labourlist--2020-07-14--On Black Country Day, the government must step up to save our manufacturing

There ’ s an old truth in Westminster that the better a Budget lands on budget day , the faster it falls apart .
Unfortunately , the shortcomings of last week ’ s summer statement were clear within hours .
Right now , people across our country want us to pull together to get back on our feet – and people know that we need to trade our way back to recovery .
That ’ s the only way that as a country we ’ ll have the sort of investment we need to pay for our NHS and carers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold during the Covid crisis .
It was desperately worrying that in last week ’ s summer statement , there was a huge hole where new support for manufacturing should have been .
Today , our manufacturing sector faces what many employers are privately warning is a ‘ tsunami ’ of job losses .
Across the West Midlands nearly 300,000 people in the manufacturing , construction and automotive trade are furloughed .
Nationwide , nearly 8,000 manufacturing job losses have already been announced by Rolls-Royce , McLaren , Bentley , Aston-Martin , Jaguar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the manufacturing industry , firms now expect a recovery to take 12-24 months .
During the last recession , the government stepped up to the plate to help save the car industry , the backbone of manufacturing in our region .
As a Labour government , we set aside £2.3bn to support the motor industry , of which about £1.3bn was in the form of guarantees for loans to support innovative and ‘ green ’ technology .
The remaining £1bn took the form of direct loans or other loan guarantees .
This investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Land Rover in the Midlands , and Vauxhall in the North West .
We set up the transformative scrappage scheme , pumping much needed demand back into the economy .
And we acted on other fronts , such as establishing the Future Jobs Fund , the Technology Strategy Board and R & D tax credits .
Most innovative of all was the creation of the Automotive Council , which brought together government and the industry to establish a strategic plan and drive up investment .
We need this sort of boldness again today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least the 1930s .
That ’ s why we ’ re launching our campaign to Save Our Manufacturing .
Drawing together ideas from the TUC and trade unions like Unite and the GMB , industry groups such as the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders , and experts like the Warwick Manufacturing Group , we ’ re calling for immediate action to support for wages to protect jobs with a jobs guarantee scheme or flexible short-time working support .
Industry groups and unions are unanimous on the need for a furlough scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced .
Last week , he had the temerity to say that workers were ‘ trapped in jobs ’ .
There spoke a man with absolutely no conception of the alternative : a life trapped in poverty .
Second , we need emergency measures to stimulate market demand with subsidies for purchase of new vehicles .
The German plan includes a €6,000 subsidy for electric vehicles , alongside a reduction in VAT from 19 % to 16 % .
We need something similar , plus 12-month capital write-down allowances to incentivise fleet purchases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport emissions as we move to increase the capacity of full EV production .
This should be allied with using public procurement to replace public sector fleets and stimulate demand .
Third , we need flexible access to finance and support for firms attempting to restructure and reshape themselves to adapt to the new economic environment .
The government has taken a series of radical steps to support business – but there are huge gaps in the announced package of support for larger firms .
We must be brave , investing now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic tools to bring forward public projects to help manufacturing through the toughest times in living memory .
These steps would get us through the crisis .
They would give us the breathing space to put in place a truly transformational plan and help make our region Britain ’ s capital of green manufacturing .
That would take a proper capital kickstart to deal with rising unemployment and build new infrastructure like new renewable energy capacity , and high-speed , fibre optic broadband networks .
It would need a proper Council for Recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , helping to coordinate public procurement to build local/buy UK strategy and supporting the acceleration to the green economy .
Crucially , we need proper sector skills councils overseeing a ‘ right to train and retrain ’ , plus an ambitious set of sector deals to kickstart the industries and the jobs of the future in automotive , energy generation , retrofitting , building zero energy homes , hydrogen and aerospace support .
That must come with a step change in R & D for Made in the Midlands manufacturing , targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme to turn derelict brownfield sites in the West Midlands into new green industrial zones .
Across the West Midlands – and , I suspect , many former ‘ Red Wall ’ seats – there is an extraordinary pride in our past , in our case as the home of the industrial revolution .
There is deep knowledge , a sense of vocation , and a culture of innovative skill .
These are exactly the assets we need to build a future as the epicentre of green manufacturing – but if we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a manufacturing industry to save .
And right now , that is going to take a lot more than we heard last week .

There’s an old truth in Westminster that the better a Budget lands on budget day, the faster it falls apart. Unfortunately, the shortcomings of last week’s summer statement were clear within hours.
Right now, people across our country want us to pull together to get back on our feet – and people know that we need to trade our way back to recovery. That’s the only way that as a country we’ll have the sort of investment we need to pay for our NHS and carers who have been worth their weight in gold during the Covid crisis. It was desperately worrying that in last week’s summer statement, there was a huge hole where new support for manufacturing should have been.
Today, our manufacturing sector faces what many employers are privately warning is a ‘tsunami’ of job losses. Across the West Midlands nearly 300,000 people in the manufacturing, construction and automotive trade are furloughed. Nationwide, nearly 8,000 manufacturing job losses have already been announced by Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley, Aston-Martin, Jaguar Land Rover and Arlington Automotive. Across the manufacturing industry, firms now expect a recovery to take 12-24 months.
During the last recession, the government stepped up to the plate to help save the car industry, the backbone of manufacturing in our region. As a Labour government, we set aside £2.3bn to support the motor industry, of which about £1.3bn was in the form of guarantees for loans to support innovative and ‘green’ technology. The remaining £1bn took the form of direct loans or other loan guarantees.
This investment saved countless jobs, including at Jaguar Land Rover in the Midlands, and Vauxhall in the North West. We set up the transformative scrappage scheme, pumping much needed demand back into the economy. And we acted on other fronts, such as establishing the Future Jobs Fund, the Technology Strategy Board and R&D tax credits. Most innovative of all was the creation of the Automotive Council, which brought together government and the industry to establish a strategic plan and drive up investment. We need this sort of boldness again today.
This recession is the biggest since at least the 1930s. That’s why we’re launching our campaign to Save Our Manufacturing. Drawing together ideas from the TUC and trade unions like Unite and the GMB, industry groups such as the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders, and experts like the Warwick Manufacturing Group, we’re calling for immediate action to support for wages to protect jobs with a jobs guarantee scheme or flexible short-time working support. Industry groups and unions are unanimous on the need for a furlough scheme that goes far further than Rishi Sunak announced. Last week, he had the temerity to say that workers were ‘trapped in jobs’. There spoke a man with absolutely no conception of the alternative: a life trapped in poverty.
Second, we need emergency measures to stimulate market demand with subsidies for purchase of new vehicles. The German plan includes a €6,000 subsidy for electric vehicles, alongside a reduction in VAT from 19% to 16%. We need something similar, plus 12-month capital write-down allowances to incentivise fleet purchases and flexibility to support good reductions in transport emissions as we move to increase the capacity of full EV production. This should be allied with using public procurement to replace public sector fleets and stimulate demand.
Third, we need flexible access to finance and support for firms attempting to restructure and reshape themselves to adapt to the new economic environment. The government has taken a series of radical steps to support business – but there are huge gaps in the announced package of support for larger firms. We must be brave, investing now, using equity stakes and public procurement as strategic tools to bring forward public projects to help manufacturing through the toughest times in living memory. These steps would get us through the crisis. They would give us the breathing space to put in place a truly transformational plan and help make our region Britain’s capital of green manufacturing.
That would take a proper capital kickstart to deal with rising unemployment and build new infrastructure like new renewable energy capacity, and high-speed, fibre optic broadband networks. It would need a proper Council for Recovery and a Regional Development Council for the region, helping to coordinate public procurement to build local/buy UK strategy and supporting the acceleration to the green economy.
Crucially, we need proper sector skills councils overseeing a ‘right to train and retrain’, plus an ambitious set of sector deals to kickstart the industries and the jobs of the future in automotive, energy generation, retrofitting, building zero energy homes, hydrogen and aerospace support. That must come with a step change in R&D for Made in the Midlands manufacturing, targeted support for long-term investment, and a programme to turn derelict brownfield sites in the West Midlands into new green industrial zones.
Across the West Midlands – and, I suspect, many former ‘Red Wall’ seats – there is an extraordinary pride in our past, in our case as the home of the industrial revolution. There is deep knowledge, a sense of vocation, and a culture of innovative skill. These are exactly the assets we need to build a future as the epicentre of green manufacturing – but if we’re to unlock that future, we need a manufacturing industry to save. And right now, that is going to take a lot more than we heard last week.


labourlist--2020-07-14--WATCH: London “not ready” for a local lockdown, says Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan has said that London is “ not ready ” for a local lockdown , calling for the government to provide clarity on the resources and powers local authorities have to enforce such measures .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the Labour mayor voiced his concerns about the ability of the capital to effectively impose and enforce such local restrictions on the city .
Khan concluded that a lockdown “ based on a geographical area ” would be “ very difficult at the moment because of the lack of clarity ” provided by central government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment we ’ re not ready Kate – again , I ’ ve been lobbying the government for them to provide clarity in relation to the powers and resources we have to enforce a local lockdown .
“ I think it would be possible to have a lockdown based upon a specific building… It would be very difficult at the moment , because of the lack of clarity , to have a local lockdown based on a geographical area.
” He added : “ The government has got to again use this opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure that they provide clarity on what the powers are , what the resources are in relation to enforcing , heaven forbid , a local lockdown.
” On face masks , he said : “ The evidence… from experts , not in June but months ago – from the British Medical Association , Royal Society , World Health Organisation – was that this small thing with other measures can make a big difference.
” The mayor added : “ So of course I welcome this U-turn – what I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two week ?
Why not do it from today ?
” Earlier this month , the government announced a local lockdown in Leicester .
Labour criticised the government for confusion – saying that public health authorities and the police were not aware of the powers they had to enforce the measures .
Labour set out a four-point plan to make any local lockdown “ robust and efficient ” at the start of the July , calling for “ guidance on exactly what legal powers are available to local authorities to rapidly put in @ @ @ @ @

Sadiq Khan has said that London is “not ready” for a local lockdown, calling for the government to provide clarity on the resources and powers local authorities have to enforce such measures.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the Labour mayor voiced his concerns about the ability of the capital to effectively impose and enforce such local restrictions on the city.
Khan concluded that a lockdown “based on a geographical area” would be “very difficult at the moment because of the lack of clarity” provided by central government.
He said: “At the moment we’re not ready Kate – again, I’ve been lobbying the government for them to provide clarity in relation to the powers and resources we have to enforce a local lockdown.
“I think it would be possible to have a lockdown based upon a specific building… It would be very difficult at the moment, because of the lack of clarity, to have a local lockdown based on a geographical area.”
He added: “The government has got to again use this opportunity – we’ve got time – to make sure that they provide clarity on what the powers are, what the resources are in relation to enforcing, heaven forbid, a local lockdown.”
“We’re not ready.”@SadiqKhan explains that it would not be possible “due to the lack of clarity” to enforce a local lockdown in a borough of London.#KayBurley
Get more on this story here: https://t.co/gmZGOQ788j pic.twitter.com/255DX3hXEY — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 14, 2020
On face masks, he said: “The evidence… from experts, not in June but months ago – from the British Medical Association, Royal Society, World Health Organisation – was that this small thing with other measures can make a big difference.”
The mayor added: “So of course I welcome this U-turn – what I don’t understand though, is why wait two week? Why not do it from today?”
Earlier this month, the government announced a local lockdown in Leicester. Labour criticised the government for confusion – saying that public health authorities and the police were not aware of the powers they had to enforce the measures.
Labour set out a four-point plan to make any local lockdown “robust and efficient” at the start of the July, calling for “guidance on exactly what legal powers are available to local authorities to rapidly put in place local lockdowns”.


labourlist--2020-07-14--WATCH: Government still has “no clear strategy” on China, says Labour

Lisa Nandy has said that the government still has “ no clear strategy ” when it comes to the UK ’ s engagement with China , and declared that “ national security has been an afterthought over the last decade ” .
In an interview with BBC News this afternoon , the Shadow Foreign Secretary discussed the government ’ s announcement today that it would be barring the Chinese company Huawei from the country ’ s 5G network infrastructure .
She said that the government had only U-turned on the issue because the US had applied trade sanctions to China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not “ hand over our national security to China or to the US ” .
Commenting on today ’ s announcement , Nandy said : “ The UK is caught in a trade war between the US and China .
What changed the government ’ s mind today is the fact that the US has applied sanctions to China.
” She added : “ The answer to that is not simply to hand over our national security to China or to the US… The answer to that is for Britain to have our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other democratic countries.
” The Shadow Foreign Secretary told viewers that the Labour Party had been pushing for the government to work with other countries over the past few months , but that it had failed to do so .
She said : “ Still , there is no clear strategy in relation to our engagement with China , no clear strategy about home-grown alternatives , no clear strategy about working with our democratic allies across the world.
” Nandy described the government approach as a “ nonsense ” when asked about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK , such as the nuclear power project in Bradwell .
She said : “ There is no consistent approach across government departments… The government is considering handing over technology that is involved in our nuclear industry – even as they are seeking to ban them from the 5G network.
” Earlier today , Labour slammed the government for its approach to national security following the announcement of the U-turn on Huawei , saying that it had been “ incomprehensibly negligent ” .
The Secretary of State had used a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile providers must remove 5G kit supplied by the Chinese company by 2027 , which represents a major U-turn in government policy .
The party has also criticised the government for what it described as a “ deeply confused ” relationship with China .
Nandy warned that the UK had been “ going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security ” .

Lisa Nandy has said that the government still has “no clear strategy” when it comes to the UK’s engagement with China, and declared that “national security has been an afterthought over the last decade”.
In an interview with BBC News this afternoon, the Shadow Foreign Secretary discussed the government’s announcement today that it would be barring the Chinese company Huawei from the country’s 5G network infrastructure.
She said that the government had only U-turned on the issue because the US had applied trade sanctions to China, and warned that the UK must not “hand over our national security to China or to the US”.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Nandy said: “The UK is caught in a trade war between the US and China. What changed the government’s mind today is the fact that the US has applied sanctions to China.”
She added: “The answer to that is not simply to hand over our national security to China or to the US… The answer to that is for Britain to have our own home-grown technology and to work with other democratic countries.”
The Shadow Foreign Secretary told viewers that the Labour Party had been pushing for the government to work with other countries over the past few months, but that it had failed to do so.
She said: “Still, there is no clear strategy in relation to our engagement with China, no clear strategy about home-grown alternatives, no clear strategy about working with our democratic allies across the world.”
Nandy described the government approach as a “nonsense” when asked about the involvement of China in other infrastructure projects across the UK, such as the nuclear power project in Bradwell.
She said: “There is no consistent approach across government departments… The government is considering handing over technology that is involved in our nuclear industry – even as they are seeking to ban them from the 5G network.”
"What changed the government's mind today is the fact the US has applied sanctions to China" Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy says UK is caught in US-China trade war and there is "no clear strategy" from government on the UK's engagement with China https://t.co/TsKpNhUQUN pic.twitter.com/GIgjhQ6XOl — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) July 14, 2020
Earlier today, Labour slammed the government for its approach to national security following the announcement of the U-turn on Huawei, saying that it had been “incomprehensibly negligent”.
The Secretary of State had used a statement in the Commons today to announce that mobile providers must remove 5G kit supplied by the Chinese company by 2027, which represents a major U-turn in government policy.
The party has also criticised the government for what it described as a “deeply confused” relationship with China. Nandy warned that the UK had been “going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security”.


labourlist--2020-07-14--Tory council leader planned “politically advantageous” boundary changes

A recording of a Conservative local council leader has been leaked , appearing to reveal the councillor planning boundary changes that would be “ politically advantageous ” to the Tory Party .
Caught on a recording of a private Conservative Party meeting earlier this year , Havering Council leader Damian White has been accused of having “ manipulated ” the council ’ s submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission ( LGBC ) .
Local Labour MP Jon Cruddas told LabourList that it was “ blatant corruption ” .
He said it undermined the process of redrawing ward boundaries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Tory councillors should be “ subject to a full investigation ” .
The council made its submission to the LGBC in March , which is currently conducting a three-year programme of reviews of all London boroughs to ensure that each local councillor represents approximately the same number of voters .
White was heard saying that “ we ’ ve come up with a set of proposals that I think are really politically advantageous for us ” and that the local authority ’ s most senior officer had allowed him to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Romford Recorder , the recording was leaked to the Havering Residents ’ Association and captured the Tory group of councillors planning to : • Use council procedure to throw out council officers ’ proposals and replace them with new ones masterminded by the Conservatives ; • Group non-Conservative voters together in wards with more than the ideal number of residents , while spreading Tory voters across a greater number of wards with smaller populations ; • Ensure Conservative majority wards are the ones picked to have three council representatives , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only given two ; and • Use the changes to split unpopular developments in Romford between different wards , to minimise their impact on the Tory vote .
The HRA said it showed that the Tories had “ manipulated ” the proposal “ to control wards and resident numbers to their own political advantage… through the restriction and prevention of debate on other options ” .
White is heard telling the group “ for these four walls ” that chief executive Andrew Blake-Herbert had “ agreed for some reason to allow me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been able to ” .
It also reveals the Conservative council group discussing how civil servants had drawn up options , but that the Tory-controlled governance committee could “ filter ” them before they would be considered by all councillors at full council .
White is heard saying that he will allow the Conservative councillors to “ pick the one we like ” , make the adjustments that they want and then put it forward for consideration at a full council meeting .
Commenting on the recording and the actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ These revelations reveal an abuse of power we always suspected and I raised at the last election .
“ The content of the leaked recording undermines the entire boundary change process leaving the existing proposals null and void – the process must be started again .
“ Impartiality of the commission has been completely compromised by the council leader , and if his quotes are accurate , Andrew Rosindell MP and the chief executive of Havering Council have also had a hand in gerrymandering .
“ This blatant corruption must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
The Havering Conservatives should be subject to a full investigation and I will be writing to the boundary commission and raising with the government to ensure there are no cover-ups.
” Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Steve Reed tweeted that the Conservatives had been “ caught out in a secret bid to rig election boundaries ” and added that an “ urgent investigation ” was needed .
In the submission made earlier this year , the council has recommended that the number of councillors be increased to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some wards to be represented by two councillors and some by three .
The commission has a legal duty to carry out electoral reviews of each council , and Havering has not been reviewed since 1999 .
It had therefore decided to complete this review before the next elections in the authority in 2022 .
The LGBC has said that it can not act on the recording .
A spokesperson said : “ The allegations are about the motives behind a submission .
This is not something the commission takes into account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bob Perry described the actions and comments by council leader White as “ morally wrong ” .
Perry was formerly a Conservative councillor in the borough .
He told LabourList that the boundary commission had said the matter should be dealt with by the standards committee within the council , but Perry said that this had been abolished in 2015 .
The draft boundary changes for the local authority are due to be published later this month , after which point local residents in the borough will have ten weeks to respond to @ @ @

A recording of a Conservative local council leader has been leaked, appearing to reveal the councillor planning boundary changes that would be “politically advantageous” to the Tory Party.
Caught on a recording of a private Conservative Party meeting earlier this year, Havering Council leader Damian White has been accused of having “manipulated” the council’s submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC).
Local Labour MP Jon Cruddas told LabourList that it was “blatant corruption”. He said it undermined the process of redrawing ward boundaries to make them more equal, and argued that the Tory councillors should be “subject to a full investigation”.
The council made its submission to the LGBC in March, which is currently conducting a three-year programme of reviews of all London boroughs to ensure that each local councillor represents approximately the same number of voters.
White was heard saying that “we’ve come up with a set of proposals that I think are really politically advantageous for us” and that the local authority’s most senior officer had allowed him to “influence the proposals”.
As reported in the Romford Recorder, the recording was leaked to the Havering Residents’ Association and captured the Tory group of councillors planning to:
Use council procedure to throw out council officers’ proposals and replace them with new ones masterminded by the Conservatives;
Group non-Conservative voters together in wards with more than the ideal number of residents, while spreading Tory voters across a greater number of wards with smaller populations;
Ensure Conservative majority wards are the ones picked to have three council representatives, while wards less likely to vote Tory are only given two; and
Use the changes to split unpopular developments in Romford between different wards, to minimise their impact on the Tory vote.
The HRA said it showed that the Tories had “manipulated” the proposal “to control wards and resident numbers to their own political advantage… through the restriction and prevention of debate on other options”.
White is heard telling the group “for these four walls” that chief executive Andrew Blake-Herbert had “agreed for some reason to allow me to influence the proposals and, erm, I’ve been able to”.
It also reveals the Conservative council group discussing how civil servants had drawn up options, but that the Tory-controlled governance committee could “filter” them before they would be considered by all councillors at full council.
White is heard saying that he will allow the Conservative councillors to “pick the one we like”, make the adjustments that they want and then put it forward for consideration at a full council meeting.
Commenting on the recording and the actions of the council leader, Cruddas said: “These revelations reveal an abuse of power we always suspected and I raised at the last election.
“The content of the leaked recording undermines the entire boundary change process leaving the existing proposals null and void – the process must be started again.
“Impartiality of the commission has been completely compromised by the council leader, and if his quotes are accurate, Andrew Rosindell MP and the chief executive of Havering Council have also had a hand in gerrymandering.
“This blatant corruption must be taken further as it subverts the democratic process. The Havering Conservatives should be subject to a full investigation and I will be writing to the boundary commission and raising with the government to ensure there are no cover-ups.”
Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Steve Reed tweeted that the Conservatives had been “caught out in a secret bid to rig election boundaries” and added that an “urgent investigation” was needed.
In the submission made earlier this year, the council has recommended that the number of councillors be increased to 56 and create four new wards, with some wards to be represented by two councillors and some by three.
The commission has a legal duty to carry out electoral reviews of each council, and Havering has not been reviewed since 1999. It had therefore decided to complete this review before the next elections in the authority in 2022.
The LGBC has said that it cannot act on the recording. A spokesperson said: “The allegations are about the motives behind a submission. This is not something the commission takes into account when analysing submissions.”
Independent Havering councillor Bob Perry described the actions and comments by council leader White as “morally wrong”. Perry was formerly a Conservative councillor in the borough.
He told LabourList that the boundary commission had said the matter should be dealt with by the standards committee within the council, but Perry said that this had been abolished in 2015.
The draft boundary changes for the local authority are due to be published later this month, after which point local residents in the borough will have ten weeks to respond to the proposals.


labourlist--2020-07-14--Scrapping DfID amid a global crisis is wrong. The Co-op Party will fight it

The Department for International Development , set up under the last Labour government to co-ordinate international aid and development , has been consistently rated as the most effective and transparent government department for delivering value for money .
It ranks in the top three aid departments of any country worldwide , according to the Transparency Index .
The independent aid auditors ICAI gave DfID a transparency and accountability score of 83/100 – compared to just 43/100 for the FCO .
But earlier this year , the government signalled its intention to merge DfID into the Foreign Office – effectively abolishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , it has lifted millions out of poverty , backed education and vaccination schemes across the world , and provided relief to those in the middle of vicious conflicts .
Even with a commitment to maintaining its aid budget at current levels , to transfer that budget from a more efficient institution to a less efficient one will mean a real-terms cut in the amount of good that can be done with the aid available .
DfID is the jewel in the crown of Britain ’ s soft power abroad , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a space where its aid can be received in good faith – whatever the diplomatic stance of the country whose residents receive it .
That independence means there are dedicated ministers around the cabinet table , not to mention high-ranking civil servants , dedicated to ensuring that poverty reduction , advancing causes such as Fairtrade , and life-saving humanitarian aid are always in focus .
When the government meets to discuss a new global crisis , or ahead of a vital summit of world leaders , it is the Secretary of State for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital issues to be on the agenda .
We find ourselves in one of these global crises right now – and just at the point when a department with two decades of institutional memory could be leading the world in its response to coronavirus , it finds itself sidelined .
To effectively abolish the department at this stage risks sending a clear signal to the world that Britain is withdrawing , at least in intent , from its commitments to helping the most vulnerable .
Labour and the Co-operative Party remain committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of people have already taken up our call , led by Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Kaur Gill , to write to their MPs and encourage the government to change direction .
Join us today and help us keep Britain at the top of the league table for international development .

The Department for International Development, set up under the last Labour government to co-ordinate international aid and development, has been consistently rated as the most effective and transparent government department for delivering value for money. It ranks in the top three aid departments of any country worldwide, according to the Transparency Index. The independent aid auditors ICAI gave DfID a transparency and accountability score of 83/100 – compared to just 43/100 for the FCO.
But earlier this year, the government signalled its intention to merge DfID into the Foreign Office – effectively abolishing DfID after two decades. Within that time, it has lifted millions out of poverty, backed education and vaccination schemes across the world, and provided relief to those in the middle of vicious conflicts. Even with a commitment to maintaining its aid budget at current levels, to transfer that budget from a more efficient institution to a less efficient one will mean a real-terms cut in the amount of good that can be done with the aid available.
DfID is the jewel in the crown of Britain’s soft power abroad, and its independence from the Foreign Office provides a space where its aid can be received in good faith – whatever the diplomatic stance of the country whose residents receive it. That independence means there are dedicated ministers around the cabinet table, not to mention high-ranking civil servants, dedicated to ensuring that poverty reduction, advancing causes such as Fairtrade, and life-saving humanitarian aid are always in focus. When the government meets to discuss a new global crisis, or ahead of a vital summit of world leaders, it is the Secretary of State for International Development who can push for these vital issues to be on the agenda.
We find ourselves in one of these global crises right now – and just at the point when a department with two decades of institutional memory could be leading the world in its response to coronavirus, it finds itself sidelined. To effectively abolish the department at this stage risks sending a clear signal to the world that Britain is withdrawing, at least in intent, from its commitments to helping the most vulnerable.
Labour and the Co-operative Party remain committed to a well-funded, independent DfID, and hundreds of people have already taken up our call, led by Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Kaur Gill, to write to their MPs and encourage the government to change direction. Join us today and help us keep Britain at the top of the league table for international development.


labourlist--2020-07-14--Over 170 members are standing in Labour’s NEC elections. Who are they?

More than 170 Labour Party members have put themselves forward for 18 seats in the party ’ s national executive committee elections , which kicked off over the weekend with the start of an 11-week nomination period .
LabourList has put together a guide to the NEC contests that outlines the key functions of Labour ’ s ruling body , which NEC seats are up this summer , the timetable for the elections , and the nominating and voting processes .
Labour has now published the statements submitted by all 173 candidates .
These are accessible by party members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally released but have now been removed .
For the members ’ section of the NEC , 81 candidates are vying for nine seats , while 54 activists are contesting the new disability representative post .
There are also 18 for youth rep , 11 for treasurer and seven for local government .
Over the coming months , constituency parties will be expected to hold nomination meetings online and express preferences for candidates standing in the members ’ section , for disabled rep and for NEC treasurer .
Who are the potential candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be publishing comment pieces by candidates from across the party .
Submissions will be considered by those able to show they can secure a place on the ballot paper .
A number of candidates belong to factional ‘ slates ’ that signal to voters where they come from in the party and typically give them an advantage over independent candidates as they have a stronger network of activists campaigning for them .
But the new single transferable vote system for the election of local party reps may have changed that .
STV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new slates now propose fewer than nine candidates for the section in order to maximise first preferences .
From the party ’ s right to its left factions , here ’ s a quick round-up of the slates in this contest… The new project by Blairite group Progress and ‘ old right ’ Labour First is backing six of its own candidates for CLP rep and also recommending three candidates from other slates to show unity between supporters of Keir Starmer .
• Luke Akehurst – Former NEC member ( 2010-2012 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary candidate in Aldershot ( 2001 ) and Castle Point ( 2005 ) , Labour First secretary • Theresa Griffin – Former MEP for the North West ( 2014-2020 ) Full write-up here .
LabourList understands that further endorsements may be decided by Labour to Win , for posts such as youth rep and disability rep , but none have been agreed by the group yet .
The Tribune group of MPs , not to be confused with Tribune magazine , has endorsed three ex-parliamentarians as NEC members ’ section candidates .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reformed in 2005 .
The Tribune group is chaired by Clive Efford .
As a whole , it was not critical of Jeremy Corbyn during his leadership , apart from the party ’ s handling of antisemitism at that time .
It fully supports Keir Starmer .
• Theresa Griffin – Former MEP for the North West ( 2014-2020 ) • Liz McInnes – Former MP for Heywood and Middleton ( 2014-2019 ) The soft left group has taken a member-led approach to its endorsements .
After balloting , it came out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for CLP reps ( also backing Jackman for youth at first , but he has decided only to go for the members ’ section ) .
• None Jermain Jackman – British singer ( winner of The Voice UK ) , founder of the 1987 Caucus ( a collective of young Black men in Labour ) Open Labour is also backing George Lindars-Hammond for disability rep and Alice Perry for local government .
Lindars-Hammond is a Sheffield councillor , while Islington councillor Perry has been on the NEC since 2014 .
The CLGA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership organisation , the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy ( CLPD ) , thought to be the second largest , plus the Labour Representation Committee ( LRC ) , Jewish Voice for Labour ( JVL ) and Red Labour .
The smaller groups include the Labour Briefing Co-operative , Labour Assembly Against Austerity , the Labour Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament , Kashmiris for Labour , Grassroots Black Left and new joiner Labour Women Leading ( an alternative to the Labour Women ’ s Network ) .
After many hours of negiations , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six local party rep candidates , which notably did not include Momentum co-founder Jon Lansman , who had wanted to stand again .
• Ann Henderson – Current NEC member and NEC officer , one of Scotland ’ s first female train drivers , former Scottish TUC assistant secretary • Mish Rahman – Chair of Aldridge-Brownhills Labour , member of Momentum ’ s new national coordinating group As part of the CLGA , Momentum is backing that united slate of local party rep candidates , though some members of the new NCG say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support trans rights .
There may be a statement released addressing that point .
There was some discussion of balloting members for the NEC youth rep endorsement , but ultimately Momentum ’ s NCG voted to back incumbent Lara McNeill as well as Ellen Morrison for NEC disability rep. McNeill is a newly qualified NHS doctor whose youth rep campaign has the backing of trade unions including Unite , and she has written a piece for LabourList on her decision to stand again for the NEC .
Morrison has secured the backing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disability Labour and Disabled People Against Cuts .
She is the Labour left ’ s candidate for disability youth rep .
There are 81 candidates for the members ’ section , which is far too many for LabourList to cover in precise detail unfortunately .
Those independents who stand out as slightly better-known figures in the labour movement include : • Alex Beverley – Former parliamentary candidate in South West Devon , co-chair of LGTB+ Labour South West • Fiona Dent – Former parliamentary candidate in Runnymede and Weybridge • Crispin Flintoff – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaunched as Stay Home For Labour ) • Chaudhry Qamer Iqbal – stood for BAME rep in the by-elections earlier this year • Mick Johnson stood for CLP rep in the by-elections earlier this year • Cameron Mitchell – Young activist from Bolsover who featured in a Labour political broadcast and wrote about campaigning there during the election • Dr Neeraj Patil – Former Lambeth mayor ( 2010-2011 ) and ex-councillor , NHS doctor , shortlisted last year as a potential Ilford South candidate For Welsh rep , the battle is being fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former First Minister Carwyn Jones .
Antoniw supported both Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer , and was hand-picked by Mark Drakeford to represent him and the Welsh cabinet on the NEC .
It was Drakeford who introduced the reform that will now see this position elected by a ballot of members rather than appointed .
But as a former First Minister , Welsh Labour leader and Member of the Senedd , Jones will have the big advantage of name recognition .
All candidate statements , as well as guidance for holding online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour members here .

More than 170 Labour Party members have put themselves forward for 18 seats in the party’s national executive committee elections, which kicked off over the weekend with the start of an 11-week nomination period.
LabourList has put together a guide to the NEC contests that outlines the key functions of Labour’s ruling body, which NEC seats are up this summer, the timetable for the elections, and the nominating and voting processes.
Labour has now published the statements submitted by all 173 candidates. These are accessible by party members. Personal details including a home address were originally released but have now been removed.
For the members’ section of the NEC, 81 candidates are vying for nine seats, while 54 activists are contesting the new disability representative post. There are also 18 for youth rep, 11 for treasurer and seven for local government.
Over the coming months, constituency parties will be expected to hold nomination meetings online and express preferences for candidates standing in the members’ section, for disabled rep and for NEC treasurer.
Who are the potential candidates for Labour’s NEC? LabourList will be publishing comment pieces by candidates from across the party. Submissions will be considered by those able to show they can secure a place on the ballot paper.
A number of candidates belong to factional ‘slates’ that signal to voters where they come from in the party and typically give them an advantage over independent candidates as they have a stronger network of activists campaigning for them.
But the new single transferable vote system for the election of local party reps may have changed that. STV boosts the importance of individuals, and the new slates now propose fewer than nine candidates for the section in order to maximise first preferences.
From the party’s right to its left factions, here’s a quick round-up of the slates in this contest…
Labour to Win
The new project by Blairite group Progress and ‘old right’ Labour First is backing six of its own candidates for CLP rep and also recommending three candidates from other slates to show unity between supporters of Keir Starmer.
CLP rep candidates:
Luke Akehurst – Former NEC member (2010-2012), former Hackney Council chief whip, parliamentary candidate in Aldershot (2001) and Castle Point (2005), Labour First secretary
– Former NEC member (2010-2012), former Hackney Council chief whip, parliamentary candidate in Aldershot (2001) and Castle Point (2005), Labour First secretary Johanna Baxter – Current NEC member, Cunninghame North CLP chair, Scottish executive committee (SEC) member
– Current NEC member, Cunninghame North CLP chair, Scottish executive committee (SEC) member Gurinder Singh Josan CBE – Current NEC member, Sikhs for Labour vice-chair, Sandwell Unite branch secretary
– Current NEC member, Sikhs for Labour vice-chair, Sandwell Unite branch secretary Terry Paul – Newham Council cabinet member and former PLP campaigns officer
– Newham Council cabinet member and former PLP campaigns officer Michael Payne – Gedling Borough Council deputy leader, Nottinghamshire County councillor, LGA Labour deputy leader
– Gedling Borough Council deputy leader, Nottinghamshire County councillor, LGA Labour deputy leader Shama Tatler – Brent Council cabinet member
Plus…
Ann Black – Former NEC member (2000-2018), South East regional board member, Oxford & District secretary
– Former NEC member (2000-2018), South East regional board member, Oxford & District secretary Theresa Griffin – Former MEP for the North West (2014-2020)
– Former MEP for the North West (2014-2020) Paula Sherriff – Former MP for Dewsbury (2015-2019)
Full write-up here. LabourList understands that further endorsements may be decided by Labour to Win, for posts such as youth rep and disability rep, but none have been agreed by the group yet.
Tribune group of MPs
The Tribune group of MPs, not to be confused with Tribune magazine, has endorsed three ex-parliamentarians as NEC members’ section candidates. This is the grouping in Westminster that was reformed in 2005.
The Tribune group is chaired by Clive Efford. As a whole, it was not critical of Jeremy Corbyn during his leadership, apart from the party’s handling of antisemitism at that time. It fully supports Keir Starmer.
Theresa Griffin – Former MEP for the North West (2014-2020)
– Former MEP for the North West (2014-2020) Paula Sherriff – Former MP for Dewsbury (2015-2019)
– Former MP for Dewsbury (2015-2019) Liz McInnes – Former MP for Heywood and Middleton (2014-2019)
Open Labour
The soft left group has taken a member-led approach to its endorsements. After balloting, it came out in support of Ann Black and Jermain Jackman for CLP reps (also backing Jackman for youth at first, but he has decided only to go for the members’ section).
CLP rep candidates:
Ann Black – Former NEC member (2000-2018), South East regional board member, Oxford & District secretary
– Former NEC member (2000-2018), South East regional board member, Oxford & District secretary Jermain Jackman – British singer (winner of The Voice UK), founder of the 1987 Caucus (a collective of young Black men in Labour)
Open Labour is also backing George Lindars-Hammond for disability rep and Alice Perry for local government. Lindars-Hammond is a Sheffield councillor, while Islington councillor Perry has been on the NEC since 2014.
Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance (CLGA)
The CLGA comprises Momentum, which is the biggest membership organisation, the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy (CLPD), thought to be the second largest, plus the Labour Representation Committee (LRC), Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL) and Red Labour.
The smaller groups include the Labour Briefing Co-operative, Labour Assembly Against Austerity, the Labour Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Kashmiris for Labour, Grassroots Black Left and new joiner Labour Women Leading (an alternative to the Labour Women’s Network).
After many hours of negotiations, the coalition decided to propose a slate of six local party rep candidates, which notably did not include Momentum co-founder Jon Lansman, who had wanted to stand again.
CLP rep candidates:
Ann Henderson – Current NEC member and NEC officer, one of Scotland’s first female train drivers, former Scottish TUC assistant secretary
– Current NEC member and NEC officer, one of Scotland’s first female train drivers, former Scottish TUC assistant secretary Gemma Bolton – CLPD activist, member of Labour’s South East regional board and Labour’s national policy forum
– CLPD activist, member of Labour’s South East regional board and Labour’s national policy forum Laura Pidcock – Former Labour MP for North West Durham
– Former Labour MP for North West Durham Mish Rahman – Chair of Aldridge-Brownhills Labour, member of Momentum’s new national coordinating group
– Chair of Aldridge-Brownhills Labour, member of Momentum’s new national coordinating group Nadia Jama – Sheffield activist, Orgreave Truth and Justice campaigner
– Sheffield activist, Orgreave Truth and Justice campaigner Yasmine Dar – Current NEC member and NEC officer, Manchester councillor, member of Labour’s North West regional board
Momentum
As part of the CLGA, Momentum is backing that united slate of local party rep candidates, though some members of the new NCG say they will only campaign for those who support trans rights. There may be a statement released addressing that point.
There was some discussion of balloting members for the NEC youth rep endorsement, but ultimately Momentum’s NCG voted to back incumbent Lara McNeill as well as Ellen Morrison for NEC disability rep.
McNeill is a newly qualified NHS doctor whose youth rep campaign has the backing of trade unions including Unite, and she has written a piece for LabourList on her decision to stand again for the NEC.
(Kira Lewis is expected to be the main rival youth candidate who will get trade union backing, particularly from UNISON, but has not been formally endorsed by a slate yet.)
Morrison has secured the backing of Unite and BFAWU, as well as Disability Labour and Disabled People Against Cuts. She is the Labour left’s candidate for disability youth rep.
Independents
There are 81 candidates for the members’ section, which is far too many for LabourList to cover in precise detail unfortunately. Those independents who stand out as slightly better-known figures in the labour movement include:
Dave Anderson – Former Labour MP for Blaydon (2005-2017)
– Former Labour MP for Blaydon (2005-2017) Vince Barry – Former parliamentary candidate in Torridge and West Devon
– Former parliamentary candidate in Torridge and West Devon Alex Beverley – Former parliamentary candidate in South West Devon, co-chair of LGTB+ Labour South West
– Former parliamentary candidate in South West Devon, co-chair of LGTB+ Labour South West Fiona Dent – Former parliamentary candidate in Runnymede and Weybridge
– Former parliamentary candidate in Runnymede and Weybridge Crispin Flintoff – Founder of Stand Up For Labour (relaunched as Stay Home For Labour)
– Founder of Stand Up For Labour (relaunched as Stay Home For Labour) Chaudhry Qamer Iqbal – Former NEC candidate who stood for BAME rep in the by-elections earlier this year
– Former NEC candidate who stood for BAME rep in the by-elections earlier this year Mick Johnson – Former NEC candidate who stood for CLP rep in the by-elections earlier this year
– Former NEC candidate who stood for CLP rep in the by-elections earlier this year Vince Maple – South East regional board chair, Labour group leader on Medway Council
– South East regional board chair, Labour group leader on Medway Council Cameron Mitchell – Young activist from Bolsover who featured in a Labour political broadcast and wrote about campaigning there during the election
– Young activist from Bolsover who featured in a Labour political broadcast and wrote about campaigning there during the election Dr Neeraj Patil – Former Lambeth mayor (2010-2011) and ex-councillor, NHS doctor, shortlisted last year as a potential Ilford South candidate
For Welsh rep, the battle is being fought between current NEC post holder Mick Antoniw and former First Minister Carwyn Jones. Antoniw supported both Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer, and was hand-picked by Mark Drakeford to represent him and the Welsh cabinet on the NEC.
It was Drakeford who introduced the reform that will now see this position elected by a ballot of members rather than appointed. But as a former First Minister, Welsh Labour leader and Member of the Senedd, Jones will have the big advantage of name recognition.
All candidate statements, as well as guidance for holding online nomination meetings, can be accessed by Labour members here.


labourlist--2020-07-14--Labour accuses government of being “in the slow lane” on face coverings

Jonathan Ashworth has accused the government of being “ in the slow lane ” in response to the announcement today that wearing face coverings would become mandatory in shops .
Responding to a statement from the Health Secretary this afternoon , Ashworth described how the decision had followed “ days of ministerial muddle ” and stressed the importance of clarity in the pandemic .
Matt Hancock had used his statement to tell parliament that the government had “ come to the decision that face coverings should be mandatory in shops and supermarkets ” following contradictory comments from ministers and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being slow to act .
He said : “ The World Health Organisation has said throughout this pandemic ‘ act with speed ’ – but yet again , this government appears to be in the slow lane.
” Commenting on the decision announced today , he said : “ After days of ministerial muddle , we finally have a decision .
I ’ ve long warned that this pandemic exploits ambiguity and that mixed messaging in a pandemic is so damaging .
“ On Friday , we had the Prime Minister say he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster say he didn ’ t favour face masks .
Yesterday , the Justice Secretary – unsure what to say – had to say in the end he was “ perhaps ” in favour.
” The Shadow Health Secretary stressed that health experts from around the world , the World Health Organisation , other governments and the government ’ s own advice published on May 11th had all advocated the use of face masks .
He went on to ask : “ So why has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make this advice mandatory , and why will it take another 11 days for the measure to come in ?
” Ashworth also asked for clarity in other areas : “ What now is the position on workers returning to offices ?
Does the government want them to return to offices – yes , or no ?
And can he offer greater clarity for the people of Leicester ?
” The Shadow Health Secretary asked the minister what metrics would be used to judge how well Leicester is recovering from the outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communicated to people in the city .
Hancock replied that the government “ will look at 14 days of data… we will look at that on Thursday of this week and make a public announcement as soon as is reasonably possible about whether and if any changes can be made ” .
On measurements , he said : “ We won ’ t set out specific thresholds , instead we ’ ll look at all of the data – both the level and the rate of change – and make the decision in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary also called on the government to commit to the winter funding that the NHS and care sector need to prepare for a second wave of the virus later in the year .
Hancock said that people would face a fine of £100 if they fail to wear a face covering .
He also stated that shop staff can refuse service if someone doesn ’ t wear one , and that they can call the police if that person refuses to leave .
Tory MP Desmond Swayne described having to wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and said that “ nothing would make me less likely to go shopping than the thought of having to mask up ” .
Labour shadow cabinet member Rachel Reeves backed the call for mandatory face coverings to be introduced on Sunday , describing it as “ the sensible way forward ” on The Andrew Marr Show .
The Secretary of State also told parliament today that there were 532 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday , that there are 162 patients currently in mechanical ventilator beds with the virus , and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth has accused the government of being “in the slow lane” in response to the announcement today that wearing face coverings would become mandatory in shops.
Responding to a statement from the Health Secretary this afternoon, Ashworth described how the decision had followed “days of ministerial muddle” and stressed the importance of clarity in the pandemic.
Matt Hancock had used his statement to tell parliament that the government had “come to the decision that face coverings should be mandatory in shops and supermarkets” following contradictory comments from ministers and the PM.
Ashworth accused the minister of being slow to act. He said: “The World Health Organisation has said throughout this pandemic ‘act with speed’ – but yet again, this government appears to be in the slow lane.”
The Shadow Health Secretary added: “After days of ministerial muddle, we finally have a decision. I’ve long warned that this pandemic exploits ambiguity and that mixed messaging in a pandemic is so damaging.
“On Friday, we had the Prime Minister say he favoured face masks. On Sunday, we had the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster say he didn’t favour face masks. Yesterday, the Justice Secretary – unsure what to say – had to say in the end he was “perhaps” in favour.”
Ashworth stressed that health experts from around the world, the World Health Organisation, other governments and the government’s own advice published on May 11th had all advocated the use of face masks.
He went on to ask: “So why has it taken two months for him to make this advice mandatory, and why will it take another 11 days for the measure to come in?”
"After days of ministerial muddle, we finally have a decision," says shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth He asks why it is taking the government 11 days to require people to wear face masks in shops in Englandhttps://t.co/lHZqdA85Vy pic.twitter.com/BcWS1YwbE0 — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) July 14, 2020
Ashworth also sought clarity in other areas, asking: “What now is the position on workers returning to offices? Does the government want them to return to offices – yes, or no? And can he offer greater clarity for the people of Leicester?”
The Shadow Health Secretary asked the minister which metrics would be used to judge how well Leicester is recovering from the outbreak, and when and how this will be communicated to people in the city.
Hancock replied that the government “will look at 14 days of data… we will look at that on Thursday of this week and make a public announcement as soon as is reasonably possible about whether and if any changes can be made”.
On measurements, he added: “We won’t set out specific thresholds, instead we’ll look at all of the data – both the level and the rate of change – and make the decision in consultation with local authorities.”
The Shadow Health Secretary also called on the government to commit to the winter funding that the NHS and care sector need to prepare for a second wave of the virus later in the year.
Hancock said that people would face a fine of £100 if they fail to wear a face covering. He also stated that shop staff can refuse service if someone doesn’t wear one, and that they can call the police if that person refuses to leave.
Tory MP Desmond Swayne described having to wear a face covering as a “monstrous imposition” and said that “nothing would make me less likely to go shopping than the thought of having to mask up”.
"Nothing would make me less likely to go shopping than the thought of having to mask up," says Conservative Sir Desmond Swayne who calls the new rule for shoppers in England a "monstrous imposition"https://t.co/iKXtspO6TU pic.twitter.com/e0dVtoH3K0 — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) July 14, 2020
Labour shadow cabinet member Rachel Reeves backed the call for mandatory face coverings to be introduced on Sunday, describing it as “the sensible way forward” on The Andrew Marr Show.
The Secretary of State also told parliament today that there were 532 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, that there are 162 patients currently in mechanical ventilator beds with the virus, and that the latest number of recorded deaths is 11.


labourlist--2020-07-14--Labour slams “negligent” government approach to Huawei after U-turn

Labour ’ s shadow minister for industrial strategy , science and innovation has slammed the government ’ s approach to national security as “ incomprehensibly negligent ” following its U-turn on Huawei .
Responding to a parliamentary statement by Secretary of State Oliver Dowden this afternoon , Chi Onwurah challenged the minister over the government ’ s handling of the UK ’ s 5G network infrastructure .
Dowden had used his statement in the Commons today to announce that mobile providers must remove 5G kit supplied by the Chinese company by 2027 , which represents a major U-turn in government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish the security advice on which the decision today was made , and what “ new information the government was given that was not available when the initial decision was made ” .
Onwurah said : “ It has been clear for some that there are serious questions over whether Huawei should be allowed to control large sections of our country ’ s telecoms network – yet the government refused to face reality .
“ Their approach to our 5G capability , Huawei and national security has been incomprehensibly negligent .
The current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for leaking security services ’ advice on Huawei , and yet the government then went on to ignore large parts of it .
“ In January the Foreign Secretary said in a statement to this House that they would legislate at , and I quote , “ the earlier opportunity ” on high risk vendors .
Then they refused to work with us and their own backbenchers.
” She asked the Secretary of State to outline “ when he will bring forward legislation on high-risk vendors , including the robust regulation and enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power in our network ” .
The Telecoms Infrastructure Bill , which should deliver the government ’ s commitment to introduce super-fast broadband , has been facing significant resistance from Conservative MPs who want tougher restrictions on Huawei .
The government last reviewed the company ’ s role in its telecoms infrastructure in January .
Boris Johnson then decided that the firm would remain a supplier but introduced a 35 % cap on its market share .
A group of Tory backbenchers – who said that they numbered 60 in total – had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying that their support for the legislation was dependent on “ ending altogether the role for high-risk vendors ” .
Dowden said today : “ Many members of this House have considered the policy on high-risk vendors in the context of the UK ’ s wider relationship with China .
Let me assure members that this government is clear eyed about China .
“ We have been robust in our response to the imposition of new security laws in Hong Kong – including through our generous offer to British national oversea passport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern and mature relationship with China.
” Labour welcomed the plans to offer citizenship to all British nationals in Hong Kong announced earlier this month , but criticised the government for what it described as a “ deeply confused ” relationship with China .
Labour ’ s Lisa Nandy warned that the government had been “ going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security ” , citing examples such as the Bradwell nuclear power project and Huawei ’ s 5G involvement .

Labour’s shadow minister for industrial strategy, science and innovation has slammed the government’s approach to national security as “incomprehensibly negligent” following its U-turn on Huawei.
Responding to a parliamentary statement by Secretary of State Oliver Dowden this afternoon, Chi Onwurah challenged the minister over the government’s handling of the UK’s 5G network infrastructure.
Dowden had used his statement in the Commons today to announce that mobile providers must remove 5G kit supplied by the Chinese company by 2027, which represents a major U-turn in government policy.
Labour asked the government to publish the security advice on which the decision today was made, and what “new information the government was given that was not available when the initial decision was made”.
Onwurah said: “It has been clear for some that there are serious questions over whether Huawei should be allowed to control large sections of our country’s telecoms network – yet the government refused to face reality.
“Their approach to our 5G capability, Huawei and national security has been incomprehensibly negligent. The current Education Secretary was sacked as Defence Secretary for leaking security services’ advice on Huawei, and yet the government then went on to ignore large parts of it.
“In January the Foreign Secretary said in a statement to this House that they would legislate at, and I quote, “the earlier opportunity” on high risk vendors. Then they refused to work with us and their own backbenchers.”
She asked the Secretary of State to outline “when he will bring forward legislation on high-risk vendors, including the robust regulation and enforcement powers required to limit or eliminate their power in our network”.
Shadow Minister for Science, Research and Digital @ChiOnwurah says the government's approach to Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G network has been "incomprehensibly negligent" Get more here: https://t.co/9awzp0zu6c pic.twitter.com/UpTldfMycv — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 14, 2020
The Telecoms Infrastructure Bill, which should deliver the government’s commitment to introduce super-fast broadband, has been facing significant resistance from Conservative MPs who want tougher restrictions on Huawei.
The government last reviewed the company’s role in its telecoms infrastructure in January. Boris Johnson then decided that the firm would remain a supplier but introduced a 35% cap on its market share.
A group of Tory backbenchers – who said that they numbered 60 in total – had written to the Prime Minister on Monday, saying that their support for the legislation was dependent on “ending altogether the role for high-risk vendors”.
Dowden said today: “Many members of this House have considered the policy on high-risk vendors in the context of the UK’s wider relationship with China. Let me assure members that this government is clear eyed about China.
“We have been robust in our response to the imposition of new security laws in Hong Kong – including through our generous offer to British national oversea passport holders. What we want is a modern and mature relationship with China.”
Labour welcomed the plans to offer citizenship to all British nationals in Hong Kong announced earlier this month, but criticised the government for what it described as a “deeply confused” relationship with China.
Labour’s Lisa Nandy warned that the government had been “going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security”, citing examples such as the Bradwell nuclear power project and Huawei’s 5G involvement.


labourlist--2020-07-15--Boris Johnson only says he is “aware” of report with 120,000 more deaths warning

Boris Johnson would only say that he was “ aware ” of the report warning that a second coronavirus wave @ @ @ @ @ asked by Keir Starmer whether he had read it .
At Prime Minister ’ s @ @ @ @ @ referred to the report by experts setting out a “ reasonable worst case scenario ” @ @ @ @ @ asking : “ Has he read it ?
” Johnson did not confirm that he @ @ @ @ @ replying : “ Of course I ’ m aware of the report , and we @ @ @ @ @ every reasonable step to prepare this country for a second spike.
” The Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ get behind what the government is doing ” and accused the opposition leader of “ @ @ @ @ @ the people of this country ” .
“ Now is the time to decide whether @ @ @ @ @ not , ” Johnson concluded .
His opposite replied that it was “ perfectly possible @ @ @ @ @ while pointing out the problems .

Boris Johnson would only say that he was “aware” of the report warning that a second coronavirus wave risks 120,000 more deaths when asked by Keir Starmer whether he had read it.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, the Labour leader referred to the report by experts setting out a “reasonable worst case scenario” for coronavirus this winter, asking: “Has he read it?”
Johnson did not confirm that he had read the report, replying: “Of course I’m aware of the report, and we’re of course taking every reasonable step to prepare this country for a second spike.”
The Prime Minister then encouraged Starmer to “get behind what the government is doing” and accused the opposition leader of “endlessly knocking the confidence of the people of this country”.
“Now is the time to decide whether he backs the government or not,” Johnson concluded. His opposite replied that it was “perfectly possible” to support coronavirus schemes while pointing out the problems.


labourlist--2020-07-15--“Keirism” needs to be defined – or others will define the Labour leader, says Clive Lewis

“ Keirism ” and the Labour leader himself need to be defined – or others will define Keir Starmer and his project , backbench Labour MP Clive Lewis has warned .
Asked by the BBC whether he had heard enough on policy and the party ’ s future direction , Lewis replied : “ No , but not on policy , and I don ’ t expect to because it ’ s the first 100 days .
“ I think on policy , we ’ ll wait to see and we ’ ll do that a little bit closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the direction of the party is one that is up in the air at the moment .
“ If you went and spoke to people around Keir ’ s team , off the record , they would probably say , look , he needs to define himself and define Keirism… with a bit more detail.
” He added that this further definition of ‘ Keirism ’ , with “ broad themes ” and “ red lines ” , “ needs to be done because if you don ’ t , other people begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , and that ’ s already happening.
” Lewis added that some may want the new Labour leader not to back a “ transformative ” economic plan and only “ go where the public are now ” to “ bring in Tory floating voters , those Red Wall voters ” .
The former shadow Treasury minister said he disagreed with that strategy , adding : “ I think the job of a Labour leader is also to build alliances with other groups in civil society and lead the change… “ This system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I think that ’ s his job .
I ’ d like to hear more about that – and I think we will – but , you know , sooner rather than later.
” While Lewis was appearing on Politics Live , Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds joined an Institute for Government event in which she made clear that Labour was not proposing any tax increases at this time .
Dodds did not commit to a 2030 decarbonisation target , though it has received the backing of Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerated as soon as possible .

“Keirism” and the Labour leader himself need to be defined – or others will define Keir Starmer and his project, backbench Labour MP Clive Lewis has warned.
Asked by the BBC whether he had heard enough on policy and the party’s future direction, Lewis replied: “No, but not on policy, and I don’t expect to because it’s the first 100 days.
“I think on policy, we’ll wait to see and we’ll do that a little bit closer to 2024. I think the issue of the direction of the party is one that is up in the air at the moment.
“If you went and spoke to people around Keir’s team, off the record, they would probably say, look, he needs to define himself and define Keirism… with a bit more detail.”
He added that this further definition of ‘Keirism’, with “broad themes” and “red lines”, “needs to be done because if you don’t, other people begin to define you or try to define you, and that’s already happening.”
Lewis added that some may want the new Labour leader not to back a “transformative” economic plan and only “go where the public are now” to “bring in Tory floating voters, those Red Wall voters”.
The former shadow Treasury minister said he disagreed with that strategy, adding: “I think the job of a Labour leader is also to build alliances with other groups in civil society and lead the change…
“This system is broken, look at it. And I think that’s his job. I’d like to hear more about that – and I think we will – but, you know, sooner rather than later.”
While Lewis was appearing on Politics Live, Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds joined an Institute for Government event in which she made clear that Labour was not proposing any tax increases at this time.
Dodds did not commit to a 2030 decarbonisation target, though it has received the backing of Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband, instead saying that emissions reduction should be accelerated as soon as possible.


labourlist--2020-07-15--Innovation is key to our recovery. New investment requires new thinking

In March , the Chancellor announced significant increases in funding for research and development and wider science in the UK .
For those of us who work in the field of innovation and R & D , there is a lot to be cheerful about if borne out ; it represents the largest commitment to science and technology investment for generations .
The UK is a global leader in innovation .
We get many things right , but there are of course weaknesses in our system .
While the billions more ear-marked for R & D will enhance our position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unless we become bolder in the funding choices we make , we will also amplify those things we currently get wrong .
More money does not necessarily mean better results .
The Chancellor confirmed that the government “ will invest at least £800m in a new blues-skies funding agency… modelled on the extraordinary ‘ ARPA ’ in the US ” – the Advanced Research Project Agency .
It is a commitment they still appear to be pursuing .
The government ’ s R & D roadmap , published this month , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diversified funding approaches that will be needed for success , including challenge prizes and competitions .
Traditional approaches to R & D funding favour giving grants to well-established incumbents to deliver “ safe ” solutions against a pre-agreed process rather than being tied to finding ambitious solutions to problems we face .
Too often “ risk ” is conflated with “ recklessness ” , less-impactful solutions that can be delivered to a pre-agreed budget by a well-known company win out over high-impact ideas that have a greater chance of failure .
Challenge prizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and solve large problems .
They reward solutions only after they are proven to work , de-risking investment in unknown entities and allowing new ideas , companies and innovators to break through .
A challenge prize is a simple idea – incentivise innovators to develop solutions with the promise of financial reward .
Challenge prizes turn the R & D grant model on its head .
Where grants offer a subsidy to the team that seems best placed to solve a problem in advance , challenge prizes offer a reward to whoever first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This tweak – moving from an up-front subsidy to an incentive that pays out later based on success – makes a profound difference .
Because challenge prizes do not rely on deciding up-front which proposal is best , judgement is reserved until there are real results , so they are far more open .
Open to different innovators : plucky upstarts who have the skills but not the track record or connected privilege .
Open to different ideas : unusual approaches , new technologies or unconventional methods .
Open to change : giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because all that matters is the end result .
From the industrial revolution through to the early 20th century , Britain was a leader in challenge prizes , from the original Longitude Prize to help seafarers navigate the oceans , to the Daily Mail ’ s aviation prizes .
Then , post-war , their popularity diminished .
In the last two decades however , they are experiencing a renaissance .
In the US , the $ 10m Ansari X Prize rewarded the first private company to build a reusable manned spacecraft .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the 26 teams pursuing the prize in the nascent private spaceflight industry , catalysing a sector estimated to be worth $ 30bn by 2026 .
DARPA ’ s multimillion-dollar autonomous vehicle challenges have produced the technologies and companies that have made America the world leader in self-driving cars .
In the UK , Nesta Challenges ’ £8m Longitude Prize launched to mark the 300th anniversary of its maritime predecessor , focused on developing rapid tests to ensure the preservation of antibiotics in the battle against antimicrobial resistance .
Teams of innovators are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bacterial infections in pursuit of the prize with many tantalisingly close to market .
In the aftermath of the 2008 Financial Crisis , the £5m Open Up Challenge promoted much-needed competition in the small business banking sector .
The 12 finalists are now recognised as some of the most important and disruptive fintechs in the UK .
Any successful innovator will tell you that failure , pivoting and changing course is an essential part of the development of every successful idea .
Particularly in a political context , to change course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , often appears far worse than sticking to the original plan .
“ U-turn ” is hurled as an insult ; plan B is paraded as a sign of abject failure .
If we are to become the global innovation powerhouse of the 21st century , we will need to rethink our cultural attitude to failure and iteration .
Challenge prizes allow us to do this , focusing the pay-off and reward on the outcome , not the means .
Rather than playing it safe , new institutions and mechanisms should be smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mean being reckless , but it should mean giving innovators licence to try more radical , less orthodox approaches , or to pivot and change direction .
Courage from government can generate courage in innovators .
The present government undoubtedly has ambitions for UK science and innovation .
The financial commitment and the promise of investing in new approaches must be matched by policies that truly unleash the full potential of Britain ’ s innovators and opens R & D funding to as broad and diverse an audience as possible .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last few months , shows that with the right focus , the right goals , and the right incentives , we are a nation of innovators ready and able to move quickly to face the great challenges ahead .
Download ‘ The Great Innovation Challenge : How challenge prizes can kick-start the British economy ’ from Nesta Challenges .

SPONSORED POST
In March, the Chancellor announced significant increases in funding for research and development and wider science in the UK. For those of us who work in the field of innovation and R&D, there is a lot to be cheerful about if borne out; it represents the largest commitment to science and technology investment for generations.
The UK is a global leader in innovation. We get many things right, but there are of course weaknesses in our system. While the billions more ear-marked for R&D will enhance our position and bolster our strengths in the sector, unless we become bolder in the funding choices we make, we will also amplify those things we currently get wrong. More money does not necessarily mean better results.
The Chancellor confirmed that the government “will invest at least £800m in a new blues-skies funding agency… modelled on the extraordinary ‘ARPA’ in the US” – the Advanced Research Project Agency. It is a commitment they still appear to be pursuing. The government’s R&D roadmap, published this month, has kicked off a conversation about different and diversified funding approaches that will be needed for success, including challenge prizes and competitions.
Traditional approaches to R&D funding favour giving grants to well-established incumbents to deliver “safe” solutions against a pre-agreed process rather than being tied to finding ambitious solutions to problems we face. Too often “risk” is conflated with “recklessness”, less-impactful solutions that can be delivered to a pre-agreed budget by a well-known company win out over high-impact ideas that have a greater chance of failure.
Challenge prizes have a unique ability to unlock innovation and solve large problems. They reward solutions only after they are proven to work, de-risking investment in unknown entities and allowing new ideas, companies and innovators to break through.
A challenge prize is a simple idea – incentivise innovators to develop solutions with the promise of financial reward. Challenge prizes turn the R&D grant model on its head. Where grants offer a subsidy to the team that seems best placed to solve a problem in advance, challenge prizes offer a reward to whoever first or most effectively solves that problem.
This tweak – moving from an up-front subsidy to an incentive that pays out later based on success – makes a profound difference. Because challenge prizes do not rely on deciding up-front which proposal is best, judgement is reserved until there are real results, so they are far more open. Open to different innovators: plucky upstarts who have the skills but not the track record or connected privilege. Open to different ideas: unusual approaches, new technologies or unconventional methods. Open to change: giving innovators space to rethink and restart, because all that matters is the end result.
From the industrial revolution through to the early 20th century, Britain was a leader in challenge prizes, from the original Longitude Prize to help seafarers navigate the oceans, to the Daily Mail’s aviation prizes. Then, post-war, their popularity diminished. In the last two decades however, they are experiencing a renaissance.
In the US, the $10m Ansari X Prize rewarded the first private company to build a reusable manned spacecraft. It generated an estimated $100m of investment from the 26 teams pursuing the prize in the nascent private spaceflight industry, catalysing a sector estimated to be worth $30bn by 2026. DARPA’s multimillion-dollar autonomous vehicle challenges have produced the technologies and companies that have made America the world leader in self-driving cars.
In the UK, Nesta Challenges’ £8m Longitude Prize launched to mark the 300th anniversary of its maritime predecessor, focused on developing rapid tests to ensure the preservation of antibiotics in the battle against antimicrobial resistance. Teams of innovators are developing diagnostics that will revolutionise the treatment of bacterial infections in pursuit of the prize with many tantalisingly close to market. In the aftermath of the 2008 Financial Crisis, the £5m Open Up Challenge promoted much-needed competition in the small business banking sector. The 12 finalists are now recognised as some of the most important and disruptive fintechs in the UK.
Any successful innovator will tell you that failure, pivoting and changing course is an essential part of the development of every successful idea. Particularly in a political context, to change course, even if it achieves a better outcome, often appears far worse than sticking to the original plan. “U-turn” is hurled as an insult; plan B is paraded as a sign of abject failure.
If we are to become the global innovation powerhouse of the 21st century, we will need to rethink our cultural attitude to failure and iteration. Challenge prizes allow us to do this, focusing the pay-off and reward on the outcome, not the means. Rather than playing it safe, new institutions and mechanisms should be smart about risk and reward. That does not mean being reckless, but it should mean giving innovators licence to try more radical, less orthodox approaches, or to pivot and change direction. Courage from government can generate courage in innovators.
The present government undoubtedly has ambitions for UK science and innovation. The financial commitment and the promise of investing in new approaches must be matched by policies that truly unleash the full potential of Britain’s innovators and opens R&D funding to as broad and diverse an audience as possible. The lesson of the astonishing speed of innovation in the last few months, shows that with the right focus, the right goals, and the right incentives, we are a nation of innovators ready and able to move quickly to face the great challenges ahead.
Download ‘The Great Innovation Challenge: How challenge prizes can kick-start the British economy’ from Nesta Challenges.


labourlist--2020-07-15--There is a “strong case” for government taking public equity stakes in airlines, says Labour

Labour activists have declared victory following a “ bailouts for workers and planet , not billionaires ” campaign as the party has agreed that there is a “ strong case ” for taking public equity stakes in airlines .
Labour for a Green New Deal had highlighted that the proposals put forward by Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon in May did not ask the government to take stakes in struggling airlines , whereas Ed Miliband backed the idea .
McMahon called for a “ robust plan ” to protect aviation sector jobs , with bailouts conditional on “ a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry to use cleaner fuels and other cutting-edge low or zero emission technologies ” .
A statement from Keir Starmer ’ s office to LabGND similarly advocated attaching environmental commitments to support for the airline industry but did not mention the idea of struggling companies being part-nationalised .
Miliband as Shadow Business Secretary , however , did come out in favour of taking public equity stakes while on a call with activists , with the aim of supporting workers as part of a just “ low-carbon transition ” .
With shadow climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Miliband said the government should support the aviation and aerospace sectors and force companies to produce business plans in compliance with the Paris Agreement .
Pennycook specified that “ conditionality in this moment isn ’ t going to be enough ” , although it seemed that conditionality on aviation sector bailouts were all that Labour ’ s transport team was proposing at that point .
Miliband also gave renewed backing to the 2030 decarbonisation target , which was pushed by LabGND at party conference last year , and told the 150 activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not in this job to scale back on ambition.
” Following criticism of the apparent difference in policy commitments between the Labour frontbench teams , the i reported that senior party sources insisted there was no disagreement over Labour ’ s aviation stance .
A Labour spokesperson said : “ The story is complete nonsense .
The Labour Party is calling for a financial support package for the aviation sector with strict conditions on tackling the climate crisis , protecting jobs and ensuring that gains are shared with the public .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to take equity stakes in airlines to save jobs and make the transition to a green economy.
” In response to the fresh comment from a party spokesperson on Tuesday night , Labour for a Green New Deal co-founder Angus Satow said : “ We welcome Labour ’ s call for public equity stakes in struggling airlines .
“ As thousands of workers lose their jobs and the Arctic burns , we urgently need state intervention to ensure a just transition for workers and planet , winding down domestic air routes while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected workers .
“ It ’ s time now for Labour to make this case to the government , and to take up the fight for a Green New Deal and a million green jobs .
”

Labour activists have declared victory following a “bailouts for workers and planet, not billionaires” campaign as the party has agreed that there is a “strong case” for taking public equity stakes in airlines.
Labour for a Green New Deal had highlighted that the proposals put forward by Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon in May did not ask the government to take stakes in struggling airlines, whereas Ed Miliband backed the idea.
McMahon called for a “robust plan” to protect aviation sector jobs, with bailouts conditional on “a clear commitment to tackling climate change and for the industry to use cleaner fuels and other cutting-edge low or zero emission technologies”.
A statement from Keir Starmer’s office to LabGND similarly advocated attaching environmental commitments to support for the airline industry but did not mention the idea of struggling companies being part-nationalised.
Miliband as Shadow Business Secretary, however, did come out in favour of taking public equity stakes while on a call with activists, with the aim of supporting workers as part of a just “low-carbon transition”.
With shadow climate change minister Matthew Pennycook on the call, Miliband said the government should support the aviation and aerospace sectors and force companies to produce business plans in compliance with the Paris Agreement.
Pennycook specified that “conditionality in this moment isn’t going to be enough”, although it seemed that conditionality on aviation sector bailouts were all that Labour’s transport team was proposing at that point.
Miliband also gave renewed backing to the 2030 decarbonisation target, which was pushed by LabGND at party conference last year, and told the 150 activists in the meeting: “I’m not in this job to scale back on ambition.”
Following criticism of the apparent difference in policy commitments between the Labour frontbench teams, the i reported that senior party sources insisted there was no disagreement over Labour’s aviation stance.
LabourList understands that Labour and McMahon have backed stakes throughout this time and that the confusion arose because the policy detail was not included in a shorter press release that was sent out.
The original full six-test plan stated: “This makes a strong case for an equity stake in the company since this will mean a commitment to a clear climate plan, consistent with the Paris agreement, can be built into the company’s objective.”
A Labour spokesperson said: “The story is complete nonsense. The Labour Party is calling for a financial support package for the aviation sector with strict conditions on tackling the climate crisis, protecting jobs and ensuring that gains are shared with the public.
“There is a strong case for the government to take equity stakes in airlines to save jobs and make the transition to a green economy.”
In response to the fresh comment from a party spokesperson on Tuesday night, Labour for a Green New Deal co-founder Angus Satow said: “We welcome Labour’s call for public equity stakes in struggling airlines.
“As thousands of workers lose their jobs and the Arctic burns, we urgently need state intervention to ensure a just transition for workers and planet, winding down domestic air routes while providing a training and jobs guarantee for affected workers.
“It’s time now for Labour to make this case to the government, and to take up the fight for a Green New Deal and a million green jobs.”


labourlist--2020-07-15--More U-turns, and government continues campaign to deprive children of food

Anyone else feeling dizzy ?
This government has done so many U-turns that 2020 feels like some sort of drunken dance .
Boris Johnson has reversed his positions on both face coverings ( now mandatory in shops from July 24th ) and on Chinese company Huawei ’ s involvement in our 5G network .
This prompted Jonathan Ashworth to describe “ days of ministerial muddle ” while shadow minister Chi Onwurah slammed the government for being “ incomprehensibly negligent “ .
This should give Keir Starmer lots to go on this afternoon , as the Labour leader and Johnson meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Questions and the second to last before the summer recess .
Following the announcement yesterday on Huawei , Labour has said that the government still has “ no clear strategy ” on the UK ’ s relationship with China , continuing to point out an inconsistent approach across different departments .
Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy last night highlighted that while the government has barred Huawei from the 5G network , it is at the same time “ considering handing over technology involved in our nuclear industry to the Chinese government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is stuck in a trade war between China and the US , and that “ the answer to that is not simply to hand over our national security to China or to the US ” .
Meanwhile the government is continuing its campaign to deprive children of food .
Having extended the national free school meal voucher scheme following the high-profile campaign from footballer Marcus Rashford ( and another U-turn ) , the government has now revealed that children who become eligible during the summer will miss out .
Responding to a parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Vicky Ford said any families facing hardship could “ contact their local council to find out what services are available in their area ” .
This means families will be excluded just as support from the job retention scheme is beginning to wind up , with employer contributions being introduced in August , and the predicted job losses mount up .
Hopefully this will come up when Starmer quizzes Johnson later .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Anyone else feeling dizzy? This government has done so many U-turns that 2020 feels like some sort of drunken dance. Boris Johnson has reversed his positions on both face coverings (now mandatory in shops from July 24th) and on Chinese company Huawei’s involvement in our 5G network. This prompted Jonathan Ashworth to describe “days of ministerial muddle” while shadow minister Chi Onwurah slammed the government for being “incomprehensibly negligent“. This should give Keir Starmer lots to go on this afternoon, as the Labour leader and Johnson meet for their tenth session of Prime Minister’s Questions and the second to last before the summer recess.
Following the announcement yesterday on Huawei, Labour has said that the government still has “no clear strategy” on the UK’s relationship with China, continuing to point out an inconsistent approach across different departments. Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy last night highlighted that while the government has barred Huawei from the 5G network, it is at the same time “considering handing over technology involved in our nuclear industry to the Chinese government”. Nandy concluded that the UK is stuck in a trade war between China and the US, and that “the answer to that is not simply to hand over our national security to China or to the US”.
Meanwhile the government is continuing its campaign to deprive children of food. Having extended the national free school meal voucher scheme following the high-profile campaign from footballer Marcus Rashford (and another U-turn), the government has now revealed that children who become eligible during the summer will miss out. Responding to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Sharon Hodgson, minister Vicky Ford said any families facing hardship could “contact their local council to find out what services are available in their area”. This means families will be excluded just as support from the job retention scheme is beginning to wind up, with employer contributions being introduced in August, and the predicted job losses mount up. Hopefully this will come up when Starmer quizzes Johnson later. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.