, but has not received an answer. There has been no official announcement on a timeline for the election yet.
Why does it matter?
For one, whoever wins the contest is expected to facilitate the creation of a new culture in GMB. The Monaghan report criticised the behaviour of several former GMB general secretaries, and this election offers the chance for their successor to forge a new path. What the future candidates say about the report and the outcome of the race will also tell us how likely it is that the union will go on to make radical changes.
The election will have interesting consequences for the Labour Party. GMB has not been hostile towards Keir Starmer, notably helping him to secure his favourite for the party’s own new general secretary, but the union nominated Lisa Nandy – of whom Roache was a big supporter – in the leadership election. The beliefs and priorities of the next GMB general secretary will shape its relationship with Labour and its leadership.


labourlist--2020-10-21--Our plans as new UNISON reps on Young Labour’s national committee

As new UNISON representatives on the Young Labour national committee , we are delighted to be serving at a time that demands action for millions of young workers across our movement and nation .
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed ten years of brutal , ideological Tory austerity inflicted upon our public services and communities .
Amid a pandemic , we are being governed via one self-induced crisis after another .
Years of neglect and privatisation have exacerbated the impact of the pandemic for the very key workers we clapped for week in , week out – from shortages of personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes to a lack of nurses ; from a shortage of Covid tests to a testing system run for profit over the welfare of our people and communities .
As UNISON members and activists , we are proud to be part of a 1.3 million-strong movement that has led the fight against these governmental failures .
A decade into Tory rule , we now see a growing number of public sector young workers who have only known pay cuts and caps , privatisation and an absence of investment in their places of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from which to recover , UNISON is calling for a pay rise of at least £2,000 for every single NHS worker .
In the midst of a global crisis , it could be perceived as self-indulgent to focus on an internal Labour election – but we could not disagree more .
Young trade unionists need their voices heard and amplified by our Young Labour movement now more than ever .
As UNISON representatives , we are looking forward to serving on a reenergised committee , working with other trade union reps and members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our movement .
Together , we will stand up to the Tory destruction of our environment and their increasing privatisation of public services , which should remain in our hands .
It is also up to us to stand in solidarity with young people in the public sector who , coming out of this crisis , will be more likely to be consigned to unemployment , which already stands at over half a million .
We will ensure that the committee launches a membership drive .
It is vital that we persuade young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well encouraging young people to stand for office within our movement and ensuring that they have the tools and support to do so .
We will be steadfast advocates in ensuring that Young Labour is a safe and welcoming environment for all .
We will work with and be steadfast allies of the Jewish Labour Movement , the Black Lives Matter movement , as well as working with LGBT+ Labour and the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights to ensure that no Young Labour member feels they are not welcome in a party that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The list of failures from the Tories in Westminster is endless , and the crisis today seems now centred on self-preserving posturing and evading scrutiny at every turn – rather than listening to the scientists and backing Labour ’ s credible plan led by Keir Starmer that puts people first .
As your UNISON representatives on the Young Labour national committee , we pledge to do our utmost to support our party and represent our movement in holding this shambolic government to account .

As new UNISON representatives on the Young Labour national committee, we are delighted to be serving at a time that demands action for millions of young workers across our movement and nation. The coronavirus pandemic has exposed ten years of brutal, ideological Tory austerity inflicted upon our public services and communities.
Amid a pandemic, we are being governed via one self-induced crisis after another. Years of neglect and privatisation have exacerbated the impact of the pandemic for the very key workers we clapped for week in, week out – from shortages of personal protective equipment to the crisis in care homes to a lack of nurses; from a shortage of Covid tests to a testing system run for profit over the welfare of our people and communities.
As UNISON members and activists, we are proud to be part of a 1.3 million-strong movement that has led the fight against these governmental failures. A decade into Tory rule, we now see a growing number of public sector young workers who have only known pay cuts and caps, privatisation and an absence of investment in their places of work.
Now, with a national pandemic from which to recover, UNISON is calling for a pay rise of at least £2,000 for every single NHS worker. In the midst of a global crisis, it could be perceived as self-indulgent to focus on an internal Labour election – but we could not disagree more. Young trade unionists need their voices heard and amplified by our Young Labour movement now more than ever.
As UNISON representatives, we are looking forward to serving on a reenergised committee, working with other trade union reps and members to build a coalition of campaigners in our movement. Together, we will stand up to the Tory destruction of our environment and their increasing privatisation of public services, which should remain in our hands. It is also up to us to stand in solidarity with young people in the public sector who, coming out of this crisis, will be more likely to be consigned to unemployment, which already stands at over half a million.
We will ensure that the committee launches a membership drive. It is vital that we persuade young people to join a union, as well encouraging young people to stand for office within our movement and ensuring that they have the tools and support to do so. We will be steadfast advocates in ensuring that Young Labour is a safe and welcoming environment for all. We will work with and be steadfast allies of the Jewish Labour Movement, the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as working with LGBT+ Labour and the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights to ensure that no Young Labour member feels they are not welcome in a party that will always be the party of equality.
The list of failures from the Tories in Westminster is endless, and the crisis today seems now centred on self-preserving posturing and evading scrutiny at every turn – rather than listening to the scientists and backing Labour’s credible plan led by Keir Starmer that puts people first. As your UNISON representatives on the Young Labour national committee, we pledge to do our utmost to support our party and represent our movement in holding this shambolic government to account.


labourlist--2020-10-21--“Child poverty is a pandemic of its own” – Kate Green’s free school meals speech

Below is the full text of the speech delivered to the House of Commons by Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green this afternoon .
I am very pleased to open today ’ s debate on such an important motion – on behalf of children across our country who are at risk of going hungry , and all the families worried that their children will be hungry over the school holidays .
But the truth is we should not need to be having this debate at all .
In summer , when this issue was due to be debated in this House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing , and ensured no child would go hungry over the summer .
But this time , despite many families facing even more challenging circumstances now than they did four months ago , shamefully , the government is walking away from its obligation to hungry children .
In their hearts , honourable members on the government benches , who rightly supported the extension of free school meals over the summer holiday , know that .
And they will also know that the thousands of families who rely on free school meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch their votes tonight with great interest .
The right honourable member for Harlow and honourable member for Newton Abbot have said they will vote for this measure .
I commend them for setting party politics aside to do the right thing , and I hope many more of their colleagues will join us .
Over 1.4 million children benefit from free school meals .
Nearly 900,000 eligible children live in areas subject to Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions .
Their families face a furlough cliff-edge , an inadequate replacement system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So the question for members opposite is simple .
Are they absolutely confident that support is adequate and that no child in their constituencies will go hungry ?
We do know what the Prime Minister thinks .
Downing Street said : “ It ’ s not for schools to provide food to pupils during the school holiday.
” I can not believe that I have to spell this out .
It is the government ’ s responsibility to ensure that children do not go hungry .
They don ’ t stop being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the end of term .
And surely our constituents send us as MPs to this place to vote to ensure that the children who most need our help – at any time of year – are protected ?
So let me say to members opposite : put party politics aside tonight , and vote to extend free school meals for the sake of our children .
After all , since the summer holidays , the situation has got worse , more desperate , for millions of families .
But while the provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the gravy train is still open for business .
£7,000 a day for consultants working on a test and trace system that doesn ’ t work .
£130 million to a Conservative Party donor for unsafe Covid testing kits .
£160 million profits for Serco , and an increased dividend for shareholders , because the government threw good money after bad on a test and trace contract that ’ s robbing the public .
Yesterday a business minister said that extending free school meals is not as simple as writing a cheque @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money only runs out when it is hungry children who need it ?
And I am surprised that there isn ’ t greater recognition on the government benches that families across the country are finding it difficult to manage .
It was only a matter of weeks ago that national newspapers were full of briefings from friends of the Prime Minister reporting anxiety about how he ’ d provide for his family .
He had a new baby and , with the loss of his lucrative newspaper columns , his friends said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his £150,000 salary as Prime Minister .
It is , frankly , contemptible that the kind of concern we read in the national newspapers for the Prime Minister ’ s finances is not extended to the millions across this country who are genuinely struggling .
Imagine you ’ re a parent of one of the over 3,000 children in the Prime Minister ’ s own constituency who benefits from free school meals .
To read one week about how hard it is to make ends meet on £150,000 a year , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal for your child taken away a few days later , is utterly unjustifiable .
The fact that we need to have this debate is a sign of repeated failures on the part of this government .
A failure of compassion .
A failure of competence in not recognising the challenges parents face , and giving them the support they need to provide for their children .
And a failure of leadership not to be clear and unequivocal that no child should go hungry in one of the world ’ s richest countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show leadership there have been many others who have stepped up to do the right thing .
I pay tribute to Marcus Rashford – as the MP for Old Trafford , I congratulate him on his late winning goal last night , and I hope he will score another late victory today when we vote on our motion .
And I congratulate and thank the many others across the country who are acting and campaigning to end child poverty and food poverty .
It brings me huge pride to see people come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are failing to do so .
Co-operative schools are already committing to providing free school meals over the holidays – that represents the very best of the coop movement .
A movement built on support for one other , helping your neighbours and your community , doing what is right for the most disadvantaged .
Will the Secretary of State follow their example ?
Colleagues in the Welsh Labour government , and in Northern Ireland and some parts of Scotland , have already committed to providing free school meals over the holidays until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will the Secretary of State follow their example ?
Catering staff across our schools have worked flat out to fulfil their essential role in providing free school meals .
They ’ re among the many low paid workers we have learnt to depend on during the pandemic .
But many feel that their jobs and livelihoods are at risk .
Can the minister tell us what steps are being taken to protect and support the jobs of school catering staff , and others who deliver this support to our children ?
Before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children growing up in poverty .
In the months ahead , that number will only increase .
Child poverty is a pandemic of its own .
It is a pandemic that reflects the great evils still haunting our society .
A society blighted by wages that are not enough for working families to make ends meet , a housing crisis that creates insecurity , and a social security system cut to ribbons by the party opposite .
Today ’ s proposals are not a silver bullet , and they will not end child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but one that is badly and urgently needed .
Needed by the 1.4 million children who could go hungry without them .
By families worried about putting food on the table .
So will the Secretary of State do what is right , and take this first small step to ensure that over a million children do not go hungry this Christmas ?
As I said at the start , this debate should not even be happening .
The government should never have let things go this far .
They still don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State can stand up now and do the right thing .
He can listen to Labour , to campaigners , and to families across the country , withdraw his amendment , and support our motion .
Sadly , I do not think he will do so .
Yet months ago , Marcus Rashford asked the question that started this debate , and that saw the government extend free school meals over summer .
Today I ask the Secretary of State the same simple question : can we all agree that no child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commend our motion to the House .

Below is the full text of the speech delivered to the House of Commons by Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green this afternoon.
I am very pleased to open today’s debate on such an important motion – on behalf of children across our country who are at risk of going hungry, and all the families worried that their children will be hungry over the school holidays. But the truth is we should not need to be having this debate at all. In summer, when this issue was due to be debated in this House, the government saw sense, did the right thing, and ensured no child would go hungry over the summer. But this time, despite many families facing even more challenging circumstances now than they did four months ago, shamefully, the government is walking away from its obligation to hungry children.
In their hearts, honourable members on the government benches, who rightly supported the extension of free school meals over the summer holiday, know that. And they will also know that the thousands of families who rely on free school meals to help them make ends meet will watch their votes tonight with great interest. The right honourable member for Harlow and honourable member for Newton Abbot have said they will vote for this measure. I commend them for setting party politics aside to do the right thing, and I hope many more of their colleagues will join us.
Over 1.4 million children benefit from free school meals. Nearly 900,000 eligible children live in areas subject to Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions. Their families face a furlough cliff-edge, an inadequate replacement system, and the deep fear of growing unemployment. So the question for members opposite is simple. Are they absolutely confident that support is adequate and that no child in their constituencies will go hungry?
We do know what the Prime Minister thinks. Downing Street said: “It’s not for schools to provide food to pupils during the school holiday.” I cannot believe that I have to spell this out. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that children do not go hungry. They don’t stop being hungry just because the school bell rings for the end of term. And surely our constituents send us as MPs to this place to vote to ensure that the children who most need our help – at any time of year – are protected? So let me say to members opposite: put party politics aside tonight, and vote to extend free school meals for the sake of our children.
After all, since the summer holidays, the situation has got worse, more desperate, for millions of families. But while the provision of free school meals is being closed, the gravy train is still open for business. £7,000 a day for consultants working on a test and trace system that doesn’t work. £130 million to a Conservative Party donor for unsafe Covid testing kits. £160 million profits for Serco, and an increased dividend for shareholders, because the government threw good money after bad on a test and trace contract that’s robbing the public.
Yesterday a business minister said that extending free school meals is not as simple as writing a cheque. But why is it that the money only runs out when it is hungry children who need it? And I am surprised that there isn’t greater recognition on the government benches that families across the country are finding it difficult to manage. It was only a matter of weeks ago that national newspapers were full of briefings from friends of the Prime Minister reporting anxiety about how he’d provide for his family. He had a new baby and, with the loss of his lucrative newspaper columns, his friends said it would be a strain to manage on his £150,000 salary as Prime Minister.
It is, frankly, contemptible that the kind of concern we read in the national newspapers for the Prime Minister’s finances is not extended to the millions across this country who are genuinely struggling. Imagine you’re a parent of one of the over 3,000 children in the Prime Minister’s own constituency who benefits from free school meals. To read one week about how hard it is to make ends meet on £150,000 a year, and then to see the provision of a free meal for your child taken away a few days later, is utterly unjustifiable. The fact that we need to have this debate is a sign of repeated failures on the part of this government. A failure of compassion. A failure of competence in not recognising the challenges parents face, and giving them the support they need to provide for their children. And a failure of leadership not to be clear and unequivocal that no child should go hungry in one of the world’s richest countries.
But where the government have failed to show leadership there have been many others who have stepped up to do the right thing. I pay tribute to Marcus Rashford – as the MP for Old Trafford, I congratulate him on his late winning goal last night, and I hope he will score another late victory today when we vote on our motion. And I congratulate and thank the many others across the country who are acting and campaigning to end child poverty and food poverty. It brings me huge pride to see people come together and take action where the government are failing to do so.
Co-operative schools are already committing to providing free school meals over the holidays – that represents the very best of the coop movement. A movement built on support for one other, helping your neighbours and your community, doing what is right for the most disadvantaged. Will the Secretary of State follow their example? Colleagues in the Welsh Labour government, and in Northern Ireland and some parts of Scotland, have already committed to providing free school meals over the holidays until Easter . Again, I ask, will the Secretary of State follow their example?
Catering staff across our schools have worked flat out to fulfil their essential role in providing free school meals. They’re among the many low paid workers we have learnt to depend on during the pandemic. But many feel that their jobs and livelihoods are at risk. Can the minister tell us what steps are being taken to protect and support the jobs of school catering staff, and others who deliver this support to our children? Before the pandemic, there were over four million children growing up in poverty. In the months ahead, that number will only increase.
Child poverty is a pandemic of its own. It is a pandemic that reflects the great evils still haunting our society. A society blighted by wages that are not enough for working families to make ends meet, a housing crisis that creates insecurity, and a social security system cut to ribbons by the party opposite. Today’s proposals are not a silver bullet, and they will not end child poverty. They are a sticking plaster, but one that is badly and urgently needed. Needed by the 1.4 million children who could go hungry without them. By families worried about putting food on the table.
So will the Secretary of State do what is right, and take this first small step to ensure that over a million children do not go hungry this Christmas? As I said at the start, this debate should not even be happening. The government should never have let things go this far. They still don’t have to. The Secretary of State can stand up now and do the right thing. He can listen to Labour, to campaigners, and to families across the country, withdraw his amendment, and support our motion. Sadly, I do not think he will do so. Yet months ago, Marcus Rashford asked the question that started this debate, and that saw the government extend free school meals over summer. Today I ask the Secretary of State the same simple question: can we all agree that no child should go to bed hungry? I commend our motion to the House.


labourlist--2020-10-21--Tory MPs vote down Labour motion on “fair deal” for Tier 3 communities

The government has defeated – by a majority of 79 votes – the Labour motion in the House of Commons this afternoon that demanded a “ fair one nation deal ” for those living under Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions .
Labour had been calling on the government to publish “ clear and fair national criteria for financial support ” in areas facing tougher Covid rules , and for the local furlough scheme to offer at least 80 % of incomes rather than 67 % .
Two Conservative MPs – Bolton West ’ s Chris Green and Hazel Grove ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituencies in the Greater Manchester area – voted with Labour in favour of the motion today .
The debate that took place ahead of the vote was overshadowed by a moment in which Conservative MP Chris Clarkson accused deputy leader Angela Rayner of calling him “ scum ” from the opposition frontbench during his speech .
Responding to the accusation , Rayner told the Deputy Speaker : “ One of the things I ’ d ask your guidance on is on members saying things about the frontbench which are inaccurate in their speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to withdraw it.
” Clarkson had claimed , as other Tory MPs did during the debate , that “ Andy [ Burnham ] got up and walked away from the table ” , although the Greater Manchester mayor says it was the government that walked away from talks .
He also accused Burnham and the Labour frontbench of “ opportunism ” , and claimed the vote on the impact of Tier 3 rules being forced by the opposition party today was “ designed for release on social media afterwards ” .
Rayner had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is not just about Greater Manchester .
This is about all of us .
We will not be picked off one by one .
Offered the crumbs when we helped bake the loaf .
We deserve a fair slice.
” The party chair told MPs : “ We are starting down the barrel of a bleak winter because the government has lost control of the virus .
Infections are rising .
Hospital admissions are rising .
Deaths , tragically , are rising .
“ The testing system is collapsed .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious that they will not be able to make ends meet and put food on the table .
Our motion today will ensure a fair , national deal for the country.
” In a closing speech for Labour , Anneliese Dodds accused the government of adopting a “ phantom framework ” after Robert Jenrick claimed this morning that they had a formula for financial support offered to Tier 3 areas .
The Shadow Chancellor asked why the formula had not been published at any point , and suggested other factors to include in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time the area had been under restrictions , the number of business and workers affected , and the level of deprivation .
Labour ’ s Toby Perkins also doubted the claim that there was a formula , saying : “ They don ’ t even lie well .
This government is so inept that they can ’ t even get their story straight when they ’ re screwing people over.
” Shadow minister Tracy Brabin , who is running to be Labour ’ s candidate for West Yorkshire mayor , criticised government claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : “ It ’ s more like the ‘ Northern Poorhouse ’ .
” Former leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey , who represents a Greater Manchester seat , said : “ The sums requested by Greater Manchester yesterday was a speck compared to the millions given to Serco , G4S , KPMG , Deloitte and other private firms in this pandemic.
” She added : “ This doesn ’ t appear to be an exercise in infection control .
It appears to be an exercise in keeping the North and other Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country to engage in our own version of The Hunger Games , where only the fittest and wealthiest will survive.
” Ian Byrne , a Liverpool MP since 2019 , described Chancellor Rishi Sunak as “ one of the richest men in parliament ” and suggested that as a result he “ has absolutely no idea just what he is asking of the people ” during Covid .
The Labour MP added : “ Can he really appreciate what it means to live off £5.76 an hour ?
If he had walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is following would be different .
I invite him to come to Liverpool and speak to the Scouse cabbies.
” Imran Hussain similarly highlighted the difficulties faced by self-employed workers , saying : “ The self-employed risk being forgotten , as they nearly were by ministers at the start of this crisis .
Our taxi drivers , delivery drivers , tradesmen and others all deserve support.
” He also stressed that support for Tier 2 areas was insufficient as : “ Under these restrictions , our businesses may not have been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing significant downturns in trading .
Our hospitality sector in particular is being savaged.
” Shabana Mahmood described it as “ the worst of all worlds ” as “ your business base has been decimated because of public health measures ” .
She said : “ It ’ s nonsensical that you end up wishing you ’ re in Tier 3 just to get some support.
” While many Conservative MPs attacked Andy Burnham in particular for insisting on further support for Greater Manchester as the area enters Tier 3 restrictions , Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local Labour mayor .
In contrast to many colleagues , Wragg argued : “ If it is the case that we must close by law , it is only right that local representatives should strive for every penny from the government that has mandated their closure.
” After refusing to confirm the amount of support being offered to Greater Manchester yesterday , the Prime Minister told MPs this afternoon that the area would receive £60m to help businesses through Tier 3 lockdown .

The government has defeated – by a majority of 79 votes – the Labour motion in the House of Commons this afternoon that demanded a “fair one nation deal” for those living under Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.
Labour had been calling on the government to publish “clear and fair national criteria for financial support” in areas facing tougher Covid rules, and for the local furlough scheme to offer at least 80% of incomes rather than 67%.
Two Conservative MPs – Bolton West’s Chris Green and Hazel Grove’s William Wragg, both of whom represent constituencies in the Greater Manchester area – voted with Labour in favour of the motion today.
The debate that took place ahead of the vote was overshadowed by a moment in which Conservative MP Chris Clarkson said deputy leader Angela Rayner had called him “scum” from the opposition frontbench during his speech.
Following the incident, Rayner told the Deputy Speaker: “One of the things I’d ask your guidance on is on members saying things about the frontbench which are inaccurate in their speech, and I’d ask them to withdraw it.”
Clarkson had claimed, as other Tory MPs did during the debate, that “Andy [Burnham] got up and walked away from the table”, although the Greater Manchester mayor says it was the government that walked away from talks.
He also accused Burnham and the Labour frontbench of “opportunism”, and claimed the vote on the impact of Tier 3 rules being forced by the opposition party today was “designed for release on social media afterwards”.
Rayner had used her opening speech to say: “This is not just about Greater Manchester. This is about all of us. We will not be picked off one by one. Offered the crumbs when we helped bake the loaf. We deserve a fair slice.”
The party chair told MPs: “We are starting down the barrel of a bleak winter because the government has lost control of the virus. Infections are rising. Hospital admissions are rising. Deaths, tragically, are rising.
“The testing system is collapsed. People and businesses across the country will be anxious that they will not be able to make ends meet and put food on the table. Our motion today will ensure a fair, national deal for the country.”
In a closing speech for Labour, Anneliese Dodds accused the government of adopting a “phantom framework” after Robert Jenrick claimed this morning that they had a formula for financial support offered to Tier 3 areas.
The Shadow Chancellor asked why the formula had not been published, and suggested other factors to include in it – such as the length of time the area had been under restrictions, the number of business and workers affected, and deprivation levels.
Labour’s Toby Perkins also doubted the claim that there was a formula, saying: “They don’t even lie well. This government is so inept that they can’t even get their story straight when they’re screwing people over.”
Shadow minister Tracy Brabin, who is running to be Labour’s candidate for West Yorkshire mayor, criticised government claims to prioritise the ‘Northern Powerhouse’, adding: “It’s more like the ‘Northern Poorhouse’.”
Former leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey, who represents a Greater Manchester seat, said: “The sums requested by Greater Manchester yesterday was a speck compared to the millions given to Serco, G4S, KPMG, Deloitte and other private firms in this pandemic.”
She added: “This doesn’t appear to be an exercise in infection control. It appears to be an exercise in keeping the North and other Tier 3 areas away from the rest of the country to engage in our own version of The Hunger Games, where only the fittest and wealthiest will survive.”
Ian Byrne, a Liverpool MP since 2019, described Chancellor Rishi Sunak as “one of the richest men in parliament” and suggested that as a result he “has absolutely no idea just what he is asking of the people” during Covid.
The Labour MP added: “Can he really appreciate what it means to live off £5.76 an hour? If he had walked in their shoes, maybe the strategy he is following would be different. I invite him to come to Liverpool and speak to the Scouse cabbies.”
Imran Hussain similarly highlighted the difficulties faced by self-employed workers, saying: “The self-employed risk being forgotten, as they nearly were by ministers at the start of this crisis. Our taxi drivers, delivery drivers, tradesmen and others all deserve support.”
He also stressed that support for Tier 2 areas was insufficient as: “Under these restrictions, our businesses may not have been told to close, but they are still facing significant downturns in trading. Our hospitality sector in particular is being savaged.”
Shabana Mahmood described it as “the worst of all worlds” as “your business base has been decimated because of public health measures”. She said: “It’s nonsensical that you end up wishing you’re in Tier 3 just to get some support.”
While many Conservative MPs attacked Andy Burnham in particular for insisting on further support for Greater Manchester as the area enters Tier 3 restrictions, Tory MP William Wragg defended the efforts of the local Labour mayor.
In contrast to many colleagues, Wragg argued: “If it is the case that we must close by law, it is only right that local representatives should strive for every penny from the government that has mandated their closure.”
After refusing to confirm the amount of support being offered to Greater Manchester yesterday, the Prime Minister told MPs this afternoon that the area would receive £60m to help businesses through Tier 3 lockdown.


labourlist--2020-10-21--Alice Perry: Why I’m standing to represent councillors on Labour’s NEC

Covid-19 has highlighted and exasperated inequality issues in the UK .
It has underlined massive structural inequality , in health , education and housing .
It exposes the widening gap between the North and South .
We have a system of government that is far too centralised and removed from people ’ s everyday lives .
We have parliament and government that doesn ’ t look or sound the Britain in 2020 .
Covid and Brexit lay bare the damage that the Conservatives have done to this country and our communities .
Labour ’ s councillors and mayors have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 response – setting the agenda , standing up for communities and holding this disgraceful government to account .
Our councillors and mayors have been absolutely inspirational in recent days , making a powerful case for better support for jobs , lives and livelihoods .
It felt like Andy Burnham and Sir Richard Leese were making history on the steps of Manchester Central Library .
It is ironic that it has taken a global pandemic for our councillors and mayors to start getting the respect they deserve .
Right now , our councillors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing amazing work in exceptionally hard circumstances .
I am so proud to represent local government on Labour ’ s NEC .
I was elected to the NEC in 2014 and the last six years have certainly been eventful .
What have I contributed as an NEC member ?
• I have reported back on every meeting ( thank you to LabourList for publishing my NEC reports ) .
• In 2016 , I secured important rule changes to support councillors and improve our status within the party .
I will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • I co-chair the LGA Women ’ s Leadership Taskforce , which has produced a best practice guide for increasing female representation and produced a parental leave policy and model motion for councils and Labour groups .
• I ’ ve lobbied for more protection for councillors from abuse , both online and in person .
( Robert Jenrick didn ’ t even acknowledge , let alone respond , to our last letter . )
• I am co-convener of the justice and home and affairs policy commission , reviewing Labour ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privatisation in the prison and probation service and adopting the recommendations of the Lammy Review .
• I ’ ve been proud to work on Labour ’ s general election manifestos in 2015 , 2017 and 2019 .
Like you , I am really disappointed we lost those elections and didn ’ t get see those fantastic policies in action • I brought a motion to the NEC to establish an independent complaints process , so members can feel confident that complaints will be dealt with fairly and free of political influence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that included transphobia alongside the protected characteristics from the Equality Act and stand in solidarity with our trans brothers and sisters .
• I work to improve diversity in local government and to tackle antisemitism .
• I consistently and vocally supporting the full IHRA definition on antisemitism .
• I got Jeremy Corbyn , John McDonnell and Jon Trickett to write a letter supporting councils in our budget setting process and opposing those who want councils to set illegal budgets .
• I ’ ve worked with trade unions , the LGA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage more people to stand to be councillors .
• Continue providing detailed reports on NEC meetings , so people are aware of what is going on at the top of the party .
• Provide a strong voice for local government , ensuring Labour groups and local parties get the resources we need to fight elections , and have more say over election campaigns .
• Champion local government policy initiatives , like building more affordable housing , tackling climate change , protecting and creating jobs and defending public services .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in local government , increasing working class , women , BAME , LGBT and disabled representation .
• Continue to campaign for parental leave and greater flexibility for councillors .
• Stand up for members ’ ability to select their MPs , giving people a real choice of talented candidates .
• Defend the link between Labour and trade unions , and work closely and constructive with trade union colleagues .
• Champion Labour councillors in opposition and the important work they do .
• And as a veteran of too many eight-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the NEC , I will propose a motion limiting virtual NEC meetings to six hours .
A big thank you to the 71 Labour groups who nominated me and Nick Forbes to the NEC .
The local government NEC ballot will be sent in a separate email ballot to the main NEC election .
Please look out for this and re-elect me to the NEC .

Covid-19 has highlighted and exasperated inequality issues in the UK. It has underlined massive structural inequality, in health, education and housing. It exposes the widening gap between the North and South.
We have a system of government that is far too centralised and removed from people’s everyday lives. We have parliament and government that doesn’t look or sound the Britain in 2020. Covid and Brexit lay bare the damage that the Conservatives have done to this country and our communities.
Labour’s councillors and mayors have been at the forefront of Labour’s Covid-19 response – setting the agenda, standing up for communities and holding this disgraceful government to account.
Our councillors and mayors have been absolutely inspirational in recent days, making a powerful case for better support for jobs, lives and livelihoods. It felt like Andy Burnham and Sir Richard Leese were making history on the steps of Manchester Central Library. It is ironic that it has taken a global pandemic for our councillors and mayors to start getting the respect they deserve.
Right now, our councillors – in power and in opposition – are doing amazing work in exceptionally hard circumstances. I am so proud to represent local government on Labour’s NEC. I was elected to the NEC in 2014 and the last six years have certainly been eventful. What have I contributed as an NEC member?
I have reported back on every meeting (thank you to LabourList for publishing my NEC reports).
In 2016, I secured important rule changes to support councillors and improve our status within the party. I will continue to work to build on these.
I co-chair the LGA Women’s Leadership Taskforce, which has produced a best practice guide for increasing female representation and produced a parental leave policy and model motion for councils and Labour groups.
I’ve lobbied for more protection for councillors from abuse, both online and in person. (Robert Jenrick didn’t even acknowledge, let alone respond, to our last letter.)
I am co-convener of the justice and home and affairs policy commission, reviewing Labour’s approach to crime and justice, opposing privatisation in the prison and probation service and adopting the recommendations of the Lammy Review.
I’ve been proud to work on Labour’s general election manifestos in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Like you, I am really disappointed we lost those elections and didn’t get see those fantastic policies in action
I brought a motion to the NEC to establish an independent complaints process, so members can feel confident that complaints will be dealt with fairly and free of political influence. I wrote the section of the motion that included transphobia alongside the protected characteristics from the Equality Act and stand in solidarity with our trans brothers and sisters.
I work to improve diversity in local government and to tackle antisemitism.
I consistently and vocally supporting the full IHRA definition on antisemitism.
I got Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Jon Trickett to write a letter supporting councils in our budget setting process and opposing those who want councils to set illegal budgets.
I’ve worked with trade unions, the LGA, the Co-op Party and others to encourage more people to stand to be councillors.
If re-elected, I will:
Continue providing detailed reports on NEC meetings, so people are aware of what is going on at the top of the party.
Provide a strong voice for local government, ensuring Labour groups and local parties get the resources we need to fight elections, and have more say over election campaigns.
Champion local government policy initiatives, like building more affordable housing, tackling climate change, protecting and creating jobs and defending public services.
Continue the important work to increase diversity in local government, increasing working class, women, BAME, LGBT and disabled representation.
Fight to restore the local government pension fund.
Continue to campaign for parental leave and greater flexibility for councillors.
Stand up for members’ ability to select their MPs, giving people a real choice of talented candidates.
Support an independent disciplinary process.
Defend the link between Labour and trade unions, and work closely and constructive with trade union colleagues.
Champion Labour councillors in opposition and the important work they do.
And as a veteran of too many eight-hour NEC meetings, if you re-elect me to the NEC, I will propose a motion limiting virtual NEC meetings to six hours.
A big thank you to the 71 Labour groups who nominated me and Nick Forbes to the NEC. The local government NEC ballot will be sent in a separate email ballot to the main NEC election. Please look out for this and re-elect me to the NEC.


labourlist--2020-10-22--“Socialism in action” – Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour Together speech

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by First Minister Mark Drakeford at the ‘ Welsh Labour Together ’ online conference today .
Good morning .
Bore da .
I gymaint ohonom ni mae Cynhadledd Llafur Cymru bob amser yn amser arbennig o ’ r flwyddyn .
Cyfle i gyfarfod , yn bersonol , â ffrindiau o bob rhan o ’ r mudiad llafur ac i edrych ymlaen at y flwyddyn i ddod .
Ond yn 2020 nid oes gennym y fraint honno .
For so many of us Welsh Labour conference is always a special time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in person , with friends from across the labour movement and to look forward to the year ahead .
But in 2020 we don ’ t have that privilege .
Covid remains a very real threat .
To ourselves , our families and our economy and it just isn ’ t possible for us to gather as we would ordinarily do .
And while it ’ s great to be here at Sophia Gardens , I ’ d rather be with you .
These last seven months have been the most difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us have lost loved ones .
We ’ ve been separated from family and friends .
We ’ ve had to adapt the way we live , work and travel .
And , unfortunately , those sacrifices are not at an end .
As recent weeks have demonstrated , the virus never went away and is now spreading fast once again .
It has been necessary in the last week for us to institute new restrictions to halt the virus and protect our NHS .
Steps none of us welcome – but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the people of Wales safe through the coming winter .
What gives me confidence that we can get through these next , difficult , few months is that we have shown in Wales what can be achieved when we work together .
Shown that when we put our labour values into practical action we can support one another through even the toughest of times .
Values of cooperation not competition .
Looking out for one another , not divided against each other .
Our response to the crisis in Wales over these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those values .
Our test , trace and protect system has worked better than it has done in England because it has been delivered locally ; it has been rooted in local government and our NHS and it has been shaped by our values of public service , not private profit .
Our support for business in Wales through this pandemic has been the best anywhere in the UK – protecting more than 100,000 jobs – because it has been designed and delivered in social partnership with unions and employers working together in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and confrontation .
It has been our progressive values , translated into positive action through this crisis that has kept Wales and our communities safe .
Kept us protected .
And helped us solve problems .
When the virus hit and our NHS urgently needed new stocks of Protective Equipment to keep those on the frontline safe , industry and government in Wales came together to find the solution .
When we urgently needed new volunteers to help deliver food to those who were shielding , local government , the third sector and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to help .
We have shown over these last six months the power of collective action .
For us it has been practical socialism in action .
As a Welsh Labour government we are now taking the actions to get us through the winter months .
We are making sure our hospitals , NHS and care staff are ready for the challenges they will face .
We are building extra capacity into our track and trace system to help it cope with additional demand .
And we are putting in place regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe .
And as a government we will use the powers we have available , whatever the circumstances , in the assertive and confident way that devolution allows .
We will stand up for Wales .
The months ahead look tougher than the months behind because we are all tired and wish the virus would go away .
Sadly , that is not going to happen .
But we can get through if we continue to work together and recognise the enormous strength that we draw from our public services , especially our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference is a little different , it is no less important .
It is a chance for us to look beyond the dark moments we find ourselves in now and to begin to shape the Wales we want to come out of this pandemic .
The Wales of tomorrow .
Because in May , when we fight the Senedd elections , we will have the chance to win a mandate to create that future .
Where we protect the people , places and services we care for ; where we build a greener @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and where we change to meet the challenges that face us now and in the future .
Creating a future for the 16 and 17 year olds – our very own devolution generation – able for the first time to vote and to shape the Wales they want to see .
We must use those elections to set out the case – the labour case – for how we can build that Wales of tomorrow with them .
To show how it can be shaped by our shared values of social justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A future grounded in our progressive values .
Rŵan , fe glywch lawer gan ein gwrthwynebwyr yn ystod y misoedd nesaf bod Llafur wedi bod mewn grym yn rhy hir ; ei bod hi ’ n amser i rywun newydd .
Fel petai ddemocratiaeth yn gêm lle mae ’ n rhaid i bawb gael tro .
Ond y gwir yw mai dim ond Llafur sydd wedi cyflawni newid go iawn ac ystyrlon trwy gydol y ganrif ddiwethaf .
Now you will hear a lot from our opponents in these coming months that Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it ’ s time for someone new .
As though democracy were a game in which everybody has to have a turn .
But the truth is that throughout the last century it is only Labour that has delivered real and meaningful change .
At those pivotal moments of our recent history it has been to Labour that people have looked to articulate a vision of a better tomorrow .
After the war when people wanted protection against the giants of poverty , squalor and want it was to the Tredegar model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build the NHS .
In the 1960s when a new generation of individuals wanted the skills and opportunity to get on in their lives it was Labour ’ s Open University and the biggest investment in housing seen in a generation that helped transform the lives of millions of working people .
And here in Wales , it was Welsh Labour that scrapped prescription charges ; that protected the EMA and developed the Future Generations Act .
Labour has always been the party of change .
And now we face another of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment of adversity from which we must again lead Wales on the path of change .
We ’ ll build trust for that work by pointing to our record .
To the fact that though Covid has disrupted us , we will be able to say on election day that we have delivered on those promises we made to the people of Wales back in 2016 : We have delivered 100,000 new apprenticeships .
We have delivered £100m of additional funding to our schools .
We have put in place a new £80m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital threshold for those entering residential care .
We have delivered a new national system of free childcare .
And we have delivered 20,000 new affordable homes .
In building for the recovery we won ’ t fall back on easy answers and empty rhetoric .
Covid has shown us all – in a sad and tragic way – that slick , three word slogans are no match for the brutal reality of a global pandemic .
The Tories can vacate the centre ground and shout ‘ Get Brexit Done ’ but their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst economic mess in a hundred years .
Plaid ’ s easy rhetoric about independence may sound superficially attractive to some , but in many ways is cut from the same cloth – just another slogan peddled because it ’ s easier than confronting the real challenges facing people and communities in Wales in 2020 .
The challenges of poverty , of inequality and climate injustice .
So as well as being a moment for change , let it also be a moment for a new kind of grown up politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex problems we face can not be answered by mendacious slogans plastered on the side of a bus .
A time when we acknowledge that our economic future lies not in recreating a nostalgic past or in promising a fantasy future .
Let this be the time where values , evidence and justice are put back at the heart of our search for a stronger , fairer and more sustainable future .
Only Welsh Labour can lead that radical change .
So let us , over these next few days , make plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond the politics of deliberate inequality or the divisive nationalism that defines our opponents .
To change the way we work , the way we live and the way look after one another so that we address the deeper , fundamental challenges we face .
Radical change hammered out through the kind of partnership , solidarity and hard work that has helped us through this pandemic .
And throughout our history as a party and a movement .
You have helped us to keep Wales safe .
With your help we can build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is confident ; that is ready to face the challenges of the future and that is always at its best when we work together .
Thank you .
Diolch

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by First Minister Mark Drakeford at the ‘Welsh Labour Together’ online conference today.
Good morning. Bore da. I gymaint ohonom ni mae Cynhadledd Llafur Cymru bob amser yn amser arbennig o’r flwyddyn. Cyfle i gyfarfod, yn bersonol, â ffrindiau o bob rhan o’r mudiad llafur ac i edrych ymlaen at y flwyddyn i ddod. Ond yn 2020 nid oes gennym y fraint honno. For so many of us Welsh Labour conference is always a special time of year. A chance to meet up, in person, with friends from across the labour movement and to look forward to the year ahead. But in 2020 we don’t have that privilege. Covid remains a very real threat. To ourselves, our families and our economy and it just isn’t possible for us to gather as we would ordinarily do. And while it’s great to be here at Sophia Gardens, I’d rather be with you.
These last seven months have been the most difficult many of us have known. Some of us have lost loved ones. We’ve been separated from family and friends. We’ve had to adapt the way we live, work and travel. And, unfortunately, those sacrifices are not at an end. As recent weeks have demonstrated, the virus never went away and is now spreading fast once again. It has been necessary in the last week for us to institute new restrictions to halt the virus and protect our NHS. Steps none of us welcome – but have had to take in order to keep the people of Wales safe through the coming winter.
What gives me confidence that we can get through these next, difficult, few months is that we have shown in Wales what can be achieved when we work together. Shown that when we put our labour values into practical action we can support one another through even the toughest of times. Values of cooperation not competition. Looking out for one another, not divided against each other. Our response to the crisis in Wales over these last few months has been built on those values.
Our test, trace and protect system has worked better than it has done in England because it has been delivered locally; it has been rooted in local government and our NHS and it has been shaped by our values of public service, not private profit. Our support for business in Wales through this pandemic has been the best anywhere in the UK – protecting more than 100,000 jobs – because it has been designed and delivered in social partnership with unions and employers working together in the national interest, not in conflict and confrontation.
It has been our progressive values, translated into positive action through this crisis that has kept Wales and our communities safe. Kept us protected. And helped us solve problems. When the virus hit and our NHS urgently needed new stocks of Protective Equipment to keep those on the frontline safe, industry and government in Wales came together to find the solution. When we urgently needed new volunteers to help deliver food to those who were shielding, local government, the third sector and others came together and 32,000 people signed up to help.
We have shown over these last six months the power of collective action. For us it has been practical socialism in action. As a Welsh Labour government we are now taking the actions to get us through the winter months. We are making sure our hospitals, NHS and care staff are ready for the challenges they will face. We are building extra capacity into our track and trace system to help it cope with additional demand. And we are putting in place regulations that can make our workplaces and communities safe. And as a government we will use the powers we have available, whatever the circumstances, in the assertive and confident way that devolution allows. We will stand up for Wales.
The months ahead look tougher than the months behind because we are all tired and wish the virus would go away. Sadly, that is not going to happen. But we can get through if we continue to work together and recognise the enormous strength that we draw from our public services, especially our NHS.
While this year’s conference is a little different, it is no less important. It is a chance for us to look beyond the dark moments we find ourselves in now and to begin to shape the Wales we want to come out of this pandemic. The Wales of tomorrow. Because in May, when we fight the Senedd elections, we will have the chance to win a mandate to create that future. Where we protect the people, places and services we care for; where we build a greener future for ourselves and our young people; and where we change to meet the challenges that face us now and in the future. Creating a future for the 16 and 17 year olds – our very own devolution generation – able for the first time to vote and to shape the Wales they want to see.
We must use those elections to set out the case – the labour case – for how we can build that Wales of tomorrow with them. To show how it can be shaped by our shared values of social justice, fairness and equality of outcome. A future grounded in our progressive values. Rŵan, fe glywch lawer gan ein gwrthwynebwyr yn ystod y misoedd nesaf bod Llafur wedi bod mewn grym yn rhy hir; ei bod hi’n amser i rywun newydd. Fel petai ddemocratiaeth yn gêm lle mae’n rhaid i bawb gael tro. Ond y gwir yw mai dim ond Llafur sydd wedi cyflawni newid go iawn ac ystyrlon trwy gydol y ganrif ddiwethaf.
Now you will hear a lot from our opponents in these coming months that Labour has been in power too long; that it’s time for someone new. As though democracy were a game in which everybody has to have a turn. But the truth is that throughout the last century it is only Labour that has delivered real and meaningful change. At those pivotal moments of our recent history it has been to Labour that people have looked to articulate a vision of a better tomorrow.
After the war when people wanted protection against the giants of poverty, squalor and want it was to the Tredegar model here in Wales that Labour looked to build the NHS. In the 1960s when a new generation of individuals wanted the skills and opportunity to get on in their lives it was Labour’s Open University and the biggest investment in housing seen in a generation that helped transform the lives of millions of working people. And here in Wales, it was Welsh Labour that scrapped prescription charges; that protected the EMA and developed the Future Generations Act. Labour has always been the party of change.
And now we face another of those pivotal moments in our history. A moment of adversity from which we must again lead Wales on the path of change. We’ll build trust for that work by pointing to our record. To the fact that though Covid has disrupted us, we will be able to say on election day that we have delivered on those promises we made to the people of Wales back in 2016: We have delivered 100,000 new apprenticeships. We have delivered £100m of additional funding to our schools. We have put in place a new £80m Treatment Fund. We have raised the capital threshold for those entering residential care. We have delivered a new national system of free childcare. And we have delivered 20,000 new affordable homes.
In building for the recovery we won’t fall back on easy answers and empty rhetoric. Covid has shown us all – in a sad and tragic way – that slick, three word slogans are no match for the brutal reality of a global pandemic. The Tories can vacate the centre ground and shout ‘Get Brexit Done’ but their incompetence and ideology is careering us into the worst economic mess in a hundred years. Plaid’s easy rhetoric about independence may sound superficially attractive to some, but in many ways is cut from the same cloth – just another slogan peddled because it’s easier than confronting the real challenges facing people and communities in Wales in 2020.
The challenges of poverty, of inequality and climate injustice. So as well as being a moment for change, let it also be a moment for a new kind of grown up politics. A time when we recognise that the complex problems we face cannot be answered by mendacious slogans plastered on the side of a bus. A time when we acknowledge that our economic future lies not in recreating a nostalgic past or in promising a fantasy future. Let this be the time where values, evidence and justice are put back at the heart of our search for a stronger, fairer and more sustainable future. Only Welsh Labour can lead that radical change.
So let us, over these next few days, make plans to seize this moment. To move beyond the politics of deliberate inequality or the divisive nationalism that defines our opponents. To change the way we work, the way we live and the way look after one another so that we address the deeper, fundamental challenges we face. Radical change hammered out through the kind of partnership, solidarity and hard work that has helped us through this pandemic. And throughout our history as a party and a movement.
Rydych chi wedi ein helpu i gadw Cymru yn ddiogel. Gyda chymorth chi gallwn adeiladu Cymru yfory. Cymru sy’n hyderus; yn barod i wynebu heriau’r dyfodol a bob amser ar ei orau pan fyddwn ni’n gweithio gyda’n gilydd.
You have helped us to keep Wales safe. With your help we can build the Wales of tomorrow. A Wales that is confident; that is ready to face the challenges of the future and that is always at its best when we work together. Thank you. Diolch