labourlist--2020-11-10--“We see a glimmer of light in the distance”: Labour probes Hancock on vaccine

Labour ’ s health spokesperson Jonathan Ashworth has probed government minister Matt Hancock on the strategy and level of planning that is being adopted after a promising Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for Covid-19 emerged .
Early results have suggested that the vaccine for the novel coronavirus , of which the UK government has secured 40 million doses , is 90 % effective .
It has not yet been approved as safe by the regulator , however .
Hancock has said that the length of the vaccine effect and its effectiveness at reducing transmission of the virus is still unknown , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the vaccine from December 1st if approved .
Ashworth used a response to Hancock ’ s statement in the House of Commons this afternoon to ask the Health Secretary for publication of a strategy and details of how much will be invested in the vaccination programme .
He also asked Hancock for “ the latest clinical thinking around vaccination of children ” and whether the disproportionate impact of Covid on minority ethnic communities would be taken into account when drawing up the priority list .
The Health Secretary said the vaccine would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been tested on children .
He also told MPs that age and working in health and social care “ far outweigh ” other Covid risk factors .
Asked by Labour MP Mary Foy about the potential for lower take up among those living in deprived communities , Hancock said he shared the concerns but reiterated that the “ starting point must be clinical need ” .
He added in response to Labour MP Apsana Begum that the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation ( JCVI ) had already looked at other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I respect their independence and their analysis.
” Hancock acknowledged that the government does not know what proportion of the population the vaccine would need to reach in order to stop the epidemic , and will not know until after it has been rolled out .
He added that Pfizer would be responsible for the manufacture of the vaccine and the NHS would lead on its distribution , and noted that the “ significant ” cold chain requirements are expected to “ add to the logistical complications ” .
The government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber , however , that “ we have known about the cold chain requirements for many months now , so it has been part of our planning for some time ” .
Asked by Labour ’ s Hilary Benn about the Covid testing of students that will allow them to return home for Christmas , Hancock said universities would lead on this initiative but draw on the expertise of local public health teams .
Cat Smith , Labour ’ s frontbench lead on youth affairs , added to Benn ’ s question by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again in January to enable their return to university .
Hancock simply replied : “ One step at a time.
” Both Yvette Cooper and Ben Bradshaw raised concerns about Nightingale hospitals not being used due to a lack of NHS staff .
Hancock said the extra hospitals were “ important ” but it is better for patients to be treated in normal hospitals .
Below is the full text of Jonathan Ashworth ’ s response to Matt Hancock in the Commons .
Mr Speaker , may I take this opportunity to I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elect Harris .
We look forward to close international cooperation to defeat this virus .
Can I start by welcoming the announcement of routine testing for frontline NHS staff ?
This is an important development , not just for protecting staff , but for infection control in health care settings .
We have been pressing him for months on this , as has the chair of the select committee .
On testing more broadly , he has announced plans for the mass distribution of lateral flow tests .
I understand he is asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local strategies .
But does he agree that families with a loved one in a care home should be given priority access to these tests to see and hold the hand of a loved one in a care home ?
Testing is only one part of the jigsaw .
To avoid this lockdown becoming a let down , we need to put public health teams in charge of contact tracing from day one .
Can he update the House on how he is fixing contact tracing ?
Dido Harding at the select committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolating “ because they find it very difficult .
The need to keep earning and feed your family is fundamental.
” Will he now accept that a better package of financial support is now needed to ensure isolation is adhered to ?
Now the vaccine .
This is indeed a moment of great hope in a bleak , dismal year that has shattered so many families .
We are all optimistic , though cautious .
We need to see the full results , the demographic details of the trials and understand the implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical judgements around the priority list , which we all understand .
Could he outline the latest clinical thinking around vaccination of children ?
And will the disproportionate impact of the virus on minority ethnic communities be taken into account when drawing up the final priority list ?
What is the government ’ s current working assumption of what proportion of the population needs to be vaccinated to establish herd immunity and bring R below one ?
Over what time frame does he envisage that happening ?
And how many doses does he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinate the most vulnerable , there will be less people at risk , deaths and infections will come down .
But the virus is now endemic .
So is it the government ’ s current working assumption that social distancing and mask wearing will need to continue until that herd immunity is reached ?
Fundamentally , for this to work , we need a plan for the manufacture and distribution of that vaccine .
Can I gently suggest to the Secretary of State that the roll out of test and trace and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as smooth as it might otherwise have been ?
None of us want to see booking systems overloaded and our constituents told to travel hundreds of miles for a jab , like we saw earlier this year with testing .
So , what is the plan ?
Will he publish a strategy ?
Can he tell us how much will be invested in the Covid vaccination programme ?
Is the government working with international partners to ensure there are enough raw materials , enzymes and bioreactors to guarantee the mass manufacturing needed ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to be kept at -70 °C .
Cold chain transport and storage is needed .
A year ago , he used to boast that he was the country ’ s biggest purchaser of fridges .
Is he procuring the appropriate storage equipment now ?
Will liquid nitrogen and freezers be provided to health centres , doctors ’ practices and care homes ?
Will cold chain distribution be in place in all parts of the country ?
Last year , the World Health Organisation described vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again reiterate my offer to work with him on a cross party basis to build on public confidence in the vaccine , promote take up and dispel anti vax myths ?
Indeed , I rather suspect all members working across the House to promote take up would probably prove more cost effective than paying £670,000 of taxpayers ’ money to fancy PR consultants .
Mr Speaker , this is indeed an important moment .
We see a glimmer of light in the distance of this long dark tunnel .
Our constituents are hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress in the distribution of this vaccine , so we can all get back to normal .

Labour’s health spokesperson Jonathan Ashworth has probed government minister Matt Hancock on the strategy and level of planning that is being adopted after a promising Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for Covid-19 emerged.
Early results have suggested that the vaccine for the novel coronavirus, of which the UK government has secured 40 million doses, is 90% effective. It has not yet been approved as safe by the regulator, however.
Hancock has said that the length of the vaccine effect and its effectiveness at reducing transmission of the virus is still unknown, but the NHS would be ready to start giving out the vaccine from December 1st if approved.
Ashworth used a response to Hancock’s statement in the House of Commons this afternoon to ask the Health Secretary for publication of a strategy and details of how much will be invested in the vaccination programme.
He also asked Hancock for “the latest clinical thinking around vaccination of children” and whether the disproportionate impact of Covid on minority ethnic communities would be taken into account when drawing up the priority list.
The Health Secretary said the vaccine would not be used for children, and has not been tested on children. He also told MPs that age and working in health and social care “far outweigh” other Covid risk factors.
Asked by Labour MP Mary Foy about the potential for lower take up among those living in deprived communities, Hancock said he shared the concerns but reiterated that the “starting point must be clinical need”.
He added in response to Labour MP Apsana Begum that the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) had already looked at other risk factors, and he concluded: “I respect their independence and their analysis.”
Hancock acknowledged that the government does not know what proportion of the population the vaccine would need to reach in order to stop the epidemic, and will not know until after it has been rolled out.
He added that Pfizer would be responsible for the manufacture of the vaccine and the NHS would lead on its distribution, and noted that the “significant” cold chain requirements are expected to “add to the logistical complications”.
The government’s health spokesperson assured members in the chamber, however, that “we have known about the cold chain requirements for many months now, so it has been part of our planning for some time”.
Asked by Labour’s Hilary Benn about the Covid testing of students that will allow them to return home for Christmas, Hancock said universities would lead on this initiative but draw on the expertise of local public health teams.
Cat Smith, Labour’s frontbench lead on youth affairs, added to Benn’s question by raising the possibility of students being tested again in January to enable their return to university. Hancock simply replied: “One step at a time.”
Both Yvette Cooper and Ben Bradshaw raised concerns about Nightingale hospitals not being used due to a lack of NHS staff. Hancock said the extra hospitals were “important” but it is better for patients to be treated in normal hospitals.
Below is the full text of Jonathan Ashworth’s response to Matt Hancock in the Commons.
Mr Speaker, may I take this opportunity to I congratulate President Elect Biden and Vice President Elect Harris. We look forward to close international cooperation to defeat this virus.
Can I start by welcoming the announcement of routine testing for frontline NHS staff? This is an important development, not just for protecting staff, but for infection control in health care settings. We have been pressing him for months on this, as has the chair of the select committee.
On testing more broadly, he has announced plans for the mass distribution of lateral flow tests. I understand he is asking local Directors of Public Health to develop local strategies. But does he agree that families with a loved one in a care home should be given priority access to these tests to see and hold the hand of a loved one in a care home?
Testing is only one part of the jigsaw. To avoid this lockdown becoming a let down, we need to put public health teams in charge of contact tracing from day one. Can he update the House on how he is fixing contact tracing?
Dido Harding at the select committee has just admitted that people are not isolating “because they find it very difficult. The need to keep earning and feed your family is fundamental.” Will he now accept that a better package of financial support is now needed to ensure isolation is adhered to?
Now the vaccine. This is indeed a moment of great hope in a bleak, dismal year that has shattered so many families. We are all optimistic, though cautious. We need to see the full results, the demographic details of the trials and understand the implications for severe cases.
There will be clinical judgements around the priority list, which we all understand. Could he outline the latest clinical thinking around vaccination of children? And will the disproportionate impact of the virus on minority ethnic communities be taken into account when drawing up the final priority list?
What is the government’s current working assumption of what proportion of the population needs to be vaccinated to establish herd immunity and bring R below one? Over what time frame does he envisage that happening? And how many doses does he think we will need?
As we vaccinate the most vulnerable, there will be less people at risk, deaths and infections will come down. But the virus is now endemic. So is it the government’s current working assumption that social distancing and mask wearing will need to continue until that herd immunity is reached?
Fundamentally, for this to work, we need a plan for the manufacture and distribution of that vaccine. Can I gently suggest to the Secretary of State that the roll out of test and trace and the early procurement of PPE wasn’t as smooth as it might otherwise have been?
None of us want to see booking systems overloaded and our constituents told to travel hundreds of miles for a jab, like we saw earlier this year with testing. So, what is the plan? Will he publish a strategy? Can he tell us how much will be invested in the Covid vaccination programme?
Is the government working with international partners to ensure there are enough raw materials, enzymes and bioreactors to guarantee the mass manufacturing needed? And on distribution: the Pfizer vaccine needs to be kept at -70 °C. Cold chain transport and storage is needed.
A year ago, he used to boast that he was the country’s biggest purchaser of fridges. Is he procuring the appropriate storage equipment now? Will liquid nitrogen and freezers be provided to health centres, doctors’ practices and care homes? Will cold chain distribution be in place in all parts of the country?
Last year, the World Health Organisation described vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten threats to global health. Can I again reiterate my offer to work with him on a cross party basis to build on public confidence in the vaccine, promote take up and dispel anti vax myths?
Indeed, I rather suspect all members working across the House to promote take up would probably prove more cost effective than paying £670,000 of taxpayers’ money to fancy PR consultants.
Mr Speaker, this is indeed an important moment. We see a glimmer of light in the distance of this long dark tunnel. Our constituents are hopeful, so we look forward to rapid progress in the distribution of this vaccine, so we can all get back to normal.


labourlist--2020-11-11--The government must put conditions on support for Rolls-Royce – or risk jobs

Rolls-Royce has been faithfully served by the communities surrounding its Barnoldswick operations for nearly eight decades .
It was in this Lancastrian town that Rolls-Royce developed and built the UK ’ s first jet engine .
That engine , which powered high-speed Meteor jet fighters in 1944 , was the only allied jet fighter to see action during the Second World War and played a crucial role in the winning of the conflict .
Over subsequent years , Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick has been an integral part of the region ’ s economy and a source of pride for generations of families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work at the site .
That is all now set to change , following the company ’ s announcement in August that it intends to offshore the production of its Trent engine blades from Barnoldswick to Singapore , with the loss of 350 workers .
Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick workers are currently taking three weeks of selective strike action .
They are fighting to save highly skilled engineering jobs , and potentially the site itself .
It is appalling that the company has left them with no other option but to take strike action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union has made to work constructively with Rolls-Royce to cope with the impact of Covid-19 .
It is particularly galling that Rolls-Royce is seeking to benefit from billions of pounds of taxpayer support , yet refuses to use this taxpayer-funded lifeline to keep valuable jobs in the UK .
It is also appalling that Rolls-Royce has broken the promise it made to protect Barnoldswick when workers from the site helped set up the company ’ s aerospace footprint in Singapore .
It is nothing less than a complete betrayal of a loyal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve to further tarnish this iconic British brand .
As chair of the Unite parliamentary group in Westminster , I have written on behalf of more than 100 Labour MPs and Peers to express our solidarity with union members at Barnoldswick .
It is no exaggeration to say that parliamentarians from across the political spectrum are disgusted by the behaviour of Rolls-Royce and are quite simply ashamed of how low this flagship UK firm has fallen under its current management .
In the current economic climate , these are exactly the kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose .
The Unite parliamentary group is encouraging all its members to raise awareness of this dispute and use every available opportunity to lobby for government intervention .
It is clear that any financial support for Rolls-Royce must be conditional on protecting jobs at Barnoldswick and other sites .
Quite frankly , it is astonishing that government has not already attached such conditions to the support provided to Rolls-Royce .
In the House of Commons on Tuesday , I demanded answers from the Secretary of State for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has neglected to do this .
Unfortunately , Mr Sharma merely parroted lines from Rolls-Royce about the site remaining open .
If these jobs go , however , Rolls-Royce will cease to have any meaningful presence in Barnoldswick and more than three quarters of a century of aerospace manufacturing in the town will effectively come to an end .
Next week , Sharma , along with a cross-party group of MPs , will be meeting with Rolls-Royce .
It is unclear exactly which MPs have been invited to that meeting , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be demanding Rolls-Royce meets with Unite to secure a viable future for Barnoldswick as a matter of urgency .
If Rolls-Royce refuse to do this , the government must use the company ’ s current reliance on public money to incentivise it into doing the right thing .
Anything less from ministers will be a gross injustice against the people of Barnoldswick and the UK ’ s aerospace industry as a whole .

Rolls-Royce has been faithfully served by the communities surrounding its Barnoldswick operations for nearly eight decades. It was in this Lancastrian town that Rolls-Royce developed and built the UK’s first jet engine. That engine, which powered high-speed Meteor jet fighters in 1944, was the only allied jet fighter to see action during the Second World War and played a crucial role in the winning of the conflict.
Over subsequent years, Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick has been an integral part of the region’s economy and a source of pride for generations of families who found skilled, stable and well-paid work at the site. That is all now set to change, following the company’s announcement in August that it intends to offshore the production of its Trent engine blades from Barnoldswick to Singapore, with the loss of 350 workers.
Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick workers are currently taking three weeks of selective strike action. They are fighting to save highly skilled engineering jobs, and potentially the site itself. It is appalling that the company has left them with no other option but to take strike action, despite the huge effort that Unite the union has made to work constructively with Rolls-Royce to cope with the impact of Covid-19.
It is particularly galling that Rolls-Royce is seeking to benefit from billions of pounds of taxpayer support, yet refuses to use this taxpayer-funded lifeline to keep valuable jobs in the UK. It is also appalling that Rolls-Royce has broken the promise it made to protect Barnoldswick when workers from the site helped set up the company’s aerospace footprint in Singapore. It is nothing less than a complete betrayal of a loyal and dedicated workforce by Rolls-Royce and will only serve to further tarnish this iconic British brand.
As chair of the Unite parliamentary group in Westminster, I have written on behalf of more than 100 Labour MPs and Peers to express our solidarity with union members at Barnoldswick. It is no exaggeration to say that parliamentarians from across the political spectrum are disgusted by the behaviour of Rolls-Royce and are quite simply ashamed of how low this flagship UK firm has fallen under its current management.
In the current economic climate, these are exactly the kind of jobs the country cannot afford to lose. The Unite parliamentary group is encouraging all its members to raise awareness of this dispute and use every available opportunity to lobby for government intervention. It is clear that any financial support for Rolls-Royce must be conditional on protecting jobs at Barnoldswick and other sites. Quite frankly, it is astonishing that government has not already attached such conditions to the support provided to Rolls-Royce.
In the House of Commons on Tuesday, I demanded answers from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, about why the government has neglected to do this. Unfortunately, Mr Sharma merely parroted lines from Rolls-Royce about the site remaining open. If these jobs go, however, Rolls-Royce will cease to have any meaningful presence in Barnoldswick and more than three quarters of a century of aerospace manufacturing in the town will effectively come to an end.
Next week, Sharma, along with a cross-party group of MPs, will be meeting with Rolls-Royce. It is unclear exactly which MPs have been invited to that meeting, but along with my parliamentary colleagues I will be demanding Rolls-Royce meets with Unite to secure a viable future for Barnoldswick as a matter of urgency.
If Rolls-Royce refuse to do this, the government must use the company’s current reliance on public money to incentivise it into doing the right thing. Anything less from ministers will be a gross injustice against the people of Barnoldswick and the UK’s aerospace industry as a whole.


labourlist--2020-11-11--Armistice Day: Important for all communities, and a reminder for Labour

This year ’ s Remembrance Sunday ceremonies were not conducted in the way we all would have wished .
Whilst there were many different ways to be involved , we were not all able to come together as we have in the past to honour those that have fallen , who have served and continue to serve our country .
Many of these people are our friends , our family and our neighbours .
In 2020 , we were reminded of the importance of our safety and security by the impact of coronavirus on the UK .
But we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them for granted .
Thanks to the incredible work and sacrifice of our armed forces and the support of their families and loved ones , we have continued to navigate our way through this crisis .
Whether that be the construction of the Nightingale Hospitals , or their recently announced support of mass testing in Liverpool , they have been there for us .
This year also marked the 75th anniversaries of the UN , VE Day , VJ Day .
It ’ s over 100 years since that fateful early , chilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Compiègne , France , where an armistice was signed and the cessation of hostilities was agreed from 11am on that day .
However , whilst all these moments will be reflected on , it this year ’ s period of remembrance that has been a reminder of the importance and significance of our armed services to communities across the country .
It was truly moving to see such incredible conviction from so many across Britain to support and pay their respects to our armed services on Remembrance Sunday .
Like many others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legion in observing a two-minute silence on our doorsteps and all coming together safely to pay our respects to those who have made incredible sacrifices to support and protect us .
This way , people joined neighbours , local communities and millions from across the United Kingdom , and from across the world , to recognise those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe throughout our country ’ s history .
It is our country ’ s determination and ability to adapt to honour our fallen that is so deeply inspiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many across our country that is also , however , a reminder of the work our party needs to do to renew its relationship with these communities .
These issues matter to a great deal of communities in our country – many of which are , or used to be , Labour .
We need to rebuild our relationship with these communities .
We are a patriotic country , and we are a patriotic party .
But we need to show that in practical actions .
It ’ s why we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LFF ) .
To restart these conversations .
To speak to communities and people that we have perhaps neglected in the past .
Last month , we had an incredible turnout at our annual general meeting , brimming with enthusiasm and ideas .
There is another event with the Royal United Services Institute ( RUSI ) scheduled for later this month and LFF representation just later this week at Labour regional conference .
But it can ’ t stop there .
We will continue to do more .
Next year , as restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be able to physically visit these communities and speak in person .
Armistice Day and this period of remembrance will first and always will be a time to reflect and honour our fallen .
But this year , it is also an important reminder of the work the Labour Party needs to do to rebuild its relationship with our armed forces and its communities .
Stephen Morgan and Sarah Church are the newly elected co-chairs of Labour Friends of the Forces .

This year’s Remembrance Sunday ceremonies were not conducted in the way we all would have wished. Whilst there were many different ways to be involved, we were not all able to come together as we have in the past to honour those that have fallen, who have served and continue to serve our country. Many of these people are our friends, our family and our neighbours.
In 2020, we were reminded of the importance of our safety and security by the impact of coronavirus on the UK. But we were also reminded that we can never take them for granted. Thanks to the incredible work and sacrifice of our armed forces and the support of their families and loved ones, we have continued to navigate our way through this crisis. Whether that be the construction of the Nightingale Hospitals, or their recently announced support of mass testing in Liverpool, they have been there for us.
This year also marked the 75th anniversaries of the UN, VE Day, VJ Day. It’s over 100 years since that fateful early, chilly and drizzly morning in the forest of Compiègne, France, where an armistice was signed and the cessation of hostilities was agreed from 11am on that day.
However, whilst all these moments will be reflected on, it this year’s period of remembrance that has been a reminder of the importance and significance of our armed services to communities across the country. It was truly moving to see such incredible conviction from so many across Britain to support and pay their respects to our armed services on Remembrance Sunday.
Like many others, this year we joined the Royal British Legion in observing a two-minute silence on our doorsteps and all coming together safely to pay our respects to those who have made incredible sacrifices to support and protect us. This way, people joined neighbours, local communities and millions from across the United Kingdom, and from across the world, to recognise those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe throughout our country’s history.
It is our country’s determination and ability to adapt to honour our fallen that is so deeply inspiring. It is this coming together by so many across our country that is also, however, a reminder of the work our party needs to do to renew its relationship with these communities.
These issues matter to a great deal of communities in our country – many of which are, or used to be, Labour. We need to rebuild our relationship with these communities. We are a patriotic country, and we are a patriotic party. But we need to show that in practical actions. It’s why we have relaunched Labour Friends of the Forces (LFF). To restart these conversations. To speak to communities and people that we have perhaps neglected in the past.
Last month, we had an incredible turnout at our annual general meeting, brimming with enthusiasm and ideas. There is another event with the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) scheduled for later this month and LFF representation just later this week at Labour regional conference. But it can’t stop there. We will continue to do more. Next year, as restrictions begin to lift, we hope, we will be able to physically visit these communities and speak in person.
Armistice Day and this period of remembrance will first and always will be a time to reflect and honour our fallen. But this year, it is also an important reminder of the work the Labour Party needs to do to rebuild its relationship with our armed forces and its communities.
Stephen Morgan and Sarah Church are the newly elected co-chairs of Labour Friends of the Forces.


labourlist--2020-11-11--Exclusive: Lansman “wasn’t happy” with Corbyn response to EHRC report

Momentum co-founder Jon Lansman has exclusively told LabourList that he “ wasn ’ t happy ” with the response of suspended former leader Jeremy Corbyn to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report .
In a wide-ranging interview to be published in full shortly , Lansman shared his views on the report and Corbyn ’ s response , his own experiences of Labour antisemitism , and his thoughts on the future of the party and its left wing .
Corbyn last month reacted to the conclusion of the investigation by describing one antisemite as “ too many ” , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents ” .
He was subsequently suspended from the party pending investigation and had the whip withdrawn .
A Labour spokesperson said the action was taken due to “ his comments ” and “ failure to retract them subsequently ” .
“ I wasn ’ t happy with the words that Jeremy used , ” Lansman told LabourList , speaking out after attending his final Labour national executive committee ( NEC ) meeting as a member of the party ’ s ruling body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of cases , and of course that is technically right .
The public perceptions , which are created by media reporting , don ’ t match the numbers of cases , ” Lansman added .
“ But to say that on the day of the EHRC report , when lots of people – I ’ ve had lots of antisemitic abuse .
I am hurt by that .
The hurt has not been exaggerated .
The hurt is real .
So I think Jeremy ’ s words were not right .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of Labour left group Momentum , which grew out of Corbyn ’ s 2015 leadership campaign , also revealed in the LabourList interview that he did not agree with the disciplinary action , however .
“ I also disagree strongly with his suspension .
I haven ’ t said that before because it wasn ’ t appropriate for an NEC member to say that , but I ’ ve effectively finished my term , ” he said .
Lansman explained that he believed the situation would only likely be resolved with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party decided to take no further action once receiving answers to questions put to Corbyn about the complaint .
Although he disagrees with the former leader ’ s response , the left figure also raised concerns over whether due process was followed in the suspension , saying : “ The EHRC is very clear about political interference .
“ I ’ m not sure it was right for David Evans as general secretary to make the decision… It seemed pretty clear to me that the decision should be taken within the unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is “ in favour of an independent process ” for the party ’ s antisemitism complaints , as well as those relating to sexual harassment , bullying and other forms of harassment .
On the report of the equality body itself , the outgoing NEC member said : “ The day of the EHRC report was very emotional .
And by the way , when I read the EHRC report , there was very little in it that I would disagree with at all .
“ Nothing major , actually .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which you would expect.
” But he added that “ there is an issue about the way that the EHRC treats party agents ” as it is “ quite a broad range that has significant implications ” .
LabourList will soon be publishing the full exclusive interview with Jon Lansman .

Momentum co-founder Jon Lansman has exclusively told LabourList that he “wasn’t happy” with the response of suspended former leader Jeremy Corbyn to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
In a wide-ranging interview to be published in full later, Lansman shared his views on the report and Corbyn’s response, his own experiences of Labour antisemitism, and his thoughts on the future of the party and its left wing.
Corbyn last month reacted to the conclusion of the investigation by describing one antisemite as “too many”, but added that “the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents”.
He was subsequently suspended from the party pending investigation and had the whip withdrawn. A Labour spokesperson said the action was taken due to “his comments” and “failure to retract them subsequently”.
“I wasn’t happy with the words that Jeremy used,” Lansman told LabourList, speaking out after attending his final Labour national executive committee (NEC) meeting as a member of the party’s ruling body.
“He was clearly talking about the number of cases, and of course that is technically right. The public perceptions, which are created by media reporting, don’t match the numbers of cases,” Lansman added.
“But to say that on the day of the EHRC report, when lots of people – I’ve had lots of antisemitic abuse. I am hurt by that. The hurt has not been exaggerated. The hurt is real. So I think Jeremy’s words were not right. I disagree with them.”
The former chair of Labour left group Momentum, which grew out of Corbyn’s 2015 leadership campaign, also revealed in the LabourList interview that he did not agree with the disciplinary action, however.
“I also disagree strongly with his suspension. I haven’t said that before because it wasn’t appropriate for an NEC member to say that, but I’ve effectively finished my term,” he said.
Lansman explained that he believed the situation would only likely be resolved with a “withdrawal” that would follow if the party decided to take no further action once receiving answers to questions put to Corbyn about the complaint.
Although he disagrees with the former leader’s response, the left figure also raised concerns over whether due process was followed in the suspension, saying: “The EHRC is very clear about political interference.
“I’m not sure it was right for David Evans as general secretary to make the decision… It seemed pretty clear to me that the decision should be taken within the unit that investigates [antisemitism complaints].”
Lansman told LabourList that he is “in favour of an independent process” for the party’s antisemitism complaints, as well as those relating to sexual harassment, bullying and other forms of harassment.
On the report of the equality body itself, the outgoing NEC member said: “The day of the EHRC report was very emotional. And by the way, when I read the EHRC report, there was very little in it that I would disagree with at all.
“Nothing major, actually. It’s a very process-driven report, which you would expect.” But he added that “there is an issue about the way that the EHRC treats party agents” as it is “quite a broad range that has significant implications”.
LabourList will soon be publishing the full exclusive interview with Jon Lansman.


labourlist--2020-11-11--At the centre of our green recovery, we need a National Nature Service

This week , Ed Miliband launched Labour ’ s new green economic recovery report – a plan to create 400,000 new jobs , helping us to confront the challenges of the climate crisis and the spike of unemployment caused by the pandemic .
One of these proposals called for the creation of a new National Nature Service .
The NNS is inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt ’ s Civilian Conservation Corps ( CCC ) .
This public works relief programme put the green in the original New Deal , providing employment on environmental projects for young men – as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wage for them and their families — throughout the Great Depression .
Between 1933 to 1942 , CCC workers planted over three billion trees and paved the foundation for the USA ’ s national and state park systems .
At a time when unemployment is projected to reach between 10 % and 14 % , and when we face a twin climate and nature emergency , this is exactly the kind of thinking we need to kickstart our own green recovery .
As Labour for a Green New Deal has rightly said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate crisis leaves no shortage of available work in the task of greening the economy ” .
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds argue that an NNS would provide a wide range of entry level-jobs across the country , particularly benefitting young and BAME people , delivering on-the-job training and providing them with vital skills and experience .
These new jobs must provide secure , unionised employment .
Rather than putting public money into private hands , that means ensuring the NNS really is a national service .
This is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure contracts and working conditions , and the real living wage – the bare minimum for those working to save our planet .
A green jobs programme rooted in equality and diversity , specifically directed at benefitting the young , disadvantaged and those at-risk of long-term unemployment would contribute toward both recruiting our own ‘ zero-carbon army ’ and producing a stronger , more secure and more diverse conservation sector .
It would also ensure that our environment is maintained and its protection properly resourced .
Only 39 % of our sites of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favourable ” condition , which is a symptom of under-investment .
Since 2012 , public spending on biodiversity has declined by 29 % .
The NNS would help to reverse this trend , creating the workforce needed to preserve these green spaces .
Our party has previously called for ten new national parks to improve public access to nature , the need for which has only grown over the course of the pandemic .
Our green recovery is an opportunity to fundamentally reconsider how we relate to the land on which we live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shooting grouse on our moors must be stopped immediately .
But we should go further , launching a programme of public investment in our precious peatlands to ensure their proper regulation and restoration .
It is not only our national parks , areas of outstanding natural beauty or sites of specific scientific interest that need protecting .
The pandemic has prompted important questions about how we all relate to public space , highlighting the rampant inequality caused by our unequal access to nature .
One in eight households in the UK have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green space is often determined by race and class .
The NNS has a vital role to play not only in maintaining and restoring existing public parks and community gardens , but also providing new green spaces in our most nature-deprived communities so that everyone can enjoy a healthier and more prosperous life .
A green recovery from the Covid pandemic will require transforming our fractured economy and restoring our broken ecosystems .
If we are to meet the scale of the crises we face , we will need to be ambitious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid decarbonisation of our economy that will provide high-quality , public sector work for all those who ’ ve been made unemployed .
Just as the New Deal had its Civilian Conservation Corps , at the centre of our green recovery should be the NNS – a national service that will improve access to quality local green spaces up and down the country , and create a happier , healthier world .

This week, Ed Miliband launched Labour’s new green economic recovery report – a plan to create 400,000 new jobs, helping us to confront the challenges of the climate crisis and the spike of unemployment caused by the pandemic. One of these proposals called for the creation of a new National Nature Service.
The NNS is inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This public works relief programme put the green in the original New Deal, providing employment on environmental projects for young men – as well as shelter, clothing, food and a wage for them and their families — throughout the Great Depression. Between 1933 to 1942, CCC workers planted over three billion trees and paved the foundation for the USA’s national and state park systems.
At a time when unemployment is projected to reach between 10% and 14%, and when we face a twin climate and nature emergency, this is exactly the kind of thinking we need to kickstart our own green recovery. As Labour for a Green New Deal has rightly said, the “sheer scale of the climate crisis leaves no shortage of available work in the task of greening the economy”. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds argue that an NNS would provide a wide range of entry level-jobs across the country, particularly benefitting young and BAME people, delivering on-the-job training and providing them with vital skills and experience.
These new jobs must provide secure, unionised employment. Rather than putting public money into private hands, that means ensuring the NNS really is a national service. This is an opportunity to create public sector jobs with secure contracts and working conditions, and the real living wage – the bare minimum for those working to save our planet. A green jobs programme rooted in equality and diversity, specifically directed at benefitting the young, disadvantaged and those at-risk of long-term unemployment would contribute toward both recruiting our own ‘zero-carbon army’ and producing a stronger, more secure and more diverse conservation sector.
It would also ensure that our environment is maintained and its protection properly resourced. Only 39% of our sites of specific scientific interest are in a “favourable” condition, which is a symptom of under-investment. Since 2012, public spending on biodiversity has declined by 29%. The NNS would help to reverse this trend, creating the workforce needed to preserve these green spaces.
Our party has previously called for ten new national parks to improve public access to nature, the need for which has only grown over the course of the pandemic. Our green recovery is an opportunity to fundamentally reconsider how we relate to the land on which we live. The destructive practices of heather burning and shooting grouse on our moors must be stopped immediately. But we should go further, launching a programme of public investment in our precious peatlands to ensure their proper regulation and restoration.
It is not only our national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty or sites of specific scientific interest that need protecting. The pandemic has prompted important questions about how we all relate to public space, highlighting the rampant inequality caused by our unequal access to nature.
One in eight households in the UK have no garden, and that access to green space is often determined by race and class. The NNS has a vital role to play not only in maintaining and restoring existing public parks and community gardens, but also providing new green spaces in our most nature-deprived communities so that everyone can enjoy a healthier and more prosperous life.
A green recovery from the Covid pandemic will require transforming our fractured economy and restoring our broken ecosystems. If we are to meet the scale of the crises we face, we will need to be ambitious, calling for large-scale natural restoration and the rapid decarbonisation of our economy that will provide high-quality, public sector work for all those who’ve been made unemployed.
Just as the New Deal had its Civilian Conservation Corps, at the centre of our green recovery should be the NNS – a national service that will improve access to quality local green spaces up and down the country, and create a happier, healthier world.


labourlist--2020-11-11--WATCH: Keir Starmer slams government for “slow” Covid response

Keir Starmer has criticised the government for being “ slow ” in its response to the coronavirus pandemic and accused the Conservatives of failing to learn the lessons from the first wave of cases .
Responding to reports that the UK has now recorded more than 50,000 Covid deaths , the Labour leader said in a Sky News interview this evening that the families affected must be “ uppermost in our mind ” .
Starmer told viewers : “ Behind these numbers is a devastated family for every death and they have to be uppermost in our mind .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they haven ’ t learnt the lessons into phase two .
“ And we owe it to all of the families who are grieving to get on top of the virus and head towards a vaccine .
That is what the government must absolutely focus on now .
“ My frustration is that had there been a circuit break earlier on , we would be out of that now .
We ’ d have had a better chance of controlling the virus.
” The Labour leader argued during the latest Prime Minister Question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British people are “ paying the price ” for mistakes that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have made in their handling of the crisis .
Starmer said : “ If they ’ d handed contracts to companies that could deliver , public money would have been saved .
If they ’ d extended furlough sooner , jobs would have been saved .
If they ’ d brought in a circuit breaker , lives would have been saved.
” The comments from the Labour leader today come after official figures have reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to coronavirus .
Other data reports over 70,000 excess deaths up to the end of October .
The latest daily death toll was 595 , with a latest daily number of 22,590 new cases .
Total hospital admissions for the UK stand at 185,737 with a latest daily number of 1,518 .
There has been a significant increase recently with the second wave .

Keir Starmer has criticised the government for being “slow” in its response to the coronavirus pandemic and accused the Conservatives of failing to learn the lessons from the first wave of cases.
Responding to reports that the UK has now recorded more than 50,000 Covid deaths, the Labour leader said in a Sky News interview this evening that the families affected must be “uppermost in our mind”.
Starmer told viewers: “Behind these numbers is a devastated family for every death and they have to be uppermost in our mind. The government was slow at phase one, they haven’t learnt the lessons into phase two.
“And we owe it to all of the families who are grieving to get on top of the virus and head towards a vaccine. That is what the government must absolutely focus on now.
“My frustration is that had there been a circuit break earlier on, we would be out of that now. We’d have had a better chance of controlling the virus.”
"Behind these numbers is a devastated family for every death." Keir Starmer has criticised the govt for being "slow" in reacting to the #COVID19 pandemic, after it was announced that 50,000 people have now died with the virus in the UK.#Coronavirus: https://t.co/QZmxyRqkQd pic.twitter.com/W3NJ3NJJkH — SkyNews (@SkyNews) November 11, 2020
The Labour leader argued during the latest Prime Minister Question’s session this afternoon that the British people are “paying the price” for mistakes that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have made in their handling of the crisis.
Starmer said: “If they’d handed contracts to companies that could deliver, public money would have been saved. If they’d extended furlough sooner, jobs would have been saved. If they’d brought in a circuit breaker, lives would have been saved.”
The comments from the Labour leader today come after official figures have reported that the UK has now recorded 50,365 deaths linked to coronavirus. Other data reports over 70,000 excess deaths up to the end of October.
The latest daily death toll was 595, with a latest daily number of 22,590 new cases. Total hospital admissions for the UK stand at 185,737 with a latest daily number of 1,518. There has been a significant increase recently with the second wave.


labourlist--2020-11-11--What a Biden administration means for Labour and UK foreign policy

Despite the protestations of some in the labour movement , who consider President-elect Joe Biden and the Democratic Party to be not progressive enough , there are few who don the red rose ( if any ) who will be unhappy to see the back of Donald Trump .
The majority of the British public , according to polling , seem to agree with this sentiment .
But what does a Biden presidency mean for Britain and , in particular , British foreign policy ?
Paradoxically , we must first begin with the domestic .
Given the current levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been this high since the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement , combined with the health and economic impacts of the pandemic , a Biden administration will have a lot on its hands on the domestic front .
The Democrats will be frustrated by the fact that they have not gained the Senate , with two runoff races set to take place in January .
If Biden ’ s party does not secure three more seats , this will have implications for their popular domestic agenda .
A Republican majority led again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiatives .
This could lead to less attention being paid by the Biden administration on its foreign policy programme , by default rather than by design .
That would pose problems for the UK and other US allies , which need an engaged US now more than ever .
Nevertheless , in foreign policy the US President has significant power in relation to other democratic institutions and Biden is no isolationist , recognising the old adage that with great power comes great responsibility .
On foreign policy , the Biden administration will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be undoing all the damage that the last four years of Trump have caused to the international , rules-based order and US power .
The immediate starting point is for the US to pull the reins on Trump ’ s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organisation in the midst of a pandemic , and to properly fund the organisation and support its equitable vaccine distribution coalition .
Allowing for the proper functioning of the World Trade Organisation , rejuvenating the Iranian nuclear deal and rejoining the UN Human Rights Council will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is all good news for the UK , as it places less pressure on it and other allies to maintain the integrity of the international , rules-based order alone , in the face of serious challenge from China and Russia in particular .
Linked to this will be the issue of climate change .
Keir Starmer has rightly emphasised , in his response to Biden and Kamala Harris ’ victory , the importance of Britain having an ally in the US that is willing to fight the global climate emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be pivotal , and the UK can expect ramped up American diplomatic efforts to convince others , including China , to stick to their targets .
Finally , the Biden administration will be aware that it can not achieve much without a unity of like-minded allies .
Transatlantic relations have not been so damaged for decades , as a result of the Trump presidency ’ s unorthodox diplomacy , which seemed often keener on attacking European allies than hostile states .
Too much has been made of Biden ’ s Irish heritage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential impact on his future foreign policy decisions .
The President-Elect is highly concerned about any undermining of the Good Friday Agreement by this Conservative government , as are we in the Labour Party .
But he is concerned not necessarily due to his Irish heritage , but because peace on the island of Ireland is fundamentally in American interests .
A no-deal scenario , in the eyes of a Biden administration , can further rupture Western unity at a time when it is most needed , in the face of an increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Labour will have a friend in the Biden administration on Brexit .
The party must seek to effectively build on and use this relationship to pressure the UK government , as well as pro-Brexit Atlanticists and China hawks in the Conservative Party , to pursue a rational deal that protects the Good Friday Agreement , workers ’ and environmental rights and the national interest .
By congratulating Biden and Harris on their victory with grace and without qualification , the Labour Party has already taken great initial steps forward in building essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free world .

Despite the protestations of some in the labour movement, who consider President-elect Joe Biden and the Democratic Party to be not progressive enough, there are few who don the red rose (if any) who will be unhappy to see the back of Donald Trump. The majority of the British public, according to polling, seem to agree with this sentiment. But what does a Biden presidency mean for Britain and, in particular, British foreign policy?
Paradoxically, we must first begin with the domestic. Given the current levels of American social fragmentation, which have not been this high since the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, combined with the health and economic impacts of the pandemic, a Biden administration will have a lot on its hands on the domestic front.
The Democrats will be frustrated by the fact that they have not gained the Senate, with two runoff races set to take place in January. If Biden’s party does not secure three more seats, this will have implications for their popular domestic agenda. A Republican majority led again by Senator Mitch McConnell would frustrate Democratic initiatives.
This could lead to less attention being paid by the Biden administration on its foreign policy programme, by default rather than by design. That would pose problems for the UK and other US allies, which need an engaged US now more than ever. Nevertheless, in foreign policy the US President has significant power in relation to other democratic institutions and Biden is no isolationist, recognising the old adage that with great power comes great responsibility.
On foreign policy, the Biden administration will have three main priorities. The first will be undoing all the damage that the last four years of Trump have caused to the international, rules-based order and US power. The immediate starting point is for the US to pull the reins on Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organisation in the midst of a pandemic, and to properly fund the organisation and support its equitable vaccine distribution coalition.
Allowing for the proper functioning of the World Trade Organisation, rejuvenating the Iranian nuclear deal and rejoining the UN Human Rights Council will be other key elements of this agenda. This is all good news for the UK, as it places less pressure on it and other allies to maintain the integrity of the international, rules-based order alone, in the face of serious challenge from China and Russia in particular.
Linked to this will be the issue of climate change. Keir Starmer has rightly emphasised, in his response to Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory, the importance of Britain having an ally in the US that is willing to fight the global climate emergency. US re-entry to the Paris climate agreement will be pivotal, and the UK can expect ramped up American diplomatic efforts to convince others, including China, to stick to their targets.
Finally, the Biden administration will be aware that it cannot achieve much without a unity of like-minded allies. Transatlantic relations have not been so damaged for decades, as a result of the Trump presidency’s unorthodox diplomacy, which seemed often keener on attacking European allies than hostile states. Too much has been made of Biden’s Irish heritage, however, in terms of its potential impact on his future foreign policy decisions.
The President-Elect is highly concerned about any undermining of the Good Friday Agreement by this Conservative government, as are we in the Labour Party. But he is concerned not necessarily due to his Irish heritage, but because peace on the island of Ireland is fundamentally in American interests. A no-deal scenario, in the eyes of a Biden administration, can further rupture Western unity at a time when it is most needed, in the face of an increasingly aggressive China alongside an already hostile Russia.
Labour will have a friend in the Biden administration on Brexit. The party must seek to effectively build on and use this relationship to pressure the UK government, as well as pro-Brexit Atlanticists and China hawks in the Conservative Party, to pursue a rational deal that protects the Good Friday Agreement, workers’ and environmental rights and the national interest.
By congratulating Biden and Harris on their victory with grace and without qualification, the Labour Party has already taken great initial steps forward in building essential relationships with the next leaders of the free world.


labourlist--2020-11-11--Jack Dunne: Why I’m standing to be Young Labour’s Wales rep

I have not known a time where devolution did not exist .
For the past 21 years , devolution has been an ongoing process that is still yet to be taken seriously by Westminster and understood by the UK Labour Party .
We still see decisions that affect Wales being taken at a UK level despite the structures and calls for autonomy by Welsh Labour .
Take for instance this election I am standing in , where it was not until after nominations that we found out the role of Welsh representative also means being chair of Welsh Young Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Welsh Young Labour members and not added as an afterthought from UK Labour .
We need to ensure that we now have a strong voice that stands up to and works with UK Young Labour to let Wales be heard .
Over the past few months , we have really seen the importance of having a Labour government in office .
Here in Wales , the difference in the way we have dealt with coronavirus has been crucial in saving lives and preventing its spread .
Now , with the 2021 Senedd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to transform the trust people have placed in Welsh Labour into support at the ballot box .
And Welsh Young Labour has a crucial part to play in achieving this .
Last year , Welsh Labour took the huge decision to extend the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds , entrusting them with a seat at the table while we face the imminent challenge of climate breakdown and now coronavirus .
It is something I am immensely proud of my party for doing , but in truth it is only a job half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young Labour is in need of reviving , as we currently operate without the necessary resources or infrastructure to be the truly transformative campaigning machine it has the potential to be .
Year after year , committee after committee , decisions concerning the movement in Wales are made by figures in London unaccountable to us in Wales .
This is why I am standing on three priority areas : to rebuild our campaigning ability , streamline our communications and build a community for all Welsh young members .
With Senedd elections just around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone to hit the ground running so our young members can truly be an effective campaign force across the whole of Wales .
By sticking to these priority areas , we will be able to see Young Labour groups grow across the whole of Wales .
Our party has tools to help contact new members and provide training , which would help improve membership engagement but also deliver vital safeguarding awareness to make sure our party puts the voices of young members from marginalised communities front and centre .
Throughout my membership , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organising campaigns from Conwy to Cardiff .
I truly know what it means to be on the ground in an election .
But I also know how it can be a daunting prospect for first-time campaigners .
Too often during election campaigns our voices are frequently overlooked , our expertise is neglected and our ability to organise in our communities is diminished .
If we are to win over a new generation of young voters and create more Labour activists , the London-centric approach can not be allowed to drown out the voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the UK Young Labour national committee , it is important that the party guarantees resources and support that can be used in Wales .
I can see what our movement is capable of here in Wales , but we need the structure and the support .
We need someone prepared to work closely with Welsh Labour so we can re-elect a Welsh Labour government and prepare for a UK Labour one too .
I am ready to get started and stand up for Wales .
If you would like to know more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or find me on Facebook and Twitter .
Diolch yn fawr !

I have not known a time where devolution did not exist. For the past 21 years, devolution has been an ongoing process that is still yet to be taken seriously by Westminster and understood by the UK Labour Party. We still see decisions that affect Wales being taken at a UK level despite the structures and calls for autonomy by Welsh Labour.
Take for instance this election I am standing in, where it was not until after nominations that we found out the role of Welsh representative also means being chair of Welsh Young Labour. These decisions should have been taken by Welsh Young Labour members and not added as an afterthought from UK Labour. We need to ensure that we now have a strong voice that stands up to and works with UK Young Labour to let Wales be heard.
Over the past few months, we have really seen the importance of having a Labour government in office. Here in Wales, the difference in the way we have dealt with coronavirus has been crucial in saving lives and preventing its spread. Now, with the 2021 Senedd elections rapidly approaching, we have the opportunity to transform the trust people have placed in Welsh Labour into support at the ballot box. And Welsh Young Labour has a crucial part to play in achieving this. Last year, Welsh Labour took the huge decision to extend the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds, entrusting them with a seat at the table while we face the imminent challenge of climate breakdown and now coronavirus. It is something I am immensely proud of my party for doing, but in truth it is only a job half done.
As it stands, Welsh Young Labour is in need of reviving, as we currently operate without the necessary resources or infrastructure to be the truly transformative campaigning machine it has the potential to be. Year after year, committee after committee, decisions concerning the movement in Wales are made by figures in London unaccountable to us in Wales. This is why I am standing on three priority areas: to rebuild our campaigning ability, streamline our communications and build a community for all Welsh young members.
With Senedd elections just around the corner in 2021, we need someone to hit the ground running so our young members can truly be an effective campaign force across the whole of Wales. By sticking to these priority areas, we will be able to see Young Labour groups grow across the whole of Wales. Our party has tools to help contact new members and provide training, which would help improve membership engagement but also deliver vital safeguarding awareness to make sure our party puts the voices of young members from marginalised communities front and centre.
Throughout my membership, I have spent time knocking doors and organising campaigns from Conwy to Cardiff. I truly know what it means to be on the ground in an election. But I also know how it can be a daunting prospect for first-time campaigners. Too often during election campaigns our voices are frequently overlooked, our expertise is neglected and our ability to organise in our communities is diminished. If we are to win over a new generation of young voters and create more Labour activists, the London-centric approach cannot be allowed to drown out the voice of Wales.
As the Welsh representative on the UK Young Labour national committee, it is important that the party guarantees resources and support that can be used in Wales. I can see what our movement is capable of here in Wales, but we need the structure and the support. We need someone prepared to work closely with Welsh Labour so we can re-elect a Welsh Labour government and prepare for a UK Labour one too. I am ready to get started and stand up for Wales. If you would like to know more you can read my manifesto here, or find me on Facebook and Twitter. Diolch yn fawr!


labourlist--2020-11-11--Why I’m opposed to the covert human intelligence sources bill

Below is the full text of Baroness Chakrabarti ’ s speech on the covert human intelligence sources ( criminal conduct ) bill delivered in the House of Lords this afternoon .
Many things are said about your Lordships ’ House and about what it is to be a patriot today of all days .
I can ’ t imagine the purpose of either if not to defend the rule of law .
It isn ’ t left or right , Leave or Remain .
There can be no freedom , security or even democracy without it .
And one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law of the land must apply to everyone equally .
If we were to introduce one law for agents of the state and another for everyone else , surely lawlessness and tyranny would not be far behind .
I know that no-one in this House would wish for such an outcome .
Yet the gravest dangers to the rule of law don ’ t politely announce themselves .
More often than not , they come undercover and with the best of intentions , not least of preserving security and even the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill seeks to put criminal conduct by covert human intelligence sources on a statutory footing .
But in truth , and as the minister has today acknowledged , it goes a great deal further than that .
It replaces our legal status quo whereby criminal acts in the course of undercover intelligence work are nearly always and rightly forgiven , in the public interest , with a complete and advance immunity or licence or golden ticket , for a raft of agents against prosecution and civil suit , regardless of the harm caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is important to remember that the overwhelming majority of these agents are not trained officers of our security agencies or police .
They necessarily come from the community , including the criminal community .
They include extremely troubled , volatile and vulnerable people , including even children .
A public inquiry that has only just begun is hearing how they are capable of abuse and even of inciting rather than preventing crime , even under the present law .
We are told not to worry because those issuing these criminal conduct licences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , must “ take into account ” the requirements of the Human Rights Act .
I must point out that such an obligation to take these rights “ into account ” is weaker than the normal obligation to comply with them .
Further , whilst human rights bind states and public bodies , they are no substitute for effective criminal law in both protecting and binding individual people by deterring violence and sexual violence , in particular .
And there is a wealth of caselaw to this effect .
Some argue that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be remedied by external or judicial authorisation of criminal conduct , or by limiting the list of agencies or types of crimes .
I am far from convinced that anything other than removing the immunity from these authorisations and restoring them to the appropriate position of public interest guidance to agents , prosecutors and courts , will suffice .
In the words of former officer Neil Woods : “ As a former ruthless undercover cop , I see many possibilities of this going wrong .
This immunity truly changes everything .
It invites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Once we go down this route , it will be very difficult ever to return.
” I urge your Lordships to heed that stark warning .

Below is the full text of Baroness Chakrabarti’s speech on the covert human intelligence sources (criminal conduct) bill delivered in the House of Lords this afternoon.
Click here to read our interview with Shami Chakrabarti about the CHIS bill.
Many things are said about your Lordships’ House and about what it is to be a patriot today of all days. I can’t imagine the purpose of either if not to defend the rule of law. It isn’t left or right, Leave or Remain. There can be no freedom, security or even democracy without it.
And one of its most fundamental principles, is that the law of the land must apply to everyone equally. If we were to introduce one law for agents of the state and another for everyone else, surely lawlessness and tyranny would not be far behind. I know that no-one in this House would wish for such an outcome.
Yet the gravest dangers to the rule of law don’t politely announce themselves. More often than not, they come undercover and with the best of intentions, not least of preserving security and even the law itself.
It is said that this bill seeks to put criminal conduct by covert human intelligence sources on a statutory footing. But in truth, and as the minister has today acknowledged, it goes a great deal further than that.
It replaces our legal status quo whereby criminal acts in the course of undercover intelligence work are nearly always and rightly forgiven, in the public interest, with a complete and advance immunity or licence or golden ticket, for a raft of agents against prosecution and civil suit, regardless of the harm caused to our people in the process.
It is important to remember that the overwhelming majority of these agents are not trained officers of our security agencies or police. They necessarily come from the community, including the criminal community. They include extremely troubled, volatile and vulnerable people, including even children. A public inquiry that has only just begun is hearing how they are capable of abuse and even of inciting rather than preventing crime, even under the present law.
We are told not to worry because those issuing these criminal conduct licences (from inside the relevant agencies themselves), must “take into account” the requirements of the Human Rights Act. I must point out that such an obligation to take these rights “into account” is weaker than the normal obligation to comply with them. Further, whilst human rights bind states and public bodies, they are no substitute for effective criminal law in both protecting and binding individual people by deterring violence and sexual violence, in particular. And there is a wealth of caselaw to this effect.
Some argue that the grave dangers in this legislation might be remedied by external or judicial authorisation of criminal conduct, or by limiting the list of agencies or types of crimes. I am far from convinced that anything other than removing the immunity from these authorisations and restoring them to the appropriate position of public interest guidance to agents, prosecutors and courts, will suffice.
In the words of former officer Neil Woods: “As a former ruthless undercover cop, I see many possibilities of this going wrong. This immunity truly changes everything. It invites criminality into a realm uniquely susceptible to it. Once we go down this route, it will be very difficult ever to return.”
I urge your Lordships to heed that stark warning.


labourlist--2020-11-11--This is a decisive decade: Labour’s green economic recovery is just the start

Coronavirus is the biggest crisis our country has faced in a generation .
As well as the severe public health emergency , it also threatens the economy and our social fabric .
We now confront the deepest recession for 300 years and stand on the brink of the worst jobs crisis since the Great Depression .
Meanwhile , as the fires that have again raged this year from Australia to California so vividly illustrate , the climate and environment crisis is gathering pace .
These multiple , intersecting crises demand urgent and coordinated action .
We have a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into an opportunity to create decent green jobs in every region of our country ; to build up skills in the workforce , including among groups hardest-hit by the pandemic ; to stimulate an economy at risk of severe recession with massive investment in green infrastructure , from wind farms to wetlands ; and to tackle longstanding regional inequalities .
That is why yesterday Labour called on the government to stop dithering and support a bold green economic recovery from coronavirus .
We challenged them to urgently bring forward an ambitious stimulus package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creation of up to 400,000 new low-carbon jobs in every region of the country over the next 18 months .
The government has talked a good game when it comes to a green recovery , but its co-opting of the ‘ build back better ’ rhetoric has not been matched by meaningful investment .
According to Carbon Brief , Germany has committed €42.85bn and France €35bn to a green recovery .
Meanwhile the UK has committed just a fraction of that , at less than £5bn .
And while the US Senate election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , let ’ s not also forget that President-Elect Biden has just been elected on a platform to deliver $ 2tn in green investment .
The complacency that defines the government ’ s approach to a green recovery is all the more bewildering given the fact that not only is it not on course to meet the 2050 net-zero target that parliament legislated for last year , it ’ s lagging far behind what is needed even to meet previous , less stringent , emissions targets .
Despite parliament having declared a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the government has so far committed to investing just 12 % of what is needed to achieve the UK ’ s net-zero target .
It is not good enough .
We must urgently accelerate the transition toward carbon neutrality .
It is imperative that the government does not lose sight of the importance of preparing for the next global crisis as it deals with the current one .
But a green economic recovery is only the first step .
We have now entered the decisive decade in the fight against runaway global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avert the worst impacts of catastrophic climate change , an ambitious green stimulus must be the precursor to bold and sustained climate action at home and abroad – not least to ensure the success of the crucial COP26 climate summit that the UK hosts in Glasgow next year and keep the hope of limiting global heating to 1.5°C alive .
In the critical years ahead , Labour will continue to hold the government to account and develop our vision of the green industrial revolution needed to meet the climate emergency and rebuild Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three principles will guide our approach .
The first is the need to recognise the immensity of the challenge ahead and to be honest and open about the inherent trade-offs involved in reaching net zero .
The government consistently fail to do either .
Their approach , one that combines distant targets with limited investment and a faith in the power of emerging green technology , is not going to be enough .
We must push for an increase in the pace and scale of our investment , and for clear leadership of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the green transition .
The second is consistency .
The climate crisis demands demonstrable action at home and abroad .
It does not allow for the kind of self-defeating policy-making that has seen the government funnel £6bn of public money into fossil fuel projects around the world , withdraw subsidies for solar and onshore wind , and sell off Britain ’ s Green Investment Bank .
That ’ s why Keir Starmer has called for climate action to be “ hardwired into every level of government ” and the Shadow Chancellor has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line against the goal of net zero carbon emissions ” .
It ’ s also why Labour has set up a shadow cabinet climate action committee , and why as shadow climate minister I ’ m assessing all policy development for its impact on the net-zero target .
The third is the importance of putting fairness at the heart of the transition to a low-carbon economy .
Leaving things to the market risks deepening existing political divides , accentuating economic imbalances , and causing damage of the kind that still scars those people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1980s .
We can not let that happen again .
We must instead ensure that people and places are included and protected through the green transition , directing the process so that it also addresses the structural inequalities that afflict our country , and taking that same approach into the international arena so that the impact of climate change is shared equitably and we fulfil our historic responsibility to support climate action and adaptation in poorer countries .
These are the principles that Labour will be fighting for in the coming months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the idea that in responding effectively to the climate and environment emergency we can and must seize the opportunity to create a fairer , more prosperous , and more equal country .

Coronavirus is the biggest crisis our country has faced in a generation. As well as the severe public health emergency, it also threatens the economy and our social fabric. We now confront the deepest recession for 300 years and stand on the brink of the worst jobs crisis since the Great Depression.
Meanwhile, as the fires that have again raged this year from Australia to California so vividly illustrate, the climate and environment crisis is gathering pace. These multiple, intersecting crises demand urgent and coordinated action.
We have a chance to turn the threat of long-term mass unemployment into an opportunity to create decent green jobs in every region of our country; to build up skills in the workforce, including among groups hardest-hit by the pandemic; to stimulate an economy at risk of severe recession with massive investment in green infrastructure, from wind farms to wetlands; and to tackle longstanding regional inequalities.
That is why yesterday Labour called on the government to stop dithering and support a bold green economic recovery from coronavirus. We challenged them to urgently bring forward an ambitious stimulus package of capital investment to help support the creation of up to 400,000 new low-carbon jobs in every region of the country over the next 18 months.
The government has talked a good game when it comes to a green recovery, but its co-opting of the ‘build back better’ rhetoric has not been matched by meaningful investment. According to Carbon Brief, Germany has committed €42.85bn and France €35bn to a green recovery. Meanwhile the UK has committed just a fraction of that, at less than £5bn. And while the US Senate election results may hamper his ability to deliver it, let’s not also forget that President-Elect Biden has just been elected on a platform to deliver $2tn in green investment.
The complacency that defines the government’s approach to a green recovery is all the more bewildering given the fact that not only is it not on course to meet the 2050 net-zero target that parliament legislated for last year, it’s lagging far behind what is needed even to meet previous, less stringent, emissions targets. Despite parliament having declared a climate and environment emergency, IPPR estimates that the government has so far committed to investing just 12% of what is needed to achieve the UK’s net-zero target. It is not good enough.
We must urgently accelerate the transition toward carbon neutrality. It is imperative that the government does not lose sight of the importance of preparing for the next global crisis as it deals with the current one.
But a green economic recovery is only the first step. We have now entered the decisive decade in the fight against runaway global heating. If we’re to avert the worst impacts of catastrophic climate change, an ambitious green stimulus must be the precursor to bold and sustained climate action at home and abroad – not least to ensure the success of the crucial COP26 climate summit that the UK hosts in Glasgow next year and keep the hope of limiting global heating to 1.5°C alive.
In the critical years ahead, Labour will continue to hold the government to account and develop our vision of the green industrial revolution needed to meet the climate emergency and rebuild Britain. In taking on that challenge, three principles will guide our approach. The first is the need to recognise the immensity of the challenge ahead and to be honest and open about the inherent trade-offs involved in reaching net zero. The government consistently fail to do either. Their approach, one that combines distant targets with limited investment and a faith in the power of emerging green technology, is not going to be enough. We must push for an increase in the pace and scale of our investment, and for clear leadership of the kind that will sustain public support for the green transition.
The second is consistency. The climate crisis demands demonstrable action at home and abroad. It does not allow for the kind of self-defeating policy-making that has seen the government funnel £6bn of public money into fossil fuel projects around the world, withdraw subsidies for solar and onshore wind, and sell off Britain’s Green Investment Bank.
That’s why Keir Starmer has called for climate action to be “hardwired into every level of government” and the Shadow Chancellor has committed to “testing every single budget line against the goal of net zero carbon emissions”. It’s also why Labour has set up a shadow cabinet climate action committee, and why as shadow climate minister I’m assessing all policy development for its impact on the net-zero target.
The third is the importance of putting fairness at the heart of the transition to a low-carbon economy. Leaving things to the market risks deepening existing political divides, accentuating economic imbalances, and causing damage of the kind that still scars those people and communities who experienced the deindustrialisation of the 1980s. We cannot let that happen again.
We must instead ensure that people and places are included and protected through the green transition, directing the process so that it also addresses the structural inequalities that afflict our country, and taking that same approach into the international arena so that the impact of climate change is shared equitably and we fulfil our historic responsibility to support climate action and adaptation in poorer countries.
These are the principles that Labour will be fighting for in the coming months and years. They represent a commitment to the idea that in responding effectively to the climate and environment emergency we can and must seize the opportunity to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more equal country.


labourlist--2020-11-11--Government “turning its back on rough sleepers” in lockdown, says Labour

Labour ’ s Thangam Debbonaire has accused the government of “ turning its back on rough sleepers ” and criticised the Tories over the lack of support being given to homeless people in England ’ s second national lockdown .
Responding to an urgent question tabled by Labour in parliament this afternoon , minister for rough sleeping and housing Kelly Tolhurst told MPs that the government will not repeat its ‘ Everyone In ’ programme adopted in March .
The policy saw the government allocate £3.2m for local authorities and charities to expand the provision of emergency hotel and hostel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of coronavirus cases earlier this year .
Commenting on the challenges facing those currently without a home , Debbonaire said : “ This winter will be colder and potentially more dangerous than the first lockdown , with nowhere near the same protection for people sleeping rough.
” Labour ’ s Shadow Housing Secretary added : “ It is disgraceful that the government is turning its back on rough sleepers at a time when they need the most help.
” The Tory minister appeared to be confused about support for renters in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be taking place until January ” despite the government ’ s refusal to extend or reintroduce the evictions ban .
The government introduced a ban on evictions to protect renters during the first lockdown earlier in the pandemic , with the suspension brought to an end on September 20th .
A ban on the repossession of homes ended on October 31st .
The Conservatives have this time only requested that bailiffs not enforce eviction notices , but Labour has pointed out that this will still mean tenants continue to receive notices as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas .
Tolhurst also refused in the parliamentary debate this afternoon to publish the Public Health England advice the government has received to support the controversial decision to open communal night shelters .
17 health and homelessness organisations and charities , include the British Medical Association and the Faculty of Public Health , have warned the Prime Minister that the decision entails a “ risk to life ” .
In a letter to Boris Johnson , they wrote : “ Despite the best efforts of shelters to adhere to social distancing , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and self-isolation extremely difficult.
” Debbonaire called on the government to urgently restart the ‘ Everyone In ’ scheme to protect rough sleepers in early November , shortly before England was due to enter another lockdown following a last-minute U-turn from Johnson .
The intervention from the housing spokesperson followed the demands of charities and local councillors for the government to extend the same support as during the last lockdown , which took around 15,000 homeless people off the streets .
According to one study into the impact of the ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round of Covid restrictions , the emergency accommodation provided with central government funding saved an estimated 266 people from death .

Labour’s Thangam Debbonaire has accused the government of “turning its back on rough sleepers” and criticised the Tories over the lack of support being given to homeless people in England’s second national lockdown.
Responding to an urgent question tabled by Labour in parliament this afternoon, minister for rough sleeping and housing Kelly Tolhurst told MPs that the government will not repeat its ‘Everyone In’ programme adopted in March.
The policy saw the government allocate £3.2m for local authorities and charities to expand the provision of emergency hotel and hostel accommodation for rough sleepers during the first wave of coronavirus cases earlier this year.
Commenting on the challenges facing those currently without a home, Debbonaire said: “This winter will be colder and potentially more dangerous than the first lockdown, with nowhere near the same protection for people sleeping rough.”
Labour’s Shadow Housing Secretary added: “It is disgraceful that the government is turning its back on rough sleepers at a time when they need the most help.”
The Tory minister appeared to be confused about support for renters in the lockdown, claiming that “evictions will not be taking place until January” despite the government’s refusal to extend or reintroduce the evictions ban.
The government introduced a ban on evictions to protect renters during the first lockdown earlier in the pandemic, with the suspension brought to an end on September 20th. A ban on the repossession of homes ended on October 31st.
The Conservatives have this time only requested that bailiffs not enforce eviction notices, but Labour has pointed out that this will still mean tenants continue to receive notices as the country heads into winter and over Christmas.
Tolhurst also refused in the parliamentary debate this afternoon to publish the Public Health England advice the government has received to support the controversial decision to open communal night shelters.
17 health and homelessness organisations and charities, include the British Medical Association and the Faculty of Public Health, have warned the Prime Minister that the decision entails a “risk to life”.
In a letter to Boris Johnson, they wrote: “Despite the best efforts of shelters to adhere to social distancing, they are designed as communal spaces which makes social distancing and self-isolation extremely difficult.”
Debbonaire called on the government to urgently restart the ‘Everyone In’ scheme to protect rough sleepers in early November, shortly before England was due to enter another lockdown following a last-minute U-turn from Johnson.
The intervention from the housing spokesperson followed the demands of charities and local councillors for the government to extend the same support as during the last lockdown, which took around 15,000 homeless people off the streets.
According to one study into the impact of the ‘Everyone In’ programme during the first round of Covid restrictions, the emergency accommodation provided with central government funding saved an estimated 266 people from death.


labourlist--2020-11-11--PMQs: Covid is not just Johnson’s mess. Sunak also takes the blame

Following recent news on a Covid vaccine , you might have expected an easier Prime Minister ’ s Questions session for Boris Johnson this afternoon .
But the vaccine featured sparingly as the Labour leader dragged the PM over the coals for rampant government splurging on PR and a reckless approach to handing out public money to private companies .
Highlighting that only £6m has been awarded to veterans ’ charities throughout the crisis , Keir Starmer told MPs that the Tories have spent £130m on PR companies this year alone .
Johnson had no effective rebuttal .
He referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the £670,000 spent on consultants by his vaccine task force tsar – never mind the other £129,330,000 .
The PM wanted to make it a straight public versus private debate this afternoon : “ No matter how much the party opposite may hate them , it ’ s the private sector that provides the vaccines and the scientific breakthrough.
” But the problem for Johnson is that , in classic Starmer style , the Labour leader was not attacking private companies but again making an argument around competence and responsibility .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , it ’ s taxpayers ’ money , ” Starmer told the Commons .
“ The Prime Minister may not know the value of the pound in his pocket but the people who send us here do and they expect us to spend it wisely.
” ( Hat tip to Harold Wilson ) .
Highlighting £150m handed to Ayanda Capital for 50 million unusable face masks , the awarding of £347m contract to Randox – a company which had to recall 750,000 Covid tests earlier this year on safety grounds – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on NHS test and trace , the Labour leader accused the government of a “ lax attitude to taxpayers ’ money ” .
This is not just a problem for Johnson .
“ The British people are paying the price for the mistakes of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor.
” Stressing the impact of the last minute furlough U-turn , with record levels of redundancies , 780,000 people off the payroll since March and unemployment rising fast , Starmer doled out blame equally : “ If they ’ d handed contracts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money would have been saved .
If they ’ d extended furlough sooner , jobs would have been saved .
If they ’ d brought in a circuit breaker , lives would have been saved.
” The message from the Labour leader today ?
It is not just Johnson recklessly leading the British people from one disaster to the next , but Sunak as well .
This is just as much the Chancellor ’ s mess .

Following recent news on a Covid vaccine, you might have expected an easier Prime Minister’s Questions session for Boris Johnson this afternoon. But the vaccine featured sparingly as the Labour leader dragged the PM over the coals for rampant government splurging on PR and a reckless approach to handing out public money to private companies. Highlighting that only £6m has been awarded to veterans’ charities throughout the crisis, Keir Starmer told MPs that the Tories have spent £130m on PR companies this year alone. Johnson had no effective rebuttal. He referred only to reports over the weekend of the £670,000 spent on consultants by his vaccine task force tsar – never mind the other £129,330,000.
The PM wanted to make it a straight public versus private debate this afternoon: “No matter how much the party opposite may hate them, it’s the private sector that provides the vaccines and the scientific breakthrough.” But the problem for Johnson is that, in classic Starmer style, the Labour leader was not attacking private companies but again making an argument around competence and responsibility. “This is not the Prime Minister’s money, it’s taxpayers’ money,” Starmer told the Commons. “The Prime Minister may not know the value of the pound in his pocket but the people who send us here do and they expect us to spend it wisely.” (Hat tip to Harold Wilson). Highlighting £150m handed to Ayanda Capital for 50 million unusable face masks, the awarding of £347m contract to Randox – a company which had to recall 750,000 Covid tests earlier this year on safety grounds – and consultants being paid £700,000 a day to work on NHS test and trace, the Labour leader accused the government of a “lax attitude to taxpayers’ money”.
This is not just a problem for Johnson. “The British people are paying the price for the mistakes of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor.” Stressing the impact of the last minute furlough U-turn, with record levels of redundancies, 780,000 people off the payroll since March and unemployment rising fast, Starmer doled out blame equally: “If they’d handed contracts to companies that could deliver, public money would have been saved. If they’d extended furlough sooner, jobs would have been saved. If they’d brought in a circuit breaker, lives would have been saved.” The message from the Labour leader today? It is not just Johnson recklessly leading the British people from one disaster to the next, but Sunak as well. This is just as much the Chancellor’s mess.