labourlist--2020-10-15--35 Labour MPs break whip to oppose ‘spycops’ bill as seven frontbenchers quit

35 Labour MPs including seven opposition frontbenchers have broken the party whip today by voting against the covert human intelligence sources ( criminal conduct ) bill at third reading in the House of Commons .
The government-proposed legislation , which authorises criminal conduct by bodies such as police forces to enable their work , was approved by MPs with 313 votes in favour and 98 against including the SNP and Lib Dems .
The opposition party had whipped its representatives to abstain on the bill on the basis that the legislation is “ far from perfect ” yet “ necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide a clear lawful framework for the use of human intelligence sources ” .
Dan Carden resigned from the shadow Treasury team this morning in a letter to Keir Starmer , which described the third reading vote as a “ matter of conscience ” on a bill that “ sets dangerous new precedents ” .
Shadow education minister Margaret Greenwood also broke the whip .
She was appointed as a member of Rebecca Long-Bailey ’ s team , but the leadership candidate was replaced by Kate Green after being sacked by Starmer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , Mary Foy and Rachel Hopkins – all members of the Socialist Campaign Group – have also quit the frontbench to vote against , plus Sarah Owen , usually thought of as ‘ soft left ’ .
Both Mishra and Johnson were PPSs of Labour ’ s deputy leader Angela Rayner .
Foy was PPS to Andy McDonald , Hopkins PPS to Marsha de Cordova and Owen was appointed Rachel Reeves ’ PPS earlier this month .
LabourList understands that Starmer met with MPs personally this week to urge them not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spycops ’ bill , after concerns expressed over the abstention plans were not confined to SCG members .
Sam Tarry did not resign today although he was expected to do so .
LabourList understands that the decision was made not to quit after Starmer made a number of concessions in a private meeting of MPs that was pivotal .
A source on the Labour left said : “ This afternoon a number of frontbenchers on Labour ’ s left – including Andy McDonald , Imran Hussain , Rachael Maskell , Cat Smith , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam Tarry and Charlotte Nichols – took the collective decision to stay on the frontbench and use their roles to ensure the left has a stronger voice in future party policy .
“ They were also given clear assurances by the leader that the party will use its position to push forward union issues , and have more high-profile campaigning using Opposition time from next week onwards.
” LabourList understands that Starmer ’ s commitments included a clear statement that a Labour government is committed to reforming any legislation that passes in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to aggressively pursue amendments in the Lords .
The leader also pledged to pursue legislation on wider concerns , particularly around trade union issues such as the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign , and to put forward clear commitments and campaigning actions , for example a draft bill on an Orgreave Inquiry .
One senior trade union official told LabourList : “ My understanding is that a number of Labour MPs met with Keir Starmer before the CHIS bill vote , who gave several commitments .
“ Starmer also made clear that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that if there are no changes to the overseas operations bill the party will vote against it at the third reading.
” In a House of Commons contribution to the debate this afternoon , referring to Neil Kinnock ’ s famous 1985 Labour Party conference speech , Carden said : “ I fear my own party is being taken for a ride by this government .
“ I tell you what happens : you start with the idea that legislating for something that operates in the shadows must be a good thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a morally bankrupt government arguing for vital safeguards .
“ Once that government finishes stringing you along , you end up in the perverse situation of condoning laws that a ride coach and horses through our nation ’ s civil liberties and could even be used against the labour movement itself.
” The former shadow financial secretary also told MPs : “ The bill is written so badly and broadly that it ’ s effectively a license to criminally disrupt working people taking action to support themselves , their co-workers , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all too often in the past .
The bill paves the way for gross abuse of state power against its citizens .
And in Liverpool , we have a healthy suspicion of state power because we ’ ve felt its damaging force too often in the past.
” Jeremy Corbyn highlighted the scandal of ‘ spycops ’ relationships with women engaging in legal activities .
He said those targeted are “ completely duped ” , adding : “ Does this bill protect women from that in the future ?
I think we all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backbencher Stella Creasy did not vote against the bill , but raised concerns over the protection of children who become human intelligence sources and suggested the issue would likely be addressed in the House of Lords .
She told MPs : “ There may be exceptional circumstances in which a child may become an informant .
It is right therefore that we have incredibly strict guidelines that put the interests of that child at heart when that happens.
” 34 Labour MPs who defied whip to vote against CHIS bill : Diane Abbott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apsana Begum , Olivia Blake , Richard Burgon , Dawn Butler , Ian Byrne , Dan Carden , Jeremy Corbyn , Geraint Davies , Mary Foy , Barry Gardiner , Margaret Greenwood , Rachel Hopkins , Kim Johnson , Ian Lavery , Clive Lewis , Tony Lloyd , Rebecca Long-Bailey , John McDonnell , Ian Mearns , Navendu Mishra , Grahame Morris , Kate Osamor , Kate Osborne , Sarah Owen , Bell Ribeiro-Addy , Lloyd Russell-Moyle , Zarah Sultana , Jon Trickett , Mick Whitley , Nadia Whittome , Beth Winter .

34 Labour MPs including seven opposition frontbenchers have broken the party whip today by voting against the covert human intelligence sources (criminal conduct) bill at third reading in the House of Commons.
The government-proposed legislation, which authorises criminal conduct by bodies such as police forces to enable their work, was approved by MPs with 313 votes in favour and 98 against including the SNP and Lib Dems.
The 34 Labour rebels, plus suspended Claudia Webbe, were nearly all from the left of the party. 16 were elected for the first time last year. Geraint Davies, not on the Labour left, also defied the whip.
The opposition party had whipped its representatives to abstain on the bill on the basis that the legislation is “far from perfect” yet “necessary” due to “the need to provide a clear lawful framework for the use of human intelligence sources”.
Dan Carden resigned from the shadow Treasury team this morning in a letter to Keir Starmer, which described the third reading vote as a “matter of conscience” on a bill that “sets dangerous new precedents”.
Shadow education minister Margaret Greenwood also broke the whip. She was appointed as a member of Rebecca Long-Bailey’s team, but the leadership candidate was replaced by Kate Green after being sacked by Starmer.
Parliamentary private secretaries Nav Mishra, Kim Johnson, Mary Foy and Rachel Hopkins – all members of the Socialist Campaign Group – have also quit the frontbench to vote against, plus Sarah Owen, usually thought of as ‘soft left’.
Both Mishra and Johnson were PPSs of Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner. Foy was PPS to Andy McDonald, Hopkins PPS to Marsha de Cordova and Owen was appointed Rachel Reeves’ PPS earlier this month.
LabourList understands that Starmer met with MPs personally this week to urge them not to break the whip on the so-called ‘spycops’ bill, after concerns expressed over the abstention plans were not confined to SCG members.
Sam Tarry did not resign today although he was expected to do so. LabourList understands that the decision was made not to quit after Starmer made a number of “concessions” in a private meeting of MPs that was pivotal.
A source on the Labour left said: “This afternoon a number of frontbenchers on Labour’s left – including Andy McDonald, Imran Hussain, Rachael Maskell, Cat Smith, Marsha de Cordova, Alex Sobel, Sam Tarry and Charlotte Nichols – took the collective decision to stay on the frontbench and use their roles to ensure the left has a stronger voice in future party policy.
“They were also given clear assurances by the leader that the party will use its position to push forward union issues, and have more high-profile campaigning using opposition time from next week onwards.”
LabourList understands that Starmer’s commitments included a clear statement that a Labour government is committed to reforming the bill that passes in line with the party’s amendments, and meanwhile to aggressively pursue amendments in the Lords.
The leader also pledged to pursue legislation on wider concerns, particularly around trade union issues such as the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, and to put forward clear commitments and campaigning actions, for example a draft bill on an Orgreave Inquiry.
One senior trade union official told LabourList: “My understanding is that a number of Labour MPs met with Keir Starmer before the CHIS bill vote, who gave several commitments.
“Starmer also made clear that there is no “abstention strategy”, and that if there are no changes to the overseas operations bill the party will vote against it at the third reading.”
Another trade union source, who strongly disagreed with the MPs who stayed, told LabourList: “The majority of the left no longer has faith that these roles carry any influence at all, and is scathing about those who chose to keep their jobs rather than back the people who put them there.”
In a House of Commons contribution to the debate this afternoon, referring to Neil Kinnock’s famous 1985 Labour Party conference speech, Carden said: “I fear my own party is being taken for a ride by this government.
“I tell you what happens: you start with the idea that legislating for something that operates in the shadows must be a good thing. You then engage in good faith with a morally bankrupt government arguing for vital safeguards.
“Once that government finishes stringing you along, you end up in the perverse situation of condoning laws that a ride coach and horses through our nation’s civil liberties and could even be used against the labour movement itself.”
The former shadow financial secretary also told MPs: “The bill is written so badly and broadly that it’s effectively a license to criminally disrupt working people taking action to support themselves, their co-workers, their families.
“We have seen this all too often in the past. The bill paves the way for gross abuse of state power against its citizens. And in Liverpool, we have a healthy suspicion of state power because we’ve felt its damaging force too often in the past.”
Jeremy Corbyn highlighted the scandal of ‘spycops’ relationships with women engaging in legal activities. He said those targeted are “completely duped”, adding: “Does this bill protect women from that in the future? I think we all know the answer to that.”
Labour backbencher Stella Creasy did not vote against the bill, but raised concerns over the protection of children who become human intelligence sources and suggested the issue would likely be addressed in the House of Lords.
She told MPs: “There may be exceptional circumstances in which a child may become an informant. It is right therefore that we have incredibly strict guidelines that put the interests of that child at heart when that happens.”
34 Labour MPs who defied whip to vote against CHIS bill: Diane Abbott, Tahir Ali, Paula Barker, Apsana Begum, Olivia Blake, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler, Ian Byrne, Dan Carden, Jeremy Corbyn, Geraint Davies, Mary Foy, Barry Gardiner, Margaret Greenwood, Rachel Hopkins, Kim Johnson, Ian Lavery, Clive Lewis, Tony Lloyd, Rebecca Long-Bailey, John McDonnell, Ian Mearns, Navendu Mishra, Grahame Morris, Kate Osamor, Kate Osborne, Sarah Owen, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Zarah Sultana, Jon Trickett, Mick Whitley, Nadia Whittome, Beth Winter.


labourlist--2020-10-15--Greater Manchester leaders issue joint statement opposing Tier 3 lockdown

The mayor of Greater Manchester , deputy mayors and all local leaders have issued a joint statement declaring their opposition to government plans to put the area under highest level ‘ Tier 3 ’ restrictions .
Asserting that it is “ wrong to place some of the poorest parts of England in a punishing lockdown ” , the local representatives have described the proposal to put Greater Manchester in Tier 3 as “ flawed and unfair ” .
The leaders said they were “ being set up as the canaries in the coal mine for an experimental regional lockdown strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what is truly needed ” by the UK government .
In a joint statement with the city ’ s deputy mayors and ten other political leaders , Labour ’ s Andy Burnham said he could not support the measures unless the following “ bare minimum ” demands were met : • None “ A full and fair 80 % furlough for all affected workers ; • None “ 80 % income support for people who are self-employed ; The statement accused the government of “ asking us to gamble our residents ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a large chunk of our economy ” and concluded : “ We would never sign up to that.
” The Greater Manchester leaders said they have been told by Downing Street that the government is “ unwilling ” to impose a nation-wide lockdown due to the “ damage it will do to the national economy ” .
The local representatives added : “ And yet that is what they want to impose on the North West… They are willing to sacrifice jobs and businesses here to try and save them elsewhere.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is below .
Today we communicated our clear and unanimous view to the government : it is wrong to place some of the poorest parts of England in a punishing lockdown without proper support for the people and businesses affected .
To do so will result in certain hardship , job losses and business failure .
It will cause harm in a different way – to people ’ s mental health – and is not certain to control the virus .
Last night , the deputy chief medical officer told Greater Manchester leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any regional lockdown would require widespread closures way beyond pubs to stand any chance of working and would have to be done in tandem with other neighbouring regions .
And , even then , it would not be certain to work .
But here ’ s the point : the government is not giving city-regions like ours and the Liverpool City Region the necessary financial backing for full lockdowns of that kind .
That is why we have unanimously opposed the government ’ s plans for Tier 3 – they are flawed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gamble our residents ’ jobs , homes , and businesses – and a large chunk of our economy – on a strategy that their own experts tell them might not work .
We would never sign up to that .
While this is not necessarily Greater Manchester ’ s view , the only thing certain to work , as the DCMO told us last night , is a national lockdown .
But the government told us this morning it is unwilling to do that because of the damage it will do to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they want to impose on the North West .
So that was our conclusion from the No 10 meeting this morning : they are willing to sacrifice jobs and businesses here to try and save them elsewhere .
Greater Manchester , the Liverpool City-Region and Lancashire are being set up as the canaries in the coalmine for an experimental regional lockdown strategy as an attempt to prevent the expense of what is truly needed .
The very least they should be offering the people of Greater Manchester who will be affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full and fair 80 % furlough for all affected workers ; • None 80 % income support for people who are self-employed ; So far , they have not been prepared to offer that .
Imposing damaging regionals lockdowns in this way won ’ t work .
It will level-down the regions and make recovery longer and harder .
To those who say this is all politics , let me remind you that , ten weeks ago , myself , the two deputy mayors and all the leaders become the first to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and people here have been struggling under them ever since .
This is an important moment .
Greater Manchester will stand firm .
We are fighting back – for fairness and for the health of our people in the broadest sense .

The mayor of Greater Manchester, deputy mayors and all local leaders have issued a joint statement declaring their opposition to government plans to put the area under highest level ‘Tier 3’ restrictions.
Asserting that it is “wrong to place some of the poorest parts of England in a punishing lockdown”, the local representatives have described the proposal to put Greater Manchester in Tier 3 as “flawed and unfair”.
The leaders said they were “being set up as the canaries in the coal mine for an experimental regional lockdown strategy as an attempt to prevent the expense of what is truly needed” by the UK government.
In a joint statement with the city’s deputy mayors and ten other political leaders, Labour’s Andy Burnham said he could not support the measures unless the following “bare minimum” demands were met:
“A full and fair 80% furlough for all affected workers;
“80% income support for people who are self-employed;
“A proper compensation scheme for businesses.”
The statement accused the government of “asking us to gamble our residents’ jobs, homes, and businesses, and a large chunk of our economy” and concluded: “We would never sign up to that.”
The Greater Manchester leaders said they have been told by Downing Street that the government is “unwilling” to impose a nation-wide lockdown due to the “damage it will do to the national economy”.
The local representatives added: “And yet that is what they want to impose on the North West… They are willing to sacrifice jobs and businesses here to try and save them elsewhere.”
'It's wrong to place some of the poorest parts of England in a punishing lockdown without proper support' Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says the government's plans to put Manchester in a Tier 3 #COVID19 lockdown is "flawed and unfair".https://t.co/jBSqvMiQoh pic.twitter.com/qEidEaiwOv — SkyNews (@SkyNews) October 15, 2020
The full text of the joint statement is below.
Today we communicated our clear and unanimous view to the government: it is wrong to place some of the poorest parts of England in a punishing lockdown without proper support for the people and businesses affected.
To do so will result in certain hardship, job losses and business failure. It will cause harm in a different way – to people’s mental health – and is not certain to control the virus.
Last night, the deputy chief medical officer told Greater Manchester leaders that to bring the infection rates down any regional lockdown would require widespread closures way beyond pubs to stand any chance of working and would have to be done in tandem with other neighbouring regions. And, even then, it would not be certain to work.
But here’s the point: the government is not giving city-regions like ours and the Liverpool City Region the necessary financial backing for full lockdowns of that kind. That is why we have unanimously opposed the government’s plans for Tier 3 – they are flawed and unfair.
They are asking us to gamble our residents’ jobs, homes, and businesses – and a large chunk of our economy – on a strategy that their own experts tell them might not work. We would never sign up to that.
While this is not necessarily Greater Manchester’s view, the only thing certain to work, as the DCMO told us last night, is a national lockdown. But the government told us this morning it is unwilling to do that because of the damage it will do to the national economy. And yet that is what they want to impose on the North West.
So that was our conclusion from the No 10 meeting this morning: they are willing to sacrifice jobs and businesses here to try and save them elsewhere. Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City-Region and Lancashire are being set up as the canaries in the coalmine for an experimental regional lockdown strategy as an attempt to prevent the expense of what is truly needed.
The very least they should be offering the people of Greater Manchester who will be affected by these closures is:
A full and fair 80% furlough for all affected workers;
80% income support for people who are self-employed;
and a proper compensation scheme for businesses.
So far, they have not been prepared to offer that. Imposing damaging regionals lockdowns in this way won’t work. It will level-down the regions and make recovery longer and harder.
To those who say this is all politics, let me remind you that, ten weeks ago, myself, the two deputy mayors and all the leaders become the first to work with the government in accepting regional restrictions and people here have been struggling under them ever since. This is an important moment. Greater Manchester will stand firm. We are fighting back – for fairness and for the health of our people in the broadest sense.


labourlist--2020-10-15--Polling on Scottish independence shows Labour must be loudly pro-UK now

Polls like the one we saw yesterday on Scottish independence are often referred to as “ wake up calls ” .
But if anyone hasn ’ t woken up yet , it ’ s only because they ’ ve been pressing the snooze button .
That ’ s what it feels like for many of us in Scotland as we watch poll after poll signal the end of the UK , while colleagues in the Labour Party in the rest of the UK struggle to find a voice in the debate or don ’ t engage with it at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the second independence referendum campaign is already underway , but only one side is making any arguments .
Just as in the last referendum , the pro-independence side wants to create a sense of inevitable momentum while avoiding hard questions about the economics of independence or Scotland ’ s place in the world .
In the face of a Boris Johnson government , it can feel more and more difficult to make the case for keeping the UK together .
That ’ s why we need Labour voices across the UK making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sharing resources .
We should learn from our loss in the European referendum .
For too many years , Labour failed to make the case for Europe .
While the party was pro-European , it didn ’ t want to shout about it too loudly .
When the referendum came , that failure caught up with us .
The same is true with our arguments for the United Kingdom .
The Labour Party is a pro-UK party .
But since 2014 , the party outside of Scotland seems to have become reluctant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouldn ’ t wait for an official starting gun to start Labour ’ s campaign to keep our country together .
It should happen now , and that case should be built on three pillars .
The first is jobs and economic security .
The SNP want to dismiss the costs of independence .
But as Labour Party members , we know that economics is fundamentally linked to opportunities and life chances .
A strong economy matters because it is the key to ending poverty .
The economic case for separation is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , the SNP ’ s own Growth Commission has demonstrated the extent of the austerity that would have to be imposed on Scotland – and that was before the Covid crisis added billions to the balance sheet .
There is no certainty that an independent Scotland would be able to rejoin the EU and whether the terms would be as favourable as before .
And with a smaller tax base , there are questions to be asked about what a Scottish social security and pensions system would look like .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom .
We are not a party of the status quo .
Coronavirus and Brexit has shown that the way we govern the UK is not fit for purpose .
We need a programme of constitutional reform as ground-breaking as we had in 1997 .
That could mean abolishing the House of Lords to create a Senate of the Nations and Regions .
Handing even more power to elected mayors and local government in England to begin to address the disparity of powers at different levels across the UK .
Codifying the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflect the fact that the way we run our country has changed and that Whitehall ’ s writ no longer runs across the whole of the UK .
Making government even more transparent by reforming Freedom of Information laws to further increase openness and transparency .
The third pillar is solidarity .
Yesterday ’ s poll asked whether Scots thought a convincing argument to stay in the UK was that “ in spite of current challenges , the different countries of the UK still have more in common than divides us ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may feel , politically , Scotland and England are going in different directions , the people of Scotland think that we still have more in common with people in other parts of the UK .
Boris Johnson may be one of the biggest risks to the future of our country , but it appears Scots still have faith in people ( if not politicians ) south of the border .
That ’ s why our Labour campaign for the UK has to be a people ’ s campaign – not a campaign of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people from the north of Scotland to the south of England who want the UK to continue .
While the decision about Scotland ’ s future should , rightly , be taken by people who live in Scotland , people from across the UK who believe in carrying on our partnership should make their voices heard .
Let us not repeat the mistakes of the EU referendum and realise too late what is at stake and what could be lost .
Let ’ s start making the case today .

Polls like the one we saw yesterday on Scottish independence are often referred to as “wake up calls”. But if anyone hasn’t woken up yet, it’s only because they’ve been pressing the snooze button. That’s what it feels like for many of us in Scotland as we watch poll after poll signal the end of the UK, while colleagues in the Labour Party in the rest of the UK struggle to find a voice in the debate or don’t engage with it at all.
Whether we like it or not, the second independence referendum campaign is already underway, but only one side is making any arguments. Just as in the last referendum, the pro-independence side wants to create a sense of inevitable momentum while avoiding hard questions about the economics of independence or Scotland’s place in the world.
In the face of a Boris Johnson government, it can feel more and more difficult to make the case for keeping the UK together. That’s why we need Labour voices across the UK making the case for solidarity and for pooling and sharing resources.
We should learn from our loss in the European referendum. For too many years, Labour failed to make the case for Europe. While the party was pro-European, it didn’t want to shout about it too loudly. When the referendum came, that failure caught up with us.
The same is true with our arguments for the United Kingdom. The Labour Party is a pro-UK party. But since 2014, the party outside of Scotland seems to have become reluctant to make that case meaningfully. We shouldn’t wait for an official starting gun to start Labour’s campaign to keep our country together. It should happen now, and that case should be built on three pillars.
The first is jobs and economic security. The SNP want to dismiss the costs of independence. But as Labour Party members, we know that economics is fundamentally linked to opportunities and life chances. A strong economy matters because it is the key to ending poverty.
The economic case for separation is no stronger now than it was in 2014. Since then, the SNP’s own Growth Commission has demonstrated the extent of the austerity that would have to be imposed on Scotland – and that was before the Covid crisis added billions to the balance sheet. There is no certainty that an independent Scotland would be able to rejoin the EU and whether the terms would be as favourable as before. And with a smaller tax base, there are questions to be asked about what a Scottish social security and pensions system would look like.
The second is reform of the United Kingdom. We are not a party of the status quo. Coronavirus and Brexit has shown that the way we govern the UK is not fit for purpose. We need a programme of constitutional reform as ground-breaking as we had in 1997.
That could mean abolishing the House of Lords to create a Senate of the Nations and Regions. Handing even more power to elected mayors and local government in England to begin to address the disparity of powers at different levels across the UK. Codifying the way all levels of government work together to reflect the fact that the way we run our country has changed and that Whitehall’s writ no longer runs across the whole of the UK. Making government even more transparent by reforming Freedom of Information laws to further increase openness and transparency.
The third pillar is solidarity. Yesterday’s poll asked whether Scots thought a convincing argument to stay in the UK was that “in spite of current challenges, the different countries of the UK still have more in common than divides us”. 60% agreed. While many Scots may feel, politically, Scotland and England are going in different directions, the people of Scotland think that we still have more in common with people in other parts of the UK.
Boris Johnson may be one of the biggest risks to the future of our country, but it appears Scots still have faith in people (if not politicians) south of the border. That’s why our Labour campaign for the UK has to be a people’s campaign – not a campaign of politicians. It needs to give voice to people from the north of Scotland to the south of England who want the UK to continue.
While the decision about Scotland’s future should, rightly, be taken by people who live in Scotland, people from across the UK who believe in carrying on our partnership should make their voices heard. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the EU referendum and realise too late what is at stake and what could be lost. Let’s start making the case today.


labourlist--2020-10-15--WATCH: Keir Starmer backs ‘Britain, we need our steel’ campaign

Keir Starmer has backed the ‘ Britain , we need our steel ’ campaign led by trade unions and urged the government to “ act now to secure a prosperous and viable future for our steel industry ” .
In a video message circulated on social media this afternoon , the Labour leader stressed the importance of the sector to the UK and told viewers that it is “ not just an industry of our past ” .
He took the opportunity to throw his support behind the campaign launched by Community , GMB and Unite earlier this year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country will rely heavily on its steel .
Commenting on the vital role of the sector today , the Labour leader said : “ The steel industry and steel workers are the bedrock and pivotal to our entire manufacturing sector .
Steel works are located in iconic towns and cities… “ It is in these steel works that the steel that goes into so much of the world is made .
Steel can be found in iconic structures like the Kelpies and the Angel of the North and in items we use in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our cars and our canned food .
“ Our steel workers are highly skilled people whose skills have been passed down from generation to generation .
And Britain will depend on the skill of our world class steel workers to help us recover from this Covid crisis .
“ Steel is not just an industry of our past .
It must have a place in our future , too .
A robust steel sector enables economic prosperity and growth and it ’ s vital for national security .
“ This government must act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future for our steel industry .
Support the steel workers ’ unions in their campaign .
Britain , we need our steel.
” Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss argued last month : “ Our country desperately needs a renaissance of manufacturing , with the stability and prosperity and enormous capacity for innovation that the sector can bring.
” In an article for LabourList , he told readers : “ Britain needs its steel .
Steel is everywhere and fundamental to our economy and way of life .
It is part of our proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital to our economic future .
“ Recent events have reinforced the need to rebalance our economy , and vibrant manufacturing supply chains supported by a strong and secure steel industry are essential to that objective .
“ The future is there to be taken , and I would urge everyone reading this piece to back the campaign to support a great British industry.
” The campaign has urged the government to use the infrastructure and investment programme it has announced to aid the country ’ s economic recovery from the pandemic with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .

Keir Starmer has backed the ‘Britain, we need our steel’ campaign led by trade unions and urged the government to “act now to secure a prosperous and viable future for our steel industry”.
In a video message circulated on social media this afternoon, the Labour leader stressed the importance of the sector to the UK and told viewers that it is “not just an industry of our past”.
He took the opportunity to throw his support behind the campaign launched by Community, GMB and Unite earlier this year and emphasised that the Covid recovery for the country will rely heavily on its steel.
Commenting on the vital role of the sector today, the Labour leader said: “The steel industry and steel workers are the bedrock and pivotal to our entire manufacturing sector. Steel works are located in iconic towns and cities…
“It is in these steel works that the steel that goes into so much of the world is made. Steel can be found in iconic structures like the Kelpies and the Angel of the North and in items we use in everyday life – like our coins, our cars and our canned food.
“Our steel workers are highly skilled people whose skills have been passed down from generation to generation. And Britain will depend on the skill of our world class steel workers to help us recover from this Covid crisis.
“Steel is not just an industry of our past. It must have a place in our future, too. A robust steel sector enables economic prosperity and growth and it’s vital for national security.
“This government must act now to secure a prosperous and viable future for our steel industry. Support the steel workers’ unions in their campaign. Britain, we need our steel.”
"We will depend on the skill of our world class steelworkers to help us recover from this crisis." Watch as @Keir_Starmer backs our steel industry and joins thousands of others telling this government – Britain, #WeNeedOurSteel Agree? Sign the petition: https://t.co/ruS80NfsEJ pic.twitter.com/4VUQHKFeQy — Community Union (@CommunityUnion) October 15, 2020
Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss argued last month: “Our country desperately needs a renaissance of manufacturing, with the stability and prosperity and enormous capacity for innovation that the sector can bring.”
In an article for LabourList, he told readers: “Britain needs its steel. Steel is everywhere and fundamental to our economy and way of life. It is part of our proud industrial heritage but most importantly it is vital to our economic future.
“Recent events have reinforced the need to rebalance our economy, and vibrant manufacturing supply chains supported by a strong and secure steel industry are essential to that objective.
“The future is there to be taken, and I would urge everyone reading this piece to back the campaign to support a great British industry.”
The campaign has urged the government to use the infrastructure and investment programme it has announced to aid the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic with steel produced in Britain to support the industry.


labourlist--2020-10-15--GMB MPs staff branch condemns “actions of Rosie Duffield towards staff member”

The GMB trade union branch for MPs ’ staff members has condemned the behaviour of Labour backbencher Rosie Duffield after a second employee reportedly quit her office over alleged transphobia .
LabourList can reveal that the branch has unanimously passed a motion criticising the MP ’ s “ actions ” towards her former staffer , who is one of its members , including “ attempting to reveal her identity on social media ” .
PinkNews reported this week that a second staff member had resigned from Duffield ’ s office , citing concerns over the MP ’ s comments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a first staffer took the same action .
On Wednesday evening , Duffield tweeted : “ Yet more absolute rubbish written about me by @ LGBTLabour and @ PinkNews as part of their daily/weekly onslaught .
“ It is very hard for MPs to dispute the garbage we have to read about ourselves constantly .
I will tackle the latest untruths when I have the time and energy… ” When she was quote tweeted by someone who praised the resigned staffer for “ bravery ” , the Labour MP replied : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you have a photo of her in your Twitter bio , I imagine your not at all biased much ?
?
?
” Many Labour activists online have criticised the behaviour of Duffield towards her former staff member and her comments , and called on the Labour leadership to withdraw the party whip from the Canterbury MP .
The GMB branch has written to the opposition chief whip , Parliamentary Labour Party chair and general secretary asking for an investigation into the conduct of Duffield and demanded her resignation as chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a letter from August seen by Pink News , the only LGBT+ employee working in the Canterbury MP ’ s office resigned in protest at what she described as Duffield ’ s “ overtly transphobic ” views .
A spokesperson for the MP at the time said : “ Rosie fully supports trans rights and the Labour Party ’ s commitment to upholding the Equality Act and updating the GRA , which the Conservative government has delayed for far too long .
“ She believes passionately that people have the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect in an equal and inclusive society.
” The MP for Canterbury faced criticism from Labour activists in August after she liked a tweet by Piers Morgan in which the broadcaster took issue with a CNN post that referred to “ individuals with a cervix ” .
After being criticised for liking the tweet , Duffield reacted by saying : “ I ’ m a ‘ transphobe ’ for knowing that only women have a cervix… ?
!
” .
She later shared a Spectator article that referred to a “ transgender thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text of the GMB members ’ staff branch motion .
Emergency Motion : Condemnation of Actions of Rosie Duffield MP towards Staff Member GMB Members ’ Staff Branch notes that : • On 14th October PinkNews covered resignation of a member of staff from the Office of Rosie Duffield MP .
This is the second member of Ms Duffield ’ s staff to resign this month .
• The individual who resigned is a member of the GMB Branch for Members ’ Staff .
• Rosie Duffield MP tweeted referring to the coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PinkNews and LGBT Labour as “ rubbish ” and “ untruths ” .
• A Labour activist tweeted her support of our member and referred to her “ bravery to quit [ a ] job in the middle of a global pandemic in order to take a stand on what you think is right ” .
• Ms Duffield responded with “ ’ Bravery ’ ?
!
Well , as you have a photo of her in your Twitter bio , I imagine your not at all biased much ?
?
?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32.6K Twitter followers and her engagement with the Labour activist garnered significant traction .
• Ms Duffield is the Chair of the Women ’ s PLP .
• Some members of GMB Members ’ Staff Branch are unable to speak out publicly on this issue .
• Rosie Duffield MP put our branch member in a dangerous position by attempting to reveal her identity on social media , risking her health and wellbeing .
• Ms Duffield , in doing so , publicly outed the member of staff who had deliberately chosen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member vulnerable to online abuse and fearful for her safety .
• Ms Duffield exploited her significant online following and abused her position as an MP to pursue this .
• Ms Duffield appears to have breached the Parliamentary behaviour code in multiple ways .
• An investigation into her behaviour should be taken by the Labour Party without delay and disciplinary action taken if found appropriate .
• Ms Duffield ’ s position as Chair of the Women ’ s PLP is untenable and she should resign .
• A failure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future staff members to be attacked publicly by their MPs , with no ramifications for the MP .
• Staff must receive assurances of the Labour Party ’ s resolve to protect them online and in person from threats , with a particular regard for young female staff members , or others with protected characteristics .
• We condemn all harassment towards anyone within a protected characteristic .
GMB Members ’ Staff Branch resolves : • To condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of Rosie Duffield MP in publicly violating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her vulnerable to abuse and threats .
• To write to the Opposition Chief Whip , the Chair of the PLP , and the General Secretary of the Labour Party to request an investigation into the conduct Rosie Duffield MP .
• To call on Rosie Duffield MP to resign her position as Chair of Women ’ s PLP , for the safety and mental wellbeing of young female MPs ’ staff .

The GMB trade union branch for MPs’ staff members has condemned the behaviour of Labour backbencher Rosie Duffield after a second employee reportedly quit her office over alleged transphobia.
LabourList can reveal that the branch has unanimously passed a motion criticising the MP’s “actions” towards her former staffer, who is one of its members, including “attempting to reveal her identity on social media”.
PinkNews reported this week that a second staff member had resigned from Duffield’s office, citing concerns over the MP’s comments on LGBT+ issues. The news comes soon after a first staffer took the same action.
On Wednesday evening, Duffield tweeted: “Yet more absolute rubbish written about me by @LGBTLabour and @PinkNews as part of their daily/weekly onslaught.
“It is very hard for MPs to dispute the garbage we have to read about ourselves constantly. I will tackle the latest untruths when I have the time and energy…”
When she was quote tweeted by someone who praised the resigned staffer for “bravery”, the Labour MP replied: “‘Bravery’?! Well, as you have a photo of her in your Twitter bio, I imagine your not at all biased much???”
Many Labour activists online have criticised the behaviour of Duffield towards her former staff member and her comments, and called on the Labour leadership to withdraw the party whip from the Canterbury MP.
The GMB branch has written to the opposition chief whip, Parliamentary Labour Party chair and general secretary asking for an investigation into the conduct of Duffield and demanded her resignation as chair of the women’s PLP.
According to a letter from August seen by Pink News, the only LGBT+ employee working in the Canterbury MP’s office resigned in protest at what she described as Duffield’s “overtly transphobic” views.
A spokesperson for the MP at the time said: “Rosie fully supports trans rights and the Labour Party’s commitment to upholding the Equality Act and updating the GRA, which the Conservative government has delayed for far too long.
“She believes passionately that people have the right to live with dignity and be treated with respect in an equal and inclusive society.”
The MP for Canterbury faced criticism from Labour activists in August after she liked a tweet by Piers Morgan in which the broadcaster took issue with a CNN post that referred to “individuals with a cervix”.
After being criticised for liking the tweet, Duffield reacted by saying: “I’m a ‘transphobe’ for knowing that only women have a cervix… ?!”. She later shared a Spectator article that referred to a “transgender thought police”.
LabourList has contacted Rosie Duffield for comment.
Below is the full text of the GMB members’ staff branch motion.
Emergency Motion: Condemnation of Actions of Rosie Duffield MP towards Staff Member
GMB Members’ Staff Branch notes that:
• On 14th October PinkNews covered resignation of a member of staff from the Office of Rosie Duffield MP. This is the second member of Ms Duffield’s staff to resign this month.
• The individual who resigned is a member of the GMB Branch for Members’ Staff.
• Rosie Duffield MP tweeted referring to the coverage of our member’s letter from PinkNews and LGBT Labour as “rubbish” and “untruths”.
• A Labour activist tweeted her support of our member and referred to her “bravery to quit [a] job in the middle of a global pandemic in order to take a stand on what you think is right”.
• Ms Duffield responded with “’Bravery’?! Well, as you have a photo of her in your Twitter bio, I imagine your not at all biased much???” [Sic]
• Ms Duffield has 32.6K Twitter followers and her engagement with the Labour activist garnered significant traction.
• Ms Duffield is the Chair of the Women’s PLP.
• Some members of GMB Members’ Staff Branch are unable to speak out publicly on this issue.
GMB Members’ Staff Branch believes:
• Rosie Duffield MP put our branch member in a dangerous position by attempting to reveal her identity on social media, risking her health and wellbeing.
• Ms Duffield, in doing so, publicly outed the member of staff who had deliberately chosen to remain anonymous. This left the staff member vulnerable to online abuse and fearful for her safety.
• Ms Duffield exploited her significant online following and abused her position as an MP to pursue this.
• Ms Duffield appears to have breached the Parliamentary behaviour code in multiple ways.
• An investigation into her behaviour should be taken by the Labour Party without delay and disciplinary action taken if found appropriate.
• Ms Duffield’s position as Chair of the Women’s PLP is untenable and she should resign.
• A failure to address this behaviour sets a precedent for future staff members to be attacked publicly by their MPs, with no ramifications for the MP.
• Staff must receive assurances of the Labour Party’s resolve to protect them online and in person from threats, with a particular regard for young female staff members, or others with protected characteristics.
• We condemn all harassment towards anyone within a protected characteristic.
GMB Members’ Staff Branch resolves:
• To condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of Rosie Duffield MP in publicly violating the privacy of a staff member and making her vulnerable to abuse and threats.
• To write to the Opposition Chief Whip, the Chair of the PLP, and the General Secretary of the Labour Party to request an investigation into the conduct Rosie Duffield MP.
• To call on Rosie Duffield MP to resign her position as Chair of Women’s PLP, for the safety and mental wellbeing of young female MPs’ staff.


labourlist--2020-10-15--Leonard criticises Sturgeon for ignoring scientific advice on restrictions

Richard Leonard has criticised the SNP government for ignoring scientific advice on coronavirus lockdown restrictions and argued that the new measures have “ resulted in ambiguity and confusion ” for Scottish people .
The Scottish Labour leader declared that the government had imposed new rules without any “ engagement of those affected ” in response to a Holyrood statement on the pandemic made by Nicola Sturgeon today .
Commenting on the scientific advice , Scottish Labour leader Leonard said : “ We have seen the minutes of the SAGE [ the scientific advisory group for emergencies ] meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We now know that they concluded that over the next six to nine months multiple circuit breakers may be needed .
And to be effective , measures must be in their words “ consistent ” , “ without ambiguity or contradiction ” , that they should be equality proofed and in their words “ co-produced ” with “ the early engagement of those most likely to be affected ” .
“ Despite this , the First Minister last week chose measures , which were imposed with no engagement of those affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusion , and which will hit hardest those on the lowest incomes .
“ Meanwhile , the current test and trace strategy and system is not good enough .
Can the First Minister explain to us why she ignored that scientific advice ?
” The Scottish Labour leader ’ s intervention comes after it was revealed that politicians in Holyrood and Westminster ignored advice in late September from SAGE to implement a ‘ circuit-breaker ’ lockdown to combat the spread of the virus .
Scientific advisors reported that the measure , which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period to quash the spread of the virus , was the best way to effectively “ prevent this exponential rise in cases “ .
But the UK government instead decided to implement a new three-tiered system for England this week , in which regions face different levels of lockdowns .
SNP officials chose to introduce new restrictions on the nation ’ s hospitality sector .
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer called for a nationwide ‘ circuit breaker ’ lockdown on Monday night in light of the reported advice from SAGE and warned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a long and bleak winter ” if the UK does not change course .
Scottish Labour ’ s criticism of the ambiguity and confusion around the alternate restrictions chosen by Sturgeon followed the First Minister telling Scottish people not to travel to English towns to visit pubs and restaurants .
Under the Scottish rules implemented last Friday , hospitalist businesses in the devolved nation are not allowed to serve any alcohol inside , but are still permitted to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks to customers from 6am to 6pm .
In five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including cities Edinburgh and Glasgow , all licensed premises with the exception of hotels were told to completely close their doors to customers for a period of 16 days .
Leonard took a tough line on the restrictions when the measures were first announced , saying that the SNP government were treating the hospitality sector like “ Sodom and Gomorrah ” .

Richard Leonard has criticised the SNP government for ignoring scientific advice on coronavirus lockdown restrictions and argued that the new measures have “resulted in ambiguity and confusion” for Scottish people.
The Scottish Labour leader declared that the government had imposed new rules without any “engagement of those affected” in response to a Holyrood statement on the pandemic made by Nicola Sturgeon today.
Commenting on the scientific advice, Scottish Labour leader Leonard said: “We have seen the minutes of the SAGE [the scientific advisory group for emergencies] meeting of the 21st September attended by Scottish government advisors.
“We now know that they concluded that over the next six to nine months multiple circuit breakers may be needed. And to be effective, measures must be in their words “consistent”, “without ambiguity or contradiction”, that they should be equality proofed and in their words “co-produced” with “the early engagement of those most likely to be affected”.
“Despite this, the First Minister last week chose measures, which were imposed with no engagement of those affected, that have resulted in ambiguity and confusion, and which will hit hardest those on the lowest incomes.
“Meanwhile, the current test and trace strategy and system is not good enough. Can the First Minister explain to us why she ignored that scientific advice?”
The Scottish Labour leader’s intervention comes after it was revealed that politicians in Holyrood and Westminster ignored advice in late September from SAGE to implement a ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown to combat the spread of the virus.
Scientific advisors reported that the measure, which would see the country undergo a short lockdown period to quash the spread of the virus, was the best way to effectively “prevent this exponential rise in cases“.
But the UK government instead decided to implement a new three-tiered system for England this week, in which regions face different levels of lockdowns. SNP officials chose to introduce new restrictions on the nation’s hospitality sector.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer called for a nationwide ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown on Monday night in light of the reported advice from SAGE and warned the country is going to “sleep walk into a long and bleak winter” if the UK does not change course.
Scottish Labour’s criticism of the ambiguity and confusion around the alternate restrictions chosen by Sturgeon followed the First Minister telling Scottish people not to travel to English towns to visit pubs and restaurants.
Under the Scottish rules implemented last Friday, hospitalist businesses in the devolved nation are not allowed to serve any alcohol inside, but are still permitted to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks to customers from 6am to 6pm.
In five areas in the central belt of Scotland, including cities Edinburgh and Glasgow, all licensed premises with the exception of hotels were told to completely close their doors to customers for a period of 16 days.
Leonard took a tough line on the restrictions when the measures were first announced, saying that the SNP government were treating the hospitality sector like “Sodom and Gomorrah”.


labourlist--2020-10-15--Ashworth asks: “how many more deaths” before government adopts circuit break?

Labour ’ s Jonathan Ashworth has called on the government to adopt a national ‘ circuit-break ’ lockdown and asked the Health Secretary “ how many more deaths ” it would take before Downing Street implemented the policy .
Discussing the government ’ s response to Covid this morning , the Shadow Health Secretary voiced support for new restrictions announced in London and Essex but argued that more needed to be done to “ take back control of the virus ” .
Matt Hancock told MPs in parliament today that although Covid-19 is “ spreading exponentially ” across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and balanced decisions to keep the virus under control ” rather than nationwide measures .
Responding to the Health Secretary ’ s statement , Ashworth said : “ Given what we know about the rising prevalence of the virus , given what we know about rising admissions to critical care , we totally understand why he has had to make difficult decisions today… “ While I don ’ t quibble or object to the public health interventions he is making , I ’ m afraid they ’ re still not backed up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mitigate their impact on jobs and livelihoods.
” He added : “ While the virus growth is accelerated in northern regions the embers are burning bright nationwide… A full national lockdown stretching for weeks and weeks like we had throughout April , May and June would be disastrous for society .
“ But we are urging him to adopt a short , time-limited two- to three-week circuit break .
To take back control of the virus , to reboot and to fix test and trace , protect the NHS and save lives.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The SPI-M [ the scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling ] subgroup of SAGE say a circuit break of two weeks will save almost 8,000 lives… “ What are the government ’ s criteria for a national circuit break ?
How many hospital admissions ?
How much non-Covid care delayed ?
Dare I say it , how many more deaths ?
Action needs to be taken right now.
” Labour leader Keir Starmer called for a nationwide ‘ circuit breaker ’ lockdown on Monday following reports that ministers ignored advice from experts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
Ashworth also criticised today ’ s government tracing figures , which found just 62 % of contacts were being reached , and argued that this is “ equivalent to 81,000 people ” circulating in society despite being exposed to the virus .
MPs rejected an opposition day motion put forward by Labour on Wednesday that called on the government to put control of the test and trace system in the hands of local public health teams , as opposed to private firms like Serco .
The Conservatives voted down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing carried out by local authorities .
Data last week showed that local health protection teams had reached 97.1 % of contacts .
Below is the full text of Ashworth ’ s contribution to the Commons .
Given what we know about the rising prevalence of the virus , given what we know about rising admissions to critical care , we totally understand why he has had to take the difficult decisions on tier 2 for London and other areas including Erewash , Essex and Barrow .
I hope will agree these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tandem with local leaders .
While I don ’ t quibble or object to the public health interventions he is making I ’ m afraid they ’ re still not backed up with the financial package that is needed to mitigate their impact on jobs and livelihoods .
More people will fall into poverty and destitution .
Families across Bury and Bolton , small businesses across Burnely , or Hydeburn or London have been failed by the Chancellor , so I urge him and the government to introduce a stronger package of financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tier 3 .
The British people have made tremendous sacrifice already and now we are heading into the bleakest of winters .
Much of this could have been avoided if the misfiring £12bn Test and Trace had been fixed over the summer .
Today new figures show just 62 % of contacts reached .
That ’ s equivalent to 81,000 people not reached circulating in society even though they ’ ve been exposed to the virus .
Another record low .
Yesterday we learnt consultants working on test and trace are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this failing service .
In a single week , the government is paying these senior consultants more than they pay an experienced nurse in a year .
Can the Secretary of State explain why such huge sums of money are being paid to consultants to run a service that is only getting worse ?
The Prime Minister said yesterday these new restrictions would bring the R below one .
But while virus growth is accelerated in northern regions , the embers are burning bright nationwide .
Let me repeat to the House – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clip me again for Twitter , it will save my staff the trouble .
A full national lockdown stretching for weeks and weeks like we went through in April , May and June– would be disastrous for society .
But we are urging him to adopt a short , time-limited two-three week circuit break .
To take back control of the virus , to reboot , and to fix test and trace , protect the NHS and save lives .
SAGE recommended a circuit break .
NHS providers say they are ‘ urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and move as fast and as decisively.
’ The SPI-M subgroup of SAGE – say a circuit break of two weeks will save almost 8,000 lives .
And for all the ponderous blustering and carping from the Prime Minister , he told the House with some haste – as if he didn ’ t want his own backbenchers to realise – ‘ I rule out nothing of course.
’ So the Prime Minister has not ruled it out , which we welcome , so what are the government ’ s criteria for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admissions ?
How much non-Covid care delayed ?
Dare I say it how many more deaths ?
Action needs to be taken right now .
Plans need to be put in place today .
Everyone accepts that the government were too slow in the spring .
How certain is he that his government is not making the exact same mistake again with more catastrophic consequences ?
This is a moment in history .
Look around .
Can the Health Secretary explain why not a national circuit break now ?
Because if we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ time more lives and livelihoods will have been lost .
So in the national interest , I offer to work constructively with him today , to deliver the circuit break that is now needed .
”

Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth has called on the government to adopt a national ‘circuit-break’ lockdown and asked the Health Secretary “how many more deaths” it would take before Downing Street implemented the policy.
Discussing the government’s response to Covid this morning, the Shadow Health Secretary voiced support for new restrictions announced in London and Essex but argued that more needed to be done to “take back control of the virus”.
Matt Hancock told MPs in parliament today that although Covid-19 is “spreading exponentially” across the country, the country needs a “firm and balanced decisions to keep the virus under control” rather than nationwide measures.
Responding to the Health Secretary’s statement, Ashworth said: “Given what we know about the rising prevalence of the virus, given what we know about rising admissions to critical care, we totally understand why he has had to make difficult decisions today…
“While I don’t quibble or object to the public health interventions he is making, I’m afraid they’re still not backed up with the financial package that is needed to mitigate their impact on jobs and livelihoods.”
He added: “While the virus growth is accelerated in northern regions the embers are burning bright nationwide… A full national lockdown stretching for weeks and weeks like we had throughout April, May and June would be disastrous for society.
“But we are urging him to adopt a short, time-limited two- to three-week circuit break. To take back control of the virus, to reboot and to fix test and trace, protect the NHS and save lives.”
The Shadow Health Secretary concluded: “The SPI-M [the scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling] subgroup of SAGE say a circuit break of two weeks will save almost 8,000 lives…
“What are the government’s criteria for a national circuit break? How many hospital admissions? How much non-Covid care delayed? Dare I say it, how many more deaths? Action needs to be taken right now.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer called for a nationwide ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown on Monday following reports that ministers ignored advice from experts to implement the measure to combat the spread of the virus.
Ashworth also criticised today’s government tracing figures, which found just 62% of contacts were being reached, and argued that this is “equivalent to 81,000 people” circulating in society despite being exposed to the virus.
MPs rejected an opposition day motion put forward by Labour on Wednesday that called on the government to put control of the test and trace system in the hands of local public health teams, as opposed to private firms like Serco.
The Conservatives voted down the motion despite markedly better results on contact tracing carried out by local authorities. Data last week showed that local health protection teams had reached 97.1% of contacts.
Below is the full text of Ashworth’s contribution to the Commons.
Given what we know about the rising prevalence of the virus, given what we know about rising admissions to critical care, we totally understand why he has had to take the difficult decisions on tier 2 for London and other areas including Erewash, Essex and Barrow. I hope will agree these decisions are most effective when made in tandem with local leaders.
While I don’t quibble or object to the public health interventions he is making I’m afraid they’re still not backed up with the financial package that is needed to mitigate their impact on jobs and livelihoods. More people will fall into poverty and destitution. Families across Bury and Bolton, small businesses across Burnely, or Hydeburn or London have been failed by the Chancellor, so I urge him and the government to introduce a stronger package of financial support for those areas in tier 2 or tier 3. The British people have made tremendous sacrifice already and now we are heading into the bleakest of winters. Much of this could have been avoided if the misfiring £12bn Test and Trace had been fixed over the summer.
Today new figures show just 62% of contacts reached. That’s equivalent to 81,000 people not reached circulating in society even though they’ve been exposed to the virus. Another record low. Yesterday we learnt consultants working on test and trace are being paid over £6,000 a day to run this failing service. In a single week, the government is paying these senior consultants more than they pay an experienced nurse in a year.
Can the Secretary of State explain why such huge sums of money are being paid to consultants to run a service that is only getting worse? The Prime Minister said yesterday these new restrictions would bring the R below one. But while virus growth is accelerated in northern regions, the embers are burning bright nationwide.
Let me repeat to the House – and the Tory party is welcome to clip me again for Twitter, it will save my staff the trouble. A full national lockdown stretching for weeks and weeks like we went through in April, May and June– would be disastrous for society. But we are urging him to adopt a short, time-limited two-three week circuit break. To take back control of the virus, to reboot, and to fix test and trace, protect the NHS and save lives.
SAGE recommended a circuit break. NHS providers say they are ‘urging politicians to listen to the scientific advice and move as fast and as decisively.’ The SPI-M subgroup of SAGE – say a circuit break of two weeks will save almost 8,000 lives. And for all the ponderous blustering and carping from the Prime Minister, he told the House with some haste – as if he didn’t want his own backbenchers to realise – ‘I rule out nothing of course.’
So the Prime Minister has not ruled it out, which we welcome, so what are the government’s criteria for a national circuit break? How many hospital admissions? How much non-Covid care delayed? Dare I say it how many more deaths? Action needs to be taken right now. Plans need to be put in place today.
Everyone accepts that the government were too slow in the spring. How certain is he that his government is not making the exact same mistake again with more catastrophic consequences? This is a moment in history. Look around. Can the Health Secretary explain why not a national circuit break now? Because if we do this in a few weeks or months’ time more lives and livelihoods will have been lost. So in the national interest, I offer to work constructively with him today, to deliver the circuit break that is now needed.”


labourlist--2020-10-16--Momentum appoints new political coordinator Andrew Dolan

Labour left group Momentum has appointed former Labour Party staffer Andrew Dolan as its new political coordinator , replacing Laura Parker who was national coordinator until last year .
Dolan was political adviser to Jon Trickett when the Labour MP for Hemsworth was shadow minister for the Cabinet Office under Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership of the party .
He previously worked on The World Transformed , the festival that is supported by and closely linked to Momentum and has run alongside party conference every year since 2016 .
Dolan is understood to be taking on the post as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the idea that it will work more in the background to deliver the organisation ’ s political objectives .
He is expected to support staff and help deliver the aims of Momentum members and the new national coordinating group , rather than represent the organisation via media appearances .
In an email to members this afternoon , he said Momentum will be “ moving forward ” in the socialist movement by “ retooling our organisations and developing new strategies ” .
The goal for the activist network is to be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged in struggles and campaigns inside the Labour Party and in our communities ” , Dolan told members .
LabourList has been told that two high-profile former staffers of Corbyn ’ s office applied for the role of political coordinator at Momentum but were unsuccessful .
Momentum members in July chose to replace co-founder Jon Lansman with firefighter Andrew Scattergood and climate activist Gaya Sriskanthan as new co-chairs of the group .
Below is the full text of the email sent to Momentum members today .
I just wanted to drop you an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Andrew Dolan , and I ’ m the new political coordinator at Momentum .
I ’ ve been a member and supporter of our organisation since its creation , and I know Momentum has an absolutely vital role to play in the years ahead .
That ’ s why I ’ m so excited to get stuck in during this crucial time for the left .
For many of us the last year has been tough , and the significance of the December election defeat feels greater in a world turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 and 2019 we made huge advances .
We smashed apart the consensus that ‘ there is no alternative ’ and pushed transformative policy into the mainstream .
Together , hundreds of thousands of us campaigned for a new kind of country and came so very close , electing many fantastic MPs along the way .
Most importantly , we ’ ve built new organisations and institutions – foremost of which is our own , Momentum .
We now have a genuinely mass socialist organisation , with national clout , a collection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – something that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago .
The socialist movement today is stronger than it was in 2015 , but moving forward and building on this legacy will mean retooling our organisations and developing new strategies .
There is now an emerging consensus for change among the Momentum membership , and my role is to work with representatives , affiliates , staff and – most importantly – members to help deliver this .
Our goal is a Momentum that is led by members and is actively engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party and in our communities , where the fight for social and economic justice is at its fiercest .
What is certain is that our future successes will depend on the actions of Momentum members , be that organising on the ground or taking a lead and shaping the work our organisation does .
I look forward to working with you all .

Labour left group Momentum has appointed former Labour Party staffer Andrew Dolan as its new political coordinator, replacing Laura Parker who was national coordinator until last year.
Dolan was political adviser to Jon Trickett when the Labour MP for Hemsworth was shadow minister for the Cabinet Office under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the party.
He previously worked on The World Transformed, the festival that is supported by and closely linked to Momentum and has run alongside party conference every year since 2016.
Dolan is understood to be taking on the post as the role is redefined to be less public-facing, with the idea that it will work more in the background to deliver the organisation’s political objectives.
He is expected to support staff and help deliver the aims of Momentum members and the new national coordinating group, rather than represent the organisation via media appearances.
In an email to members this afternoon, he said Momentum will be “moving forward” in the socialist movement by “retooling our organisations and developing new strategies”.
The goal for the activist network is to be “led by members” and “actively engaged in struggles and campaigns inside the Labour Party and in our communities”, Dolan told members.
LabourList has been told that two high-profile former staffers of Corbyn’s office applied for the role of political coordinator at Momentum but were unsuccessful.
Momentum members in July chose to replace co-founder Jon Lansman with firefighter Andrew Scattergood and climate activist Gaya Sriskanthan as new co-chairs of the group.
Below is the full text of the email sent to Momentum members today.
I just wanted to drop you an email to introduce myself. My name’s Andrew Dolan, and I’m the new political coordinator at Momentum.
I’ve been a member and supporter of our organisation since its creation, and I know Momentum has an absolutely vital role to play in the years ahead. That’s why I’m so excited to get stuck in during this crucial time for the left.
For many of us the last year has been tough, and the significance of the December election defeat feels greater in a world turned upside down by Covid-19.
But between 2015 and 2019 we made huge advances. We smashed apart the consensus that ‘there is no alternative’ and pushed transformative policy into the mainstream. Together, hundreds of thousands of us campaigned for a new kind of country and came so very close, electing many fantastic MPs along the way.
Most importantly, we’ve built new organisations and institutions – foremost of which is our own, Momentum. We now have a genuinely mass socialist organisation, with national clout, a collection of vibrant local groups, and members everywhere – something that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
The socialist movement today is stronger than it was in 2015, but moving forward and building on this legacy will mean retooling our organisations and developing new strategies.
There is now an emerging consensus for change among the Momentum membership, and my role is to work with representatives, affiliates, staff and – most importantly – members to help deliver this.
Our goal is a Momentum that is led by members and is actively engaged in struggles and campaigns inside the Labour Party and in our communities, where the fight for social and economic justice is at its fiercest.
What is certain is that our future successes will depend on the actions of Momentum members, be that organising on the ground or taking a lead and shaping the work our organisation does.
I look forward to working with you all.
Andrew Dolan
Momentum’s new political coordinator


labourlist--2020-10-16--Everything you need to know about Labour’s West Yorkshire mayor selection race

As part of a new devolution deal , West Yorkshire is soon to elect its own metro mayor .
LabourList has put together a guide to everything you need to know about the mayoral election and Labour ’ s candidate selection race .
What is the role ?
Announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the March budget , the devolution deal for West Yorkshire will give the region its own metro mayor , similar to the ones in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands .
The new role will represent the cities of Leeds , Wakefield and Bradford , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calderdale , and the vote is set to take place on May 6th , 2021 .
The West Yorkshire mayor will have control over regional transport , housing , land , adult skills and , by latest 2024 , regional policing and crime policy .
It will be supported over the next 30 years by an annual £38m investment from central government .
Whoever is chosen as Labour ’ s candidate will be favourite to go on to win the mayoral election given the size of party support in the area .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the sub-region in the 2019 general election , while the Conservatives received 39 % .
The election is set to use a supplementary vote ( SV ) system , which means candidates will be ranked by voters in order of preference .
If nobody receives a majority of first preferences in the initial round , all but the leading two candidates are eliminated and a second count is conducted .
Former actor and current MP Tracy Brabin announced her plans to stand on October 9th with a glowing endorsement by Doctor Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served in Jeremy Corbyn ’ s shadow cabinet , is seen to be one of the more left-wing candidates in the race .
Her Batley and Spen parliamentary constituency is not only part of the proposed West Yorkshire mayoral region but is the same area she was born and grew up in .
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe announced her plans to run for mayor over the weekend and has since won support from Labour frontbencher Holly Lynch .
Hinchcliffe is currently head of Bradford City Council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will replace .
Born and bred in Bradford , she worked for a corporate outreach charity before entering local government .
Huddersfield lawyer Hugh Goulbourne was the first candidate to enter the contest , launching his campaign at the end of July .
He moved to the Yorkshire region a decade ago after growing up in Coventry and calls himself a “ proud adopted Yorkshireman ” .
The father-of-two advised the last Labour government on fuel poverty and environmental issues .
Former councillor Peter Judge announced his plans to stand on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Labour member for 40 years , he previously served as a councillor in Calderdale during the 1990s .
Judge , who was born in a pit village in South Yorkshire , has been selected as a Labour council candidate for the 2021 local elections .
Former MP Paula Sherriff , who is running to be a member of Labour ’ s national executive committee ( NEC ) , announced her intention to stand for mayor earlier this year .
This week she confirmed her withdrawal from the mayoral selection contest after receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does it work ?
Candidates were able to declare their intention to stand in the race until midnight on October 14th .
They now require at least two nominations from the regions ’ 22 Constituency Labour Parties ( CLPs ) to progress to the next stage .
Alternatively , they can gain two nominations from organisations affiliated to West Yorkshire Labour .
The deadline for nominations is midnight on November 8th .
The final candidate shortlist will then be agreed upon by a joint Labour NEC and regional executive committee ( REC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shortlist is compiled , there will be a campaigning and hustings period , with members in the region voting on the candidates via email and postal ballots between November 23rd and midday on December 11th .
What are they campaigning on ?
Tracy Brabin has yet to put forward a full manifesto , but writing for LabourList this week stressed her plans to be a “ different sort of leader ” who will bring a big vision to the national stage .
She hopes to modernise the region ’ s transport and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from supporting green jobs and sustainable reindustrialisation to a “ creative new deal ” that would seek to grow the region ’ s burgeoning creative sector and the variety of industries that support it .
Susan Hinchcliffe has highlighted her skills as a negotiator and expertise in local government in her announcement , with the campaign slogan “ courage to dream , experience to deliver ” .
She says experience will allow her to “ steer the ship ” to deliver on her key pledges , including a greener regional economy , better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hugh Goulbourne ’ s campaign has focused on bringing new skills to the region , improving public health and building up transport networks – especially in Leeds , which is the largest UK city without its own mass transit network .
He set this out in a piece for LabourList in July .
Goulbourne stresses the fact that he is a grassroots candidate , “ not a politician ” , and will have an outsider ’ s perspective as he is an active member and local party chair but has never served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has told LabourList that his main aim as mayor will be to abolish his own post .
He believes the region needs a directly elected assembly , similar to Wales or Scotland , rather than a metro mayor .
Judge also wants to see the region ’ s bus networks run as co-operatives with both employees and passengers on the boards of companies .

As part of a new devolution deal, West Yorkshire is soon to elect its own mayor. LabourList has put together a guide to everything you need to know about the mayoral election and Labour’s candidate selection race.
What is the role?
Announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the March budget, the devolution deal for West Yorkshire will give the region its own mayor, similar to the ones in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. The new role will represent the cities of Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford, as well as the regions of Kirklees and Calderdale, and the vote is set to take place on May 6th, 2021.
The West Yorkshire mayor will have control over regional transport, housing, land, adult skills and, by latest 2024, regional policing and crime policy. It will be supported over the next 30 years by an annual £38m investment from central government.
Whoever is chosen as Labour’s candidate will be favourite to go on to win the mayoral election given the size of party support in the area. Labour secured 45.2% of all votes cast in the sub-region in the 2019 general election, while the Conservatives received 39%.
The election is set to use a supplementary vote (SV) system, which means candidates will be ranked by voters in order of preference. If nobody receives a majority of first preferences in the initial round, all but the leading two candidates are eliminated and a second count is conducted.
Who is running?
Former actor and current MP Tracy Brabin announced her plans to stand on October 9th with a glowing endorsement by Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker. Brabin, who served in Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet, is seen to be one of the more left-wing candidates in the race. Her Batley and Spen parliamentary constituency is not only part of the proposed West Yorkshire mayoral region but is the same area she was born and grew up in.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe announced her plans to run for mayor over the weekend and has since won support from Labour frontbencher Holly Lynch. Hinchcliffe is currently head of Bradford City Council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, a role that the new mayor will replace. Born and bred in Bradford, she worked for a corporate outreach charity before entering local government.
Huddersfield lawyer Hugh Goulbourne was the first candidate to enter the contest, launching his campaign at the end of July. He moved to the Yorkshire region a decade ago after growing up in Coventry and calls himself a “proud adopted Yorkshireman”. The father-of-two advised the last Labour government on fuel poverty and environmental issues.
Former councillor Peter Judge announced his plans to stand on Monday, just two days before self-nominations closed. A Labour member for 40 years, he previously served as a councillor in Calderdale during the 1990s. Judge, who was born in a pit village in South Yorkshire, has been selected as a Labour council candidate for the 2021 local elections.
Former MP Paula Sherriff, who is running to be a member of Labour’s national executive committee (NEC), announced her intention to stand for mayor earlier this year. This week she confirmed her withdrawal from the mayoral selection contest after receiving a cancer diagnosis in March.
How does it work?
Candidates were able to declare their intention to stand in the race until midnight on October 14th. They now require at least two nominations from the regions’ 22 Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) to progress to the next stage. Alternatively, they can gain two nominations from organisations affiliated to West Yorkshire Labour.
The deadline for nominations is midnight on November 8th. The final candidate shortlist will then be agreed upon by a joint Labour NEC and regional executive committee (REC) panel following interviews with candidates.
(This stage can prove controversial. In the West of England mayoral race, several candidates were eliminated at the interview stage despite receiving enough nominations – including the Labour left hopeful who secured the most backing of any candidate and came close to winning the mayoral election in 2017.)
Once the shortlist is compiled, there will be a campaigning and hustings period, with members in the region voting on the candidates via email and postal ballots between November 23rd and midday on December 11th.
What are they campaigning on?
Tracy Brabin has yet to put forward a full manifesto, but writing for LabourList this week stressed her plans to be a “different sort of leader” who will bring a big vision to the national stage. She hopes to modernise the region’s transport and increase economic investment into the area, from supporting green jobs and sustainable reindustrialisation to a “creative new deal” that would seek to grow the region’s burgeoning creative sector and the variety of industries that support it.
Susan Hinchcliffe has highlighted her skills as a negotiator and expertise in local government in her announcement, with the campaign slogan “courage to dream, experience to deliver”. She says experience will allow her to “steer the ship” to deliver on her key pledges, including a greener regional economy, better housing and fighting for equality for all.
Hugh Goulbourne’s campaign has focused on bringing new skills to the region, improving public health and building up transport networks – especially in Leeds, which is the largest UK city without its own mass transit network. He set this out in a piece for LabourList in July. Goulbourne stresses the fact that he is a grassroots candidate, “not a politician”, and will have an outsider’s perspective as he is an active member and local party chair but has never served in an official position.
Peter Judge has told LabourList that his main aim as mayor will be to abolish his own post. He believes the region needs a directly elected assembly, similar to Wales or Scotland, rather than a mayor. Judge also wants to see the region’s bus networks run as co-operatives with both employees and passengers on the boards of companies.


labourlist--2020-10-16--What can the CHIS vote tell us about Labour under Starmer?

The third reading of the covert human intelligence sources ( criminal conduct ) bill divided the Labour left in parliament yesterday .
34 Labour MPs , plus suspended Claudia Webbe , defied the whip on the controversial government-proposed legislation , and seven frontbenchers including shadow ministers Dan Carden and Margaret Greenwood quit to vote against it .
The rebellion was the biggest so far under Keir Starmer ’ s leadership but could have been much larger : it was in the mid-40s that afternoon , I ’ m told , but the Labour leader himself took charge of efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening at the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting and continued to do so yesterday .
This lobbying is understood to have prevented at least another eight frontbench resignations .
As Corbynsceptics did over recent years , the Labour left is struggling to settle on a path for maintaining power and influence under Starmer ’ s leadership .
MPs on the left were not divided over the bill ’ s substance but over strategy : frontbenchers including Andy McDonald , Imran Hussain , Rachael Maskell , Cat Smith , Marsha de Cordova , Alex Sobel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that abstaining on a bill – that will pass regardless of how they vote – was worth it .
Any return to the “ sealed tomb ” , in which the parliamentary left was encased by Tony Blair , is obviously undesirable .
But others considered the subject matter , which includes ‘ spycops ’ relationships that amount to state-sanctioned rape , to be too sensitive .
It was a “ matter of conscience ” , Carden said .
Those who did not quit took a “ collective decision ” to “ use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stronger voice in future party policy ” , a source close to the group said .
They secured what have been described as “ concessions ” from Starmer : from aggressively pursuing amendments in the Lords , and a clear statement that Labour in government would reform the bill , to pursuing legislation on trade union issues ( e.g .
the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign ) and voting against the other controversial government legislation , the overseas operations bill , at third reading .
But most of those had either already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves that he would not have a problem with .
Some close to the leadership believe that members on the left are coming round to Starmer ’ s way of looking at parliamentary votes and the party ’ s electoral strategy .
It is the following .
With an 80-seat Tory majority , the government can easily get its business through .
The only way to change that is to win the next election .
And the only way Labour can win is to fight the impression that it doesn ’ t care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party would be a threat to it in government .
And part of that mission is abstaining on bills like these , which are “ far from perfect ” but “ necessary ” , as Conor McGinn argued on LabourList .
Whether that is either morally right or effective ( the Tories still put out the message , “ Labour can ’ t be trusted on national security ” ) is still a subject of debate in the party .
This was not a pivotal moment that will shape Starmer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he has clear ideas of how to get the keys of No 10 .
A slightly lower or higher number of rebels would not have changed that .
But it was an important moment for the Labour left , offering food for thought .
The candidate selections leading up to the 2019 general election were a key player in last night ’ s vote : 16 of the 34 rebels were elected for the first time last year .
The Socialist Campaign Group and Momentum aren ’ t the only sources of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also broke the whip , and soft left group Open Labour joined trade unions in urging the Labour leadership to change course earlier this week .
Whether these lessons can form the basis of a coherent , joined-up approach remains to be seen .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

The third reading of the covert human intelligence sources (criminal conduct) bill divided the Labour left in parliament yesterday. 34 Labour MPs, plus suspended Claudia Webbe, defied the whip on the controversial government-proposed legislation, and seven frontbenchers including shadow ministers Dan Carden and Margaret Greenwood quit to vote against it. The rebellion was the biggest so far under Keir Starmer’s leadership but could have been much larger: it was in the mid-40s that afternoon, I’m told, but the Labour leader himself took charge of efforts to get Labour MPs in line on Monday evening at the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting and continued to do so yesterday. This lobbying is understood to have prevented at least another eight frontbench resignations.
As Corbynsceptics did over recent years, the Labour left is struggling to settle on a path for maintaining power and influence under Starmer’s leadership. MPs on the left were not divided over the bill’s substance but over strategy: frontbenchers including Andy McDonald, Imran Hussain, Rachael Maskell, Cat Smith, Marsha de Cordova, Alex Sobel, Sam Tarry and Charlotte Nichols decided that abstaining on a bill – that will pass regardless of how they vote – was worth it. Any return to the “sealed tomb”, in which the parliamentary left was encased by Tony Blair, is obviously undesirable. But others considered the subject matter, which includes ‘spycops’ relationships that amount to state-sanctioned rape, to be too sensitive. It was a “matter of conscience”, Carden said.
Those who did not quit took a “collective decision” to “use their roles to ensure the left has a stronger voice in future party policy”, a source close to the group said. They secured what have been described as “concessions” from Starmer: from aggressively pursuing amendments in the Lords, and a clear statement that Labour in government would reform the bill, to pursuing legislation on trade union issues (e.g. the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign) and voting against the other controversial government legislation, the overseas operations bill, at third reading. But most of those had either already been confirmed by Starmer or they are moves that he would not have a problem with.
Some close to the leadership believe that members on the left are coming round to Starmer’s way of looking at parliamentary votes and the party’s electoral strategy. It is the following. With an 80-seat Tory majority, the government can easily get its business through. The only way to change that is to win the next election. And the only way Labour can win is to fight the impression that it doesn’t care about national security, or even that the party would be a threat to it in government. And part of that mission is abstaining on bills like these, which are “far from perfect” but “necessary”, as Conor McGinn argued on LabourList. Whether that is either morally right or effective (the Tories still put out the message, “Labour can’t be trusted on national security”) is still a subject of debate in the party.
This was not a pivotal moment that will shape Starmer’s Labour: he is the leader, and he has clear ideas of how to get the keys of No 10. A slightly lower or higher number of rebels would not have changed that. But it was an important moment for the Labour left, offering food for thought. The candidate selections leading up to the 2019 general election were a key player in last night’s vote: 16 of the 34 rebels were elected for the first time last year. The Socialist Campaign Group and Momentum aren’t the only sources of power: Geraint Davies and Sarah Owen also broke the whip, and soft left group Open Labour joined trade unions in urging the Labour leadership to change course earlier this week. Whether these lessons can form the basis of a coherent, joined-up approach remains to be seen. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.