labourlist--2020-03-25--Full text: John McDonnell’s last Commons speech as Shadow Chancellor

Below is the full text of John McDonnell ’ s final speech in the House of Commons as Shadow Chancellor , which he delivered in the ‘ financial and social emergency support ’ coronavirus debate .
On Monday , the Prime Minister ordered a 21-day lockdown and asked non-essential retail and leisure facilities to close .
We supported that measure , all of us .
Indeed , we called for it and we welcomed it .
But today we need clarity and security for all .
The spike in deaths that had been predicted hit us yesterday , with 87 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in a single day .
The numbers have reached 435 who ’ ve lost their lives and all of us send our condolences to their family and friends .
Sadly , we all know that there is every likelihood that even worse is to come .
People understand the health risks , they fear for their loved ones and their neighbours .
The human response has in many ways been tremendous , and I pay tribute to the response of the British people .
The community-based mutual aid groups that have sprung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed up as volunteers to offer support to those who need it .
The 11,000 recently retired NHS staff who , despite all the risks , have returned to the profession .
People and businesses were reassured initially by the Chancellor ’ s financial package but we have to be honest , in recent days , the gaps have emerged and people are worried .
Alarm bells are ringing right the way across our constituencies .
We , in this House , are behaving responsibly .
We are socially distancing ourselves .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other .
But politically we have come together , working across party lines to try to get this right .
And it is in that spirit that today , I will ask the government to act , and to act urgently , to plug the gaps that have come to light .
This is not a blame game but genuine constructive engagement on all sides .
Our constituents are raising issues with all of us the self-employed workers on insecure contracts , health and social care workers , and many others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : they are worried about their security , their income , their job , their home , the wellbeing of their families , children and elderly relative .
And it is the job of government to provide that reassurance , especially at the most worrying times .
While people are , by and large , behaving responsibly , some employers are not .
We ’ ve heard about them today .
And lives are being unnecessarily put at risk .
I know the whole House will condemn those employers who act with callous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are the Tim Martins and the Mike Ashleys , but we ’ ve heard today there are too many employers acting in this way .
We also condemn those banks who see this crisis as an opportunity to hike interest rates on overdrafts , knowing that so many people are going to see their incomes fall .
We condemn those retailers that are hiking prices as people anxiously shop less frequently , profiteering in a crisis .
The whole country needs clarity about what should be happening in this lockdown – both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described this as a war against this virus .
I agree with him .
In the Second World War , there was an initial period described as the phoney war .
Because of the inconsistencies of the interpretation of the lockdown , we seem to be in a phoney lockdown .
If we are to be serious in defeating this enemy , we have to go all the way .
People and businesses need certainty .
All businesses should close down unless they have an essential role to play in the fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to operate with staff working from home .
Construction sites should be closed down unless they are building health facilities .
They should close now .
They are putting lives at risk by operating still .
The Scottish First Minister has said they should , the Mayor of London says they should , but the government is allowing them to continue .
I have spoken to construction workers and their unions in recent days .
They have told me that social distancing on a building site is just not possible .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe to do .
Yesterday the Health Secretary tried to blame the Mayor of London for reduced services on the London Underground .
Earlier in the day , the Mayor had explained that some 20 % of staff are either off sick or self-isolating as a precaution and that the tube was running at the maximum capacity it could given those constraints .
The construction company Taylor Wimpey has taken the responsible decision to shut down all its sites , and I commend them .
The government must back workers and their unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government must order workplaces to close if they are not essential in the fight against coronavirus .
Businesses and workers need the clarity that they deserve .
The government needs to assure those businesses that they can furlough their workers and 80 % of wages will be paid , backdated and that interest-free loans are available and readily accessible now to meet any short-term shortfall .
Can I ask for a small further demand ; can apprentices , many of whom are paid just £3.90 an hour , be furloughed too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % , but 100 % , because they earn so little ?
As I asked the Chancellor yesterday , can the scheme be flexible ?
Workers put on reduced hours must be eligible so that the shortfall in wages can be made up .
Some businesses will lose part of their operation and will need to carry on in reduced form .
That would be the right solution for them .
It can not be beyond the wit of the great minds in the Treasury – the civil servants – to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was reiterated by the Resolution Foundation this morning .
Another YouGov poll found that one in 10 people surveyed are in still work with reduced pay or hours .
Those people are not currently protected by the government ’ s scheme .
For businesses to stay afloat , they need part-time workers , and these part-time workers need support .
I give an example to the minister – a real world example – forwarded to me by an Hon member from a worker , where 17 out of 160 staff are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest are getting no pay or a redundancy payment of around £500 .
Zero-hours contract workers and agency workers not on PAYE must be made eligible for the Job Retention Scheme .
These are some of the workers most at risk of losing work and being unable to put food on the table during this downturn .
Can I ask for an assurance that non-UK nationals are eligible for the scheme ?
And can I appeal to the government to ensure support is provided for non-UK nationals in the coming weeks , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspension of ‘ no recourse to public funds ’ ?
Staff who can no longer work because of childcare responsibilities must be protected – why on earth would they not be eligible under this scheme ?
Think of the single parent who can not work because they need to stay at home with their child .
Surely they should be covered ?
Briefly on the subject of childcare , can the minister be clear that childcare providers should not be charging parents for services that are no longer being delivered or can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern I have is , because of the gaps in the Scheme , and because it will not be operational until April , it will not be taken up at the rate that we would hope for .
Lay-offs are happening now at scale .
The DWP Secretary has said that 477,000 people have applied for Universal Credit in the last nine days , a sign of job losses at scale .
So there is a real need to close the gaps and bring forward the scheme with some urgency .
The five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tax they deserve the same protections .
They are losing out .
Let them claim 80 % of their income lost – self-declared – and if necessary it can be clawed back on their 2019/20 tax return in January 2021 .
If people claim fraudulently while still working , they will rightly be prosecuted .
But right now millions of cabbies , childminders , plumbers , electricians , painters and decorators and actors have all lost work or closed down their businesses .
As have builders , designated as the self-employed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no income .
They need a solution , now .
Can I just point out that for all those saying it ’ s complicated , I know that .
But other countries are managing it .
I give just one example : Ireland , their national Covid-19 support scheme will be up and running on Friday .
It covers both PAYE and self-employed at 70 % of their net wage .
Many other countries have comprehensive schemes and some more generous schemes .
On Statutory Sick Pay – both the Health Secretary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can not survive on £94 per week .
So will the minister increase this rate ?
A rate that is less than half the level of many other European countries ’ sick pay schemes .
Again , I give the House another real world example sent to me by an Hon member whose constituent has been told their terms and conditions are being changed ; so instead of sick pay of three weeks on full pay , they will merely get SSP .
And while he is at it , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with £73 per week , £57 if they ’ re under 25 .
Thousands of workers have been laid off in recent weeks through no fault of their own .
Many are struggling online to make a claim for Universal Credit .
We need to know urgently what the government is doing to expand capacity .
I urge the government to heed the call of the Resolution Foundation today to raise Jobseeker ’ s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance .
We have suggested the urgent need to increase Carer ’ s Allowance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to grips with reducing the five-week wait for Universal Credit and to follow the calls of groups like CPAG to turn the advance loan into a grant .
I spoke to the PCS union which represents staff in the DWP .
As a point of fact during the last spike in demand after the global financial crash it had around 130,000 staff .
Today , it has just 78,000 staff .
Many of the government ’ s own workers have not received personal protective equipment and clothing , with nurses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bags .
I pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of NHS and social care workers who have ploughed on regardless , but they deserve better too .
On medical advice can the minister be clear ; should pregnant workers be self-isolating if they can ’ t work from home ?
Because the advice has appeared contradictory to many workers and employers .
Again I have been forwarded a case where a pregnant worker was told to take three months unpaid leave if she will not continue to do face to face working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage holders and to ensure that payment holidays are in place .
We need the same security for renters .
And to understand the differences .
A rent holiday is not the same as a mortgage holiday .
Rent is paid continuously while in tenancy , while mortgages are fixed term meaning that repayment terms can simply be extended .
It is therefore important that Government acts to ensure that people ’ s rents are covered , not merely payments suspended for this period .
We were extremely disappointed by the legislation published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has broken his promise to the country ’ s 20 million renters … in 8.5 million households .
It was not an evictions ban as promised .
This legislation would not stop people losing their homes as a result of coronavirus – it just gives them some extra time to pack their bags .
This morning , the Housing Secretary said the Government could extend the three-month delay on evictions .
He has said it is “ extremely unlikely ” that any possession proceedings will continue .
That ’ s not clear enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look again .
But there are wider problems .
Over recent years , austerity cuts have lessened the value of support available via housing benefit .
The government must immediately suspend the benefit cap and the bedroom tax .
We welcome the moves announced last week on Local Housing Allowance but the Government must go further and restore the Local Housing Allowance from the 30th percentile back to the 50th percentile of market rates , as it was before 2010 .
People will have made rental decisions based on their incomes , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unforeseeable impact of the coronavirus .
Now is not a time for families to be downsizing or sofa-surfing with parents , grandparents or friends in cramped conditions .
We can not have a situation in which – at the end of this – tenants have either depleted all their savings or , worse , have amassed large and unpayable debts .
The suspension of evictions for private and social tenants should be extended from three months to six months .
Shelter estimates that as many as 20,000 eviction proceedings are already in progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months unless the government takes action to stop them .
They must be stopped .
And when the Minister rises to his feet , he must be clear : no evictions .
Of any kind .
Also we need to ensure that undergraduates are not charged rent for student accommodation they are no longer using as their institutions closed .
What scheme is in place for them to claw back rent or escape tenancy agreements rendered defunct by this crisis .
Likewise , will their student debt interest be suspended at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor proposing for suspending payments of household utility bills ?
We can not have bailiffs and we can not have disconnections of water , energy or internet at this time .
And what is the Government doing about those without internet access ?
Many people in our community rely on libraries to access the internet .
Now that these are closing , what measures will the government bring in to ensure people can get online , whether for benefit services or to maintain some form of social contact ?
At this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we have been told that charities , voluntary organisations , and social enterprises are running out of money .
With predicted losses of over £4bn in the next 12 weeks , what is being done to provide support to these groups , and can the Government clarify whether they will be eligible for the Job Retention Scheme ?
Lessons must be learnt from this crisis .
The first is that we must ensure in future that we build in all our public services the resilience they need to deal with future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eradicate the low pay and insecure work that prevents people having the personal economic resilience to cope when hardship threatens .
So let ’ s start planning now for the economy and society we want to shape after we have won the war against this virus .
This is my last speech in this Chamber as Shadow Chancellor .
You may recall that when I address party meetings , I usually end with a single word .
It ’ s a word upon which the Labour and trade union movement was founded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we learnt in the fields and workshops of the early industrial revolution .
It taught us that unity is strength and an injury to one is an injury to all .
That word is solidarity .
It will be solidarity that will see us through this crisis to protect our community .
And upon which we should build our society in the future .
So , Madam Deputy Speaker , I end with : solidarity .

Below is the full text of John McDonnell’s final speech in the House of Commons as Shadow Chancellor, which he delivered in the ‘financial and social emergency support’ coronavirus debate.
On Monday, the Prime Minister ordered a 21-day lockdown and asked non-essential retail and leisure facilities to close. We supported that measure, all of us. Indeed, we called for it and we welcomed it. But today we need clarity and security for all.
The spike in deaths that had been predicted hit us yesterday, with 87 of our fellow citizens killed by the coronavirus in a single day. The numbers have reached 435 who’ve lost their lives and all of us send our condolences to their family and friends. Sadly, we all know that there is every likelihood that even worse is to come.
People understand the health risks, they fear for their loved ones and their neighbours. The human response has in many ways been tremendous, and I pay tribute to the response of the British people. The community-based mutual aid groups that have sprung up. The 170,000 people who have signed up as volunteers to offer support to those who need it. The 11,000 recently retired NHS staff who, despite all the risks, have returned to the profession.
People and businesses were reassured initially by the Chancellor’s financial package but we have to be honest, in recent days, the gaps have emerged and people are worried. Alarm bells are ringing right the way across our constituencies.
We, in this House, are behaving responsibly. We are socially distancing ourselves. Some have longed to put greater distance between each other. But politically we have come together, working across party lines to try to get this right. And it is in that spirit that today, I will ask the government to act, and to act urgently, to plug the gaps that have come to light.
This is not a blame game but genuine constructive engagement on all sides. Our constituents are raising issues with all of us the self-employed workers on insecure contracts, health and social care workers, and many others. They all have one thing in common: they are worried about their security, their income, their job, their home, the wellbeing of their families, children and elderly relative. And it is the job of government to provide that reassurance, especially at the most worrying times.
While people are, by and large, behaving responsibly, some employers are not. We’ve heard about them today. And lives are being unnecessarily put at risk. I know the whole House will condemn those employers who act with callous disregard towards their staff. Yes, there are the Tim Martins and the Mike Ashleys, but we’ve heard today there are too many employers acting in this way.
We also condemn those banks who see this crisis as an opportunity to hike interest rates on overdrafts, knowing that so many people are going to see their incomes fall. We condemn those retailers that are hiking prices as people anxiously shop less frequently, profiteering in a crisis.
The whole country needs clarity about what should be happening in this lockdown – both businesses and workers. The Prime Minister described this as a war against this virus. I agree with him. In the Second World War, there was an initial period described as the phoney war. Because of the inconsistencies of the interpretation of the lockdown, we seem to be in a phoney lockdown.
If we are to be serious in defeating this enemy, we have to go all the way. People and businesses need certainty. All businesses should close down unless they have an essential role to play in the fight against the coronavirus or unless the business can continue to operate with staff working from home.
Construction sites should be closed down unless they are building health facilities. They should close now. They are putting lives at risk by operating still. The Scottish First Minister has said they should, the Mayor of London says they should, but the government is allowing them to continue.
I have spoken to construction workers and their unions in recent days. They have told me that social distancing on a building site is just not possible. For some roles, it would not be safe to do.
Yesterday the Health Secretary tried to blame the Mayor of London for reduced services on the London Underground. Earlier in the day, the Mayor had explained that some 20% of staff are either off sick or self-isolating as a precaution and that the tube was running at the maximum capacity it could given those constraints.
The construction company Taylor Wimpey has taken the responsible decision to shut down all its sites, and I commend them. The government must back workers and their unions who refuse to work in unsafe workplaces. The government must order workplaces to close if they are not essential in the fight against coronavirus.
Businesses and workers need the clarity that they deserve. The government needs to assure those businesses that they can furlough their workers and 80% of wages will be paid, backdated and that interest-free loans are available and readily accessible now to meet any short-term shortfall.
Can I ask for a small further demand; can apprentices, many of whom are paid just £3.90 an hour, be furloughed too? And can they please get not 80%, but 100%, because they earn so little?
As I asked the Chancellor yesterday, can the scheme be flexible? Workers put on reduced hours must be eligible so that the shortfall in wages can be made up. Some businesses will lose part of their operation and will need to carry on in reduced form. That would be the right solution for them. It cannot be beyond the wit of the great minds in the Treasury – the civil servants – to find a way. This is a call that was reiterated by the Resolution Foundation this morning.
Another YouGov poll found that one in 10 people surveyed are in still work with reduced pay or hours. Those people are not currently protected by the government’s scheme. For businesses to stay afloat, they need part-time workers, and these part-time workers need support.
I give an example to the minister – a real world example – forwarded to me by an Hon member from a worker, where 17 out of 160 staff are being kept on 40% pay while the rest are getting no pay or a redundancy payment of around £500.
Zero-hours contract workers and agency workers not on PAYE must be made eligible for the Job Retention Scheme. These are some of the workers most at risk of losing work and being unable to put food on the table during this downturn.
Can I ask for an assurance that non-UK nationals are eligible for the scheme? And can I appeal to the government to ensure support is provided for non-UK nationals in the coming weeks, when travel is so restricted, including through the suspension of ‘no recourse to public funds’?
Staff who can no longer work because of childcare responsibilities must be protected – why on earth would they not be eligible under this scheme? Think of the single parent who cannot work because they need to stay at home with their child. Surely they should be covered?
Briefly on the subject of childcare, can the minister be clear that childcare providers should not be charging parents for services that are no longer being delivered or can’t now be delivered? The concern I have is, because of the gaps in the Scheme, and because it will not be operational until April, it will not be taken up at the rate that we would hope for.
Lay-offs are happening now at scale. The DWP Secretary has said that 477,000 people have applied for Universal Credit in the last nine days, a sign of job losses at scale. So there is a real need to close the gaps and bring forward the scheme with some urgency.
The five million self-employed workers pay the same rates of tax they deserve the same protections. They are losing out. Let them claim 80% of their income lost – self-declared – and if necessary it can be clawed back on their 2019/20 tax return in January 2021.
If people claim fraudulently while still working, they will rightly be prosecuted. But right now millions of cabbies, childminders, plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators and actors have all lost work or closed down their businesses. As have builders, designated as the self-employed under the Construction Industry Scheme and they have no income. They need a solution, now.
Can I just point out that for all those saying it’s complicated, I know that. But other countries are managing it. I give just one example: Ireland, their national Covid-19 support scheme will be up and running on Friday. It covers both PAYE and self-employed at 70% of their net wage. Many other countries have comprehensive schemes and some more generous schemes.
On Statutory Sick Pay – both the Health Secretary and his predecessor have said honestly and candidly they cannot survive on £94 per week. So will the minister increase this rate?
A rate that is less than half the level of many other European countries’ sick pay schemes. Again, I give the House another real world example sent to me by an Hon member whose constituent has been told their terms and conditions are being changed; so instead of sick pay of three weeks on full pay, they will merely get SSP.
And while he is at it, let’s stop insulting unemployed and disabled people with £73 per week, £57 if they’re under 25.
Thousands of workers have been laid off in recent weeks through no fault of their own. Many are struggling online to make a claim for Universal Credit. We need to know urgently what the government is doing to expand capacity.
I urge the government to heed the call of the Resolution Foundation today to raise Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. We have suggested the urgent need to increase Carer’s Allowance as well. And the government has to get to grips with reducing the five-week wait for Universal Credit and to follow the calls of groups like CPAG to turn the advance loan into a grant.
I spoke to the PCS union which represents staff in the DWP. As a point of fact during the last spike in demand after the global financial crash it had around 130,000 staff. Today, it has just 78,000 staff.
Many of the government’s own workers have not received personal protective equipment and clothing, with nurses and doctors relying on makeshift masks and plastic bags. I pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of NHS and social care workers who have ploughed on regardless, but they deserve better too.
On medical advice can the minister be clear; should pregnant workers be self-isolating if they can’t work from home? Because the advice has appeared contradictory to many workers and employers. Again I have been forwarded a case where a pregnant worker was told to take three months unpaid leave if she will not continue to do face to face working.
We welcomed the moves to protect mortgage holders and to ensure that payment holidays are in place. We need the same security for renters. And to understand the differences.
A rent holiday is not the same as a mortgage holiday. Rent is paid continuously while in tenancy, while mortgages are fixed term meaning that repayment terms can simply be extended. It is therefore important that Government acts to ensure that people’s rents are covered, not merely payments suspended for this period.
We were extremely disappointed by the legislation published yesterday. Frankly, the Prime Minister has broken his promise to the country’s 20 million renters … in 8.5 million households.
It was not an evictions ban as promised. This legislation would not stop people losing their homes as a result of coronavirus – it just gives them some extra time to pack their bags.
This morning, the Housing Secretary said the Government could extend the three-month delay on evictions. He has said it is “extremely unlikely” that any possession proceedings will continue. That’s not clear enough or strong enough and the Government must look again.
But there are wider problems. Over recent years, austerity cuts have lessened the value of support available via housing benefit. The government must immediately suspend the benefit cap and the bedroom tax.
We welcome the moves announced last week on Local Housing Allowance but the Government must go further and restore the Local Housing Allowance from the 30th percentile back to the 50th percentile of market rates, as it was before 2010.
People will have made rental decisions based on their incomes, and they should not be penalised by the unforeseeable impact of the coronavirus. Now is not a time for families to be downsizing or sofa-surfing with parents, grandparents or friends in cramped conditions.
We cannot have a situation in which – at the end of this – tenants have either depleted all their savings or, worse, have amassed large and unpayable debts.
The suspension of evictions for private and social tenants should be extended from three months to six months. Shelter estimates that as many as 20,000 eviction proceedings are already in progress and will go ahead over the next three months unless the government takes action to stop them. They must be stopped. And when the Minister rises to his feet, he must be clear: no evictions. Of any kind.
Also we need to ensure that undergraduates are not charged rent for student accommodation they are no longer using as their institutions closed. What scheme is in place for them to claw back rent or escape tenancy agreements rendered defunct by this crisis. Likewise, will their student debt interest be suspended at the very least?
So what measures is the Chancellor proposing for suspending payments of household utility bills? We cannot have bailiffs and we cannot have disconnections of water, energy or internet at this time.
And what is the Government doing about those without internet access? Many people in our community rely on libraries to access the internet. Now that these are closing, what measures will the government bring in to ensure people can get online, whether for benefit services or to maintain some form of social contact?
At this time many people are falling back on charities. But we have been told that charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises are running out of money. With predicted losses of over £4bn in the next 12 weeks, what is being done to provide support to these groups, and can the Government clarify whether they will be eligible for the Job Retention Scheme?
Lessons must be learnt from this crisis. The first is that we must ensure in future that we build in all our public services the resilience they need to deal with future crises. That in our economy we eradicate the low pay and insecure work that prevents people having the personal economic resilience to cope when hardship threatens.
So let’s start planning now for the economy and society we want to shape after we have won the war against this virus.
This is my last speech in this Chamber as Shadow Chancellor. You may recall that when I address party meetings, I usually end with a single word. It’s a word upon which the Labour and trade union movement was founded.
It’s based upon a secret that we learnt in the fields and workshops of the early industrial revolution. It taught us that unity is strength and an injury to one is an injury to all.
That word is solidarity. It will be solidarity that will see us through this crisis to protect our community. And upon which we should build our society in the future. So, Madam Deputy Speaker, I end with: solidarity.


labourlist--2020-04-16--Labour MP calls for extension of migrant rights for NHS workers and their families

Claudia Webbe has urged the government to grant permanent residency to migrant NHS workers and their dependent family members , and highlighted that several of the health workers to have died from coronavirus were first generation immigrants .
The Labour MP for Leicester East wrote to the Home Secretary today , describing how the health crisis has shown the “ undeniable contribution of migrants to our society ” but how for many , their future residency in the UK is unsure .
She also said that if a migrant NHS worker dies their family members should receive full pension and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home Secretary to scrap the NHS surcharge for all health workers and their families .
Webbe said : “ Over 13 % of all NHS staff are migrants , including 28 % of doctors and 16 % of nurses .
Of these , there are a significant number of NHS workers , and their families , whose future residency in the UK is not secured .
“ In the current system , if an NHS worker tragically dies due to work related illnesses , the future of their dependent family members living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means vulnerable individuals could face deportation whilst grieving for their loved one.
” At least 13 of those NHS workers to have died from Covid-19 were first generation immigrants .
The first confirmed hospital frontline worker to die after testing positive for the virus , Dr Amged El-Hawrani , was born in Sudan for example .
She added : “ For many migrant NHS professionals , the stress of potential ill health , and even death , is compounded by the fact that their family members are not guaranteed a future in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our NHS workers , and the cruelty of the current immigration system .
“ It does not seem fair or just to expect migrant NHS professionals to risk their lives for a country in which their dependent family does not have a permanent future .
I urge the government to take this opportunity to honour the dedication and sacrifice of all NHS workers , no matter their country of birth.
” A cross-party group of more than 60 MPs wrote to Priti Patel last week , urging her to grant indefinite leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recognise that “ those who have put their lives at risk for our country are welcome to live in it ” .
The Home Office has announced an automatic 12 month extension of visas for health workers from October 1st , but MPs have said that this does not go far enough .
The first four doctors to die from the virus were born overseas .
There are now a total of 103,093 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK , but given low levels of testing in the population the true figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So far , there have been 13,729 confirmed hospital deaths in relation to Covid-19 .

Claudia Webbe has urged the government to grant permanent residency to migrant NHS workers and their dependent family members, and highlighted that several of the health workers to have died from coronavirus were first generation immigrants.
The Labour MP for Leicester East wrote to the Home Secretary today, describing how the health crisis has shown the “undeniable contribution of migrants to our society” but how for many, their future residency in the UK is unsure.
She also said that if a migrant NHS worker dies their family members should receive full pension and death benefits, and has urged the Home Secretary to scrap the NHS surcharge for all health workers and their families.
Webbe said: “Over 13% of all NHS staff are migrants, including 28% of doctors and 16% of nurses. Of these, there are a significant number of NHS workers, and their families, whose future residency in the UK is not secured.
“In the current system, if an NHS worker tragically dies due to work related illnesses, the future of their dependent family members living in the UK is not guaranteed. This means vulnerable individuals could face deportation whilst grieving for their loved one.”
At least 13 of those NHS workers to have died from Covid-19 were first generation immigrants. The first confirmed hospital frontline worker to die after testing positive for the virus, Dr Amged El-Hawrani, was born in Sudan for example.
She added: “For many migrant NHS professionals, the stress of potential ill health, and even death, is compounded by the fact that their family members are not guaranteed a future in the UK. This reveals both the heroism of our NHS workers, and the cruelty of the current immigration system.
“It does not seem fair or just to expect migrant NHS professionals to risk their lives for a country in which their dependent family does not have a permanent future. I urge the government to take this opportunity to honour the dedication and sacrifice of all NHS workers, no matter their country of birth.”
A cross-party group of more than 60 MPs wrote to Priti Patel last week, urging her to grant indefinite leave to remain to migrant health workers, and recognise that “those who have put their lives at risk for our country are welcome to live in it”.
The Home Office has announced an automatic 12 month extension of visas for health workers from October 1st, but MPs have said that this does not go far enough. The first four doctors to die from the virus were born overseas.
There are now a total of 103,093 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, but given low levels of testing in the population the true figure is thought to be much higher. So far, there have been 13,729 confirmed hospital deaths in relation to Covid-19.


labourlist--2020-04-16--Labour welcomes review of Covid-19 impact on BAME communities

Labour has welcomed the government announcement that there will be a review looking into the apparent disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities .
The investigation launch follows news that 70 % of the 54 frontline health and social care workers who have died due to Covid-19 in England and Wales were black or from an ethnic minority .
Analysis by Sky News has also found that four of the five health trusts in England which have recorded the most deaths so far cover areas with some of the highest combined South Asian and black populations .
That 44 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses are from a BAME background is also likely to raised in the review led by the NHS and Public Health England along with organisations such as the British Medical Association .
Commenting on the announcement , Labour ’ s new Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Marsha de Cordova said : “ We welcome the review into the disturbing impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities.
” She noted , however , that “ it is not yet clear whether it will be independent , when it will be concluded and who will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The government must ensure the review is robust and looks into the underlying structural economic and social inequalities that have affected BAME communities in this crisis .
“ It must also urgently record data broken down by ethnicity on the number of people who have died as a result of Covid-19 .
“ The devastating effect of Covid-19 on BAME communities can not be overstated .
This review must be the first step in ensuring that all communities are equally protected from this virus.
” Asked about an investigation into BAME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with members on Wednesday , Keir Starmer said : “ This is a very real issue and you can see it in the numbers.
” The new leader added : “ Rather than shy away from this , we ’ ve got to see it for what it is and look into what lies behind these numbers… The sooner we drill down into this , the better.
” Similar concerns have been expressed in the US , where fresh data has shown that people in America who are black or hispanic have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 .

Labour has welcomed the government announcement that there will be a review looking into the apparent disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities.
The investigation launch follows news that 70% of the 54 frontline health and social care workers who have died due to Covid-19 in England and Wales were black or from an ethnic minority.
Analysis by Sky News has also found that four of the five health trusts in England which have recorded the most deaths so far cover areas with some of the highest combined South Asian and black populations.
That 44% of NHS doctors and 24% of nurses are from a BAME background is also likely to raised in the review led by the NHS and Public Health England along with organisations such as the British Medical Association.
Commenting on the announcement, Labour’s new Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Marsha de Cordova said: “We welcome the review into the disturbing impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities.”
She noted, however, that “it is not yet clear whether it will be independent, when it will be concluded and who will be leading it”.
De Cordova added: “The government must ensure the review is robust and looks into the underlying structural economic and social inequalities that have affected BAME communities in this crisis.
“It must also urgently record data broken down by ethnicity on the number of people who have died as a result of Covid-19.
“The devastating effect of Covid-19 on BAME communities cannot be overstated. This review must be the first step in ensuring that all communities are equally protected from this virus.”
Asked about an investigation into BAME deaths related to coronavirus during a Zoom call with members on Wednesday, Keir Starmer said: “This is a very real issue and you can see it in the numbers.”
The new leader added: “Rather than shy away from this, we’ve got to see it for what it is and look into what lies behind these numbers… The sooner we drill down into this, the better.”
Similar concerns have been expressed in the US, where fresh data has shown that people in America who are black or hispanic have been twice as likely to die from Covid-19.


labourlist--2020-04-16--How Newham has deployed an army of volunteers to support residents

Two weeks ago , there was nothing .
Some ideas , lots of questions and a whole bunch of challenges to overcome .
How can we get food , medicine , essential household items and support to residents who need to self-isolate or are vulnerable ?
We had no locations , no names , no confirmed supply chain , no data system , and no joint arrangements with the voluntary and community sectors .
As a social activist turned politician , I know that it can take a while for local government to mobilise .
But the response over these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By last weekend , we had taken delivery of one ton of food , which has since been packed into 900 boxes by volunteers including residents and hundreds of council staff .
We have requisitioned schools – closed to the majority of pupils – and council buildings , and transformed them into eight # HelpNewham local hubs .
From those hubs , we distribute prescription medicines , food and essential supplies to our most vulnerable .
This army of volunteers is made up of residents and hundreds of council staff , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the mission we have embarked on : protecting and supporting our residents during this coronavirus pandemic .
The mission has taken a humanitarian vigour to it , coupled with logistical precision and agile management – though there ’ s a discreteness to the hub locations , to avoid theft .
We are not unique , of course – I know many other Labour councils are doing the same .
But I think that we in Newham have something we can share with others , and over 20 authorities from across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we have done .
One of the biggest challenges will be to ensure that our supply chains are maintained .
All the great work of our volunteer army could be for nothing if we don ’ t have supplies to deliver .
We have embedded community wealth building in our local hub model and approach , which is about addressing poverty and inequality , protecting livelihoods and building stronger communities .
Because we know that the economic impact of the pandemic is going hurt so many people ; in the last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people apply for Universal Credit .
Our # HelpNewham local hubs are working with all parts of our communities : our schools , faith groups , youth workers , residents and local businesses , who have all made incredibly generous donations .
We are supporting local businesses as well by ensuring that our catering service , Juniper , is sourcing local produce and household items from local suppliers where possible .
In our last survey of residents , nearly a third of people said that they had no-one they could rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a stark reminder that even in one of the busiest cities in the world , people can feel incredibly lonely and isolated .
In response , we are setting up a phone ‘ befriending service ’ , which can be staffed by people who also have to stay at home .
This will be a chance to have some human interaction , a quick natter over a cup of tea , to break the monotony of being on your own .
But our call handlers will also have detailed scripts so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our most vulnerable residents .
This has been one of the most testing moments for government – for central government but also for local councils , which are already struggling with huge reductions to our budgets .
Now we are in the midst of a global crisis , where we are on the frontline to delay the spread of the virus and save lives .
We had to take a very difficult decision to close the Stratford Mall shopping centre during the nights , following the requirement by government to house all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
For those of you not familiar with our borough , the shopping centre has become a place of comfort for many rough sleepers , despite the risks that they face .
The advice of our public health experts was that the risk of coronavirus spreading amongst those sleeping there and others was too great .
In a space of a few hours , our specialist officers supported by volunteers had to find accommodation for a group of 30 rough sleepers – amongst our most vulnerable residents .
We have all been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt mistakes will be made .
It has not been easy for everyone to adapt so quickly to working remotely , but I ’ ve been impressed by the way in which my colleagues have embraced everything from Skype calls to using Sharepoint or Zoom to collaborate .
We had planned to shift to this way of working anyway , but not at the pace that the crisis has imposed on us .
Newham has become something of a hub for the pan-London Covid-19 relief effort , where all councils are coordinating efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and save lives .
There is the NHS Nightingale – the 4,000 bed hospital built in the Excel centre , next door to our own council offices .
It was completed in just nine days .
And a new temporary mortuary has been set up in Manor Park .
I could never have imagined all this a month ago .
When this is all over , many of our first thoughts will be to seeing friends again , going out for a bite to eat at a local restaurant , watching a film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones a heartfelt hug .
But when normality has returned , we should also reflect on all the lives that have been lost .
While I have been incredibly moved and impressed by the work of our voluntary and faith groups to support those at risk , in the end , this crisis has shown the importance of a functioning and well-funded state .
Whether it is keeping a business going , a hospital working , or vital council services operating , it is something that the architects of austerity must consider – @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Two weeks ago, there was nothing. Some ideas, lots of questions and a whole bunch of challenges to overcome. How can we get food, medicine, essential household items and support to residents who need to self-isolate or are vulnerable? We had no locations, no names, no confirmed supply chain, no data system, and no joint arrangements with the voluntary and community sectors. As a social activist turned politician, I know that it can take a while for local government to mobilise. But the response over these past two weeks has blown me away.
By last weekend, we had taken delivery of one ton of food, which has since been packed into 900 boxes by volunteers including residents and hundreds of council staff. We have requisitioned schools – closed to the majority of pupils – and council buildings, and transformed them into eight #HelpNewham local hubs. From those hubs, we distribute prescription medicines, food and essential supplies to our most vulnerable.
This army of volunteers is made up of residents and hundreds of council staff, who are giving up their time to help with the mission we have embarked on: protecting and supporting our residents during this coronavirus pandemic. The mission has taken a humanitarian vigour to it, coupled with logistical precision and agile management – though there’s a discreteness to the hub locations, to avoid theft.
We are not unique, of course – I know many other Labour councils are doing the same. But I think that we in Newham have something we can share with others, and over 20 authorities from across the country have been in touch to learn from what we have done. One of the biggest challenges will be to ensure that our supply chains are maintained. All the great work of our volunteer army could be for nothing if we don’t have supplies to deliver.
We have embedded community wealth building in our local hub model and approach, which is about addressing poverty and inequality, protecting livelihoods and building stronger communities. Because we know that the economic impact of the pandemic is going hurt so many people; in the last two weeks alone, we have seen one million people apply for Universal Credit.
Our #HelpNewham local hubs are working with all parts of our communities: our schools, faith groups, youth workers, residents and local businesses, who have all made incredibly generous donations. We are supporting local businesses as well by ensuring that our catering service, Juniper, is sourcing local produce and household items from local suppliers where possible.
In our last survey of residents, nearly a third of people said that they had no-one they could rely on when things became difficult. It’s a stark reminder that even in one of the busiest cities in the world, people can feel incredibly lonely and isolated.
In response, we are setting up a phone ‘befriending service’, which can be staffed by people who also have to stay at home. This will be a chance to have some human interaction, a quick natter over a cup of tea, to break the monotony of being on your own. But our call handlers will also have detailed scripts so they can provide the right guidance and support to our most vulnerable residents.
This has been one of the most testing moments for government – for central government but also for local councils, which are already struggling with huge reductions to our budgets. Now we are in the midst of a global crisis, where we are on the frontline to delay the spread of the virus and save lives.
We had to take a very difficult decision to close the Stratford Mall shopping centre during the nights, following the requirement by government to house all rough sleepers by the end of one weekend. For those of you not familiar with our borough, the shopping centre has become a place of comfort for many rough sleepers, despite the risks that they face.
The advice of our public health experts was that the risk of coronavirus spreading amongst those sleeping there and others was too great. In a space of a few hours, our specialist officers supported by volunteers had to find accommodation for a group of 30 rough sleepers – amongst our most vulnerable residents.
We have all been learning as we go, and no doubt mistakes will be made. It has not been easy for everyone to adapt so quickly to working remotely, but I’ve been impressed by the way in which my colleagues have embraced everything from Skype calls to using Sharepoint or Zoom to collaborate. We had planned to shift to this way of working anyway, but not at the pace that the crisis has imposed on us.
Newham has become something of a hub for the pan-London Covid-19 relief effort, where all councils are coordinating efforts to delay the spread of the virus and save lives. There is the NHS Nightingale – the 4,000 bed hospital built in the Excel centre, next door to our own council offices. It was completed in just nine days. And a new temporary mortuary has been set up in Manor Park.
I could never have imagined all this a month ago. When this is all over, many of our first thoughts will be to seeing friends again, going out for a bite to eat at a local restaurant, watching a film at the cinema or giving our loved ones a heartfelt hug. But when normality has returned, we should also reflect on all the lives that have been lost.
While I have been incredibly moved and impressed by the work of our voluntary and faith groups to support those at risk, in the end, this crisis has shown the importance of a functioning and well-funded state. Whether it is keeping a business going, a hospital working, or vital council services operating, it is something that the architects of austerity must consider – because our world has changed indelibly.


labourlist--2020-04-16--Whistleblowers must not be attacked, warns Unite Labour staff branch

The Unite Labour staff branch has declared that the primary focus of the independent investigation into the leaked internal report should be on the “ alleged behaviour in the report and not an attack on whistleblowing ” .
In a statement released today , the organisation expressed the concerns of its members over the document on Labour ’ s disciplinary process and said that it should never have been released unredacted .
But the branch described it as “ shocking ” that factional sabotage could have contributed to the 2017 defeat and called for the party to act swiftly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ kicked into the long grass ” .
The text of the statement echoed the words of Unite general secretary Len McCluskey , and said that “ in working for a Labour defeat , they were working for a Tory victory ” .
The GMB Labour staff branch has also passed a motion today that calls on party general secretary Jennie Formby to “ personally apologise to the current staffers named in the report ” .
It also passed another motion on racism , which notes that Labour “ still has institutional problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in the party .
The GMB racism motion resolves to “ condemn conversations between former senior management about BAME politicians , which are wrong and show a lack of sensitivity ” .
The motions follow a statement from the GMB branch on Wednesday , which said the release of the leaked internal review had caused “ immense stress ” for the workers named in the document .
The union branches are reacting to the leaking of a report into antisemitism in the party over the weekend , which described alleged mishandling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff to undermine Jeremy Corbyn .
In response to the release of this 851-page document , Starmer committed to an “ urgent independent investigation ” into the background , the content and the way in which the report has been released into the public domain .

The Unite Labour staff branch has declared that the primary focus of the independent investigation into the leaked internal report should be on the “alleged behaviour in the report and not an attack on whistleblowing”.
In a statement released today, the organisation expressed the concerns of its members over the document on Labour’s disciplinary process and said that it should never have been released unredacted.
But the branch described it as “shocking” that factional sabotage could have contributed to the 2017 defeat and called for the party to act swiftly in its investigation, warning against it being “kicked into the long grass”.
The text of the statement echoed the words of Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, and said that “in working for a Labour defeat, they were working for a Tory victory”.
The GMB Labour staff branch has also passed a motion today that calls on party general secretary Jennie Formby to “personally apologise to the current staffers named in the report”.
It also passed another motion on racism, which notes that Labour “still has institutional problems regarding the treatment of people of colour” in the party.
The GMB racism motion resolves to “condemn conversations between former senior management about BAME politicians, which are wrong and show a lack of sensitivity”.
The motions follow a statement from the GMB branch on Wednesday, which said the release of the leaked internal review had caused “immense stress” for the workers named in the document.
The union branches are reacting to the leaking of a report into antisemitism in the party over the weekend, which described alleged mishandling of disciplinary cases and attempts by members of staff to undermine Jeremy Corbyn.
In response to the release of this 851-page document, Starmer committed to an “urgent independent investigation” into the background, the content and the way in which the report has been released into the public domain.


labourlist--2020-04-16--We need a generous, visionary plan for post-Covid-19 economic recovery

Possibly the greatest gift that a new Labour leadership team could give to a nation rocked by the Covid-19 health crisis is some innovative thinking about a business-like plan for a healthy economic recovery .
Labour ’ s instincts have always been generous and inclusive .
These now need to be linked to actions that can mobilise the economy in a direction that is both popular and effective .
They must deliver solutions to the new problems caused and to those exposed by the crisis .
It has been estimated by the Office for Budget Responsibility that the crisis could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming months .
Neither the pain nor the subsequent recovery opportunities will be spread evenly .
The large government rescue package may stave off absolute catastrophe , but will leave many low-paid people with higher debts .
Many small businesses , if not actually insolvent , will have both higher debts and reduced sales prospects .
The government , too , will have a dramatically worsened budget deficit and increased national debt .
For businesses and individuals who have the capital and/or income to weather the storm , prospects are far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may seize the opportunities for mergers and acquisitions at knock-down prices .
There are parallels with the post-2008 situation , and some differences .
From 2010 , the coalition administration adopted the standard ‘ Treasury view ’ on balanced budgets and cash conservation .
Politically , this was justified on the now less credible grounds of possible bond market scares and inflation risks .
The massive aid to banks via quantitative easing cushioned the financial sector , but did not trickle down to ease the credit problems of small businesses .
Cuts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capacity of the economy to recover .
The exceptions are London and the South East , which are linked to the international financial and technology sectors .
Labour did not effectively challenge this approach , and it became the accepted wisdom .
The outcome was that those with assets prospered and the rest of the nation got used to no growth in productivity and real wages , and to poorer public sector services .
The post-Covid-19 recovery could follow the same course if the government again listens too much to the Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recoup crisis spending quickly and minimise recovery spending .
If this happens , we will see many bankruptcies and insolvencies and a very slow recovery .
This time , however , Labour is in a stronger position to argue for a different approach .
Not only has austerity demonstrably failed to regenerate or rebalance the economy , but notional state spending limits have been set aside in the national interest .
It is also clear that renewed private consumption will not be able to reboot the economy quickly .
We thus now need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to rebalance and reshape the economy for a fairer and more sustainable future .
Labour has done much of the thinking towards such an approach .
It may not have led to electoral success so far , but it positions the party on the right side of the argument .
Far from George Osborne ’ s spectre of state spending crowding out the private sector , business will readily understand the need for investment-led growth .
It will willingly partner the government on industrial development programmes and the subsequent use of improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about will involve more borrowing by means of monetary finance or gilt sales .
Success will depend on spending this money wisely .
Business would welcome a delay to the final Brexit deal .
The end of December 2020 deadline was always tight , and to divert precious time and borrowed financial resources to it now would be unjustified and wasteful .
It would also add a big burden to business at a time of major economic uncertainty .
Some short-term recovery measures that would pay off quickly relate to the digital infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
Better mobile coverage , higher capacity universal broadband , and a nationwide 5G rollout would all aid productivity , jobs creation , and reduction of our carbon footprint .
The need for a green transition to renewable energy is also still critically important .
There are many projects for generating , distributing , and saving energy that need immediate investment and national coordination .
These will help with economic and employment issues , and dealing with the climate emergency .
Because it is not in power , Labour must win these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is well placed to do this , with a strong team that can lay the groundwork for a return to power when the time comes .

Possibly the greatest gift that a new Labour leadership team could give to a nation rocked by the Covid-19 health crisis is some innovative thinking about a business-like plan for a healthy economic recovery. Labour’s instincts have always been generous and inclusive. These now need to be linked to actions that can mobilise the economy in a direction that is both popular and effective. They must deliver solutions to the new problems caused and to those exposed by the crisis.
It has been estimated by the Office for Budget Responsibility that the crisis could see UK GDP fall by 35% in the coming months. Neither the pain nor the subsequent recovery opportunities will be spread evenly. The large government rescue package may stave off absolute catastrophe, but will leave many low-paid people with higher debts. Many small businesses, if not actually insolvent, will have both higher debts and reduced sales prospects. The government, too, will have a dramatically worsened budget deficit and increased national debt. For businesses and individuals who have the capital and/or income to weather the storm, prospects are far better. Both local and foreign firms may seize the opportunities for mergers and acquisitions at knock-down prices.
There are parallels with the post-2008 situation, and some differences. From 2010, the coalition administration adopted the standard ‘Treasury view’ on balanced budgets and cash conservation. Politically, this was justified on the now less credible grounds of possible bond market scares and inflation risks. The massive aid to banks via quantitative easing cushioned the financial sector, but did not trickle down to ease the credit problems of small businesses. Cuts to social services and investment programmes further reduced the capacity of the economy to recover. The exceptions are London and the South East, which are linked to the international financial and technology sectors. Labour did not effectively challenge this approach, and it became the accepted wisdom. The outcome was that those with assets prospered and the rest of the nation got used to no growth in productivity and real wages, and to poorer public sector services.
The post-Covid-19 recovery could follow the same course if the government again listens too much to the Treasury and Bank of England and tries to recoup crisis spending quickly and minimise recovery spending. If this happens, we will see many bankruptcies and insolvencies and a very slow recovery. This time, however, Labour is in a stronger position to argue for a different approach. Not only has austerity demonstrably failed to regenerate or rebalance the economy, but notional state spending limits have been set aside in the national interest. It is also clear that renewed private consumption will not be able to reboot the economy quickly. We thus now need focused and visionary state investment for recovery, to rebalance and reshape the economy for a fairer and more sustainable future. Labour has done much of the thinking towards such an approach. It may not have led to electoral success so far, but it positions the party on the right side of the argument.
Far from George Osborne’s spectre of state spending crowding out the private sector, business will readily understand the need for investment-led growth. It will willingly partner the government on industrial development programmes and the subsequent use of improved skills and facilities. To bring this about will involve more borrowing by means of monetary finance or gilt sales. Success will depend on spending this money wisely. Business would welcome a delay to the final Brexit deal. The end of December 2020 deadline was always tight, and to divert precious time and borrowed financial resources to it now would be unjustified and wasteful. It would also add a big burden to business at a time of major economic uncertainty.
Some short-term recovery measures that would pay off quickly relate to the digital infrastructure that has been so useful during the crisis. Better mobile coverage, higher capacity universal broadband, and a nationwide 5G rollout would all aid productivity, jobs creation, and reduction of our carbon footprint. The need for a green transition to renewable energy is also still critically important. There are many projects for generating, distributing, and saving energy that need immediate investment and national coordination. These will help with economic and employment issues, and dealing with the climate emergency.
Because it is not in power, Labour must win these arguments in the court of public opinion. It is well placed to do this, with a strong team that can lay the groundwork for a return to power when the time comes.


labourlist--2020-04-17--The controversial demand for an exit strategy from our lockdown

Keir Starmer has given an unusually candid interview to the BBC .
Asked about the leadership campaign that came to an end two weeks ago , he said : “ For me personally , I really hated selling myself to the membership , and I much prefer leadership decisions as leader of the Labour Party .
I ’ m much more comfortable in this than I am in the campaign.
” When the stunned Coronavirus Newscast hosts asked what he meant , the new leader clarified that it was the selling part he didn ’ t like , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difference with Jeremy Corbyn , who loved the campaigning – arguably when he was at his best – but didn ’ t seem to enjoy the decision-making as much .
Starmer is the reverse .
Is that the better way around for electoral success ?
The Labour leader also talked to Laura Kuenssberg about his call for the government to publish an exit strategy from the lockdown this week .
Starmer rarely ‘ commits news ’ so again his comments were notable here .
He said he thought the delays in releasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputising as “ he ’ s probably reluctant to sign it off without the Prime Minister ” .
The BBC deemed this to be the news line .
But it is perhaps more surprising that Starmer suggested that he could be interested in taking advice from Sweden , where a ‘ light-touch ’ approach to distancing measures has been used , yet its death rate is higher than in other Nordic countries .
The demand that an exit strategy be published now is a controversial one , and it has raised eyebrows particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ make impossible demands ” or provide “ opposition for opposition ’ s sake ” .
Opinion polls show that public support for the lockdown is stunningly high , and although the Tories first thought the difficulty would be in getting people to follow rules , ministers are now thinking that the struggle will be easing people out of it .
So much for their supposedly very clever ‘ nudge unit ’ .
And there are concerns that talk of an exit plan is pushing more urgent concerns , such as protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The leader seems to be convinced that the short-term pain of making this demand now will lead to long-term gains , however .
There is certainly a lot to be said for increased transparency from the government during this crisis , but perhaps the call should have been for opening a public conversation about an easing of the lockdown rather than the publication of a document .
And the “ exit ” phrasing is likely misleading : most experts seem to agree that these measures will be carefully phased in and out repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than be brought to any sort of abrupt end .
Enjoy the weekend if you can , readers .
I know what it ’ s like to be in a flat with no outdoor space , but hopefully you are all set to enjoy your hundredth pub quiz Zoom call of the lockdown .
Fingers crossed it goes better than the video conference call on mental health that Rosena Allin-Khan joined last night , which was interrupted by trolls posting nasty material .
Note to self : disable screen-sharing by non-hosts when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we plan to do soon .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Keir Starmer has given an unusually candid interview to the BBC. Asked about the leadership campaign that came to an end two weeks ago, he said: “For me personally, I really hated selling myself to the membership, and I much prefer leadership decisions as leader of the Labour Party. I’m much more comfortable in this than I am in the campaign.” When the stunned Coronavirus Newscast hosts asked what he meant, the new leader clarified that it was the selling part he didn’t like, rather than the members. But it hints at a difference with Jeremy Corbyn, who loved the campaigning – arguably when he was at his best – but didn’t seem to enjoy the decision-making as much. Starmer is the reverse. Is that the better way around for electoral success?
The Labour leader also talked to Laura Kuenssberg about his call for the government to publish an exit strategy from the lockdown this week. Starmer rarely ‘commits news’ so again his comments were notable here. He said he thought the delays in releasing a strategy were down to Dominic Raab deputising as “he’s probably reluctant to sign it off without the Prime Minister”. The BBC deemed this to be the news line. But it is perhaps more surprising that Starmer suggested that he could be interested in taking advice from Sweden, where a ‘light-touch’ approach to distancing measures has been used, yet its death rate is higher than in other Nordic countries.
The demand that an exit strategy be published now is a controversial one, and it has raised eyebrows particularly as Starmer has repeatedly vowed not to “make impossible demands” or provide “opposition for opposition’s sake”. Opinion polls show that public support for the lockdown is stunningly high, and although the Tories first thought the difficulty would be in getting people to follow rules, ministers are now thinking that the struggle will be easing people out of it. So much for their supposedly very clever ‘nudge unit’. And there are concerns that talk of an exit plan is pushing more urgent concerns, such as protective equipment shortages, off the front pages.
The leader seems to be convinced that the short-term pain of making this demand now will lead to long-term gains, however. There is certainly a lot to be said for increased transparency from the government during this crisis, but perhaps the call should have been for opening a public conversation about an easing of the lockdown rather than the publication of a document. And the “exit” phrasing is likely misleading: most experts seem to agree that these measures will be carefully phased in and out repeatedly until a vaccine is widely available, rather than be brought to any sort of abrupt end.
Enjoy the weekend if you can, readers. I know what it’s like to be in a flat with no outdoor space, but hopefully you are all set to enjoy your hundredth pub quiz Zoom call of the lockdown. Fingers crossed it goes better than the video conference call on mental health that Rosena Allin-Khan joined last night, which was interrupted by trolls posting nasty material. Note to self: disable screen-sharing by non-hosts when LabourList organises a virtual conference, as we plan to do soon. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-04-17--McDonnell calls for leaked antisemitism report to be given to EHRC

John McDonnell has called for the leaked Labour antisemitism report to be given to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission , which is currently investigating the party .
In an interview with Sky News , the former Shadow Chancellor stressed that the EHRC “ should have everything , warts and all ” , saying : “ We ’ ve got to rid ourselves of this culture that prevented us a Labour government.
” He added that if full disclosure leads to the equalities watchdog finding the Labour Party to be institutionally antisemitic , “ so be it ” .
Commenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlined in the leaked dossier , McDonnell said it had “ by the looks of it , undermined the party ’ s ability to deal with antisemitism effectively ” .
He added that if the party ’ s investigation into the internal report finds the claims made in the document to be accurate , the staff members involved should be expelled from the party .
Asked about the suggestion from Jewish Labour Movement secretary Peter Mason that releasing the report into the public domain had treated the Jewish community like “ pawns in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design ” , McDonnell said : “ No , not at all .
Quite the reverse… This isn ’ t about using people or pawns or individuals or groups or whatever , this is the search for the truth .
“ Because I ’ ve had enough , I had years of asking what was happening on antisemitism .
We were being told , according to this report , inaccurate information consistently .
If it ’ s true , that ’ s appalling .
We should never allow this to happen again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture.
” The former Shadow Chancellor stated that members are “ pretty shocked and actually pretty angry ” and need to be “ reassured that in addition to the investigation , action is taken now as well on the basis that these are serious charges ” .
He added : “ People should be treated fairly overall .
And , of course , the investigation will look into these matters , but just as other members , when serious charges have been made against them , have been suspended , I think this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finds that this report is accurate , these members should be expelled.
” McDonnell claimed that “ Keir ’ s doing the right thing ” and said that the new Labour leader has his “ 100 % support in terms of the investigation – however he also stated : “ Members expect him to go a bit further.
” Starmer has not said whether he is prepared to expel people from the party who were apparently undermining his predecessor , and said recently : “ I ’ ll obviously look at the result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am not going to preempt that.
” The internal report into the way in which the party has handled antisemitism complaints was leaked last week , and alleged that the behaviour of party staff had undermined party effectiveness in dealing with them .
Shortly after the leak , the new Labour leader commissioned an “ urgent independent investigation ” into the background , the content and the way in which the document has been released into the public domain .
Unite Labour staff branch said that the focus of any investigation should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report and not an attack on whistleblowing ” , while GMB ’ s branch has called for Jennie Formby to apologise to current staffers named in the document .

John McDonnell has called for the leaked Labour antisemitism report to be given to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, which is currently investigating the party.
In an interview with Sky News, the former Shadow Chancellor stressed that the EHRC “should have everything, warts and all”, saying: “We’ve got to rid ourselves of this culture that prevented us a Labour government.”
He added that if full disclosure leads to the equalities watchdog finding the Labour Party to be institutionally antisemitic, “so be it”.
Commenting on the alleged behaviour among Labour staffers outlined in the leaked dossier, McDonnell said it had “by the looks of it, undermined the party’s ability to deal with antisemitism effectively”.
He added that if the party’s investigation into the internal report finds the claims made in the document to be accurate, the staff members involved should be expelled from the party.
"The truth has got to come out… if that means the EHRC comes to a finding that the Labour party is institutionally antisemitic, well, so be it” Extraordinary statement from @johnmcdonnellMP in an exclusive interview on the leaked Labour report. Full article coming soon pic.twitter.com/49nK3wRybg — Tom Rayner (@RaynerSkyNews) April 16, 2020
Asked about the suggestion from Jewish Labour Movement secretary Peter Mason that releasing the report into the public domain had treated the Jewish community like “pawns in a game of someone else’s design”, McDonnell said: “No, not at all. Quite the reverse… This isn’t about using people or pawns or individuals or groups or whatever, this is the search for the truth.
“Because I’ve had enough, I had years of asking what was happening on antisemitism. We were being told, according to this report, inaccurate information consistently. If it’s true, that’s appalling. We should never allow this to happen again, we’ve got to end this culture.”
The former Shadow Chancellor stated that members are “pretty shocked and actually pretty angry” and need to be “reassured that in addition to the investigation, action is taken now as well on the basis that these are serious charges”.
He added: “People should be treated fairly overall. And, of course, the investigation will look into these matters, but just as other members, when serious charges have been made against them, have been suspended, I think this should happen. And if the investigation finds that this report is accurate, these members should be expelled.”
McDonnell claimed that “Keir’s doing the right thing” and said that the new Labour leader has his “100% support in terms of the investigation – however he also stated: “Members expect him to go a bit further.”
Starmer has not said whether he is prepared to expel people from the party who were apparently undermining his predecessor, and said recently: “I’ll obviously look at the result when we get it. But I am not going to preempt that.”
The internal report into the way in which the party has handled antisemitism complaints was leaked last week, and alleged that the behaviour of party staff had undermined party effectiveness in dealing with them.
Shortly after the leak, the new Labour leader commissioned an “urgent independent investigation” into the background, the content and the way in which the document has been released into the public domain.
Unite Labour staff branch said that the focus of any investigation should be on the “alleged behaviour in the report and not an attack on whistleblowing”, while GMB’s branch has called for Jennie Formby to apologise to current staffers named in the document.


labourlist--2020-04-17--WATCH: People should cover their faces to stop spread of Covid-19, says Khan

Sadiq Khan has called for the government to change the guidance and instruct people to wear a “ non-medical facial covering ” in circumstances where it is not possible to comply with social distancing measures .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the mayor of London explained why he is lobbying the government ’ s experts to change the public health advice , and cited examples of the use of masks in other countries .
Khan said that when in shops or on public transport , for example , people should wear a covering such as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of transmitting coronavirus to other people .
He stated that they may not prevent members of the public from catching the virus , but said that it would “ stop you passing on the virus if you are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic ” .
In many other countries around the world , face masks are common .
Some , such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia , have made them compulsory in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19 .
The World Health Organisation has been advising that only people with the symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a mask , but new evidence suggests that wider use may reduce transmission .
Up until recently , UK ministers have insisted that the general public do not need to wear face masks , but the government ’ s chief medical officer said on Thursday that the debate is a “ very live issue ” .
There are now a total of 103,093 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK , but with low levels of testing the true figure is thought to be much higher .
There have been 13,792 recorded hospital @ @ @ @ @

Sadiq Khan has called for the government to change the guidance and instruct people to wear a “non-medical facial covering” in circumstances where it is not possible to comply with social distancing measures.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the mayor of London explained why he is lobbying the government’s experts to change the public health advice, and cited examples of the use of masks in other countries.
Khan said that when in shops or on public transport, for example, people should wear a covering such as a bandana or scarf to reduce the risk of transmitting coronavirus to other people.
He stated that they may not prevent members of the public from catching the virus, but said that it would “stop you passing on the virus if you are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic”.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan tells Sky News why he wants face masks to be compulsory on public transport. He says face coverings "stops you passing on the virus". #COVID19 latest: https://t.co/hMTmSlHgRO pic.twitter.com/j9HHHiwErH — SkyNews (@SkyNews) April 17, 2020
In many other countries around the world, face masks are common. Some, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, have made them compulsory in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The World Health Organisation has been advising that only people with the symptoms or caring for someone with Covid-19 should wear a mask, but new evidence suggests that wider use may reduce transmission.
Up until recently, UK ministers have insisted that the general public do not need to wear face masks, but the government’s chief medical officer said on Thursday that the debate is a “very live issue”.
There are now a total of 103,093 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK, but with low levels of testing the true figure is thought to be much higher. There have been 13,792 recorded hospital deaths from the virus.


labourlist--2020-04-17--“I really hated selling myself to the membership,” says Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer has told the BBC that he “ really hated selling myself to the membership ” during the Labour leadership contest and feels “ much more comfortable ” having been elected .
The new leader reflected on his campaign as well as his style of leadership in opposition during the Covid-19 crisis during an interview on the Coronavirus Newscast podcast on Thursday evening .
He told the BBC ’ s Laura Kuenssberg : “ For me personally , I really hated selling myself to the membership and I much prefer leadership decisions as leader of the Labour Party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this than I am in the campaign.
” Asked by the surprised podcast hosts whether he hated the campaign or the members , Starmer said : “ Oh no , I didn ’ t say I don ’ t like the mem– what I don ’ t like is selling myself to the membership.
” He clarified : “ You ’ re in your own party and you ’ re up against colleagues , and very good colleagues , who you like .
And it is a very odd thing to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of it is over , I have to say.
” Starmer also shared his views on the government ’ s handling of the pandemic , and his calls for an exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown to be published this week , which have been refused .
“ I was talking to the Swedish Prime Minister today , and they ’ ve got different conditions in place , ” he said .
Sweden has used a ‘ light-touch ’ approach , and its death rate is higher than that of other Nordic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged to take personal responsibility for following physical distancing advice , rather than have strictly enforced rules as in the UK and other European countries .
Schools are still open in Sweden , and people are still able to shop , go to restaurants and get haircuts .
Concerns have been expressed by teachers and school staff , however , with open letters describing the policy as “ unacceptable ” .
“ But I ’ m not doing a comparison here , I ’ m just saying I think the British public know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , ” Starmer said .
“ They ’ re complying with lockdown in their millions , and thanks for them for doing that.
” He added : “ I do think that the government made some mistakes in the early stages of this , and the response that they put in place .
I think they were too slow , I didn ’ t think they moved quickly enough on things like the initial lockdown and policing it .
“ Arguably they got off on the wrong footing .
Now I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for obvious reasons at this stage .
But what I do want is to say , don ’ t make the mistake of not planning now for what will happen in a few weeks.
” Starmer explained that he thought current delays – particularly regarding publication of an exit strategy – were attributable to Boris Johnson being deputised .
“ The other factor though , I think , is we all know that the Prime Minister has been in hospital , ” the Labour leader said .
“ We ’ ve all been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come out and is feeling better .
“ And it feels as though they ’ ve been in a position probably for a week or ten days now where it ’ s been difficult for the government to make big decisions .
And I think there ’ s a bit of that lying behind this as well .
“ I suspect , although I don ’ t know , that Dominic Raab is just reluctant – he probably does know that it ’ s time for an exit strategy – but he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the Prime Minister and I think there ’ s a bit of that in the mix.
” Starmer refused to be drawn into setting out an exit strategy himself , arguing that “ setting up rival strategies is I think genuinely the wrong thing to do ” and stressing that he is “ not trying to be oppositional for oppositional sake ” .
It was announced on Thursday that restrictions will be in place for a further three weeks , and that five tests – including reassurance that there would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be met before the government considers easing the measures .

Keir Starmer has told the BBC that he “really hated selling myself to the membership” during the Labour leadership contest and feels “much more comfortable” having been elected.
The new leader reflected on his campaign as well as his style of leadership in opposition during the Covid-19 crisis during an interview on the Coronavirus Newscast podcast on Thursday evening.
He told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “For me personally, I really hated selling myself to the membership and I much prefer leadership decisions as leader of the Labour Party. I’m much more comfortable in this than I am in the campaign.”
Asked by the surprised podcast hosts whether he hated the campaign or the members, Starmer said: “Oh no, I didn’t say I don’t like the mem– what I don’t like is selling myself to the membership.”
He clarified: “You’re in your own party and you’re up against colleagues, and very good colleagues, who you like. And it is a very odd thing to do. I’m very glad that that part of it is over, I have to say.”
“I really hated selling myself into the membership and I much prefer having to take leadership decisions as leader of the Labour Party” Sir Keir Starmer tells the #CoronavirusNewscast he’s “very glad” the leadership campaign is overhttps://t.co/J9867heJ6b pic.twitter.com/F6ultftm0P — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) April 16, 2020
Starmer also shared his views on the government’s handling of the pandemic, and his calls for an exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown to be published this week, which have been refused.
“I was talking to the Swedish Prime Minister today, and they’ve got different conditions in place,” he said. Sweden has used a ‘light-touch’ approach, and its death rate is higher than that of other Nordic countries.
People in Sweden have been urged to take personal responsibility for following physical distancing advice, rather than have strictly enforced rules as in the UK and other European countries.
Schools are still open in Sweden, and people are still able to shop, go to restaurants and get haircuts. Concerns have been expressed by teachers and school staff, however, with open letters describing the policy as “unacceptable”.
“But I’m not doing a comparison here, I’m just saying I think the British public know and understand the situation we’re in,” Starmer said. “They’re complying with lockdown in their millions, and thanks for them for doing that.”
He added: “I do think that the government made some mistakes in the early stages of this, and the response that they put in place. I think they were too slow, I didn’t think they moved quickly enough on things like the initial lockdown and policing it.
“Arguably they got off on the wrong footing. Now I don’t want to dwell on that for obvious reasons at this stage. But what I do want is to say, don’t make the mistake of not planning now for what will happen in a few weeks.”
Starmer explained that he thought current delays – particularly regarding publication of an exit strategy – were attributable to Boris Johnson being deputised.
“The other factor though, I think, is we all know that the Prime Minister has been in hospital,” the Labour leader said. “We’ve all been pleased to see that he’s come out and is feeling better.
“And it feels as though they’ve been in a position probably for a week or ten days now where it’s been difficult for the government to make big decisions. And I think there’s a bit of that lying behind this as well.
“I suspect, although I don’t know, that Dominic Raab is just reluctant – he probably does know that it’s time for an exit strategy – but he’s probably reluctant to sign it off without the Prime Minister and I think there’s a bit of that in the mix.”
Starmer refused to be drawn into setting out an exit strategy himself, arguing that “setting up rival strategies is I think genuinely the wrong thing to do” and stressing that he is “not trying to be oppositional for oppositional sake”.
It was announced on Thursday that restrictions will be in place for a further three weeks, and that five tests – including reassurance that there would not be a second peak – would have to be met before the government considers easing the measures.


labourlist--2020-04-17--Socialists have a central role to play in shaping Labour’s future

With its horrific death toll , the coronavirus pandemic is the greatest crisis most of us have ever lived through .
The absolute priority for our party is to force the government into taking every action needed to save lives .
There are obvious core demands that our movement can unite behind – from the need to address shortages of protective equipment for all key workers to inadequate levels of testing and tracing , the failure to close all non-essential workplaces and the fact that far too many are unable to get sick pay or social security at a sufficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and stay safe .
Of course , where the government does the right thing , it is quite right that we work with it constructively .
But it is even more essential that we apply maximum pressure when it is failing – as it is on so many fronts – to do what is needed .
Lives literally depend on it .
Beyond the immediate public health crisis , millions face being hit by further economic and social crises .
The International Monetary Fund is warning of an economic slump unparalleled since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alarm bells rang when the Chancellor recently said that the financial support to those affected by coronavirus crisis “ will need to be paid back at some point ” .
There is already talk from right-wing outriders of weakening pension protections once the health crisis is over .
We need to begin now to ensure that when the bill for this crisis is accounted for , it ’ s paid back by the super-rich and not by those who ’ ve already suffered so much under a decade of austerity .
We also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for what we want our economy and wider society to look like so we are better able to handle any future crises .
Who can seriously look at the devastation in social care and believe that anything other than a fundamental overhaul is needed ?
With huge numbers having to claim benefits for the first time , who can still argue – as was done in the past – that Labour shouldn ’ t be a party for those people in our communities ?
Or that social security shouldn ’ t be universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people living in crowded housing , or even the announcement of eradicating street homelessness almost overnight , and allow the housing and homelessness crisis to continue into the future ?
We need a programme fit to face the challenges of our time .
The starting point for our alternative vision is outlined in our 2019 manifesto .
What was clear in the recent leadership campaigns is that nobody stood saying they would discard that progressive agenda .
Socialists in our party have a key role to play in defending those policies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which our society must shift .
As I said , time and time again at the deputy leadership hustings , Labour must always be a coalition of socialists , social democrats and trade unions .
We need to be united behind the common cause of getting Keir into No 10 and Labour into government to build a better society .
Of course , recent deeply concerning revelations have led to many socialists saying they are leaving .
I understand how members are feeling .
But they shouldn ’ t leave our party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ political spectrum .
There ’ s the new organisation set up by Progress and Labour First – ‘ Labour To Win ’ .
There ’ s Open Labour and The Fabian Society .
On the left , the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs , of which I am secretary , will be playing its full role in shaping the ideas of the Labour Party , through pamphlets , events , parliamentary interventions and engagement with left movements across the country and around the world .
It will continue to put forward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Tony Benn and was taken up by Jeremy Corbyn , that reflects the views of so many Labour members .
As Tony Benn famously said : “ We ’ re not here just to manage capitalism – we ’ re here to change society.
” And with the challenges that we face in 2020 , the need for this kind of fundamental socialist change is more pressing than ever .
Socialists in the Labour Party have a crucial contribution to make in not only shaping our party but in transforming our society @ @ @ @

With its horrific death toll, the coronavirus pandemic is the greatest crisis most of us have ever lived through. The absolute priority for our party is to force the government into taking every action needed to save lives. There are obvious core demands that our movement can unite behind – from the need to address shortages of protective equipment for all key workers to inadequate levels of testing and tracing, the failure to close all non-essential workplaces and the fact that far too many are unable to get sick pay or social security at a sufficient level to enable them to stay at home and stay safe.
Of course, where the government does the right thing, it is quite right that we work with it constructively. But it is even more essential that we apply maximum pressure when it is failing – as it is on so many fronts – to do what is needed. Lives literally depend on it.
Beyond the immediate public health crisis, millions face being hit by further economic and social crises. The International Monetary Fund is warning of an economic slump unparalleled since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Alarm bells rang when the Chancellor recently said that the financial support to those affected by coronavirus crisis “will need to be paid back at some point”. There is already talk from right-wing outriders of weakening pension protections once the health crisis is over.
We need to begin now to ensure that when the bill for this crisis is accounted for, it’s paid back by the super-rich and not by those who’ve already suffered so much under a decade of austerity. We also need to be putting forward the vision for what we want our economy and wider society to look like so we are better able to handle any future crises.
Who can seriously look at the devastation in social care and believe that anything other than a fundamental overhaul is needed? With huge numbers having to claim benefits for the first time, who can still argue – as was done in the past – that Labour shouldn’t be a party for those people in our communities? Or that social security shouldn’t be universal? Who can look at the crisis of people living in crowded housing, or even the announcement of eradicating street homelessness almost overnight, and allow the housing and homelessness crisis to continue into the future?
We need a programme fit to face the challenges of our time. The starting point for our alternative vision is outlined in our 2019 manifesto. What was clear in the recent leadership campaigns is that nobody stood saying they would discard that progressive agenda. Socialists in our party have a key role to play in defending those policies and explaining why they are the direction in which our society must shift.
As I said, time and time again at the deputy leadership hustings, Labour must always be a coalition of socialists, social democrats and trade unions. We need to be united behind the common cause of getting Keir into No 10 and Labour into government to build a better society.
Of course, recent deeply concerning revelations have led to many socialists saying they are leaving. I understand how members are feeling. But they shouldn’t leave our party.
Labour has vibrant currents active across its political spectrum. There’s the new organisation set up by Progress and Labour First – ‘Labour To Win’. There’s Open Labour and The Fabian Society.
On the left, the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, of which I am secretary, will be playing its full role in shaping the ideas of the Labour Party, through pamphlets, events, parliamentary interventions and engagement with left movements across the country and around the world. It will continue to put forward a vision for the party, which began with Tony Benn and was taken up by Jeremy Corbyn, that reflects the views of so many Labour members.
As Tony Benn famously said: “We’re not here just to manage capitalism – we’re here to change society.” And with the challenges that we face in 2020, the need for this kind of fundamental socialist change is more pressing than ever. Socialists in the Labour Party have a crucial contribution to make in not only shaping our party but in transforming our society for the better.