labourlist--2020-06-05--Why Scottish Labour should rethink its candidate selection plans

The Scottish Labour Party ’ s executive committee is meeting on Saturday to decide how the party ’ s regional list will be selected for next year ’ s Holyrood elections .
Today , all but three Labour MSPs are drawn from the regional list and the likelihood is that the majority elected next year will also be list MSPs .
That puts a tremendous amount of responsibility in the hands of the SEC to shape the group of MSPs who will be in parliament until 2026 .
There ’ s a lot that you could write about how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially at a time when we are badly in need of a shot in the arm to recover from our current polling position of 13 % .
But a few facts should weigh heavily on the SEC ’ s mind as they make their decisions tomorrow .
In the near 22 years since devolution , the Scottish Labour Party has only ever had one openly gay Member of the Scottish Parliament .
It has only ever had two BAME MSPs .
It has never elected a woman of colour .
And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wheelchair user .
We may be far ahead of other parties in the measures we have rightly put in place to secure gender equality , but for other under-represented groups there are gaping holes in Scottish Labour ’ s parliamentary representation .
A lack of diversity in our parliamentary party serves us poorly .
We know from studies in the public and private sector that a lack of diversity and representation can mean worse decision making , groupthink taking hold and a failure to be able to grapple with complexity .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to one day replace the SNP as the national party of Scotland , how can we do that if our representatives do not look and sound like modern Scotland ?
The consistent failure of our selection systems for the Scottish Parliament to deliver more than a handful of LGBT , BAME and disabled MSPs over the course of 22 years points to a failure of the system .
If we are serious about taking action to improve representation , there is no point in tinkering round the edges .
We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Labour leadership election , Richard Leonard said : “ As leader , I ’ ll make sure women , LGBT , BME and disabled candidates are supported and prioritised to stand in any and all elections.
” But while the Scottish Labour Party is planning to take more action to try to maintain 50:50 representation after the next elections , there is nothing being offered to secure better LGBT , BAME or disabled representation .
I can ’ t speak for BAME or disabled colleagues – I ’ m not from either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being LGBT and seeking elected office .
I joined the Labour Party on the encouragement of the late David Cairns , then the MP for Inverclyde .
Meeting him when I was 17 was the first time I ever realised it was possible to be both gay and successful in Scottish politics .
We know from our own experience the importance of role modelling for people from under-represented groups .
Being able to see someone like you in a position of power and influence is often the first step in demonstrating to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a reason to fight .
The Scottish Labour Party has supplied amazing role models over the years for women who aspire to be elected ( though still too few ) .
But we have not done our job when it comes to other groups .
Today , if you are a young LGBT person who is thinking of running for office , the Scottish Labour Party has no one in Holyrood you can look up to .
If you are a wheelchair user , there is no one .
If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is one person .
It is simply not good enough .
The Scottish executive committee is right to be looking again at how we maintain women ’ s representation in parliament , but too many people are being left behind .
On Saturday , the SEC should shelve its selection plans for now and work with LGBT Labour , BAME Labour , the Labour Women ’ s Network and others to establish a system that – in Richard ’ s words – supports and prioritises all under-represented groups .
One that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holyrood next year .
When Richard was elected Scottish Labour Leader , he said : “ This is no time to tinker around the edges .
We need wholesale , real and radical change.
” To really be able to say we are the party of equality , it is time we stop just tinkering around the edges .

The Scottish Labour Party’s executive committee is meeting on Saturday to decide how the party’s regional list will be selected for next year’s Holyrood elections. Today, all but three Labour MSPs are drawn from the regional list and the likelihood is that the majority elected next year will also be list MSPs. That puts a tremendous amount of responsibility in the hands of the SEC to shape the group of MSPs who will be in parliament until 2026.
There’s a lot that you could write about how the party might improve the list selection process, especially at a time when we are badly in need of a shot in the arm to recover from our current polling position of 13%. But a few facts should weigh heavily on the SEC’s mind as they make their decisions tomorrow.
In the near 22 years since devolution, the Scottish Labour Party has only ever had one openly gay Member of the Scottish Parliament. It has only ever had two BAME MSPs. It has never elected a woman of colour. And it has never had an MSP who is a wheelchair user.
We may be far ahead of other parties in the measures we have rightly put in place to secure gender equality, but for other under-represented groups there are gaping holes in Scottish Labour’s parliamentary representation.
A lack of diversity in our parliamentary party serves us poorly. We know from studies in the public and private sector that a lack of diversity and representation can mean worse decision making, groupthink taking hold and a failure to be able to grapple with complexity.
And on a political level, if we want to one day replace the SNP as the national party of Scotland, how can we do that if our representatives do not look and sound like modern Scotland?
The consistent failure of our selection systems for the Scottish Parliament to deliver more than a handful of LGBT, BAME and disabled MSPs over the course of 22 years points to a failure of the system. If we are serious about taking action to improve representation, there is no point in tinkering round the edges. We need to change the system.
During the last Scottish Labour leadership election, Richard Leonard said: “As leader, I’ll make sure women, LGBT, BME and disabled candidates are supported and prioritised to stand in any and all elections.” But while the Scottish Labour Party is planning to take more action to try to maintain 50:50 representation after the next elections, there is nothing being offered to secure better LGBT, BAME or disabled representation.
I can’t speak for BAME or disabled colleagues – I’m not from either group – but I do know about being LGBT and seeking elected office. I joined the Labour Party on the encouragement of the late David Cairns, then the MP for Inverclyde. Meeting him when I was 17 was the first time I ever realised it was possible to be both gay and successful in Scottish politics.
We know from our own experience the importance of role modelling for people from under-represented groups. Being able to see someone like you in a position of power and influence is often the first step in demonstrating to people that it is possible, and there is a reason to fight.
The Scottish Labour Party has supplied amazing role models over the years for women who aspire to be elected (though still too few). But we have not done our job when it comes to other groups.
Today, if you are a young LGBT person who is thinking of running for office, the Scottish Labour Party has no one in Holyrood you can look up to. If you are a wheelchair user, there is no one. If you are a member of a BAME community, there is one person. It is simply not good enough. The Scottish executive committee is right to be looking again at how we maintain women’s representation in parliament, but too many people are being left behind.
On Saturday, the SEC should shelve its selection plans for now and work with LGBT Labour, BAME Labour, the Labour Women’s Network and others to establish a system that – in Richard’s words – supports and prioritises all under-represented groups. One that can see us elect a representative group to Holyrood next year.
When Richard was elected Scottish Labour Leader, he said: “This is no time to tinker around the edges. We need wholesale, real and radical change.” To really be able to say we are the party of equality, it is time we stop just tinkering around the edges.


labourlist--2020-06-05--Labour launches consultation on ambitious green economic recovery

Labour ’ s Ed Miliband and Anneliese Dodds have launched a consultation on the creation of an ambitious green and just economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis .
Running until the end of June , the process will see the party urge businesses , sector associations , trade unions , workers , campaign groups and the public to submit their ideas .
Labour says the UK needs a green new deal in the wake of Covid-19 , which will offer jobs to those affected by the crisis and build an environmentally sustainable economy .
The party believes that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , retrained and redeployed to help accelerate progress towards the UK ’ s climate commitments .
The consultation is set to involve virtual round tables with industry and experts , “ town hall style engagement events ” held online with environmental groups and engagement with members of the public .
It will be run through Labour ’ s national policy forum as part of the open policy-making process , which will be accepting submissions until June 30th .
The party is seeking proposals on : • How jobs can be retained , supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future • Helping businesses transition to a green economy as part of the recovery • Focusing public and private investment on green technologies , research and innovation • Redeploying and retraining people from industries where people have lost their jobs Commenting on the launch , Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband said : “ This is a moment of profound economic distress for the country .
People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate in the midst of the biggest recession for 300 years .
“ We need a zero carbon army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much work to be done , from home energy insulation to designing and producing zero emission vehicles to renewable energy production to reforesting and improving our green spaces and redesigning and improving our towns and cities .
“ This rapid consultation will seek views on specific measures that can be taken now to kick start a green recovery .
We know that this work needs to be done if we are to meet our climate objectives.
” Anneliese Dodds , Shadow Chancellor , added : “ While the current recession is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the long-term costs of failing to deal with the climate crisis also pose grave risks for our economy .
We must ensure that the recovery builds back better .
“ Public funds must be focused on sustaining and promoting employment , especially in those areas which are already struggling ; and meeting our climate and environmental commitments .
“ I would urge anyone who feels they have solutions to these enormous challenges to contribute to this consultation.
” Angus Satow of campaign group Labour for a Green New Deal said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consulting on a radical , just and green recovery programme .
Our exploitative economic system entrenches inequality and accelerates the climate crisis .
“ Now is the time to use the power of the state , through public ownership , to insulate all of the UK ’ s 27 million homes , wind down the Big Polluters , retrain millions of workers for green jobs and support Global South countries to transition to clean energy in a spirit of solidarity .
“ The new post-pandemic green settlement Labour speaks of must prioritise people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic services like free broadband and publicly-run green transport for all .
“ That ’ s the programme Labour members and trade unions overwhelmingly backed at conference last year , and that ’ s the case we ’ ll be making to the leadership.
” It was reported this week that Chancellor is looking at green jobs for laid-off workers – even using the term “ green industrial revolution ” , which was a core Labour policy in the 2019 general election .
According to The Times , Rishi Sunak will boost government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fund to reskill workers for green jobs in an economic stimulus package next month .
Marking World Environment Day 2020 , Keir Starmer has tweeted that “ the health of people and planet are intertwined ” and “ we commit to a recovery from coronavirus that tackles the existential threat of the climate crisis ” .

Labour’s Ed Miliband and Anneliese Dodds have launched a consultation on the creation of an ambitious green and just economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
Running until the end of June, the process will see the party urge businesses, sector associations, trade unions, workers, campaign groups and the public to submit their ideas.
Labour says the UK needs a green new deal in the wake of Covid-19, which will offer jobs to those affected by the crisis and build an environmentally sustainable economy.
The party believes that the government must actively ensure that workers are reskilled, retrained and redeployed to help accelerate progress towards the UK’s climate commitments.
The consultation is set to involve virtual round tables with industry and experts, “town hall style engagement events” held online with environmental groups and engagement with members of the public.
It will be run through Labour’s national policy forum as part of the open policy-making process, which will be accepting submissions until June 30th. The party is seeking proposals on:
How jobs can be retained, supported and created in the green economy of the future
Helping businesses transition to a green economy as part of the recovery
Focusing public and private investment on green technologies, research and innovation
Redeploying and retraining people from industries where people have lost their jobs
Rewilding, reforesting and restoring natural spaces
Commenting on the launch, Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This is a moment of profound economic distress for the country. People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate in the midst of the biggest recession for 300 years.
“We need a zero carbon army, helping all workers. There is so much work to be done, from home energy insulation to designing and producing zero emission vehicles to renewable energy production to reforesting and improving our green spaces and redesigning and improving our towns and cities.
“This rapid consultation will seek views on specific measures that can be taken now to kick start a green recovery. We know that this work needs to be done if we are to meet our climate objectives.”
“There are green jobs to be done right across our economy” Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband says the UK is in an “unemployment emergency” so Labour will urge government to create a “zero-carbon army” and put people back to workhttps://t.co/8YvXBgFGGY pic.twitter.com/Ou81y4u3VW — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) June 5, 2020
Anneliese Dodds, Shadow Chancellor, added: “While the current recession is the deepest and widest in hundreds of years, the long-term costs of failing to deal with the climate crisis also pose grave risks for our economy. We must ensure that the recovery builds back better.
“Public funds must be focused on sustaining and promoting employment, especially in those areas which are already struggling; and meeting our climate and environmental commitments.
“I would urge anyone who feels they have solutions to these enormous challenges to contribute to this consultation.”
Angus Satow of campaign group Labour for a Green New Deal said: “It’s great to see Labour consulting on a radical, just and green recovery programme. Our exploitative economic system entrenches inequality and accelerates the climate crisis.
“Now is the time to use the power of the state, through public ownership, to insulate all of the UK’s 27 million homes, wind down the Big Polluters, retrain millions of workers for green jobs and support Global South countries to transition to clean energy in a spirit of solidarity.
“The new post-pandemic green settlement Labour speaks of must prioritise people’s health and security, delivering basic services like free broadband and publicly-run green transport for all.
“That’s the programme Labour members and trade unions overwhelmingly backed at conference last year, and that’s the case we’ll be making to the leadership.”
It was reported this week that the Chancellor is looking at green jobs for laid-off workers – even using the term “green industrial revolution”, which was a core Labour policy in the 2019 general election.
According to The Times, Rishi Sunak will boost government investment in clean energy and possibly establish a fund to reskill workers for green jobs in an economic stimulus package next month.
Marking World Environment Day 2020, Keir Starmer has tweeted that “the health of people and planet are intertwined” and “we commit to a recovery from coronavirus that tackles the existential threat of the climate crisis”.


labourlist--2020-06-05--Reynolds sparks debate over strengthened contributory benefits

When the Public Health England report on disparities in the risks and outcomes of Covid-19 was belatedly published this week , it confirmed that Black and Asian people are twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white people .
It also said that the risk is higher for people living in deprived areas .
This was useful , but the document – despite promising to do so in the terms of reference – did not delve deeper : we needed conclusions on the causes of these disparities and recommendations for what needs to be done next .
Anything less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is why Labour and the TUC have welcomed the statutory inquiry launched today by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission .
The equalities watchdog has promised to use its legal powers – such as the ability to compel evidence from government departments and other organisations – to investigate the impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities and “ develop clear , evidence-based recommendations for urgent action ” .
The need for such action makes the fact that the equalities minister had never heard of the Marmot Review until yesterday is even more worrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Ashworth said .
It is fitting that a Covid equalities plan is the subject of his latest weekly update setting out Labour ’ s coronavirus response .
Labour members online are discussing Britain ’ s welfare system this morning .
In an interview with PoliticsHome , new Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has expressed support for greater contributory aspects to our benefits .
His unequivocal commitment to scrapping Universal Credit in his LabourList piece last month was received well .
He also calls for the abolition of the two-child limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to public funds in this interview .
But the argument about contributions – not a surprising one , given that leader ’ s office policy director Claire Ainsley also supports the principle – has resurrected a fiery debate within the party .
If you ’ re interested in further discussion of Labour policy , LabourList is planning video interviews with several shadow cabinet members over the coming weeks , which readers will be able to watch live on the website and on Facebook .
We have one lined up with international development spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The next one is on Tuesday , June 9th , with Luke Pollard .
As I said yesterday , please feel free to email in suggestions for questions .
Remember to keep checking the site today and over the weekend as we host plenty more interesting Labour news and comment .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

When the Public Health England report on disparities in the risks and outcomes of Covid-19 was belatedly published this week, it confirmed that Black and Asian people are twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white people. It also said that the risk is higher for people living in deprived areas. This was useful, but the document – despite promising to do so in the terms of reference – did not delve deeper: we needed conclusions on the causes of these disparities and recommendations for what needs to be done next. Anything less lets the government off the hook.
That is why Labour and the TUC have welcomed the statutory inquiry launched today by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. The equalities watchdog has promised to use its legal powers – such as the ability to compel evidence from government departments and other organisations – to investigate the impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities and “develop clear, evidence-based recommendations for urgent action”. The need for such action makes the fact that the equalities minister had never heard of the Marmot Review until yesterday is even more worrying – or “shameful”, as Jonathan Ashworth said. It is fitting that a Covid equalities plan is the subject of his latest weekly update setting out Labour’s coronavirus response.
Labour members online are discussing Britain’s welfare system this morning. In an interview with PoliticsHome, new Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has expressed support for greater contributory aspects to our benefits. His unequivocal commitment to scrapping Universal Credit in his LabourList piece last month was received well. He also calls for the abolition of the two-child limit, the welfare cap and no recourse to public funds in this interview. But the argument about contributions – not a surprising one, given that leader’s office policy director Claire Ainsley also supports the principle – has resurrected a fiery debate within the party.
If you’re interested in further discussion of Labour policy, LabourList is planning video interviews with several shadow cabinet members over the coming weeks, which readers will be able to watch live on the website and on Facebook. We have one lined up with international development spokesperson Preet Kaur Gill on June 18th. The next one is on Tuesday, June 9th, with Luke Pollard. As I said yesterday, please feel free to email in suggestions for questions. Remember to keep checking the site today and over the weekend as we host plenty more interesting Labour news and comment. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-06-05--We need a funded coronavirus inequalities plan – Ashworth’s Covid-19 update

As the brutal racist and sickening killing of George Floyd reverberates around the world , we stand in solidarity in condemnation – and we demand that systemic inequalities are confronted .
Black lives matter .
But that must be more than a slogan politicians tweet when convenient .
We need bold action .
Labour ’ s health policy has always been about so much more than ending NHS austerity and privatisation to improve care .
Health and wellbeing is about socialism , which means determination in tackling the deprivation , poor housing , insecure work , systemic racism and inequality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and diminished life chances .
Michael Marmot – a world authority on the impact of austerity on illness , of whom the Tory equalities minister was shamefully unaware – has shown powerfully how inequality and poverty mean the poorest become ill quicker and die sooner in life .
The Lancet suggests a 1 % fall in employment is usually followed by a 2 % increase in chronic illness .
There is a social gradient in health where the disadvantaged face inequalities in accessing healthcare and inequalities in health outcomes .
No socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now seen 56,308 excess deaths since the beginning of March .
Every death a tragedy and we are trending towards one of the very highest death rates in the world .
I can ’ t understand how Boris Johnson can boast of how proud he is of the UK record as he did in the Commons on Wednesday .
Covid thrives on inequalities impacting the poorest disproportionately .
Death rates are twice as high in the most deprived communities .
People from BAME communities are three more likely to die from Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care .
Disproportionate numbers of BAME NHS and care staff have died .
The government ’ s 89-page report into Covid ’ s impact on BAME communities published this week – in response to outstanding campaigning from Labour colleagues like Marsha de Cordova – confirmed what we already knew .
BAME people are more at risk from this horrific disease .
But the report utterly fails to offer any meaningful action .
This is a glaring abdication of responsibility , adding insult to injury in a week when thousands have taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
There is zero guidance nor a plan from ministers to address the impact of Covid in BAME communities .
Matt Hancock meekly advises that people should continue to wash hands and observe social distancing rules – a typically unsatisfactory response , failing to recognise the need for a thorough Covid inequalities strategy as I ’ ve been calling for weeks .
Where is the plan to help those who will be penalised financially if they are asked to isolate as part of the Test and Trace regime ?
Nobody should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of lack of wealth .
Why aren ’ t ministers rolling out regular testing of healthcare workers and care home residents ?
Where is the plan for community testing and contact tracing in areas with higher mortality risk particularly the most deprived areas and in areas with a higher proportion of BAME residents ?
And where is the plan for other vulnerable groups who are at high risk from this virus ?
This week , the Care Quality Commission reported a 134 % increase in deaths of people with learning disabilities from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which makes it more important that the government adopts Labour ’ s calls for testing to be expanded to those under 65 in receipt of adult social care .
To protect deprived and BAME communities and tackle the hidden health effects of the pandemic , we need a funded Covid inequalities plan .
Without such an intervention , the coronavirus pandemic will widen health inequalities – and the poorest and BAME communities will suffer most .
This week of all weeks , we needed bold meaningful action .

As the brutal racist and sickening killing of George Floyd reverberates around the world, we stand in solidarity in condemnation – and we demand that systemic inequalities are confronted. Black lives matter. But that must be more than a slogan politicians tweet when convenient. We need bold action.
Labour’s health policy has always been about so much more than ending NHS austerity and privatisation to improve care. Health and wellbeing is about socialism, which means determination in tackling the deprivation, poor housing, insecure work, systemic racism and inequality that creates the remorseless condition for ill health and diminished life chances.
Michael Marmot – a world authority on the impact of austerity on illness, of whom the Tory equalities minister was shamefully unaware – has shown powerfully how inequality and poverty mean the poorest become ill quicker and die sooner in life. The Lancet suggests a 1% fall in employment is usually followed by a 2% increase in chronic illness. There is a social gradient in health where the disadvantaged face inequalities in accessing healthcare and inequalities in health outcomes. No socialist should settle for that.
This crisis has now seen 56,308 excess deaths since the beginning of March. Every death a tragedy and we are trending towards one of the very highest death rates in the world. I can’t understand how Boris Johnson can boast of how proud he is of the UK record as he did in the Commons on Wednesday.
Covid thrives on inequalities impacting the poorest disproportionately. Death rates are twice as high in the most deprived communities. People from BAME communities are three more likely to die from Covid-19 and more likely to be admitted to intensive care. Disproportionate numbers of BAME NHS and care staff have died.
The government’s 89-page report into Covid’s impact on BAME communities published this week – in response to outstanding campaigning from Labour colleagues like Marsha de Cordova – confirmed what we already knew. BAME people are more at risk from this horrific disease.
But the report utterly fails to offer any meaningful action. This is a glaring abdication of responsibility, adding insult to injury in a week when thousands have taken to the streets to demand justice for BAME communities.
There is zero guidance nor a plan from ministers to address the impact of Covid in BAME communities. Matt Hancock meekly advises that people should continue to wash hands and observe social distancing rules – a typically unsatisfactory response, failing to recognise the need for a thorough Covid inequalities strategy as I’ve been calling for weeks.
Where is the plan to help those who will be penalised financially if they are asked to isolate as part of the Test and Trace regime? Nobody should be forced to put at risk their health because of lack of wealth.
Why aren’t ministers rolling out regular testing of healthcare workers and care home residents? Where is the plan for community testing and contact tracing in areas with higher mortality risk particularly the most deprived areas and in areas with a higher proportion of BAME residents?
And where is the plan for other vulnerable groups who are at high risk from this virus? This week, the Care Quality Commission reported a 134% increase in deaths of people with learning disabilities from Covid. A shocking loss of life, which makes it more important that the government adopts Labour’s calls for testing to be expanded to those under 65 in receipt of adult social care.
To protect deprived and BAME communities and tackle the hidden health effects of the pandemic, we need a funded Covid inequalities plan. Without such an intervention, the coronavirus pandemic will widen health inequalities – and the poorest and BAME communities will suffer most. This week of all weeks, we needed bold meaningful action.


labourlist--2020-06-05--Labour activists demand “bailouts for workers and planet, not billionaires”

Hundreds of Labour activists have signed a petition demanding “ bailouts for workers and planet , not billionaires ” in a backlash against the party position on supporting the aviation industry .
Jim McMahon , Labour ’ s new Shadow Transport Secretary , has called on the government to urgently “ bring forward a plan to protect the future of our aviation industry ” following the impact of coronavirus .
In a letter to Grant Shapps , McMahon stressed that reduced air traffic has had a “ devastating impact ” on the industry , adding : “ It is far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become greener from a point of strength than weakness.
” Labour has also urged that any government bailout to be conditional on the protection of jobs and salaries , the use of cleaner fuels , companies having their tax bases in the UK and not paying dividends until they are commercially viable .
But green activists say the proposals would “ revert to a broken system ” and “ lock us into runaway climate breakdown ” , with aviation on course to becoming the UK ’ s largest source of emissions by 2050 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Green New Deal , which pushed the party to adopt a 2030 net-zero carbon target at conference last year , the online petition gained the backing of over 800 members in twelve hours .
Lauren Townsend , Labour for a Green New Deal ’ s spokesperson , commented : “ We welcome Labour ’ s proposals to protect jobs , and its ambitions for a huge green recovery plan as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis .
“ But its plans on aviation fail to live up to that ambition , nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs we urgently need .
Labour is essentially calling for the return of business-as-usual air travel , locking us into runaway climate breakdown .
“ These proposals are out of touch with party members , out of touch with the public and disastrous for the planet .
The idea that a just transition must wait until we have rebuilt the old , exploitative and unsustainable economy is utterly nonsensical.
” Members supportive of the GND group would prefer to see Labour arguing for workers to be transitioned to greener industries during the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as taking public stakes in airlines .
They point out that recent polling by Survation shows a majority of the British public reject airline bailouts , and 72 % of those who did support rescue measures thought the public should hold a share of those companies in receipt of assistance .
The Greater Manchester branch of Labour GND has brought together organisations to form an “ environmental coalition ” that opposes the local authority decision to bail out Manchester Airport in a loan package worth over £250m .
The campaigners are urging Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work with trade unions and ensure that all such bailouts include mandatory commitments to decarbonisation and workers ’ rights .
They also want the party to pressure the government on attaching similar strict conditions to help provided through ‘ Project Birch ’ – Rishi Sunak ’ s plan to save “ strategically important companies ” in the coronavirus economic recovery .
In the House of Commons this week , MPs from all parties complained about the conduct of British Airways – described as “ ethically outrageous ” by transport select committee chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that it was consulting on cutting 12,000 jobs , a move that Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey said was “ heartless ” and a “ stab in the back ” .
The union has since said that BA plans to sack its entire workforce of 42,000 .
“ Over 40,000 loyal BA staff now face the prospect of losing either their livelihoods or potentially being re-interviewed for their own jobs on vastly reduced terms and conditions , ” McCluskey said .
He asked why the company was “ threatening to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , adding : “ This is nothing more than a cynical act of corporate greed and a betrayal of the BA workforce and Britain .
”

Hundreds of Labour activists have signed a petition demanding “bailouts for workers and planet, not billionaires” in a backlash against the party position on supporting the aviation industry.
Jim McMahon, Labour’s new Shadow Transport Secretary, has called on the government to urgently “bring forward a plan to protect the future of our aviation industry” following the impact of coronavirus.
In a letter to Grant Shapps, McMahon stressed that reduced air traffic has had a “devastating impact” on the industry, adding: “It is far easier to transition our aviation sector to become greener from a point of strength than weakness.”
Labour has also urged that any government bailout to be conditional on the protection of jobs and salaries, the use of cleaner fuels, companies having their tax bases in the UK and not paying dividends until they are commercially viable.
But green activists say the proposals would “revert to a broken system” and “lock us into runaway climate breakdown”, with aviation on course to becoming the UK’s largest source of emissions by 2050.
Organised by campaign group Labour for a Green New Deal, which pushed the party to adopt a 2030 net-zero carbon target at conference last year, the online petition gained the backing of over 800 members in twelve hours.
Lauren Townsend, Labour for a Green New Deal’s spokesperson, commented: “We welcome Labour’s proposals to protect jobs, and its ambitions for a huge green recovery plan as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis.
“But its plans on aviation fail to live up to that ambition, nor will they create the secure, green jobs we urgently need. Labour is essentially calling for the return of business-as-usual air travel, locking us into runaway climate breakdown.
“These proposals are out of touch with party members, out of touch with the public and disastrous for the planet. The idea that a just transition must wait until we have rebuilt the old, exploitative and unsustainable economy is utterly nonsensical.”
Members supportive of the GND group would prefer to see Labour arguing for workers to be transitioned to greener industries during the Covid-19 crisis, and for stronger measures such as taking public stakes in airlines.
They point out that recent polling by Survation shows a majority of the British public reject airline bailouts, and 72% of those who did support rescue measures thought the public should hold a share of those companies in receipt of assistance.
The Greater Manchester branch of Labour GND has brought together organisations to form an “environmental coalition” that opposes the local authority decision to bail out Manchester Airport in a loan package worth over £250m.
The campaigners are urging Labour, wherever it is in power, to work with trade unions and ensure that all such bailouts include mandatory commitments to decarbonisation and workers’ rights.
They also want the party to pressure the government on attaching similar strict conditions to help provided through ‘Project Birch’ – Rishi Sunak’s plan to save “strategically important companies” in the coronavirus economic recovery.
In the House of Commons this week, MPs from all parties complained about the conduct of British Airways – described as “ethically outrageous” by transport select committee chair Huw Merriman.
BA has announced last month that it was consulting on cutting 12,000 jobs, a move that Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey said was “heartless” and a “stab in the back”. The union has since said that BA plans to sack its entire workforce of 42,000.
“Over 40,000 loyal BA staff now face the prospect of losing either their livelihoods or potentially being re-interviewed for their own jobs on vastly reduced terms and conditions,” McCluskey said.
He asked why the company was “threatening to terminate contracts, including eliminating disciplinary procedures”, adding: “This is nothing more than a cynical act of corporate greed and a betrayal of the BA workforce and Britain.”


labourlist--2020-06-05--My priorities as Labour’s new Shadow International Development Secretary

It is a privilege to have been appointed to the role of Shadow International Development Secretary and to follow in the footsteps of all those who have led on our party ’ s international development work since Labour created the Minister for Overseas Development in 1964 and then the Department for International Development ( DfID ) in 1997 .
The Labour Party has a proud history of standing up for the most marginalised and vulnerable , both at home and abroad , and this focus will continue to guide our work in all that we do .
Sadly , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Conservatives .
We have seen money intended to help the world ’ s poorest and most vulnerable being channelled to other government departments .
We will be unapologetic in our defence of a strong , independent DfID that can be a global leader in addressing poverty and inequality .
In 2018 , as a shadow minister in Labour ’ s international development team , I was lucky enough to visit Uganda and see first-hand the extraordinary impact UK aid can have on people ’ s lives .
There , I met a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and whose mother was missing .
He , as the eldest at just 12 years old , took on the caring responsibilities of his siblings .
They fled conflict in South Sudan to a child-friendly Ugandan refugee camp providing over 1,500 children with psychosocial , emotional welfare and wellbeing support and , importantly , the chance at a better future .
This project would not have been possible without assistance and aid from the UK , and shows that when development is done properly , it can reach communities that would otherwise be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course the coronavirus crisis , but this pandemic has revealed and exacerbated inequalities related to the impact of the climate crisis , and to access to good quality healthcare , safe living conditions , and nutritious food .
Where these inequalities exist , we know it will be the poorest , most marginalised and vulnerable who suffer most acutely .
In fragile states , and those with weak health systems , there is a greater risk of people dying from hunger than Covid-19 .
Add to that the potential for a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle the climate emergency , and the ramifications of this pandemic stretch far beyond the direct impact of this virus .
That ’ s why we can not afford to take our eyes off existing priorities during the pandemic response .
Current events have reminded us that health emergencies do not respect borders .
We are rightly proud of our NHS and the pandemic has reconfirmed its importance in keeping us all safe and healthy .
Addressing health inequalities around the world through universal healthcare must form part of the world we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population can not access healthcare ; in South Sudan , with a population of 11.7 million , there are only 24 ICU beds and just four ventilators .
Meanwhile , in northeast Syria , where around five million people are currently living , there are only 28 ICU beds and 11 ventilators .
We should be doing everything we can to support countries to focus attention and resources on health systems , hygiene , water and sanitation .
We know , in the absence of a vaccine or treatments , the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus given three billion people around the world don ’ t have access to basic hand-washing facilities .
If support is lacking , many more health systems in the global south are at risk of becoming overwhelmed when the pandemic hits .
That ’ s why we ’ ve called for debt cancellation for countries in the global south , equitable access to Covid-19 related medical tools and urged for the UK to play a greater role in securing a global ceasefire at the UN Security Council .
Gender equality too , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With women making up more than 70 % of the global health workforce , this pandemic risks disproportionately affecting women and girls .
That ’ s why we ’ ve called for gender analysis to play a central role in the UK ’ s international response to Covid-19 .
For the UK to be a genuine world leader on gender equality now and in the future , we need to focus on addressing the fundamental , structural and systemic causes of gender inequality .
This starts by acknowledging that current structures exclude , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
Finally , we want our solidarity with one another in the UK to stretch outward and beyond , and make room for voices that aren ’ t always heard .
We have a distinct opportunity to use our position of power to make room for voices to be heard that are otherwise excluded .
The UK must accept the responsibility but can only be successful if we work with a wide variety of actors to build on and develop our solidarity around the globe , including with trade unions , co-operatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , political parties , movements , businesses and individual activists .
One of my first acts in the role was to put out a call for evidence to these actors to better understand the impact Covid-19 was having in the global south .
The response was fantastic , and made clear that there is a wide and diverse coalition of support for our work who are strong believers in the importance of development around the world .
This pandemic has been a sad reminder , however , that global solidarity is not guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight for every day .
In 2015 , the world agreed to a set of universally applicable Global Goals with a deadline of 2030 .
We will not overcome the challenges we face , from the current pandemic to the climate crisis , without global cooperation .
Far from retreating , we – as proud internationalists – must reaffirm our commitment to people in every corner of the world and play a leading role as part of a broad , progressive global community .
This piece is part of a series by members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us for our upcoming online event ‘ LabourList in conversation with Preet Kaur Gill ’ on Thursday , June 18th , at 6pm .

It is a privilege to have been appointed to the role of Shadow International Development Secretary and to follow in the footsteps of all those who have led on our party’s international development work since Labour created the Minister for Overseas Development in 1964 and then the Department for International Development (DfID) in 1997.
The Labour Party has a proud history of standing up for the most marginalised and vulnerable, both at home and abroad, and this focus will continue to guide our work in all that we do.
Sadly, we have seen a weakening of DfID under the Conservatives. We have seen money intended to help the world’s poorest and most vulnerable being channelled to other government departments. We will be unapologetic in our defence of a strong, independent DfID that can be a global leader in addressing poverty and inequality.
In 2018, as a shadow minister in Labour’s international development team, I was lucky enough to visit Uganda and see first-hand the extraordinary impact UK aid can have on people’s lives. There, I met a boy who had seen his father killed and whose mother was missing. He, as the eldest at just 12 years old, took on the caring responsibilities of his siblings. They fled conflict in South Sudan to a child-friendly Ugandan refugee camp providing over 1,500 children with psychosocial, emotional welfare and wellbeing support and, importantly, the chance at a better future.
This project would not have been possible without assistance and aid from the UK, and shows that when development is done properly, it can reach communities that would otherwise be left behind.
Our immediate priority is of course the coronavirus crisis, but this pandemic has revealed and exacerbated inequalities related to the impact of the climate crisis, and to access to good quality healthcare, safe living conditions, and nutritious food. Where these inequalities exist, we know it will be the poorest, most marginalised and vulnerable who suffer most acutely.
In fragile states, and those with weak health systems, there is a greater risk of people dying from hunger than Covid-19. Add to that the potential for a global economic recession and the burning need to tackle the climate emergency, and the ramifications of this pandemic stretch far beyond the direct impact of this virus. That’s why we cannot afford to take our eyes off existing priorities during the pandemic response.
Current events have reminded us that health emergencies do not respect borders. We are rightly proud of our NHS and the pandemic has reconfirmed its importance in keeping us all safe and healthy. Addressing health inequalities around the world through universal healthcare must form part of the world we want to build.
Two-thirds of the Yemeni population cannot access healthcare; in South Sudan, with a population of 11.7 million, there are only 24 ICU beds and just four ventilators. Meanwhile, in northeast Syria, where around five million people are currently living, there are only 28 ICU beds and 11 ventilators.
We should be doing everything we can to support countries to focus attention and resources on health systems, hygiene, water and sanitation. We know, in the absence of a vaccine or treatments, the importance of hand-washing in stemming the spread of the coronavirus given three billion people around the world don’t have access to basic hand-washing facilities. If support is lacking, many more health systems in the global south are at risk of becoming overwhelmed when the pandemic hits.
That’s why we’ve called for debt cancellation for countries in the global south, equitable access to Covid-19 related medical tools and urged for the UK to play a greater role in securing a global ceasefire at the UN Security Council.
Gender equality too, will be a priority for my team. With women making up more than 70% of the global health workforce, this pandemic risks disproportionately affecting women and girls. That’s why we’ve called for gender analysis to play a central role in the UK’s international response to Covid-19. For the UK to be a genuine world leader on gender equality now and in the future, we need to focus on addressing the fundamental, structural and systemic causes of gender inequality. This starts by acknowledging that current structures exclude, infringe and damage a wide range of people.
Finally, we want our solidarity with one another in the UK to stretch outward and beyond, and make room for voices that aren’t always heard. We have a distinct opportunity to use our position of power to make room for voices to be heard that are otherwise excluded. The UK must accept the responsibility but can only be successful if we work with a wide variety of actors to build on and develop our solidarity around the globe, including with trade unions, co-operatives, faith groups, charities, academics, political parties, movements, businesses and individual activists.
One of my first acts in the role was to put out a call for evidence to these actors to better understand the impact Covid-19 was having in the global south. The response was fantastic, and made clear that there is a wide and diverse coalition of support for our work who are strong believers in the importance of development around the world.
This pandemic has been a sad reminder, however, that global solidarity is not guaranteed and that it is something we must fight for every day. In 2015, the world agreed to a set of universally applicable Global Goals with a deadline of 2030. We will not overcome the challenges we face, from the current pandemic to the climate crisis, without global cooperation. Far from retreating, we – as proud internationalists – must reaffirm our commitment to people in every corner of the world and play a leading role as part of a broad, progressive global community.
This piece is part of a series by members of the new shadow cabinet.
Join us for our upcoming online event ‘LabourList in conversation with Preet Kaur Gill’ on Thursday, June 18th, at 6pm.


labourlist--2020-06-05--We have been left to fend for ourselves. Pub owners need Labour’s backing

There is a well-spun political myth that the Conservatives are the party for business .
As a small business owner , I know that this is not the case .
The way that small tenant pub operators , like me , are being treated shows fully the problems that we have faced for years from a lack of independent representation of our needs and unfair practices by big brewers and large pub companies .
There is a lack of transparency over which have helped tenants , and which have not .
This lack of representation is now set to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of livelihoods and undue stress and mental health crises .
The Labour Party has an historic opportunity now to prove that it is on the side of thousands of business owners , it can represent us and , it can support innovation and enterprise .
Many small businesses like mine have been doing the right thing and protecting our customers and staff .
But we face insolvency because we have behaved well .
We need help to rebuild and representation against big landlords in the hospitality sector and government .
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners , who are telling me that they feel pressured to open when they don ’ t think that it is safe to do so .
Social distancing measures are not easy to police when people have had a drink , and we take our obligations seriously .
There will be customers who will have to wait in queues – it will be difficult , if not impossible , to control that system , and we need to know that there will be back up .
I have also spoken to paramedics who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we allow pubs to open without proper controls in place as they don ’ t have the capacity to treat people .
A lot of pub businesses are tenancies .
We pay money to pub companies and breweries in rent and also money , called a tie , so we only buy our beer from our landlords at increased prices .
We have been deserted by the government to deal with rent negotiations after some of the off-hand comments made by Rishi Sunak left us in a dubious situation over the purpose for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many of us have had grant money forced from us by the large pub companies , even though we needed the money for bills and top up staff pay .
After lockdown is lifted , we will be even more beholden to these companies .
We will be forced to open as soon as we are able , and we are already being told to make plans for July 4th .
If we don ’ t , then we will face financial penalties .
If we decide that we can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave , then we will face financial penalties .
For many of us it will also mean losing our homes .
We are already carrying a lot of debt – we will be zombie businesses .
We are not optimistic that support will come from environmental health officers as there is a historic unsupportive and fractious relationship .
There is not enough capacity for these officers to assist us in opening ; instead we will be forced to open with liabilities and the threat of penalties hanging over us .
We must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from public health bodies and licensing authorities , and that we will not shoulder all of the risk and all of the blame if it goes wrong .
Along with other pub tenants , who have the day-to-day experience of how to make a pub work and be safe , I have prepared a list of concerns and questions over how we can open safely .
I will be sending them to the shadow cabinet .
We offer our help and assistance in making sure that we can get back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and legal help in place .
Current government priorities – to ignore the science and get us back to work – are set to leave thousands of small pub operators penniless .
The government would love to have an independence day celebration with pubs opening on July 4th , but that is ignoring the fact that we will not be viable under any social distancing measures .
The brewers want all the pubs to open as they will sell more beer ; they show no concern that they will be forcing people into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners have been deliberately shut out of negotiations with the government and left to fend for ourselves .
We are now being left to clear up the mess that the government has made in controlling the virus .
We need an independent voice , and only the Labour Party can make that happen .

There is a well-spun political myth that the Conservatives are the party for business. As a small business owner, I know that this is not the case. The way that small tenant pub operators, like me, are being treated shows fully the problems that we have faced for years from a lack of independent representation of our needs and unfair practices by big brewers and large pub companies. There is a lack of transparency over which have helped tenants, and which have not. This lack of representation is now set to have real public health and safety ramifications, loss of livelihoods and undue stress and mental health crises.
The Labour Party has an historic opportunity now to prove that it is on the side of thousands of business owners, it can represent us, and it can support innovation and enterprise. Many small businesses like mine have been doing the right thing and protecting our customers and staff. But we face insolvency because we have behaved well. We need help to rebuild and representation against big landlords in the hospitality sector and government.
I have been in touch with hundreds of pub owners, who are telling me that they feel pressured to open when they don’t think that it is safe to do so. Social distancing measures are not easy to police when people have had a drink, and we take our obligations seriously. There will be customers who will have to wait in queues – it will be difficult, if not impossible, to control that system, and we need to know that there will be back up. I have also spoken to paramedics who are worried about what will happen if we allow pubs to open without proper controls in place as they don’t have the capacity to treat people.
A lot of pub businesses are tenancies. We pay money to pub companies and breweries in rent and also money, called a tie, so we only buy our beer from our landlords at increased prices. We have been deserted by the government to deal with rent negotiations after some of the off-hand comments made by Rishi Sunak left us in a dubious situation over the purpose for the grant money offered by the government. Many of us have had grant money forced from us by the large pub companies, even though we needed the money for bills and top up staff pay.
After lockdown is lifted, we will be even more beholden to these companies. We will be forced to open as soon as we are able, and we are already being told to make plans for July 4th. If we don’t, then we will face financial penalties. If we decide that we can’t have a viable business and want to leave, then we will face financial penalties. For many of us it will also mean losing our homes. We are already carrying a lot of debt – we will be zombie businesses.
We are not optimistic that support will come from environmental health officers as there is a historic unsupportive and fractious relationship. There is not enough capacity for these officers to assist us in opening; instead we will be forced to open with liabilities and the threat of penalties hanging over us. We must be given assurances that there will be adequate support from public health bodies and licensing authorities, and that we will not shoulder all of the risk and all of the blame if it goes wrong.
Along with other pub tenants, who have the day-to-day experience of how to make a pub work and be safe, I have prepared a list of concerns and questions over how we can open safely. I will be sending them to the shadow cabinet. We offer our help and assistance in making sure that we can get back to the pub safely and with the proper financial and legal help in place.
Current government priorities – to ignore the science and get us back to work – are set to leave thousands of small pub operators penniless. The government would love to have an independence day celebration with pubs opening on July 4th, but that is ignoring the fact that we will not be viable under any social distancing measures. The brewers want all the pubs to open as they will sell more beer; they show no concern that they will be forcing people into unprofitable businesses laden with debt.
Pub owners have been deliberately shut out of negotiations with the government and left to fend for ourselves. We are now being left to clear up the mess that the government has made in controlling the virus. We need an independent voice, and only the Labour Party can make that happen.


labourlist--2020-06-06--The school meal voucher scheme must continue over the summer holidays

There was a dire , unacceptable food poverty emergency even before the Covid-19 pandemic .
Now coronavirus and its economic implications could push one million more families below the poverty line , according to projections from IPPR .
Emergency food aid provision has been a crucial lockdown lifeline for households up and down the country .
Data this week shows that food bank demand has increased dramatically during the recent lockdown .
The Trussell Trust distributed 89 % more food parcels in April this year than in the same month last year .
The number of families with children needing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubled .
These trends are replicated at local food banks across the country , and come on top growing demand at food banks before Covid , for which Universal Credit is cited as a key reason .
The government must apologise properly for the voucher scheme ’ s flaws and delays , which heartbreakingly saw families humiliated at the checkouts as their delayed vouchers were then rejected .
Despite its operational difficulties , however , the national food voucher scheme for school children has helped the most vulnerable families get food on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street ’ s confirmation this week that the voucher scheme would not operate in the upcoming , long school summer holidays raises serious questions .
It could well put the country on a trajectory towards an even more dire food poverty emergency .
It will compound the financial anxieties facing families , with 35 % of households with children worried that they will struggle to pay their rent at some point in the next three months .
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the dangerous inequalities in society in many different ways , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety net after a decade of austerity .
In recent years we have seen growing levels of holiday hunger – the situation where children , sadly , struggle to access enough nutritious food whilst the schools are closed and free school meals are not available .
The emergency voucher scheme , providing a £15 voucher each week for food , covers up to 1.3 million children , totalling £19,500,000 per week in government support .
Instead of the voucher scheme , the government has said a £9m programme will be in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities ’ and ‘ a food programme ’ .
That ’ s an alarming reduction in the scale of support over a six-week school holiday .
We could now face a perfect storm for food poverty affecting families with children .
Holiday hunger schemes that have become a lifeline in local communities across the country in recent years will find it difficult to operate as normal with social distancing and other Covid implications .
Food banks will continue to face growing levels of demand , and some will struggle to keep their shelves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the economic impacts of the pandemic become more widespread , people may not be able to donate to their local food banks in the usual way .
This is why the national voucher scheme , notwithstanding its administrative difficulties , must remain in place throughout the summer holidays .
The voucher scheme was in place over the two-week Easter break and May half-term .
Its availability through those holidays will have kept some families above the breadline and will have stopped children going hungry .
In pre-Covid times , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were at risk of hunger during the school holidays .
In response to this challenge , local projects have relied on voluntary and community groups and local authority co-ordination and funding .
Local projects will again do their best this summer , but they will face major challenges in these difficult times .
Local authorities are facing numerous new and big challenges in marshalling local responses to the pandemic .
A responsible government with any understanding of the reality of this situation on the ground would want to step in and help .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ local food banks and charities , it is regretful and unacceptable that our country has become so dependent on their efforts .
Food poverty and hunger in Britain can be avoided with different political choices .
No government should be content with a situation where up to three million children could go hungry during school holidays .
No government should find the levels of poverty and inequality in Britain today acceptable .
The national voucher scheme should continue for the school summer holidays .
The government must not turn its back on those @ @ @ @ @ @ @

There was a dire, unacceptable food poverty emergency even before the Covid-19 pandemic. Now coronavirus and its economic implications could push one million more families below the poverty line, according to projections from IPPR.
Emergency food aid provision has been a crucial lockdown lifeline for households up and down the country. Data this week shows that food bank demand has increased dramatically during the recent lockdown. The Trussell Trust distributed 89% more food parcels in April this year than in the same month last year. The number of families with children needing help from Trussell Trust food banks has doubled. These trends are replicated at local food banks across the country, and come on top growing demand at food banks before Covid, for which Universal Credit is cited as a key reason.
The government must apologise properly for the voucher scheme’s flaws and delays, which heartbreakingly saw families humiliated at the checkouts as their delayed vouchers were then rejected. Despite its operational difficulties, however, the national food voucher scheme for school children has helped the most vulnerable families get food on the table during these difficult times.
Downing Street’s confirmation this week that the voucher scheme would not operate in the upcoming, long school summer holidays raises serious questions. It could well put the country on a trajectory towards an even more dire food poverty emergency. It will compound the financial anxieties facing families, with 35% of households with children worried that they will struggle to pay their rent at some point in the next three months.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the dangerous inequalities in society in many different ways, and it has shown the gaping holes in the safety net after a decade of austerity. In recent years we have seen growing levels of holiday hunger – the situation where children, sadly, struggle to access enough nutritious food whilst the schools are closed and free school meals are not available.
The emergency voucher scheme, providing a £15 voucher each week for food, covers up to 1.3 million children, totalling £19,500,000 per week in government support. Instead of the voucher scheme, the government has said a £9m programme will be in place for the summer holidays for ‘holiday activities’ and ‘a food programme’. That’s an alarming reduction in the scale of support over a six-week school holiday.
We could now face a perfect storm for food poverty affecting families with children. Holiday hunger schemes that have become a lifeline in local communities across the country in recent years will find it difficult to operate as normal with social distancing and other Covid implications. Food banks will continue to face growing levels of demand, and some will struggle to keep their shelves stocked in pace with this increasing need. As the economic impacts of the pandemic become more widespread, people may not be able to donate to their local food banks in the usual way.
This is why the national voucher scheme, notwithstanding its administrative difficulties, must remain in place throughout the summer holidays. The voucher scheme was in place over the two-week Easter break and May half-term. Its availability through those holidays will have kept some families above the breadline and will have stopped children going hungry.
In pre-Covid times, it was estimated that up to three million children were at risk of hunger during the school holidays. In response to this challenge, local projects have relied on voluntary and community groups and local authority co-ordination and funding. Local projects will again do their best this summer, but they will face major challenges in these difficult times. Local authorities are facing numerous new and big challenges in marshalling local responses to the pandemic. A responsible government with any understanding of the reality of this situation on the ground would want to step in and help.
Whilst we support the vital work of local food banks and charities, it is regretful and unacceptable that our country has become so dependent on their efforts. Food poverty and hunger in Britain can be avoided with different political choices. No government should be content with a situation where up to three million children could go hungry during school holidays. No government should find the levels of poverty and inequality in Britain today acceptable. The national voucher scheme should continue for the school summer holidays. The government must not turn its back on those children at risk of going hungry.


labourlist--2020-06-06--Black Lives Matter: How to start tackling structural racism in the UK and US

Whilst the show of solidarity and empathy is welcomed from all walks of life from the British public , it will take more than lighting up civic buildings in purple and circulating online petitions to effect meaningful change in tackling racism both here in the UK and in the US .
There is a need to strongly challenge the ingrained racism of police , particularly in the US , following the killing of George Floyd and thousands of other American Black people over the years .
What is needed is a solid stance and firm action from our own government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time when US-UK trade deals are being discussed .
First , I would call for the immediate suspension of sales to the US of tear gas , rubber bullets and riot shields , which are being used forcefully against US citizens to suppress predominantly peaceful protests .
The upcoming presidential and congressional elections in November are a real opportunity for the Democrats to make a stand against the treatment of Black American citizens by the police and other institutions .
On June 2nd , the # BlackoutTuesday campaign was started by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented worldwide outpouring of grief , anger and show of solidarity from a global community appalled by the way in which George Floyd was targeted and killed by a police officer .
The very fact that some people are upset with the # BlackLivesMatter hashtag and its subsequent traction is testimony to how ingrained racism is , especially when people add ‘ All Lives Matter ’ to effectively downgrade the issue .
The retaliatory racist # WhiteLivesMatter and # BlueLivesMatter campaigns were quickly drowned out .
Looking to our own house , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taught in our schools as well as the civil rights movement in America .
Black history has been missing from school curricula , including race relations legislation ( first introduced in the 1960s ) and the changing experience of Black people over the decades , despite historical events still affecting Black British descendants today , as in the case of the Windrush scandal .
The publication of the Macpherson Report in 1999 following the murder of Stephen Lawrence was a watershed moment in the UK and highlighted the institutionalised racism in the London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be extra vigilant about prejudice , following decades of their institutionalised racism .
Despite trying to actively recruit large numbers of BAME officers , very few have made it to the top ranks .
This shows the unwillingness of our police forces to effect change and the measures needed .
This attitude includes the indifference shown by institutions like the Police Federation , the Home Office and the Independent Office for Police Conduct .
As the actor Will Smith points out , racism hasn ’ t increased , the filming of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the apathy and reluctance to do anything about it has also increased .
Look at the comments section of any local or national news story that features a BAME person and the vitriol is there in plain sight for all to see .
Freedom of speech is used as a thin veil for the xenophobia and racism that runs rife on these channels and is being allowed to continue unchecked by social media companies .
Those affected by this , me included , simply don ’ t pay attention to it , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find their kin , people who share their views , and they grow stronger in their beliefs .
A few comments and upvotes can lead to indoctrination , which leads to incidents like the racist graffiti on our buildings and streets ; escalating as far as full on murder , as in the case of my colleague Jo Cox , who fell victim to such an individual at the height of the Brexit referendum tensions in 2016 .
This pandemic has demonstrated that there are scores of underpaid BAME employees who this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literally ) dirty work .
The government fought hard to delay publishing the Public Health England report , ‘ Disparities on the risk and outcomes of Covid-19 ’ .
The report had a whole section redacted , according to the Health Service Journal , which is damning evidence of the government ’ s total disregard towards the BAME community .
The section removed included responses from over 1,000 organisations and individuals who supplied evidence to the review , which concluded that discrimination and poorer life chances played a part in the increased risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The final document makes no recommendations to prevent further loss of BAME lives – recommendations that could have saved many lives at the end of the week in which the lockdown was further lifted .
NHS staff , doctors , nurses , ancillary staff , so many gave their lives unnecessarily and those deaths should also be investigated .
I am a mixed-race Black MP born in the late 1950s in the UK , prior to any race relations legislation , into a society beset with white privilege .
Over the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the way many Black people are treated , but dehumanising people of colour still takes place far too often today .
You do not become immune to racist behaviour however high up the social ladder you climb , however much you may earn , however much respect you gain in your profession .
There are numerous shades of racism , and rather than disappearing the higher up you go , it gets more subtle , covert and sophisticated .
We need more positive Black role models .
I specifically say Black and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BAME tag is applied as a one-size-fits-all plaster to numerous issues .
For example , Asian people from Indian heritage background are overrepresented in the higher medical and dentistry sector in the NHS and I suspect in the private health industries too ; at the same time , the male Black population is overrepresented in the prison population .
The unfair treatment within the justice system bears out these statistics .
Since 1990 , every single case of a BAME death in custody where force was used has ended in acquittal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mujinga , the London transport worker who died shortly after being intentionally spat on , ended with no charges being made by the British Transport Police .
Whilst the perpetrator tested negative for Covid-19 , he could have been charged with common assault , but no further action was taken because the BTP said there was insufficient evidence that the man spat deliberately .
The Crown Prosecution Service has been asked to review evidence , but the case is not being reopened .
It is not just the police forces that need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to dismantle structural racism .
I don ’ t believe that anyone should be put at the top of an organisation just because of the colour of their skin , but I do believe barriers for marginalised communities should be aggressively removed .
That can be achieved by tackling poverty and health inequalities , raising educational standards , increasing aspirations , encouraging positive BAME role models and challenging racist recruitment panels who stem the upward flow of perfectly good BAME candidates because they do not ‘ fit ’ into the company culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to showcase more of the UK ’ s positive Black role models .
Instead , what we see in the main is the adoption of negative Black film and music role models into UK Black culture , with one or two exceptions .
I believe this is doing much to damage the life chances of young Black men and women in this country .
The continual damaging representations of Black individuals with negative stereotypes , such as gangsters , single parents or absent fathers is not a true portrayal of Black individuals here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portraying more Black individuals as positive role models through our media channels , such as award-winning actors , world class sports people , top doctors , surgeons and business leaders .
Perhaps then , Black people in this country can be perceived differently from common stereotypes and treated with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves .
But sadly , many of our Black leading lights find themselves having to go the US as they find little work in the way of prominent or positive roles in UK media productions .
Racism has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the economic , social and health inequalities highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic have exposed racism in a way humanity has never seen it before , principally through modern media .
Long after this crisis is over , we will be judged on how we sought to eradicate the virus of individual and structural racism by dealing with the conditions that have created it .
We need to move away from purple lights towards a purple patch for all Black people .
We can only do that by working together as a society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by challenging the divisiveness we see from our current government and the one on the other side of the Atlantic .

Whilst the show of solidarity and empathy is welcomed from all walks of life from the British public, it will take more than lighting up civic buildings in purple and circulating online petitions to effect meaningful change in tackling racism both here in the UK and in the US. There is a need to strongly challenge the ingrained racism of police, particularly in the US, following the killing of George Floyd and thousands of other American Black people over the years.
What is needed is a solid stance and firm action from our own government to demand change from the US especially at a time when US-UK trade deals are being discussed. First, I would call for the immediate suspension of sales to the US of tear gas, rubber bullets and riot shields, which are being used forcefully against US citizens to suppress predominantly peaceful protests. The upcoming presidential and congressional elections in November are a real opportunity for the Democrats to make a stand against the treatment of Black American citizens by the police and other institutions.
On June 2nd, the #BlackoutTuesday campaign was started by the Black music industry, which precipitated an unprecedented worldwide outpouring of grief, anger and show of solidarity from a global community appalled by the way in which George Floyd was targeted and killed by a police officer. The very fact that some people are upset with the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag and its subsequent traction is testimony to how ingrained racism is, especially when people add ‘All Lives Matter’ to effectively downgrade the issue. The retaliatory racist #WhiteLivesMatter and #BlueLivesMatter campaigns were quickly drowned out.
Looking to our own house, our own Black history needs to be taught in our schools as well as the civil rights movement in America. Black history has been missing from school curricula, including race relations legislation (first introduced in the 1960s) and the changing experience of Black people over the decades, despite historical events still affecting Black British descendants today, as in the case of the Windrush scandal.
The publication of the Macpherson Report in 1999 following the murder of Stephen Lawrence was a watershed moment in the UK and highlighted the institutionalised racism in the London Metropolitan Police. Our own police forces need to be extra vigilant about prejudice, following decades of their institutionalised racism. Despite trying to actively recruit large numbers of BAME officers, very few have made it to the top ranks. This shows the unwillingness of our police forces to effect change and the measures needed. This attitude includes the indifference shown by institutions like the Police Federation, the Home Office and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
As the actor Will Smith points out, racism hasn’t increased, the filming of it has. I would add that the apathy and reluctance to do anything about it has also increased. Look at the comments section of any local or national news story that features a BAME person and the vitriol is there in plain sight for all to see. Freedom of speech is used as a thin veil for the xenophobia and racism that runs rife on these channels and is being allowed to continue unchecked by social media companies. Those affected by this, me included, simply don’t pay attention to it, but the problem is that these individuals continue to find their kin, people who share their views, and they grow stronger in their beliefs. A few comments and upvotes can lead to indoctrination, which leads to incidents like the racist graffiti on our buildings and streets; escalating as far as full on murder, as in the case of my colleague Jo Cox, who fell victim to such an individual at the height of the Brexit referendum tensions in 2016.
This pandemic has demonstrated that there are scores of underpaid BAME employees who this country relies upon to do their (literally) dirty work. The government fought hard to delay publishing the Public Health England report, ‘Disparities on the risk and outcomes of Covid-19’. The report had a whole section redacted, according to the Health Service Journal, which is damning evidence of the government’s total disregard towards the BAME community. The section removed included responses from over 1,000 organisations and individuals who supplied evidence to the review, which concluded that discrimination and poorer life chances played a part in the increased risk of Covid-19 to those with BAME backgrounds. The final document makes no recommendations to prevent further loss of BAME lives – recommendations that could have saved many lives at the end of the week in which the lockdown was further lifted. NHS staff, doctors, nurses, ancillary staff, so many gave their lives unnecessarily and those deaths should also be investigated.
I am a mixed-race Black MP born in the late 1950s in the UK, prior to any race relations legislation, into a society beset with white privilege. Over the last 60+ years, things have improved slowly in the way many Black people are treated, but dehumanising people of colour still takes place far too often today. You do not become immune to racist behaviour however high up the social ladder you climb, however much you may earn, however much respect you gain in your profession. There are numerous shades of racism, and rather than disappearing the higher up you go, it gets more subtle, covert and sophisticated.
We need more positive Black role models. I specifically say Black and not Asian, because all too often the BAME tag is applied as a one-size-fits-all plaster to numerous issues. For example, Asian people from Indian heritage background are overrepresented in the higher medical and dentistry sector in the NHS and I suspect in the private health industries too; at the same time, the male Black population is overrepresented in the prison population.
The unfair treatment within the justice system bears out these statistics. Since 1990, every single case of a BAME death in custody where force was used has ended in acquittal. More recently in the case of Belly Mujinga, the London transport worker who died shortly after being intentionally spat on, ended with no charges being made by the British Transport Police. Whilst the perpetrator tested negative for Covid-19, he could have been charged with common assault, but no further action was taken because the BTP said there was insufficient evidence that the man spat deliberately. The Crown Prosecution Service has been asked to review evidence, but the case is not being reopened.
It is not just the police forces that need to take a long hard introspective look at how to dismantle structural racism. I don’t believe that anyone should be put at the top of an organisation just because of the colour of their skin, but I do believe barriers for marginalised communities should be aggressively removed. That can be achieved by tackling poverty and health inequalities, raising educational standards, increasing aspirations, encouraging positive BAME role models and challenging racist recruitment panels who stem the upward flow of perfectly good BAME candidates because they do not ‘fit’ into the company culture.
We need to encourage our media to showcase more of the UK’s positive Black role models. Instead, what we see in the main is the adoption of negative Black film and music role models into UK Black culture, with one or two exceptions. I believe this is doing much to damage the life chances of young Black men and women in this country. The continual damaging representations of Black individuals with negative stereotypes, such as gangsters, single parents or absent fathers is not a true portrayal of Black individuals here in the UK.
We should be portraying more Black individuals as positive role models through our media channels, such as award-winning actors, world class sports people, top doctors, surgeons and business leaders. Perhaps then, Black people in this country can be perceived differently from common stereotypes and treated with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves. But sadly, many of our Black leading lights find themselves having to go the US as they find little work in the way of prominent or positive roles in UK media productions.
Racism has bedevilled our societies through the generations, but the economic, social and health inequalities highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic have exposed racism in a way humanity has never seen it before, principally through modern media. Long after this crisis is over, we will be judged on how we sought to eradicate the virus of individual and structural racism by dealing with the conditions that have created it. We need to move away from purple lights towards a purple patch for all Black people. We can only do that by working together as a society through mutual self-interest and co-operation, and by challenging the divisiveness we see from our current government and the one on the other side of the Atlantic.