labourlist--2020-04-20--Who cares? Underpaid, undervalued and unprotected

The army of key workers in social care make up one of the largest low-paid workforces in the UK .
Despite their essential role , over a million people work long shifts , performing emotionally and physically draining tasks , for poor wages .
It ’ s no secret that our social care sector has long been at breaking point .
The sector has been dramatically underfunded for a decade , and the Covid-19 crisis has put unprecedented pressure on staff who were already stretched way beyond capacity .
At least half of social care workers in this country don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s what the official data says – but for those working in publicly funded care homes , that number is much higher .
The funding crisis means it ’ s rare to find a carer working in a council care home who earns more than a penny or two above the government minimum .
Unsurprisingly , these workers are overwhelmingly women .
A higher number than average belong to an ethic minority , and parents and single parents are over-represented too .
Paying the minimum to any worker sends a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are valued .
When we talk to people whose employer chooses to go further and pay a real living wage , they say that they feel more respected and that , aside from the obvious financial benefit , the increase has a massive impact on their self-worth .
Now more than ever , we need to dramatically reform this sector .
Every day , our GMB union members in social care get in touch to tell us what ’ s happening in their workplaces .
Frankly , the stories are astounding .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to buy her own paper masks for her and her colleagues .
Despite the offensively low wages that they receive , they all clubbed together in a desperate attempt to protect themselves and the residents they care for .
Another told me that her colleagues in the care home that she works in can not afford to self-isolate because they are only entitled to minimum sick pay – a miserly £95.85 per week .
She said that they are coming into work , despite being unwell , simply hoping that they don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues have no choice – they must pay their rent .
Other members should be self-isolating or shielding for 12 weeks due to their own health vulnerability , but they can not afford to .
Instead , they come into work .
They come to work , where they know there are Covid-19 patients , where they have no personal protective equipment , and where they face a very real danger to their own life .
Other members told us that despite being really scared of contracting the virus , they could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care worker I speak to talks about their deep personal connection with the people they care for , often referring to them as their ‘ extended family ’ .
It is difficult to think of a comparable time in living memory , when our government has drafted those on minimum wage and minimum sick pay into an environment where they face the maximum risk .
The lack of PPE during this crisis has undeniably increased the risk of infection to all our healthcare key workers .
It ’ s been over six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in the UK .
Yet our members are only now getting access to basic disposable masks , gloves and aprons .
And they are still being told to ration them , and to use a single paper mask for entire shifts .
Very early on during the crisis , the government highlighted that the elderly and those with underlying health conditions were most at risk from Covid-19 .
But the residents and the staff were left to fend for themselves .
Six weeks into the crisis , and after thousands of deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for social care ’ , launching a badge to symbolise the efforts of the profession .
The badge is patronising and ill-judged .
These people need protection , proper pay if they fall ill , and a wage they can live on , to reflect the essential work they do .
Disturbingly , any future improvements will be too late for many care home residents and social care workers who have already lost their lives to this virus .
When this is over , questions will be asked about why it took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to catch the attention of those in charge .
But the bigger question we must ask is : why did we ignore our elderly , and neglect those who spend their days caring for them in the first place ?
GMB is hosting a Rally4Carers event via Facebook Live at 7pm on Thursday , April 23rd .

The army of key workers in social care make up one of the largest low-paid workforces in the UK. Despite their essential role, over a million people work long shifts, performing emotionally and physically draining tasks, for poor wages. It’s no secret that our social care sector has long been at breaking point. The sector has been dramatically underfunded for a decade, and the Covid-19 crisis has put unprecedented pressure on staff who were already stretched way beyond capacity.
At least half of social care workers in this country don’t earn the real living wage. That’s what the official data says – but for those working in publicly funded care homes, that number is much higher. The funding crisis means it’s rare to find a carer working in a council care home who earns more than a penny or two above the government minimum. Unsurprisingly, these workers are overwhelmingly women.
A higher number than average belong to an ethic minority, and parents and single parents are over-represented too. Paying the minimum to any worker sends a very clear message about how much they are valued. When we talk to people whose employer chooses to go further and pay a real living wage, they say that they feel more respected and that, aside from the obvious financial benefit, the increase has a massive impact on their self-worth.
Now more than ever, we need to dramatically reform this sector. Every day, our GMB union members in social care get in touch to tell us what’s happening in their workplaces. Frankly, the stories are astounding. One member raised the alarm with us after having to buy her own paper masks for her and her colleagues. Despite the offensively low wages that they receive, they all clubbed together in a desperate attempt to protect themselves and the residents they care for.
Another told me that her colleagues in the care home that she works in cannot afford to self-isolate because they are only entitled to minimum sick pay – a miserly £95.85 per week. She said that they are coming into work, despite being unwell, simply hoping that they don’t have the virus. Her colleagues have no choice – they must pay their rent.
Other members should be self-isolating or shielding for 12 weeks due to their own health vulnerability, but they cannot afford to. Instead, they come into work. They come to work, where they know there are Covid-19 patients, where they have no personal protective equipment, and where they face a very real danger to their own life. Other members told us that despite being really scared of contracting the virus, they could not bear to abandon the residents.
Every social care worker I speak to talks about their deep personal connection with the people they care for, often referring to them as their ‘extended family’. It is difficult to think of a comparable time in living memory, when our government has drafted those on minimum wage and minimum sick pay into an environment where they face the maximum risk.
The lack of PPE during this crisis has undeniably increased the risk of infection to all our healthcare key workers. It’s been over six weeks since the first person with Covid-19 died in the UK. Yet our members are only now getting access to basic disposable masks, gloves and aprons. And they are still being told to ration them, and to use a single paper mask for entire shifts.
Very early on during the crisis, the government highlighted that the elderly and those with underlying health conditions were most at risk from Covid-19. But the residents and the staff were left to fend for themselves. Six weeks into the crisis, and after thousands of deaths, the UK government announced its ‘plan for social care’, launching a badge to symbolise the efforts of the profession. The badge is patronising and ill-judged. These people need protection, proper pay if they fall ill, and a wage they can live on, to reflect the essential work they do.
Disturbingly, any future improvements will be too late for many care home residents and social care workers who have already lost their lives to this virus. When this is over, questions will be asked about why it took six weeks for the social care sector to catch the attention of those in charge. But the bigger question we must ask is: why did we ignore our elderly, and neglect those who spend their days caring for them in the first place?
GMB is hosting a Rally4Carers event via Facebook Live at 7pm on Thursday, April 23rd.


labourlist--2020-04-21--1,000 Covid-19 care homes deaths show “shambolic” response, says UNISON

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has said that the figures released by the Office for National Statistics , revealing over 1,000 Covid-19 care home deaths , evidence a “ shambolic ” response from the government .
Following the publication of ONS statistics today , the trade union leader expressed serious concern about the number of coronavirus deaths registered in care homes and the community up to April 10th .
Prentis slammed the government for the lack of the lack of personal protective equipment provided to healthcare staff working in care homes and said that they had been “ massively let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released numbers , Prentis said : “ This doubling in deaths is shocking evidence of the government ’ s shambolic handling of the Covid crisis .
“ Staff working in care homes and those looking after people in the community have been massively let down .
The ongoing lack of protective kit has left many terrified they ’ ll spread this deadly virus or become infected themselves .
“ There ’ s still widespread confusion among workers and their employers over what equipment they should have .
Some staff are being told off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even get hold of hand sanitiser , according to reports still coming into UNISON ’ s PPE alert hotline.
” He added : “ The government has got to get its act together if we are to prevent more lives being needlessly lost.
” The intervention by the general secretary follows publication of the latest official figures from the UK ’ s data watchdog today , which showed that the number of care home deaths had quadrupled in a week to reach 1,043 .
The data made public today suggests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the government had thought , but the figures are still far lower than the estimates put forward by the providers themselves .
After analysing data from care home providers that look after over 30,000 people across the UK , the National Care Forum estimated that more than 4,000 people had died in care homes as a result of coronavirus .

UNISON has said that the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics revealing over 1,000 Covid-19 care home deaths show that the Covid-19 response has been “shambolic”.
Following the publication of new statistics today, general secretary Dave Prentis expressed serious concern about the number of coronavirus deaths registered in care homes and the community up to April 10th.
The trade unions leader slammed the government for the lack of personal protective equipment provided to healthcare staff working in care homes and argued that workers had been “massively let down”.
Commenting on the Office for National Statistics data, Prentis said: “This doubling in deaths is shocking evidence of the government’s shambolic handling of the Covid crisis.
“Staff working in care homes and those looking after people in the community have been massively let down. The ongoing lack of protective kit has left many terrified they’ll spread this deadly virus or become infected themselves.
“There’s still widespread confusion among workers and their employers over what equipment they should have. Some staff are being told off for wearing masks, while others can’t even get hold of hand sanitiser, according to reports still coming into UNISON’s PPE alert hotline.”
He added: “The government has got to get its act together if we are to prevent more lives being needlessly lost.”
The intervention follows publication of the latest official figures from the UK’s data watchdog today, which showed that the number of care home deaths had quadrupled in a week to reach 1,043.
The data shows that more people are dying in care homes than the government had previously told the public, but the figures are still far lower than the estimates put forward by the providers themselves.
After analysing data from care home providers that look after over 30,000 people across the UK, the National Care Forum estimated that more than 4,000 people had died in care homes as a result of coronavirus.


labourlist--2020-04-21--7 ways to improve Labour’s internal party culture

Too often , unpleasant , discriminatory , uncomradely or worse behaviour goes unchecked in the Labour Party .
Practices that would be wholly unacceptable in most workplaces appear to have taken hold .
Besides being wrong in principle , this is a problem for a party that hopes to be one of government .
If we can not put our own house in order , how can we expect voters to trust us with running the country ?
Labour has seen serious failures in relation to antisemitism , anti-black racism , sexual harassment and many other areas .
A key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Culture can be defined in many different ways , but a simple and compelling one is that it defines ‘ how you do things ’ .
It is this that Labour must change if it is to live up to its ideals .
Here are seven ideas for doing just that .
1 .
Setting the right tone from the top .
The approach of senior leaders is key to an organisation ’ s culture .
Keir Starmer has already shown that he is conscious of this point , as he has talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good behaviour .
Yet this can not be left to Starmer alone .
The right values must be demonstrated by all senior party officers and all in the shadow cabinet .
If we want to fix the problems with Labour ’ s culture , we need to understand what has gone wrong so far .
That requires openness , so that people feel comfortable sharing their concerns , which means we can have an honest discussion .
This was recognised by Starmer during the leadership election when he said that Labour should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accusations of antisemitism but instead “ throw open the books ” .
Labour clearly has major problems from a diversity and inclusion perspective – as the difficulties in handling antisemitism , racism and sexism in the party has exposed .
Efforts to improve Labour ’ s culture need to focus on this aspect of internal party dynamics .
This should ensure that the voices of discriminated groups are listened to and that they have effective representation in party structures as , for example , has not been the case with BAME Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an ethical code .
It is difficult to change the culture of an institution if you are not clear about what you want to change .
Labour must clearly articulate its expectations for the culture and behaviour of members .
The party currently has a “ member ’ s pledge ” to which new members must agree .
Tellingly , it sets a low bar .
The pledge only requires members to act within the spirit and rules of the party and to stand against “ all forms of abuse ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calling out bad behaviour , not discriminating , and treating others with respect ?
Members surely expect a higher standard – we should be drawing up a code of ethics that reflects Labour values .
In 1975 , Steven Kerr of Ohio State University wrote a seminal paper titled ‘ On the folly of rewarding A , while hoping for B ’ .
His central point was simple : what gets rewarded is what gets done .
Labour needs to make sure it has an approach that rewards good behaviour and punishes bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways of doing this , from staff appraisal processes to disciplinary procedures , as well as more subtle levers such as praise , respect and status .
Important to this is taking a holistic approach – as suggested by Open Labour in ‘ A Plan For Decency in the Labour Party ’ – to help build a culture of decency throughout the organisation .
Labour ’ s ideals for how it operates need to be embedded in the day-to-day practices of both the party headquarters and local parties .
A key part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore centre on promoting a democratic , participatory , pluralist and inclusive culture .
This should range from measures such as ensuring that these values are assessed as part of staff hiring processes to encouraging local parties to discuss how they can operate in a way that is in keeping with Labour ’ s values .
We should also switch to the use of single transferable vote ( STV ) for national executive committee elections .
This would help instil a more inclusive culture and get rid of the ‘ winner takes all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to measure and monitor its efforts to build a more inclusive , democratic culture to learn lessons and improve our approach .
This could include surveys and focus groups of members , as well as analysis of complaints , potentially carried out by an independent body and shared publicly .
Making such changes will require leadership and determination from Keir Starmer and deputy leader Angela Rayner .
Thankfully , both seem committed to bringing about the reforms needed , and Starmer ’ s comments so far suggest that he understands these issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director of Public Prosecutions .
Improving Labour ’ s culture will need all groups and factions within the party to engage in good faith to put things right .
The party will need to make sure , both in terms of party staff but also external advisers , that it has people with the necessary expertise to implement the changes that are needed .
We must unite around efforts to improve Labour ’ s culture – these reforms will allow us to put our values into practice .

Too often, unpleasant, discriminatory, uncomradely or worse behaviour goes unchecked in the Labour Party. Practices that would be wholly unacceptable in most workplaces appear to have taken hold. Besides being wrong in principle, this is a problem for a party that hopes to be one of government. If we cannot put our own house in order, how can we expect voters to trust us with running the country?
Labour has seen serious failures in relation to antisemitism, anti-black racism, sexual harassment and many other areas. A key problem throughout has been party culture. Culture can be defined in many different ways, but a simple and compelling one is that it defines ‘how you do things’. It is this that Labour must change if it is to live up to its ideals. Here are seven ideas for doing just that.
1. Setting the right tone from the top.
The approach of senior leaders is key to an organisation’s culture. Keir Starmer has already shown that he is conscious of this point, as he has talked about the importance of a leader modelling good behaviour. Yet this cannot be left to Starmer alone. The right values must be demonstrated by all senior party officers and all in the shadow cabinet.
2. Encouraging openness about what’s gone wrong.
If we want to fix the problems with Labour’s culture, we need to understand what has gone wrong so far. That requires openness, so that people feel comfortable sharing their concerns, which means we can have an honest discussion. This was recognised by Starmer during the leadership election when he said that Labour should not “circle the wagons” in relation to accusations of antisemitism but instead “throw open the books”.
3. Promoting diversity and inclusion.
Labour clearly has major problems from a diversity and inclusion perspective – as the difficulties in handling antisemitism, racism and sexism in the party has exposed. Efforts to improve Labour’s culture need to focus on this aspect of internal party dynamics. This should ensure that the voices of discriminated groups are listened to and that they have effective representation in party structures as, for example, has not been the case with BAME Labour.
4. Setting out clear expectations in an ethical code.
It is difficult to change the culture of an institution if you are not clear about what you want to change. Labour must clearly articulate its expectations for the culture and behaviour of members. The party currently has a “member’s pledge” to which new members must agree. Tellingly, it sets a low bar.
The pledge only requires members to act within the spirit and rules of the party and to stand against “all forms of abuse”. What about being welcoming to others? Calling out bad behaviour, not discriminating, and treating others with respect? Members surely expect a higher standard – we should be drawing up a code of ethics that reflects Labour values.
5. Rewarding good behaviour. Punishing bad behaviour.
In 1975, Steven Kerr of Ohio State University wrote a seminal paper titled ‘On the folly of rewarding A, while hoping for B’. His central point was simple: what gets rewarded is what gets done. Labour needs to make sure it has an approach that rewards good behaviour and punishes bad behaviour.
There are a variety of ways of doing this, from staff appraisal processes to disciplinary procedures, as well as more subtle levers such as praise, respect and status. Important to this is taking a holistic approach – as suggested in ‘A Plan For Decency in the Labour Party’ – to help build a culture of decency throughout the organisation.
6. Embedding good practice in the party.
Labour’s ideals for how it operates need to be embedded in the day-to-day practices of both the party headquarters and local parties. A key part of Labour’s political education strategy should therefore centre on promoting a democratic, participatory, pluralist and inclusive culture.
This should range from measures such as ensuring that these values are assessed as part of staff hiring processes to encouraging local parties to discuss how they can operate in a way that is in keeping with Labour’s values. We should also switch to the use of single transferable vote (STV) for national executive committee elections. This would help instil a more inclusive culture and get rid of the ‘winner takes all’ effect that entrenches divides.
7. Measuring and monitoring.
Labour needs to measure and monitor its efforts to build a more inclusive, democratic culture to learn lessons and improve our approach. This could include surveys and focus groups of members, as well as analysis of complaints, potentially carried out by an independent body and shared publicly.
Making such changes will require leadership and determination from Keir Starmer and deputy leader Angela Rayner. Thankfully, both seem committed to bringing about the reforms needed, and Starmer’s comments so far suggest that he understands these issues – probably helped by his time as Director of Public Prosecutions.
Improving Labour’s culture will need all groups and factions within the party to engage in good faith to put things right. The party will need to make sure, both in terms of party staff but also external advisers, that it has people with the necessary expertise to implement the changes that are needed. We must unite around efforts to improve Labour’s culture – these reforms will allow us to put our values into practice.


labourlist--2020-04-21--US lockdown protests, the TUC’s new demand and a Covid-ready Commons

In the US , anti-lockdown rallies have seen protesters take to the streets to demand that businesses reopen and restrictions are lifted .
These demonstrations have led to counter-protests by healthcare workers urging people to stay at home .
All of this activity risks a surge in Covid-19 cases , of course .
And yet President Trump has defended those not following federal distancing guidelines , and last week tweeted : “ LIBERATE MICHIGAN !
” , “ LIBERATE MINNESOTA !
” and “ LIBERATE VIRGINIA , and save your great 2nd Amendment ” ( where there has been new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened to pick out states with Democratic governors .
The UK has not seen that kind of extreme activity , thankfully .
Measures such as levels of transport use show that compliance with coronavirus rules is high , and the message that we must stay home to protect the NHS is an effective one .
But there is also a left-right political aspect to views on when restrictions should be eased here and how the lockdown should be implemented .
In government , a political commitment to maintaining immigration controls is still informing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmful way , for example .
Labour has reiterated its call for visa conditions preventing migrants in the UK from accessing public funds to be suspended during the crisis , but the government has simply dodged the question and referred to “ anxieties within certain communities ” when asked about the move .
The TUC has made an important intervention today by demanding that the government set up an independent , judge-led public inquiry by the end of the year .
This would look into the “ grotesque ” failure to provide frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federation of trade unions says .
Keir Starmer has so far preferred not to criticise decisions made in the early stages of the crisis , and the new Labour leader has resisted calls for either apologies or the launch of investigations .
But the wider labour movement is applying the kind of pressure that is currently seen as too politically risky by the party leadership .
Starmer is perhaps most comfortable when assiduously scrutinising plans at the despatch box .
As MPs return to parliament from Easter recess , he will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set-up will allow questions to be put to ministers via Zoom .
There are now screens in the chamber and physical distancing markers have been laid down , but the Commons Speaker says there will be no advantage to being present in the chamber .
The hybrid parliament will see ministers , their Labour opposites and a scattering of MPs turn up , with other parliamentarians contributing online .
No scrutiny will be enabled of their pyjamas , however , as the rules for members ’ dress remain in place .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modernising reforms in the long term .
If you ’ d like to look at some fantastic work produced by Labour-supporting graphic designers , a new artpack has been released that will be of interest .
Labour Party Graphic Designers is distributing 18 original posters that celebrate key workers .
You are free to download them – check out the artwork here .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

In the US, anti-lockdown rallies have seen protesters take to the streets to demand that businesses reopen and restrictions are lifted. These demonstrations have led to counter-protests by healthcare workers urging people to stay at home. All of this activity risks a surge in Covid-19 cases, of course. And yet President Trump has defended those not following federal distancing guidelines, and last week tweeted: “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”, “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” and “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment” (where there has been new gun control legislation). He just happened to pick out states with Democratic governors.
The UK has not seen that kind of extreme activity, thankfully. Measures such as levels of transport use show that compliance with coronavirus rules is high, and the message that we must stay home to protect the NHS is an effective one. But there is also a left-right political aspect to views on when restrictions should be eased here and how the lockdown should be implemented. In government, a political commitment to maintaining immigration controls is still informing the Covid-19 response in a counterproductive and harmful way, for example. Labour has reiterated its call for visa conditions preventing migrants in the UK from accessing public funds to be suspended during the crisis, but the government has simply dodged the question and referred to “anxieties within certain communities” when asked about the move.
The TUC has made an important intervention today by demanding that the government set up an independent, judge-led public inquiry by the end of the year. This would look into the “grotesque” failure to provide frontline workers with adequate personal protective equipment, the federation of trade unions says. Keir Starmer has so far preferred not to criticise decisions made in the early stages of the crisis, and the new Labour leader has resisted calls for either apologies or the launch of investigations. But the wider labour movement is applying the kind of pressure that is currently seen as too politically risky by the party leadership.
Starmer is perhaps most comfortable when assiduously scrutinising plans at the despatch box. As MPs return to parliament from Easter recess, he will have that opportunity once again. The virtual set-up will allow questions to be put to ministers via Zoom. There are now screens in the chamber and physical distancing markers have been laid down, but the Commons Speaker says there will be no advantage to being present in the chamber. The hybrid parliament will see ministers, their Labour opposites and a scattering of MPs turn up, with other parliamentarians contributing online. No scrutiny will be enabled of their pyjamas, however, as the rules for members’ dress remain in place. This is a fascinating experiment that could lead to modernising reforms in the long term.
If you’d like to look at some fantastic work produced by Labour-supporting graphic designers, a new artpack has been released that will be of interest. Labour Party Graphic Designers is distributing 18 original posters that celebrate key workers. You are free to download them – check out the artwork here. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-04-21--WATCH: Minister dodges question on NHS immigration checks

The Secretary of State for Housing , Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick dodged a question from a journalist when asked if the government will suspend the NHS immigration checks and surcharge .
A clip of the minister at the government ’ s coronavirus press briefing has resurfaced on social media as the Labour Party has reiterated its call for a change in immigration rules during the Covid-19 crisis .
Replying to Vic Motune of The Voice , Jenrick said that he is “ acutely aware of the anxiety ” and that the government is “ trying to reach out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear their concerns as we formulate particular policies ” .
Shadow immigration minister Holly Lynch has today written to the government urging the suspension of the ‘ no recourse to public funds ’ immigration status .
The condition applies to most migrants from outside the European Economic Area .
It means that those migrants without leave to remain , or with partial leave to remain , are allowed to work but can not access the majority of benefits in the UK , leaving them in a precarious position .
MPs from various opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to claim financial support may have no choice but to continue working , putting their lives at risk and undermining public health guidance .
A cross-party group of more than 60 MPs wrote to Priti Patel at the beginning of April , urging her to grant indefinite leave to remain to migrant health workers and recognise that “ those who have put their lives at risk for our country are welcome to live in it ” .
The Home Office has announced a 12 month extension for all healthcare workers from October 1st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is wrong for a family dependent on a healthcare professional to face deportation if that individual should die from coronavirus .

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick dodged a question from a journalist when asked if the government will suspend the NHS immigration checks and surcharge.
A clip of the minister at the government’s coronavirus press briefing has resurfaced on social media as the Labour Party has reiterated its call for a change in immigration rules during the Covid-19 crisis.
Replying to Vic Motune of The Voice, Jenrick said that he is “acutely aware of the anxiety” and that the government is “trying to reach out to all communities across the country to hear their concerns as we formulate particular policies”.
Appalling. Robert Jenrick is asked why the government hasn’t suspended NHS immigration checks – when they know migrants are dying because they’re too scared to seek medical help. He dodges the question. Immigration enforcement needs to be suspended now. pic.twitter.com/7tpeYOTZlT — Maya Goodfellow (@MayaGoodfellow) April 19, 2020
Shadow immigration minister Holly Lynch has today written to the government urging the suspension of the ‘no recourse to public funds’ immigration status. The condition applies to most migrants from outside the European Economic Area.
It means that those migrants without leave to remain, or with partial leave to remain, are allowed to work but cannot access the majority of benefits in the UK, leaving them in a precarious position.
MPs from various opposition parties have raised concerns that those unable to claim financial support may have no choice but to continue working, putting their lives at risk and undermining public health guidance.
A cross-party group of more than 60 MPs wrote to Priti Patel at the beginning of April, urging her to grant indefinite leave to remain to migrant health workers and recognise that “those who have put their lives at risk for our country are welcome to live in it”.
The Home Office has announced a 12 month extension for all healthcare workers from October 1st, but Labour MPs have argued that it is wrong for a family dependent on a healthcare professional to face deportation if that individual should die from coronavirus.


labourlist--2020-04-21--Angela Rayner unveils new MP appointments to transform Labour

Angela Rayner has unveiled a series of new appointments today with the aim of creating a team that will work to “ transform the culture and practices of the Labour Party for the better ” .
In her role as Labour ’ s new deputy leader , Rayner has made a start on plans to implement commitments in the ‘ Manifesto for a Movement ’ document launched during her campaign .
The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne vowed to build a ‘ Labour Community ’ , like “ LinkedIn for Labour ” , fundraise to set up Labour Organising Academies and create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kick-start this project with the help of a new team consisting of the following Labour MPs : • Marsha de Cordova , who will lead on equality and inclusion within the party in addition to her role as Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary • Kim Johnson , who will act as parliamentary private secretary to the deputy leader in Rayner ’ s role as Shadow First Secretary of State • Nav Mishra , who will act as parliamentary private secretary to the deputy leader in her role as party chair • Tulip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party chair as parliamentary lead ( party development ) • Sam Tarry , who will work alongside the party chair as parliamentary lead ( campaigns and organisation ) Announcing the appointments , Rayner said : “ Both Keir Starmer and I have made clear our determination to transform the culture and practices of the Labour Party for the better , and these appointments are an early step to do so .
“ Even in opposition , we can show we live our values as a party and put ourselves on a footing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our country.
” “ Our frontbench shows the full range of talent that our party has to offer , and I ’ m delighted to be working with such a brilliant group of MPs in my role as deputy leader .
“ We are already hard at work dealing with the current national crisis , holding the government to account and putting forward a positive vision .
My team and I won ’ t stop working until we have the Labour government our country so desperately needs.
” Rayner ’ s BAME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reinvigoration of BAME Labour… setting a clear date for a ‘ re-launch ’ , with renewed and transparent democratic processes supported by central party resources ” .
It also backed the idea of a national BAME members conference , pledging to set a date for the opening conference “ with clear rules on policy-making powers and internal elections ” .
De Cordova is expected to shortly convene projects on BAME and disability issues , including the relaunch of the party-affiliated BAME Labour organisation that has recently received been criticised by activists .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ LabourList : “ Angela and I became MPs at the same time and we became friends quickly .
I ’ m delighted to be part of her team because we have a huge job on our hands if we want to form the next government.
” The MP for Hampstead and Kilburn added : “ I ’ ve known Sam since our Young Labour days so I ’ m pleased to be working with him to shape the party ’ s policy development going forward.
” Siddiq was active in the party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tarry ’ s takeover of the organisation against the wishes of Progress-aligned Labour activists at the time .
As parliamentary leads for the party chair , London MPs Siddiq and former TSSA officer Tarry will work on Rayner ’ s behalf on party development , campaigns and organisation .
New parliamentary private secretaries Johnson and Mishra were both elected to parliament for the first time in December 2019 , and they are both closely associated with UNISON – like Rayner .

Angela Rayner has unveiled a series of new appointments today with the aim of creating a team that will work to “transform the culture and practices of the Labour Party for the better”.
In her role as Labour’s new deputy leader, Rayner has made a start on plans to implement commitments in the ‘Manifesto for a Movement’ document launched during her campaign.
The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne vowed to build a ‘Labour Community’, like “LinkedIn for Labour”, fundraise to set up Labour Organising Academies and create a new party culture.
She intends to kick-start this project with the help of a new team consisting of the following Labour MPs:
Marsha de Cordova , who will lead on equality and inclusion within the party in addition to her role as Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary
, who will lead on equality and inclusion within the party in addition to her role as Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Kim Johnson , who will act as parliamentary private secretary to the deputy leader in Rayner’s role as Shadow First Secretary of State
, who will act as parliamentary private secretary to the deputy leader in Rayner’s role as Shadow First Secretary of State Nav Mishra , who will act as parliamentary private secretary to the deputy leader in her role as party chair
, who will act as parliamentary private secretary to the deputy leader in her role as party chair Tulip Siddiq , who will work alongside the party chair as parliamentary lead (party development)
, who will work alongside the party chair as parliamentary lead (party development) Sam Tarry, who will work alongside the party chair as parliamentary lead (campaigns and organisation)
Announcing the appointments, Rayner said: “Both Keir Starmer and I have made clear our determination to transform the culture and practices of the Labour Party for the better, and these appointments are an early step to do so.
“Even in opposition, we can show we live our values as a party and put ourselves on a footing to win elections in every corner and nation of our country.”
“Our frontbench shows the full range of talent that our party has to offer, and I’m delighted to be working with such a brilliant group of MPs in my role as deputy leader.
“We are already hard at work dealing with the current national crisis, holding the government to account and putting forward a positive vision. My team and I won’t stop working until we have the Labour government our country so desperately needs.”
Rayner’s BAME manifesto promised to “support the reformation and reinvigoration of BAME Labour… setting a clear date for a ‘re-launch’, with renewed and transparent democratic processes supported by central party resources”.
It also backed the idea of a national BAME members conference, pledging to set a date for the opening conference “with clear rules on policy-making powers and internal elections”.
De Cordova is expected to shortly convene projects on BAME and disability issues, including the launch of a new BAME Labour organisation.
Commenting on her appointment, Siddiq told LabourList: “Angela and I became MPs at the same time and we became friends quickly. I’m delighted to be part of her team because we have a huge job on our hands if we want to form the next government.”
The MP for Hampstead and Kilburn added: “I’ve known Sam since our Young Labour days so I’m pleased to be working with him to shape the party’s policy development going forward.”
Siddiq was active in the party’s youth wing and helped to orchestrate Tarry’s takeover of the organisation against the wishes of Progress-aligned Labour activists at the time.
As parliamentary leads for the party chair, London MPs Siddiq and former TSSA officer Tarry will work on Rayner’s behalf on party development, campaigns and organisation.
Siddiq retains her early years role, which she also held when Rayner headed Labour’s education team, while Tarry of the 2019 intake – who chaired Rayner’s deputy leadership campaign – is Ed Miliband’s parliamentary private secretary.
New parliamentary private secretaries Johnson and Mishra were also both elected to parliament for the first time in December 2019, and they are both closely associated with UNISON – like Rayner.


labourlist--2020-04-21--UK made “political decision” not to join EU procurement scheme, top civil servant tells Labour MP

The UK made a “ political decision ” not to join the EU procurement scheme for personal protective equipment and ventilators , contrary to previous claims , a top civil servant has said .
When the government was criticised in March for not participating in the scheme – which the UK was invited to do despite having left the EU – it blamed a “ communication problem ” .
A government spokesperson March 26th claimed that “ the UK did not receive an invitation in time to join in four joint procurements in response to the coronavirus pandemic ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Office ’ s chief civil servant Sir Simon McDonald during a session of the foreign affairs select committee this afternoon .
Appearing to contradict the No 10 claim that they had missed the email , McDonald said : “ It was a political decision… Ministers were briefed on what was available , what was on offer by the mission in Brussels and the decision is known.
” This account of events goes against the comment of Michael Gove to the BBC ’ s Andrew Marr on March 29th , when the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusion over our involvement in that scheme ” .
Commenting on the civil servant response , Bryant tweeted : “ Following the FCO answer to me earlier it seems that not content with refusing to take part in a mass EU purchase of desperately needed vital equipment out of a fit of [ Eurosceptic ] pique the government has repeatedly told fibs in a sad attempt to cover its tracks .
“ It beggars belief that they deliberately , intentionally , with forethought and against advice decided not to take part .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book when they realised they ’ d messed up .
“ I know the coronavirus epidemic was never going to be easy to manage , but this level of incompetence and chicanery should make us angry ” .
Asked about this issue in the coronavirus press conference today , Matt Hancock issued a denial , saying : “ As far as I ’ m aware , there was no political decision not to participate in that scheme.
” Responding to the conflicting reports , Labour ’ s Jonathan Ashworth said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email invitation to join the EU procurement scheme .
“ Then we were told the decision not to take part was a political decision .
Now we are told that the government did sign up to the scheme .
“ This is not a trivial matter .
Ministers needs to explain what has happened and who is speaking for the government on this matter.
” The UK ’ s problems with the supply of PPE has drawn widespread criticism , with the TUC today calling for a public inquiry into the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with adequate equipment .

The UK made a “political decision” not to join the EU procurement scheme for personal protective equipment and ventilators, contrary to previous claims, a top civil servant has said.
When the government was criticised in March for not participating in the scheme – which the UK was invited to do despite having left the EU – it blamed a “communication problem”.
A government spokesperson March 26th claimed that “the UK did not receive an invitation in time to join in four joint procurements in response to the coronavirus pandemic”.
But Labour MP Chris Bryant questioned the Foreign Office’s chief civil servant Sir Simon McDonald during a session of the foreign affairs select committee this afternoon.
Appearing to contradict the No 10 claim that they had missed the email, McDonald said: “It was a political decision… Ministers were briefed on what was available, what was on offer by the mission in Brussels and the decision is known.”
This account of events goes against the comment of Michael Gove to the BBC’s Andrew Marr on March 29th, when the Cabinet Office minister said “there was some confusion over our involvement in that scheme”.
Commenting on the civil servant response, Bryant tweeted: “Following the FCO answer to me earlier it seems that not content with refusing to take part in a mass EU purchase of desperately needed vital equipment out of a fit of [Eurosceptic] pique the government has repeatedly told fibs in a sad attempt to cover its tracks.
“It beggars belief that they deliberately, intentionally, with forethought and against advice decided not to take part. And that they trotted out every excuse in the book when they realised they’d messed up.
“I know the coronavirus epidemic was never going to be easy to manage, but this level of incompetence and chicanery should make us angry”.
Asked about this issue in the coronavirus press conference today, Matt Hancock issued a denial, saying: “As far as I’m aware, there was no political decision not to participate in that scheme.”
Responding to the conflicting reports, Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth said: “First we were told the government missed an email invitation to join the EU procurement scheme.
“Then we were told the decision not to take part was a political decision. Now we are told that the government did sign up to the scheme.
“This is not a trivial matter. Ministers needs to explain what has happened and who is speaking for the government on this matter.”
The UK’s problems with the supply of PPE has drawn widespread criticism, with the TUC today calling for a public inquiry into the “grotesque” failure to provide frontline workers with adequate equipment.
Update, April 22nd: McDonald has issued a clarification letter, telling the committee that the “facts of the situation are as perviously set out” and there was “an initial communication problem”.
In response to the news, Bryant tweeted: “I don’t believe a word of this. And I’m told COBRA discussed the delicate question of whether to take part with Hancock in the chair.”


labourlist--2020-04-21--Scientists for Labour: What we’re doing, and how you can help

Scientists for Labour was founded with two key aims : to promote good politics in science , and to promote good science in politics .
With this in mind , we have been working with a variety of Labour politicians , from local councillors to Keir Starmer , to provide assistance with the current pandemic .
As part of this effort , we are producing regular in-depth reports on various aspects of Covid-19 – from the science and logistics around vaccines to the implications and considerations of any exit strategy , to the mechanisms and limitations of testing .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bring them to the Labour Party ’ s attention .
In our first report , for example , we raised the issues of ensuring continuity of research into the virus throughout the pandemic .
It is incredibly difficult for politicians – especially those from non-scientific backgrounds – to keep up with scientific developments .
To assist with just that , we are sending Labour politicians daily briefings , summarising the key findings of the day and offering analysis with the assistance of the Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also happy to talk to MPs , councillors , mayors and any other Labour representatives , answering questions and putting people in touch with relevant experts .
If we had a competent Prime Minister and a government acting openly , on a good scientific basis and in the public interest , Starmer ’ s role would be minimal .
Sadly , this is not the case .
The government has been acting secretly , on flawed science , while sending out misleading and unclear messages .
As the recent Sunday Times investigation has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing leadership – this means that Starmer must do so .
The new Labour leader must relay the concerns of the scientific community and highlight the key challenges , as well as work to protect the most vulnerable in society .
It is vital that he not only continues to engage with the scientific community , but does so more frequently – holding regular meetings with key groups such as ourselves and the Royal Society .
Starmer should signal his intent to work with the scientific community by reintroducing a cabinet-level shadow minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for by over 100 scientists in a recent open letter .
This would show his willingness to engage with science both during this crisis and beyond .
After Covid-19 , the biggest challenge facing humanity will still be of a scientific nature – the climate crisis .
History has shown us repeatedly that when we do not take science seriously , or when we rely on bad science , people die .
What can a regular Labour member do to help ?
Firstly , stay home and follow the official public health advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with our shared values and do not spread disinformation or conspiracy theories .
Pandemics are hard to comprehend , and we are hard-wired to try to find a cohesive explanation , but this crisis is caused by a naturally occurring virus .
The world is chaotic and sometimes things do not make sense .
If you have free time and can help , look into projects in your local community .
There are people in need , and there are groups doing their best to help .
If you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Labour would really appreciate your help , particularly on our daily briefings .
With over 50 relevant papers released daily , we are stretched thin with many of us , including myself , working on briefings after a long day researching Covid-19 itself .
This work is vital to ensuring that our elected representatives have the most up-to-date and accurate information .
Isolation is difficult for us all , but staying home is essential .
Reach out to comrades , connect with people , and make the most of this time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party history , taking part in amazing online political education by the World Transformed , or finally getting around to reading The Communist Manifesto as I did over the weekend , make the best of this bad situation if you can .
Things will get better , and we can go back to spending our evenings at local party meetings in cramped community centres .

Scientists for Labour was founded with two key aims: to promote good politics in science, and to promote good science in politics. With this in mind, we have been working with a variety of Labour politicians, from local councillors to Keir Starmer, to provide assistance with the current pandemic.
As part of this effort, we are producing regular in-depth reports on various aspects of Covid-19 – from the science and logistics around vaccines to the implications and considerations of any exit strategy, to the mechanisms and limitations of testing. We are well-placed to highlight key scientific issues and bring them to the Labour Party’s attention. In our first report, for example, we raised the issues of ensuring continuity of research into the virus throughout the pandemic.
It is incredibly difficult for politicians – especially those from non-scientific backgrounds – to keep up with scientific developments. To assist with just that, we are sending Labour politicians daily briefings, summarising the key findings of the day and offering analysis with the assistance of the Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health at the University of Glasgow. We are also happy to talk to MPs, councillors, mayors and any other Labour representatives, answering questions and putting people in touch with relevant experts.
If we had a competent Prime Minister and a government acting openly, on a good scientific basis and in the public interest, Starmer’s role would be minimal. Sadly, this is not the case. The government has been acting secretly, on flawed science, while sending out misleading and unclear messages. As the recent Sunday Times investigation has shown, Boris Johnson has not been showing leadership – this means that Starmer must do so.
The new Labour leader must relay the concerns of the scientific community and highlight the key challenges, as well as work to protect the most vulnerable in society. It is vital that he not only continues to engage with the scientific community, but does so more frequently – holding regular meetings with key groups such as ourselves and the Royal Society.
Starmer should signal his intent to work with the scientific community by reintroducing a cabinet-level shadow minister for science, as has been called for by over 100 scientists in a recent open letter. This would show his willingness to engage with science both during this crisis and beyond. After Covid-19, the biggest challenge facing humanity will still be of a scientific nature – the climate crisis. History has shown us repeatedly that when we do not take science seriously, or when we rely on bad science, people die.
What can a regular Labour member do to help? Firstly, stay home and follow the official public health advice. Be thoughtful and considerate, act in accordance with our shared values and do not spread disinformation or conspiracy theories. Pandemics are hard to comprehend, and we are hard-wired to try to find a cohesive explanation, but this crisis is caused by a naturally occurring virus. The world is chaotic and sometimes things do not make sense.
If you have free time and can help, look into projects in your local community. There are people in need, and there are groups doing their best to help. If you have a scientific background of any kind, Scientists for Labour would really appreciate your help, particularly on our daily briefings. With over 50 relevant papers released daily, we are stretched thin with many of us, including myself, working on briefings after a long day researching Covid-19 itself. This work is vital to ensuring that our elected representatives have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Isolation is difficult for us all, but staying home is essential. Reach out to comrades, connect with people, and make the most of this time. Whether it’s reading about Labour Party history, taking part in amazing online political education by the World Transformed, or finally getting around to reading The Communist Manifesto as I did over the weekend, make the best of this bad situation if you can. Things will get better, and we can go back to spending our evenings at local party meetings in cramped community centres.


labourlist--2020-04-21--BAME Labour members raise alarm over treatment of black MPs

BAME Labour members have raised alarm over the treatment of black MPs , with hundreds signing open letters to the new leadership that call for internal party reform and increased transparency .
One of the open letters was penned by a group of 26 graduates from the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme , which was launched by Labour in 2019 to empower members and develop their skills .
“ The programme was set up to nurture the next generation of BAME leaders in the Labour Party but the treatment of senior black MPs in the party has caused us grave concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signatories express concern that progress has “ stalled ” and report that members believe a “ disturbing culture of patronage , side-lining and gaslighting ” exists within the party .
Referring to the recent leaked report on Labour ’ s handling of complaints , the graduates describe the alleged treatment of Diane Abbott , Dawn Butler and Clive Lewis as “ stomach-turning ” and “ very upsetting ” .
They also comment on the leadership and deputy leadership campaigns of Lewis , who withdrew early as he could not secure enough MP nominations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the deputy results on April 4th .
The way that these campaigns unfolded “ raise worrying questions about who gets institutional and financial support within the party ” , the BAME activists say in the letter .
It calls for the immediate suspension of members who have been accused of “ racism , sexism and bullying ” , for the report to be published with redactions , and to be sent to the Equality and Human Rights Commission .
Another open letter circulating online has been signed by more than 700 BAME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes similar points about the leaked report , described as “ shocking but unsurprising ” .
BAME communities are “ taken for granted by the Labour Party ” , the letter claims , before arguing that “ immediate action ” must be taken if BAME members are to stop “ becoming embarrassed to be associated with it ” .
The letter stresses the need for reform of party-affiliated organisation BAME Labour , which it brands “ ineffective ” and “ inaccessible ” .
It relays reports that many were not aware of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Labour ’ s ruling body .
It calls on the Labour leadership to : • “ Implement the recommendations made in the 2018 Labour Democracy Review report with a new set-up that involves all BAME members ; • “ Commit to a date for the next BAME Labour elections ; • “ Clearly communicate their plans for reform to BAME Labour members.
” A number of new BAME organisations have been set up by Labour activists in recent weeks , including Socialists of Colour and the 1987 Caucus for young black men @ @ @ @

BAME Labour members have raised alarm over the treatment of black MPs, with hundreds signing open letters to the new leadership that call for internal party reform and increased transparency.
One of the open letters was penned by a group of 26 graduates from the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme, which was launched by Labour in 2019 to empower members and develop their skills.
“The programme was set up to nurture the next generation of BAME leaders in the Labour Party but the treatment of senior black MPs in the party has caused us grave concern,” the letter reads.
The signatories express concern that progress has “stalled” and report that members believe a “disturbing culture of patronage, side-lining and gaslighting” exists within the party.
Referring to the recent leaked report on Labour’s handling of complaints, the graduates describe the alleged treatment of Diane Abbott, Dawn Butler and Clive Lewis as “stomach-turning” and “very upsetting”.
They also comment on the leadership and deputy leadership campaigns of Lewis, who withdrew early as he could not secure enough MP nominations, and Butler, who placed last in the deputy results on April 4th.
The way that these campaigns unfolded “raise worrying questions about who gets institutional and financial support within the party”, the BAME activists say in the letter.
It calls for the immediate suspension of members who have been accused of “racism, sexism and bullying”, for the report to be published with redactions, and to be sent to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Another open letter circulating online has been signed by more than 700 BAME Labour members and non-BAME allies. It makes similar points about the leaked report, described as “shocking but unsurprising”.
BAME communities are “taken for granted by the Labour Party”, the letter claims, before arguing that “immediate action” must be taken if BAME members are to stop “becoming embarrassed to be associated with it”.
The letter stresses the need for reform of party-affiliated organisation BAME Labour, which it brands “ineffective” and “inaccessible”. It relays reports that many were not aware of the recent election of a new BAME rep on Labour’s ruling body.
It calls on the Labour leadership to:
“Implement the recommendations made in the 2018 Labour Democracy Review report with a new set-up that involves all BAME members;
“Commit to a date for the next BAME Labour elections;
“Clearly communicate their plans for reform to BAME Labour members.”
A number of new BAME organisations have been set up by Labour activists in recent weeks, including Socialists of Colour and the 1987 Caucus for young black men in the party.


labourlist--2020-04-21--1,000 care home deaths show “shambolic” response, says UNISON

UNISON has said that the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics revealing over 1,000 Covid-19 care home deaths show that the Covid-19 response has been “ shambolic ” .
Following the publication of new statistics today , general secretary Dave Prentis expressed serious concern about the number of coronavirus deaths registered in care homes and the community up to April 10th .
The trade unions leader slammed the government for the lack of personal protective equipment provided to healthcare staff working in care homes and argued that workers had been “ massively let down ” .
Commenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Prentis said : “ This doubling in deaths is shocking evidence of the government ’ s shambolic handling of the Covid crisis .
“ Staff working in care homes and those looking after people in the community have been massively let down .
The ongoing lack of protective kit has left many terrified they ’ ll spread this deadly virus or become infected themselves .
“ There ’ s still widespread confusion among workers and their employers over what equipment they should have .
Some staff are being told off for wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even get hold of hand sanitiser , according to reports still coming into UNISON ’ s PPE alert hotline.
” He added : “ The government has got to get its act together if we are to prevent more lives being needlessly lost.
” The intervention follows publication of the latest official figures from the UK ’ s data watchdog today , which showed that the number of care home deaths had quadrupled in a week to reach 1,043 .
The data shows that more people are dying in care homes than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the figures are still far lower than the estimates put forward by the providers themselves .
After analysing data from care home providers that look after over 30,000 people across the UK , the National Care Forum estimated that more than 4,000 people had died in care homes as a result of coronavirus .


labourlist--2020-04-22--Dozens of British firms offering PPE “ignored” by government, says Labour

Dozens of British firms offering much-needed personal protective equipment have been “ ignored ” by government , the Labour Party has revealed .
36 British companies have contacted the opposition since the weekend to say they have offered help with the provision of PPE for frontline staff but “ not received a reply ” .
The details of these companies have been passed on to the government by Labour in an effort to support the national drive to adequately equip NHS and care workers .
Half of the companies agreed to be named in public , as follows : Below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ latest letter to Michael Gove .
Since my letter to you at the weekend , I have been contacted by a great number of UK manufacturing and textiles companies who state that they have the capacity to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment and have contacted the Government to offer to do so , but have heard nothing back .
As the Labour Party have made clear , we want to help the Government in the national effort to defeat the Coronavirus , and that is why I wanted to pass the details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earliest opportunity .
You and your officials and those at the Department for Health and Social Care will be best placed to validate what capability and capacity these firms have , but as they have not received a reply after contacting the Government , I wanted to ensure that the Cabinet Office was aware of them .
Of these firms , if just one , five or 10 were able to contribute to the national effort of ensuring that our NHS and care workers – and indeed anybody who needs to use some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – could be better protected , or just one hospital or care home were able to access adequate supplies of the PPE they need , I know you will agree that that would go a long way and make a big difference .
Unique Disposables in Bolton ; the Appeal Group in Bristol , and Network Medical Products in Ripon are among the firms that have offered to provide items of essential protective equipment in the tens of thousands .
Some firms that I have heard from , such as CQM Learning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with hospitals , care homes , other care providers , GP surgeries and pharmacies directly , despite having no response from Government .
And , despite acute concerns within our health service about our depleting stock of protective visions , CQM were extremely surprised to be asked to export 20,000 visors this week .
I have spoken this week to a number of medical professionals who are hugely concerned about diminishing supplies of full-length gowns , masks , and protective visors , and about the implications for their own health and – most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Workers in social care , too , are desperate for the equipment they need and , in far too many cases , have not yet seen .
It is clear that far more needs to be done to procure adequate supplies of PPE , and that the Government ’ s existing approach of relying on importing PPE from overseas and turning to big-name UK manufacturers is not delivering the supply that is needed .
I would therefore like to ask : How many companies have contacted the government to offer to manufacture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been replied to ?
How many of these businesses have been commissioned to manufacture PPE , and what forms ?
Please list each business , the volumes manufactured by each business and the dates the government made and received the orders .
What measures have been taken to ensure these offers are processed and responded to more quickly ?
We need Government to strain every sinew and utilise untapped resources in UK manufacturing , to deliver essential equipment to frontline workers .
This must be a national effort which leaves no stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter , I enclose details of these companies and their offers .
Rachel Reeves Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Dozens of British firms offering much-needed personal protective equipment have been “ignored” by government, the Labour Party has revealed.
36 British companies have contacted the opposition since the weekend to say they have offered help with the provision of PPE for frontline staff but “not received a reply”.
The details of these companies have been passed on to the government by Labour in an effort to support the national drive to adequately equip NHS and care workers.
Half of the companies agreed to be named in public, as follows:
Company Location Offer CQM Learning Sheffield 8,000 face shields per day RDD Creative Leicester 8,000 face shields per day The Appeal Group Ltd Bristol 10,000 plastic shields each week Isaa Exchange Ltd Birmingham 250,000 plastic aprons, masks Network Medical Products Ripon 100,000 face visors per week Bella Gonshorovitz Unknown 500 gowns per week Island Canvas Isle of Wight Scrubs and gowns G Fashion Croydon Face masks Bones and Rozes Historical Clothing Sheffield 100–175 gowns per week Highbury Design Nottingham Face shields London Tradition London Scrubs and gowns The Whent Bath Gowns, masks, gloves, visors, tests GNS Legal Ltd Birmingham Scrubs and gowns C L Rye Trading Ltd Southend Supplying masks and gowns from Germany Diecut Global Preston PPE equipment Windles Group Manufacturing Thame Visors Unitech Newport PPE HPE Consultancy Ltd Leeds Masks, gowns, scrubs, hand gel, ventilators
Below is the full text of Rachel Reeves’ latest letter to Michael Gove.
Dear Michael,
Since my letter to you at the weekend, I have been contacted by a great number of UK manufacturing and textiles companies who state that they have the capacity to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment and have contacted the Government to offer to do so, but have heard nothing back.
As the Labour Party have made clear, we want to help the Government in the national effort to defeat the Coronavirus, and that is why I wanted to pass the details of these offers on to you at the earliest opportunity.
You and your officials and those at the Department for Health and Social Care will be best placed to validate what capability and capacity these firms have, but as they have not received a reply after contacting the Government, I wanted to ensure that the Cabinet Office was aware of them.
Of these firms, if just one, five or 10 were able to contribute to the national effort of ensuring that our NHS and care workers – and indeed anybody who needs to use some form of Personal Protective Equipment and clothing – could be better protected, or just one hospital or care home were able to access adequate supplies of the PPE they need, I know you will agree that that would go a long way and make a big difference.
Unique Disposables in Bolton; the Appeal Group in Bristol, and Network Medical Products in Ripon are among the firms that have offered to provide items of essential protective equipment in the tens of thousands.
Some firms that I have heard from, such as CQM Learning, based in Sheffield, have been dealing with hospitals, care homes, other care providers, GP surgeries and pharmacies directly, despite having no response from Government. And, despite acute concerns within our health service about our depleting stock of protective visions, CQM were extremely surprised to be asked to export 20,000 visors this week.
I have spoken this week to a number of medical professionals who are hugely concerned about diminishing supplies of full-length gowns, masks, and protective visors, and about the implications for their own health and – most of all – for their loved ones. Workers in social care, too, are desperate for the equipment they need and, in far too many cases, have not yet seen.
It is clear that far more needs to be done to procure adequate supplies of PPE, and that the Government’s existing approach of relying on importing PPE from overseas and turning to big-name UK manufacturers is not delivering the supply that is needed.
I would therefore like to ask:
How many companies have contacted the government to offer to manufacture PPE?
How many of these offers have been replied to?
How many of these businesses have been commissioned to manufacture PPE, and what forms? Please list each business, the volumes manufactured by each business and the dates the government made and received the orders.
What measures have been taken to ensure these offers are processed and responded to more quickly?
We need Government to strain every sinew and utilise untapped resources in UK manufacturing, to deliver essential equipment to frontline workers. This must be a national effort which leaves no stone unturned.
As an appendix to this letter, I enclose details of these companies and their offers.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Reeves
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster


labourlist--2020-04-22--Why the Labour left hopes Keir Starmer will heed Alastair Campbell’s advice

Labour ’ s new deputy leader Angela Rayner has unveiled a fresh set of appointments that make up her own team .
The aim is for Marsha de Cordova , Kim Johnson , Nav Mishra , Tulip Siddiq and Sam Tarry to help Rayner “ transform the culture and practices of the Labour Party for the better ” .
Reform of BAME Labour will be a priority – and you only have to look at the recent open letters to recognise how important the outcome of these changes will be for many activists .
These MPs were picked by Rayner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three of five belong to the overwhelmingly left-wing 2019 intake and four are members of the Socialist Campaign Group .
Siddiq , the only non-member , is considered soft left .
She worked with Rayner in the education team , and helped Tarry defeat Progress and take over Young Labour back when the two were active in the party ’ s youth wing .
Tarry chaired Rayner ’ s deputy leadership campaign .
Johnson and Mishra came up through UNISON , as Rayner did .
Rayner is a remarkably powerful figure in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this new team , which is composed of MPs who have vital political links to each other and to Rayner .
And being elected as deputy leader led to three other top roles – party chair , national campaign coordinator , Shadow First Secretary of State .
This last post shows that she has not only been put in charge of stirring up activists and winning back votes in parts of the country more suited to her than Keir Starmer , but also has a crucial role to play in parliament .
Exceptionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing in for Starmer at Prime Minister ’ s Questions today – despite Dominic Raab , her opposite , deputising for the Prime Minister .
The Labour leader could not shy away from his first session during this national crisis .
Both he and Raab will be in the chamber physically from noon this afternoon .
And there are plenty of government measures to scrutinise and failures to highlight .
The question is whether Starmer will be doing more of the former than the latter .
The Labour leader has attracted praise since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejection of “ opposition for opposition ’ s sake ” .
But this reluctance to criticise the government has also frustrated parts of the party , particularly the left , including MPs such as John McDonnell .
The most surprising new voice joining this side of the debate is Alastair Campbell – one of Starmer ’ s constituents as well as a former communications director .
He has commended the leader for his “ sensible tone ” but warned that “ there has been too much “ now is not the time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a crisis of this scale ” .
Will Starmer heed this advice ?
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Labour’s new deputy leader Angela Rayner has unveiled a fresh set of appointments that make up her own team. The aim is for Marsha de Cordova, Kim Johnson, Nav Mishra, Tulip Siddiq and Sam Tarry to help Rayner “transform the culture and practices of the Labour Party for the better”. Reform of BAME Labour will be a priority – and you only have to look at the recent open letters to recognise how important the outcome of these changes will be for many activists.
These MPs were picked by Rayner herself, and it is notable that three of five belong to the overwhelmingly left-wing 2019 intake and four are members of the Socialist Campaign Group. Siddiq, the only non-member, is considered soft left. She worked with Rayner in the education team, and helped Tarry defeat Progress and take over Young Labour back when the two were active in the party’s youth wing. Tarry chaired Rayner’s deputy leadership campaign. Johnson and Mishra came up through UNISON, as Rayner did.
Rayner is a remarkably powerful figure in the Labour Party. She is strengthened by this new team, which is composed of MPs who have vital political links to each other and to Rayner. And being elected as deputy leader led to three other top roles – party chair, national campaign coordinator, Shadow First Secretary of State. This last post shows that she has not only been put in charge of stirring up activists and winning back votes in parts of the country more suited to her than Keir Starmer, but also has a crucial role to play in parliament.
Exceptionally, however, she will not be standing in for Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions today – despite Dominic Raab, her opposite, deputising for the Prime Minister. The Labour leader could not shy away from his first session during this national crisis. Both he and Raab will be in the chamber physically from noon this afternoon. And there are plenty of government measures to scrutinise and failures to highlight. The question is whether Starmer will be doing more of the former than the latter.
The Labour leader has attracted praise since his election from commentators who appreciate his rejection of “opposition for opposition’s sake”. But this reluctance to criticise the government has also frustrated parts of the party, particularly the left, including MPs such as John McDonnell. The most surprising new voice joining this side of the debate is Alastair Campbell – one of Starmer’s constituents as well as a former communications director. He has commended the leader for his “sensible tone” but warned that “there has been too much “now is not the time for criticism, those questions can wait” for a crisis of this scale”. Will Starmer heed this advice? Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-04-22--Labour’s 2019 campaign blighted by “bureaucratic inertia” and “inappropriate factionalism”, says Mom

Labour’s 2019 campaign blighted by “bureaucratic inertia” and “inappropriate factionalism”, says Momentum

Labour ’ s 2019 general election campaign was blighted by “ bureaucratic inertia ” and “ inappropriate factionalism ” , according to a report by left-wing organisation Momentum .
The group has released its submission to the Labour Together 2019 election review that is engaging with organisations from across the labour movement to develop a shared understanding of the result .
In the document , the activist network that grew out of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership campaign fiercely criticises the party ’ s operations based on its own experiences of the effort on the ground .
It lists a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including “ bureaucratic inertia and hostility to organisational innovations ; poor hiring procedures ; and inappropriate factionalism that undermines the ability to deliver strategic objectives ” .
The submission also highlights failings of the Labour Party where it did not “ adequately support local activists ” , such as updated electoral registers not being uploaded and variable guidance on how to access data of newly registered voters .
It brands Labour ’ s social media campaign “ inadequate ” , arguing that it “ went backwards compared to 2017 ” and that problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of split testing ” despite increased spending on digital advertising .
The submission says : “ Labour achieved 29.4m video views during the campaign , less than 1/3 of Momentum ’ s total , despite having drastically greater resources to work with.
” Describing Labour ’ s digital tools as “ undeveloped and faulty ” , Momentum praised targeting tool Insight but detailed the following problems with others : • Doorstep ( Labour ’ s canvassing data entry app ) “ can not be used in tower blocks ” and therefore can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connects ( Labour ’ s online tool for creating leaflets ) is “ extremely difficult to use ” according to activists Noting that data analysis by Datapraxis estimates that 16 Labour seats could have been saved with more defensive targeting , Momentum says it was “ guilty of being over-optimistic ” in 2019 .
But it also asserts that in the 2017 general election Labour could probably have won more seats – such as Southampton Itchen , Pudsey and Harrow East – with more support and mobilisation .
To combat these difficulties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparency of the methodology , data , and assumptions involved in targeting decisions ” as well as more oversight by Labour ’ s national executive committee .
• A review of the structure and culture of Labour Party HQ from recruitment practices to pastoral care of junior staff ; • Building up engaged party membership bases in constituencies currently lacking them ; • Making available within the party the methodology and summaries of the data used for targeting ; The release of Labour Together ’ s election review has been delayed due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the comprehensive report .

Labour’s 2019 general election campaign was blighted by “bureaucratic inertia” and “inappropriate factionalism”, according to a report by left-wing organisation Momentum.
The group has released its submission to the Labour Together 2019 election review that is engaging with organisations from across the labour movement to develop a shared understanding of the result.
In the document, the activist network that grew out of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership campaign fiercely criticises the party’s operations based on its own experiences of the effort on the ground.
It lists a “litany of structural problems”, including “bureaucratic inertia and hostility to organisational innovations; poor hiring procedures; and inappropriate factionalism that undermines the ability to deliver strategic objectives”.
The submission also highlights failings of the Labour Party where it did not “adequately support local activists”, such as updated electoral registers not being uploaded and variable guidance on how to access data of newly registered voters.
It brands Labour’s social media campaign “inadequate”, arguing that it “went backwards compared to 2017” and that problems included content quality and “inappropriate use of split testing” despite increased spending on digital advertising.
The submission says: “Labour achieved 29.4m video views during the campaign, less than 1/3 of Momentum’s total, despite having drastically greater resources to work with.”
Describing Labour’s digital tools as “undeveloped and faulty”, Momentum praised targeting tool Insight but detailed the following problems with others:
Dialogue (Labour’s phone banking app) was “extremely unreliable”
Doorstep (Labour’s canvassing data entry app) “cannot be used in tower blocks” and therefore cannot be used in many areas
Contact Creator (Labour’s voter information database) “crashed frequently”
Labour Connects (Labour’s online tool for creating leaflets) is “extremely difficult to use” according to activists
Promote (Labour’s digital advertising platform) was “rarely used” by local parties
Noting that data analysis by Datapraxis estimates that 16 Labour seats could have been saved with more defensive targeting, Momentum says it was “guilty of being over-optimistic” in 2019.
But it also asserts that in the 2017 general election Labour could probably have won more seats – such as Southampton Itchen, Pudsey and Harrow East – with more support and mobilisation.
To combat these difficulties, Momentum proposes a “greater degree of transparency of the methodology, data, and assumptions involved in targeting decisions” as well as more oversight by Labour’s national executive committee.
Other recommendations include:
A review of the structure and culture of Labour Party HQ from recruitment practices to pastoral care of junior staff;
Clear lines of oversight and accountability;
Building up engaged party membership bases in constituencies currently lacking them;
Encouraging local innovations in campaign organising;
Making available within the party the methodology and summaries of the data used for targeting;
Combining a “normal ‘next-election’ focus” with a long-term strategy for targeting.
The release of Labour Together’s election review has been delayed due to coronavirus but commissioners are continuing to work on the comprehensive report.


labourlist--2020-04-22--Keir Starmer’s challenge? Establish a new common sense that bridges political divides

Keir Starmer and his new shadow cabinet have taken charge of the Labour Party at a moment of great peril for the country .
Their challenge is to offer patriotic opposition that binds Britain together in the face of Conservative chaos and confusion .
Labour may lack power , but it can assume great moral authority if it speaks for the whole country , rather than partisan or sectional interests , and provides the challenge and support the government needs .
The highest priority is to address the immediate health and living standards emergency , and the new shadow cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on supporting the NHS and getting money into people ’ s pockets .
But Labour must also lay the ground for a strong and fast recovery , and make the moral and practical case for a new settlement to follow , with a different economic model and a stronger public realm .
On the economic front , the government has so far been trying to safeguard jobs and cashflow to help business bounce back fast after the lockdown .
But nobody knows what happens after you deliberately close major parts of an advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best but prepare for the worst .
The 2020 crisis has been compared to a war .
However , in economic terms it is not like the two great conflicts of the 20th century but the years that followed them , when the wartime economies were purposefully switched off .
1919 stands as an awful warning – not just because of Spanish flu but because it was the start of a period where Britain ’ s economy shrunk by a quarter and unemployment surged .
Inspired by John Maynard Keynes , the lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity decreased at the end of the second world war , full employment was maintained .
In the recession to come , Labour must be similarly obsessed with jobs .
Once again , old economic orthodoxies can not be allowed to stand in the way of high employment .
As the lockdown eases , the party must call on ministers to boost demand by putting money directly into people ’ s pockets through social security ( a solution that is more progressive and efficient than tax cuts ) .
However , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries like retail and hospitality there will be no return to business as usual .
Individual businesses will fail and whole sectors will employ fewer people .
Ultimately this may be good for productivity but workers must not be left to suffer in the short term .
Labour should therefore press the government to guarantee people new jobs if their old ones disappear , just as Gordon Brown did on a modest scale after 2008 .
In social care , we know there is huge demand for labour that can be unlocked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should also stand ready to create the green employment of the future now .
Ministers can fast-forward green investments that require lots of jobs in every corner of the country and fund the training that new recruits will need .
This job creation must go hand in hand with a new pact with business .
Regulatory , tax and governance reforms must expand business obligations towards society , environment and workers in exchange for the support that is coming now .
Where firms receive specific bailouts , there is also the opportunity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invest in a permanent sovereign wealth fund or to gift to employee ownership trusts .
A crisis that has proven the case for the welfare state must give rise to a new social settlement too .
Resilient public services , the rebirth of social insurance and a reckoning on tax must become the new common sense that bridges political divides .
Unlike in 1945 , Labour can not do any of this from government because the next election is too far away .
It will only happen if Conservative politicians are convinced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the country through the force of its ideas .
This article is based on Andrew Harrop ’ s contribution to the new Fabian Review .

Keir Starmer and his new shadow cabinet have taken charge of the Labour Party at a moment of great peril for the country. Their challenge is to offer patriotic opposition that binds Britain together in the face of Conservative chaos and confusion. Labour may lack power, but it can assume great moral authority if it speaks for the whole country, rather than partisan or sectional interests, and provides the challenge and support the government needs.
The highest priority is to address the immediate health and living standards emergency, and the new shadow cabinet is rightly pushing ministers to go further on supporting the NHS and getting money into people’s pockets. But Labour must also lay the ground for a strong and fast recovery, and make the moral and practical case for a new settlement to follow, with a different economic model and a stronger public realm.
On the economic front, the government has so far been trying to safeguard jobs and cashflow to help business bounce back fast after the lockdown. But nobody knows what happens after you deliberately close major parts of an advanced economy: we must hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
The 2020 crisis has been compared to a war. However, in economic terms it is not like the two great conflicts of the 20th century but the years that followed them, when the wartime economies were purposefully switched off. 1919 stands as an awful warning – not just because of Spanish flu but because it was the start of a period where Britain’s economy shrunk by a quarter and unemployment surged.
Inspired by John Maynard Keynes, the lesson was learned in 1945 and while economic activity decreased at the end of the second world war, full employment was maintained. In the recession to come, Labour must be similarly obsessed with jobs. Once again, old economic orthodoxies cannot be allowed to stand in the way of high employment.
As the lockdown eases, the party must call on ministers to boost demand by putting money directly into people’s pockets through social security (a solution that is more progressive and efficient than tax cuts). However, that is unlikely to be enough because in high-employment industries like retail and hospitality there will be no return to business as usual. Individual businesses will fail and whole sectors will employ fewer people. Ultimately this may be good for productivity but workers must not be left to suffer in the short term.
Labour should therefore press the government to guarantee people new jobs if their old ones disappear, just as Gordon Brown did on a modest scale after 2008. In social care, we know there is huge demand for labour that can be unlocked by adequate government spending. An activist government should also stand ready to create the green employment of the future now. Ministers can fast-forward green investments that require lots of jobs in every corner of the country and fund the training that new recruits will need.
This job creation must go hand in hand with a new pact with business. Regulatory, tax and governance reforms must expand business obligations towards society, environment and workers in exchange for the support that is coming now. Where firms receive specific bailouts, there is also the opportunity for the government to take equity shares to invest in a permanent sovereign wealth fund or to gift to employee ownership trusts.
A crisis that has proven the case for the welfare state must give rise to a new social settlement too. Resilient public services, the rebirth of social insurance and a reckoning on tax must become the new common sense that bridges political divides. Unlike in 1945, Labour cannot do any of this from government because the next election is too far away. It will only happen if Conservative politicians are convinced. Keir Starmer’s Labour Party must change the country through the force of its ideas.
This article is based on Andrew Harrop’s contribution to the new Fabian Review.


labourlist--2020-04-22--Labour rejects idea of universal basic income during Covid-19 crisis

The new Labour leadership has rejected the idea of introducing a universal basic income during the Covid-19 crisis , Keir Starmer ’ s spokesperson confirmed today .
Asked about the proposal following the Labour leader ’ s first PMQs this afternoon , a spokesperson said : “ We agree that the Covid crisis has confirmed that the current social security system isn ’ t fit for purpose.
” Journalists were reminded that during the leadership election Starmer called for the implementation of a national income guarantee scheme to combat the economic impact of Covid-19 .
It was also stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emergency changes made by government to the Universal Credit system , such as increases in the standard allowance .
However , the spokesperson added : “ Creating an entirely new social security system is unlikely to be possible during the crisis.
” This view has been advocated by experts such as former Ed Miliband adviser Torsten Bell , now head of the Resolution Foundation , who said UBI now would be “ misguided given the pace of what is happening ” .
Starmer ’ s spokesperson concluded : “ But as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be making arguments for a new settlement that is more simple , more effective and offers proper protection to people.
” More than 170 MPs and peers called in March for UBI to be introduced by the government to “ give everyone the financial support they need to provide for themselves and their families ” .
Labour MPs supportive of UBI include former shadow Treasury team member Clive Lewis , who said : “ Covid-19 has shone a spotlight on the frayed , tattered and neglected ‘ safety net ’ of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge further into the challenges of the 21st century – where automation , climate collapse and pandemics are already upon us – it ’ s time build a solid floor under everyone .
That ’ s something only a basic income can give.
” Jonathan Reynolds , recently appointed by Starmer as Labour ’ s new Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions , is also known to be a supporter of UBI .
Last year , Labour ’ s election manifesto included the piloting of UBI in select places , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other areas .

The new Labour leadership has rejected the idea of introducing a universal basic income during the Covid-19 crisis, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson confirmed today.
Asked about the proposal following the Labour leader’s first PMQs this afternoon, a spokesperson said: “We agree that the Covid crisis has confirmed that the current social security system isn’t fit for purpose.”
Journalists were reminded that during the leadership election Starmer called for the implementation of a national income guarantee scheme to combat the economic impact of Covid-19.
It was also stressed that the opposition leader has expressed support for the emergency changes made by government to the Universal Credit system, such as increases in the standard allowance.
However, the spokesperson added: “Creating an entirely new social security system is unlikely to be possible during the crisis.”
This view has been advocated by experts such as former Ed Miliband adviser Torsten Bell, now head of the Resolution Foundation, who said UBI now would be “misguided given the pace of what is happening”.
Starmer’s spokesperson concluded: “But as we come out of the pandemic, we’ll be making arguments for a new settlement that is more simple, more effective and offers proper protection to people.”
More than 170 MPs and peers called in March for UBI to be introduced by the government to “give everyone the financial support they need to provide for themselves and their families”.
Labour MPs supportive of UBI include former shadow Treasury team member Clive Lewis, who said: “Covid-19 has shone a spotlight on the frayed, tattered and neglected ‘safety net’ of welfare provision…
“Now, as we edge further into the challenges of the 21st century – where automation, climate collapse and pandemics are already upon us – it’s time build a solid floor under everyone. That’s something only a basic income can give.”
Jonathan Reynolds, recently appointed by Starmer as Labour’s new Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is also known to be a supporter of UBI.
Last year, Labour’s election manifesto included the piloting of UBI in select places, with bids submitted from Liverpool and Sheffield among other areas.