labourlist--2020-11-22--Sunday shows: Dodds, Powell, O’Grady criticise public sector pay freeze idea

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds did not pledge Labour ’ s unconditional support for new Covid restrictions , said a public sector pay freeze “ right now ” would be “ economically very damaging ” , and described the row over Jeremy Corbyn as “ frustrating ” .
• On whether it is good news that the national lockdown ends on December 2nd : “ It will be good news if we can be moving safely into a different system of restrictions… But we ’ ve really got to learn lessons from what happened previously.
” • She added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister sets out that plan , there will be much more clarity around why different areas might end up in different tiers , what support will be available for businesses.
” • On whether Labour will unconditionally support the government on restrictions : “ No , because we need to see the detail of those proposals .
Government needs to have learned from all the problems we had previously.
” • On whether Labour could vote with Tory backbenchers to reject new rules if there is not sufficient economic support or clarity : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very carefully.
” • On the public sector pay freeze : “ We don ’ t know if this is exactly what the government will put in front of us… What this measure would do is say to our firefighters , hospital porters , teaching assistants that they will have less spending power in the future .
That means they won ’ t be spending in our high streets , small businesses , and that ’ s a good way of knocking confidence out of our economy.
” • She added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not believe there should be that freeze right now .
I think that ’ s economically very damaging .
It ’ s an irresponsible choice .
I believe it ’ s wrong for the Chancellor , if that ’ s what he ’ s going ahead with , to be pitting workers against each other.
” • On whether Jeremy Corbyn is the biggest obstacle to Labour rebuilding trust with the Jewish community : “ We saw in that EHRC report that this is a problem for all our party .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with… It is a matter of enormous shame.
” • On Ian Lavery saying Keir Starmer seems to have a personal vendetta against Corbyn : “ I don ’ t agree with Ian on that… We need to make sure that we demonstrate as a party to the Jewish community that we have learned from that EHRC report.
” • On whether the Corbyn suspension is worth other consequences for Labour : “ For me , the really critical thing is to ensure that we ’ re not in a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EHRC… That is more important than any other consideration.
” • On the Corbyn ‘ mess ’ : “ Of course it ’ s frustrating .
From my point of view , what I really would have wanted us to be doing – and I know Keir is in this position as well – is actually getting on with implementing the recommendations .
This is about much more than any one person.
” Chancellor Rishi Sunak could not give further details on plans for a tougher tier system after December 2nd , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altered following criticism of the policy before the four-week national lockdown .
Asked about the three million self-employed workers excluded from economic support , he said : “ I would take issue with the idea that three million have been excluded.
” He argued that the targeting was appropriate .
Sunak emphasised that the Universal Credit uplift was “ temporary ” and rejected the idea that people have not been able to afford self-isolation , saying : “ Going to work is not the primary reason that people decide not to self-isolate.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppliers with political contacts but without the ability to provide the right equipment .
“ In that moment , the right thing was to act fast… I ’ m not going to apologise for us reacting in that way.
” On Priti Patel and bullying , the Chancellor said : “ I don ’ t think shouting is an effective way to get the best out of people , but it is necessary sometimes to be direct in order to drive progress in an organisation particularly under stressful circumstances.
” Shadow business minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector pay freeze as a “ kick in the teeth ” to the frontline workers in the pandemic and described Priti Patel ’ s position as “ completely untenable ” .
• Asked whether the Prime Minister ’ s Christmas proposal is a good idea : “ Let ’ s see what those plans are , but I think what we now need – for the first time in this pandemic – is a lot more clarity.
” • On what the government should do : “ We need a blueprint , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now through to next year , so that families know what they ’ re supposed to be doing when.
” • On businesses : “ There are still many , many businesses , which despite the briefings in the papers today , won ’ t know whether they can now stock up on food , whether they can start taking bookings again , whether they can plan to reopen.
” • On her demands of government : “ We need methodical , measured clarity .
Not what we ’ ve seen before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawbridge at the last minute , mixed messages.
” • On whether restrictions should be relaxed over Christmas : “ We all want to be able to see our families in some way over Christmas but we don ’ t want to do that in a way that we then have to pay a heavy price in the following weeks.
” • On the lockdown : “ The whole point of this national lockdown was to have a reset moment , if you like , and I worry that we ’ ve lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychodrama going on in No 10 and the infighting in government.
” • On the Chancellor announcing a public sector pay freeze in the spending review this week : “ I don ’ t think he does need to consider that at this point in time because… when you ’ re in the middle of a crisis , you can ’ t cut your way out.
” • On why it would be wrong : “ Economically , it would be the wrong thing to do… But of course it would be morally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t it , for all those frontline workers who ’ ve helped support us through the pandemic ?
” • Asked whether Labour will support a Brexit trade deal when it comes back to the House of Commons : “ We ’ ll see the detail when it comes but our starting point is that we want a deal.
” • On calls for Priti Patel to resign over bullying : “ Her position is completely untenable… It ’ s appalling that the Prime Minister has decided to back her instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he should have done.
” • On bullying in Labour : “ Keir Starmer ’ s been very clear that rooting out antisemitism and taking a tough line on those who are antisemitic , or indeed those who are acting in a bullying way , won ’ t have a place in the Labour Party.
” • She added : “ It ’ s not that bullying can ’ t exist in all political parties – of course it can and it does .
It ’ s how you deal with it.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a Labour MP : “ Corbyn should apologise for that reaction [ to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into Labour antisemitism ] and then we can hopefully all move on from this saga.
” TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady called on the government to rethink plans for a public sector pay freeze and did not rule out strike action in response to the policy .
• On a pay public sector freeze : “ Millions of key workers cared for us during the crisis , and continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it ’ s time we cared for them… I don ’ t think this would be the time to reward them with a real pay cut.
” • Put to her that public sector pay is higher : “ If you adjust for age and qualifications , actually the pay difference between the public and private sectors is zero .
But it won ’ t help anybody if we end up depressing pay anywhere.
” • On austerity : “ The Prime Minister only in June promised that this was the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think that it can reintroduce austerity for the very people who put their health and in some cases lives on the line ?
” • Asked what the government should do : “ I would encourage them to think again .
This is not smart politics , it ’ s morally obscene and it ’ s bad economics , too.
” • On strike action : “ Governments only seem to recognise the true value of labour when it ’ s withdrawn… Nobody can rule anything out at the moment but what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for is that the government stands by key workers.
” • On the economic impact of wage suppression : “ The worst thing to do , if you want to raise demand in the economy , is to cut their pay .
They are the very people who spend their pay packets in local businesses and shops.
” • She added : “ I am appealing to people ’ s sense of fairness and justice here – that as a country we can not look ourselves in the mirror and cut the pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • On exemptions for the NHS : “ That ’ s great .
But let ’ s talk about social care , let ’ s talk about prison officers , refuse collectors , delivery drivers , shopworkers – all the people who have kept Britain going and should be rewarded for it.
” Speaking to Tom Newton Dunn on Times Radio , Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey stressed Labour ’ s support for increased spending on defence after the Prime Minister promised an additional £4bn a year for the department .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Healey said .
“ National security always comes first.
” Describing the increase as “ welcome ” , “ long overdue ” and “ an upgrade that has been needed for some time ” , he added that “ we need to see the strategy on top of that ” .
On whether Jeremy Corbyn should have the whip restored , Healey said : “ That ’ s not a matter for me.
” Asked if an apology would be enough , as suggested by Gordon Brown , he replied : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this.
” Although Healey said Labour “ got derailed ” by Corbyn ’ s reaction to the EHRC report , he also concluded that Brown “ speaks with a great deal of authority ” and that “ a full apology would go a long way to help sort things out ” .

The Andrew Marr Show
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds did not pledge Labour’s unconditional support for new Covid restrictions, said a public sector pay freeze “right now” would be “economically very damaging”, and described the row over Jeremy Corbyn as “frustrating”.
On whether it is good news that the national lockdown ends on December 2nd: “It will be good news if we can be moving safely into a different system of restrictions… But we’ve really got to learn lessons from what happened previously.”
She added: “I really hope that when the Prime Minister sets out that plan, there will be much more clarity around why different areas might end up in different tiers, what support will be available for businesses.”
On whether Labour will unconditionally support the government on restrictions: “No, because we need to see the detail of those proposals. Government needs to have learned from all the problems we had previously.”
On whether Labour could vote with Tory backbenchers to reject new rules if there is not sufficient economic support or clarity: “We’ll be assessing this very, very carefully.”
On the public sector pay freeze: “We don’t know if this is exactly what the government will put in front of us… What this measure would do is say to our firefighters, hospital porters, teaching assistants that they will have less spending power in the future. That means they won’t be spending in our high streets, small businesses, and that’s a good way of knocking confidence out of our economy.”
She added: “To be clear, I do not believe there should be that freeze right now. I think that’s economically very damaging. It’s an irresponsible choice. I believe it’s wrong for the Chancellor, if that’s what he’s going ahead with, to be pitting workers against each other.”
On whether Jeremy Corbyn is the biggest obstacle to Labour rebuilding trust with the Jewish community: “We saw in that EHRC report that this is a problem for all our party. This is something that the entire party needs to deal with… It is a matter of enormous shame.”
On Ian Lavery saying Keir Starmer seems to have a personal vendetta against Corbyn: “I don’t agree with Ian on that… We need to make sure that we demonstrate as a party to the Jewish community that we have learned from that EHRC report.”
On whether the Corbyn suspension is worth other consequences for Labour: “For me, the really critical thing is to ensure that we’re not in a situation where we’re investigated by the EHRC… That is more important than any other consideration.”
On the Corbyn ‘mess’: “Of course it’s frustrating. From my point of view, what I really would have wanted us to be doing – and I know Keir is in this position as well – is actually getting on with implementing the recommendations. This is about much more than any one person.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak could not give further details on plans for a tougher tier system after December 2nd, but hinted that the 10pm curfew would be altered following criticism of the policy before the four-week national lockdown.
Asked about the three million self-employed workers excluded from economic support, he said: “I would take issue with the idea that three million have been excluded.” He argued that the targeting was appropriate.
Sunak emphasised that the Universal Credit uplift was “temporary” and rejected the idea that people have not been able to afford self-isolation, saying: “Going to work is not the primary reason that people decide not to self-isolate.”
He defended government procurement contracts going to suppliers with political contacts but without the ability to provide the right equipment. “In that moment, the right thing was to act fast… I’m not going to apologise for us reacting in that way.”
On Priti Patel and bullying, the Chancellor said: “I don’t think shouting is an effective way to get the best out of people, but it is necessary sometimes to be direct in order to drive progress in an organisation particularly under stressful circumstances.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak: The government is “looking at” the 10pm closing time for pubs and restaurants in England#Marr https://t.co/55cniP2CJO pic.twitter.com/VCv2F5RTDC — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) November 22, 2020
Sophy Ridge on Sunday
Shadow business minister Lucy Powell criticised plans for a public sector pay freeze as a “kick in the teeth” to the frontline workers in the pandemic and described Priti Patel’s position as “completely untenable”.
Asked whether the Prime Minister’s Christmas proposal is a good idea: “Let’s see what those plans are, but I think what we now need – for the first time in this pandemic – is a lot more clarity.”
On what the government should do: “We need a blueprint, a route map to take us through from now through to next year, so that families know what they’re supposed to be doing when.”
On businesses: “There are still many, many businesses, which despite the briefings in the papers today, won’t know whether they can now stock up on food, whether they can start taking bookings again, whether they can plan to reopen.”
On her demands of government: “We need methodical, measured clarity. Not what we’ve seen before, which is over-briefing then pulling back the drawbridge at the last minute, mixed messages.”
On whether restrictions should be relaxed over Christmas: “We all want to be able to see our families in some way over Christmas but we don’t want to do that in a way that we then have to pay a heavy price in the following weeks.”
On the lockdown: “The whole point of this national lockdown was to have a reset moment, if you like, and I worry that we’ve lost two weeks of that now with the psychodrama going on in No 10 and the infighting in government.”
On the Chancellor announcing a public sector pay freeze in the spending review this week: “I don’t think he does need to consider that at this point in time because… when you’re in the middle of a crisis, you can’t cut your way out.”
On why it would be wrong: “Economically, it would be the wrong thing to do… But of course it would be morally absolutely a kick in the teeth, wouldn’t it, for all those frontline workers who’ve helped support us through the pandemic?”
Asked whether Labour will support a Brexit trade deal when it comes back to the House of Commons: “We’ll see the detail when it comes but our starting point is that we want a deal.”
On calls for Priti Patel to resign over bullying: “Her position is completely untenable… It’s appalling that the Prime Minister has decided to back her instead of sacking her. That’s what he should have done.”
On bullying in Labour: “Keir Starmer’s been very clear that rooting out antisemitism and taking a tough line on those who are antisemitic, or indeed those who are acting in a bullying way, won’t have a place in the Labour Party.”
She added: “It’s not that bullying can’t exist in all political parties – of course it can and it does. It’s how you deal with it.”
On whether Jeremy Corbyn should be a Labour MP: “Corbyn should apologise for that reaction [to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into Labour antisemitism] and then we can hopefully all move on from this saga.”
Shadow Business Minister, Lucy Powell, says 'it would be a kick in the teeth' to frontline workers if the Chancellor announces a freeze on public sector pay. #Ridge Read more here: https://t.co/7gDg3UeJWP pic.twitter.com/cZKi5bswKW — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) November 22, 2020
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady called on the government to rethink plans for a public sector pay freeze and did not rule out strike action in response to the policy.
On a pay public sector freeze: “Millions of key workers cared for us during the crisis, and continue to care for us, and I think that it’s time we cared for them… I don’t think this would be the time to reward them with a real pay cut.”
Put to her that public sector pay is higher: “If you adjust for age and qualifications, actually the pay difference between the public and private sectors is zero. But it won’t help anybody if we end up depressing pay anywhere.”
On austerity: “The Prime Minister only in June promised that this was the end of austerity… Surely the government doesn’t think that it can reintroduce austerity for the very people who put their health and in some cases lives on the line?”
Asked what the government should do: “I would encourage them to think again. This is not smart politics, it’s morally obscene and it’s bad economics, too.”
On strike action: “Governments only seem to recognise the true value of labour when it’s withdrawn… Nobody can rule anything out at the moment but what I am saying is, and asking for is that the government stands by key workers.”
On the economic impact of wage suppression: “The worst thing to do, if you want to raise demand in the economy, is to cut their pay. They are the very people who spend their pay packets in local businesses and shops.”
She added: “I am appealing to people’s sense of fairness and justice here – that as a country we cannot look ourselves in the mirror and cut the pay of some of our hardworking key workers.”
On exemptions for the NHS: “That’s great. But let’s talk about social care, let’s talk about prison officers, refuse collectors, delivery drivers, shopworkers – all the people who have kept Britain going and should be rewarded for it.”
G&T on Times Radio
Speaking to Tom Newton Dunn on Times Radio, Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey stressed Labour’s support for increased spending on defence after the Prime Minister promised an additional £4bn a year for the department.
“We can’t afford not to,” Healey said. “National security always comes first.” Describing the increase as “welcome”, “long overdue” and “an upgrade that has been needed for some time”, he added that “we need to see the strategy on top of that”.
On whether Jeremy Corbyn should have the whip restored, Healey said: “That’s not a matter for me.” Asked if an apology would be enough, as suggested by Gordon Brown, he replied: “My personal view is not relevant in this.”
Although Healey said Labour “got derailed” by Corbyn’s reaction to the EHRC report, he also concluded that Brown “speaks with a great deal of authority” and that “a full apology would go a long way to help sort things out”.


labourlist--2020-11-23--Baubles and bubbles: Covid Christmas plans of government leak

Government has again leaked to the press about upcoming changes to Covid restrictions .
New plans include a new regional tier structure and “ additional household bubbling ” over the festive period .
The Prime Minister will this afternoon outline the tougher set of tiers to come into place as England leaves lockdown on December 2nd .
The plans for Christmas are due to be outlined later in the week .
Tory backbenchers are gearing up to rebel on the more severe measures .
On the vote for the second lockdown , 32 Conservative MPs broke the whip – this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 are considering doing so .
Labour has not committed to unconditionally backing the new measures , with Anneliese Dodds saying that the party needs to “ see the detail of those proposals ” first .
Jonathan Ashworth has been doing the media round this morning in the wake of positive results for the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine .
The Shadow Health Secretary called on the government to appoint a “ dedicated minister for vaccines ” to boost accountability and avoid repeating the mistakes seen with the procuring of personal protective equipment and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will welcome a bit of extra scrutiny , particularly as reports today revealed £5.6bn of taxpayer cash wasted in the last year , including £42m on bonuses for Whitehall officials .
This , remember , from a government that refused to spend £20m on free school meals over half term and is planning a public sector pay freeze for many of the frontline workers in this pandemic .
Rishi Sunak will deliver the spending review on Wednesday .
Concerns around a public sector pay freeze have been mounting with reports that the Chancellor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers will apparently be exempt .
Shadow Chancellor Dodds has slammed the proposal , which could see real pay fall for firefighters , community health workers and others , as “ completely irresponsible ” while citing the existing recruitment difficulties for many essential public service roles and the economic impact a freeze would have on high-street spending .
Nationals are picking up on the fact that Labour Party membership has fallen by 57,000 , around 10 % , since Keir Starmer became leader earlier this year , a rate of almost 250 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the leadership election in April but this fell to 495,961 in the national executive committee elections two weeks ago .
As Charlie Mansell pointed out in his thorough , deep-dive look into those numbers , membership totals rise and fall .
But this is perhaps an indication that those on the left , upset by the direction of the party and the suspension of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn , are not heeding calls from John McDonnell MP and others to stay and fight .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .

Government has again leaked to the press about upcoming changes to Covid restrictions. New plans include a new regional tier structure and “additional household bubbling” over the festive period. The Prime Minister will this afternoon outline the tougher set of tiers to come into place as England leaves lockdown on December 2nd. The plans for Christmas are due to be outlined later in the week. Tory backbenchers are gearing up to rebel on the more severe measures. On the vote for the second lockdown, 32 Conservative MPs broke the whip – this time, reports suggest as many as 70 are considering doing so. Labour has not committed to unconditionally backing the new measures, with Anneliese Dodds saying that the party needs to “see the detail of those proposals” first.
Jonathan Ashworth has been doing the media round this morning in the wake of positive results for the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The Shadow Health Secretary called on the government to appoint a “dedicated minister for vaccines” to boost accountability and avoid repeating the mistakes seen with the procuring of personal protective equipment and the NHS test and trace system. Many will welcome a bit of extra scrutiny, particularly as reports today revealed £5.6bn of taxpayer cash wasted in the last year, including £42m on bonuses for Whitehall officials. This, remember, from a government that refused to spend £20m on free school meals over half term and is planning a public sector pay freeze for many of the frontline workers in this pandemic.
Rishi Sunak will deliver the spending review on Wednesday. Concerns around a public sector pay freeze have been mounting with reports that the Chancellor is planning a freeze from which NHS workers will apparently be exempt. Shadow Chancellor Dodds has slammed the proposal, which could see real pay fall for firefighters, community health workers and others, as “completely irresponsible” while citing the existing recruitment difficulties for many essential public service roles and the economic impact a freeze would have on high-street spending.
Nationals are picking up on the fact that Labour Party membership has fallen by 57,000, around 10%, since Keir Starmer became leader earlier this year, a rate of almost 250 per day. 552,835 were eligible to vote in the leadership election in April but this fell to 495,961 in the national executive committee elections two weeks ago. As Charlie Mansell pointed out in his thorough, deep-dive look into those numbers, membership totals rise and fall. But this is perhaps an indication that those on the left, upset by the direction of the party and the suspension of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, are not heeding calls from John McDonnell MP and others to stay and fight. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-11-23--WATCH: Labour calls for “dedicated minister for vaccines”

Jonathan Ashworth has called on the government to appointe a “ dedicated minister for vaccines ” to oversee what he described as the “ herculean ” task of deploying vaccines in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic .
In a Sky News interview this morning , he told viewers that creating the role could help avoid repeating the mistakes seen with the procurement of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and the management of the NHS test and trace programme .
Ashworth said : “ The roll out of the vaccine is a herculean task .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s vaccination .
So we need a plan for the deployment now of millions of these vaccines… “ But given that we ’ ve got to roll out a vaccine with a scale and a magnitude that we ’ ve never seen before , and given that we ’ ve seen so many problems this year with the procurement of PPE and the £12bn test and trace… we ’ ve suggested to the government , why not have a dedicated minister for vaccines who can pull all the work together and can ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But we also crucially need resources for our family doctors , our GPs , for our district nurses , for our health visitors – all of whom will be leading the deployment of the vaccine on the ground.
” The Shadow Health Secretary added : “ I hope in the spending review this week we can get that resource in place and ensure our NHS can roll out this vaccine smoothly and rapidly.
” Labour has called on the government to publish its plan for deploying the vaccine to make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The party has demanded that the Conservative administration take several steps : • “ The creation of a dedicated ‘ minister for the vaccine ’ ; • “ A commitment to deliver the resources needed to meet the Easter target for vaccine roll out at the upcoming spending review ; • “ A national public health communication strategy to ensure the public are fully informed about the vaccine ; and • “ An equal access plan to put the infrastructure in place to ensure that everyone , no matter where they live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak is due to deliver the spending review on Wednesday this week , with reports that the Chancellor will announce a public sector pay freeze from which NHS workers including doctors and nurses will be exempt .

Jonathan Ashworth has called on the government to appointe a “dedicated minister for vaccines” to oversee what he described as the “herculean” task of deploying vaccines in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
In a Sky News interview this morning, he told viewers that creating the role could help avoid repeating the mistakes seen with the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the management of the NHS test and trace programme.
Ashworth said: “The roll out of the vaccine is a herculean task. It’s not vaccines that save lives, it’s vaccination. So we need a plan for the deployment now of millions of these vaccines…
“But given that we’ve got to roll out a vaccine with a scale and a magnitude that we’ve never seen before, and given that we’ve seen so many problems this year with the procurement of PPE and the £12bn test and trace… we’ve suggested to the government, why not have a dedicated minister for vaccines who can pull all the work together and can ensure we’ve got a plan?
“But we also crucially need resources for our family doctors, our GPs, for our district nurses, for our health visitors – all of whom will be leading the deployment of the vaccine on the ground.”
The Shadow Health Secretary added: “I hope in the spending review this week we can get that resource in place and ensure our NHS can roll out this vaccine smoothly and rapidly.”
'We've suggested having a dedicated Minister for Vaccines.' Shadow Health Sec. @JonAshworth says while it's "great news we've has this morning about AstraZeneca" the government needs a plan for the deployment of millions of #COVID19 vaccines.#KayBurley https://t.co/p7fUzDwYqA pic.twitter.com/Mc7hDaG1q8 — SkyNews (@SkyNews) November 23, 2020
Labour has called on the government to publish its plan for deploying the vaccine to make sure that “no community is left behind”. The party has demanded that the Conservative administration take several steps:
“The creation of a dedicated ‘minister for the vaccine’;
“A commitment to deliver the resources needed to meet the Easter target for vaccine roll out at the upcoming spending review;
“A national public health communication strategy to ensure the public are fully informed about the vaccine; and
“An equal access plan to put the infrastructure in place to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, can access the vaccine.”
Rishi Sunak is due to deliver the spending review on Wednesday this week, with reports that the Chancellor will announce a public sector pay freeze from which NHS workers including doctors and nurses will be exempt.


labourlist--2020-11-24--TUC demands U-turn on scrapping Union Learning Fund ahead of spending review

The TUC has urged the government to use its spending review this week to U-turn on the decision to scrap support for the Union Learning Fund after a report showed that the economy gets nearly £13 back for every £1 spent on training .
Responding to research by the University of Exeter , TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady said : “ If ministers want to level-up productivity and skills across the regions they need to engage and support hard-to-reach learners.
” The university report found that for every £1 spent on union-supported learning and training , the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that coming from the boost to workers ’ wages and employment prospects .
The paper also showed that employers see a return of £5.31 as a result of employees becoming more skilled and productive , while the Treasury sees a return of £3.60 for every £1 invested in union-led training .
Commenting ahead of the Chancellor ’ s spending review on Wednesday , O ’ Grady said : “ Union learning transforms lives and brings huge benefits to workplaces and the economy .
It is a rare success story in adult skills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and skills across the regions , they need to engage and support hard-to-reach learners .
Union learning has a fantastic track record of getting people back into learning… “ It ’ s not too late for the government to change its mind .
Tomorrow ’ s spending review is an opportunity to find the funding union learning needs to continue .
I urge ministers not to turn their back on this brilliant learning scheme.
” The government announced plans to cut the £12m annual fund last month , just days after the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of training to help limit the damage of the Covid crisis .
The funding allocated last year has been used to support 200,000 workers into training and education , and the report has argued that it can play a key role in ‘ levelling up ’ skills and productivity as the UK recovers from the pandemic .
Author of the report and head of regional impact at the University of Exeter Andrew Dean said : “ This analysis shows the significant economic and personal impacts the Union Learning Fund makes every year.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully deliver the government ’ s industrial strategy ” by “ helping parts of the country with the lowest wages and productivity to level up ” , which Johnson has pledged to do in government .
An independent evaluation of the Union Learning Fund in 2018 found it had given a qualification to 68 % of learners who had not had one previously , and that it had offered 80 % of users skills that could transfer to a new job .
The latest official figures showed that the proportion of employers not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34 % in 2017 to 39 % in 2019 , and that the proportion of staff not receiving any training increased from 38 % to 40 % over the same period .
Former Labour MP and shadow minister for higher education , further education and skills Gordon Marsden described the decision to scrap the fund as an “ act of vindictive anti-union spitefulness from the Education Secretary ” .
In a comment piece for LabourList , he wrote : “ The government has no answer to the question Lilian Greenwood put to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will replace Union Learn in engaging reluctant learners ?
” .
“ The losers will not just be our economy , UK productivity and our communities over the next decade , but the aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people.
” The fund , which is provided by the Department for Education , can only be spent on learning and associated activities and helps union members and non-members alike access training and learning opportunities .
The TUC has estimated that the fund , which was initially set up as a national scheme in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has helped 2.5 million learners since it was first established .

The TUC has urged the government to use its spending review this week to U-turn on the decision to scrap support for the Union Learning Fund after a report showed that the economy gets nearly £13 back for every £1 spent on training.
Responding to research by the University of Exeter, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “If ministers want to level-up productivity and skills across the regions they need to engage and support hard-to-reach learners.”
The university report found that for every £1 spent on union-supported learning and training, the economy gets £12.87 back, with £7.56 of that coming from the boost to workers’ wages and employment prospects.
The paper also showed that employers see a return of £5.31 as a result of employees becoming more skilled and productive, while the Treasury sees a return of £3.60 for every £1 invested in union-led training.
Commenting ahead of the Chancellor’s spending review on Wednesday, O’Grady said: “Union learning transforms lives and brings huge benefits to workplaces and the economy. It is a rare success story in adult skills.
“If ministers want to level-up productivity and skills across the regions, they need to engage and support hard-to-reach learners. Union learning has a fantastic track record of getting people back into learning…
“It’s not too late for the government to change its mind. Tomorrow’s spending review is an opportunity to find the funding union learning needs to continue. I urge ministers not to turn their back on this brilliant learning scheme.”
The government announced plans to cut the £12m annual fund last month, just days after the Prime Minister delivered a speech stressing the importance of training to help limit the damage of the Covid crisis.
The funding allocated last year has been used to support 200,000 workers into training and education, and the report has argued that it can play a key role in ‘levelling up’ skills and productivity as the UK recovers from the pandemic.
Author of the report and head of regional impact at the University of Exeter Andrew Dean said: “This analysis shows the significant economic and personal impacts the Union Learning Fund makes every year.”
He added that the ULF can “successfully deliver the government’s industrial strategy” by “helping parts of the country with the lowest wages and productivity to level up”, which Johnson has pledged to do in government.
An independent evaluation of the Union Learning Fund in 2018 found it had given a qualification to 68% of learners who had not had one previously, and that it had offered 80% of users skills that could transfer to a new job.
The latest official figures showed that the proportion of employers not providing any training at all increased from 34% in 2017 to 39% in 2019, and that the proportion of staff not receiving any training increased from 38% to 40% over the same period.
Former Labour MP and shadow minister for higher education, further education and skills Gordon Marsden described the decision to scrap the fund as an “act of vindictive anti-union spitefulness from the Education Secretary”.
In a comment piece for LabourList, he wrote: “The government has no answer to the question Lilian Greenwood put to them in the debate: “Which organisation will replace Union Learn in engaging reluctant learners?”.
“The losers will not just be our economy, UK productivity and our communities over the next decade, but the aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people.”
The fund, which is provided by the Department for Education, can only be spent on learning and associated activities and helps union members and non-members alike access training and learning opportunities.
The TUC has estimated that the fund, which was initially set up as a national scheme in 1998 under the then Labour government, has helped 2.5 million learners since it was first established.


labourlist--2020-11-23--Labour left furious at plan to block Corbyn ally from becoming NEC chair

The internal row between the party leadership and the Labour left deepened today as members of the ruling body were told that Ian Murray of the Fire Brigades ’ Union would be blocked from becoming chair , LabourList can reveal .
Labour ’ s national executive committee ( NEC ) has operated a rotating chair system whereby the vice-chair , now the FBU ’ s Ian Murray , is supposed to become chair when the incumbent – currently Andi Fox – steps down .
This was applied under Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership , when UNISON ’ s Wendy Nichols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after serving as vice-chair from 2018 despite the Labour left having a majority to block her in 2019 .
The plan now is for Margaret Beckett – who represents the parliamentary party on the NEC and is now seen to be anti-Corbyn – to become NEC chair , which will mean Murray does not head the body next .
Murray was one of the 14 NEC members to have signed a letter last week to general secretary David Evans arguing against Keir Starmer ’ s decision to withhold the whip following the lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures leading the move to block Murray contend that the leadership is simply restoring the old system that saw the longest-serving NEC member become chair and the next longest-serving vice-chair , however .
Defenders of the plan say the tradition broke down in recent years after working for decades , and they hope to restore the old process because they think Beckett should not have been passed over for the chair role in recent years .
One Labour left NEC source told LabourList : “ This flies in the face of all talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NEC under Jeremy or Keir ’ s leadership has never acted this way , disregarding rules and standing orders as they please .
“ Keir is clearly not interested in winning government , as his office are spending more time waging war on the left – people who support policies popular with the public , which he is clearly going to disregard .
“ He should think again about his course of action and whether or not he wants a membership exodus and a divided party to be out of government for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels “ very much under constant attack from Keir ” .
But another NEC source told LabourList : “ This is simply the restoration of the principle that has existed on the NEC for at least four decades until 2017… This is an important principle that means the chairing of the NEC can not become a factional plaything .
“ The factionalisation of decisions around who should be chair in the last four years has been deplorable – and it ’ s very reassuring that it is coming to an end.
” Beckett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980 , and is the longest-serving female MP overall .
She was Labour ’ s first female deputy leader from 1992 to 1994 , first female acting leader in 1994 , Britain ’ s first female Foreign Secretary in 2006 .
The Labour left has argued that the ‘ Buggins ’ turn ’ system should see the longest-serving NEC member become the vice-chair of the body and only later the chair , which would allow Beckett to succeed Murray .
Sources on the party ’ s left have described the change to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack on the left at every level of the party by the right , which is being actively endorsed by the leadership ” .
One said : “ That they would do this only a matter of days after an affiliated union announced it was launching a consultation on its continued relationship with the Labour Party shows how little they care about their relationship with the left trade unions.
” The left-wing Bakers , Food and Allied Workers ’ Union ( BFAWU ) last week announced the launch of an upcoming membership consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affiliated to the Labour Party .
It has also been rumoured that there are plans underway to stand someone against Andy Kerr from the left-wing Communication Workers ’ Union as chair of the NEC ’ s organisational sub-committee known as ‘ Org Sub ’ .
LabourList understands that committee chairs – who also get a place on the important NEC officers ’ group – are set to be elected in January .
The disputes panel is currently chaired by Momentum-backed Yasmine Dar .
Alice Perry has been tipped as a likely successor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat in the recent elections that saw the left slate win a majority of local party rep places but the pro-Starmer wing strengthened overall .
There has also been a development in the row over Jeremy Corbyn ’ s whip being suspended tonight , with chief whip Nick Brown asking him to apologise and edit or delete his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report .
Brown has sent a letter to Corbyn requesting that while a Parliamentary Labour Party investigation is underway he “ unequivocally , unambiguously and without reservation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .

The internal row between the party leadership and the Labour left deepened today as members of the ruling body were told that Ian Murray of the Fire Brigades’ Union would be blocked from becoming chair, LabourList can reveal.
Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) has operated a rotating chair system whereby the vice-chair, now the FBU’s Ian Murray, is supposed to become chair when the incumbent – currently Andi Fox – steps down.
This was applied under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, when UNISON’s Wendy Nichols became chair of Labour’s NEC after serving as vice-chair from 2018 despite the Labour left having a majority to block her in 2019.
The plan underway now is for longest-serving member Margaret Beckett – who represents the parliamentary party on the NEC – to become NEC chair, which will mean Murray does not head the body next.
Murray was one of the 14 NEC members to have signed a letter last week to general secretary David Evans arguing against Keir Starmer’s decision to withhold the whip following the lifting of Corbyn’s suspension.
Those figures leading the move to block Murray contend that the leadership is simply restoring the old system that saw the longest-serving NEC member become chair and the next longest-serving vice-chair.
Defenders of the plan say the tradition broke down in recent years after working for decades, and they hope to restore the old process because they think Beckett should not have been passed over for the chair role during the Corbyn era.
One Labour left NEC source told LabourList: “This flies in the face of all talk of unity, and the left on the NEC under Jeremy or Keir’s leadership has never acted this way, disregarding rules and standing orders as they please.
“Keir is clearly not interested in winning government, as his office are spending more time waging war on the left – people who support policies popular with the public, which he is clearly going to disregard.
“He should think again about his course of action and whether or not he wants a membership exodus and a divided party to be out of government for decades.” Another source said the left feels “very much under constant attack from Keir”.
But another NEC source told LabourList: “This is simply the restoration of the principle that has existed on the NEC for at least four decades until 2017… This is an important principle that means the chairing of the NEC cannot become a factional plaything.
“The factionalisation of decisions around who should be chair in the last four years has been deplorable – and it’s very reassuring that it is coming to an end.”
Beckett was first elected to the NEC in 1980, and is the longest-serving female MP overall. She was Labour’s first female deputy leader from 1992 to 1994, first female acting leader in 1994, Britain’s first female Foreign Secretary in 2006.
The Labour left has argued that the ‘Buggins’ turn’ system should see the longest-serving NEC member become the vice-chair of the body and only later the chair, which would allow Beckett to succeed Murray.
Sources on the party’s left have described the change to the system as “part of a wider attack on the left at every level of the party by the right, which is being actively endorsed by the leadership”.
One said: “That they would do this only a matter of days after an affiliated union announced it was launching a consultation on its continued relationship with the Labour Party shows how little they care about their relationship with the left trade unions.”
The left-wing Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union (BFAWU) last week announced the launch of an upcoming membership consultation on whether the trade union should remain affiliated to the Labour Party.
It has also been rumoured that there are plans underway to stand someone against Andy Kerr from the left-wing Communication Workers’ Union as chair of the NEC’s organisational sub-committee known as ‘Org Sub’.
LabourList understands that committee chairs – who also get a place on the important NEC officers’ group – are set to be elected in January. The disputes panel is currently chaired by Momentum-backed Yasmine Dar.
Alice Perry has been tipped as a likely successor to Ann Henderson, who lost her NEC seat in the recent elections that saw the left slate win a majority of local party rep places but the pro-Starmer wing strengthened overall.
There has also been a development in the row over Jeremy Corbyn’s whip being suspended tonight, with chief whip Nick Brown asking him to apologise and edit or delete his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
Brown has sent a letter to Corbyn requesting that while a Parliamentary Labour Party investigation is underway he “unequivocally, unambiguously and without reservation apologise” for his comments made last month.


labourlist--2020-11-23--Starmer accuses PM of reintroducing “risky” system with return of tiers

Keir Starmer has accused the Prime Minister of reintroducing a “ risky ” system after Boris Johnson confirmed that the country would see a return to three tiers of coronavirus rules after the English lockdown ends .
Johnson told MPs via video link this afternoon that the national lockdown will end on December 2nd and a tougher version of the previous three-tier system would be put in place , with all being advised to work from home where possible .
The Prime Minister confirmed to parliament that the tier system will be stricter and become a “ uniform set of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take place with certain areas of the country on varying restrictions .
Across all three tiers in England , shops , gyms and hairdressers will be allowed to open , while collective worship , weddings and outdoor sports will resume , and the rule of six for gatherings of people will apply .
Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open in Tier 1 and they can serve alcohol with a “ substantial ” meal in Tier 2 .
All hospitality and indoor entertainment will be closed in Tier 3 except delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10pm hospitality curfew rule that was imposed in England before the current lockdown , from next Wednesday there will be a 10pm cut-off for last orders and a closing time of 11pm .
The Prime Minister said he hoped on Thursday to reveal more details of which areas of England will go into which coronavirus tiers .
This will be based on factors including rates of Covid cases and projected NHS pressures .
With more regions falling “ at least temporarily ” into higher tiers than before the lockdown , Johnson suggested that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move down the tiering scale ” rather than moving up it as before .
He was also explicit that this approach would allow people to see more of their family and friends over the Christmas period , saying : “ I can ’ t say that Christmas will be normal this year .
We all want some kind of Christmas .
“ We need it .
We certainly feel that we deserve it… But what we don ’ t want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into lockdown in January.
” Johnson added : “ This virus is not going to grant a Christmas truce .
It doesn ’ t know it ’ s Christmas… Christmas can not be normal and there is a long road to spring .
But we have turned a corner and the escape route is in sight.
” Responding to the Prime Minister ’ s Covid statement , Starmer started by welcoming recent “ tremendous progress ” on vaccines and the apparent adoption of a four nations approach to Christmas arrangements .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed return to a three-tier rules system , which he described as “ risky ” , saying of the last attempt : “ It didn ’ t work… We ended up in national lockdown.
” Starmer said the allocation of areas to tiers was the “ red hot question ” , and raised further queries over how long each area would remain in each tier and whether there would be a new economic package alongside tougher rules .
“ If we ’ re reintroducing a three-tier system without having fixed test , trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk – and we all need to acknowledge it , ” Starmer told MPs .
“ Because it begs the million-dollar question .
“ How confident is the Prime Minister that the approach he is proposing today will keep the R rate below 1 ?
Because if it doesn ’ t , infections will go up , back out of control , and we could well be back in a national lockdown.
” The opposition leader concluded : “ There are huge gaps in this plan , huge uncertainties and huge risk.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ it ’ s not clear whether he is supporting [ the new rules ] or not ” .
Despite the criticisms put forward by Starmer , Johnson said : “ I ’ m aware that his support is one of those things that kind of ‘ now you see it now you don ’ t ’ , but never mind .
I ’ ll take it while it seems to be there at least temporarily.
” The Prime Minister appeared to experience technical problems , which led to Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK has recorded a further 15,450 Covid-19 cases and 206 deaths today .

Keir Starmer has accused the Prime Minister of reintroducing a “risky” system after Boris Johnson confirmed that the country would see a return to three tiers of coronavirus rules after the English lockdown ends.
Johnson told MPs via video link this afternoon that the national lockdown will end on December 2nd and a tougher version of the previous three-tier system would be put in place, with all being advised to work from home where possible.
The Prime Minister confirmed to parliament that the tier system will be stricter and become a “uniform set of rules”, which means no negotiations will take place with certain areas of the country on varying restrictions.
Across all three tiers in England, shops, gyms and hairdressers will be allowed to open, while collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports will resume, and the rule of six for gatherings of people will apply.
Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open in Tier 1 and they can serve alcohol with a “substantial” meal in Tier 2. All hospitality and indoor entertainment will be closed in Tier 3 except delivery and takeaways.
Following criticism of the 10pm hospitality curfew rule that was imposed in England before the current lockdown, from next Wednesday there will be a 10pm cut-off for last orders and a closing time of 11pm.
The Prime Minister said he hoped on Thursday to reveal more details of which areas of England will go into which coronavirus tiers. This will be based on factors including rates of Covid cases and projected NHS pressures.
With more regions falling “at least temporarily” into higher tiers than before the lockdown, Johnson suggested that it “should be possible for areas to move down the tiering scale” rather than moving up it as before.
He was also explicit that this approach would allow people to see more of their family and friends over the Christmas period, saying: “I can’t say that Christmas will be normal this year. We all want some kind of Christmas.
“We need it. We certainly feel that we deserve it… But what we don’t want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all into lockdown in January.”
Johnson added: “This virus is not going to grant a Christmas truce. It doesn’t know it’s Christmas… Christmas cannot be normal and there is a long road to spring. But we have turned a corner and the escape route is in sight.”
Responding to the Prime Minister’s Covid statement, Starmer started by welcoming recent “tremendous progress” on vaccines and the apparent adoption of a four nations approach to Christmas arrangements.
But the Labour leader was strongly critical of the proposed return to a three-tier rules system, which he described as “risky”, saying of the last attempt: “It didn’t work… We ended up in national lockdown.”
Starmer said the allocation of areas to tiers was the “red hot question”, and raised further queries over how long each area would remain in each tier and whether there would be a new economic package alongside tougher rules.
“If we’re reintroducing a three-tier system without having fixed test, trace and isolate, that is a major risk – and we all need to acknowledge it,” Starmer told MPs. “Because it begs the million-dollar question.
“How confident is the Prime Minister that the approach he is proposing today will keep the R rate below 1? Because if it doesn’t, infections will go up, back out of control, and we could well be back in a national lockdown.”
The opposition leader concluded: “There are huge gaps in this plan, huge uncertainties and huge risk.” The Prime Minister replied by suggesting that “it’s not clear whether he is supporting [the new rules] or not”.
Despite the criticisms put forward by Starmer, Johnson said: “I’m aware that his support is one of those things that kind of ‘now you see it now you don’t’, but never mind. I’ll take it while it seems to be there at least temporarily.”
The Prime Minister appeared to experience technical problems, which led to Health Secretary Matt Hancock stepping into answers questions from MPs. The UK has recorded a further 15,450 Covid-19 cases and 206 deaths today.


labourlist--2020-11-23--Spending review is “the moment to make responsible choices”, says Dodds

Anneliese Dodds has argued that the spending review due to be delivered by Rishi Sunak on Wednesday is “ the moment to make responsible choices ” and criticised the idea of a public sector pay freeze .
In an online speech to Reuters this afternoon , the Shadow Chancellor told viewers that Sunak ’ s “ irresponsible choices and unacceptable delays are damaging the economy ” and slammed his “ last-minute decision-making ” .
Dodds said the public deserves a “ responsible approach from their Chancellor ” and argued that “ Labour would make responsible choices to protect our key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs in every part of the country ” .
She also urged the Chancellor to “ learn from the damage caused with his last-minute changes to wage support ” , adding : “ He needs to provide certainty for employers that they ’ ll be able to keep their staff on.
” Dodds criticised Sunak for making a “ last-minute ” U-turn earlier this month when the government announced that furlough would be extended , at a rate of 80 % income support , just hours before the support programme was due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Chancellor has the chance to take the right , responsible choices for our country .
To use public money wisely in support of those at the frontline , so we can be resilient against disease and resilient against economic decline .
“ And to face up to regional inequalities with action , not just rhetoric – for a more secure future right across our country – in every region and community.
” She slammed Sunak over reports that he will “ unbelievably ” propose a public sector pay freeze in the spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on those working on the Covid frontline and for the wider economy .
She said : “ Freezing the pay of firefighters , hospital porters and teaching assistants will make them worried about making ends meet ahead of Christmas .
That means they ’ ll cut back on spending and our economy won ’ t recover as quickly .
“ Our high streets and small businesses would suffer .
That would mean yet more job losses , when we ’ ve already seen a record number of redundancies thanks to the Chancellor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodds urged that the government “ recover jobs ” with £30bn capital spending over the next 18 months , immediately bring in retraining for those who have lost their jobs in the pandemic and “ rebuild business ” with a national investment bank .
Asked for her views on taxation this afternoon , the Shadow Chancellor told those watching : “ Now is not the time for government to be proposing major tax changes .
Doing that pulls confidence out of the economy.
” Labour ’ s Dodds also argued against the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment , making the case instead that it should be concerned primarily with “ maintaining the tax base ” .
She added that there is a need in the longer term for a “ more progressive tax system ” in the UK , but said the Labour Party would be setting out its policy on taxation closer to the next general election in 2024 .
She remarked during the Q & A session that “ lots of people are looking at the Labour Party again but we ’ ve got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to listen to people who have turned away from the party .
On rebuilding trust with the electorate , she said : “ Labour has lost a number of general elections .
We have to change .
We know that .
We know that we need to rebuild trust with the public .
“ Especially around economic issues but in relation to a number of other areas as well .
I think we ’ ve been very open about that .
And , certainly , I ’ ve been keen since I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk directly to people right across the country.
” Dodds added : “ We ’ ve got to have those honest conversations with the public and understand why people might not have trusted us , might have turned away from us over recent years .
And make sure that we do something about that .
“ That we don ’ t ignore it .
Instead , that we move forward and listen to those people .
To make sure that we actually put policies forward that deal with their concerns and that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing.
” Labour published its green economic recovery plan earlier this month , in which it called on the government to bring forward £30bn in capital investment as part of a rapid stimulus package to invest in low-carbon sectors over the next 18 months .
Ed Miliband and Dodds challenged the Conservative administration to ‘ Build it in Britain ’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis .

Anneliese Dodds has argued that the spending review due to be delivered by Rishi Sunak on Wednesday is “the moment to make responsible choices” and criticised the idea of a public sector pay freeze.
In an online speech to Reuters this afternoon, the Shadow Chancellor told viewers that Sunak’s “irresponsible choices and unacceptable delays are damaging the economy” and slammed his “last-minute decision-making”.
Dodds said the public deserves a “responsible approach from their Chancellor” and argued that “Labour would make responsible choices to protect our key workers, secure the economy and recover jobs in every part of the country”.
She also urged the Chancellor to “learn from the damage caused with his last-minute changes to wage support”, adding: “He needs to provide certainty for employers that they’ll be able to keep their staff on.”
Dodds criticised Sunak for making a “last-minute” U-turn earlier this month when the government announced that furlough would be extended, at a rate of 80% income support, just hours before the support programme was due to end.
She added today: “The Chancellor has the chance to take the right, responsible choices for our country. To use public money wisely in support of those at the frontline, so we can be resilient against disease and resilient against economic decline.
“And to face up to regional inequalities with action, not just rhetoric – for a more secure future right across our country – in every region and community.”
She slammed Sunak over reports that he will “unbelievably” propose a public sector pay freeze in the spending review on Wednesday, criticising both the impact on those working on the Covid frontline and for the wider economy.
She said: “Freezing the pay of firefighters, hospital porters and teaching assistants will make them worried about making ends meet ahead of Christmas. That means they’ll cut back on spending and our economy won’t recover as quickly.
“Our high streets and small businesses would suffer. That would mean yet more job losses, when we’ve already seen a record number of redundancies thanks to the Chancellor’s constant chopping and changing.”
Dodds urged that the government “recover jobs” with £30bn capital spending over the next 18 months, immediately bring in retraining for those who have lost their jobs in the pandemic and “rebuild business” with a national investment bank.
Asked for her views on taxation this afternoon, the Shadow Chancellor told those watching: “Now is not the time for government to be proposing major tax changes. Doing that pulls confidence out of the economy.”
Labour’s Dodds also argued against the idea that the government should focus on taxation at the moment, making the case instead that it should be concerned primarily with “maintaining the tax base”.
She added that there is a need in the longer term for a “more progressive tax system” in the UK, but said the Labour Party would be setting out its policy on taxation closer to the next general election in 2024.
She remarked during the Q&A session that “lots of people are looking at the Labour Party again but we’ve got to earn that trust” and emphasised the need to listen to people who have turned away from the party.
On rebuilding trust with the electorate, she said: “Labour has lost a number of general elections. We have to change. We know that. We know that we need to rebuild trust with the public.
“Especially around economic issues but in relation to a number of other areas as well. I think we’ve been very open about that. And, certainly, I’ve been keen since I’ve been in post that I talk directly to people right across the country.”
Dodds added: “We’ve got to have those honest conversations with the public and understand why people might not have trusted us, might have turned away from us over recent years. And make sure that we do something about that.
“That we don’t ignore it. Instead, that we move forward and listen to those people. To make sure that we actually put policies forward that deal with their concerns and that’s what I’m interested in doing.”
Labour published its green economic recovery plan earlier this month, in which it called on the government to bring forward £30bn in capital investment as part of a rapid stimulus package to invest in low-carbon sectors over the next 18 months.
Ed Miliband and Dodds challenged the Conservative administration to ‘Build it in Britain’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis.


labourlist--2020-11-23--Use spending review to increase sick pay, Labour MPs urge Rishi Sunak

30 Labour MPs have today urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to use his spending review this week to increase the “ deeply inadequate ” level of statutory sick pay currently available to UK workers amid the Covid crisis .
The letter organised by Richard Burgon , Labour MP for Leeds East and a former shadow cabinet member , now secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group , advises that the move would help control coronavirus .
Burgon and colleagues from across the Labour Party , including Hilary Benn and John McDonnell , have warned that SSP is “ forcing many people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on or self-isolating ” .
At £95.85 per week , SSP in the UK is among the lowest in Europe .
The TUC estimates that it is equal to only a fifth of the average worker ’ s weekly earnings and leaves 43 % of workers unable to afford self-isolation .
As noted in the letter sent by MPs to the Chancellor today , nearly two million low-paid workers are excluded from statutory sick pay as those earning less than the lower earnings limit of £120 do not qualify .
The group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the spending review on Wednesday to up the level of SSP available to an amount equivalent to the real living wage and to remove the lower earnings limit .
Commenting on the demands , Burgon described SSP as “ not fit for purpose ” .
He said : “ Nobody should have to choose between putting food on the table or self-isolating to look after their own health and that of the wider public .
“ We need to fix the broken test and trace system but , also , we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate .
Our pathetically low level of sick pay is undermining the public ’ s efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.
” The Chancellor rejected the idea that workers have not been able to afford self-isolation in a Marr appearance on Sunday , when he said : “ Going to work is not the primary reason that people decide not to self-isolate.
” Ministers have highlighted the introduction of a one-off £500 support payment for those required to self-isolate , if they are in work , can not work from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of staying at home .
But the MPs ’ letter to Sunak describes the payment as “ far too limited in scope ” and falling “ well below what is needed to live off ” .
It is only available to those in receipt of Universal Credit or other specified benefits .
The Resolution Foundation has estimated that only one in eight workers are eligible for the £500 payment and said it is a “ mess of a system providing too low or no support at all for people if we ask them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full text of the letter sent by Labour MPs to Rishi Sunak .
Increase Statutory Sick Pay to Stop the Spread of the Virus We welcome the news that a coronavirus vaccine could be widely available some time next year .
But until then it is essential that your government puts in place all available measures to drive down the number of coronavirus cases .
Key to that is ensuring that people can afford to self-isolate .
We believe the government must urgently act to address the deeply inadequate levels of statutory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to end on 2 December .
We are concerned that the current level of statutory sick pay is far too low and is forcing many people to choose between having enough money to live on or self-isolating .
This risks undermining important efforts to reduce the spread of the virus .
At just £95.85 per week , statutory sick pay in the UK is among the lowest in Europe .
The TUC estimates that it is equal to only a fifth of the average worker ’ s weekly earnings .
Furthermore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from claiming statutory sick pay because they earn less than £120 per week .
The OECD has noted the important role that sick pay can play in limiting the spread of the virus by allowing workers to self-isolate .
And an Office for National Statistics report found that staff in care homes providing sick pay were significantly less likely to have Covid-19 cases .
Nobody self-isolating should have to worry about paying the rent or putting food on the table and no one should have to go to work instead of recovering from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-off payment for some people who are asked to self-isolate is both far too limited in scope and falls well below what is needed to live off .
We ask you to urgently increase statutory sick pay to the level of the Real Living Wage and remove the requirement for recipients to earn over £120 per week so that every single worker who needs to self-isolate is properly supported to do so .

30 Labour MPs have today urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to use his spending review this week to increase the “deeply inadequate” level of statutory sick pay currently available to UK workers amid the Covid crisis.
The letter organised by Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East and a former shadow cabinet member, now secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group, advises that the move would help control coronavirus.
Burgon and colleagues from across the Labour Party, including Hilary Benn and John McDonnell, have warned that SSP is “forcing many people to choose between having enough money to live on or self-isolating”.
At £95.85 per week, SSP in the UK is among the lowest in Europe. The TUC estimates that it is equal to only a fifth of the average worker’s weekly earnings and leaves 43% of workers unable to afford self-isolation.
As noted in the letter sent by MPs to the Chancellor today, nearly two million low-paid workers are excluded from statutory sick pay as those earning less than the lower earnings limit of £120 do not qualify.
The group of MPs has called on the government to use the spending review on Wednesday to up the level of SSP available to an amount equivalent to the real living wage and to remove the lower earnings limit.
Commenting on the demands, Burgon described SSP as “not fit for purpose”. He said: “Nobody should have to choose between putting food on the table or self-isolating to look after their own health and that of the wider public.
“We need to fix the broken test and trace system but, also, we need to properly support people who need to self-isolate. Our pathetically low level of sick pay is undermining the public’s efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.”
The Chancellor rejected the idea that workers have not been able to afford self-isolation in a Marr appearance on Sunday, when he said: “Going to work is not the primary reason that people decide not to self-isolate.”
Ministers have highlighted the introduction of a one-off £500 support payment for those required to self-isolate, if they are in work, cannot work from home and will lose income as a result of staying at home.
But the MPs’ letter to Sunak describes the payment as “far too limited in scope” and falling “well below what is needed to live off”. It is only available to those in receipt of Universal Credit or other specified benefits.
The Resolution Foundation has estimated that only one in eight workers are eligible for the £500 payment and said it is a “mess of a system providing too low or no support at all for people if we ask them to stay home”.
Below is the full text of the letter sent by Labour MPs to Rishi Sunak.
Dear Chancellor,
Increase Statutory Sick Pay to Stop the Spread of the Virus
We welcome the news that a coronavirus vaccine could be widely available some time next year. But until then it is essential that your government puts in place all available measures to drive down the number of coronavirus cases.
Key to that is ensuring that people can afford to self-isolate. We believe the government must urgently act to address the deeply inadequate levels of statutory sick pay before the current lockdown is due to end on 2 December.
We are concerned that the current level of statutory sick pay is far too low and is forcing many people to choose between having enough money to live on or self-isolating. This risks undermining important efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.
At just £95.85 per week, statutory sick pay in the UK is among the lowest in Europe. The TUC estimates that it is equal to only a fifth of the average worker’s weekly earnings.
Furthermore, nearly 2m low-paid workers are entirely excluded from claiming statutory sick pay because they earn less than £120 per week.
The OECD has noted the important role that sick pay can play in limiting the spread of the virus by allowing workers to self-isolate. And an Office for National Statistics report found that staff in care homes providing sick pay were significantly less likely to have Covid-19 cases.
Nobody self-isolating should have to worry about paying the rent or putting food on the table and no one should have to go to work instead of recovering from the virus .
The government’s one-off payment for some people who are asked to self-isolate is both far too limited in scope and falls well below what is needed to live off.
We ask you to urgently increase statutory sick pay to the level of the Real Living Wage and remove the requirement for recipients to earn over £120 per week so that every single worker who needs to self-isolate is properly supported to do so.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Burgon
Diane Abbott MP
Rushanara Ali MP
Tahir Ali MP
Paula Barker MP
Apsana Begum MP
Hilary Benn MP
Ian Byrne MP
Jon Cruddas MP
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Peter Dowd MP
Mary Foy MP
Barry Gardiner MP
Rachel Hopkins MP
Ian Lavery MP
Emma Lewell-Buck MP
Clive Lewis MP
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
John McDonnell MP
Ian Mearns MP
Grahame Morris MP
Mike Hill MP
Kate Osborne MP
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP
Zarah Sultana MP
Claudia Webbe MP
Mick Whitley MP
Nadia Whittome MP
Beth Winter MP
Mohammad Yasin MP


labourlist--2020-11-23--Voting opens in Labour’s West Yorkshire mayoral selection race

Voting has opened today in Labour ’ s West Yorkshire mayoral selection race after the party earlier this month unveiled its shortlist of three candidates who hope to run in the election taking place on May 6th .
Following local party nominations and interviews , a panel of Labour national executive committee ( NEC ) members and regional board officials narrowed the list to Tracy Brabin , Susan Hinchcliffe and Hugh Goulbourne .
Brabin , seen to be the most left-wing candidate in the internal contest , has been backed by Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker and Labour MPs including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maskell and Naz Shah .
She has also won the backing of Unite , GMB , train drivers ’ union ASLEF , transport workers ’ union TSSA , the Communication Workers Union , the National Union of Mineworkers and the Co-operative Party .
Brabin has said she hopes to modernise the region ’ s transport and increase economic investment into the area , from supporting green jobs and sustainable reindustrialisation to implementing a “ creative new deal ” .
Hinchcliffe , leader of Bradford council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynch and Imran Hussein , plus affiliated unions UNISON , Usdaw and Community .
With the campaign slogan “ courage to dream , experience to deliver ” , she has emphasised her experience that she says will allow her to “ steer the ship ” when delivering on aims such improved housing .
Goulbourne , a Huddersfield lawyer , business ambassador and father-of-two , is supported by Labour peer Baroness Osamor , as well as former Kirklees Council leader Sir John Harman and local councillor Scott Patient .
While running to be Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underscored the need for people in West Yorkshire to be supported as they retrain or reskill if the area is going to remain competitive in a changing economy .
Voting in Labour ’ s West Yorkshire mayor selection process has opened today and will close at midday on December 11th , ahead of the inaugural election itself on May 6th next year alongside other contests .
The winner will represent Leeds , Wakefield , Bradford , Kirklees and Calderdale , and will have control over regional transport , housing , land , adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional policing and crime policy .

Voting has opened today in Labour’s West Yorkshire mayoral selection race after the party earlier this month unveiled its shortlist of three candidates who hope to run in the election taking place on May 6th.
Following local party nominations and interviews, a panel of Labour national executive committee (NEC) members and regional board officials narrowed the list to Tracy Brabin, Susan Hinchcliffe and Hugh Goulbourne.
Brabin, seen to be the most left-wing candidate in the internal contest, has been backed by Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker and Labour MPs including Fabian Hamilton, Alex Sobel, Rachael Maskell and Naz Shah.
She has also won the backing of Unite, GMB, train drivers’ union ASLEF, transport workers’ union TSSA, the Communication Workers Union, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Co-operative Party.
Brabin has said she hopes to modernise the region’s transport and increase economic investment into the area, from supporting green jobs and sustainable reindustrialisation to implementing a “creative new deal”.
Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is endorsed by MPs including Holly Lynch and Imran Hussein, plus affiliated unions UNISON, Usdaw and Community.
With the campaign slogan “courage to dream, experience to deliver”, she has emphasised her experience that she says will allow her to “steer the ship” when delivering on aims such improved housing.
Goulbourne, a Huddersfield lawyer, business ambassador and father-of-two, is supported by Labour peer Baroness Osamor, as well as former Kirklees Council leader Sir John Harman and local councillor Scott Patient.
While running to be Labour’s candidate, he has particularly underscored the need for people in West Yorkshire to be supported as they retrain or reskill if the area is going to remain competitive in a changing economy.
Voting in Labour’s West Yorkshire mayor selection process has opened today and will close at midday on December 11th, ahead of the inaugural election itself on May 6th next year alongside other contests.
The winner will represent Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale, and will have control over regional transport, housing, land, adult skills and, by latest 2024, regional policing and crime policy.