labourlist--2020-04-03--Labour must never go back to being the party of austerity-lite

It is the result that the labour movement has been waiting for since December 12th last year .
Yes , it is time for a new Labour leader and deputy leader .
The general election result was devastating – there is no doubt about that .
But there ’ s also no doubt that one of the biggest policy shifts to come from Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership was the Labour Party ’ s unequivocal rejection of austerity – an ideology that continues to hit the most vulnerable in society .
There are many big questions and priorities facing whoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build a new coalition of Labour support .
We can not pretend that antisemitism , establishment media attacks and ultimately our Brexit policy did not impact our core vote .
They did .
But we must also focus on what we should do next .
The Tories , with their 80-seat majority , have shown that they have no intention of reneging on their onslaught of privatisation , attacks on civil liberties and class war .
Still reeling from a decade of punitive cuts and labour market turmoil , workers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in low-paid and precarious jobs , are again being left with little support from the state as Covid-19 brings the economy to a standstill .
The government ’ s promises to ‘ do whatever it takes ’ to ensure that people are supported are falling flat .
Income protection schemes have been rolled out half-baked , NHS frontline workers are being deprived of coronavirus tests and personal protective equipment – while also being gagged from speaking out – and a severely weakened social security system has been unable to cope with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last two weeks alone .
Covid-19 is shining a spotlight on the scale of damage that austerity has wreaked on our economy and society .
The incoming Labour leader and their reshuffled shadow cabinet will have a renewed opportunity – and duty – to hold the government to account and to scrutinise the impact of its policies on working people .
Labour must not go back to being the party of austerity-lite , or become an unwitting aide in the government ’ s incompetent handling of the worst public health crisis in modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new Labour leadership should reaffirm the party ’ s anti-austerity position and embed these in its opposition over the next 12 months .
The first of these is a commitment to reforming a broken social security system and pushing for immediate comprehensive social security protection of people affected by the virus .
The outgoing Labour leadership has led calls for statutory sick pay rates to be increased and rolled out to all workers , and said that the government should also consider introducing a minimum income guarantee .
Just this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the government to bring in a minimum weekly payment of £221 to everyone not covered by the job retention and self-employed income support schemes .
Labour has previously supported the idea of trialling a universal basic income – now is the time to revisit that to stave off the worst impacts of a deep recession .
The second of Labour ’ s manifesto pledges to reaffirm is the commitment to building 100,000 council homes per year .
The pandemic has exposed the fragility of working people ’ s living conditions .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which low-earners , young people , and people living in unaffordable towns and cities have disproportionately been locked out of home ownership for years , the threat of losing a job or even a proportion of monthly income has sent shockwaves of panic to renters across the country .
Over 40,000 people have backed the call from the renters union Acorn for a rent waiver and , before the government ’ s announcement , a ban on evictions for at least three months .
In this climate , Labour ’ s proposals on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the private rental sector become even more salient .
In cities like mine in Oxford , the local Labour council prioritises council and social rent housing provision where it can .
The new party leadership should do the same .
The third commitment is to a green new deal .
The climate emergency requires strong leadership , and a Labour Party that will hold the government to account over its failure to take any meaningful action on climate change thus far .
Rapid decarbonisation by 2030 is a must and , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should feature as a core part of Labour ’ s opposition over the next four years .
All three of these policies are overwhelmingly backed by Labour members , poll well with the electorate , and are in line with the sort of social policies advocated by the state in other European countries .
We must never forget that over 130,000 preventable deaths were caused by austerity .
To be an effective opposition , we must clearly put people at the heart of our agenda .

It is the result that the labour movement has been waiting for since December 12th last year. Yes, it is time for a new Labour leader and deputy leader. The general election result was devastating – there is no doubt about that. But there’s also no doubt that one of the biggest policy shifts to come from Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership was the Labour Party’s unequivocal rejection of austerity – an ideology that continues to hit the most vulnerable in society.
There are many big questions and priorities facing whoever takes on the unenviable position of trying to build a new coalition of Labour support. We cannot pretend that antisemitism, establishment media attacks and ultimately our Brexit policy did not impact our core vote. They did.
But we must also focus on what we should do next. The Tories, with their 80-seat majority, have shown that they have no intention of reneging on their onslaught of privatisation, attacks on civil liberties and class war.
Still reeling from a decade of punitive cuts and labour market turmoil, workers in the public sector, in the gig economy, in low-paid and precarious jobs, are again being left with little support from the state as Covid-19 brings the economy to a standstill.
The government’s promises to ‘do whatever it takes’ to ensure that people are supported are falling flat. Income protection schemes have been rolled out half-baked, NHS frontline workers are being deprived of coronavirus tests and personal protective equipment – while also being gagged from speaking out – and a severely weakened social security system has been unable to cope with the million-plus applications it has received in the last two weeks alone.
Covid-19 is shining a spotlight on the scale of damage that austerity has wreaked on our economy and society. The incoming Labour leader and their reshuffled shadow cabinet will have a renewed opportunity – and duty – to hold the government to account and to scrutinise the impact of its policies on working people. Labour must not go back to being the party of austerity-lite, or become an unwitting aide in the government’s incompetent handling of the worst public health crisis in modern times.
On three key fronts, the new Labour leadership should reaffirm the party’s anti-austerity position and embed these in its opposition over the next 12 months. The first of these is a commitment to reforming a broken social security system and pushing for immediate comprehensive social security protection of people affected by the virus.
The outgoing Labour leadership has led calls for statutory sick pay rates to be increased and rolled out to all workers, and said that the government should also consider introducing a minimum income guarantee. Just this week, the New Economics Foundation published its proposal for the government to bring in a minimum weekly payment of £221 to everyone not covered by the job retention and self-employed income support schemes. Labour has previously supported the idea of trialling a universal basic income – now is the time to revisit that to stave off the worst impacts of a deep recession.
The second of Labour’s manifesto pledges to reaffirm is the commitment to building 100,000 council homes per year. The pandemic has exposed the fragility of working people’s living conditions. In the midst of a housing crisis in which low-earners, young people, and people living in unaffordable towns and cities have disproportionately been locked out of home ownership for years, the threat of losing a job or even a proportion of monthly income has sent shockwaves of panic to renters across the country.
Over 40,000 people have backed the call from the renters union Acorn for a rent waiver and, before the government’s announcement, a ban on evictions for at least three months. In this climate, Labour’s proposals on mass council house building and tighter regulation of the private rental sector become even more salient. In cities like mine in Oxford, the local Labour council prioritises council and social rent housing provision where it can. The new party leadership should do the same.
The third commitment is to a green new deal. The climate emergency requires strong leadership, and a Labour Party that will hold the government to account over its failure to take any meaningful action on climate change thus far. Rapid decarbonisation by 2030 is a must and, as endorsed by the 2019 Labour conference, should feature as a core part of Labour’s opposition over the next four years.
All three of these policies are overwhelmingly backed by Labour members, poll well with the electorate, and are in line with the sort of social policies advocated by the state in other European countries. We must never forget that over 130,000 preventable deaths were caused by austerity. To be an effective opposition, we must clearly put people at the heart of our agenda.


labourlist--2020-04-03--Corbyn calls on supporters to join Momentum as he steps down

Outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called on supporters to “ join Momentum and help make our future together ” as he prepares to step down from the top job .
In an email to Momentum supporters today , Corbyn praised the organisation for “ inspiring political movements across the world and breathing new life into the Labour Party ” .
The Islington MP attributed the election result in 2017 , when Labour deprived the Conservatives of a parliamentary majority , to “ all the work Momentum did ” .
He added : “ We ’ ve shifted the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its values and committed our party to common sense socialist policies , a green new deal and peace and justice at home and abroad.
” Corbyn ’ s successor is due to be announced on Saturday , after voting in the internal party election to choose a new Labour leader and deputy drew to a close on Thursday .
Keir Starmer is the favourite to replace the outgoing leader , with the latest polling predicting a win for the Holborn MP in the first round of counting with 53 % of first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the email from Corbyn on Friday afternoon .
On the last day of my leadership , I wanted to get in touch with every Momentum member and supporter to say thank you .
Momentum members and supporters have rewritten the political rules , inspired political movements across the world and breathed new life into the Labour Party .
Leaders are only ever lent power by the movements that support them .
It is the honour of my life that you chose to lend me your collective strength .
Together , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , brought Labour back to its values and committed our party to common sense socialist policies , a green new deal and peace and justice at home and abroad .
I ’ m so sorry we were unable to translate your hope and hard work into victory this time around .
That we came so close in 2017 is an incredible testament to all the work Momentum did – and this is only the beginning of what our movement will achieve .
Our movement for socialism is powerful , and I know our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much to do and so many challenges ahead – I urge you to join Momentum and help make our future together .
Building a strong socialist movement – one that brings people together whatever their background to build an equal , just , and sustainable society – is not easy or quick .
But what could be more important ?
If we continue to work together , we will get there .
I could not have been more proud to work alongside you , and I will keep doing so , on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Parliament .
Thank you for everything ,

Outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called on supporters to “join Momentum and help make our future together” as he prepares to step down from the top job.
In an email to Momentum supporters today, Corbyn praised the organisation for “inspiring political movements across the world and breathing new life into the Labour Party”.
The Islington MP attributed the election result in 2017, when Labour deprived the Conservatives of a parliamentary majority, to “all the work Momentum did”.
He added: “We’ve shifted the political landscape for good, brought Labour back to its values and committed our party to common sense socialist policies, a green new deal and peace and justice at home and abroad.”
Corbyn’s successor is due to be announced on Saturday, after voting in the internal party election to choose a new Labour leader and deputy drew to a close on Thursday.
Keir Starmer is the favourite to replace the outgoing leader, with the latest polling predicting a win for the Holborn MP in the first round of counting with 53% of first preferences.
Below is the full text of the email from Corbyn on Friday afternoon.
On the last day of my leadership, I wanted to get in touch with every Momentum member and supporter to say thank you.
Momentum members and supporters have rewritten the political rules, inspired political movements across the world and breathed new life into the Labour Party.
Leaders are only ever lent power by the movements that support them. It is the honour of my life that you chose to lend me your collective strength. Together, we’ve shifted the political landscape for good, brought Labour back to its values and committed our party to common sense socialist policies, a green new deal and peace and justice at home and abroad.
I’m so sorry we were unable to translate your hope and hard work into victory this time around. That we came so close in 2017 is an incredible testament to all the work Momentum did – and this is only the beginning of what our movement will achieve.
Our movement for socialism is powerful, and I know our time will come. But with so much to do and so many challenges ahead – I urge you to join Momentum and help make our future together.
Building a strong socialist movement – one that brings people together whatever their background to build an equal, just, and sustainable society – is not easy or quick. But what could be more important? If we continue to work together, we will get there.
I could not have been more proud to work alongside you, and I will keep doing so, on the streets, on picket lines, and in Parliament.
Thank you for everything,
Jeremy Corbyn MP


labourlist--2020-04-03--Jeremy’s leadership was transformative – particularly on climate

Like hundreds of thousands of people , I joined the Labour Party in 2015 to vote for Jeremy Corbyn as leader .
His bold and unapologetic belief that rampant inequality and climate chaos weren ’ t actually inevitable , that another world really was possible , inspired and politicised me .
Ultimately , we didn ’ t win power and Jeremy ’ s leadership is ending .
But the movement he led has changed Labour and changed politics for good .
The Labour Party he took over abstained on the Tory welfare bill , embraced austerity , and rejected public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial public investment and extensive democratic ownership of the economy .
The demonstrable popularity of this programme , evinced in 2017 , even forced the Tories into abandoning austerity ideology and made public ownership the mainstream position .
We can tell a similar story on climate .
In 2015 , Labour promised to continue exporting fossil fuels to the Global South and carry on fracking .
By 2019 , Labour had one of the most ambitious and radical climate programmes across the world – and had , with the wider climate movement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fracking and , to a lesser extent , for airport expansion and international fossil fuel subsidies .
It wasn ’ t just in terms of policy that Jeremy ’ s leadership proved transformative .
As the early slogan went , it was people-powered politics .
Not me , us .
I attended the march for refugees on the day Jeremy ’ s victory was announced – it represented , then , a moment of real hope : that the party would stand up for social justice , not kowtow to the right-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power of the social movements that rose up in the wake of austerity , not disown them ; that a movement of now half a million members could win power as a force for change .
This was one of the most powerful achievements of the Corbyn era : its ability to create an ambitious ecology of new left-wing institutions .
These institutions will long outlive his departure , from The World Transformed bringing together social movements , unions and Labour groups , to the Common Wealth think tank designing democratic ownership models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grassroots Labour campaigns arose to push forward bold ideas , from free movement to abolishing private schools .
Amongst them was the campaign I co-founded , Labour for a Green New Deal .
In the wake of 2017 , when it looked like a left-wing Labour Party really might win , Labour ’ s membership gained confidence .
With a party leadership that would actually listen to its members , a group of young climate activists could start a new campaign , organise in CLPs , and pass a radical vision for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets at party conference .
In doing so , we helped to push Labour on from a 2017 manifesto that , while inspiring in many ways , was relatively weak on climate .
In contrast , not only did the 2019 manifesto contain ambitious and necessary commitments to retrofit the entire UK housing stock , create a million green jobs and nationalise the energy grid , but this vision for a new economy of stewardship , justice and equality framed the entire manifesto , even if not Labour ’ s campaign communications .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ luxury , with ten new national parks , energy and heating as human rights and free broadband to connect the nation .
It is a powerful vision that Labour leadership candidates , to varying extents , embraced .
Of course , it was not a winning programme .
This wasn ’ t a judgement on Labour ’ s individually popular policies , let alone the Green New Deal .
A Brexit war that tore apart our electoral coalition , relentless smears and media attacks , and a poor campaign all played their part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy-based campaigns like ours masked our failure to arrest the continued decline of the trade union movement and community ‘ red bases ’ of class power , institutions with the potential to defeat the formidable forces ranged against us .
We relied on power in the Labour Party without power in the country .
Nonetheless , Corbynism is an unfinished project .
Given the popularity of a socialist economic programme and a Green New Deal across the country , including in former ‘ Red Wall ’ seats , it is a formula that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Moreover , Labour can ’ t afford to weaken its ambitions – as the time left to limit climate catastrophe diminishes , radicalism is non-negotiable .
What ’ s more , the coronavirus pandemic has affirmed our economic analysis – the dangers of an exploitative and insecure model of work , and the need for public ownership and universal services to secure people ’ s welfare from massive disruption .
The political space for such a project has opened up yet further .
A socialist economy of care and health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more vital than ever .
Labour ’ s future is as uncertain as that of the UK .
We could see a return to a placid centrism more focused on PMQs than building power for any kind of transformative project .
Amidst escalating crises of health , climate and work , and with a formidable right-wing nationalist opponent unafraid to intervene in the economy , such a strategy would be destined to fail .
Alternatively , we could see a convergence of Corbynite , social and trade union movements for working-class emancipation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic abates , we can have a society in which ‘ key workers ’ are truly valued , regardless of migration status , in which broadband , transport and utilities are run under public ownership as universal services , in which the homeless housed in the current crisis aren ’ t turfed back onto the streets .
The seeds of such a new world are already here , but we ’ re going to have to fight to make them a reality .
We know Jeremy Corbyn will be right there on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Zoom calls , with us .

Like hundreds of thousands of people, I joined the Labour Party in 2015 to vote for Jeremy Corbyn as leader. His bold and unapologetic belief that rampant inequality and climate chaos weren’t actually inevitable, that another world really was possible, inspired and politicised me.
Ultimately, we didn’t win power and Jeremy’s leadership is ending. But the movement he led has changed Labour and changed politics for good. The Labour Party he took over abstained on the Tory welfare bill, embraced austerity, and rejected public ownership. Now it is united behind substantial public investment and extensive democratic ownership of the economy. The demonstrable popularity of this programme, evinced in 2017, even forced the Tories into abandoning austerity ideology and made public ownership the mainstream position.
We can tell a similar story on climate. In 2015, Labour promised to continue exporting fossil fuels to the Global South and carry on fracking. By 2019, Labour had one of the most ambitious and radical climate programmes across the world – and had, with the wider climate movement, forced the Conservatives to drop their support for fracking and, to a lesser extent, for airport expansion and international fossil fuel subsidies.
It wasn’t just in terms of policy that Jeremy’s leadership proved transformative. As the early slogan went, it was people-powered politics. Not me, us. I attended the march for refugees on the day Jeremy’s victory was announced – it represented, then, a moment of real hope: that the party would stand up for social justice, not kowtow to the right-wing press; that Labour would harness the power of the social movements that rose up in the wake of austerity, not disown them; that a movement of now half a million members could win power as a force for change.
This was one of the most powerful achievements of the Corbyn era: its ability to create an ambitious ecology of new left-wing institutions. These institutions will long outlive his departure, from The World Transformed bringing together social movements, unions and Labour groups, to the Common Wealth think tank designing democratic ownership models for the 21st century. New, grassroots Labour campaigns arose to push forward bold ideas, from free movement to abolishing private schools.
Amongst them was the campaign I co-founded, Labour for a Green New Deal. In the wake of 2017, when it looked like a left-wing Labour Party really might win, Labour’s membership gained confidence. With a party leadership that would actually listen to its members, a group of young climate activists could start a new campaign, organise in CLPs, and pass a radical vision for a fundamentally transformed economy, with groundbreaking decarbonisation targets at party conference.
In doing so, we helped to push Labour on from a 2017 manifesto that, while inspiring in many ways, was relatively weak on climate. In contrast, not only did the 2019 manifesto contain ambitious and necessary commitments to retrofit the entire UK housing stock, create a million green jobs and nationalise the energy grid, but this vision for a new economy of stewardship, justice and equality framed the entire manifesto, even if not Labour’s campaign communications.
It envisioned a new age of public luxury, with ten new national parks, energy and heating as human rights and free broadband to connect the nation. It is a powerful vision that Labour leadership candidates, to varying extents, embraced.
Of course, it was not a winning programme. This wasn’t a judgement on Labour’s individually popular policies, let alone the Green New Deal. A Brexit war that tore apart our electoral coalition, relentless smears and media attacks, and a poor campaign all played their part. More existentially, the rise of policy-based campaigns like ours masked our failure to arrest the continued decline of the trade union movement and community ‘red bases’ of class power, institutions with the potential to defeat the formidable forces ranged against us. We relied on power in the Labour Party without power in the country.
Nonetheless, Corbynism is an unfinished project. Given the popularity of a socialist economic programme and a Green New Deal across the country, including in former ‘Red Wall’ seats, it is a formula that could yet win an election and transform the country. Moreover, Labour can’t afford to weaken its ambitions – as the time left to limit climate catastrophe diminishes, radicalism is non-negotiable.
What’s more, the coronavirus pandemic has affirmed our economic analysis – the dangers of an exploitative and insecure model of work, and the need for public ownership and universal services to secure people’s welfare from massive disruption. The political space for such a project has opened up yet further. A socialist economy of care and health, for people and planet, is more vital than ever.
Labour’s future is as uncertain as that of the UK. We could see a return to a placid centrism more focused on PMQs than building power for any kind of transformative project. Amidst escalating crises of health, climate and work, and with a formidable right-wing nationalist opponent unafraid to intervene in the economy, such a strategy would be destined to fail.
Alternatively, we could see a convergence of Corbynite, social and trade union movements for working-class emancipation and social and climate justice. When the pandemic abates, we can have a society in which ‘key workers’ are truly valued, regardless of migration status, in which broadband, transport and utilities are run under public ownership as universal services, in which the homeless housed in the current crisis aren’t turfed back onto the streets.
The seeds of such a new world are already here, but we’re going to have to fight to make them a reality. We know Jeremy Corbyn will be right there on the picket lines, in the streets, on the Zoom calls, with us.


labourlist--2020-04-03--“We in Coventry deserve a better standard of care across the board” – Taiwo Owatemi’s maiden speech

Below is the full text of the maiden speech delivered by the Labour MP for Coventry North West , Taiwo Owatemi , in parliament on March 4th .
Madam deputy speaker , thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my maiden speech in this important debate about health inequalities in our country .
My constituents gave me the privilege to serve Coventry North West , and it is an immense honour to be here .
I owe my amazing team of activists — and , most importantly , my constituents — a great deal .
I follow in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this House , Geoffrey Robinson , who has been a fixture of the city and this Chamber for 43 years — long before I was even born .
Geoffrey ’ s unwavering support for our local motoring industry was nationally applauded .
During his final term , he was instrumental in changing the law on organ donations , which is something that I will continue to champion .
I thank him for his service to our constituency , and wish him and his family the very best .
Coventry is a proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the city boasts incredible diversity .
Our vibrant Irish and Sikh communities helped to grow Coventry ’ s booming industries after the second world war .
Coventry was a major site for the UK ’ s car manufacturing .
We hosted the likes of Jaguar , Land Rover , Peugeot and the General Electric Company — for hon .
members whose memories can stretch that far .
Indeed , we were a city that produced things – but that industrial base was almost wiped out overnight by Thatcher and her government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of changes since the closure of these companies , but Coventry has always been an inclusive city — from university lecturers to students ; from public sector workers to manual labourers .
Even today , so many have made my part of Coventry their home .
My constituency is also diverse in the lay of its land : from the sprawling green country fields of Bablake approaching the villages of Keresley and Allesley to the west , to the cityscape further to the east—but at its heart is its community spirit .
Across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by numerous community centres and voluntary organisations with a common goal : to enrich and empower the community .
As the first female MP for Coventry North West , I hope to follow in the footsteps of Lady Godiva and champion fairness .
I am also the first MP of Nigerian heritage — specifically Yoruba — to represent a west midlands seat , and that is an honour that I carry with immense pride .
Many people would not have guessed this , but I am actually a twin .
As a piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the House that in the Yoruba culture , every twin is named Taiwo or Kehinde , with Taiwo being the name of the first-born twin .
My brother , mum and uncle are watching from the gallery this afternoon , and I like to imagine that my dad and older brother Ayobola are looking down proudly from even higher up , in heaven , right now , too .
I thank my family for all their unwavering support and encouragement .
My two fellow Coventry Labour MPs and I reflect the diversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I look forward to working with them to advance Coventry ’ s cause during this parliament , and to welcome the world as we celebrate becoming city of culture in 2021 .
I am a churchgoing Christian , and my values — of community , family , inclusion , and never walking by when we see hardship — are grounded in my faith .
I know that those values are shared by the people of Coventry , as Coventry is the city of peace and reconciliation .
Those values are also Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone should have the opportunities they need to live a long , healthy and happy life. The topic of this debate — health provision — is very close to my heart .
Having lost my father when I was aged just seven , I became passionate about healthcare , and about supporting the dedicated professionals who sacrifice so much for us for so little thanks .
But as a senior cancer pharmacist , every day I have seen our health service and adult social care system fail under continuous strain , without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find out that the poorest in Coventry can live 18 years less than the richest in Westminster .
We in Coventry deserve a better standard of care across the board , and I will be working with my colleagues in Coventry to fight for an urgent care centre so that we can have that better standard — I will always fight for that .
Now that we have left the EU , the government can finally put their money where their bus is and properly fund the national health service , giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to provide good-quality healthcare .
Homelessness is becoming an increasing concern in our community , and Coventry has the largest food bank in the country .
Although that reflects the good will of the people of Coventry , it also highlights the government ’ s failures to help to cover the cost of living , and to invest properly in local emergency support for vulnerable people in crisis .
Our housing is in crisis , too .
At the core of every housing project should be genuinely affordable social housing , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be built alongside these projects .
And , yes , we must also protect our green spaces .
Social mobility is a passion of mine .
I believe that education provides a path to success .
It astounds me that since 2013 , pupils in my constituency have faced an 8.7 % real-terms cut in funding .
We are well below England ’ s average for educational attainment , and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are often left behind , with inadequate provision to meet their needs .
For too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , violence at home or on the streets is a reality , while West Midlands police and community services have faced severe cuts .
This , too , can hold young people back .
How can this government claim to be the party of aspiration and opportunity when they stunt the growth and true potential of my constituents ?
Coventry deserves the chance to thrive .
It is in the nation ’ s interest that Coventry forms a central part of the midlands engine .
Our history of technological and industrial innovation has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , researchers and academics — which , as I am sure the government will agree , makes Coventry the obvious location for the environmentally sustainable ‘ Gigafactory ’ .
The midlands engine can not run without the motor of a place like Coventry , and I will make sure that my city is never left behind .
As the MP for Coventry North West , I will ensure that every decision I make in this place is relevant to the lives of the people who put me here .
I do not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hansard , but rather for the tangible difference my words make .
I will be the MP who listens to her constituents about their concerns and aspirations .
I will be the MP who protects our jobs and our beautiful green spaces , who stands up for good-quality homes and high-quality education , who sticks up for our NHS and protects the most vulnerable , and who fights for more police on our streets and opportunities for the next generation .
I will spend my time in this House standing up for my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public services on which we all depend .
My community in Coventry expects no less , and that is how I will serve it .

Below is the full text of the maiden speech delivered by the Labour MP for Coventry North West, Taiwo Owatemi, in parliament on March 4th.
Madam deputy speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my maiden speech in this important debate about health inequalities in our country. My constituents gave me the privilege to serve Coventry North West, and it is an immense honour to be here. I owe my amazing team of activists — and, most importantly, my constituents — a great deal.
I follow in the footsteps of a much loved member of this House, Geoffrey Robinson, who has been a fixture of the city and this Chamber for 43 years — long before I was even born. Geoffrey’s unwavering support for our local motoring industry was nationally applauded. During his final term, he was instrumental in changing the law on organ donations, which is something that I will continue to champion. I thank him for his service to our constituency, and wish him and his family the very best.
Coventry is a proud English city of culture, and my part of the city boasts incredible diversity. Our vibrant Irish and Sikh communities helped to grow Coventry’s booming industries after the second world war. Coventry was a major site for the UK’s car manufacturing. We hosted the likes of Jaguar, Land Rover, Peugeot and the General Electric Company — for hon. members whose memories can stretch that far.
Indeed, we were a city that produced things – but that industrial base was almost wiped out overnight by Thatcher and her government. The city has seen a lot of changes since the closure of these companies, but Coventry has always been an inclusive city — from university lecturers to students; from public sector workers to manual labourers. Even today, so many have made my part of Coventry their home.
My constituency is also diverse in the lay of its land: from the sprawling green country fields of Bablake approaching the villages of Keresley and Allesley to the west, to the cityscape further to the east—but at its heart is its community spirit. Across our six wards, residents are supported by numerous community centres and voluntary organisations with a common goal: to enrich and empower the community.
As the first female MP for Coventry North West, I hope to follow in the footsteps of Lady Godiva and champion fairness. I am also the first MP of Nigerian heritage — specifically Yoruba — to represent a west midlands seat, and that is an honour that I carry with immense pride.
Many people would not have guessed this, but I am actually a twin. As a piece of trivia for members, I can tell the House that in the Yoruba culture, every twin is named Taiwo or Kehinde, with Taiwo being the name of the first-born twin. My brother, mum and uncle are watching from the gallery this afternoon, and I like to imagine that my dad and older brother Ayobola are looking down proudly from even higher up, in heaven, right now, too. I thank my family for all their unwavering support and encouragement.
My two fellow Coventry Labour MPs and I reflect the diversity, tenacity and strong values of Coventry. I look forward to working with them to advance Coventry’s cause during this parliament, and to welcome the world as we celebrate becoming city of culture in 2021.
I am a churchgoing Christian, and my values — of community, family, inclusion, and never walking by when we see hardship — are grounded in my faith. I know that those values are shared by the people of Coventry, as Coventry is the city of peace and reconciliation. Those values are also Labour values. Indeed, I believe that everyone should have the opportunities they need to live a long, healthy and happy life.
The topic of this debate — health provision — is very close to my heart. Having lost my father when I was aged just seven, I became passionate about healthcare, and about supporting the dedicated professionals who sacrifice so much for us for so little thanks. But as a senior cancer pharmacist, every day I have seen our health service and adult social care system fail under continuous strain, without the resources they need.
I was astounded to find out that the poorest in Coventry can live 18 years less than the richest in Westminster. We in Coventry deserve a better standard of care across the board, and I will be working with my colleagues in Coventry to fight for an urgent care centre so that we can have that better standard — I will always fight for that. Now that we have left the EU, the government can finally put their money where their bus is and properly fund the national health service, giving places such as Coventry the funding they need to provide good-quality healthcare.
Homelessness is becoming an increasing concern in our community, and Coventry has the largest food bank in the country. Although that reflects the good will of the people of Coventry, it also highlights the government’s failures to help to cover the cost of living, and to invest properly in local emergency support for vulnerable people in crisis.
Our housing is in crisis, too. At the core of every housing project should be genuinely affordable social housing, and legislation should require proper social infrastructure to be built alongside these projects. And, yes, we must also protect our green spaces.
Social mobility is a passion of mine. I believe that education provides a path to success. It astounds me that since 2013, pupils in my constituency have faced an 8.7% real-terms cut in funding. We are well below England’s average for educational attainment, and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are often left behind, with inadequate provision to meet their needs.
For too many young people growing up in my constituency, violence at home or on the streets is a reality, while West Midlands police and community services have faced severe cuts. This, too, can hold young people back. How can this government claim to be the party of aspiration and opportunity when they stunt the growth and true potential of my constituents?
Coventry deserves the chance to thrive. It is in the nation’s interest that Coventry forms a central part of the midlands engine. Our history of technological and industrial innovation has created a natural home for world-class industrialists, researchers and academics — which, as I am sure the government will agree, makes Coventry the obvious location for the environmentally sustainable ‘Gigafactory’. The midlands engine cannot run without the motor of a place like Coventry, and I will make sure that my city is never left behind.
As the MP for Coventry North West, I will ensure that every decision I make in this place is relevant to the lives of the people who put me here. I do not want to be known for extraordinary words in Hansard, but rather for the tangible difference my words make.
I will be the MP who listens to her constituents about their concerns and aspirations. I will be the MP who protects our jobs and our beautiful green spaces, who stands up for good-quality homes and high-quality education, who sticks up for our NHS and protects the most vulnerable, and who fights for more police on our streets and opportunities for the next generation. I will spend my time in this House standing up for my constituents, for my patients and for the public services on which we all depend. My community in Coventry expects no less, and that is how I will serve it.


labourlist--2020-04-03--Jeremy Corbyn rejects idea of national unity government

Jeremy Corbyn has rejected the idea of the Labour Party forming a national unity government with the Conservatives , with jointly appointed ministers , during the coronavirus pandemic .
In an interview with The Telegraph on Thursday , the outgoing Labour leader warned against the proposal – citing the duty for opposition parties to hold the government to account during the crisis .
When asked about Labour participating in government , Corbyn said : “ It ’ s the duty of opposition parties to hold it to account , and that is exactly what we ’ re doing .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and challenging them on the economic response , challenging them on job security , and that is the way to get better government and better decisions.
” The Islington MP added : “ If everybody got together and said ‘ we ’ re all absolutely in this together we won ’ t criticise each other ’ – that is a negation of what our democratic society is about.
” The comments from Corbyn follow the decision by Labour ’ s First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford to invite Conservative and Plaid Cymru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the virus .
The Welsh ‘ cabinet Covid group ’ receives reports on developments from the chief medical officer , the chief executive of Wales NHS , the emergency coordinating centre and the Welsh Local Government Association .
In a statement to assembly members , Drakeford said : “ In recognition of the uniquely serious position we face , I have invited the leaders of the Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru to join that group.
” The Government of Wales Act restricts the number of ministers to 14 , which means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing ministers in order to form a national government with opposition representation .
Corbyn ’ s successor as Labour leader is due to be announced on Saturday as voting in the internal election process drew to a close at noon on Thursday .
Keir Starmer is the favourite to win the contest , with the latest polling predicting a win in the first round for the Holborn MP with 53 % of first preferences .
Responding to a question from Left Foot Forward on Wednesday , a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have good and cooperative relationship with the leader of the opposition when they take up their post.
” They also noted that Labour had worked closely with ministers on the emergency coronavirus legislation that was fast-tracked through the legislative process ahead of parliamentary recess .
There are now a total of 33,718 recorded cases of Covid-19 in the UK , although the true figure is thought to be higher .
There have been 2,921 reported deaths from the virus .

Jeremy Corbyn has rejected the idea of the Labour Party forming a national unity government with the Conservatives, with jointly appointed ministers, during the coronavirus pandemic.
In an interview with The Telegraph on Thursday, the outgoing Labour leader warned against the proposal – citing the duty for opposition parties to hold the government to account during the crisis.
When asked about Labour participating in government, Corbyn said: “It’s the duty of opposition parties to hold it to account, and that is exactly what we’re doing.
“I think we should be challenging the government and challenging them on the economic response, challenging them on job security, and that is the way to get better government and better decisions.”
The Islington MP added: “If everybody got together and said ‘we’re all absolutely in this together we won’t criticise each other’ – that is a negation of what our democratic society is about.”
The comments from Corbyn follow the decision by Labour’s First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford to invite Conservative and Plaid Cymru members to join a group coordinating the response to the virus.
The Welsh ‘cabinet Covid group’ receives reports on developments from the chief medical officer, the chief executive of Wales NHS, the emergency coordinating centre and the Welsh Local Government Association.
In a statement to assembly members, Drakeford said: “In recognition of the uniquely serious position we face, I have invited the leaders of the Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru to join that group.”
The Government of Wales Act restricts the number of ministers to 14, which means that the administration would have to remove existing ministers in order to form a national government with opposition representation.
Corbyn’s successor as Labour leader is due to be announced on Saturday as voting in the internal election process drew to a close at noon on Thursday.
Keir Starmer is the favourite to win the contest, with the latest polling predicting a win in the first round for the Holborn MP with 53% of first preferences.
Responding to a question from Left Foot Forward on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: “The PM will want to have good and cooperative relationship with the leader of the opposition when they take up their post.”
They also noted that Labour had worked closely with ministers on the emergency coronavirus legislation that was fast-tracked through the legislative process ahead of parliamentary recess.
There are now a total of 33,718 recorded cases of Covid-19 in the UK, although the true figure is thought to be higher. There have been 2,921 reported deaths from the virus.


labourlist--2020-04-04--Corbynsceptics sweep the board in Labour’s ruling body by-elections

Corbynsceptics backed by Progress and Labour First groups have swept the board in the Labour Party ’ s ruling national executive committee by-elections .
Johanna Baxter and Gurinder Singh Josan have been chosen to replace Corbynites Navendu Mishra and Claudia Webbe as local party representatives on the NEC .
Carol Sewell has been elected by Labour members as the new NEC BAME rep , and will replace former MP Keith Vaz who recently stood down .
In another huge victory for Corbynsceptics today , all three candidates were endorsed by Blairite group Progress and ‘ old right ’ organisation Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party before November 12th , 2019 , were entitled to vote in the internal contests , which ran alongside the UK Labour leader and deputy leader races .
Multiple slates were put forward by organisations belonging to the Labour left , however , with Momentum and the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy backing different candidates .
Leigh Drennan and Lauren Townsend were endorsed by Momentum as potential local party representatives , while the Corbynite network backed Navendu Mishra MP for BAME rep. CLPD chose also to endorse Lauren Townsend , but favoured Cecile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous CLP reps should be replaced by at least one BAME activist .
Jo Bird was endorsed by Jewish Voice for Labour , Labour Left Alliance and Labour Representation Committee , while Deborah Hobson was supported by LRC plus Grassroots Black Left .
Peter Apps , Alexa Collins , Fiona Dent , Adam Ellison , Mick Johnston , Rick Middleton , Peyman Owladi , Paula Sheriff , Ray Sutton , Chris Webb and Trish Williams all ran as independent candidates .

Corbynsceptics backed by Progress and Labour First groups have swept the board in the Labour Party’s ruling national executive committee by-elections.
Johanna Baxter and Gurinder Singh Josan have been chosen to replace Corbynites Navendu Mishra and Claudia Webbe as local party representatives on the NEC.
Carol Sewell has been elected by Labour members as the new NEC BAME rep, and will replace former MP Keith Vaz who recently stood down.
In another huge victory for Corbynsceptics today, all three candidates were endorsed by Blairite group Progress and ‘old right’ organisation Labour First.
Full results for CLP reps:
JOSAN, Gurinder Singh – 57,361 – ELECTED
BAXTER, Johanna – 57,181 – ELECTED
TOWNSEND, Lauren – 56,929
BIRD, Jo – 46,150
DRENNAN, Leigh – 30,021
WRIGHT, Cecile – 25,008
SHERRIFF, Paula – 21,088
WILLIAMS, Trish – 10,826
APPS, Peter – 10,071
HOBSON, Deborah – 8,974
WEBB, Chris – 8,413
DENT, Fiona – 7,420
ELLISON, Adam – 6,322
COLLINS, Alexa – 5,669
MIDDLETON, Rick – 4,582
SUTTON, Ray – 4,248
JOHNSTON, Mick – 3,947
OWLADI, Peyman – 2,459
Full results for BAME rep:
SEWELL, Carol – 39.76% – ELECTED
MISHRA, Navendu – 27.45%
JACKMAN, Jermain – 10.66%
AHMED, Hassan – 4.72%
OYEWUSI, Lola – 3.44%
AKHTAR, Fozia – 2.66%
WOOLLEY, Iram – 2.63%
DASGUPTA, Rohit K – 2.15%
SINGH, Rupinder – 2.13%
IQBAL, Chaudhry Qamer – 1.77%
ALI, Shaukat – 1.21%
RAWF, Aram – 0.88%
DEINALI, Omide – 0.53%
Full members who joined the party before November 12th, 2019, were entitled to vote in the internal contests, which ran alongside the UK Labour leader and deputy leader races.
Multiple slates were put forward by organisations belonging to the Labour left, however, with Momentum and the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy backing different candidates.
Leigh Drennan and Lauren Townsend were endorsed by Momentum as potential local party representatives, while the Corbynite network backed Navendu Mishra MP for BAME rep.
CLPD chose also to endorse Lauren Townsend, but favoured Cecile Wright over Drennan on the basis that the previous CLP reps should be replaced by at least one BAME activist.
Jo Bird was endorsed by Jewish Voice for Labour, Labour Left Alliance and Labour Representation Committee, while Deborah Hobson was supported by LRC plus Grassroots Black Left.
Peter Apps, Alexa Collins, Fiona Dent, Adam Ellison, Mick Johnston, Rick Middleton, Peyman Owladi, Paula Sheriff, Ray Sutton, Chris Webb and Trish Williams all ran as independent candidates.


labourlist--2020-04-04--Keir Starmer elected to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader

Keir Starmer has been elected to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as the new leader of the UK Labour Party , with a resounding victory on the basis of first preference votes alone .
He won with 56.2 % of the vote against Corbynite candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey , who came second with 27.6 % , and soft left contender Lisa Nandy , who took last place in the contest with 16.2 % .
The result was widely expected as the Holborn and St Pancras MP took a clear lead in the local party nominations during the contest , and polling showed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy leadership race running alongside the main race , ‘ soft left ’ candidate Angela Rayner won on the third round with 52.6 % of the vote .
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP and former care worker beat four rivals – Rosena Allin-Khan , who came second , Richard Burgon , who placed third , plus Dawn Butler and Ian Murray .
Both of the winners were backed by affiliated trade unions UNISON , Usdaw and TSSA , whereas Unite the Union had endorsed Labour left hopefuls Long-Bailey and Burgon .
Members – 72.6 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters – 95.5 % ( 13,006 out of 13,626 ) Affiliated supporters – 35.0 % ( 76,161 out of 217,690 ) Total – 62.6 % ( 490,731 out of 784,151 ) Members – 68.8 % ( 380,076 out of 552,835 ) Registered supporters – 88.5 % ( 12,065 out of 13,626 ) Affiliated supporters – 31.8 % ( 69,316 out of 217,690 ) Total – 58.9 % ( 461,457 out of 784,151 ) In an acceptance statement after being elected Leader of the Labour Party , Keir Starmer said : It is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be elected as leader of the Labour Party .
It comes at a moment like none other in our lifetime .
Coronavirus has brought normal life to a halt .
Our cities , our towns and our villages are silent , our roads deserted .
Public life has all but come to a standstill and we ’ re missing each other .
People are frightened by the strangeness , anxious about what will happen next .
And we have to remember that every number is a family shaken to its foundation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ poignant of ceremonies , a funeral , in the way that they would like .
It reminds us of how precious life is , but also how fragile .
It reminds us of what really matters , our family , our friends , our relationships .
The love we have for one another .
Our health .
Our connections with those that we don ’ t know .
A greeting from a stranger , a kind word from a neighbour .
These make up society .
They remind us that we share our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one another and look after one another .
And I can see this happening , people coming together to help the isolated and the vulnerable , checking on their neighbours .
So many volunteering for the NHS , millions of people doing their bit to stop this virus and to save lives .
Our willingness to come together like this as a nation has been lying dormant for too long .
When millions of us stepped out onto our doorsteps to applaud the carers visibly moved there was hope of a better future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need good government , a government that saves lives and protects our country .
It ’ s a huge responsibility and whether we voted for this government or not , we all rely on it to get this right .
That ’ s why in the national interest the Labour Party will play its full part .
Under my leadership , we will engage constructively with the government , not opposition for opposition ’ s sake .
Not scoring party political points or making impossible demands .
But with the courage to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
But we will test the arguments that are put forward .
We will shine a torch on critical issues and where we see mistakes or faltering government or things not happening as quickly as they should , we ’ ll challenge that and call that out .
Our purpose when we do that is the same as the government ’ s , to save lives and to protect our country , a shared purpose .
But that is not the only task for the Labour Party .
The weeks ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I fear there are going to be some awful moments for many of us .
But we will get through this .
The curve will flatten , the wards will empty , the immediate threat will subside .
And we have scientists working on vaccines .
But when we do get through this we can not go back to business as usual .
This virus has exposed the fragility of our society .
It ’ s lifted a curtain .
Too many will have given too much .
Some of us will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our hearts , things are going to have to change .
We can see so clearly now who the key workers really are .
When we get through this it ’ ll be because of our NHS staff , our care workers , our ambulance drivers , our emergency services , our cleaners , our porters .
It will be because of the hard work and bravery of every key worker as they took on this virus and kept our country going .
For too long , they ’ ve been taken for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last and now they should be first .
In their courage and their sacrifice and their bravery , we can see a better future .
This crisis has brought out the resilience and human spirit in all of us .
We must go forward with a vision of a better society built on that resilience and built on that human spirit .
That will require bravery and change in our party as well .
I want to thank Rebecca and Lisa for running such passionate and powerful campaigns and for their friendship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thank our Labour Party staff who worked really hard and my own amazing campaign team , full of positivity , with that unifying spirit .
I want to pay tribute to Jeremy Corbyn , who led our party through some really difficult times , who energised our movement and who ’ s a friend as well as a colleague .
And to all of our members , supporters and affiliates I say this : whether you voted for me or not I will represent you , I will listen to you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we have to face the future with honesty .
Antisemitism has been a stain on our party .
I have seen the grief that it ’ s brought to so many Jewish communities .
On behalf of the Labour Party , I am sorry .
And I will tear out this poison by its roots and judge success by the return of Jewish members and those who felt that they could no longer support us .
The Labour Party is an incredible and powerful force for good .
Together with those that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lives of millions of people for the better .
We created the NHS .
We created the welfare state .
We passed equalities legislation , the Race Relations Act , we set up the Open University .
We built hospitals and schools , established Sure Start and played our part in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland .
But we ’ ve just lost four elections in a row .
We ’ re failing in our historic purpose .
Be in no doubt I understand the scale of the task , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re in .
We ’ ve got a mountain to climb .
But we will climb it , and I will do my utmost to reconnect us across the country , to re-engage with our communities and voters , to establish a coalition across our towns and our cities and our regions with all creeds and communities to speak for the whole of the country .
Where that requires change , we will change .
Where that requires us to rethink , we will rethink .
Our mission has to be to restore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for good and a force for change .
This is my pledge to the British people .
I will do my utmost to guide us through these difficult times , to serve all of our communities and to strive for the good of our country .
I will lead this great party into a new era , with confidence and with hope .
So that when the time comes , we can serve our country again in government .

Keir Starmer has been elected to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as the new leader of the UK Labour Party, with a resounding victory on the basis of first preference votes alone.
He won with 56.2% of the vote against Corbynite candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey, who came second with 27.6%, and soft left contender Lisa Nandy, who took last place in the contest with 16.2%.
The result was widely expected as the Holborn and St Pancras MP took a clear lead in the local party nominations during the contest, and polling showed that he would win decisively.
In the deputy leadership race running alongside the main race, ‘soft left’ candidate Angela Rayner won on the third round with 52.6% of the vote.
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP and former care worker beat four rivals – Rosena Allin-Khan, who came second, Richard Burgon, who placed third, plus Ian Murray and finally Dawn Butler.
Both of the leadership winners were backed by affiliated trade unions UNISON, Usdaw and TSSA. Unite the Union had endorsed Labour left hopefuls Long-Bailey and Burgon.
Labour leadership results:
Round 1
Keir Starmer – 275,780 (56.2%)
Rebecca Long-Bailey – 135,218 (27.6%)
Lisa Nandy – 79,597 (16.2%)
Round 1 results by section:
Affiliates:
Rebecca Long-Bailey – 16,970 (22.3%)
Lisa Nandy – 18,681 (24.6%)
Keir Starmer – 40,417 (53.1%)
Members:
Rebecca Long-Bailey – 117,598 (29.3%)
Lisa Nandy – 58,788 (14.6%)
Keir Starmer – 225,135 (56.1%)
Registered:
Rebecca Long-Bailey – 650 (5%)
Lisa Nandy – 2,128 (16.4%)
Keir Starmer – 10,228 (78.6%)
Labour leader – total votes returned:
Members – 72.6% (401,564 out of 552,835)
Registered supporters – 95.5% (13,006 out of 13,626)
Affiliated supporters – 35.0% (76,161 out of 217,690)
Total – 62.6% (490,731 out of 784,151)
Labour deputy leadership results:
Round 1:
ALLIN-KHAN, Rosena – 77,351 (16.8%)
BURGON, Richard – 80,053 (17.3%)
BUTLER, Dawn – 50,255 (10.9%) [ELIMINATED]
MURRAY, Ian – 61,179 (13.3%)
RAYNER, Angela – 192,168 (41.7%)
Round 2:
ALLIN-KHAN, Rosena – 88,049 (19.5%)
BURGON, Richard – 88,664 (19.7%)
MURRAY, Ian – 64,560 (14.3%) [ELIMINATED]
RAYNER, Angela – 209,698 (46.5%)
Round 3:
ALLIN-KHAN, Rosena – 113,858 (26.1%)
BURGON, Richard – 92,643 (21.3%)
RAYNER, Angela – 22,8944 (52.6%) [ELECTED]
Labour deputy leader – total votes returned:
Members – 68.8% (380,076 out of 552,835)
Registered supporters – 88.5% (12,065 out of 13,626)
Affiliated supporters – 31.8% (69,316 out of 217,690)
Total – 58.9% (461,457 out of 784,151)
It’s the honour and privilege of my life to be elected as Leader of the Labour Party. I will lead this great party into a new era, with confidence and hope, so that when the time comes, we can serve our country again – in government. pic.twitter.com/F4X088FTYY — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 4, 2020
In an acceptance statement after being elected leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer said:
It is the honour and the privilege of my life to be elected as leader of the Labour Party. It comes at a moment like none other in our lifetime.
Coronavirus has brought normal life to a halt. Our cities, our towns and our villages are silent, our roads deserted. Public life has all but come to a standstill and we’re missing each other.
People are frightened by the strangeness, anxious about what will happen next. And we have to remember that every number is a family shaken to its foundation.
Unable even to carry out the most poignant of ceremonies, a funeral, in the way that they would like. It reminds us of how precious life is, but also how fragile.
It reminds us of what really matters, our family, our friends, our relationships. The love we have for one another. Our health.
Our connections with those that we don’t know. A greeting from a stranger, a kind word from a neighbour. These make up society. They remind us that we share our lives together. We have to trust one another and look after one another.
And I can see this happening, people coming together to help the isolated and the vulnerable, checking on their neighbours.
So many volunteering for the NHS, millions of people doing their bit to stop this virus and to save lives.
Our willingness to come together like this as a nation has been lying dormant for too long. When millions of us stepped out onto our doorsteps to applaud the carers visibly moved there was hope of a better future. In times like this, we need good government, a government that saves lives and protects our country.
It’s a huge responsibility and whether we voted for this government or not, we all rely on it to get this right. That’s why in the national interest the Labour Party will play its full part.
Under my leadership, we will engage constructively with the government, not opposition for opposition’s sake. Not scoring party political points or making impossible demands. But with the courage to support where that’s the right thing to do.
But we will test the arguments that are put forward. We will shine a torch on critical issues and where we see mistakes or faltering government or things not happening as quickly as they should, we’ll challenge that and call that out.
Our purpose when we do that is the same as the government’s, to save lives and to protect our country, a shared purpose.
But that is not the only task for the Labour Party. The weeks ahead are going to be really difficult. I fear there are going to be some awful moments for many of us.
But we will get through this. The curve will flatten, the wards will empty, the immediate threat will subside. And we have scientists working on vaccines.
But when we do get through this we cannot go back to business as usual. This virus has exposed the fragility of our society. It’s lifted a curtain.
Too many will have given too much. Some of us will have lost too much. We know in our hearts, things are going to have to change. We can see so clearly now who the key workers really are.
When we get through this it’ll be because of our NHS staff, our care workers, our ambulance drivers, our emergency services, our cleaners, our porters.
It will be because of the hard work and bravery of every key worker as they took on this virus and kept our country going. For too long, they’ve been taken for granted and poorly paid. They were last and now they should be first.
In their courage and their sacrifice and their bravery, we can see a better future. This crisis has brought out the resilience and human spirit in all of us.
We must go forward with a vision of a better society built on that resilience and built on that human spirit. That will require bravery and change in our party as well.
I want to thank Rebecca and Lisa for running such passionate and powerful campaigns and for their friendship and support along the way.
I want to thank our Labour Party staff who worked really hard and my own amazing campaign team, full of positivity, with that unifying spirit.
I want to pay tribute to Jeremy Corbyn, who led our party through some really difficult times, who energised our movement and who’s a friend as well as a colleague.
And to all of our members, supporters and affiliates I say this: whether you voted for me or not I will represent you, I will listen to you and I will bring our party together.
But we have to face the future with honesty. Antisemitism has been a stain on our party. I have seen the grief that it’s brought to so many Jewish communities.
On behalf of the Labour Party, I am sorry. And I will tear out this poison by its roots and judge success by the return of Jewish members and those who felt that they could no longer support us.
The Labour Party is an incredible and powerful force for good. Together with those that went before us we’ve changed the lives of millions of people for the better.
We created the NHS. We created the welfare state. We passed equalities legislation, the Race Relations Act, we set up the Open University. We built hospitals and schools, established Sure Start and played our part in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland.
But we’ve just lost four elections in a row. We’re failing in our historic purpose. Be in no doubt I understand the scale of the task, the gravity of the position that we’re in.
We’ve got a mountain to climb. But we will climb it, and I will do my utmost to reconnect us across the country, to re-engage with our communities and voters, to establish a coalition across our towns and our cities and our regions with all creeds and communities to speak for the whole of the country.
Where that requires change, we will change. Where that requires us to rethink, we will rethink. Our mission has to be to restore trust in our party as a force for good and a force for change.
This is my pledge to the British people. I will do my utmost to guide us through these difficult times, to serve all of our communities and to strive for the good of our country.
I will lead this great party into a new era, with confidence and with hope. So that when the time comes, we can serve our country again in government.