labourlist--2020-11-26--We’ve only just begun: Sunak’s spending review for the few

“ Our health emergency is not yet over and our economic emergency has only just begun , ” Rishi Sunak told us as he launched into his spending review .
2.5 million public sector workers will see their pay frozen – including 90 % of police , 80 % of fire service and 75 % of prison officers , at least 80 % of secondary school teachers and 75 % of those in primary schools .
This , remember , just a week after the PM unveiled the biggest investment in defence since the Cold War .
The Chancellor announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund that will see MPs bid for money in what looks to be the same mechanism that led to the controversy over the Towns Fund – in which the Tories prioritised spending to marginal seats ahead of the last election .
He was silent on the £20 uplift to Universal Credit – the emergency top-up grudgingly given earlier in the pandemic .
Failing to extend it will slash annual incomes for 16 million households by £1,040 in April .
And , of course , the Chancellor rounded off all that ( and much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory manifesto promise to keep UK aid spending at 0.7 % of gross national income .
The fallout from the review rumbles on today .
Tory backbenchers and grandees are furious over the aid budget .
Unions have roundly condemned Sunak ’ s statement as “ austerity plain and simple ” and slammed the government for pitting public sector against private employees .
Anneliese Dodds has been doing the media round this morning and it is all about “ responsible choices ” for the Shadow Chancellor .
Echoing Keir Starmer in PMQs yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the “ eye-watering waste and mismanagement ” on the Today programme .
Tory cronyism in Covid public procurement and incompetent splurging of taxpayer money featured prominently in her response to the spending review .
The party is keen to highlight that while the government is busy laying the burden of the pandemic on millions of the lowest paid and those on the Covid frontline , it has spent months “ spraying public money at contracts ” .
While friends of the Tories make bank and the PM wastes your hard-earned cash , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row over Starmer deciding to withhold the Labour whip from Jeremy Corbyn after he was readmitted to the party is set to escalate .
Sources close to Corbyn say there was a deal with Starmer ’ s office for his reinstatement , including agreement on the timing and wording of his second statement , and they believe the publication of correspondence will “ show that there was a deal ” .
This claim is disputed by those close to the current leader .
Corbyn ’ s team is starting legal proceedings and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One source told LabourList : “ One way or another , things will come out in the wash soon enough.
” Meanwhile , Labour left national executive committee members have said they took the decision to withdraw from the meeting on Tuesday “ in the hope of pressing a reset button and returning hopefully to a more reasonable environment ” .
Speaking at a Momentum-hosted online event last night , newly-elected reps Gemma Bolton and Mish Rahman discussed the virtual walkout and made a call for party unity .
Sign up to LabourList @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , every weekday morning .

“Our health emergency is not yet over and our economic emergency has only just begun,” Rishi Sunak told us as he launched into his spending review. 2.5 million public sector workers will see their pay frozen – including 90% of police, 80% of fire service and 75% of prison officers, at least 80% of secondary school teachers and 75% of those in primary schools. This, remember, just a week after the PM unveiled the biggest investment in defence since the Cold War. The Chancellor announced a new £4bn ‘levelling up’ fund that will see MPs bid for money in what looks to be the same mechanism that led to the controversy over the Towns Fund – in which the Tories prioritised spending to marginal seats ahead of the last election. He was silent on the £20 uplift to Universal Credit – the emergency top-up grudgingly given earlier in the pandemic. Failing to extend it will slash annual incomes for 16 million households by £1,040 in April. And, of course, the Chancellor rounded off all that (and much more) by going back on the Tory manifesto promise to keep UK aid spending at 0.7% of gross national income.
The fallout from the review rumbles on today. Tory backbenchers and grandees are furious over the aid budget. Unions have roundly condemned Sunak’s statement as “austerity plain and simple” and slammed the government for pitting public sector against private employees. Anneliese Dodds has been doing the media round this morning and it is all about “responsible choices” for the Shadow Chancellor. Echoing Keir Starmer in PMQs yesterday, she emphasised the need to stamp out the “eye-watering waste and mismanagement” on the Today programme. Tory cronyism in Covid public procurement and incompetent splurging of taxpayer money featured prominently in her response to the spending review. The party is keen to highlight that while the government is busy laying the burden of the pandemic on millions of the lowest paid and those on the Covid frontline, it has spent months “spraying public money at contracts”. While friends of the Tories make bank and the PM wastes your hard-earned cash, low-paid workers pay the price.
The row over Starmer deciding to withhold the Labour whip from Jeremy Corbyn after he was readmitted to the party is set to escalate. Sources close to Corbyn say there was a deal with Starmer’s office for his reinstatement, including agreement on the timing and wording of his second statement, and they believe the publication of correspondence will “show that there was a deal”. This claim is disputed by those close to the current leader. Corbyn’s team is starting legal proceedings and will submit a pre-action disclosure application today. One source told LabourList: “One way or another, things will come out in the wash soon enough.” Meanwhile, Labour left national executive committee members have said they took the decision to withdraw from the meeting on Tuesday “in the hope of pressing a reset button and returning hopefully to a more reasonable environment”. Speaking at a Momentum-hosted online event last night, newly-elected reps Gemma Bolton and Mish Rahman discussed the virtual walkout and made a call for party unity. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-11-26--WATCH: “Billions upon billions of pounds” wasted in Covid, says Dodds

Anneliese Dodds has slammed Rishi Sunak for what she has described as “ billions upon billions of pounds ” wasted in the Covid crisis and urged the Chancellor to get “ far more of a grip ” on mismanagement of funds in the pandemic .
In a Sky News interview this morning , the Shadow Chancellor discussed the context of the spending review announcements made on Wednesday and warned that the measures unveiled will knock economic confidence .
Asked today about money being wasted in UK international aid spending , the Shadow Chancellor commented : “ If there is mismanagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to get a grip on that .
“ I have to say I haven ’ t seen widespread evidence of , for example , contracts being drawn up with the wrong parameters – those contracts failing… “ I don ’ t think that we should have contracts anywhere that don ’ t deliver in the national interest and unfortunately , I mean , we ’ re talking about eye-watering amounts of money as I was talking about before .
Billions upon billions of pounds that have been wasted during this crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor getting far more of a grip on that rather than knocking back economic confidence in the way many of those measures he announced yesterday will do.
” The government announced it will be breaking the legally mandated commitment to spend 0.7 % of gross national income on international aid during the spending review .
The Tories also pledged to protect the spending in its 2019 manifesto .
Labour has challenged the Tories over the amount of taxpayer money wasted buying unusable personal protective equipment ( PPE ) in the pandemic after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items not fit for purpose .
The call for transparency from the party followed Prime Minister ’ s Questions , during which Keir Starmer highlighted the confession from the Cabinet Office and accused Boris Johnson of “ spraying public money at contracts ” .
The Labour leader added : “ Will the Prime Minister finally get his priorities right , stop wasting taxpayers money and give police officers , firefighters , care workers and other key workers the pay rise they so obviously deserve ?
” His challenge to the Prime Minister preceded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afterwards , in which he announced the expected pay freeze for public sector workers and a reduction in the planned rise to the minimum wage .
Responding to the spending review on Wednesday , Dodds highlighted reckless government spending on Covid contracts during the health crisis , pointing out that Tory failure to stockpile PPE before the crisis cost the taxpayer £10bn .

Anneliese Dodds has slammed Rishi Sunak for what she has described as “billions upon billions of pounds” wasted in the Covid crisis and urged the Chancellor to get “far more of a grip” on mismanagement of funds in the pandemic.
In a Sky News interview this morning, the Shadow Chancellor discussed the context of the spending review announcements made on Wednesday and warned that the measures unveiled will knock economic confidence.
Asked today about money being wasted in UK international aid spending, the Shadow Chancellor commented: “If there is mismanagement within the aid budget, then obviously government needs to get a grip on that.
“I have to say I haven’t seen widespread evidence of, for example, contracts being drawn up with the wrong parameters – those contracts failing…
“I don’t think that we should have contracts anywhere that don’t deliver in the national interest and unfortunately, I mean, we’re talking about eye-watering amounts of money as I was talking about before. Billions upon billions of pounds that have been wasted during this crisis.
“And I would like to see the Chancellor getting far more of a grip on that rather than knocking back economic confidence in the way many of those measures he announced yesterday will do.”
'Billions upon billions of pounds have been wasted during this crisis'. Shadow Chancellor @AnnelieseDodds says Rishi Sunak needs to "get a grip" on the "eye-watering" amount of money that has been wasted during the #coronavirus pandemic.#KayBurley: https://t.co/SojG7HpSow pic.twitter.com/3SxLtmIooC — Sky News (@SkyNews) November 26, 2020
The government announced it will be breaking the legally mandated commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on international aid during the spending review. The Tories also pledged to protect the spending in its 2019 manifesto.
Labour has challenged the Tories over the amount of taxpayer money wasted buying unusable personal protective equipment in the pandemic after the government admitted it bought 184 million items not fit for purpose.
The call for transparency from the party followed Prime Minister’s Questions, during which Keir Starmer highlighted the confession from the Cabinet Office and accused Boris Johnson of “spraying public money at contracts”.
The Labour leader added: “Will the Prime Minister finally get his priorities right, stop wasting taxpayers money and give police officers, firefighters, care workers and other key workers the pay rise they so obviously deserve?”
His challenge to the Prime Minister preceded the spending review delivered by Sunak shortly afterwards, in which he announced the expected pay freeze for public sector workers and a reduction in the planned rise to the minimum wage.
Responding to the spending review on Wednesday, Dodds highlighted reckless government spending on Covid contracts during the health crisis, pointing out that Tory failure to stockpile PPE before the crisis cost the taxpayer £10bn.


labourlist--2020-11-26--Exclusive: Poll shows Labour members deeply divided over Corbyn whip decision

Labour members are deeply and starkly divided over Keir Starmer ’ s significant decision to withhold the whip from Jeremy Corbyn after the former leader was readmitted to the party , LabourList can reveal .
An exclusive poll of over 5,000 LabourList readers who are also Labour members , conducted by Survation and weighted to reflect the membership , has explored their views on the state of the party and recent events .
The results of the survey indicate that 48 % of members believe Starmer was “ wrong ” not to restore the Labour whip to Corbyn following his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move was “ right ” and 6 % do not know .
While Labour members are split over the controversial whip decision , a clear majority of 58 % reported having a “ negative ” view of Corbyn ’ s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism .
Of those with a “ negative ” view , 41 % said they held this “ strongly ” .
A combined 31 % of those surveyed either said they had a “ strongly positive ” or “ somewhat positive ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former leader last month .
The former leader was suspended in October after commenting that “ one antisemite is one too many ” but also claiming that “ the scale of the problem was… dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents ” .
A panel of Labour national executive committee ( NEC ) members decided to readmit Corbyn to the party less than three weeks later , but Starmer the following day announced that the whip would nonetheless continue to be withheld .
63 % of members surveyed said “ I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current internal disciplinary process ” , and just 18 % said they did trust it .
Starmer has said the complaints system “ does not have the confidence of the Jewish community ” .
Asked whether the Labour Party is “ currently moving in the right direction or the wrong direction ” , there was no consensus among members : 55 % replied “ right ” and 40 % “ wrong ” , with a combined 5 % replying neither or do not know .
Among those who joined the party before 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved of the party ’ s direction , with 31 % disapproving , while post-2015 joiners were much more critical , with 53 % describing the current direction as “ wrong ” .
Just 2 % of those who backed Rebecca Long-Bailey in the leadership contest earlier this year said they thought the current direction of the party was “ right ” .
80 % of those who voted for Starmer said “ right ” and 16 % “ wrong ” .
Members were asked about their favourability towards both top Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged with the highest ratings , securing 78 % favourability and a significant overall 69 % net favourability .
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner scored well , with 68 % finding her favourable and 16 % unfavourable .
Starmer had a similar favourable rating of 60 % but a lower net favourability of 26 % overall due to 34 % finding the leader unfavourable .
21 % had not heard of Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds or Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green .
All had heard of Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor favourable .
Gordon Brown emerged as the most popular Labour leader of recent years , with a 50 % net favourability rating .
Miliband came next at 39 % .
Corbyn ( 1 % net ) and Tony Blair ( 0 % net ) are both deeply divisive figures , splitting views almost evenly .
The poll suggests that Labour members are still overwhelmingly in favour of the party ’ s 2019 manifesto , with 74 % describing its policies as “ broadly correct ” .
14 % said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied “ neither ” .
Respondents were asked to rank their top three 2019 policies for Labour to keep for the next election .
Those with the highest levels of support were ending privatisation in the NHS and bringing forward net-zero carbon targets to within the 2030s .
Those surveyed mostly think favourably of Starmer ’ s approach to Covid-19 , with a total of 64 % choosing favourable over unfavourable .
44 % approve of his approach to crime and security as Labour leader , and 30 % disapprove .
63 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer ; 26 % said it is “ united ” ( -37 % net ) .
A yet more overwhelmingly 83 % said the party was divided under Corbyn ( -70 % net ) .
It was most united under Miliband and Brown , members suggest .
Labour members are evenly split over the likely result of the next general election , the poll results suggest , with a combined 43 % predicting a Tory or Tory-led government and 42 % believing that Labour can win enough to lead .
Survation surveyed 5,008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 via LabourList ’ s database .
Data were weighted to the profile of party members by age , sex , region and 2020 Labour leadership election vote .
LabourList has partnered up with Survation to add statistical heft to our reader surveys .
Full data tables can be viewed here and a summary presentation of the polling by Survation can be found here .

Labour members are deeply and starkly divided over Keir Starmer’s significant decision to withhold the whip from Jeremy Corbyn after the former leader was readmitted to the party, LabourList can reveal.
An exclusive poll of over 5,000 LabourList readers who are also Labour members, conducted by Survation and weighted to reflect the membership, has explored their views on the state of the party and recent events.
The results of the survey indicate that 48% of members believe Starmer was “wrong” not to restore the Labour whip to Corbyn following his reinstatement, while 46% think the move was “right” and 6% do not know.
While Labour members are split over the controversial whip decision, a clear majority of 58% reported having a “negative” view of Corbyn’s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism.
Of those with a “negative” view, 41% said they held this “strongly”. A combined 31% of those surveyed either said they had a “strongly positive” or “somewhat positive” view of the statement issued by the former leader last month.
The former leader was suspended in October after commenting that “one antisemite is one too many” but also claiming that “the scale of the problem was… dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents”.
A panel of Labour national executive committee (NEC) members decided to readmit Corbyn to the party less than three weeks later, but Starmer the following day announced that the whip would nonetheless continue to be withheld.
63% of members surveyed said “I do not trust the Labour Party’s current internal disciplinary process”, and just 18% said they did trust it. Starmer has said the complaints system “does not have the confidence of the Jewish community”.
Asked whether the Labour Party is “currently moving in the right direction or the wrong direction”, there was no consensus among members: 55% replied “right” and 40% “wrong”, with a combined 5% replying neither or do not know.
Among those who joined the party before 2015, a larger majority of 64% approved of the party’s direction, with 31% disapproving, while post-2015 joiners were much more critical, with 53% describing the current direction as “wrong”.
Just 2% of those who backed Rebecca Long-Bailey in the leadership contest earlier this year said they thought the current direction of the party was “right”. 80% of those who voted for Starmer said “right” and 16% “wrong”.
Members were asked about their favourability towards top Labour Party figures and recent leaders. Ed Miliband emerged with the highest ratings of a selection of shadow cabinet members, with 78% favourability and 69% net favourability.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner scored well, with 68% finding her favourable and 16% unfavourable. Starmer had a similar favourable rating of 60% but a lower net favourability of 26% overall due to 34% finding the leader unfavourable.
21% had not heard of Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds or Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green. All had heard of Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, and 6% of Labour members found the Chancellor favourable.
Gordon Brown emerged as the most popular Labour leader of recent years, with a 50% net favourability rating. Miliband came next at 39%. Corbyn (1% net) and Tony Blair (0% net) are both deeply divisive figures, splitting views almost evenly.
The poll suggests that Labour members are still overwhelmingly in favour of the party’s 2019 manifesto, with 74% describing its policies as “broadly correct”. 14% said they were “broadly wrong” and 12% replied “neither”.
Respondents were asked to rank their top three 2019 policies for Labour to keep for the next election. Those with the highest levels of support were ending privatisation in the NHS and bringing forward net-zero carbon targets to within the 2030s.
Those surveyed mostly think favourably of Starmer’s approach to Covid-19, with a total of 64% choosing favourable over unfavourable. 44% approve of his approach to crime and security as Labour leader, and 30% disapprove.
63% described Labour as “divided” under Starmer; 26% said it is “united” (-37% net). A yet more overwhelmingly 83% said the party was divided under Corbyn (-70% net). It was most united under Miliband and Brown, members suggest.
Labour members are evenly split over the likely result of the next general election, the poll results suggest, with a combined 43% predicting a Tory or Tory-led government and 42% believing that Labour can win enough to lead.
Survation surveyed 5,008 Labour members between 23rd and 25th November 2020 via LabourList’s database. Data were weighted to the profile of party members by age, sex, region and 2020 Labour leadership election vote.
LabourList has partnered up with Survation to add statistical heft to our reader surveys. Full data tables can be viewed here and a summary presentation of the polling by Survation can be found here.


labourlist--2020-11-26--Motions on Corbyn whip suspension “will be ruled out of order”, local parties told

Local Labour parties have been told by general secretary David Evans that motions relating to the suspension of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including expressions of solidarity – “ will be ruled out of order ” , LabourList can reveal .
In an email to local party secretaries , chairs , MPs , MSPs and MSPs , Labour ’ s most senior official provided “ updated guidance ” following an email earlier in the month that warned local parties against considering motions on disciplinary cases .
Evans told the officers and representatives today that “ the situation has clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to local parties debating motions including “ expressions of solidarity , and matters relating to the internal processes of the PLP ” .
The general secretary wrote that the motions are “ providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party ’ s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members , in particular our Jewish members ” .
Concluding that “ all motions which touch on these issues will be ruled out of order ” , Evans added that Labour must “ adopt a genuinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish members “ feel safe and welcome ” .
He said : “ Please rest assured that when I took up post as general secretary , I had no desire at all to hamper discussion by our local parties , but until we can improve our culture such restrictions may be required to stay in place.
” The email from the general secretary today follows the decision by Keir Starmer not to restore the Labour whip to Corbyn after the former leader was readmitted to the party by a panel of five national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended after commenting that “ the scale of the problem was… dramatically overstated for political reasons ” in his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into Labour antisemitism .
Chief whip Nick Brown has informed the former party leader that the suspension of the Labour whip is set to last for three months and be kept “ under review ” , pending a parliamentary investigation under Parliamentary Labour Party rules .
Since the last email sent by Evans , members have reported receiving threats of disciplinary action from the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting on motions relating to the suspension of Corbyn at local party meetings .
The chair , co-secretaries and a number of others in Bristol West were suspended shortly after considering such a motion , with LabourList sources saying this was due to both the motion and tweets demanding the resignation of the regional director .
The party-affiliated Jewish Labour Movement sent an email to members last week offering “ practical guidance in line with our duty of care ” in response to motions relating to Corbyn , which were described as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Evans to local party secretaries , chairs , MPs , MSPs and MSPs .
Following the publication of the EHRC report into antisemitism in the Labour Party on 29 October , I provided some guidance to CLPs on what were and were not appropriate topics of discussion for branches and CLPs .
The situation has clearly moved on since then , so I wanted to provide you with some updated guidance .
It remains the case that motions which seek to repudiate the findings of the EHRC or question its competency to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for branches or CLPs .
Motions relating to ongoing disciplinary cases are also not in order , in line with the instructions of my predecessor .
I am aware that other motions ( including expressions of solidarity , and matters relating to the internal processes of the Parliamentary Labour Party ) are providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party ’ s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members , in particular our Jewish members .
Therefore , all motions which touch on these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order .
A number of CLPs have asked for further information on the basis on which myself and the national executive committees are able to rule on what can and can not be discussed by local parties , and I am very happy to provide that explanation .
The Labour Party ’ s ‘ Code of Conduct : Antisemitism and other forms of racism ’ rightly states that “ the Labour Party will ensure the party is a welcoming home to members of all communities , with no place for any prejudice or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religion ” .
The NEC has the power to uphold the rules and standing orders of the Labour Party and to take any action it deems necessary for such purposes .
The Rule Book is also clear that such powers can be delegated to , amongst others , the general secretary .
For the avoidance of doubt my previous rulings on these matters have all been properly reported to the NEC , which is supportive of my approach .
The Labour Party is committed to implementing the EHRC report in full , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous failure to deal with antisemitism and adopt a genuinely zero-tolerance approach which will ensure all members , and in particular our Jewish members , feel safe and welcome within the Labour Party .
Please rest assured that when I took up post as general secretary , I had no desire at all to hamper discussion by our local parties , but until we can improve our culture such restrictions may be required to stay in place .

Local Labour parties have been told by general secretary David Evans that motions relating to the suspension of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including expressions of solidarity – “will be ruled out of order”, LabourList can reveal.
In an email to local party secretaries, chairs, MPs, MSPs and MSPs, Labour’s most senior official provided “updated guidance” following an email earlier in the month that warned local parties against considering motions on disciplinary cases.
Evans told the officers and representatives today that “the situation has clearly moved on since then” and referred to local parties debating motions including “expressions of solidarity, and matters relating to the internal processes of the PLP”.
The general secretary wrote that the motions are “providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members, in particular our Jewish members”.
Concluding that “all motions which touch on these issues will be ruled out of order”, Evans added that Labour must “adopt a genuinely zero-tolerance approach” to antisemitism by ensuring Jewish members “feel safe and welcome”.
He said: “Please rest assured that when I took up post as general secretary, I had no desire at all to hamper discussion by our local parties, but until we can improve our culture such restrictions may be required to stay in place.”
The email from the general secretary today follows the decision by Keir Starmer not to restore the Labour whip to Corbyn after the former leader was readmitted to the party by a panel of five national executive committee members.
Corbyn had been suspended after commenting that “the scale of the problem was… dramatically overstated for political reasons” in his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into Labour antisemitism.
Chief whip Nick Brown has informed the former party leader that the suspension of the Labour whip is set to last for three months and be kept “under review”, pending a parliamentary investigation under Parliamentary Labour Party rules.
Since the last email sent by Evans, members have reported receiving threats of disciplinary action from the party as a result of their debating and voting on motions relating to the suspension of Corbyn at local party meetings.
The chair, co-secretaries and a number of others in Bristol West were suspended shortly after considering such a motion, with LabourList sources saying this was due to both the motion and tweets demanding the resignation of the regional director.
The party-affiliated Jewish Labour Movement sent an email to members last week offering “practical guidance in line with our duty of care” in response to motions relating to Corbyn, which were described as “inappropriate”.
Below is the email from Evans to local party secretaries, chairs, MPs, MSPs and MSPs.
Following the publication of the EHRC report into antisemitism in the Labour Party on 29 October, I provided some guidance to CLPs on what were and were not appropriate topics of discussion for branches and CLPs. The situation has clearly moved on since then, so I wanted to provide you with some updated guidance.
It remains the case that motions which seek to repudiate the findings of the EHRC or question its competency to conduct the investigation remain not competent business for branches or CLPs. Motions relating to ongoing disciplinary cases are also not in order, in line with the instructions of my predecessor.
I am aware that other motions (including expressions of solidarity, and matters relating to the internal processes of the Parliamentary Labour Party) are providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members, in particular our Jewish members. Therefore, all motions which touch on these issues will also be ruled out of order.
A number of CLPs have asked for further information on the basis on which myself and the national executive committees are able to rule on what can and cannot be discussed by local parties, and I am very happy to provide that explanation.
The Labour Party’s ‘Code of Conduct: Antisemitism and other forms of racism’ rightly states that “the Labour Party will ensure the party is a welcoming home to members of all communities, with no place for any prejudice or discrimination based on race, ethnicity or religion”. The NEC has the power to uphold the rules and standing orders of the Labour Party and to take any action it deems necessary for such purposes. The Rule Book is also clear that such powers can be delegated to, amongst others, the general secretary. For the avoidance of doubt my previous rulings on these matters have all been properly reported to the NEC, which is supportive of my approach.
The Labour Party is committed to implementing the EHRC report in full, and part of that is to accept our previous failure to deal with antisemitism and adopt a genuinely zero-tolerance approach which will ensure all members, and in particular our Jewish members, feel safe and welcome within the Labour Party. Please rest assured that when I took up post as general secretary, I had no desire at all to hamper discussion by our local parties, but until we can improve our culture such restrictions may be required to stay in place.
Best wishes,
David Evans
General secretary


labourlist--2020-11-26--Legitimate, diverse, capable local government? We need electoral reform

The value of local government has really been proved during this pandemic .
From supporting those who are shielding , keeping essential services going , helping businesses survive , making town centres safer to planning for the future rebuild , it is councils up and down the land that are doing the work .
It is noticeable around the world that in countries with strong public health and local government input , there seems to have been a much better response and far greater control of Covid than in countries that are highly centralised .
I am the leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oxfordshire , which includes David Cameron ’ s constituency .
We have a very effective Labour group on the Conservative district council , providing significant input as an opposition group .
During Covid-19 , some differences between the parties have melted away , and it has been individual councillors and group leaders who have been making important contributions to how the council responds .
And our officers have been nothing short of magnificent in making things work locally .
This has , however , come at a financial cost .
Councils are struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources to compensate .
Councils are also sidelined in decisions despite knowing best .
Many councillors were not happy , for example , that the unanimous call by Oxfordshire councils for a circuit breaker in October was vetoed by local Tory MPs who had to backtrack only two weeks – of crucial lost time – later .
Local government faces challenges from Westminster not only in terms of finance but also legitimacy .
The recent Conservative government ’ s white paper on local government reorganisation in England is yet another sign of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us to reflect on the role and legitimacy of local government , including the way that we elect people locally .
Even if councils were to be properly funded and constituted , it will not be enough until we are properly elected – and reflect the communities we represent .
Only this package of reform , constitutional and electoral , will give councils the legitimacy and sovereignty people want us to have .
First-past-the-post ( FPTP ) is a pretty punishing system in large parts of the country because it excludes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice from being heard in local government .
Unitary shires and regional mayors could mean permanent blue control of much of England .
In London , Scotland and Wales there is a different story .
All experience a form of proportional representation ( PR ) in devolved government .
At the Labour virtual conference Connected this year , for the first time , at a meeting on local government reform organised by the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform , delegates heard first-hand from Labour representatives about their experience of PR .
All pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refined , but also shared stories about its effectiveness in building consensus around active and progressive governance , and building legitimacy in the eyes of those they represent .
Diversity and inclusion are now known to be core to decision-making in effective organisations .
Why , then , do we allow our electoral system to favour one-party hegemony with massive over-representation of one demographic group ?
In the Local Government Association 2018 census , councillors were 96 % white , 63 % male , 45 % retired .
FPTP bakes in pale , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under any form of PR , we can break that mould .
Despite being in its infancy , various forms of PR are starting to make change happen in London , Scotland and Wales .
The average age of councillors in Scotland is falling , elected as they are by a single transferable vote ( STV ) system , almost a decade younger on average than in England .
In Wales , 47 % of members of the Senedd are women .
PR promotes diversity .
Half of Labour ’ s diverse group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local government can build greater resilience through democratic legitimacy in the face of overbearing Whitehall and Westminster power grabs if had we some form of proportionality in electing our representatives .
Without it , we have the obscene situation of a virtual lock on power by Conservatives across large swathes of England based on a minority of local votes , which serves to reduce participation in local elections , damage the reputation of local democracy and reduce the effectiveness and the conduct of government – both national and local .
At its worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stifle debate and consent .
It lets Westminster ride roughshod over local views , when it is very often local people who know best what is needed in their area , and local councils that can deliver that most effectively .
I would like to invite everyone , and importantly councillors , to join the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform .
We are creating a local government network within LCER to discuss what works best and to campaign for change .

The value of local government has really been proved during this pandemic. From supporting those who are shielding, keeping essential services going, helping businesses survive, making town centres safer to planning for the future rebuild, it is councils up and down the land that are doing the work. It is noticeable around the world that in countries with strong public health and local government input, there seems to have been a much better response and far greater control of Covid than in countries that are highly centralised.
I am the leader of the Labour and Co-operative group in West Oxfordshire, which includes David Cameron’s constituency. We have a very effective Labour group on the Conservative district council, providing significant input as an opposition group. During Covid-19, some differences between the parties have melted away, and it has been individual councillors and group leaders who have been making important contributions to how the council responds. And our officers have been nothing short of magnificent in making things work locally.
This has, however, come at a financial cost. Councils are struggling with extra duties and responsibilities without the resources to compensate. Councils are also sidelined in decisions despite knowing best. Many councillors were not happy, for example, that the unanimous call by Oxfordshire councils for a circuit breaker in October was vetoed by local Tory MPs who had to backtrack only two weeks – of crucial lost time – later.
Local government faces challenges from Westminster not only in terms of finance but also legitimacy. The recent Conservative government’s white paper on local government reorganisation in England is yet another sign of their top-down approach. This has caused many of us to reflect on the role and legitimacy of local government, including the way that we elect people locally. Even if councils were to be properly funded and constituted, it will not be enough until we are properly elected – and reflect the communities we represent. Only this package of reform, constitutional and electoral, will give councils the legitimacy and sovereignty people want us to have.
First-past-the-post (FPTP) is a pretty punishing system in large parts of the country because it excludes that very strong, cogent and effective Labour voice from being heard in local government. Unitary shires and regional mayors could mean permanent blue control of much of England. In London, Scotland and Wales there is a different story. All experience a form of proportional representation (PR) in devolved government.
At the Labour virtual conference Connected this year, for the first time, at a meeting on local government reform organised by the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform, delegates heard first-hand from Labour representatives about their experience of PR. All pointed to ways in which it could be refined, but also shared stories about its effectiveness in building consensus around active and progressive governance, and building legitimacy in the eyes of those they represent.
Diversity and inclusion are now known to be core to decision-making in effective organisations. Why, then, do we allow our electoral system to favour one-party hegemony with massive over-representation of one demographic group? In the Local Government Association 2018 census, councillors were 96% white, 63% male, 45% retired. FPTP bakes in pale, male, stale and Conservative representation. Under any form of PR, we can break that mould.
Despite being in its infancy, various forms of PR are starting to make change happen in London, Scotland and Wales. The average age of councillors in Scotland is falling, elected as they are by a single transferable vote (STV) system, almost a decade younger on average than in England. In Wales, 47% of members of the Senedd are women. PR promotes diversity. Half of Labour’s diverse group of London Assembly members are women.
Local government can build greater resilience through democratic legitimacy in the face of overbearing Whitehall and Westminster power grabs if had we some form of proportionality in electing our representatives. Without it, we have the obscene situation of a virtual lock on power by Conservatives across large swathes of England based on a minority of local votes, which serves to reduce participation in local elections, damage the reputation of local democracy and reduce the effectiveness and the conduct of government – both national and local.
At its worst, it serves to silence Labour voices and stifle debate and consent. It lets Westminster ride roughshod over local views, when it is very often local people who know best what is needed in their area, and local councils that can deliver that most effectively. I would like to invite everyone, and importantly councillors, to join the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform. We are creating a local government network within LCER to discuss what works best and to campaign for change.
labourcampaignforelectoralreform.org.uk


labourlist--2020-11-26--Starmer on LGBT+ rights: “We are proud allies and supporters”

Keir Starmer has told an online meeting with members of the public from the West of England that Labour is a “ proud ” ally and supporter of LGBT+ rights after being grilled on his plans to “ show up for marginalised people ” .
Taking part in a ‘ Call Keir ’ event via Zoom this afternoon , the Labour leader was challenged by one participant who said many felt “ disenfranchised ” by the party ’ s handling of antisemitism , Black Lives Matter and trans rights .
They raised the scrapping of plans to reform the Gender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party should be “ really up to date with trans issues ” .
They asked Starmer how he planned on “ showing up for marginalised people ” .
Starmer told the virtual meeting : “ The Labour Party actually has done a huge amount over the years on this , in relation to the positive acts we ’ ve done in government and also opposing things like Section 28… “ There ’ s a long track record in the Labour Party on these issues and we must be absolutely upfront about that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the GRA , I think it is a great shame that the Tories have now gone back on that.
” The UK government dropped plans to allow people to officially change gender without a medical diagnosis earlier this year , abandoning self-identification proposals developed under the last administration led by Theresa May .
The Labour leader added : “ The Act was a step in the right direction but it ’ s obvious from discussions with people it ’ s not working as it currently is , and it must be possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I realise that then takes us into an area where people have very strong and different views , but that ’ s not a reason for us to do nothing .
The Conservative Party simply saying ‘ we ’ ll put it in the too difficult box ’ is not acceptable , and we need to have that discussion .
“ The only thing I would say about that discussion is it needs to be done in a tolerant and respectful way because we don ’ t actually do any service to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we just descend into a toxic argument.
” Starmer concluded by saying : “ On LGBT+ rights , we are proud allies and supporters – and I will just , having listened to you , make sure we make that absolutely clear all of the time in everything that we do.
” Labour MP Rosie Duffield , who tweeted that “ only women have a cervix ” , has had members of staff resign over her statements on trans rights and has been criticised by the GMB trade union branch for MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a statement criticising the Canterbury MP over her comments and called for “ measurable action ” from the leadership .
Shadow minister Jess Phillips defended Duffield .
Starmer did not address BLM , but said on antisemitism : “ I ’ m absolutely determined we ’ re going to root it out of our party , and as you ’ ll have seen I ’ ve been pretty tough over the last six to seven months and taken some tough decisions… “ It shouldn ’ t be there in the Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in breach of the law .
That is shameful and we ’ re going to do something about it , and I ’ m absolutely clear that that is going to happen and it is a very high priority for me.
” The Equality and Human Rights Commission recently found Labour responsible for breaches of the Equality Act relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints , failure to provide training to those handling them and harassment .
Labour was served with an unlawful act notice following the investigation , giving the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published last month .
Starmer has pledged to implement an independent complaints process “ as quickly as possible ” and he hopes that this will be “ early next year ” .
Rule changes would normally require conference approval .
The party has until December 10th to deliver an action plan to the commission on how it will implement the recommendations of its report and when .
This is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled .
The ‘ Call Keir ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public events launched in April to allow people to highlight issues relating to the health crisis that they want raised with government , and to facilitate discussion about why Labour lost in 2019 .

Keir Starmer has told an online meeting with members of the public from the West of England that Labour is a “proud” ally and supporter of LGBT+ rights after being grilled on his plans to “show up for marginalised people”.
Taking part in a ‘Call Keir’ event via Zoom this afternoon, the Labour leader was challenged by one participant who said many felt “disenfranchised” by the party’s handling of antisemitism, Black Lives Matter and trans rights.
They raised the scrapping of plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act, saying that the Labour Party should be “really up to date with trans issues”. They asked Starmer how he planned on “showing up for marginalised people”.
Starmer told the virtual meeting: “The Labour Party actually has done a huge amount over the years on this, in relation to the positive acts we’ve done in government and also opposing things like Section 28…
“There’s a long track record in the Labour Party on these issues and we must be absolutely upfront about that and determined. And we will be. On the GRA, I think it is a great shame that the Tories have now gone back on that.”
The UK government dropped plans to allow people to officially change gender without a medical diagnosis earlier this year, abandoning self-identification proposals developed under the last administration led by Theresa May.
The Labour leader added: “The Act was a step in the right direction but it’s obvious from discussions with people it’s not working as it currently is, and it must be possible therefore to make progress and improvements.
“I realise that then takes us into an area where people have very strong and different views, but that’s not a reason for us to do nothing. The Conservative Party simply saying ‘we’ll put it in the too difficult box’ is not acceptable, and we need to have that discussion.
“The only thing I would say about that discussion is it needs to be done in a tolerant and respectful way because we don’t actually do any service to those who want to change the GRA if we just descend into a toxic argument.”
Starmer concluded by saying: “On LGBT+ rights, we are proud allies and supporters – and I will just, having listened to you, make sure we make that absolutely clear all of the time in everything that we do.”
Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who tweeted that “only women have a cervix”, has had members of staff resign over her statements on trans rights and has been criticised by the GMB trade union branch for MPs’ staff.
Party-affiliated group LGBT+ Labour issued a statement criticising the Canterbury MP over her comments and called for “measurable action” from the leadership. Shadow minister Jess Phillips defended Duffield.
Starmer did not address BLM, but said on antisemitism: “I’m absolutely determined we’re going to root it out of our party, and as you’ll have seen I’ve been pretty tough over the last six to seven months and taken some tough decisions…
“It shouldn’t be there in the Labour Party. We’ve been found to be in breach of the law. That is shameful and we’re going to do something about it, and I’m absolutely clear that that is going to happen and it is a very high priority for me.”
The Equality and Human Rights Commission recently found Labour responsible for breaches of the Equality Act relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints, failure to provide training to those handling them and harassment.
Labour was served with an unlawful act notice following the investigation, giving the party six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report published last month.
Starmer has pledged to implement an independent complaints process “as quickly as possible” and he hopes that this will be “early next year”. Rule changes would normally require conference approval.
The party has until December 10th to deliver an action plan to the commission on how it will implement the recommendations of its report and when. This is legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled.
The ‘Call Keir’ meeting was part of a series of public events launched in April to allow people to highlight issues relating to the health crisis that they want raised with government, and to facilitate discussion about why Labour lost in 2019.


labourlist--2020-11-27--Labour MPs relaunch ‘Love Socialism’ group to advance “pluralist” left

Labour MPs Clive Lewis , Rachael Maskell , Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Alex Sobel are relaunching the ‘ Love Socialism ’ group as a “ green , internationalist and democratic ” force that seeks to advance “ pluralism ” on the left .
Formerly known as ‘ Love Socialism Hate Brexit ’ , and later ‘ Love Socialism Rebuild Britain Transform Europe ’ , the organisation previously had a strong focus on advocating within Labour for the UK to remain in the European Union .
The group is now being reformed as a collective working on broader issues in 21st-century politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence , surveillance capitalism and labour fragmentation , as well as wider democratic goals .
Love Socialism is regarded as being on the ‘ soft left ’ of the party – but a source told LabourList it intends to “ work with others to reach into the membership , unions and movements ” without itself becoming a membership organisation or faction .
Writing in The Independent , the four Labour MPs stated : “ We embrace respectful debate and pluralism .
Ours is a political culture that seeks to work with other progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Labour Party.
” The ambition of the group is both to be a “ catalyst for positive change ” in the way that the Labour Party organises and interacts with others and to be a “ bridge ” that will “ challenge injustice and advance progressive change ” .
Similarly to the ‘ soft left ’ group Open Labour , the MPs have argued that “ “ how ” we disagree is arguably as important as “ what ” we disagree on ” .
They have said Love Socialism will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , authoritarian tendencies in our movement ” .
The initiative is “ not about creating a new Labour faction , nor is our analysis of political culture done to deepen division or suggest intellectual superiority ” , according to the article penned by backbenchers Lewis and Russell-Moyle and frontbenchers Sobel and Maskell .
The four Labour MPs have described the three top priorities of the group as being a “ transformative political agenda ” , to “ confront structural racism and inequalities ” and to “ embrace radical constitutional and electoral reform ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our vision may be radical , but also pragmatic , entirely necessary for us to achieve a Labour government .
We call on those of the broad left of the labour movement to be part of this journey with us.
” Lewis is MP for Norwich South , and served as a shadow minister under Jeremy Corbyn .
He was a candidate for the 2020 Labour leadership but withdrew after failing to secure enough nominations from parliamentary colleagues .
Russell-Moyle is MP for Brighton Kemptown and also now an opposition backbencher .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , citing a “ campaign by the right-wing media ” that made his position “ untenable ” .
Maskell is MP for York Central .
She is currently shadow minister for the voluntary sector and charities , having served as Shadow Employment Rights Secretary , shadow rail minister and Shadow Defra Secretary in the past .
Sobel is also an opposition frontbencher under Keir Starmer ’ s leadership , part of the Labour digital , culture , media and sport team , where he is responsible for tourism and heritage .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Labour MPs Clive Lewis, Rachael Maskell, Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Alex Sobel are relaunching the ‘Love Socialism’ group as a “green, internationalist and democratic” force that seeks to advance “pluralism” on the left.
Formerly known as ‘Love Socialism Hate Brexit’, and later ‘Love Socialism Rebuild Britain Transform Europe’, the organisation previously had a strong focus on advocating within Labour for the UK to remain in the European Union.
The group is now being reformed as a collective working on broader issues in 21st-century politics, such as climate breakdown, artificial intelligence, surveillance capitalism and labour fragmentation, as well as wider democratic goals.
Love Socialism is regarded as being on the ‘soft left’ of the party – but a source told LabourList it intends to “work with others to reach into the membership, unions and movements” without itself becoming a membership organisation or faction.
Writing in The Independent, the four Labour MPs stated: “We embrace respectful debate and pluralism. Ours is a political culture that seeks to work with other progressive movements, both inside and outside of the Labour Party.”
The ambition of the group is both to be a “catalyst for positive change” in the way that the Labour Party organises and interacts with others and to be a “bridge” that will “challenge injustice and advance progressive change”.
Similarly to the ‘soft left’ group Open Labour, the MPs have argued that ““how” we disagree is arguably as important as “what” we disagree on”. They have said Love Socialism will be a “rejection of the top-down, bureaucratic, authoritarian tendencies in our movement”.
The initiative is “not about creating a new Labour faction, nor is our analysis of political culture done to deepen division or suggest intellectual superiority”, according to the article penned by backbenchers Lewis and Russell-Moyle and frontbenchers Sobel and Maskell.
The four Labour MPs have described the three top priorities of the group as being a “transformative political agenda”, to “confront structural racism and inequalities” and to “embrace radical constitutional and electoral reform”.
The comment piece concludes: “Our vision may be radical, but also pragmatic, entirely necessary for us to achieve a Labour government. We call on those of the broad left of the labour movement to be part of this journey with us.”
Lewis is MP for Norwich South, and served as a shadow minister under Jeremy Corbyn. He was a candidate for the 2020 Labour leadership but withdrew after failing to secure enough nominations from parliamentary colleagues.
Russell-Moyle is MP for Brighton Kemptown and also now an opposition backbencher. He resigned from a shadow ministerial post in July, citing a “campaign by the right-wing media” that made his position “untenable”.
Maskell is MP for York Central. She is currently shadow minister for the voluntary sector and charities, having served as Shadow Employment Rights Secretary, shadow rail minister and Shadow Defra Secretary in the past.
Sobel is also an opposition frontbencher under Keir Starmer’s leadership, part of the Labour digital, culture, media and sport team, where he is responsible for tourism and heritage. He is a founding member of Open Labour.


labourlist--2020-11-27--Sunak’s spending review and the PM’s rules leave pubs like mine out in the cold

Over the last week , I have tried to keep myself upbeat and started planning ahead .
Living above a closed business that is usually full of people has been no fun , but with no other choice I have tried to keep busy .
I therefore watched the spending review statement while putting up the Christmas decorations in the pub , in the hope that I will get some customers in to see them .
I think Rudolf may as well stay in the box .
Despite all the bluster about from the Tory benches about supporting entrepreneurship , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give people trying to run a business any Christmas cheer .
There was very little in the statement itself about support for businesses and their owners .
In answers to questions , Rishi Sunak claimed that the grants pubs have had will cover the rent .
Along with many other pub owners , I can assure him that is not the case .
My grant this time has been only £1,334 , not the £3,000 that the Chancellor stated .
It does not cover rent , let alone the other costs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contribution to the furlough of staff who are all still on the payroll since March .
The level of grants available must be made to match our actual outgoing costs , not the outdated and broken business rates system .
Labour should be pressing for this to help us and the jobs that we are supporting ; this is a point that seems to be lost on the government .
I found out on Thursday that we have been placed in Tier 2 .
I ’ m now planning various scenarios of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a substantial pasty with a side salad .
This is , again , on extremely short notice and still with no clarity over what support I ’ m likely to get and what the rent costs will be .
I ’ ve already had to take a gamble and order some cask ales , despite having no idea whether I ’ ll get to serve them .
The only chance I have of survival is to reduce all my costs and wastage .
This haphazard approach is now defining all the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are living on a knife edge .
Pub owners are feeling scapegoated and angry .
We had to collect customer details when Track and Trace was not working , some pubs even taking it upon themselves to contact their customers when they have heard of a positive Covid-19 case .
We have spent millions collectively on measures to provide a clean environment with no help from local environmental health officers .
We ’ ve even stepped in to feed the homeless and our communities ’ children when the government has refused .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the measures that single us out will have an impact on the spread of the virus and that we are not forced to go into more debt while we wait for long-term solutions .
The support that has been given to hospitality up to now has promoted large venues that serve food , while small pubs serving drink are disproportionately affected by the downturn in trade .
The VAT cut has only been for food , and ‘ Eat Out to Help Out ’ actually saw takings in some pubs go down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the small pubs on our high streets and in villages that have had the biggest decrease in capacity .
To top it off , the government has chosen to allow people to travel and mix for five days over Christmas .
We will be in half empty venues , not being able to break even , but we will have to pay for the consequences of stricter measures in January .
Screaming at the TV at the inconsistency and injustice of it won ’ t help thousands like me stuck in businesses that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are important issues that can help us now .
Tenants , like me , are campaigning for fair treatment by the companies that own the pubs through the review of the Pubs Code .
The legislation is not working for us and there are unfair business practices .
We have been denied a review of our rents and we are having to deal with the pub companies individually under a voluntary code of practice .
This is an area where Labour could make a meaningful contribution towards safeguarding our livelihoods .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure are those that have been at the heart of our communities for centuries .
As a pub landlady , I have befriended , consoled and listened .
Running a pub takes long hours of work – the times that make it worth it are when we have a pub full of people laughing .
I was pleased to offer free kids ’ meals during half-term because we had in families having fun .
If we are going to be able to recover and heal after the immediate crisis is over , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local economies .
This means not pitting private sector against public , but making sure that all of us have a decent standard of living and that businesses that are part of our local economies are able to open again and flourish .
To get to that glorious day when we can all raise a glass and hug our friends in a beer garden , we are going to need Santa to bring us some presents – because Rishi hasn ’ t .

Over the last week, I have tried to keep myself upbeat and started planning ahead. Living above a closed business that is usually full of people has been no fun, but with no other choice I have tried to keep busy. I therefore watched the spending review statement while putting up the Christmas decorations in the pub, in the hope that I will get some customers in to see them. I think Rudolf may as well stay in the box.
Despite all the bluster about from the Tory benches about supporting entrepreneurship, there was nothing in the statement that will give people trying to run a business any Christmas cheer. There was very little in the statement itself about support for businesses and their owners. In answers to questions, Rishi Sunak claimed that the grants pubs have had will cover the rent. Along with many other pub owners, I can assure him that is not the case.
My grant this time has been only £1,334, not the £3,000 that the Chancellor stated. It does not cover rent, let alone the other costs that I have to cover, including making a contribution to the furlough of staff who are all still on the payroll since March. The level of grants available must be made to match our actual outgoing costs, not the outdated and broken business rates system. Labour should be pressing for this to help us and the jobs that we are supporting; this is a point that seems to be lost on the government.
I found out on Thursday that we have been placed in Tier 2. I’m now planning various scenarios of shortened hours and to cost a plate of a substantial pasty with a side salad. This is, again, on extremely short notice and still with no clarity over what support I’m likely to get and what the rent costs will be. I’ve already had to take a gamble and order some cask ales, despite having no idea whether I’ll get to serve them. The only chance I have of survival is to reduce all my costs and wastage. This haphazard approach is now defining all the government does and it is hurting businesses that are living on a knife edge.
Pub owners are feeling scapegoated and angry. We had to collect customer details when Track and Trace was not working, some pubs even taking it upon themselves to contact their customers when they have heard of a positive Covid-19 case. We have spent millions collectively on measures to provide a clean environment with no help from local environmental health officers. We’ve even stepped in to feed the homeless and our communities’ children when the government has refused. All we ask for is the scientific evidence that the measures that single us out will have an impact on the spread of the virus and that we are not forced to go into more debt while we wait for long-term solutions.
The support that has been given to hospitality up to now has promoted large venues that serve food, while small pubs serving drink are disproportionately affected by the downturn in trade. The VAT cut has only been for food, and ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ actually saw takings in some pubs go down. The support has not gone to the small pubs on our high streets and in villages that have had the biggest decrease in capacity. To top it off, the government has chosen to allow people to travel and mix for five days over Christmas. We will be in half empty venues, not being able to break even, but we will have to pay for the consequences of stricter measures in January.
Screaming at the TV at the inconsistency and injustice of it won’t help thousands like me stuck in businesses that are running down the clock to insolvency. There are important issues that can help us now. Tenants, like me, are campaigning for fair treatment by the companies that own the pubs through the review of the Pubs Code. The legislation is not working for us and there are unfair business practices. We have been denied a review of our rents and we are having to deal with the pub companies individually under a voluntary code of practice. This is an area where Labour could make a meaningful contribution towards safeguarding our livelihoods.
The businesses that are now facing permanent closure are those that have been at the heart of our communities for centuries. As a pub landlady, I have befriended, consoled and listened. Running a pub takes long hours of work – the times that make it worth it are when we have a pub full of people laughing. I was pleased to offer free kids’ meals during half-term because we had in families having fun.
If we are going to be able to recover and heal after the immediate crisis is over, we must look to our communities and the local economies. This means not pitting private sector against public, but making sure that all of us have a decent standard of living and that businesses that are part of our local economies are able to open again and flourish. To get to that glorious day when we can all raise a glass and hug our friends in a beer garden, we are going to need Santa to bring us some presents – because Rishi hasn’t.


labourlist--2020-11-27--Labour “not in a position to make a decision yet” on backing Covid tiers

Shadow health minister Justin Madders has said that the Labour Party is “ not in a position to make a decision yet ” on whether it will back the return to a tiered coronavirus system amid Tory opposition to the rules .
Boris Johnson announced this week that people in England would face a return to the three-tier system after the lockdown ends , and just three areas – Cornwall , the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Scilly – have been placed in Tier 1 .
From December 2nd , the majority of England will be placed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not socialise indoors with anyone from outside of their bubble , nor socialise in a group of more than six people outside .
Significant areas will enter Tier 3 , however , in which hospitality settings are closed .
This will include Greater Manchester and Birmingham , while London will remain in Tier 2 and Liverpool is set to enter Tier 2 .
The Prime Minister is facing a backlash over the way tiers have been allocated .
He noted this morning that people find it “ frustrating ” to be in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little incidence in their village or their area ” .
Johnson said : “ The difficulty is that if you did it any other way , first of all you ’ d divide the country up into loads and loads of very complicated sub-divisions .
There has got to be some simplicity and clarity in the way we do this.
” It has been reported that up to 70 Tory MPs could vote against the plans or abstain if there is not significant change to the system between now and Tuesday when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to take place .
Asked on Times Radio this morning whether Labour would vote for the Covid measures , which have been described as “ risky ” by Keir Starmer , Madders from the party ’ s health team said : “ We are not in a position to make a decision yet .
“ We ’ re still looking at the announcement yesterday and actually the regulations that will come with the with the vote next week haven ’ t been published .
And , of course , you would expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what we ’ re voting for before making a decision.
” The Labour frontbencher concluded : “ So I ’ m afraid I can ’ t give you an answer on that just yet.
” On whether restrictions would have to made more local , he added that this was a demand the government would “ need to reflect ” .
On Conservative MPs who believe the system should be more specific in the areas covered , particularly for Kent , Madders commented : “ I think that is a fair critique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason why the announcements just today were done in such large areas was to really try and avoid the the detailed negotiations that have happened in the past over over each area , because of course , we haven ’ t had all the country going into different tiers all the same time .
“ And that may be a management issue .
But I think that there are undoubtedly going to be lots of individual local areas where you might say , actually , if you look at those as a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high tier , but if you look at this particular part of the area , a lower tier is a much more appropriate place to be .
“ I think that that ’ s part of the the debate we ’ re going to have about making sure that the public has got confidence that this is the right thing to do.
” The Labour leader criticised the Prime Minister ’ s plans on Monday , saying : “ If we ’ re reintroducing a three-tier system without having fixed test , trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk… There are huge gaps in this plan , huge uncertainties and huge risk .
”

Shadow health minister Justin Madders has said that the Labour Party is “not in a position to make a decision yet” on whether it will back the return to a tiered coronavirus system amid Tory opposition to the rules.
Boris Johnson announced this week that people in England would face a return to the three-tier system after the lockdown ends, and just three areas – Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Scilly – have been placed in Tier 1.
From December 2nd, the majority of England will be placed in Tier 2, under which people must not socialise indoors with anyone from outside of their bubble, nor socialise in a group of more than six people outside.
Significant areas will enter Tier 3, however, in which hospitality settings are closed. This will include Greater Manchester and Birmingham, while London will remain in Tier 2 and Liverpool is set to enter Tier 2.
The Prime Minister is facing a backlash over the way tiers have been allocated. He noted this morning that people find it “frustrating” to be in the highest tier when there is “very little incidence in their village or their area”.
Johnson said: “The difficulty is that if you did it any other way, first of all you’d divide the country up into loads and loads of very complicated sub-divisions. There has got to be some simplicity and clarity in the way we do this.”
It has been reported that up to 70 Tory MPs could vote against the plans or abstain if there is not significant change to the system between now and Tuesday when the vote in the House of Commons is set to take place.
Asked on Times Radio this morning whether Labour would vote for the Covid measures, which have been described as “risky” by Keir Starmer, Madders from the party’s health team said: “We are not in a position to make a decision yet.
“We’re still looking at the announcement yesterday and actually the regulations that will come with the with the vote next week haven’t been published. And, of course, you would expect us to actually look at the detail of what we’re voting for before making a decision.”
The Labour frontbencher concluded: “So I’m afraid I can’t give you an answer on that just yet.” On whether restrictions would have to made more local, he added that this was a demand the government would “need to reflect”.
On Conservative MPs who believe the system should be more specific in the areas covered, particularly for Kent, Madders commented: “I think that is a fair critique.
“It may be that the reason why the announcements just today were done in such large areas was to really try and avoid the the detailed negotiations that have happened in the past over over each area, because of course, we haven’t had all the country going into different tiers all the same time.
“And that may be a management issue. But I think that there are undoubtedly going to be lots of individual local areas where you might say, actually, if you look at those as a whole, you could make an argument for high tier, but if you look at this particular part of the area, a lower tier is a much more appropriate place to be.
“I think that that’s part of the the debate we’re going to have about making sure that the public has got confidence that this is the right thing to do.”
The Labour leader criticised the Prime Minister’s plans on Monday, saying: “If we’re reintroducing a three-tier system without having fixed test, trace and isolate, that is a major risk… There are huge gaps in this plan, huge uncertainties and huge risk.”


labourlist--2020-11-27--Local parties defy general secretary guidance on motions to back Corbyn

Thursday evenings are a popular time for local party meetings in the Labour Party .
General secretary David Evans sent an email before many took place last night : all motions relating to the withholding of the Labour whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including “ expressions of solidarity ” – will be “ ruled out of order ” , he told officers and representatives .
This is based on his determination that such motions are “ providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party ’ s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party ’ s code of conduct and makes explicit reference to party culture , and concludes that such restrictions could stay in place until the culture is deemed to have improved .
The party grassroots are exploding in some areas of the country , particularly some of the biggest local parties .
A number defied the instructions of the general secretary last night by passing motions in support of Corbyn in his battle over the whip , including Birmingham Hall Green , Hampstead and Kilburn , Milton Keynes North and South , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Hackney South and Bristol East , have expressed the same view without specifically going against instructions , by commenting instead on democracy or passing motions of no confidence in Evans or Keir Starmer .
There is an awareness that the party is willing to suspend members for flouting guidance , as happened in Bristol West , though no united approach from Corbyn supporters yet in the face of this reality .
The role of the Jewish Labour Movement in these matters is important .
The party-affiliated organisation announced seven days ago that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment for Jewish members , and also that it would be pausing engagement with the party after Corbyn ’ s readmittance .
It is no surprise to see Evans , in charge of the party headquarters that facilitated the unusually speedy disciplinary process , take into account their view of these motions and act accordingly .
But Momentum and other parts of the Labour left are determined to have a say .
The Communication Workers ’ Union has called on Labour to “ let members discuss what they want ” .
The upshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspensions , possibly local parties being put in special measures , perhaps overall accelerating the replacement of Corbynite executive committees with pro-Starmer ones .
Tensions are only going to escalate further .
The Guardian has picked up on our story from Wednesday , adding that the pre-action disclosure application has now been lodged as we reported it was going to be .
Labour sources deny that a deal over Corbyn ’ s reinstatement was struck , while those close to Corbyn say evidence will soon emerge to prove this is what happened .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Survation shows that the party is starkly divided over the whip decision , with 48 % against and 46 % in favour , while a majority had a “ negative ” view of Corbyn ’ s statement that led to his original suspension .
The results are weighted based on recent data – the 2020 leadership election – and I would recommend taking a look at the full tables as well as our write-up to see what can be learnt about the current membership as there is lots of fascinating information to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JLM will be hosting a one-day conference featuring high-profile speakers from the Labour leader himself to Angela Rayner , Lisa Nandy , Andy Burnham , Margaret Hodge , Ruth Smeeth and Louise Ellman .
There will be much talk of what Labour needs to do to implement the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights Commission .
The party has just unveiled the appointment of Jane Ramsey as the person who will be leading on setting up an independent process – not only for antisemitism complaints , as some in the party have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , antisemitism , Islamophobia , bullying , sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination .
The crucial action plan is due by December 10th .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Thursday evenings are a popular time for local party meetings in the Labour Party. General secretary David Evans sent an email before many took place last night: all motions relating to the withholding of the Labour whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including “expressions of solidarity” – will be “ruled out of order”, he told officers and representatives. This is based on his determination that such motions are “providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members”. The email cites the party’s code of conduct and makes explicit reference to party culture, and concludes that such restrictions could stay in place until the culture is deemed to have improved.
The party grassroots are exploding in some areas of the country, particularly some of the biggest local parties. A number defied the instructions of the general secretary last night by passing motions in support of Corbyn in his battle over the whip, including Birmingham Hall Green, Hampstead and Kilburn, Milton Keynes North and South, Leeds North East. Others, such as Hackney South and Bristol East, have expressed the same view without specifically going against instructions, by commenting instead on democracy or passing motions of no confidence in Evans or Keir Starmer. There is an awareness that the party is willing to suspend members for flouting guidance, as happened in Bristol West, though no united approach from Corbyn supporters yet in the face of this reality.
The role of the Jewish Labour Movement in these matters is important. The party-affiliated organisation announced seven days ago that it believes such motions create an unsafe environment for Jewish members, and also that it would be pausing engagement with the party after Corbyn’s readmittance. It is no surprise to see Evans, in charge of the party headquarters that facilitated the unusually speedy disciplinary process, take into account their view of these motions and act accordingly. But Momentum and other parts of the Labour left are determined to have a say. The Communication Workers’ Union has called on Labour to “let members discuss what they want”. The upshot of these motions will likely be many suspensions, possibly local parties being put in special measures, perhaps overall accelerating the replacement of Corbynite executive committees with pro-Starmer ones.
Tensions are only going to escalate further. The Guardian has picked up on our story from Wednesday, adding that the pre-action disclosure application has now been lodged as we reported it was going to be. Labour sources deny that a deal over Corbyn’s reinstatement was struck, while those close to Corbyn say evidence will soon emerge to prove this is what happened. Our exclusive poll of Labour members conducted by Survation shows that the party is starkly divided over the whip decision, with 48% against and 46% in favour, while a majority had a “negative” view of Corbyn’s statement that led to his original suspension. The results are weighted based on recent data – the 2020 leadership election – and I would recommend taking a look at the full tables as well as our write-up to see what can be learnt about the current membership as there is lots of fascinating information to dig into.
Over the weekend, JLM will be hosting a one-day conference featuring high-profile speakers from the Labour leader himself to Angela Rayner, Lisa Nandy, Andy Burnham, Margaret Hodge, Ruth Smeeth and Louise Ellman. There will be much talk of what Labour needs to do to implement the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The party has just unveiled the appointment of Jane Ramsey as the person who will be leading on setting up an independent process – not only for antisemitism complaints, as some in the party have predicted, but those relating to racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, bullying, sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination. The crucial action plan is due by December 10th. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-11-27--Labour appoints Jane Ramsey to lead on new independent complaints process

The Labour Party has announced the appointment of Jane Ramsey , described as “ an expert on standards in public and political life ” , to lead on the establishment of a new independent complaints process for internal disciplinary matters .
Welcoming the appointment , Keir Starmer said : “ I am delighted that Jane is leading our party ’ s implementation of the EHRC ’ s recommendations .
Jane brings a wealth of experience to this role.
” The Equality and Human Rights Commission on Labour antisemitism published in October found Labour responsible for three breaches of the Equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in antisemitism complaints .
The party was served with an unlawful act notice and given six weeks – until December 10th – to produce a draft action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report released by the equality body .
The EHRC must agree with the plan and will monitor its administration .
Labour is legally mandated to commission an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints as soon as rule changes allow .
Starmer added : “ Since I was elected Labour leader , I have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our party .
I remain utterly determined to restore trust with the Jewish community and make the Labour Party a safe place for Jewish people.
” The Labour leader has vowed to set up an independent process “ as soon as possible ” , aiming for early in the new year .
He has said he has “ every confidence ” that Ramsey will ensure a new system is in place “ as a matter of urgency ” .
Starmer has been clear that Labour ’ s current process “ does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , but his spokesperson last week resolved the party to clearing the backlog of antisemitism cases using this system .
An exclusive poll of Labour members by Survation for LabourList found that 63 % of those surveyed agreed with the statement “ I do not trust the Labour Party ’ s current internal disciplinary process ” and just 18 % said they did trust it .
Ramsey , a trained barrister , is currently chair of Young Epilepsy , a national charity that provides education , residential services and health services to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autism and other neurological conditions .
Labour ’ s new senior adviser on standards and ethics resigned last month – on October 28th – from the committee on standards in public life , which advises the Prime Minister on ethical standards across the whole of public life in the UK .
She also undertakes medical research and has experience in the health sector , having chaired Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ( Addenbrookes ) and been vice-chair at University College London Hospitals .
Ramsey has tweeted about supporting trans rights , LGBT+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent of a young adult trans woman , as well as health and education issues relating to autism and epilepsy in particular .

The Labour Party has announced the appointment of Jane Ramsey, described as “an expert on standards in public and political life”, to lead on the establishment of a new independent complaints process for internal disciplinary matters.
Welcoming the appointment, Keir Starmer said: “I am delighted that Jane is leading our party’s implementation of the EHRC’s recommendations. Jane brings a wealth of experience to this role.”
The Equality and Human Rights Commission on Labour antisemitism published in October found Labour responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act, partly relating to political interference in antisemitism complaints.
The party was served with an unlawful act notice and given six weeks – until December 10th – to produce a draft action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report released by the equality body.
The EHRC must agree with the plan and will monitor its administration. Labour is legally mandated to commission an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints as soon as rule changes allow.
Starmer added: “Since I was elected Labour leader, I have made it my mission to root out antisemitism from our party. I remain utterly determined to restore trust with the Jewish community and make the Labour Party a safe place for Jewish people.”
The Labour leader has vowed to set up an independent process “as soon as possible”, aiming for early in the new year. He has said he has “every confidence” that Ramsey will ensure a new system is in place “as a matter of urgency”.
Starmer has been clear that Labour’s current process “does not have the confidence of the Jewish community”, but his spokesperson last week resolved the party to clearing the backlog of antisemitism cases using this system.
An exclusive poll of Labour members by Survation for LabourList found that 63% of those surveyed agreed with the statement “I do not trust the Labour Party’s current internal disciplinary process” and just 18% said they did trust it.
Ramsey, who trained as a barrister, is currently chair of Young Epilepsy, a national charity that provides education, residential services and health services to children and young people with epilepsy, autism and other neurological conditions.
Labour’s new senior adviser on standards and ethics resigned last month – on October 28th – from the committee on standards in public life, which advises the Prime Minister on ethical standards across the whole of public life in the UK.
She also undertakes medical research and has experience in the health sector, having chaired Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Addenbrookes) and been vice-chair at University College London Hospitals.
Ramsey has tweeted about supporting trans rights, LGBT+ inclusive lessons in schools and being the parent of a young adult trans woman, as well as health and education issues relating to autism and epilepsy in particular.