labourlist--2020-03-24--What it’s like to be a school teacher during the coronavirus crisis

Teaching , the saying goes , is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths pure theatre .
Over the last week , the government has given us little space for preparation – but there has been plenty of theatre .
In the space of just seven days , we ’ ve gone from relative normality to full lockdown .
At the start of last week , I sat with my colleagues in the Year 3 team and we discussed the days ahead .
Wednesday looked particularly exciting : a trip to the theatre followed by our weekly swimming session .
We questioned whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department for Education had told us to go ahead .
The only change to the usual routine was the frequency with which we dispensed hand sanitiser to the children .
On Tuesday , all trips were cancelled .
The theatre and leisure centre had closed in any case .
Pupil numbers were beginning to drop , too : the year group ’ s cohort of 60 was down to 40 .
The following day , they dropped further still , and teachers were told to prepare resources for the children to take home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , the government finally announced that we would close on Monday .
The guidance on school closures was far from clear .
We had assumed that the children of key workers would still come in , but when the announcement came two other groups were included : children with an EHCP ( Education , Health and Care Plan ) and those with a social worker .
By the day of the announcement , only eight were in attendance , though when my colleague and I totted up the numbers , out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell into one of these categories and would be eligible to attend the following week .
In other words , there could be more children in school when it closed than when it was open .
How do you plan for that ?
Then we discovered that the school would even stay open over the two week Easter break – a ‘ school closure ’ in name only .
When would we be in school and when would we be at home ?
What would happen at school and what would be expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen to children who rely on free school meals ?
And for the teaching assistants employed through an agency there was an even more pressing question : will I keep being paid ?
Schools across the country have each found different answers .
Some schools closed with a guarantee of full pay and a skeleton provision comprising only those who volunteered .
Others were not so lucky .
I know of one school where the staff has been split in two , and the teams alternate – one day teaching the children on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites , the next day spent cleaning the premises on the other .
Why so much variety ?
In part , this is headteacher discretion , but a major factor is union strength .
In the National Education Union , we sometimes talk about how the ‘ frontier of control ’ has moved .
Simply put , it used to be the government or local authority ’ s decisions that most affect our lives as workers , whereas now it is the individual school ’ s .
A month ago , this seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very real .
In just the last week , my primary school has had two emergency union meetings .
At each one , we agreed demands to be put to the Head .
When one demand – full pay for self-isolating agency workers – was not agreed , teachers and teaching assistants all put their name to a letter reiterating the demand .
The school agreed , for the time being at least .
On Monday , the school opened for the first time during its ‘ closure ’ .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children should attend .
The number of eligible children was slightly less than we previously thought – and , more importantly , even these parents were told to treat us as a last resort .
Of the 450 children on roll , only ten came in .
A rota for the coming weeks was created , and most staff went home .
Teachers have rediscovered the collective power they have in their individual workplace .
As the crisis continues , we will need to apply the same lessons to the national picture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government must guarantee the safety of both children and staff .
The NEU is demanding Covid-19 testing for all education workers .
The government must do the preparation before we can get back to providing the theatre .

Teaching, the saying goes, is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths pure theatre. Over the last week, the government has given us little space for preparation – but there has been plenty of theatre. In the space of just seven days, we’ve gone from relative normality to full lockdown.
At the start of last week, I sat with my colleagues in the Year 3 team and we discussed the days ahead. Wednesday looked particularly exciting: a trip to the theatre followed by our weekly swimming session. We questioned whether these would be possible, but the Department for Education had told us to go ahead. The only change to the usual routine was the frequency with which we dispensed hand sanitiser to the children.
On Tuesday, all trips were cancelled. The theatre and leisure centre had closed in any case. Pupil numbers were beginning to drop, too: the year group’s cohort of 60 was down to 40. The following day, they dropped further still, and teachers were told to prepare resources for the children to take home in the event of closure. That evening, the government finally announced that we would close on Monday.
The guidance on school closures was far from clear. We had assumed that the children of key workers would still come in, but when the announcement came two other groups were included: children with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) and those with a social worker. By the day of the announcement, only eight were in attendance, though when my colleague and I totted up the numbers, out of 30 children in the class, 20 fell into one of these categories and would be eligible to attend the following week. In other words, there could be more children in school when it closed than when it was open. How do you plan for that? Then we discovered that the school would even stay open over the two week Easter break – a ‘school closure’ in name only.
When would we be in school and when would we be at home? What would happen at school and what would be expected of us at home? What will happen to children who rely on free school meals? And for the teaching assistants employed through an agency there was an even more pressing question: will I keep being paid?
Schools across the country have each found different answers. Some schools closed with a guarantee of full pay and a skeleton provision comprising only those who volunteered. Others were not so lucky. I know of one school where the staff has been split in two, and the teams alternate – one day teaching the children on one of the school’s two sites, the next day spent cleaning the premises on the other. Why so much variety? In part, this is headteacher discretion, but a major factor is union strength.
In the National Education Union, we sometimes talk about how the ‘frontier of control’ has moved. Simply put, it used to be the government or local authority’s decisions that most affect our lives as workers, whereas now it is the individual school’s. A month ago, this seemed like a theoretical point but now it is very real. In just the last week, my primary school has had two emergency union meetings. At each one, we agreed demands to be put to the Head. When one demand – full pay for self-isolating agency workers – was not agreed, teachers and teaching assistants all put their name to a letter reiterating the demand. The school agreed, for the time being at least.
On Monday, the school opened for the first time during its ‘closure’. Over the weekend, the government further clarified which children should attend. The number of eligible children was slightly less than we previously thought – and, more importantly, even these parents were told to treat us as a last resort. Of the 450 children on roll, only ten came in. A rota for the coming weeks was created, and most staff went home.
Teachers have rediscovered the collective power they have in their individual workplace. As the crisis continues, we will need to apply the same lessons to the national picture. If schools are to reopen again soon, the government must guarantee the safety of both children and staff. The NEU is demanding Covid-19 testing for all education workers. The government must do the preparation before we can get back to providing the theatre.


labourlist--2020-03-23--Corbyn says tough UK coronavirus restrictions are “right response”

Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed the tough new coronavirus restrictions announced by the Prime Minister as the “ right response ” , while encouraging the government to “ close the loopholes ” .
Addressing the nation after a COBRA meeting , Boris Johnson encouraged people on Monday evening to “ stay at home , protect our NHS and save lives ” by practising social distancing measures .
The Prime Minister said people should stay in their homes at all times – except to shop for “ basic necessities , as infrequently as possible ” , for one form of exercise a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel to and from work if “ absolutely necessary ” .
Johnson declared : “ You should not be meeting friends .
If your friends ask you to meet , you should say ‘ No ’ .
You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.
” Gatherings of more than two people are banned , and the police will have the powers to enforce this rule and other restrictions – including through fines and the ability to disperse gatherings .
The Prime Minister announced that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling non-essential goods , including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries , playgrounds and outdoor gyms , and places of worship ” .
During the special television broadcast , he said : “ You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine – and you should do this as little as you can .
And use food delivery services where you can.
” Responding to the statement by the Prime Minister , Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn commented : “ The Prime Minister is right to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect our NHS and save lives .
“ This is the right response to the coronavirus pandemic , and one we have been calling for .
“ There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close – and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers , including the self-employed , as well as renters and mortgage holders .
“ We welcome these moves and will be working to ensure everybody has the protection and security they need.
” There are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , with the highest number of cases found in London at 2,433 , and the death toll now stands at 355 .

Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed the tough new coronavirus restrictions announced by the Prime Minister as the “right response”, while encouraging the government to “close the loopholes”.
Addressing the nation after a COBRA meeting, Boris Johnson encouraged people on Monday evening to “stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives” by practising social distancing measures.
The Prime Minister said people should stay in their homes at all times – except to shop for “basic necessities, as infrequently as possible”, for one form of exercise a day, for a medical need or to travel to and from work if “absolutely necessary”.
Johnson declared: “You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say ‘No’. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.”
Gatherings of more than two people are banned, and the police will have the powers to enforce this rule and other restrictions – including through fines and the ability to disperse gatherings.
The Prime Minister announced that the government would “immediately close all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship”.
During the special television broadcast, he said: “You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine – and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can.”
Responding to the statement by the Prime Minister, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn commented: “The Prime Minister is right to call for people to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.
“This is the right response to the coronavirus pandemic, and one we have been calling for.
“There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close – and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers, including the self-employed, as well as renters and mortgage holders.
“We welcome these moves and will be working to ensure everybody has the protection and security they need.”
There are currently 6,650 recorded cases of coronavirus in the UK, with the highest number of cases found in London at 2,433, and the death toll now stands at 355.


labourlist--2020-03-23--Rebecca Long-Bailey calls on government to set up ‘national food service’

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has called on the government to set up a “ National Food Service ” , coordinating supermarkets and their supply chains , to help people who are self-isolating during the Covid-19 crisis .
The MP for Salford and Eccles has argued for the establishment of a “ comprehensive and coordinated ” response from the government in response to coronavirus to make sure that all households get the essentials they need .
In the plan outlined by the Shadow Business Secretary , people in need would be able to request free weekly packages of basics including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
The leadership hopeful ’ s proposal would see the coordination of supermarkets , supply chains and food banks to set up local storage and packing hubs , from which the Royal Mail would deliver the products to people ’ s homes .
Long-Bailey said : “ We ’ ve all seen the empty supermarket shelves and worried whether our friends and loved ones will have everything they need during the outbreak .
Supermarkets have worked incredibly hard to stay stocked and implement their own forms of rationing on essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The supermarkets can ’ t be expected to deliver on their own .
“ We need a comprehensive and coordinated response from the government that I call the National Food Service .
This Service would coordinate the supermarkets and their supply chains and work with Royal Mail so that everyone receives the essentials who needs them .
We really can make sure that no one is left behind in this crisis.
” The proposal comes after the CWU voted last week to become and additional emergency service , with postal workers able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable and support people working from home .

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has called on the government to set up a “National Food Service”, coordinating supermarkets and their supply chains, to help people who are self-isolating during the Covid-19 crisis.
The MP for Salford and Eccles has argued for the establishment of a “comprehensive and coordinated” response from the government in response to coronavirus to make sure that all households get the essentials they need.
In the plan outlined by the Shadow Business Secretary, people in need would be able to request free weekly packages of basics including food and toiletries that would be distributed across the country.
The leadership hopeful’s proposal would see the coordination of supermarkets, supply chains and food banks to set up local storage and packing hubs, from which the Royal Mail would deliver the products to people’s homes.
Long-Bailey said: “We’ve all seen the empty supermarket shelves and worried whether our friends and loved ones will have everything they need during the outbreak. Supermarkets have worked incredibly hard to stay stocked and implement their own forms of rationing on essential items but it’s not working. The supermarkets can’t be expected to deliver on their own.
“We need a comprehensive and coordinated response from the government that I call the National Food Service. This Service would coordinate the supermarkets and their supply chains and work with Royal Mail so that everyone receives the essentials who needs them. We really can make sure that no one is left behind in this crisis.”
The proposal comes after the CWU voted last week to become and additional emergency service, with postal workers able to deliver medication, check on the vulnerable and support people working from home.


labourlist--2020-03-24--The BBC is performing a vital service during this crisis – we need to defend it

It feels like years ago – although it ’ s actually been less than six weeks – that Nicky Morgan , in one of her final acts as Culture Secretary , announced a consultation on decriminalising non-payment of the TV Licence Fee .
This was framed as part of a broader government ambition to “ reform ” the BBC and review its funding arrangements so it could “ remain relevant ” in the Netflix era .
This came after briefing wars during the general election , unnamed No .
10 advisors promising to “ smash the BBC ” and Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mysteriously , there was no mentioned a consultation of this nature in the Tory manifesto – and the backlash against it has been enormous .
I made clear that Labour would oppose any plans to undermine our public service broadcaster or to strip it of vital funding .
Understandably , given the Covid-19 crisis , the public are focusing on the safety of their loved ones or the security of their income during the lockdown .
During this unprecedented time , with the public preoccupied and civil society organisations stripped of capacity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s why I wrote to Oliver Dowden – Morgan ’ s successor as Secretary of State – last week calling for the consultation to be postponed .
Those calls have sadly fallen on deaf ears , and the future of the BBC ’ s funding remains in peril .
The case against the government ’ s proposals is overwhelming .
As recently as 2015 , a government-appointed QC reviewed the licence fee , concluding it was the fairest and most equitable way to fund our public service broadcaster .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main source of income , accounting for £3.69bn in the last financial year or approximately 75 % of the broadcaster ’ s revenues .
Decriminalising non-payment would cost the BBC an estimated £200m a year in increased evasion .
That ’ s would severely impact on the BBC ’ s ability to create the brilliant news , drama , documentaries and entertainment that 91 % of the population enjoy every week .
This pandemic has made the need for high-quality , independent public service broadcasting clearer than ever .
Two weeks ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC News website received 70 million unique UK visitors – the most ever in the single week .
Audiences have increased considerably for BBC Breakfast and BBC News as the public seeks for practical information and advice .
The corporation ’ s announcement of a specially-tailored programme of content to bring vital information to the public throughout this emergency was widely praised .
Decriminalising the licence fee would make producing this sort of content much more difficult – and mean the end of the BBC as we know it .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that means making our views heard by responding to the consultation before it closes in a week ’ s time .
The good news is that I ’ ve made it easy for you to help , and it only takes five minutes .
So please , stick the kettle on , visit ourbbc.co.uk and download our suggested consultation response to send to the government .
The BBC has supported the British people so much over the years : now is the time for us to show our support .

It feels like years ago – although it’s actually been less than six weeks – that Nicky Morgan, in one of her final acts as Culture Secretary, announced a consultation on decriminalising non-payment of the TV Licence Fee. This was framed as part of a broader government ambition to “reform” the BBC and review its funding arrangements so it could “remain relevant” in the Netflix era.
This came after briefing wars during the general election, unnamed No. 10 advisors promising to “smash the BBC” and Tory MPs signalling their outrage on Twitter. Mysteriously, there was no mentioned a consultation of this nature in the Tory manifesto – and the backlash against it has been enormous. I made clear that Labour would oppose any plans to undermine our public service broadcaster or to strip it of vital funding.
Understandably, given the Covid-19 crisis, the public are focusing on the safety of their loved ones or the security of their income during the lockdown. During this unprecedented time, with the public preoccupied and civil society organisations stripped of capacity, the government should have paused this consultation.
That’s why I wrote to Oliver Dowden – Morgan’s successor as Secretary of State – last week calling for the consultation to be postponed. Those calls have sadly fallen on deaf ears, and the future of the BBC’s funding remains in peril. The case against the government’s proposals is overwhelming. As recently as 2015, a government-appointed QC reviewed the licence fee, concluding it was the fairest and most equitable way to fund our public service broadcaster.
The licence fee is the BBC’s main source of income, accounting for £3.69bn in the last financial year or approximately 75% of the broadcaster’s revenues. Decriminalising non-payment would cost the BBC an estimated £200m a year in increased evasion. That’s would severely impact on the BBC’s ability to create the brilliant news, drama, documentaries and entertainment that 91% of the population enjoy every week.
This pandemic has made the need for high-quality, independent public service broadcasting clearer than ever. Two weeks ago, as the Covid-19 crisis gathered pace, the BBC News website received 70 million unique UK visitors – the most ever in the single week. Audiences have increased considerably for BBC Breakfast and BBC News as the public seeks for practical information and advice. The corporation’s announcement of a specially-tailored programme of content to bring vital information to the public throughout this emergency was widely praised.
Decriminalising the licence fee would make producing this sort of content much more difficult – and mean the end of the BBC as we know it. I’m asking for your help, and that means making our views heard by responding to the consultation before it closes in a week’s time.
The good news is that I’ve made it easy for you to help, and it only takes five minutes. So please, stick the kettle on, visit ourbbc.co.uk and download our suggested consultation response to send to the government. The BBC has supported the British people so much over the years – now is the time for us to show our support.


labourlist--2020-03-24--NHS appeals for 250,000 volunteers

NHS appeals for 250,000 volunteers

Matt Hancock has announced that the NHS is appealing for a total of 250,000 “ volunteer responders ” to make sure it and other local services get all the support that they need .
Speaking instead of the Prime Minister at the latest coronavirus press briefing this afternoon , the Health Secretary fielded questions on the health service and the government ’ s response to the virus .
The Health Secretary said : “ We ’ re seeking a quarter of a million volunteers , people in good health , to help the NHS for shopping , and for delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are shielded to protect their own health .
“ The NHS volunteer responders is a new scheme set up so that people can come and help and to make sure that the NHS and the local services that are needed get all the support that they can.
” Last night the Prime Minister announced the strictest measures since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the UK , telling people to “ stay at home ” at all times , with only a few limited reasons allowed to leave your home .
Businesses providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were told not to go to work unless they had to – but confusion ensued this morning as people were unsure as to what constituted “ essential work ” .
Labour has called on the government to clearly clarify who should be going to work , and are also pushing for the introduction of support for five million self-employed workers in the UK .

Matt Hancock has announced that the NHS is appealing for a total of 250,000 “volunteer responders” to make sure it and other local services get all the support that they need.
Speaking instead of the Prime Minister at the latest coronavirus press briefing this afternoon, the Health Secretary fielded questions on the health service and the government’s response to the virus.
The Health Secretary said: “We’re seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health, to help the NHS for shopping, and for delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielded to protect their own health.
“The ‘NHS volunteer responders’ is a new scheme set up so that people can come and help and to make sure that the NHS and the local services that are needed get all the support that they can.”
“We’re seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health, to help the NHS for shopping, and for delivery of medicines” says Health Secretary Matt Hancock 11,788 retired NHS professionals have confirmed they will return to the servicehttps://t.co/UhsQmMmL72 pic.twitter.com/doBT7TiMCa — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 24, 2020
On Monday evening, the Prime Minister announced the strictest measures since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the UK, telling people to “stay at home” at all times, with only a few limited reasons allowed to leave your home.
Businesses providing non-essential products were told to close and people were told not to go to work unless they had to – but confusion ensued this morning as people were unsure as to what constituted “essential work”.
Labour has called on the government to clearly clarify who should be going to work. The party is also pushing for the introduction of support for five million self-employed workers in the UK.


labourlist--2020-03-24--“There is no correlation between pay rates and social value” – McDonnell’s full speech

Mr Speaker , let me start by as assuring the Chancellor that the official opposition will be supportive of the government and constructively critical where necessary .
This is the gravest crisis facing our country that any of us in this House have known .
We are debating matters of life and death and the proposals made and decisions taken deserve scrutiny , and that scrutiny should be welcomed .
The Prime Minister was right last night to call for people to stay at home .
To stay at home , protect our NHS and save lives .
We called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know the mayor of London and many others had been making private representations for greater clarity and greater action .
Mr Speaker , there needs to be clear and detailed guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close .
The Chancellor and the government must act immediately , so that every single worker has a protected income and so that every single household is secure in their home , whether they rent or have a mortgage .
So , that no one who makes the right choice to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor set out an unprecedented scheme to underwrite 80 % of the wages of all workers furloughed , promising no redundancies or lay-offs were needed , and that the government would do “ whatever it takes ” .
Today is the time to deliver clarity and security for all , including our most vulnerable – whatever it takes .
The Prime Minister last night effectively shut down every non-essential business .
I want the Chancellor to make clear now , every single worker in every single one of those businesses will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme , and if – as a result of that 20 % cut in incomes – they fall below thresholds for Universal Credit or housing benefit they will be eligible for top-ups ?
And can we get a clear date when that income protection scheme will be operational ?
Will he also condemn employers , like Wetherspoons , that have stopped wage payments now , and have told employees they will not resume until the end of April ?
I believe senior members of the government have influence on both these employers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should pay their staff and they should close , so they play their part in making sure everyone is safe and protected ?
But the government can not act only for workers who are furloughed .
Many will be having their hours reduced , but not stopped altogether .
The government must step up for them .
Whether , it ’ s to top them up to at least 80 % of their regular wage or some other scheme .
So , when the Minister responds , what is the protection for workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have already been laid off as a result of this terrible virus .
The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care has candidly and honestly , said he could not survive on £94 per week Statutory Sick Pay , so how can he expect that entire families can afford a week ’ s food shop ?
Will the Chancellor therefore increase now the appallingly low rate of statutory sick pay ?
And ensure all workers are eligible ?
And , will he increase the £73 rate of Jobseeker ’ s Allowance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabled people ?
And the even lower rate – £66 per week – of Carer ’ s Allowance ?
And Mr Speaker , there are five million self-employed workers in this country – many of whom can not work from home – when will a scheme be ready for them ?
And will it also guarantee them 80 % of their incomes ?
From cabbies to childminders , actors to plumbers our battalions of self-employed need the same security as everyone else – when will they get it ?
Can I also urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry and trade unions to find a solution that covers the peculiarities in that sector , workers employed through payroll companies and umbrella companies ?
Mr Speaker , I will now move on to housing .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended .
It is therefore important that government acts to ensure that rents are paid , 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Can I briefly pay tribute to the mayor of London , Sadiq Khan , whose team has worked so tirelessly and creatively in securing hotel accommodation to get London ’ s rough sleepers off the streets , though we would like to know more about the duration and cost of the deal the government has procured with hotels .
It is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their homes , so that attachment to work , school and study can continue seamlessly at the conclusion of this extraordinary period .
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 .
If this is the case the government will only be deferring evictions a few months down the road .
The suspension of evictions for private and social tenants should be extended from three months to six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
In addition , we also believe it is necessary to suspend all bailiff proceedings too for the same period , just practically speaking there are clear health and safety issues about entering the homes of families who may be self-isolating .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 ?
These are huge demands being placed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those public servants , who are working day and night to establish these schemes .
But the civil service has been depleted by a decade of austerity , so as extra demands are placed on the HMRC and DWP ; are other civil servants being redeployed ; are the recently retired or those made redundant being asked to come back ?
Can I also get urgent confirmation that the current HMRC programme of office closures and redundancies will be paused ?
Can I ask too what adaptations have been made for HMRC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres ?
Is the telephony technology there for them to work at home ?
Is there greater social distancing ?
We all know that Universal Credit can not cope now .
Its rollout was again delayed in the budget .
Now millions more households are becoming eligible for Universal Credit , Housing benefit and other payments .
Is the Chancellor confident the system can cope ?
On the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme , can the Chancellor be clear what he is doing to encourage businesses to take them up , when some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grants for keeping them afloat ?
And can the Chancellor tell the House whether he has considered our proposal , that such loans should include job retention clauses in the loan agreement ?
This would mean that business receiving loans can give workers the security they need that they will not lose their jobs .
And what consideration has been given to extend grants to the many small businesses , who can ’ t afford to take on additional debt and are not currently covered by the government ’ s eligibility criteria ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the retail sector , those on construction sites , in factories , in call centres , in warehouse and distribution and other settings .
What are essential workplaces ?
I encourage every worker in Britain to join a trade union .
The NHS was promised budget increases over the next five years , will the Chancellor bring forward funding for years two , three and four into year one ?
Can the Chancellor assure us that we will not have another weekend when doctors and nurses – working in intensive care units – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to beg for personal protective equipment and clothing ?
Can he assure NHS workers that they will not only get the equipment they need , but the tests they need ?
The World Health Organisation has been clear from the start in its advice : Test , test , test .
Can he also assure the House , and the public , that everything is being done to procure more critical care beds ?
I welcome the news that 7,500 recently retired staff have returned to the NHS and pay tribute to each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government recently begged recently retired NHS staff to return .
The same must happen in social care .
Chronic low pay in the care sector with many paid just the minimum wage , means staff have left for less stressful jobs in retail and other sectors .
Those workers need to come back .
And they need the appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing .
Many will have seen the devastating news from the Oaklands nursing home in the constituency of my Hon Friend , the member for Hove , where 16 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 symptoms .
But , Mr Speaker I was most concerned about the reports that despite pleading for it , the home has been unable to source the proper protective equipment ?
Just yesterday the leader of the opposition and the shadow minister for social care demanded an urgent action plan for social care – a system that looks after those most at risk from the coronavirus .
Our social care system needs ‘ whatever it takes ’ .
Whether its residential care , domiciliary care or family carers caring for loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be there .
So how much is being allocated immediately to councils and care providers ?
Can I though welcome the sectoral consultation and dialogue with trade unions is taking place across all departments .
Councils have a key role to play as guarantor of social care provision , but they too have been devastated by cuts , and now also have Hardship Funds to administer as well .
What extra resources are being made available to local councils , especially as many are likely to start seeing drops in council tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding is being made available , so that councils can extend council tax support schemes in this period While we fully back the measures outlined yesterday , there are some households , unfortunately , where these measures could mean more abuse and even death .
For victims of domestic abuse , and for others , this home isolation will be terrifying .
We need the police , refuges , mental health and other social services to have all the resources and capacity they need , and I pay tribute to the shadow minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these issues repeatedly .
Many charities whose work is essential in filling in the gaping holes in our public services and safety net are desperately worried about their finances .
Charities dealing with the immediate response to coronavirus and its effects on the most vulnerable need access to enough grants to allow them to scale up their operations .
Others need to be assured they can access the same level of support that small businesses are rightly getting , so that they can suspend some of their operations without having to lay off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restart once the crisis passes .
What reassurances can the Chancellor provide to the charity and voluntary sector ?
Will he work with the sector to find suitable reliefs in these unprecedented times ?
And can he outline what schemes are available now to charities struggling with loss of revenue ?
I understand that schools remain open to children of key workers and vulnerable children , but only if no safe alternative is available .
Can I also ask about fees that will have been paid by students in further and in higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be available ?
Can I also ask that the interest rate on student debt is immediately reduced to zero for the duration of this crisis ?
What provision is being made by HM Treasury to refund lost revenue in transport authorities – whether that ’ s TfL in London or bus services across the country ?
On railways , I echo the Transport Secretary , we back the measures that will keep key workers and freight moving on our railway during this crisis , which has exposed the fundamental weaknesses of the franchise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all railway staff and all the bus workers who are keeping the essential parts of our country moving .
And can the Chancellor assure us all public-facing railway staff will have appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing available ?
Can the Chancellor tell us whether any consideration is being given to making public transport free for key workers , risking their lives every day ?
NHS staff are receiving free rail travel in Wales and a similar move is being rolled out across New Zealand .
Prisons were understaffed and overpopulated before this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question of resources but of safety .
I welcome moves to escalate prisoner release schemes for those who do not pose a threat to our safety .
But Mr Speaker , the probation service was in crisis before this crisis .
And the lockdown announced yesterday complicates matters further .
Can the House be assured that the police and the probation service will have every resource possible to keep people safe , and to monitor those who need supervision ?
I welcome the moves last week to release detainees from detention centres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can the Chancellor be clear what extra resources are going into to protect people ’ s health ?
As a lapsed Catholic , I still welcome a sinner who repents , so can I reach across the divide and pay tribute to the member for St Austell and Newquay who said yesterday : “ Many people that we consider to be low skilled are actually pretty crucial to the smooth running of our country.
” Can I echo his call to the Home Secretary – it ’ s a point made repeatedly by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new points-based immigration system in his words “ to reflect the things we ’ ve learnt during this time ” .
And can I ask the government whether any consideration is being given to temporarily suspending no recourse to public funds – and allowing temporary access to benefits for non-UK nationals ?
This is important at a time when more and more people are out of work , and unable to travel .
May I say , as a public service to all Conservative MPs , the market does not distribute wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there is no correlation between pay rates and the social value of many jobs .
Three weeks ago , I asked the government to take a lead internationally in tackling this virus .
It is vital that we are engaged in all global health and political forums forums , learn from best practice and share solutions .
This virus respects no borders .
By helping others , we help ourselves – and by neglecting others – we neglect ourselves .
Will the Chancellor assure the House today that extra resources are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget , to aid the poorest countries in combatting this virus ?
We will look back at this period as an unprecedented moment in our lifetimes .
I know this is already a tragic time for so many , and all of us will be hurt by this .
But I want us all to be able to look back with pride about what we did in this period .
To be able to say : we widened who was covered by our safety net , when we had to ; we protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; we cared for people around us , and we provided all the support that was needed .

Mr Speaker, let me start by as assuring the Chancellor that the official opposition will be supportive of the government and constructively critical where necessary. This is the gravest crisis facing our country that any of us in this House have known. We are debating matters of life and death and the proposals made and decisions taken deserve scrutiny, and that scrutiny should be welcomed.
The Prime Minister was right last night to call for people to stay at home. To stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives. We called for enforcement measures yesterday morning, and I know the mayor of London and many others had been making private representations for greater clarity and greater action. Mr Speaker, there needs to be clear and detailed guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close.
The Chancellor and the government must act immediately, so that every single worker has a protected income and so that every single household is secure in their home, whether they rent or have a mortgage. So, that no one who makes the right choice to stay at home faces hardship.
Last week, the Chancellor set out an unprecedented scheme to underwrite 80% of the wages of all workers furloughed, promising no redundancies or lay-offs were needed, and that the government would do “whatever it takes”. Today is the time to deliver clarity and security for all, including our most vulnerable – whatever it takes.
The Prime Minister last night effectively shut down every non-essential business. I want the Chancellor to make clear now, every single worker in every single one of those businesses will be covered by the 80% income protection scheme, and if – as a result of that 20% cut in incomes – they fall below thresholds for Universal Credit or housing benefit they will be eligible for top-ups?
And can we get a clear date when that income protection scheme will be operational? Will he also condemn employers, like Wetherspoons, that have stopped wage payments now, and have told employees they will not resume until the end of April?
I believe senior members of the government have influence on both these employers. Will the Chancellor make clear, they should pay their staff and they should close, so they play their part in making sure everyone is safe and protected?
But the government cannot act only for workers who are furloughed. Many will be having their hours reduced, but not stopped altogether. The government must step up for them. Whether, it’s to top them up to at least 80% of their regular wage or some other scheme. So, when the Minister responds, what is the protection for workers put on short hours?
Sadly many workers have already been laid off as a result of this terrible virus. The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care has candidly and honestly, said he could not survive on £94 per week Statutory Sick Pay, so how can he expect that entire families can afford a week’s food shop?
Will the Chancellor therefore increase now the appallingly low rate of statutory sick pay? And ensure all workers are eligible? And, will he increase the £73 rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance and of Employment and Support Allowance for disabled people? And the even lower rate – £66 per week – of Carer’s Allowance?
And Mr Speaker, there are five million self-employed workers in this country – many of whom cannot work from home – when will a scheme be ready for them? And will it also guarantee them 80% of their incomes? From cabbies to childminders, actors to plumbers our battalions of self-employed need the same security as everyone else – when will they get it?
Can I also urge the Chancellor to work with the construction industry and trade unions to find a solution that covers the peculiarities in that sector, workers employed through payroll companies and umbrella companies?
Mr Speaker, I will now move on to housing. 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 rents are paid, 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. It is not good 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.
Can I briefly pay tribute to the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, whose team has worked so tirelessly and creatively in securing hotel accommodation to get London’s rough sleepers off the streets, though we would like to know more about the duration and cost of the deal the government has procured with hotels.
It is important that the government acts to keep households in their homes, so that attachment to work, school and study can continue seamlessly at the conclusion of this extraordinary period. 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. If this is the case the government will only be deferring evictions a few months down the road.
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.
In addition, we also believe it is necessary to suspend all bailiff proceedings too for the same period, just practically speaking there are clear health and safety issues about entering the homes of families who may be self-isolating.
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.
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?
These are huge demands being placed on the civil service and I pay tribute to those public servants, who are working day and night to establish these schemes. But the civil service has been depleted by a decade of austerity, so as extra demands are placed on the HMRC and DWP; are other civil servants being redeployed; are the recently retired or those made redundant being asked to come back?
Can I also get urgent confirmation that the current HMRC programme of office closures and redundancies will be paused? Can I ask too what adaptations have been made for HMRC and DWP working in the mass call centres? Is the telephony technology there for them to work at home? Is there greater social distancing?
We all know that Universal Credit cannot cope now. Its rollout was again delayed in the budget. Now millions more households are becoming eligible for Universal Credit, Housing benefit and other payments. Is the Chancellor confident the system can cope?
On the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme, can the Chancellor be clear what he is doing to encourage businesses to take them up, when some businesses see loans as less effective than grants for keeping them afloat?
And can the Chancellor tell the House whether he has considered our proposal, that such loans should include job retention clauses in the loan agreement? This would mean that business receiving loans can give workers the security they need that they will not lose their jobs.
And what consideration has been given to extend grants to the many small businesses, who can’t afford to take on additional debt and are not currently covered by the government’s eligibility criteria?
We also need clarity for workers beyond the retail sector, those on construction sites, in factories, in call centres, in warehouse and distribution and other settings. What are essential workplaces? I encourage every worker in Britain to join a trade union.
The NHS was promised budget increases over the next five years, will the Chancellor bring forward funding for years two, three and four into year one? Can the Chancellor assure us that we will not have another weekend when doctors and nurses – working in intensive care units – are having to go on the media to beg for personal protective equipment and clothing?
Can he assure NHS workers that they will not only get the equipment they need, but the tests they need? The World Health Organisation has been clear from the start in its advice: Test, test, test. Can he also assure the House, and the public, that everything is being done to procure more critical care beds?
I welcome the news that 7,500 recently retired staff have returned to the NHS and pay tribute to each and every one of them. The government recently begged recently retired NHS staff to return. The same must happen in social care. Chronic low pay in the care sector with many paid just the minimum wage, means staff have left for less stressful jobs in retail and other sectors. Those workers need to come back. And they need the appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing.
Many will have seen the devastating news from the Oaklands nursing home in the constituency of my Hon Friend, the member for Hove, where 16 of the 20 residents and seven staff have COVID-19 symptoms. But, Mr Speaker I was most concerned about the reports that despite pleading for it, the home has been unable to source the proper protective equipment?
Just yesterday the leader of the opposition and the shadow minister for social care demanded an urgent action plan for social care – a system that looks after those most at risk from the coronavirus. Our social care system needs ‘whatever it takes’. Whether its residential care, domiciliary care or family carers caring for loved ones in their own home, the resources must be there. So how much is being allocated immediately to councils and care providers?
Can I though welcome the sectoral consultation and dialogue with trade unions is taking place across all departments. Councils have a key role to play as guarantor of social care provision, but they too have been devastated by cuts, and now also have Hardship Funds to administer as well. What extra resources are being made available to local councils, especially as many are likely to start seeing drops in council tax and business rates revenue?
What extra funding is being made available, so that councils can extend council tax support schemes in this period While we fully back the measures outlined yesterday, there are some households, unfortunately, where these measures could mean more abuse and even death.
For victims of domestic abuse, and for others, this home isolation will be terrifying. We need the police, refuges, mental health and other social services to have all the resources and capacity they need, and I pay tribute to the shadow minister for women and equalities, for raising these issues repeatedly.
Many charities whose work is essential in filling in the gaping holes in our public services and safety net are desperately worried about their finances. Charities dealing with the immediate response to coronavirus and its effects on the most vulnerable need access to enough grants to allow them to scale up their operations. Others need to be assured they can access the same level of support that small businesses are rightly getting, so that they can suspend some of their operations without having to lay off their hard working staff, and can restart once the crisis passes.
What reassurances can the Chancellor provide to the charity and voluntary sector? Will he work with the sector to find suitable reliefs in these unprecedented times? And can he outline what schemes are available now to charities struggling with loss of revenue?
I understand that schools remain open to children of key workers and vulnerable children, but only if no safe alternative is available. Can I also ask about fees that will have been paid by students in further and in higher education and what refunds and deferments will be available?
Can I also ask that the interest rate on student debt is immediately reduced to zero for the duration of this crisis? What provision is being made by HM Treasury to refund lost revenue in transport authorities – whether that’s TfL in London or bus services across the country?
On railways, I echo the Transport Secretary, we back the measures that will keep key workers and freight moving on our railway during this crisis, which has exposed the fundamental weaknesses of the franchise model. And, can I thank all railway staff and all the bus workers who are keeping the essential parts of our country moving. And can the Chancellor assure us all public-facing railway staff will have appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing available?
Can the Chancellor tell us whether any consideration is being given to making public transport free for key workers, risking their lives every day? NHS staff are receiving free rail travel in Wales and a similar move is being rolled out across New Zealand.
Prisons were understaffed and overpopulated before this crisis. This is not just a question of resources but of safety. I welcome moves to escalate prisoner release schemes for those who do not pose a threat to our safety.
But Mr Speaker, the probation service was in crisis before this crisis. And the lockdown announced yesterday complicates matters further. Can the House be assured that the police and the probation service will have every resource possible to keep people safe, and to monitor those who need supervision?
I welcome the moves last week to release detainees from detention centres, due to health and safety concerns. Can the Chancellor be clear what extra resources are going into to protect people’s health?
As a lapsed Catholic, I still welcome a sinner who repents, so can I reach across the divide and pay tribute to the member for St Austell and Newquay who said yesterday: “Many people that we consider to be low skilled are actually pretty crucial to the smooth running of our country.”
Can I echo his call to the Home Secretary – it’s a point made repeatedly by the Shadow Home Secretary – to review the new points-based immigration system in his words “to reflect the things we’ve learnt during this time”. And can I ask the government whether any consideration is being given to temporarily suspending no recourse to public funds – and allowing temporary access to benefits for non-UK nationals?
This is important at a time when more and more people are out of work, and unable to travel. May I say, as a public service to all Conservative MPs, the market does not distribute wages fairly or efficiently in a capitalist society, and there is no correlation between pay rates and the social value of many jobs.
Three weeks ago, I asked the government to take a lead internationally in tackling this virus. It is vital that we are engaged in all global health and political forums forums, learn from best practice and share solutions. This virus respects no borders. By helping others, we help ourselves – and by neglecting others – we neglect ourselves. Will the Chancellor assure the House today that extra resources are being made, through the International Development budget, to aid the poorest countries in combatting this virus?
We will look back at this period as an unprecedented moment in our lifetimes. I know this is already a tragic time for so many, and all of us will be hurt by this. But I want us all to be able to look back with pride about what we did in this period. To be able to say: we widened who was covered by our safety net, when we had to; we protected people, and their jobs and wages; we cared for people around us, and we provided all the support that was needed.


labourlist--2020-03-24--Jeremy Corbyn’s last NEC meeting as Labour leader – Alice Perry’s report

In his final report , Jeremy spoke about COVID-19 and how we are living through unprecedented times unlike anything we have experienced in our lifetimes .
He spoke about the need for strong action to slow the spread of the virus and support the country , and about how the impact will be particularly felt by those with the least resources .
Jeremy has been in lengthy discussions with the Prime Minister .
The government has seemed behind the curve in responding to the outbreak , which has also highlighted issues of poor quality housing , overcrowding and low-paid and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his time as leader of the Labour Party and the changes that have occurred during his leadership .
NEC members thank Jeremy , with some members paying emotional tributes to him and his leadership .
The national executive committee ( NEC ) highlighted the important work of everyone across the UK who has kept the country running during the crisis .
From the shop , postal and transport workers and haulage drivers , to the builders , teachers , cleaners , carers , local government workers , emergency services and our amazing NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt .
When this is over we should make sure as a country that we recognise and value all our workers and give them the respect – and pay and conditions – they have always deserved .
Jennie Formby gave the general secretary ’ s report with an update on Labour ’ s COVID-19 response , the work of the nations and regions and the leadership election .
Plans are underway for the announcement of the leader and deputy leader elections .
The original conference format is being adapted .
The results will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new leader and deputy leader .
Nick Forbes gave the local government report , with an update about all the work that Labour councils are doing to support communities during the outbreak .
Nick also highlighted the work councils are doing coordinating volunteering and community groups during the crisis .
Jennie has also emailed all councillors to thank them for all their efforts during this difficult time .
The next NEC meeting is in May .
Hopefully by then we may be able to meet together in person .
In the meantime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wants to learn more about COVID-19 , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine where I work has a free online short course accessible here .
Take care and stay safe .

In his final report, Jeremy spoke about Covid-19 and how we are living through unprecedented times unlike anything we have experienced in our lifetimes. He spoke about the need for strong action to slow the spread of the virus and support the country, and about how the impact will be particularly felt by those with the least resources.
Jeremy has been in lengthy discussions with the Prime Minister. The government has seemed behind the curve in responding to the outbreak, which has also highlighted issues of poor quality housing, overcrowding and low-paid and insecure work. Jeremy also reflected on his time as leader of the Labour Party and the changes that have occurred during his leadership. National executive committee (NEC) members thank Jeremy, with some members paying emotional tributes to him and his leadership.
The national executive committee highlighted the important work of everyone across the UK who has kept the country running during the crisis. From the shop, postal and transport workers and haulage drivers, to the builders, teachers, cleaners, carers, local government workers, emergency services and our amazing NHS staff – we owe everyone an enormous debt. When this is over we should make sure as a country that we recognise and value all our workers and give them the respect – and pay and conditions – they have always deserved.
Jennie Formby gave the general secretary’s report with an update on Labour’s Covid-19 response, the work of the nations and regions and the leadership election. Plans are underway for the announcement of the leader and deputy leader elections. The original conference format is being adapted. The results will be announced and followed by speeches from the new leader and deputy leader.
Nick Forbes gave the local government report, with an update about all the work that Labour councils are doing to support communities during the outbreak. Nick also highlighted the work councils are doing coordinating volunteering and community groups during the crisis. Jennie has also emailed all councillors to thank them for all their efforts during this difficult time.
The next NEC meeting is in May. Hopefully by then we may be able to meet together in person. In the meantime, if anyone is bored at home and wants to learn more about Covid-19, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine where I work has a free online short course accessible here. Take care and stay safe.


labourlist--2020-03-24--Scientists for Labour call for “stronger action” from government in Covid-19 report

Scientists for Labour have published a report on the coronavirus pandemic , in which they highlight issues for both the government and Labour to consider , and call on the government to take “ stronger action ” .
Published by the Labour-affiliated organisation today , the document argues for actions that the authors feel should be taken , as well as outlining “ key considerations ” for the scientific community when those actions are taken .
The report highlights research that shows that the NHS is “ almost certain ” to exceed its critical capacity , and calls on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readily available to health workers .
It also stated that the UK ’ s response to the coronavirus should be informed by international action , and that all models and data used by the government needs to be made public to aid effective communication .
In the report ’ s concluding remarks , Scientists for Labour make the case that the following areas “ require public focus ” : • Ensuring continuity of COVID-19 related scientific research during any of the suppression measures taken ; • Ensuring clear communication of the scientific basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS from exceeding its critical care capacity ; • Learning lessons from the steps taken internationally ; • Protecting the mental health of people forced to self-isolate ; • Continuing the education of children during school closures ; • Ensuring the most vulnerable in society do not bear the brunt of this crisis ; and There are currently 6,650 recorded cases of coronavirus in the UK , with the highest number found in London at 2,433 followed by the Midlands with 808 cases .
Following a meeting of COBRA last night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must “ stay at home ” and can face a fine for not doing so .
There are only a limited number of reasons for which people are allowed out of their house .
Scientists for Labour is a socialist society affiliated to the Labour Party , and its members include supporters of the party who are involved in science and technology in the UK .
Their full coronavirus report can be found here .

Scientists for Labour have published a report on the coronavirus pandemic, in which they highlight issues for both the government and Labour to consider, and call on the government to take “stronger action”.
Published by the Labour-affiliated organisation today, the document argues for actions that the authors feel should be taken, as well as outlining “key considerations” for the scientific community when those actions are taken.
The report highlights research that shows that the NHS is “almost certain” to exceed its critical capacity, and calls on the government to make personal protective equipment is readily available to health workers.
It also stated that the UK’s response to the coronavirus should be informed by international action, and that all models and data used by the government needs to be made public to aid effective communication.
In the report’s concluding remarks, Scientists for Labour make the case that the following areas “require public focus”:
Ensuring continuity of COVID-19 related scientific research during any of the suppression measures taken;
Ensuring clear communication of the scientific basis of any governmental action;
Preventing the NHS from exceeding its critical care capacity;
Learning lessons from the steps taken internationally;
Protecting the mental health of people forced to self-isolate;
Continuing the education of children during school closures;
Ensuring the most vulnerable in society do not bear the brunt of this crisis; and
Protecting human rights and individual freedoms.
There are currently 6,650 recorded cases of coronavirus in the UK, with the highest number found in London at 2,433 followed by the Midlands with 808 cases.
Following a meeting of COBRA last night, the Prime Minister told people that they must “stay at home” and can face a fine for not doing so. There are only a limited number of reasons for which people are allowed out of their house.
Scientists for Labour is a socialist society affiliated to the Labour Party, and its members include supporters of the party who are involved in science and technology in the UK. Their full coronavirus report can be found here.


labourlist--2020-03-24--The government must take urgent action to support the self-employed

Now that the government has taken action to lock-down the UK and enforce social distancing measures , it is even more vital that they make sure self-employed and freelance workers who do the right thing and stay home are not left to live on £94.25 per week .
Further action must be taken by government to ensure self-employed and freelance workers can pay their bills and keep their businesses solvent .
The measures announced by the Chancellor on Friday were extremely welcome .
The government ’ s income replacement scheme will ensure that millions of workers ’ jobs and livelihoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But there are still gaps within the government ’ s strategy that require urgent redress , and millions more people who remain acutely exposed to the economic impact of necessary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus .
If we as a society are to get through this together , we will need equality of sacrifice .
As we ask every person and every worker to make sacrifices , so we should expect that every worker enjoys protection against lost work and income .
Around five million people are self-employed in Britain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new income replacement scheme , there are many who are self-employed , freelance or otherwise precarious who are not .
Currently , should they lose work or be unable to work , they only have recourse to Universal Credit at a rate of £94.25 .
And as they are not covered by the government ’ s income replacement scheme , they are also in danger of losing income if they can not work due to the extra burden of childcare commitments now schools and nurseries are closed .
It is arbitrary that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their income disappear , while other workers enjoy at least some government protection .
As the Federation of Small Businesses have argued : “ It can not be right that an employee currently earning £25,000 a year could access £20,000 per annum through the new job retention scheme , while someone who ’ s self-employed earning the same sum might only access around £5,000 worth of support.
” Norway , Germany , Italy , France and the Republic of Ireland have all introduced ambitious schemes to support their self-employed and freelance workers ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should look to the examples set by other countries ’ governments in supporting self-employed and freelance workers .
Norway has included the self-employed and freelancers within its income protection scheme – they are entitled to claim the equivalent of 80 % of their average pay over the past three years .
I believe this is the best model , but other countries are also trying to help .
The German government has plans for a €40bn fund , made up of grants and loans , to support individual freelancers and businesses employing below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced a new COVID-19 “ pandemic unemployment payment ” , available for all workers including the self-employed , of €203 per week for six weeks .
In France , the self-employed may be entitled to compensation up to €1,500 ; in Italy , they are entitled to €600 per month ; and the Greek government is issuing payments of €800 .
The UK is the world ’ s sixth largest economy .
There is no reason we can not afford to match the support extended by these countries to self-employed workers .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection scheme announced on Friday to the self-employed .
In Norway , a scheme similar to the one unveiled by the government also makes provision for the self-employed and freelancers .
They are entitled to the equivalent of 80 % of their average pay over the past three years .
We could do the same using tax returns .
The government must also , as a matter of urgency , increase the rate of statutory sick pay to the real living wage to support those who are sick or self-isolating , and ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are forced to take on extra childcare responsibilities due to school and nursery closures .
The government is facing immense challenges on all fronts .
However , if we want people to be able to follow the government ’ s own guidance to curb the spread of this pandemic , then the situation of many people in the most precarious work and living conditions must be treated with greater urgency .
And to ensure we have an economy to rebuild after coronavirus we should do all we can to support fledgling businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along these lines would provide essential protection for millions of hardworking people who are crying out for reassurance .

Now that the government has taken action to lock-down the UK and enforce social distancing measures, it is even more vital that they make sure self-employed and freelance workers who do the right thing and stay home are not left to live on £94.25 per week. Further action must be taken by government to ensure self-employed and freelance workers can pay their bills and keep their businesses solvent.
The measures announced by the Chancellor on Friday were extremely welcome. The government’s income replacement scheme will ensure that millions of workers’ jobs and livelihoods are protected over the coming months. But there are still gaps within the government’s strategy that require urgent redress, and millions more people who remain acutely exposed to the economic impact of necessary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. If we as a society are to get through this together, we will need equality of sacrifice. As we ask every person and every worker to make sacrifices, so we should expect that every worker enjoys protection against lost work and income.
Around five million people are self-employed in Britain. While employed workers are covered by the new income replacement scheme, there are many who are self-employed, freelance or otherwise precarious who are not. Currently, should they lose work or be unable to work, they only have recourse to Universal Credit at a rate of £94.25. And as they are not covered by the government’s income replacement scheme, they are also in danger of losing income if they cannot work due to the extra burden of childcare commitments now schools and nurseries are closed.
It is arbitrary that the self-employed should see the large part of their income disappear, while other workers enjoy at least some government protection. As the Federation of Small Businesses have argued: “It cannot be right that an employee currently earning £25,000 a year could access £20,000 per annum through the new job retention scheme, while someone who’s self-employed earning the same sum might only access around £5,000 worth of support.” Norway, Germany, Italy, France and the Republic of Ireland have all introduced ambitious schemes to support their self-employed and freelance workers; the UK must follow suit.
We should look to the examples set by other countries’ governments in supporting self-employed and freelance workers. Norway has included the self-employed and freelancers within its income protection scheme – they are entitled to claim the equivalent of 80% of their average pay over the past three years. I believe this is the best model, but other countries are also trying to help. The German government has plans for a €40bn fund, made up of grants and loans, to support individual freelancers and businesses employing below ten people. The Irish government has introduced a new COVID-19 “pandemic unemployment payment”, available for all workers including the self-employed, of €203 per week for six weeks. In France, the self-employed may be entitled to compensation up to €1,500; in Italy, they are entitled to €600 per month; and the Greek government is issuing payments of €800.
The UK is the world’s sixth largest economy. There is no reason we cannot afford to match the support extended by these countries to self-employed workers. I believe the government should extend the income protection scheme announced on Friday to the self-employed. In Norway, a scheme similar to the one unveiled by the government also makes provision for the self-employed and freelancers. They are entitled to the equivalent of 80% of their average pay over the past three years. We could do the same using tax returns.
The government must also, as a matter of urgency, increase the rate of statutory sick pay to the real living wage to support those who are sick or self-isolating, and ensure that no parent loses out if they are forced to take on extra childcare responsibilities due to school and nursery closures.
The government is facing immense challenges on all fronts. However, if we want people to be able to follow the government’s own guidance to curb the spread of this pandemic, then the situation of many people in the most precarious work and living conditions must be treated with greater urgency. And to ensure we have an economy to rebuild after coronavirus we should do all we can to support fledgling businesses and the self-employed. I believe that proposals along these lines would provide essential protection for millions of hardworking people who are crying out for reassurance.


labourlist--2020-03-24--“A town built on iron and steel does not elect shrinking violets” – the full maiden speech by Alex D

“A town built on iron and steel does not elect shrinking violets” – the full maiden speech by Alex Davies-Jones MP

Below is the full text of the maiden speech delivered in parliament on January 15th by the newly elected MP for Pontypridd Alex Davies-Jones .
Rising to give my maiden speech , I am reminded of the quip that there is never a more dangerous moment to speak than before the audience has had their dinner ; but whoever first wrote that line clearly never had my teenage experience — of singing in a local workman ’ s club for an audience who were waiting for the bingo to start .
I thank my nan for giving me that particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least it means I have absolutely nothing to fear from those on the benches opposite .
They may deplore and decry my socialism , but they are armed with neither heavy-duty black marker pens nor the impatience of a valleys grandmother .
There can be no greater honour in life than to represent the place closest to your heart .
I am Ponty born and bred .
I went to my local comprehensive school in Tonyrefail .
My dad and both granddads were miners .
Pontypridd runs through my veins as strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rhondda run through our valley .
Pontypridd , my home , is also the home of local legends — not just my mam , but the legends of Tom Jones and Wales ’ s most feared and capped prop-forward , Gethin Jenkins .
Whilst I was tempted to construct this speech around the lyrics of Sir Tom , I did not have the same temptation when it came to Geth ’ s on-field banter .
That would generally consist of a look so menacing that it could make the very scoreboard twitch .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ legends is my predecessor , Owen Smith .
Owen is a tough act to follow in every sense .
I know that his wit and wisdom , his rhetoric and his radicalism will be missed in this place , just as they will be welcomed back at home .
His work here , particularly campaigning on surgical mesh implants , will change the lives of women not just in this country , but around the world , as the full scale of that scandal is still being uncovered .
That tenacious , groundbreaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Owen could and should have achieved in government .
Owen blazed a trail — as he always does .
In his nine years in parliament he lived a political life worthy of three decades .
No wonder his first career ambition was to be zipping around the green pitch at Ponty ’ s Sardis Road , not warming these green benches .
I know that colleagues here will wish him luck with his return to the green , green grass of home .
As with Owen and his predecessor , Kim Howells , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamentals of life growing up in Pontypridd .
It is difficult to imagine it any other way in a constituency that gave the world the Welsh national anthem and “ Cwm Rhondda ” .
The Pontypridd front row were not just three rugby players ; they were , for us , the eighth wonder of the world .
With iron and coal and industry comes the politics — politics rooted in people , fairness and radicalism .
And whilst the iron and the coal may have gone , the people have not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambition for fairness and equality .
I have no doubts whatsoever that it is my duty to hold the red banner high in this place , on behalf of my constituents ; to tell their stories , and to tell the difficult truths to those on my own frontbench as well as the one opposite .
A town built on iron and steel does not elect shrinking violets , and I will use my voice to elevate the lived experiences of my constituents so that they can never , ever be ignored .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ task , and that of all my Labour colleagues , has become more difficult following the election result in December .
One of the jewels in the Ponty crown is the Royal Mint in Llantrisant , which is a fantastic employer of nearly 1,000 people .
But it is an irony not lost on me , or my constituents , that despite the fact that we physically make all the country ’ s money , we see precious little of it in return in the shape of government investment .
The High Speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show billions of pounds worth of red and blue streaks across the map of England , but not so much as a slither in Wales .
There is no investment in rail electrification , or in the transformational tidal lagoon technology being developed in south Wales .
Wales can , and will , lead the way on ingenuity , the economy and the environment , but the government must stop holding us back .
One very small word has a huge world of meaning in south Wales , and that is the sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve : tidy — a tidy economy , and a tidy environment .
To achieve means a commitment to the kind of green industrial revolution being promoted by the Labour party , not the wishy-washy promises of the UK government .
It means investment in future technologies , and it means working with the Welsh Labour government on their groundbreaking environmental legislation , and the Wellbeing of Future Generations ( Wales ) Act 2015 .
From Pontypridd to Perth the climate crisis that we are facing impacts on us all , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the climate emergency at the forefront .
I come from a seat that helped power the last industrial revolution , and for the sake of my generation , and the one to follow , I want Pontypridd to be at the forefront of the next one .
I will close by saying that the bridge that symbolises the town of Pontypridd will be my inspiration for my work in parliament .
It was the longest single span bridge in Britain when it was opened in 1756 , and it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the fact that it represented William Edwards ’ s fourth attempt at a bridge to cross the Taff .
He did not let the floods , collapses and miscalculations deter him ; he kept thinking , he kept on trying , and he kept building .
That is how I intend to carry forward this job of representing the people of Pontypridd , which is the greatest honour of my life .
I will make mistakes , I will learn from them , and I will keep going .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I will be the bridge from Pontypridd to Westminster .

Below is the full text of the maiden speech delivered in parliament on January 15th by MP for Pontypridd Alex Davies-Jones.
Rising to give my maiden speech, I am reminded of the quip that there is never a more dangerous moment to speak than before the audience has had their dinner; but whoever first wrote that line clearly never had my teenage experience — of singing in a local workman’s club for an audience who were waiting for the bingo to start. I thank my nan for giving me that particular opportunity, again and again, but at least it means I have absolutely nothing to fear from those on the benches opposite. They may deplore and decry my socialism, but they are armed with neither heavy-duty black marker pens nor the impatience of a valleys grandmother.
There can be no greater honour in life than to represent the place closest to your heart. I am Ponty born and bred. I went to my local comprehensive school in Tonyrefail. My dad and both granddads were miners. Pontypridd runs through my veins as strongly and truly as the Rivers Taff and Rhondda run through our valley. Pontypridd, my home, is also the home of local legends — not just my mam, but the legends of Tom Jones and Wales’s most feared and capped prop-forward, Gethin Jenkins. Whilst I was tempted to construct this speech around the lyrics of Sir Tom, I did not have the same temptation when it came to Geth’s on-field banter. That would generally consist of a look so menacing that it could make the very scoreboard twitch.
To add to that list of local legends is my predecessor, Owen Smith. Owen is a tough act to follow in every sense. I know that his wit and wisdom, his rhetoric and his radicalism will be missed in this place, just as they will be welcomed back at home. His work here, particularly campaigning on surgical mesh implants, will change the lives of women not just in this country, but around the world, as the full scale of that scandal is still being uncovered. That tenacious, groundbreaking campaign work gave a glimpse of what Owen could and should have achieved in government. Owen blazed a trail — as he always does. In his nine years in parliament he lived a political life worthy of three decades. No wonder his first career ambition was to be zipping around the green pitch at Ponty’s Sardis Road, not warming these green benches. I know that colleagues here will wish him luck with his return to the green, green grass of home.
As with Owen and his predecessor, Kim Howells, music, rugby and politics represented the fundamentals of life growing up in Pontypridd. It is difficult to imagine it any other way in a constituency that gave the world the Welsh national anthem and “Cwm Rhondda”. The Pontypridd front row were not just three rugby players; they were, for us, the eighth wonder of the world. With iron and coal and industry comes the politics — politics rooted in people, fairness and radicalism. And whilst the iron and the coal may have gone, the people have not, and nor have the radicalism and the ambition for fairness and equality. I have no doubts whatsoever that it is my duty to hold the red banner high in this place, on behalf of my constituents; to tell their stories, and to tell the difficult truths to those on my own frontbench as well as the one opposite. A town built on iron and steel does not elect shrinking violets, and I will use my voice to elevate the lived experiences of my constituents so that they can never, ever be ignored.
I also have no doubt that my task, and that of all my Labour colleagues, has become more difficult following the election result in December. One of the jewels in the Ponty crown is the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, which is a fantastic employer of nearly 1,000 people. But it is an irony not lost on me, or my constituents, that despite the fact that we physically make all the country’s money, we see precious little of it in return in the shape of government investment. The High Speed 2 maps proudly produced by this Government show billions of pounds worth of red and blue streaks across the map of England, but not so much as a slither in Wales. There is no investment in rail electrification, or in the transformational tidal lagoon technology being developed in south Wales. Wales can, and will, lead the way on ingenuity, the economy and the environment, but the government must stop holding us back.
One very small word has a huge world of meaning in south Wales, and that is the sort of economy and environment we want and deserve: tidy — a tidy economy, and a tidy environment. To achieve means a commitment to the kind of green industrial revolution being promoted by the Labour party, not the wishy-washy promises of the UK government. It means investment in future technologies, and it means working with the Welsh Labour government on their groundbreaking environmental legislation, and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. From Pontypridd to Perth the climate crisis that we are facing impacts on us all, and I will use my voice in this place to keep the climate emergency at the forefront. I come from a seat that helped power the last industrial revolution, and for the sake of my generation, and the one to follow, I want Pontypridd to be at the forefront of the next one.
I will close by saying that the bridge that symbolises the town of Pontypridd will be my inspiration for my work in parliament. It was the longest single span bridge in Britain when it was opened in 1756, and it is not just the architectural ingenuity that inspires me, but the fact that it represented William Edwards’s fourth attempt at a bridge to cross the Taff. He did not let the floods, collapses and miscalculations deter him; he kept thinking, he kept on trying, and he kept building. That is how I intend to carry forward this job of representing the people of Pontypridd, which is the greatest honour of my life. I will make mistakes, I will learn from them, and I will keep going. With the support of my family and my constituents, I will be the bridge from Pontypridd to Westminster.


labourlist--2020-03-24--Our country is relying on workers deemed as ‘low-skilled’

Over the last few days , we have entered a world that feels very different to that which we unknowingly enjoyed just weeks ago .
It seems like a lifetime ago now – but just a month ago headlines were concerned with Home Secretary Priti Patel ’ s announcement that the UK ’ s immigration system has “ for too long ” focused on “ low-skilled workers ” coming to the country .
We were told that a new points-based immigration system will focus on the “ brightest and best ” coming to the UK .
The policy made clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per year will be denied a visa from next year .
The implication here is clear : anyone earning under this amount is an ‘ unskilled ’ worker and their work holds no real value .
Having looked at these new rules , the Royal College of Nurses , the Home Care Association and National Farmers Union immediately expressed concern that the new rules would decimate their respective industries .
Of course , their warnings were of no interest to the government .
This week , however , it has become undeniable who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – indeed many of the same jobs deemed as ‘ low-skilled ’ are now on the list of key workers , the children of whom will allowed to attend school during the crisis .
Examples of these workers include : While many of us in the so-called ‘ skilled ’ professions are able to self isolate , and work from home , it is ironic that so many of the very workers deemed ‘ unskilled ’ are the same ones on which we now rely to keep us safe , in good health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with the societal difficulties we have seen come about as a result of the crisis .
They are all being asked to ‘ keep calm and carry on ’ in incredibly difficult circumstances and to use skills the government implied last month they either did not have or did not count for much .
In the case of the supermarket workers , for example : skills in dealing with crowds of people in panic , upset and bewilderment , breaking up fights between shoppers determined to get the last toilet roll , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need and managing the stock to ensure there is enough for anyone .
All at the same time as carrying the same worries we all have and trying to follow the advice to keep their risk of contraction low .
Many of us will have heard carers , who go into vulnerable people ’ s houses , saying that they are worried that they are unwittingly putting the people they care for at risk because they are entering multiple houses each day and carrying out intimate tasks without any way of knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They could just be asymptomatic and endangering the lives of the people they look after .
But at the same time they know that if they don ’ t visit , that person will be alone and with no means of caring for themselves and that this is very dangerous too .
Only a week ago , social care was not considered worthy of a mention in the budget .
Then there are delivery drivers , without whom we would have no supplies in food , medicine and everything else we need .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at this challenging part of our history , as a nation and as a society we will owe a debt of gratitude to all those workers who have carried us by being on the frontline during this time .
I very much hope that future government policies , including those concerning pay and conditions , and the rhetoric that the government uses when talking about these workers recognises that debt .
If anything good can come out of this awful time it is surely that we will finally recognise that many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quote the Home Secretary , “ our brightest and best ” after all .

Over the last few days, we have entered a world that feels very different to that which we unknowingly enjoyed just weeks ago. It seems like a lifetime ago now – but just a month ago headlines were concerned with Home Secretary Priti Patel’s announcement that the UK’s immigration system has “for too long” focused on “low-skilled workers” coming to the country.
We were told that a new points-based immigration system will focus on the “brightest and best” coming to the UK. The policy made clear that workers who earn less that £25,600 per year will be denied a visa from next year. The implication here is clear: anyone earning under this amount is an ‘unskilled’ worker and their work holds no real value.
Having looked at these new rules, the Royal College of Nurses, the Home Care Association and National Farmers Union immediately expressed concern that the new rules would decimate their respective industries. Of course, their warnings were of no interest to the government.
This week, however, it has become undeniable who the workers this country relies upon are – indeed many of the same jobs deemed as ‘low-skilled’ are now on the list of key workers, the children of whom will allowed to attend school during the crisis. Examples of these workers include:
Nurses – starting salary £24,214;
Hospital cleaners – average wage £16,000;
Hospital porters – average wage 19,500;
Healthcare assistants – average wage £17,039;
Refuse collectors – average wage £24,000;
Delivery drivers – average wage £15,000; and
Supermarket workers – average wage £13,000.
While many of us in the so-called ‘skilled’ professions are able to self isolate, and work from home, it is ironic that so many of the very workers deemed ‘unskilled’ are the same ones on which we now rely to keep us safe, in good health and who are at the forefront of dealing with the societal difficulties we have seen come about as a result of the crisis.
They are all being asked to ‘keep calm and carry on’ in incredibly difficult circumstances and to use skills the government implied last month they either did not have or did not count for much. In the case of the supermarket workers, for example: skills in dealing with crowds of people in panic, upset and bewilderment, breaking up fights between shoppers determined to get the last toilet roll, helping vulnerable people to get the food they need and managing the stock to ensure there is enough for anyone. All at the same time as carrying the same worries we all have and trying to follow the advice to keep their risk of contraction low.
Many of us will have heard carers, who go into vulnerable people’s houses, saying that they are worried that they are unwittingly putting the people they care for at risk because they are entering multiple houses each day and carrying out intimate tasks without any way of knowing if they have contracted Covid 19. They could just be asymptomatic and endangering the lives of the people they look after.
But at the same time they know that if they don’t visit, that person will be alone and with no means of caring for themselves and that this is very dangerous too. Only a week ago, social care was not considered worthy of a mention in the budget.
Then there are delivery drivers, without whom we would have no supplies in food, medicine and everything else we need. In the future, when we look back at this challenging part of our history, as a nation and as a society we will owe a debt of gratitude to all those workers who have carried us by being on the frontline during this time.
I very much hope that future government policies, including those concerning pay and conditions, and the rhetoric that the government uses when talking about these workers recognises that debt. If anything good can come out of this awful time it is surely that we will finally recognise that many of our low-paid workers are actually, to quote the Home Secretary, “our brightest and best” after all.