labourlist--2020-10-07--All bluster, no plan as Johnson promises a post-pandemic paradise

Boris Johnson kicked off his conference speech by saying it “ isn ’ t enough just to go back to normal ” , but he went on to re-announce an awful lot of policy already promised pre-pandemic .
The Prime Minister repeated his manifesto pledge to encourage a new market in long-term fixed-rate mortgages , reiterated his commitment to “ levelling up ” and again vowed to “ fix ” care home funding .
Johnson also declared that every home in the country would be powered by offshore wind by 2030 , but Labour was quick to point out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM is only half of what will be needed by then .
Deputy leader Angela Rayner accused Johnson of delivering the “ usual bluster and no plan ” .
And we can add the empty promises to a now long list of sweet little ( or pretty massive ) lies – including gems such as the ‘ Moonshot ’ project – to distract from the crushing catastrophe of the Tory response to the pandemic .
And there is plenty to distract from .
Still reeling from the Excel blunder , which saw nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracers , Matt Hancock admitted yesterday that he does not know how many people could be unknowingly spreading the virus due to the error .
Meanwhile , Johnson faces growing Tory rebellion over Covid restrictions .
MPs voted last night to back the ‘ rule of six ’ , but as the Commons considers other measures greater resistance is expected .
In particular , on the 10pm curfew .
But the rebellion will come to nothing without the backing of Keir Starmer , which puts the Labour leader in an interesting position .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local lockdown measures , but this could be the first time Labour defies the government on a specific restriction .
Labour has yet to say how it will vote on the curfew .
In an interesting development for Labour ’ s finances and its relationship with affiliated trade unions , Unite has cut its funding to the party by 10 % following a narrow 25-to-23 vote by its executive .
“ Len couldn ’ t ignore the executive council voices , ” one source told LabourList .
Ahead of the meeting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership making a too drastic change of course .
McCluskey said members were still angry about the Panorama settlement , saying they “ thought it was an absolute mistake and wrong to pay out huge sums of money to individuals… when Labour ’ s own legal people were saying that they would lose that case if it went to court ” .
LabourList understands the ‘ Ergon House project ’ – reports that Labour HQ ran a “ parallel ” campaign to the leadership in the 2017 election – also came up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour today takes aim at Covid rule-breaking Scottish MP Margaret Ferrier .
Starmer declared this morning that it “ beggars belief that Margaret Ferrier thinks it is appropriate to continue as an MP ” after it was revealed she breached Covid regulations several times .
He will talk with residents in her constituency via Zoom this afternoon in the latest instalment of his ‘ Call Keir ‘ public meetings .
And if you missed out on our event with UK in a Changing Europe yesterday , which saw Rachel Reeves set out Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch up here .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Boris Johnson kicked off his conference speech by saying it “isn’t enough just to go back to normal”, but he went on to re-announce an awful lot of policy already promised pre-pandemic. The Prime Minister repeated his manifesto pledge to encourage a new market in long-term fixed-rate mortgages, reiterated his commitment to “levelling up” and again vowed to “fix” care home funding. Johnson also declared that every home in the country would be powered by offshore wind by 2030, but Labour was quick to point out that the 40 gigawatt target given by the PM is only half of what will be needed by then. Deputy leader Angela Rayner accused Johnson of delivering the “usual bluster and no plan”. And we can add the empty promises to a now long list of sweet little (or pretty massive) lies – including gems such as the ‘Moonshot’ project – to distract from the crushing catastrophe of the Tory response to the pandemic.
And there is plenty to distract from. Still reeling from the Excel blunder, which saw nearly 16,000 cases not passed on to contact tracers, Matt Hancock admitted yesterday that he does not know how many people could be unknowingly spreading the virus due to the error. Meanwhile, Johnson faces growing Tory rebellion over Covid restrictions. MPs voted last night to back the ‘rule of six’, but as the Commons considers other measures greater resistance is expected. In particular, on the 10pm curfew. But the rebellion will come to nothing without the backing of Keir Starmer, which puts the Labour leader in an interesting position. He has called for a review on the local lockdown measures, but this could be the first time Labour defies the government on a specific restriction. Labour has yet to say how it will vote on the curfew.
In an interesting development for Labour’s finances and its relationship with affiliated trade unions, Unite has cut its funding to the party by 10% following a narrow 25-to-23 vote by its executive. “Len couldn’t ignore the executive council voices,” one source told LabourList. Ahead of the meeting, the general secretary warned against the new leadership making a too drastic change of course. McCluskey said members were still angry about the Panorama settlement, saying they “thought it was an absolute mistake and wrong to pay out huge sums of money to individuals… when Labour’s own legal people were saying that they would lose that case if it went to court”. LabourList understands the ‘Ergon House project’ – reports that Labour HQ ran a “parallel” campaign to the leadership in the 2017 election – also came up in the debate ahead of the vote.
Labour today takes aim at Covid rule-breaking Scottish MP Margaret Ferrier. Starmer declared this morning that it “beggars belief that Margaret Ferrier thinks it is appropriate to continue as an MP” after it was revealed she breached Covid regulations several times. He will talk with residents in her constituency via Zoom this afternoon in the latest instalment of his ‘Call Keir‘ public meetings. And if you missed out on our event with UK in a Changing Europe yesterday, which saw Rachel Reeves set out Labour’s Brexit policy, you can catch up here. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-10-07--Scottish Labour launches petition demanding Ferrier quits

Richard Leonard has launched a petition demanding that under-pressure politician Margaret Ferrier quits her role in parliament and declared that he “ will not tolerate ” a situation where residents were “ left voiceless by a lame-duck MP ” .
The Scottish Labour leader has argued that the MP , who broke lockdown rules after having contracted Covid , was putting her salary above her constituents as he unveiled his “ Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserves better ” online petition today .
Commenting this morning , Leonard said : “ It is truly breathtaking that Margaret Ferrier remains an MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts about her making long-distance train journeys while infected by Covid became public .
“ Margaret Ferrier is clearly putting her parliamentary salary and access to Westminster perks above the needs of the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West , who deserve a strong voice at a time when the virus is surging and jobs and living standards are facing such a grave threat .
“ Margaret Ferrier has let down her constituents and is now seeking to tough it out solely in her own interests , in the hope that she will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even now more details are emerging about the reckless behaviour from Margaret Ferrier , with reports about her attending a church service after showing symptoms of Covid .
“ As Scottish Labour leader , I will not tolerate a situation where a community that has already been let down , is left voiceless by a lame-duck MP , who has betrayed the people she was elected to represent after she was elected on an SNP platform less than a year ago .
“ Scottish Labour will continue to highlight the outrage of Margaret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the right vote on laws , that she has brazenly flouted , but which the key workers and families in her constituency have to abide by .
Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserves better and Margaret Ferrier must resign immediately.
” Keir Starmer declared this morning that it “ beggars belief that Margaret Ferrier thinks it is appropriate to continue as an MP ” , ahead of a ‘ Call Keir ’ event that the Labour leader will be holding via Zoom with residents in her constituency today .
The MP for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected to represent the SNP but has now had the whip suspended , is facing calls to quit parliament after it was revealed that she travelled from Glasgow to London and back with Covid-19 .
She has said that she felt unwell and took a coronavirus test before embarking on a 380-mile train journey to London , while waiting for the result instead of self-isolating , and delivered a speech on Covid in the House of Commons .
The Scottish MP then received a positive result and again chose not to self-isolate but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She apologised in a statement last week for the behaviour , which led to a police investigation .
Leonard ’ s intervention today follows a previous call from the Scottish Labour leader for the SNP to kick Ferrier out of the party , saying on Monday that it was the “ only step available to the SNP leadership now ” .

Richard Leonard has launched a petition demanding that under-pressure politician Margaret Ferrier quits her role in parliament and declared that he “will not tolerate” a situation where residents were “left voiceless by a lame-duck MP”.
The Scottish Labour leader has argued that the MP, who broke lockdown rules after having contracted Covid, was putting her salary above her constituents as he unveiled his “Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserves better” online petition today.
Commenting this morning, Leonard said: “It is truly breathtaking that Margaret Ferrier remains an MP nearly a week after the utterly shocking facts about her making long-distance train journeys while infected by Covid became public.
“Margaret Ferrier is clearly putting her parliamentary salary and access to Westminster perks above the needs of the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West, who deserve a strong voice at a time when the virus is surging and jobs and living standards are facing such a grave threat.
“Margaret Ferrier has let down her constituents and is now seeking to tough it out solely in her own interests, in the hope that she will be able to cling on.
“Even now more details are emerging about the reckless behaviour from Margaret Ferrier, with reports about her attending a church service after showing symptoms of Covid.
“As Scottish Labour leader, I will not tolerate a situation where a community that has already been let down, is left voiceless by a lame-duck MP, who has betrayed the people she was elected to represent after she was elected on an SNP platform less than a year ago.
“Scottish Labour will continue to highlight the outrage of Margaret Ferrier continuing to sit as an MP, with the right vote on laws, that she has brazenly flouted, but which the key workers and families in her constituency have to abide by. Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserves better and Margaret Ferrier must resign immediately.”
Keir Starmer declared this morning that it “beggars belief that Margaret Ferrier thinks it is appropriate to continue as an MP”, ahead of a ‘Call Keir’ event that the Labour leader will be holding via Zoom with residents in her constituency today.
The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, who was elected to represent the SNP but has now had the whip suspended, is facing calls to quit parliament after it was revealed that she travelled from Glasgow to London and back with Covid-19.
She has said that she felt unwell and took a coronavirus test before embarking on a 380-mile train journey to London, while waiting for the result instead of self-isolating, and delivered a speech on Covid in the House of Commons.
The Scottish MP then received a positive result and again chose not to self-isolate but took another train to return to Glasgow. She apologised in a statement last week for the behaviour, which led to a police investigation.
Leonard’s intervention today follows a previous call from the Scottish Labour leader for the SNP to kick Ferrier out of the party, saying on Monday that it was the “only step available to the SNP leadership now”.


labourlist--2020-10-07--McCluskey: We’ll use withdrawn Labour funding to “nurture newer voices”

General secretary Len McCluskey has announced that Unite the Union will use the funding withdrawn from Labour after its affiliation cut to “ support and nurture the newer voices in our movement ” .
The executive council of Unite narrowly voted yesterday to reduce its affiliation to Labour by 10 % , or 50,000 affiliates , which is a significant move – though the union will remain the party ’ s largest trade union affiliate .
Announcing the decision officially this morning , McCluskey said Unite would use the political funds to support the “ very talented thinkers and energetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our assistance ” .
The Unite general secretary said : “ Unite is and will remain the biggest affiliate to the Labour party , something that we are very proud to be .
“ We know that it is this union ’ s financial support and dedicated activists that help ensure that the Labour party is not just election-ready but sustained between elections .
“ But we also want to use our political funding to support and nurture the newer voices in our movement .
There are some very talented thinkers and energetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our assistance – and the Labour Party needs their enthusiasm and ideas , too.
” McCluskey explained that the redirection of funds would go to different parts of the wider labour movement , in a hint that he believes Keir Starmer ’ s leadership should listen more to affiliated unions and grassroots activists .
He added : “ Unite stands committed to transforming our country into a better place for working people so it is vital Labour remains the party of change and ideas , of redistribution and fairness .
“ Our party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these isles during both the last and this century , from developing universal healthcare and education to Sure Start and NHS investment .
“ We want to make sure it retains that spirit and determination because our movement ’ s brighter future – and a Labour government in 2024 – depends on this.
” In a pre-recorded interview with BBC Newsnight that aired last night but was conducted before the meeting , McCluskey said executive members of Unite were “ angry ” about the party ’ s handling of the Panorama libel case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July to ex-staffers and journalist John Ware in the case about antisemitism .
The party agreed to pay “ substantial damages ” believed to have cost between £600,000 and £750,000 .

General secretary Len McCluskey has announced that Unite the Union will use the funding withdrawn from Labour after its affiliation cut to “support and nurture the newer voices in our movement”.
The executive council of Unite narrowly voted yesterday to reduce its affiliation to Labour by 10%, or 50,000 affiliates, which is a significant move – though the union will remain the party’s largest trade union affiliate.
Announcing the decision officially this morning, McCluskey said Unite would use the political funds to support the “very talented thinkers and energetic organisations out there who could do with our assistance”.
The Unite general secretary said: “Unite is and will remain the biggest affiliate to the Labour party, something that we are very proud to be.
“We know that it is this union’s financial support and dedicated activists that help ensure that the Labour party is not just election-ready but sustained between elections.
“But we also want to use our political funding to support and nurture the newer voices in our movement. There are some very talented thinkers and energetic organisations out there who could do with our assistance – and the Labour Party needs their enthusiasm and ideas, too.”
McCluskey explained that the redirection of funds would go to different parts of the wider labour movement, in a hint that he believes Keir Starmer’s leadership should listen more to affiliated unions and grassroots activists.
He added: “Unite stands committed to transforming our country into a better place for working people so it is vital Labour remains the party of change and ideas, of redistribution and fairness.
“Our party has been the engine of progress in these isles during both the last and this century, from developing universal healthcare and education to Sure Start and NHS investment.
“We want to make sure it retains that spirit and determination because our movement’s brighter future – and a Labour government in 2024 – depends on this.”
In a pre-recorded interview with BBC Newsnight that aired last night but was conducted before the meeting, McCluskey said executive members of Unite were “angry” about the party’s handling of the Panorama libel case.
Labour apologised “unreservedly” in July to ex-staffers and journalist John Ware in the case about antisemitism. The party agreed to pay “substantial damages” believed to have cost between £600,000 and £750,000.


labourlist--2020-10-07--WATCH: McCluskey on Unite voting to cut Labour funding

Len McCluskey has discussed the alienation of Unite members in relation to Labour ’ s current direction as a meeting of the union ’ s executive voted to cut funding to the party by 10 % last night .
Speaking to BBC Newsnight a week in advance of Tuesday ’ s meeting , McCluskey said many of the executive members of Unite , Labour ’ s biggest individual donor , were unhappy with the party ’ s handling of the Panorama libel case .
McCluskey said : “ We give significant money to the Labour Party and I well remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary of this union ten years ago my members everywhere were saying ‘ why are we giving the Labour Party so much money ?
’ , because they felt that New Labour was letting them down .
“ And there will be that demand again , I have no doubt , if things start to move in different directions and ordinary working people start saying , ‘ well I ’ m not sure what Labour stands for ’ .
” He added : “ I ’ ve got an executive next week and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that the Labour Party paid out significant sums of money to individuals involved in that Panorama programme… ” “ They ’ re angry because they thought it was an absolute mistake and wrong to pay out huge sums of money to individuals who were suing the Labour Party based on the Panorama programme when Labour ’ s owns legal people were saying they would lose that case if it went to court , so we shouldn ’ t have paid them anything.
” Labour apologised “ unreservedly ” in July to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panorama libel case .
The party agreed to pay “ substantial damages ” believed to have cost between £600,000 and £750,000 .
McCluskey tweeted at the time that the decision was a “ misuse of Labour Party funds to settle a case it was advised we would win in court ” .
He added that the leaked antisemitism report “ tells a very different story about what happened ” .
The interview last night aired just hours after the executive of the union voted to cut the money it sends to the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing its affiliation to the Labour Party by around 50,000 members .
In a statement issued this morning , McCluskey said : “ Unite is and will remain the biggest affiliate to the Labour Party , something that we are very proud to be… But we also want to use our political funding to support and nurture the newer voices in our movement .
“ There are some very talented thinkers and energetic organisations out there who could do with our assistance – and the Labour Party needs their enthusiasm and ideas too.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been the engine of progress in these isles during both the last and this century , from developing universal healthcare and education to Sure Start and NHS investment .
“ We want to make sure it retains that spirit and determination because our movement ’ s brighter future – and a Labour government in 2024 – depends on this .
”

Len McCluskey has discussed the alienation of Unite members in relation to Labour’s current direction as a meeting of the union’s executive voted to cut funding to the party by 10% last night.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight a week in advance of Tuesday’s meeting, McCluskey said many of the executive members of Unite, Labour’s biggest individual donor, were unhappy with the party’s handling of the Panorama libel case.
McCluskey said: “We give significant money to the Labour Party and I well remember when I first took over as general secretary of this union ten years ago my members everywhere were saying ‘why are we giving the Labour Party so much money?’, because they felt that New Labour was letting them down.
“And there will be that demand again, I have no doubt, if things start to move in different directions and ordinary working people start saying, ‘well I’m not sure what Labour stands for’.”
He added: “I’ve got an executive next week and there’s already some anger at the fact that the Labour Party paid out significant sums of money to individuals involved in that Panorama programme…”
“They’re angry because they thought it was an absolute mistake and wrong to pay out huge sums of money to individuals who were suing the Labour Party based on the Panorama programme when Labour’s owns legal people were saying they would lose that case if it went to court, so we shouldn’t have paid them anything.”
“There’s a lot of anger.” The union Unite’s executive has today voted to cut funding to the Labour Party by 10%. Unite is the Labour Party’s biggest donor. Last week, General Secretary @LenMcCluskey spoke to Policy Editor @Lewis_Goodall about the change ⬇
#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/y1EbDPnCGT — BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) October 6, 2020
Labour apologised “unreservedly” in July to ex-staffers and journalist John Ware in the Panorama libel case. The party agreed to pay “substantial damages” believed to have cost between £600,000 and £750,000.
McCluskey tweeted at the time that the decision was a “misuse of Labour Party funds to settle a case it was advised we would win in court”. He added that the leaked antisemitism report “tells a very different story about what happened”.
The interview last night aired just hours after the executive of the union voted to cut the money it sends to the Labour Party each year by 10%, reducing its affiliation to the Labour Party by around 50,000 members.
In a statement issued this morning, McCluskey said: “Unite is and will remain the biggest affiliate to the Labour Party, something that we are very proud to be… But we also want to use our political funding to support and nurture the newer voices in our movement.
“There are some very talented thinkers and energetic organisations out there who could do with our assistance – and the Labour Party needs their enthusiasm and ideas too.”
He added: “Our party has been the engine of progress in these isles during both the last and this century, from developing universal healthcare and education to Sure Start and NHS investment.
“We want to make sure it retains that spirit and determination because our movement’s brighter future – and a Labour government in 2024 – depends on this.”


labourlist--2020-10-07--The self-employed have been abandoned during the coronavirus crisis

While the pandemic has hit all parts of the economy hard , the self-employed have been particularly badly affected .
Around one in seven workers in the UK are self-employed – roughly 15 % of the workforce – and many of them have seen their work dry up from the day lockdown began .
Millions of the self-employed have also fallen through the gaps in the government income support schemes and continue to be excluded from financial help .
They have been failed by the government .
Research by the Resolution Foundation shows almost half of self-employed people have lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown restrictions , or for health or caring reasons such as shielding and childcare .
Our members have told us similar stories , with 58 % experiencing a large fall in income due to the pandemic and many failing to qualify for help from the government ’ s income support schemes .
Like most other self-employed workers , our members are suffering real financial hardship .
Many of them feel – and have been – forgotten by the government .
Despite the precarious situation facing the self-employed , who are not entitled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is now thinking about raising National Insurance contributions for self-employed workers as a quid pro quo .
Yet what the government fails to understand is that self-employed workers are often at a significant disadvantage to full-time employees .
This crisis has exposed this inequality and the precarious situation faced by so many self-employed people .
Rather than hiking National Insurance contributions , the government should take a holistic approach to the self-employed workforce , which includes introducing additional and long-term support .
That ’ s why we are working with Prospect trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the future of self-employment .
We ’ ll be assessing the crisis facing the UK ’ s five million-strong self-employed workforce in the wake of the pandemic and will map out long-term solutions for the government to listen to , learn from and adopt .
Backed by Martin Lewis and with commissioners from across the political , academic and industry divide , we ’ ll be looking at issues such as the future tax regime and safety-net for these workers , their job security and employment rights , and how to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unequal support for different types of workers .
Our self-employed community has grown significantly over recent years and – as a result of the impact of the pandemic on our economy – we will likely see more people seek out new ways of working .
As trade unions , we ’ re proud champions of the self-employed and freelance community across the UK , and we ’ re here to help and support them .
However , the self-employed need more support from the government , and it is crucial that they get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue to play a significant and equitable role in the labour market of the future , they need to be placed on a level playing field with employees and treated justly .
Through the inquiry with Prospect trade union , we ’ ll be working to ensure that no worker , regardless of their employment status , is left behind .

While the pandemic has hit all parts of the economy hard, the self-employed have been particularly badly affected. Around one in seven workers in the UK are self-employed – roughly 15% of the workforce – and many of them have seen their work dry up from the day lockdown began. Millions of the self-employed have also fallen through the gaps in the government income support schemes and continue to be excluded from financial help. They have been failed by the government.
Research by the Resolution Foundation shows almost half of self-employed people have lost work due to lack of demand and lockdown restrictions, or for health or caring reasons such as shielding and childcare. Our members have told us similar stories, with 58% experiencing a large fall in income due to the pandemic and many failing to qualify for help from the government’s income support schemes. Like most other self-employed workers, our members are suffering real financial hardship. Many of them feel – and have been – forgotten by the government.
Despite the precarious situation facing the self-employed, who are not entitled to sick pay and other benefits, the government is now thinking about raising National Insurance contributions for self-employed workers as a quid pro quo. Yet what the government fails to understand is that self-employed workers are often at a significant disadvantage to full-time employees. This crisis has exposed this inequality and the precarious situation faced by so many self-employed people. Rather than hiking National Insurance contributions, the government should take a holistic approach to the self-employed workforce, which includes introducing additional and long-term support.
That’s why we are working with Prospect trade union to launch a new independent inquiry into the future of self-employment. We’ll be assessing the crisis facing the UK’s five million-strong self-employed workforce in the wake of the pandemic and will map out long-term solutions for the government to listen to, learn from and adopt. Backed by Martin Lewis and with commissioners from across the political, academic and industry divide, we’ll be looking at issues such as the future tax regime and safety-net for these workers, their job security and employment rights, and how to improve government understanding of the self-employed and avoid unequal support for different types of workers.
Our self-employed community has grown significantly over recent years and – as a result of the impact of the pandemic on our economy – we will likely see more people seek out new ways of working. As trade unions, we’re proud champions of the self-employed and freelance community across the UK, and we’re here to help and support them. However, the self-employed need more support from the government, and it is crucial that they get this right.
If self-employed workers are to continue to play a significant and equitable role in the labour market of the future, they need to be placed on a level playing field with employees and treated justly. Through the inquiry with Prospect trade union, we’ll be working to ensure that no worker, regardless of their employment status, is left behind.


labourlist--2020-10-07--“We won’t be back in the EU”: Rachel Reeves sets out Labour’s Brexit policy

Rachel Reeves set out Labour ’ s Brexit policy at a LabourList and UK in a Changing Europe event this week in which she said the UK would not be back in the European Union under a Labour government .
“ Under a Labour government , we will have a close relationship with the EU but we won ’ t be back in the EU .
I know that is something that is sad and difficult to come to terms with for a lot of us , but I think that is the reality we have to face up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view of Brexit before the 2019 election , the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said she “ reluctantly ” backed a fresh public vote because “ it felt like there was no other way out ” .
She said : “ I felt getting a deal through parliament then putting it to the people was the best way of resolving the stalemate we had reached .
I still think that would have been better than the situation we are in now.
” But Reeves , now in charge of Labour ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s opposite number , was frank about the new position that the party has taken since Keir Starmer took over the leadership in April .
Asked by a viewer about the possibility of Labour backing a campaign in 2024 to rejoin the EU if polls show a majority in support of the option , the shadow minister for the Cabinet Office rejected the idea .
She said : “ I can understand why people are asking those questions , and I do understand that Labour members feel very strongly .
I was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporter of a People ’ s Vote .
“ I wish we weren ’ t in the situation we are in now .
But I think that trying to reopen those debates and those old wounds , I don ’ t think it will help the country move on and I don ’ t think it will help the Labour Party move on .
“ I don ’ t see that we ’ re going to be in a position that in the next election we ’ re going to be campaigning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to accept the result of the referendum and the last election and move on .
“ That doesn ’ t mean accepting the deal that the Conservatives bring back , if they do bring back a deal , and saying that is now the end point and where we will be under a Labour government .
Absolutely not.
” The Labour frontbencher added that there would be “ huge opportunities for an incoming Labour government to reset that relationship in a way that is consistent with our values but in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used her contributions to the event to warn that “ leaving without a deal would be the very worst thing that could happen now ” , but also added : “ Just any old deal is not the deal that a Labour government would be striving for now.
” The shadow cabinet member agreed with fellow panellist Anand Menon that Boris Johnson ’ s government would likely secure a deal with the EU , saying : “ I think on balance now there is more likely to be a deal than not.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Tories is “ likely to be a very thin , slim deal ” , and that for Labour in government “ it would only be a building block on what Labour would seek to achieve ” .
In response to a viewer who contended that rejoining the European single market and customs union would be important in the Covid recovery , Reeves confirmed that Labour would not back the proposal .
“ I don ’ t accept the premise of the question .
I don ’ t think we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ In four years time when the next election will be , businesses would have started doing things differently… “ I would much rather us remain in the EU , but there is no way that the Labour Party or indeed the Liberal Democrats are going into the next election arguing for another referendum and another massive upheaval.
” She summed up the view by saying : “ We can have much closer cooperation than what the Conservatives want to achieve through these negotiations , but that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customs union or a single market.
” Reeves also disagreed with the suggestion that Labour had been quiet on Brexit in recent months .
She said the focus had been tackling coronavirus but added : “ I don ’ t think it ’ s right to say we have been silent on issues of Brexit .
“ Most of all on the internal market bill , where I think Ed Miliband ’ s opening speech and hopefully my closing speech , in a slightly less eye-catching way , were holding the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this government ” .
The government announced last month that , in a bid to avoid backlogs and traffic jams after the Brexit transition period ends , lorries will be stopped from entering Kent unless they have required paperwork .
Reeves commented : “ The idea that you ’ re going to have to have some sort of passport to get into Kent… I think it is laughable if it wasn ’ t so serious .
We can ’ t be in a situation where you need passports to travel around the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just speaks to the chaos and incompetence that is going on here , that here we are four years and three Prime Ministers since we voted to leave the European Union , that we ’ re still not in a position that we ’ ve properly thought through and had processes in place.
” The event can be watched back in full on YouTube .

Rachel Reeves set out Labour’s Brexit policy at a LabourList and UK in a Changing Europe event this week in which she said the UK would not be back in the European Union under a Labour government.
“Under a Labour government, we will have a close relationship with the EU but we won’t be back in the EU. I know that is something that is sad and difficult to come to terms with for a lot of us, but I think that is the reality we have to face up to,” she said.
Explaining her view of Brexit before the 2019 election, the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said she “reluctantly” backed a fresh public vote because “it felt like there was no other way out”.
She said: “I felt getting a deal through parliament then putting it to the people was the best way of resolving the stalemate we had reached. I still think that would have been better than the situation we are in now.”
But Reeves, now in charge of Labour’s Brexit policy as Michael Gove’s opposite number, was frank about the new position that the party has taken since Keir Starmer took over the leadership in April.
Asked by a viewer about the possibility of Labour backing a campaign in 2024 to rejoin the EU if polls show a majority in support of the option, the shadow minister for the Cabinet Office rejected the idea.
She said: “I can understand why people are asking those questions, and I do understand that Labour members feel very strongly. I was a big campaigner for Remain, a big supporter of a People’s Vote.
“I wish we weren’t in the situation we are in now. But I think that trying to reopen those debates and those old wounds, I don’t think it will help the country move on and I don’t think it will help the Labour Party move on.
“I don’t see that we’re going to be in a position that in the next election we’re going to be campaigning to go back into the EU… I think we need to accept the result of the referendum and the last election and move on.
“That doesn’t mean accepting the deal that the Conservatives bring back, if they do bring back a deal, and saying that is now the end point and where we will be under a Labour government. Absolutely not.”
The Labour frontbencher added that there would be “huge opportunities for an incoming Labour government to reset that relationship in a way that is consistent with our values but in the national interest as well”.
Reeves used her contributions to the event to warn that “leaving without a deal would be the very worst thing that could happen now”, but also added: “Just any old deal is not the deal that a Labour government would be striving for now.”
The shadow cabinet member agreed with fellow panellist Anand Menon that Boris Johnson’s government would likely secure a deal with the EU, saying: “I think on balance now there is more likely to be a deal than not.”
But she specified that the deal secured by the Tories is “likely to be a very thin, slim deal”, and that for Labour in government “it would only be a building block on what Labour would seek to achieve”.
In response to a viewer who contended that rejoining the European single market and customs union would be important in the Covid recovery, Reeves confirmed that Labour would not back the proposal.
“I don’t accept the premise of the question. I don’t think we have to rejoin the single market and customs union,” she said. “In four years time when the next election will be, businesses would have started doing things differently…
“I would much rather us remain in the EU, but there is no way that the Labour Party or indeed the Liberal Democrats are going into the next election arguing for another referendum and another massive upheaval.”
She summed up the view by saying: “We can have much closer cooperation than what the Conservatives want to achieve through these negotiations, but that can be short of being in a formal customs union or a single market.”
Reeves also disagreed with the suggestion that Labour had been quiet on Brexit in recent months. She said the focus had been tackling coronavirus but added: “I don’t think it’s right to say we have been silent on issues of Brexit.
“Most of all on the internal market bill, where I think Ed Miliband’s opening speech and hopefully my closing speech, in a slightly less eye-catching way, were holding the government to account and showing the dangerous actions of this government”.
The government announced last month that, in a bid to avoid backlogs and traffic jams after the Brexit transition period ends, lorries will be stopped from entering Kent unless they have required paperwork.
Reeves commented: “The idea that you’re going to have to have some sort of passport to get into Kent… I think it is laughable if it wasn’t so serious. We can’t be in a situation where you need passports to travel around the United Kingdom.
“But I think it just speaks to the chaos and incompetence that is going on here, that here we are four years and three Prime Ministers since we voted to leave the European Union, that we’re still not in a position that we’ve properly thought through and had processes in place.”
The event can be watched back in full on YouTube.


labourlist--2020-10-07--“Back British farmers,” Keir Starmer tells Boris Johnson

Keir Starmer has demanded that the Prime Minister “ back British farmers ” by supporting the Labour Party ’ s plans to protect the UK from lower-standard food imports after the Brexit transition phase ends .
The opposition party has argued that the government has refused to protect the country ’ s food standards ahead of Brexit – despite the Tory 2019 manifesto celebrating the “ high standards ” of British farming .
The government refused in May to amend its agriculture bill in a way that would ensure the UK ’ s existing environmental protections , food safety regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future trade deals .
In a letter sent today , Starmer told Boris Johnson : “ I want our country to produce the best food in the world , where our farmers compete on the basis of quality and are not undermined by producers working to lower standards elsewhere .
“ Britain should be a beacon of quality , high standards , ethical treatment of animals and environmental protections in all aspects of food production.
” Commenting ahead of a visit to National Farmers ’ Union president Minette Batters ’ farm in Wiltshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , Starmer said : “ No-one wants lower quality food on our plates.
” But the Labour leader added that “ unless the Prime Minister shows some leadership and backs British farmers , there is a real risk this could happen ” .
The agriculture bill , which makes provisions for farming in preparation for the end of the Brexit transition period , recently passed through the House of Lords and is now due to return to the Commons on October 1st .
Tory MPs have voted down Labour attempts to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is also progressing through parliament , to enshrine in law the country ’ s high environmental protections , animal welfare and food standards .
Pollard said : “ Conservative MPs have a choice : they can show they are on the side of our farmers and quality produce , or they can continue to play political games .
No deal with the US or anywhere else is worth trading away our high values.
” Labour has also said it wants the trade and agriculture commission to “ have the teeth ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensure parliamentary oversight , as recommended in the government ’ s own national food strategy .
The NFU , the largest UK organisation representing farmers , has been lobbying the government to ensure that food imports from countries with lower standards , such as the US , are banned .
More than one million people signed its recent petition .
A recent survey found a significant majority of the British public do not want food produced to lower standards to be allowed on sale in the UK , and several supermarkets have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food .
Starmer ’ s comments come after Labour shadow ministers discussed the Tory positions on trade standards , food imports and the threat to farmers amid Brexit at the online conference held by Labour Coast and Country in September .
Shadow minister Daniel Zeichner argued : “ Rural communities don ’ t want any of this , and that is a huge opportunity for Labour .
I think we could have a perfect moment when the Conservative government is deeply unpopular.
” Outlining Labour ’ s approach , he added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credible , plausible alternative that wants to build an environmentally friendly , sustainable food and farming system for the future , that is our chance .
”

Keir Starmer has demanded that the Prime Minister “back British farmers” by supporting the Labour Party’s plans to protect the UK from lower-standard food imports after the Brexit transition phase ends.
The opposition party has argued that the government has refused to protect the country’s food standards ahead of Brexit – despite the Tory 2019 manifesto celebrating the “high standards” of British farming.
The government refused in May to amend its agriculture bill in a way that would ensure the UK’s existing environmental protections, food safety regulations and animal welfare laws are safeguarded in future trade deals.
In a letter sent today, Starmer told Boris Johnson: “I want our country to produce the best food in the world, where our farmers compete on the basis of quality and are not undermined by producers working to lower standards elsewhere.
“Britain should be a beacon of quality, high standards, ethical treatment of animals and environmental protections in all aspects of food production.”
Commenting ahead of a visit to National Farmers’ Union president Minette Batters’ farm in Wiltshire with Shadow Environment Secretary Luke Pollard on Thursday, Starmer said: “No-one wants lower quality food on our plates.”
But the Labour leader added that “unless the Prime Minister shows some leadership and backs British farmers, there is a real risk this could happen”.
The agriculture bill, which makes provisions for farming in preparation for the end of the Brexit transition period, recently passed through the House of Lords and is now due to return to the Commons on October 1st.
Tory MPs have voted down Labour attempts to use this bill or the trade bill, which is also progressing through parliament, to enshrine in law the country’s high environmental protections, animal welfare and food standards.
Pollard said: “Conservative MPs have a choice: they can show they are on the side of our farmers and quality produce, or they can continue to play political games. No deal with the US or anywhere else is worth trading away our high values.”
Labour has also said it wants the trade and agriculture commission to “have the teeth” to assess each trade deal against core standards and ensure parliamentary oversight, as recommended in the government’s own national food strategy.
The NFU, the largest UK organisation representing farmers, has been lobbying the government to ensure that food imports from countries with lower standards, such as the US, are banned. More than one million people signed its recent petition.
A recent survey found a significant majority of the British public do not want food produced to lower standards to be allowed on sale in the UK, and several supermarkets have committed not to stock lower standard imported food.
Starmer’s comments come after Labour shadow ministers discussed the Tory positions on trade standards, food imports and the threat to farmers amid Brexit at the online conference held by Labour Coast and Country in September.
Shadow minister Daniel Zeichner argued: “Rural communities don’t want any of this, and that is a huge opportunity for Labour. I think we could have a perfect moment when the Conservative government is deeply unpopular.”
Outlining Labour’s approach, he added: “If we can present ourselves as a credible, plausible alternative that wants to build an environmentally friendly, sustainable food and farming system for the future, that is our chance.”


labourlist--2020-10-07--Labour launches ‘international climate justice network’ to inform party policy

The Labour Party has launched an ‘ international climate justice network ’ with the aim of developing party policy and giving a voice to those experiencing the effects of the climate crisis , LabourList can reveal .
Shadow minister for international development Anna McMorrin has written to grassroots organisations , benefactors of aid and communities living on the edge of climate change about the new initiative .
She has described the network in the letter as wanting to highlight the views of “ people and communities currently living and experiencing the direct and indirect impacts of the climate crisis first-hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This network will be a space for the UK Labour Party to listen , learn and act on the thoughts and experiences you share with us regarding the way climate change is impacting your community and the steps you are taking to counter that… “ Too often the voices of people and communities living on the frontlines of climate change , those who are bearing the brunt of the changes we are witnessing across our planet , are forgotten , ignored or locked out of the decision-making.
” The Labour frontbencher ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share their thoughts and experiences in a bid to put “ international climate justice at the heart of the UK Labour Party ’ s climate policy platform ” .
It reads : “ We are determined to ensure that not only do we have a respectable and sustainable domestic climate platform , but internationalist policies which meet the moment and reflect Labour values.
” As the network ’ s first project , McMorrin has asked groups for their views on and examples of the following : • How climate changes have affected their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health ” • How “ carbon-emitting , extractive policies ” have directly affected their community • Which threats will emerge in the next 20 years “ if the world carries on the same carbon-emitting trajectory ” • Which “ major policy decision ” they would implement to stop climate change • What the UK could do in the short term , “ using development and aid investment ” , to “ make a tangible difference ” in their community The shadow minister plans to host virtual follow-up meetings with the non-governmental , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about their experiences and climate policy ideas .
McMorrin then intends to host “ virtual climate hearings ” , where groups and communities will be invited to speak with “ climate-focused ” Labour MPs and “ provide living testimony ” about the realities of the climate emergency .
The frontbencher recently called on the UK government to “ protect people and planet ” by taking urgent action on an abandoned oil tanker at risk of spilling 157,000 tonnes of crude oil into the Red Sea .
In a letter to the minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McMorrin and shadow minister Wayne David warned that the Safer FSO Oil tanker could exacerbate the long-running humanitarian crisis in Yemen .
As MP for Cardiff North , McMorrin brought a backbench bill in the last parliament on plastic packagings .
She also sat on the environmental audit select committee and was vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on climate change .
During the 2019 election campaign , she told LabourList that she had met with environmental movement Extinction Rebellion and promised to help with them with their net-zero carbon emissions target of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ My feeling is we have to go for the highest , hardest target because we need radical change as quickly as possible .
Whether that ’ s actually going to be achievable is another matter .
”

The Labour Party has launched an ‘international climate justice network’ with the aim of developing party policy and giving a voice to those experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, LabourList can reveal.
Shadow minister for international development Anna McMorrin has written to grassroots organisations, benefactors of aid and communities living on the edge of climate change about the new initiative.
She has described the network in the letter as wanting to highlight the views of “people and communities currently living and experiencing the direct and indirect impacts of the climate crisis first-hand”.
McMorrin has told groups: “This network will be a space for the UK Labour Party to listen, learn and act on the thoughts and experiences you share with us regarding the way climate change is impacting your community and the steps you are taking to counter that…
“Too often the voices of people and communities living on the frontlines of climate change, those who are bearing the brunt of the changes we are witnessing across our planet, are forgotten, ignored or locked out of the decision-making.”
The Labour frontbencher’s letter invites its climate-hit recipients to share their thoughts and experiences in a bid to put “international climate justice at the heart of the UK Labour Party’s climate policy platform”.
It reads: “We are determined to ensure that not only do we have a respectable and sustainable domestic climate platform, but internationalist policies which meet the moment and reflect Labour values.”
As the network’s first project, McMorrin has asked groups for their views on and examples of the following:
How climate changes have affected their “local environment, community, livelihoods and health”
How “carbon-emitting, extractive policies” have directly affected their community
Which threats will emerge in the next 20 years “if the world carries on the same carbon-emitting trajectory”
Which “major policy decision” they would implement to stop climate change
What the UK could do in the short term, “using development and aid investment”, to “make a tangible difference” in their community
The shadow minister plans to host virtual follow-up meetings with the non-governmental, grassroots and international organisations for in-depth discussions about their experiences and climate policy ideas.
McMorrin then intends to host “virtual climate hearings”, where groups and communities will be invited to speak with “climate-focused” Labour MPs and “provide living testimony” about the realities of the climate emergency.
The frontbencher recently called on the UK government to “protect people and planet” by taking urgent action on an abandoned oil tanker at risk of spilling 157,000 tonnes of crude oil into the Red Sea.
In a letter to the minister for the Middle East and North Africa, McMorrin and shadow minister Wayne David warned that the Safer FSO Oil tanker could exacerbate the long-running humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
As MP for Cardiff North, McMorrin brought a backbench bill in the last parliament on plastic packagings. She also sat on the environmental audit select committee and was vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on climate change.
During the 2019 election campaign, she told LabourList that she had met with environmental movement Extinction Rebellion and promised to help with them with their net-zero carbon emissions target of 2025.
She said at the time: “My feeling is we have to go for the highest, hardest target because we need radical change as quickly as possible. Whether that’s actually going to be achievable is another matter.”


labourlist--2020-10-07--The new job scheme is far inferior to furlough. We need a people’s bailout

The Chancellor ’ s winter economy plan essentially announced a mass cull of jobs that it deemed “ non-viable ” while imposing a 23 % pay cut on all other jobs that had been protected under the furlough scheme .
I ’ ve been a trade union organiser long enough to know that in any wage announcements the devil is always buried in the detail .
As I read the small print of the mass cuts , I recognised that far more could be done to support workers , and the gaping holes in these plans make me feel depressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listened carefully to the Chancellor ’ s Tory conference speech and it appears he has not taken any notice of the voices saying the winter economy plan does not go far enough .
Here is my take on the employment support scheme .
To access the scheme , employers have to provide at least 33 % of an employee ’ s contracted hours .
At this level , the scheme will guarantee 77 % of the employee ’ s wages – so long as they earn under £25,500 .
But this is only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s contribution by paying 22 % extra .
Essentially , to access the scheme , employers will have to pay over half of the wages of employees who are working a third of their contracted hours .
The scheme is intended to protect “ viable jobs ” , but the conditions set out raise big questions over what the government counts as ‘ viable ’ .
The new job support scheme is far inferior to the job retention scheme , which covered 80 % of wages .
Simply to access the new scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in wages .
This penalty gradually reduces the more hours employees work , but there is a dangerous incentive for the employer to pass this cost on to the employee in the form of reduced hourly rates .
This could mean tearing up contracts and will probably mean reducing contracted hours , all the more so as the scheme doesn ’ t kick in until the employee is working 33 % of their hours – much easier and cheaper to the employer if they reduce the actual amount of contracted hours .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employers will either return everyone to work full time , carry a significant burden in trying to return employees to work , or tear up contracts .
The sharks are circling , and I read that one law firm was actively encouraging employers to lay people off , just as we have heard with the Cineworld announcement .
The company is temporarily closing down 127 cinemas with 5,500 job cuts , and this is precisely why unions need make the case for jobs to be protected under a people ’ s bailout .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme might be workers initially having their wages cut by 23 % , and then finding their employer trying to cut this further through a reduction in hours or hourly rate .
Unscrupulous employers might use the scheme to reduce terms just long enough to benefit from the consequent reduction in the cost of redundancies , before laying off staff .
What about the welfare status of workers who have to walk away from contracts that they can not afford to live on ?
It appears that no consideration has been given to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could also be forced out of the jobs they can not afford to live on .
Then there is the fact that this scheme kicks in at an arbitrary 33 % hours worked .
This leaves us to question what the scheme does for those workers whose employers can ’ t find a third of contracted hours , or cover the cost incurred in accessing the scheme at this , its most expensive level ?
If this scenario prevails , there is a huge threat of mass layoffs as a likely outcome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagination over how these unworked hours could have been used to help prepare Britain for new economic realities .
A generous interpretation might be that it is an ill-conceived attempt at job retention that perversely incentivises redundancies .
A cynical interpretation could be that the wave of subsequent job losses would help hide the true damage of a no-deal Brexit .
It may be a cliché but the phrase ‘ too little , too late ’ could have been invented for this scheme .
Certainly , if trade unions had been consulted much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme that genuinely protected jobs and helped prepare the ground to ease employers through the transition .
The government appears to think that the test of whether a job is viable or not is whether it can survive this scheme .
But there are jobs throughout our economy – in leisure and hospitality , transport , the arts , music and many other sectors – that are clearly viable post-Covid and that we might rely on post-Brexit , and yet which come under threat from this scheme .
Furlough was an investment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test of viability .
Can we protect a person ’ s livelihood , their family , their welfare ?
If the answer is yes , the job support scheme has passed the test .
It has been argued that taxpayers will not endorse the indefinite continuation of furlough , but this money could be used to invest in the employees it retains and prepare them for a post-Brexit Britain .
The government already offers free online courses in different levels of skills that it regards as essential to Britain ’ s transition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the structure used in apprenticeships , employers , trade unions and employees could show that this money is an investment in future jobs .
We have our work cut out .
As a minimum , we need to swiftly plan to do the following in response to Rishi Sunak ’ s winter economy plan : • Call for an immediate suspension or extension of redundancy consultations to assess if jobs under threat can be retained ; • Mount a campaign to stop the 23 % wage cuts .
We need the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick leave ; • Demand a workers ’ industrial skills and development strategy , and for the investment in skills and up-skilling to start immediately – not the pathetic attempt by the Prime Minister to offer courses from April 2021 ; • Reset union membership offers to workers and organise mass social solidarity that puts every politician on notice if they do not protect the livelihoods of people that drive this economy ; • In the absence of a comprehensive spending review , continue to expose the breathtaking profit being made from our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rebuild our services by demanding they are requisitioned back in-house and public money invested back into services and workers ’ terms and conditions ; and • Unite the unions around a demand for investment in infrastructure and in our public services , and to make a call for jobs across all sectors that will power the economy post-Brexit .
Unions worked well together in the early days of the pandemic .
We secured furlough , laid bare the personal protective equipment scandal and the indignity of statutory sick pay , and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is calling a test , trace and track system .
Unions , whilst protecting worker safety , need to include a protection of their livelihoods – so a people ’ s bailout is long overdue .
Let us not forget that we are the custodians of the truth regarding this pandemic .
It is our duty to workers and our members to make sure this is known far and wide .
No politician should be claiming to speak with authority on the impact of Covid if that authority has not come directly from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who have been let down , and to all those who have lost their lives .
We need collective working-class leadership because the biggest attack on the lives of working people is upon us .
We can not fail .

The Chancellor’s winter economy plan essentially announced a mass cull of jobs that it deemed “non-viable” while imposing a 23% pay cut on all other jobs that had been protected under the furlough scheme. I’ve been a trade union organiser long enough to know that in any wage announcements the devil is always buried in the detail. As I read the small print of the mass cuts, I recognised that far more could be done to support workers, and the gaping holes in these plans make me feel depressed and angry in equal measure. I listened carefully to the Chancellor’s Tory conference speech and it appears he has not taken any notice of the voices saying the winter economy plan does not go far enough.
Here is my take on the employment support scheme. To access the scheme, employers have to provide at least 33% of an employee’s contracted hours. At this level, the scheme will guarantee 77% of the employee’s wages – so long as they earn under £25,500. But this is only if the employer matches the government’s contribution by paying 22% extra. Essentially, to access the scheme, employers will have to pay over half of the wages of employees who are working a third of their contracted hours. The scheme is intended to protect “viable jobs”, but the conditions set out raise big questions over what the government counts as ‘viable’.
The new job support scheme is far inferior to the job retention scheme, which covered 80% of wages. Simply to access the new scheme employers will be paying 22% more in wages. This penalty gradually reduces the more hours employees work, but there is a dangerous incentive for the employer to pass this cost on to the employee in the form of reduced hourly rates. This could mean tearing up contracts and will probably mean reducing contracted hours, all the more so as the scheme doesn’t kick in until the employee is working 33% of their hours – much easier and cheaper to the employer if they reduce the actual amount of contracted hours. We can’t let that happen.
Employers will either return everyone to work full time, carry a significant burden in trying to return employees to work, or tear up contracts. The sharks are circling, and I read that one law firm was actively encouraging employers to lay people off, just as we have heard with the Cineworld announcement. The company is temporarily closing down 127 cinemas with 5,500 job cuts, and this is precisely why unions need make the case for jobs to be protected under a people’s bailout.
Other likely scenarios resulting from the new scheme might be workers initially having their wages cut by 23%, and then finding their employer trying to cut this further through a reduction in hours or hourly rate. Unscrupulous employers might use the scheme to reduce terms just long enough to benefit from the consequent reduction in the cost of redundancies, before laying off staff.
What about the welfare status of workers who have to walk away from contracts that they cannot afford to live on? It appears that no consideration has been given to the possibility that workers removed from furlough could also be forced out of the jobs they cannot afford to live on.
Then there is the fact that this scheme kicks in at an arbitrary 33% hours worked. This leaves us to question what the scheme does for those workers whose employers can’t find a third of contracted hours, or cover the cost incurred in accessing the scheme at this, its most expensive level? If this scenario prevails, there is a huge threat of mass layoffs as a likely outcome.
This scheme shows a singular lack of imagination over how these unworked hours could have been used to help prepare Britain for new economic realities. A generous interpretation might be that it is an ill-conceived attempt at job retention that perversely incentivises redundancies. A cynical interpretation could be that the wave of subsequent job losses would help hide the true damage of a no-deal Brexit.
It may be a cliché but the phrase ‘too little, too late’ could have been invented for this scheme. Certainly, if trade unions had been consulted much earlier, we could have constructed a scheme that genuinely protected jobs and helped prepare the ground to ease employers through the transition.
The government appears to think that the test of whether a job is viable or not is whether it can survive this scheme. But there are jobs throughout our economy – in leisure and hospitality, transport, the arts, music and many other sectors – that are clearly viable post-Covid and that we might rely on post-Brexit, and yet which come under threat from this scheme. Furlough was an investment in people, and here is a true test of viability. Can we protect a person’s livelihood, their family, their welfare? If the answer is yes, the job support scheme has passed the test.
It has been argued that taxpayers will not endorse the indefinite continuation of furlough, but this money could be used to invest in the employees it retains and prepare them for a post-Brexit Britain. The government already offers free online courses in different levels of skills that it regards as essential to Britain’s transition to a new economy. Using a variation of the structure used in apprenticeships, employers, trade unions and employees could show that this money is an investment in future jobs.
We have our work cut out. As a minimum, we need to swiftly plan to do the following in response to Rishi Sunak’s winter economy plan:
Call for an immediate suspension or extension of redundancy consultations to assess if jobs under threat can be retained; Mount a campaign to stop the 23% wage cuts. We need the state to underwrite all wages including workers on sick leave; Demand a workers’ industrial skills and development strategy, and for the investment in skills and up-skilling to start immediately – not the pathetic attempt by the Prime Minister to offer courses from April 2021; Reset union membership offers to workers and organise mass social solidarity that puts every politician on notice if they do not protect the livelihoods of people that drive this economy; In the absence of a comprehensive spending review, continue to expose the breathtaking profit being made from our public services and keep making the call to rebuild our services by demanding they are requisitioned back in-house and public money invested back into services and workers’ terms and conditions; and Unite the unions around a demand for investment in infrastructure and in our public services, and to make a call for jobs across all sectors that will power the economy post-Brexit.
Unions worked well together in the early days of the pandemic. We secured furlough, laid bare the personal protective equipment scandal and the indignity of statutory sick pay, and more recently exposed the disaster that this government is calling a test, trace and track system. Unions, whilst protecting worker safety, need to include a protection of their livelihoods – so a people’s bailout is long overdue.
Let us not forget that we are the custodians of the truth regarding this pandemic. It is our duty to workers and our members to make sure this is known far and wide. No politician should be claiming to speak with authority on the impact of Covid if that authority has not come directly from us. We owe it to all those who have been let down, and to all those who have lost their lives. We need collective working-class leadership because the biggest attack on the lives of working people is upon us. We cannot fail.


labourlist--2020-10-07--“He’s lost control”: Labour releases new attack ads targeting PM

The Labour Party has released a new series of political attack adverts targeted at the Conservative Prime Minister and his heavily criticised handling of the government response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Labour MPs and other supporters have today taken to social media with enthusiasm to share the new graphics produced by the party , which echo some of the accusations thrown at Boris Johnson in recent weeks .
One of the images being shared on Twitter states “ he ’ s lost control ” beside an image of the Prime Minister .
This mirrors concerns voiced not only by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional director as Covid cases increased last month .
Another pictured Johnson in front of the words : “ Serial incompetence.
” This has been a favoured attack line from the shadow frontbench , used recently by the Shadow Health Secretary , deputy Angela Rayner and the Labour leader .
The party has released other adverts in a similar vein , with messages including “ he ’ s got no answers ” .
The graphics echo the line pushed by Starmer repeatedly at Prime Minister ’ s Questions , challenging Johnson on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader told the Prime Minister today that the public could perhaps understand the most recent government error , which saw nearly 16,000 cases not passed on to the test and trace system , if it had been an “ isolated ” incident .
But he identified repeated failures : “ There is a pattern here – on care homes , protective equipment , exams , testing .
The Prime Minister ignores the warning signs , hurtles towards a car crash , looks in the rear mirror and says ‘ what ’ s all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader has frequently criticised the Prime Minister for “ incompetence ” in his management of the pandemic , including when he recently backed new Covid measures but slammed Johnson for not listening to prior warnings about the virus .
He also told viewers in a Sky News interview last month that Johnson was not up to the job of being Prime Minister in a pandemic , arguing that the Tory leader does not have the right “ character ” for the role .
Labour recently launched attack ads targeting Rishi Sunak , often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory leader , that mocked the slick branded graphics put out by the Chancellor ’ s team to celebrate his policy announcements .
Referring to the fact that the graphics posted on social media by the Chancellor are often branded with his signature , Labour declared of the government ’ s economic policies : “ Rishi Sunak ’ s name is all over it ” .

The Labour Party has released a new series of political attack adverts targeted at the Conservative Prime Minister and his heavily criticised handling of the government response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Labour MPs and other supporters have today taken to social media with enthusiasm to share the new graphics produced by the party, which echo some of the accusations thrown at Boris Johnson in recent weeks.
One of the images being shared on Twitter states “he’s lost control” beside an image of the Prime Minister. This mirrors concerns voiced not only by Keir Starmer but also a former NHS regional director as Covid cases increased last month.
Another pictured Johnson in front of the words: “Serial incompetence.” This has been a favoured attack line from the shadow frontbench, used recently by the Shadow Health Secretary, deputy Angela Rayner and the Labour leader.
The party has released other adverts in a similar vein, with messages including “he’s got no answers”. The graphics echo the line pushed by Starmer repeatedly at Prime Minister’s Questions, challenging Johnson on his competence in the pandemic.
The Labour leader told the Prime Minister today that the public could perhaps understand the most recent government error, which saw nearly 16,000 cases not passed on to the test and trace system, if it had been an “isolated” incident.
But he identified repeated failures: “There is a pattern here – on care homes, protective equipment, exams, testing. The Prime Minister ignores the warning signs, hurtles towards a car crash, looks in the rear mirror and says ‘what’s all that about?’”
The Labour leader has frequently criticised the Prime Minister for “incompetence” in his management of the pandemic, including when he recently backed new Covid measures but slammed Johnson for not listening to prior warnings about the virus.
He also told viewers in a Sky News interview last month that Johnson was not up to the job of being Prime Minister in a pandemic, arguing that the Tory leader does not have the right “character” for the role.
Labour recently launched attack ads targeting Rishi Sunak, often tipped as a potential candidate for next Tory leader, that mocked the slick branded graphics put out by the Chancellor’s team to celebrate his policy announcements.
Referring to the fact that the graphics posted on social media by the Chancellor are often branded with his signature, Labour declared of the government’s economic policies: “Rishi Sunak’s name is all over it”.


labourlist--2020-10-07--Labour gives local parties permission to hold virtual AGMs

The Labour Party has informed local parties today that they now have permission to hold virtual annual general meetings that have been suspended so far during the coronavirus pandemic .
As noted in Alice Perry ’ s latest national executive committee ( NEC ) report for LabourList , the party ’ s ruling body has discussed plans to allow Constituency Labour Parties to resume their full business online .
Perry wrote : “ Members will be able to hold AGMs online .
It is unlikely that members will be able to meet in person in 2020 and beyond , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet virtually to conduct their usual business.
” Labour has now informed local chairs and secretaries via email of this significant development , which means that “ as long as the usual notice period is given , AGMs may take place immediately ” .
The move will allow constituency parties across the country to organise AGMs that may have been delayed by the pandemic , and it will likely lead to changes in the factional balances of power on a local level .
Branches and CLPs will have to apply the usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minimum number of members that must be present to make the proceedings of the meeting in question valid .
Local parties will also have to conduct meetings via an online platform approved by the Labour Party and ensure that online ballots are “ secret and secure ” as they would usually have to be in a non-virtual setting .
A number of CLPs and branches have held informal meetings throughout Covid-19 via Zoom , Jitsi or the party-recommended platform of Microsoft Teams .
ChoiceVoting is recommended by Labour for online votes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings in recent months , with fresh Labour NEC elections this year needing to take place .
The nomination period ended last month and ballots will be sent out from October 19th .
Below is the full text of Labour ’ s email sent to local parties this afternoon .
With the continuing restrictions around Covid-19 , CLPs are still not in a position to meet physically .
The NEC therefore have agreed to allow CLPs and branches ( including equalities branches ) to conduct AGMs .
This means that as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AGMs may take place immediately .
Full guidance will be circulated shortly , but we would like to take this opportunity to let you know the basic principles that have been agreed by the NEC : • Your branch or CLP ’ s usual quorum will apply • All ballots must be secret and secure , and conducted via an online platform approved by the Labour Party • Nominations should be submitted in advance where possible to enable the online ballot to be set up in advance of the meeting • Where only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position , that candidate will be elected unopposed • Where required , an AGM may be conducted in two parts ( e.g .
Officers elected at pt 1 , delegates to outside bodies elected to at pt 2 ) • No CLP AGM shall take place between 1 January and 5 February 2021 ( to ensure affiliates are able to fully participate ) , nor during the regulated period for the 2021 elections .
All CLPs will be expected to have conducted an AGM by 31 July 2021 • The scheduling of meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate regional/Welsh/Scottish office to ensure appropriate staff support can be made available and that AGMs are not detracting from the 2021 elections Guidance will be issued next week to assist you in setting up and delivering your AGM online , however , your regional/Welsh/Scottish office is on hand should you have any queries .
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work in running NEC nomination meetings over the last few months .
The next stage of the NEC elections will be an OMOV ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 19 October and 12 November .

The Labour Party has informed local parties today that they now have permission to hold virtual annual general meetings that have been suspended so far during the coronavirus pandemic.
As noted in Alice Perry’s latest national executive committee (NEC) report for LabourList, the party’s ruling body has discussed plans to allow Constituency Labour Parties to resume their full business online.
Perry wrote: “Members will be able to hold AGMs online. It is unlikely that members will be able to meet in person in 2020 and beyond, so NEC members are keen to allow members to meet virtually to conduct their usual business.”
Labour has now informed local chairs and secretaries via email of this significant development, which means that “as long as the usual notice period is given, AGMs may take place immediately”.
The move will allow constituency parties across the country to organise AGMs that may have been delayed by the pandemic, and it will likely lead to changes in the factional balances of power on a local level.
Branches and CLPs will have to apply the usual rules on quorum, which refers to the minimum number of members that must be present to make the proceedings of the meeting in question valid.
Local parties will also have to conduct meetings via an online platform approved by the Labour Party and ensure that online ballots are “secret and secure” as they would usually have to be in a non-virtual setting.
A number of CLPs and branches have held informal meetings throughout Covid-19 via Zoom, Jitsi or the party-recommended platform of Microsoft Teams. ChoiceVoting is recommended by Labour for online votes.
CLPs have been able to hold nomination meetings in recent months, with fresh Labour NEC elections this year needing to take place. The nomination period ended last month and ballots will be sent out from October 19th.
Below is the full text of Labour’s email sent to local parties this afternoon.
With the continuing restrictions around Covid-19, CLPs are still not in a position to meet physically. The NEC therefore have agreed to allow CLPs and branches (including equalities branches) to conduct AGMs.
This means that as long as the usual notice period is given, AGMs may take place immediately.
Full guidance will be circulated shortly, but we would like to take this opportunity to let you know the basic principles that have been agreed by the NEC:
• Your branch or CLP’s usual quorum will apply • All ballots must be secret and secure, and conducted via an online platform approved by the Labour Party • Nominations should be submitted in advance where possible to enable the online ballot to be set up in advance of the meeting • Where only one nomination is received for a particular position, that candidate will be elected unopposed • Where required, an AGM may be conducted in two parts (e.g. Officers elected at pt 1, delegates to outside bodies elected to at pt 2) • No CLP AGM shall take place between 1 January and 5 February 2021 (to ensure affiliates are able to fully participate), nor during the regulated period for the 2021 elections. All CLPs will be expected to have conducted an AGM by 31 July 2021 • The scheduling of meetings must be agreed in advance with the appropriate regional/Welsh/Scottish office to ensure appropriate staff support can be made available and that AGMs are not detracting from the 2021 elections
Guidance will be issued next week to assist you in setting up and delivering your AGM online, however, your regional/Welsh/Scottish office is on hand should you have any queries.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work in running NEC nomination meetings over the last few months. The next stage of the NEC elections will be an OMOV ballot of eligible members that will take place between 19 October and 12 November.
Many thanks,
Team Labour


labourlist--2020-10-07--Richard Leonard takes tough line on new Scottish hospitality restrictions

Richard Leonard has taken a tough line on newly announced coronavirus restrictions and declared that the SNP need to stop treating the hospitality sector like “ Sodom and Gomorrah ” .
The Scottish Labour leader heavily criticised the new measures announced by Nicola Sturgeon in a speech to the Scottish parliament today , which would include a temporary ban on the sale of all alcohol indoors .
His comments compare to the ‘ constructive opposition ‘ from Keir Starmer who asked the UK government today to publish the scientific evidence behind its 10pm curfew rule , but has not said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure .
Reacting to the First Minister ’ s statement in the chamber this afternoon , Scottish Labour leader Leonard said : “ The Scottish hospitality sector is not Sodom and Gomorrah and should not be treated as such .
“ Why doesn ’ t the First Minister consider closing down those businesses which are not complying with guidance , instead of shutting down every single business , serving 70 % of the population , including those which are fully complying ?
“ Where is the evidence that Covid is spreading in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all of these establishments ?
Can the First Minister explain the terms of the review after the initial sixteen days ?
“ And can the First Minister outline how the £40m mitigation the Government is proposing for those hospitality businesses forced to shut down will be distributed ?
If she ’ s going to have a consultation , will she speak to the trade unions ?
“ And will she take into account that every single worker , as well as every single business , should be covered for all of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of whom are on minimum hours or zero-hours contracts ?
” Commenting on the rules , Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray added : “ It should never have come to this .
Under the SNP government ’ s watch , Scotland now has the highest R-rate in the UK following a complete failure to tackle the spread of the virus .
“ The SNP took too long to set up test and protect and ignored warnings about the return of students to university .
Businesses and livelihoods are now at risk as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetence .
“ While public health is the priority , people ’ s jobs must now be protected and there is an urgent need for both the UK and Scottish governments to put their differences aside and work together on the economic impact.
” Sturgeon announced the collection of new coronavirus restrictions after Scotland saw a significant rise in the number of Covid cases , with the country recording over 5,500 cases last week .
Under this latest rule change , pubs and restaurants will not be allowed to serve any alcohol indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they can serve food and non-alcoholic drinks to customers from 6am to 6pm .
£40m has been made available by the Scottish government to help support any businesses who will have to close or reduce their trade as a result of the new set of coronavirus-related restrictions .
In five badly-hit areas in the central belt of Scotland , including Edinburgh and Glasgow , all licensed premises with the exception of hotels will have to close both indoor and outdoor service across the period .
Leonard ’ s criticism of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his UK counterpart in Westminster , with Starmer stressing Labour ’ s approach as generally supportive of new Covid restrictions introduced by the government .
The UK Labour leader backed the new Covid measures unveiled by the government in mid-September as “ necessary ” but criticised the Prime Minister for ignoring prior warnings and described the restrictions as “ not inevitable ” .

Richard Leonard has taken a tough line on newly announced coronavirus restrictions and declared that the SNP need to stop treating the hospitality sector like “Sodom and Gomorrah”.
The Scottish Labour leader heavily criticised the new measures announced by Nicola Sturgeon in a speech to the Scottish parliament today, which would include a temporary ban on the sale of all alcohol indoors.
His comments compare to the ‘constructive opposition‘ from Keir Starmer who asked the UK government today to publish the scientific evidence behind its 10pm curfew rule, but has not said whether the party would vote against the measure.
Reacting to the First Minister’s statement in the chamber this afternoon, Scottish Labour leader Leonard said: “The Scottish hospitality sector is not Sodom and Gomorrah and should not be treated as such.
“Why doesn’t the First Minister consider closing down those businesses which are not complying with guidance, instead of shutting down every single business, serving 70% of the population, including those which are fully complying?
“Where is the evidence that Covid is spreading in all hospitality settings to warrant a blanket ban on all of these establishments? Can the First Minister explain the terms of the review after the initial 16 days?
“And can the First Minister outline how the £40m mitigation the government is proposing for those hospitality businesses forced to shut down will be distributed? If she’s going to have a consultation, will she speak to the trade unions?
“And will she take into account that every single worker, as well as every single business, should be covered for all of their losses – including those young workers, many of whom are on minimum hours or zero-hours contracts?”
.@LabourRichard asks for the evidence that Covid is spreading in all hospitality settings@NicolaSturgeon says the characteristics of hospitality premises make them higher risk settings for transmission Live updates: https://t.co/hgNdXtbH6T pic.twitter.com/9YdL73QlV6 — BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) October 7, 2020
Commenting on the rules, Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray added: “It should never have come to this. Under the SNP government’s watch, Scotland now has the highest R-rate in the UK following a complete failure to tackle the spread of the virus.
“The SNP took too long to set up test and protect and ignored warnings about the return of students to university. Businesses and livelihoods are now at risk as a result of the SNP’s incompetence.
“While public health is the priority, people’s jobs must now be protected and there is an urgent need for both the UK and Scottish governments to put their differences aside and work together on the economic impact.”
Sturgeon announced the collection of new coronavirus restrictions after Scotland saw a significant rise in the number of Covid cases, with the country recording over 5,500 cases last week.
Under this latest rule change, pubs and restaurants will not be allowed to serve any alcohol indoors for 16 days from this Friday, but they can serve food and non-alcoholic drinks to customers from 6am to 6pm.
£40m has been made available by the Scottish government to help support any businesses who will have to close or reduce their trade as a result of the new set of coronavirus-related restrictions.
In five badly-hit areas in the central belt of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, all licensed premises with the exception of hotels will have to close both indoor and outdoor service across the period.
Leonard’s criticism of the new rules today sets a different tone to his UK counterpart in Westminster, with Starmer stressing Labour’s approach as generally supportive of new Covid restrictions introduced by the government.
The UK Labour leader backed the new Covid measures unveiled by the government in mid-September as “necessary” but criticised the Prime Minister for ignoring prior warnings and described the restrictions as “not inevitable”.


labourlist--2020-10-07--George Lindars-Hammond: Why I’m standing to represent Labour’s disabled members

The Labour Party has a proud history in government of action on behalf of underrepresented and discriminated against people .
For us disabled members , however , it is an inescapable fact that Labour has not done enough to become an accessible party or to build an accessible society .
It is good news then that the disabled members ’ position on the national executive committee ( NEC ) has been created .
We can not waste this opportunity for change .
I am standing because I have a burning desire to make our party a better place for disabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies that will provide dignity and opportunity for us .
My experience in Labour , trade unions and as a disability activist mean that I am ready to fight for our place in the party .
I have left-sided cerebral palsy , which makes certain things harder .
I ’ ve never let being disabled hold me back , but I ’ ve had to overcome challenges in my life and the organisations I ’ ve been part of have had to do so , too .
Cerebral palsy is part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life .
I am proud to have become a councillor in Sheffield , where I ’ m cabinet member for health and social care .
I lead the transformation of services for the most vulnerable citizens of my city in the most challenging of times .
Covid-19 has been a tragedy for disabled people and Labour has an important job – nationally by holding the government to account and by showing our values where we hold power locally .
Throughout my life , I have been an advocate for disabled people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reviving a moribund disabled students committee .
My first real job was as an employer engagement worker at Disability Sheffield , an inspiring charity , where I worked to dispel employer myths about disabled people .
After this , I became a trustee and activist for Disability Sheffield and the difference the organisation continues to make locally is truly important .
Being disabled is expensive .
Scope ’ s disability price tag research has shown that the costs that disabled people and our families face go far beyond that which any benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a Labour government , but we must also tackle additional costs that many disabled members face when taking part in party activity .
I will lobby hard for the party to provide funds to help with the cost of everything from travelling to meetings to support in selections .
This is not simply about equality but also about unlocking the huge talent in our party that our disabled members represent .
Removing financial barriers to involvement is just the start .
It is a scandal that such a tiny fraction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To unleash this untapped talent , we must ensure that every selection shortlist has a disabled person .
I want to support this effort with high-quality training , modelled on the excellent Jo Cox and Bernie Grant programmes .
In our policy development , we must focus on building an accessible society where every proposal we put forward is threaded with actions to tear down the barriers for disabled people .
I will be bold in challenging the orthodoxy that change for disabled people is a matter simply for the Department for Work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of ‘ disability policies ’ at an election .
I strongly believe that real change for disabled people can only come under a Labour government , and that means getting behind Keir and Angela ’ s plan to form a Labour government at the next election .
On Labour ’ s NEC , I will always put the interests of disabled members first , but I also want to contribute my experience as a campaign organiser and agent to ensure that we are organised enough to win .
I am proud to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CLPs ) the length and breadth of our country and three of the biggest trade unions in our movement – GMB , UNISON and Usdaw .
If you believe that we need a truly accessible party , where the policies of an accessible society flow through every strand , and one that knows only a Labour victory can bring the justice in a society that we need , please vote for me to be your disabled members ’ representative .

The Labour Party has a proud history in government of action on behalf of underrepresented and discriminated against people. For us disabled members, however, it is an inescapable fact that Labour has not done enough to become an accessible party or to build an accessible society.
It is good news then that the disabled members’ position on the national executive committee (NEC) has been created. We cannot waste this opportunity for change. I am standing because I have a burning desire to make our party a better place for disabled members and to ensure that we back policies that will provide dignity and opportunity for us. My experience in Labour, trade unions and as a disability activist mean that I am ready to fight for our place in the party.
I have left-sided cerebral palsy, which makes certain things harder. I’ve never let being disabled hold me back, but I’ve had to overcome challenges in my life and the organisations I’ve been part of have had to do so, too. Cerebral palsy is part of the lens through which I’ve seen my life. I am proud to have become a councillor in Sheffield, where I’m cabinet member for health and social care. I lead the transformation of services for the most vulnerable citizens of my city in the most challenging of times. Covid-19 has been a tragedy for disabled people and Labour has an important job – nationally by holding the government to account and by showing our values where we hold power locally.
Throughout my life, I have been an advocate for disabled people. At university, I represented disabled students, reviving a moribund disabled students committee. My first real job was as an employer engagement worker at Disability Sheffield, an inspiring charity, where I worked to dispel employer myths about disabled people. After this, I became a trustee and activist for Disability Sheffield and the difference the organisation continues to make locally is truly important.
Being disabled is expensive. Scope’s disability price tag research has shown that the costs that disabled people and our families face go far beyond that which any benefits will cover. This must be tackled by a Labour government, but we must also tackle additional costs that many disabled members face when taking part in party activity. I will lobby hard for the party to provide funds to help with the cost of everything from travelling to meetings to support in selections. This is not simply about equality but also about unlocking the huge talent in our party that our disabled members represent.
Removing financial barriers to involvement is just the start. It is a scandal that such a tiny fraction of the House of Commons identifies as disabled. To unleash this untapped talent, we must ensure that every selection shortlist has a disabled person. I want to support this effort with high-quality training, modelled on the excellent Jo Cox and Bernie Grant programmes. In our policy development, we must focus on building an accessible society where every proposal we put forward is threaded with actions to tear down the barriers for disabled people. I will be bold in challenging the orthodoxy that change for disabled people is a matter simply for the Department for Work and Pensions or as part of a set of ‘disability policies’ at an election.
I strongly believe that real change for disabled people can only come under a Labour government, and that means getting behind Keir and Angela’s plan to form a Labour government at the next election. On Labour’s NEC, I will always put the interests of disabled members first, but I also want to contribute my experience as a campaign organiser and agent to ensure that we are organised enough to win.
I am proud to be backed by Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) the length and breadth of our country and three of the biggest trade unions in our movement – GMB, UNISON and Usdaw. If you believe that we need a truly accessible party, where the policies of an accessible society flow through every strand, and one that knows only a Labour victory can bring the justice in a society that we need, please vote for me to be your disabled members’ representative.