labourlist--2020-06-26--It’s time to reverse ten years of Tory decline in our armed forces

On Armed Forces Day tomorrow , we will rightly celebrate the national pride we have in our military personnel – full time and reservist .
They are respected worldwide for their professionalism and all-round excellence .
And they represent the values British people admire most – courage , integrity , discipline and service .
But as ministers rightly talk up our armed forces this weekend , they must also account for their record of running down British forces for a decade .
Almost every government target for full-time military personnel has been missed .
Ministers are failing to meet their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ diverse and fully representative of UK society ” .
Despite a recent rise in recruitment , less than 9 % of armed forces and only 10 of 303 senior Ministry of Defence officials are BAME personnel , while new MoD figures yesterday show ministers are missing their target to recruit 15 % women each year .
More important still , in 2015 ministers pledged that the strength of the British Army would not fall below 82,000 – but numbers are down to 73,750 .
And they promised “ to increase the Royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 700 personnel ” – but have instead cut the number by 1,970 .
Since 2010 , the Conservatives have overseen the strength of British Forces drop by a quarter , with 40,000 fewer full-time troops now than ten years ago .
Ministers are paying too little concern to what matters most to military chiefs and to Britain ’ s capacity to maintain our world-class fighting force .
As former chief of the defence staff general Sir Nicholas Houghton said : “ We have to ensure that there is a balanced investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment .
I would argue most strongly that it is our people that give the UK ’ s Armed Forces our qualitative edge.
” In the 2015 defence review , ministers devoted just one and a half pages in the 89-page report to personnel .
We have seen this most recently in the Covid crisis , as the military reinforced our frontline services to build hospitals , distribute vital equipment , run testing sites and plan behind the scenes .
Yet not once during the three months of this pandemic period has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box or Downing Street press conference podium to promote the role of the armed forces , which the public has been so pleased to see .
With three Prime Ministers and six Defence Secretaries , the pattern during ten Tory years in government since 2010 is clear .
Forces numbers are down , and our military has never been smaller since Britain fought Napoleon 200 years ago .
Forces pay is down , and an army private would be on £1,979 more a year if troop salaries had just kept up with inflation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfaction in service has fallen by 15 % with one-in-four military personnel now saying that they plan to quit before the end of their contract .
It is time to end this decade of decline .
And I want to see ministers act on three fronts .
First , give military personnel the priority they deserve with a full chapter in the government ’ s integrated defence and security review later this year – just as Labour in government did in 1998 .
Second , overhaul the country ’ s covenant with serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last decade .
Third , speak up more strongly in public to support the very special service the men and women in our armed forces give to this country .
And not just on Armed Forces Day .

On Armed Forces Day tomorrow, we will rightly celebrate the national pride we have in our military personnel – full time and reservist. They are respected worldwide for their professionalism and all-round excellence. And they represent the values British people admire most – courage, integrity, discipline and service. But as ministers rightly talk up our armed forces this weekend, they must also account for their record of running down British forces for a decade. Almost every government target for full-time military personnel has been missed.
Ministers are failing to meet their pledge to make the British Armed Forces “diverse and fully representative of UK society”. Despite a recent rise in recruitment, less than 9% of armed forces and only 10 of 303 senior Ministry of Defence officials are BAME personnel, while new MoD figures yesterday show ministers are missing their target to recruit 15% women each year.
More important still, in 2015 ministers pledged that the strength of the British Army would not fall below 82,000 – but numbers are down to 73,750. And they promised “to increase the Royal Nay and Royal Air Force by a total of 700 personnel” – but have instead cut the number by 1,970. Since 2010, the Conservatives have overseen the strength of British Forces drop by a quarter, with 40,000 fewer full-time troops now than ten years ago.
Ministers are paying too little concern to what matters most to military chiefs and to Britain’s capacity to maintain our world-class fighting force. As former chief of the defence staff general Sir Nicholas Houghton said: “We have to ensure that there is a balanced investment in our people as well as our equipment. I would argue most strongly that it is our people that give the UK’s Armed Forces our qualitative edge.” In the 2015 defence review, ministers devoted just one and a half pages in the 89-page report to personnel.
We have seen this most recently in the Covid crisis, as the military reinforced our frontline services to build hospitals, distribute vital equipment, run testing sites and plan behind the scenes. Yet not once during the three months of this pandemic period has the Defence Secretary taken to the Commons despatch box or Downing Street press conference podium to promote the role of the armed forces, which the public has been so pleased to see.
With three Prime Ministers and six Defence Secretaries, the pattern during ten Tory years in government since 2010 is clear. Forces numbers are down, and our military has never been smaller since Britain fought Napoleon 200 years ago. Forces pay is down, and an army private would be on £1,979 more a year if troop salaries had just kept up with inflation. Forces morale is down, and satisfaction in service has fallen by 15% with one-in-four military personnel now saying that they plan to quit before the end of their contract.
It is time to end this decade of decline. And I want to see ministers act on three fronts. First, give military personnel the priority they deserve with a full chapter in the government’s integrated defence and security review later this year – just as Labour in government did in 1998. Second, overhaul the country’s covenant with serving forces to make good the failings of the last decade. Third, speak up more strongly in public to support the very special service the men and women in our armed forces give to this country. And not just on Armed Forces Day.


labourlist--2020-06-26--This government is failing our children during the pandemic

We all want as many children as possible returning to school when it is safe to do so .
That starts with more support for learning over the summer and , taking a lead from the Welsh Labour government , funding free school meals .
The dedication that all school staff , caretakers , teachers , teaching assistants , cleaners , cooks , governors have shown for the safety , education , wellbeing and health of pupils and school communities throughout this crisis has been extraordinary .
Criticism of teaching staff and their union representatives has been misplaced and totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of their pupils and staff at their very heart .
Local views on the opening of schools need to be respected .
As we are discovering , more deprived areas in the North are being hit with high rates of Covid deaths , higher death rates from all causes and particularly those suffering from greater increases in unemployment .
The issue is complex .
Ultimately the safety of all in school and the school community , and the educational needs of our children , must be the focus of government policy – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Liverpool , the elected city mayor chose in mid-April not to open schools on June 1st as a safeguarding issue .
This wonderful city was , and still is , reeling from a high rate of infection .
While the local press were supportive , governmental and media pressure to reverse the decision was intense .
Questions were being asked as to why mayor Joe Anderson took this stance when schools in Denmark , for instance , were opening .
Country-by-country comparison is far too simplistic .
Joe has never said Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has said ‘ when it ’ s safe to do so ’ and only then .
Each local area has its own characteristics , not only in terms of infection rates of this dreadful pandemic , but the physical nature and age of its school buildings , levels of deprivation , staffing , the amount of public funding available or not available , the differing needs of its pupils .
And we now know that the test , trace and isolate system in the UK is not expected to work at full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has set out five principles to determine how and when children will begin to attend schools and will look at having more pupils and staff in schools only when it is safe to do so .
In mid-May , Calderdale Council chose not to open its schools for more children until it was clear that pupils and staff can be protected and the risks of increased transmission of the virus in the community can be kept as low as possible .
This is a local educational , health and societal issue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England will not have to take more pupils before the end of the summer term , but will work to get children of all ages back to class by September as the target set in its coronavirus roadmap will not be met .
With just half of schools open to reception , Year One and Year Six , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson finally admitted that the full opening of primary schools this term would not be possible as social distancing is too difficult .
School staff and governors have been subjected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parents , unions and local leaders have been warning that government plans to open whole schools before the summer could put at risk any safety measures a school had been able to implement with reduced pupil numbers .
The lack of leadership from this government has been appalling and the resources that will be made available to support home learning , especially for our most vulnerable families , is still unclear .
Trade union GMB has rightly said it is “ pleased ” that safety has “ started to lead government policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and why has this government not had a joined-up strategy for the education of our children ?
We are worried about our most vulnerable , where home-schooling in a cramped flat with no outdoor space is stretching our children ’ s educational , physical and mental wellbeing .
Politically driven and hitting our worst pandemic-hit communities the hardest , another real scandal of government is that the promised ‘ recovery ’ government funding in Merseyside , for instance , has been cut in Knowsley by 39 % and in Liverpool by 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – starved of resources in this politically bankrupt and false economy of austerity , especially in our poorest communities – need to be funded properly based on demographic need .
Is it safe to open our schools ?
There will always be risk , which means the question is how to reduce it .
We must now learn from others – transmission from children to adults , children returning to schools in Italy presenting with multi-system inflammatory syndrome weeks after exposure .
We need information and monitoring at a local level , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of transmission , effective and accurate testing , tracing and isolation .
Local data should be driving policy .
Assuming a date for the entire country was driven by ideology rather than need .
• Provide high-quality technological and home-schooling support for families urgently until schools open fully .
• Recognise that schools and local authorities have been doing a fantastic job , and now resource and pay them properly , ending term-time only contracts for support staff and funding summer school meals , precedent or not .
• Prioritise safety , educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and local communities over an arbitrary date .
• Listen to our school communities , our unions and our local and devolved governments .
It is clear that the government ’ s handling of this crisis in schools has not respected local decision-making .
It has not put health first , and the inaction will increase challenges and inequality for our poorest pupils .
If elected to Labour ’ s national executive committee , we are clear that we want to support our leadership team , education spokesperson and devolved governments to @ @ @ @ @

We all want as many children as possible returning to school when it is safe to do so. That starts with more support for learning over the summer and, taking a lead from the Welsh Labour government, funding free school meals. The dedication that all school staff, caretakers, teachers, teaching assistants, cleaners, cooks, governors have shown for the safety, education, wellbeing and health of pupils and school communities throughout this crisis has been extraordinary.
Criticism of teaching staff and their union representatives has been misplaced and totally unfair. Schools have the wellbeing and safety of their pupils and staff at their very heart. Local views on the opening of schools need to be respected. As we are discovering, more deprived areas in the North are being hit with high rates of Covid deaths, higher death rates from all causes and particularly those suffering from greater increases in unemployment. The issue is complex. Ultimately the safety of all in school and the school community, and the educational needs of our children, must be the focus of government policy – this government has failed on both.
In Liverpool, the elected city mayor chose in mid-April not to open schools on June 1st as a safeguarding issue. This wonderful city was, and still is, reeling from a high rate of infection. While the local press were supportive, governmental and media pressure to reverse the decision was intense. Questions were being asked as to why mayor Joe Anderson took this stance when schools in Denmark, for instance, were opening. Country-by-country comparison is far too simplistic. Joe has never said Liverpool can’t open its schools: he has said ‘when it’s safe to do so’ and only then. Each local area has its own characteristics, not only in terms of infection rates of this dreadful pandemic, but the physical nature and age of its school buildings, levels of deprivation, staffing, the amount of public funding available or not available, the differing needs of its pupils. And we now know that the test, trace and isolate system in the UK is not expected to work at full speed until September.
The Welsh Labour government has set out five principles to determine how and when children will begin to attend schools and will look at having more pupils and staff in schools only when it is safe to do so. In mid-May, Calderdale Council chose not to open its schools for more children until it was clear that pupils and staff can be protected and the risks of increased transmission of the virus in the community can be kept as low as possible. This is a local educational, health and societal issue.
Now the government has announced that schools in England will not have to take more pupils before the end of the summer term, but will work to get children of all ages back to class by September as the target set in its coronavirus roadmap will not be met. With just half of schools open to reception, Year One and Year Six, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson finally admitted that the full opening of primary schools this term would not be possible as social distancing is too difficult.
School staff and governors have been subjected to immense pressure. For months, schools, parents, unions and local leaders have been warning that government plans to open whole schools before the summer could put at risk any safety measures a school had been able to implement with reduced pupil numbers. The lack of leadership from this government has been appalling and the resources that will be made available to support home learning, especially for our most vulnerable families, is still unclear. Trade union GMB has rightly said it is “pleased” that safety has “started to lead government policy and decisions”. Why so late, and why has this government not had a joined-up strategy for the education of our children?
We are worried about our most vulnerable, where home-schooling in a cramped flat with no outdoor space is stretching our children’s educational, physical and mental wellbeing. Politically driven and hitting our worst pandemic-hit communities the hardest, another real scandal of government is that the promised ‘recovery’ government funding in Merseyside, for instance, has been cut in Knowsley by 39% and in Liverpool by 32%. Our health and education services – starved of resources in this politically bankrupt and false economy of austerity, especially in our poorest communities – need to be funded properly based on demographic need.
Is it safe to open our schools? There will always be risk, which means the question is how to reduce it. We must now learn from others – transmission from children to adults, children returning to schools in Italy presenting with multi-system inflammatory syndrome weeks after exposure. We need information and monitoring at a local level, the number of new cases locally and rates of transmission, effective and accurate testing, tracing and isolation. Local data should be driving policy. Assuming a date for the entire country was driven by ideology rather than need.
The government must:
Provide high-quality technological and home-schooling support for families urgently until schools open fully.
Recognise that schools and local authorities have been doing a fantastic job, and now resource and pay them properly, ending term-time only contracts for support staff and funding summer school meals, precedent or not.
Prioritise safety, educational need and the wellbeing of pupils, staff and local communities over an arbitrary date.
Listen to our school communities, our unions and our local and devolved governments.
It is clear that the government’s handling of this crisis in schools has not respected local decision-making. It has not put health first, and the inaction will increase challenges and inequality for our poorest pupils. If elected to Labour’s national executive committee, we are clear that we want to support our leadership team, education spokesperson and devolved governments to tackle these issues head-on.


labourlist--2020-06-26--Starmer rejects request from left MPs to reinstate Long-Bailey

Keir Starmer has rejected the request made by Labour MPs on the party ’ s left to reinstate sacked shadow cabinet member Rebecca Long-Bailey after a meeting this morning .
In a video conference call with members of the Socialist Campaign Group , including Jeremy Corbyn , Labour left MPs asked the new party leader to reconsider his decision .
Starmer stood down Long-Bailey from the frontbench after she shared an interview containing the claim that US police learnt kneeling on people ’ s necks “ from seminars with Israeli secret services ” .
His spokesperson described it as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority ” .
The Socialist Campaign Group issued a statement after the meeting today , which was held to express concerns over the sacking .
The group confirmed that there was still “ significant disagreement ” on the decision .
According to the statement , MPs on the call also stressed the need for Labour to clearly oppose Israel ’ s annexation plans , and raised concerns about the response to the leaked report including the treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held from 9am was described as a “ business-like exchange of views which took place in a mutually respectful manner ” .
A new Shadow Education Secretary is expected to be appointed in the coming days .
There had been talk of left MPs resigning from the Labour frontbench in protest , but that has not taken place as they have decided to retain influence where possible .
Long-Bailey herself has told The Mirror : “ The only way that we ’ ll win a general election is by being unified as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s so important for me to make the choice not to be critical about the way I might have been treated.
” Below is the full text of the Socialist Campaign Group statement .
“ The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs met this morning with Labour leader Keir Starmer .
“ On the sacking of Rebecca Long-Bailey from the shadow cabinet , it was clear that significant disagreement remains on this point .
The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs made it clear that Rebecca Long-Bailey should not have been sacked and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annexation of the West Bank by Israel ’ s government was discussed and the need for the Labour Party , MPs , party members and supporters to speak out against Israel ’ s illegal annexation and ongoing human right abuses by the government of Israel was raised .
“ Concerns were also raised about the party response to the review into leaks and the 2017 electoral sabotage and especially the treatment of black MPs .
“ This was a business-like exchange of views which took place in a mutually respectful manner .
”

Keir Starmer has rejected the request made by Labour MPs on the party’s left to reinstate sacked shadow cabinet member Rebecca Long-Bailey after a meeting this morning.
In a video conference call with members of the Socialist Campaign Group, including Jeremy Corbyn, Labour left MPs asked the new party leader to reconsider his decision.
Starmer stood down Long-Bailey from the frontbench after she shared an interview containing the claim that US police learnt kneeling on people’s necks “from seminars with Israeli secret services”.
His spokesperson described it as “an antisemitic conspiracy theory” and said “Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority”.
The Socialist Campaign Group issued a statement after the meeting today, which was held to express concerns over the sacking. The group confirmed that there was still “significant disagreement” on the decision.
According to the statement, MPs on the call also stressed the need for Labour to clearly oppose Israel’s annexation plans, and raised concerns about the response to the leaked report including the treatment of Black MPs.
The Zoom meeting held from 9am was described as a “business-like exchange of views which took place in a mutually respectful manner”. A new Shadow Education Secretary is expected to be appointed in the coming days.
There had been talk of left MPs resigning from the Labour frontbench in protest, but that has not taken place as they have decided to retain influence where possible.
Long-Bailey herself has told The Mirror: “The only way that we’ll win a general election is by being unified as a party that’s why it’s so important for me to make the choice not to be critical about the way I might have been treated.”
Below is the full text of the Socialist Campaign Group statement.
“The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs met this morning with Labour leader Keir Starmer.
“On the sacking of Rebecca Long-Bailey from the shadow cabinet, it was clear that significant disagreement remains on this point. The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs made it clear that Rebecca Long-Bailey should not have been sacked and should be reinstated.
“The imminent annexation of the West Bank by Israel’s government was discussed and the need for the Labour Party, MPs, party members and supporters to speak out against Israel’s illegal annexation and ongoing human right abuses by the government of Israel was raised.
“Concerns were also raised about the party response to the review into leaks and the 2017 electoral sabotage and especially the treatment of black MPs.
“This was a business-like exchange of views which took place in a mutually respectful manner.”


labourlist--2020-06-27--A reinvigorated Labour Friends of the Forces is more important than ever

Labour has a long history of standing four-square behind our armed forces personnel .
From Clement Attlee ’ s frontline involvement in the Gallipoli campaign to Major Denis Healey ’ s ‘ good war ’ that culminated in him being the beach master at Anzio in 1944 , the party ’ s military heritage is as rich as it is varied .
But our recognition that to become the party of the armed forces we must work harder to welcome those who have served , was a driving force behind the formation of the Labour Friends of the Forces and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP in 2011 .
Labour governments have spent a greater proportion of GDP on defence , but this hasn ’ t always cut through on the doorstep and the party ’ s standing on defence has been weakened in recent years .
This means that just 14 % of voters think Labour is the best party on defence issues , and only 28 % of our heartland voters believe Labour would protect the UK from global threats .
If Labour wants to win back credibility on this crucial issue , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being united and putting protecting the public first .
Our new party leader recognises the challenges ahead and has said the first way to rebuild trust is to listen to people .
As we celebrate Armed Forces Day today , we are delighted to lay another marker in the sand – the relaunch of Labour Friends of the Forces ( LFF ) , and with it a bold package of commitments that will help the party listen and rebuild ties with those who have served and their families .
Armed Forces Day on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Labour government , is a celebration of our troops ’ intrinsic value and ordinarily sees the presentation of medals to personnel along with commemorative activities .
This year , announced by the leader of the opposition and with his full support , LFF is proudly making renewed commitments to serve the forces community and setting out the means by which it aims to achieve this goal .
A timetable of eight events in just ten months spanning every region in the UK , cut-rate membership for forces affiliated personnel , a direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence frontbench and access to the continents ’ leading defence minds form a bold new offer to LFF supporters .
Accompanying these new offers to LFF members is a reinvigorated set of objectives .
A will to build the party ’ s relationship with serving personnel , veterans and their families ; to nurture and identify future candidates from a military background ; to improve the party ’ s understanding of issues effecting the service community ; and to create a forum for training , discussion and development for the group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has thrown its full weight behind these aims only adds to the significance of the group ’ s ambitious new plans .
Why is it so important for Labour to show leadership on Armed Forces Day ?
Because the government is failing to do so .
Troop pay increases have been delayed for a second year running , for the fourth consecutive year the ombudsman has found a vastly underperforming complaints system , and satisfaction along with morale has been declining for a decade as the armed forces continuous attitudes survey has revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just failing the troops themselves .
A decade of crude Tory defence cuts has left the army alone falling 8,000 personnel short of the government ’ s own targets .
These factors – alongside statistics revealing that between 2010 and 2015 Britain ’ s defence budget fell by £8bn with no real confirmation of when this will step up again – show this government ’ s lack of commitment to our service personnel .
Adding insult to injury is the fact that all this is going on against the backdrop of our troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 .
Our armed forces deserve so much more than dwindling troop numbers , incessant cuts to the defence budget and a decade of failure in addressing lagging morale .
Labour knows this – and through LFF seeks to provide a forum to listen , and for tackling these issues head on .
Against the backdrop of Covid-19 , where our armed forces continue to go above and beyond in delivering for the nation , it is important that political parties deliver for them .
A decade of Tory defence decline presents an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party to stand up for our troops once again .
This Armed Forces Day , with the support of our new leader , we are delighted to announce a reinvigorated group rooted in our service communities , for our service communities – Labour Friends of the Forces .

Labour has a long history of standing four-square behind our armed forces personnel. From Clement Attlee’s frontline involvement in the Gallipoli campaign to Major Denis Healey’s ‘good war’ that culminated in him being the beach master at Anzio in 1944, the party’s military heritage is as rich as it is varied. But our recognition that to become the party of the armed forces we must work harder to welcome those who have served, was a driving force behind the formation of the Labour Friends of the Forces and saw Major Dan Jarvis become a Labour MP in 2011.
Labour governments have spent a greater proportion of GDP on defence, but this hasn’t always cut through on the doorstep and the party’s standing on defence has been weakened in recent years. This means that just 14% of voters think Labour is the best party on defence issues, and only 28% of our heartland voters believe Labour would protect the UK from global threats. If Labour wants to win back credibility on this crucial issue, it’s a long journey to rebuild trust by being united and putting protecting the public first.
Our new party leader recognises the challenges ahead and has said the first way to rebuild trust is to listen to people. As we celebrate Armed Forces Day today, we are delighted to lay another marker in the sand – the relaunch of Labour Friends of the Forces (LFF), and with it a bold package of commitments that will help the party listen and rebuild ties with those who have served and their families.
Armed Forces Day on June 27th, the brainchild of the last Labour government, is a celebration of our troops’ intrinsic value and ordinarily sees the presentation of medals to personnel along with commemorative activities. This year, announced by the leader of the opposition and with his full support, LFF is proudly making renewed commitments to serve the forces community and setting out the means by which it aims to achieve this goal. A timetable of eight events in just ten months spanning every region in the UK, cut-rate membership for forces affiliated personnel, a direct channel of communication to Labour’s defence frontbench and access to the continents’ leading defence minds form a bold new offer to LFF supporters.
Accompanying these new offers to LFF members is a reinvigorated set of objectives. A will to build the party’s relationship with serving personnel, veterans and their families; to nurture and identify future candidates from a military background; to improve the party’s understanding of issues effecting the service community; and to create a forum for training, discussion and development for the group’s membership. The fact that the leadership has thrown its full weight behind these aims only adds to the significance of the group’s ambitious new plans.
Why is it so important for Labour to show leadership on Armed Forces Day? Because the government is failing to do so. Troop pay increases have been delayed for a second year running, for the fourth consecutive year the ombudsman has found a vastly underperforming complaints system, and satisfaction along with morale has been declining for a decade as the armed forces continuous attitudes survey has revealed. And the current administration is not just failing the troops themselves. A decade of crude Tory defence cuts has left the army alone falling 8,000 personnel short of the government’s own targets.
These factors – alongside statistics revealing that between 2010 and 2015 Britain’s defence budget fell by £8bn with no real confirmation of when this will step up again – show this government’s lack of commitment to our service personnel. Adding insult to injury is the fact that all this is going on against the backdrop of our troops playing such a vital role in combatting Covid-19.
Our armed forces deserve so much more than dwindling troop numbers, incessant cuts to the defence budget and a decade of failure in addressing lagging morale. Labour knows this – and through LFF seeks to provide a forum to listen, and for tackling these issues head on. Against the backdrop of Covid-19, where our armed forces continue to go above and beyond in delivering for the nation, it is important that political parties deliver for them.
A decade of Tory defence decline presents an opportunity for Labour to return as the party to stand up for our troops once again. This Armed Forces Day, with the support of our new leader, we are delighted to announce a reinvigorated group rooted in our service communities, for our service communities – Labour Friends of the Forces.


labourlist--2020-06-27--On Global Pride Day, let’s celebrate all we’ve achieved for LGBTQ+ rights

I couldn ’ t start this piece without saying yet again that I am incredibly proud of all that Labour has achieved by championing the fight for LGBTQ+ equality .
We abolished Section 28 , equalised the age of consent , created civil partnerships , and it was only through Labour votes that equal marriage became law .
While we are in the grip of Covid-19 , I am more acutely aware than ever of the huge mountain we have to climb when it comes to addressing inequality .
The latest ONS figures on coronavirus-related deaths show that disabled women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to die than non-disabled women , and that black men are three times more likely to die than their white male counterparts .
We don ’ t know what the comparative figures are for LGBTQ+ people .
But we do know that feeling unsafe at home while isolating and reduced access to healthcare , for example , will already be having a disproportionate impact for many .
The government has been too slow to protect us , leaving the most exposed at the mercies of the worst coronavirus can do .
And although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was already the case that two in five trans people experienced hate crime , that one in four trans people have experienced homelessness at some point and that one in four trans people have been subjected to domestic violence .
Despite the fact that the government estimates there are approximately 200,000-500,000 trans people in the UK – less than 1 % of the population – the government still feels completely able to use trans people as a distraction from their failings .
In the context of a fraught debate on rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do want to celebrate all the progress made – and the labour movement ’ s role in making that happen – I also know that there is still a long way to go on issues such as education , levels of LGBTQ+ hate crime , and mental and physical wellbeing .
Labour stands in solidarity with the trans community .
Trans rights are human rights and our party is committed to both updating the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and upholding the Equality Act 2010 .
I want to say thank you for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Labour can be proud of our history of advancing LGBTQ+ rights : I know it takes courage and can be very hard to stand up and make your voice heard .
Over the coming weeks , as we move to respond to the government ’ s proposals – which are still not published – our discussions will be conducted on the basis of fact and respect .
I will make sure not just to meet with but also to listen to and understand LGBTQ+ communities and women to ensure we put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect everyone ’ s rights .
This Global Pride Day , I hope we can celebrate together all that we have achieved for our LGBTQ+ rights , our healthy relationships and our wellbeing .
I know we ’ ve got lots more to do and that these are challenging times , but I look forward to working with you to achieve even more in the future .

I couldn’t start this piece without saying yet again that I am incredibly proud of all that Labour has achieved by championing the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. We abolished Section 28, equalised the age of consent, created civil partnerships, and it was only through Labour votes that equal marriage became law.
While we are in the grip of Covid-19, I am more acutely aware than ever of the huge mountain we have to climb when it comes to addressing inequality. The latest ONS figures on coronavirus-related deaths show that disabled women are more than 11 times more likely to die than non-disabled women, and that black men are three times more likely to die than their white male counterparts.
We don’t know what the comparative figures are for LGBTQ+ people. But we do know that feeling unsafe at home while isolating and reduced access to healthcare, for example, will already be having a disproportionate impact for many.
The government has been too slow to protect us, leaving the most exposed at the mercies of the worst coronavirus can do. And although coronavirus has knocked the world for six, it was already the case that two in five trans people experienced hate crime, that one in four trans people have experienced homelessness at some point and that one in four trans people have been subjected to domestic violence.
Despite the fact that the government estimates there are approximately 200,000-500,000 trans people in the UK – less than 1% of the population – the government still feels completely able to use trans people as a distraction from their failings.
In the context of a fraught debate on rights, intersectionality matters. While I really do want to celebrate all the progress made – and the labour movement’s role in making that happen – I also know that there is still a long way to go on issues such as education, levels of LGBTQ+ hate crime, and mental and physical wellbeing.
Labour stands in solidarity with the trans community. Trans rights are human rights and our party is committed to both updating the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and upholding the Equality Act 2010. I want to say thank you for all that you have done to make sure that Labour can be proud of our history of advancing LGBTQ+ rights: I know it takes courage and can be very hard to stand up and make your voice heard.
Over the coming weeks, as we move to respond to the government’s proposals – which are still not published – our discussions will be conducted on the basis of fact and respect. I will make sure not just to meet with but also to listen to and understand LGBTQ+ communities and women to ensure we put in place the appropriate policies that protect and respect everyone’s rights.
This Global Pride Day, I hope we can celebrate together all that we have achieved for our LGBTQ+ rights, our healthy relationships and our wellbeing. I know we’ve got lots more to do and that these are challenging times, but I look forward to working with you to achieve even more in the future.


labourlist--2020-06-27--Kate Green replaces Rebecca Long-Bailey as Shadow Education Secretary

Keir Starmer has appointed Kate Green to replace Rebecca Long-Bailey , who was sacked this week , as Labour ’ s new Shadow Education Secretary .
The Labour leader said : “ I ’ m delighted to appoint Kate Green as Shadow Education Secretary .
Kate has spent a lifetime campaigning against child poverty and educational inequalities .
I look forward to working with her in this new role.
” Green added : “ It ’ s a privilege to have been asked to serve as Shadow Education Secretary .
The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to working with teachers , unions , parents and councils to help ensure we get our children back in school as soon as possible.
” The Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston was first elected to parliament in May 2010 .
Before becoming an MP , she was chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group and previously director of the National Council for One-Parent Families .
The appointment adds another Fabian Society MP to Labour ’ s frontbench , which already heavily features members of the Labour-affiliated organisation – including Keir Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 until last year .
It has been welcomed by the Labour Against Private Schools campaign group , which has tweeted that Green was the first Labour MP to support the ‘ Abolish Eton ’ initiative and in 2019 organised an event in parliament on phasing out private schools .
Green backed Yvette Cooper for the leadership in 2015 .
She was promoted to the shadow cabinet in the women and equalities role by Jeremy Corbyn , but joined the mass resignation in 2016 .
She subsequently chaired the Owen Smith campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ April as a shadow minister in the work and pensions team , led by Jonathan Reynolds , in a role focusing on Labour ’ s child poverty strategy .
Green has written comment pieces in the past for LabourList on public attitudes towards immigration , using foreign aid to help refugees , giving asylum seekers the right to work , adapting to automation and treating disabled people with dignity .
She described Labour ’ s promises to scrap university tuition fees and offer free school meals to all primary school children as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 LabourList piece .
In 2016 , she wrote an article for The New Statesman arguing that Corbyn did not understand the concerns of women in the parliamentary party around sexist abuse , and complained that he had argued the sex industry should be decriminalised without consulting the shadow cabinet .
Long-Bailey was sacked by Starmer from the education post on Thursday after she shared an interview containing the claim that US police learnt the tactic of kneeling on people ’ s necks “ from seminars with Israeli secret services ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim in question as “ an antisemitic conspiracy theory ” and said “ Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority ” .
Starmer rejected pleas from Labour left MPs to reinstate her .

Keir Starmer has appointed Kate Green to replace Rebecca Long-Bailey, who was sacked this week, as Labour’s new Shadow Education Secretary.
The Labour leader said: “I’m delighted to appoint Kate Green as Shadow Education Secretary. Kate has spent a lifetime campaigning against child poverty and educational inequalities. I look forward to working with her in this new role.”
Green added: “It’s a privilege to have been asked to serve as Shadow Education Secretary. The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on children’s education. I look forward to working with teachers, unions, parents and councils to help ensure we get our children back in school as soon as possible.”
The Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston was first elected to parliament in May 2010. Before becoming an MP, she was chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group and previously director of the National Council for One-Parent Families.
The appointment adds another Fabian Society MP to Labour’s frontbench, which already heavily features members of the Labour-affiliated organisation – including Keir Starmer himself. Green chaired the Fabians from 2016 until last year.
It has been welcomed by the Labour Against Private Schools campaign group, which has tweeted that Green was the first Labour MP to support the ‘Abolish Eton’ initiative and in 2019 organised an event in parliament on phasing out private schools.
Green backed Yvette Cooper for the leadership in 2015. She was promoted to the shadow cabinet in the women and equalities role by Jeremy Corbyn, but joined the mass resignation in 2016. She subsequently chaired the Owen Smith campaign.
Starmer appointed her to the frontbench in April as a shadow minister in the work and pensions team, led by Jonathan Reynolds, in a role focusing on Labour’s child poverty strategy.
Green has written comment pieces in the past for LabourList on public attitudes towards immigration, using foreign aid to help refugees, giving asylum seekers the right to work, adapting to automation and treating disabled people with dignity.
She described Labour’s promises to scrap university tuition fees and offer free school meals to all primary school children as “powerful domestic policy commitments” in a 2018 LabourList piece.
In 2016, she wrote an article for The New Statesman arguing that Corbyn did not understand the concerns of women in the parliamentary party around sexist abuse, and complained that he had argued the sex industry should be decriminalised without consulting the shadow cabinet.
Long-Bailey was sacked by Starmer from the education post on Thursday after she shared an interview containing the claim that US police learnt the tactic of kneeling on people’s necks “from seminars with Israeli secret services”.
The Labour leader’s spokesperson described the claim in question as “an antisemitic conspiracy theory” and said “Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority”. Starmer rejected pleas from Labour left MPs to reinstate her.


labourlist--2020-06-28--JLM: Keir Starmer has passed a major test of leadership

Tackling institutional anti-Jewish racism in the Labour Party was a cornerstone of every Labour leadership campaign , with decisive action promised by all .
The weight of the candidates ’ commitment to tackle antisemitism was most apparent when Rebecca Long-Bailey , Lisa Nandy , and Keir Starmer proclaimed that MPs who had not signed the Board of Deputies ’ ‘ ten pledges to end the antisemitism crisis ’ would not find a spot in their shadow cabinet .
This week , Keir Starmer passed a major test of leadership by proving that actions do speak louder than words .
Rebecca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet for violating Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner ’ s commitments to take action against antisemitism – a commitment upon which Labour members elected them to lead .
Long-Bailey ’ s reluctance to acknowledge her misjudgement , let alone make a full and proper apology , made her position on the Labour frontbench untenable .
After years of anti-Jewish racism being tolerated – even at times encouraged – under Jeremy Corbyn ’ s Labour , it ’ s no wonder this move has sparked a backlash from a dwindling fanbase who ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget ’ attitude to spreading dangerously racist conspiracy theories .
The initial claim in Maxine Peake ’ s interview , that police officers who ’ d murdered George Floyd learnt their fatal neck-kneeling method from Israeli security services , has since been debunked by Amnesty International ( initially cited as its source ) and Maxine Peake herself , whose apology went further than the former Shadow Education Secretary .
If entirely untrue , where did this claim originate ?
Police services share law enforcement tactics worldwide and offer counter-terrorism training , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel 6,000 miles to learn how to murder an unarmed Black American .
For the past decade , camera phones and social media have helped expose the violent racism that pulses through the heartbeat of US law enforcement , where police forces in the Deep South find their roots in Reconstruction Era slave patrols .
The insinuation that Israel had a role to play in murdering George Floyd is false and irresponsible because it deflects from the systemic racism that is killing Black people , and because it fuels Jew hatred .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes ; its police are not immune to anti-Black racism and its proposed annexation of the Jordan Valley has been rightfully condemned across the political spectrum .
At the Jewish Labour Movement , we ’ ve been supporting Yachad ’ s campaign against annexation and our parliamentary chair , Margaret Hodge , joined a thousand European parliamentarians opposing West Bank annexation in a letter to European foreign ministries .
If the left wants to do right by Palestinians , it must refrain from falling into lazy tropes that blame the ‘ hand of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ills and maintain the moral fibre to legitimately criticise the Israeli government when lives depend on it .
We may never know why Israel popped into Maxine Peake ’ s head as she searched for explanation to a racist murder in the US , but the origins of the conspiracy theory lie with far-right and far-left antisemites .
Peake admitted she was “ inaccurate in [ her ] assumption ” , and I imagine in a parallel world where Long-Bailey was truly remorseful for failing to spot an antisemitic trope , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A five-year-long culture of permissiveness paints Starmer ’ s response as extreme , but Long-Bailey ’ s refusal to retract and apologise exhausted his options .
Peake , Long-Bailey and their defenders have fundamentally derailed the conversation .
Black Lives Matter is a liberation movement against systemic anti-Black racism and police brutality .
It ’ s not about Israel , Jews , or Momentum .
The murder of George Floyd was used as a platform to promote an antisemitic conspiracy theory ; a disgrace to his memory , his family ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement awakened by his death .
We recently discussed the need for Jewish solidarity with Black Lives Matter in an online event , and take attempts to divide our communities very seriously .
The casual racism espoused by Peake in that interview can not go uncritically supported by a member of the shadow cabinet .
Keir Starmer pledged zero tolerance on racism through education and discipline , and we have to let him deliver .
Swiftly distancing Labour ’ s top team from a nonchalant approach to racism was only shocking because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some reaction to the sacking is proving more problematic than the crime itself : excusing racism with a defence of one ’ s leftist credentials is repugnant , particularly as a vehicle for a data gathering exercise .
There is a reason that the electorate consigned these people to the fringes of our party ; anybody lining up to lionise Long-Bailey should take proper stock of the hill they ’ re dying on .
Leftist martyrdom should be built on defence of workers , opposition to state brutality , and universal rights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist conspiracy theory .
We can demand better action against racism in other quarters of our party , and in society , without rallying around a vacuous cause to reinstate somebody who was sacked for getting it wrong – a reminder of how politics is supposed to look .

Tackling institutional anti-Jewish racism in the Labour Party was a cornerstone of every Labour leadership campaign, with decisive action promised by all. The weight of the candidates’ commitment to tackle antisemitism was most apparent when Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, and Keir Starmer proclaimed that MPs who had not signed the Board of Deputies’ ‘ten pledges to end the antisemitism crisis’ would not find a spot in their shadow cabinet. This week, Keir Starmer passed a major test of leadership by proving that actions do speak louder than words.
Rebecca Long-Bailey was stood down from the shadow cabinet for violating Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner’s commitments to take action against antisemitism – a commitment upon which Labour members elected them to lead. Long-Bailey’s reluctance to acknowledge her misjudgement, let alone make a full and proper apology, made her position on the Labour frontbench untenable. After years of anti-Jewish racism being tolerated – even at times encouraged – under Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour, it’s no wonder this move has sparked a backlash from a dwindling fanbase who’d rather we had a ‘forgive and forget’ attitude to spreading dangerously racist conspiracy theories.
The initial claim in Maxine Peake’s interview, that police officers who’d murdered George Floyd learnt their fatal neck-kneeling method from Israeli security services, has since been debunked by Amnesty International (initially cited as its source) and Maxine Peake herself, whose apology went further than the former Shadow Education Secretary. If entirely untrue, where did this claim originate?
Police services share law enforcement tactics worldwide and offer counter-terrorism training, but the Minneapolis Police Department didn’t need to travel 6,000 miles to learn how to murder an unarmed Black American. For the past decade, camera phones and social media have helped expose the violent racism that pulses through the heartbeat of US law enforcement, where police forces in the Deep South find their roots in Reconstruction Era slave patrols.
The insinuation that Israel had a role to play in murdering George Floyd is false and irresponsible because it deflects from the systemic racism that is killing Black people, and because it fuels Jew hatred. The Israeli government is responsible for many crimes; its police are not immune to anti-Black racism and its proposed annexation of the Jordan Valley has been rightfully condemned across the political spectrum. At the Jewish Labour Movement, we’ve been supporting Yachad’s campaign against annexation and our parliamentary chair, Margaret Hodge, joined a thousand European parliamentarians opposing West Bank annexation in a letter to European foreign ministries. If the left wants to do right by Palestinians, it must refrain from falling into lazy tropes that blame the ‘hand of Israel’ for all the world’s ills and maintain the moral fibre to legitimately criticise the Israeli government when lives depend on it.
We may never know why Israel popped into Maxine Peake’s head as she searched for explanation to a racist murder in the US, but the origins of the conspiracy theory lie with far-right and far-left antisemites. Peake admitted she was “inaccurate in [her] assumption”, and I imagine in a parallel world where Long-Bailey was truly remorseful for failing to spot an antisemitic trope, she’d still be in a job. A five-year-long culture of permissiveness paints Starmer’s response as extreme, but Long-Bailey’s refusal to retract and apologise exhausted his options.
Peake, Long-Bailey and their defenders have fundamentally derailed the conversation. Black Lives Matter is a liberation movement against systemic anti-Black racism and police brutality. It’s not about Israel, Jews, or Momentum. The murder of George Floyd was used as a platform to promote an antisemitic conspiracy theory; a disgrace to his memory, his family’s fight for justice, and the global movement awakened by his death. We recently discussed the need for Jewish solidarity with Black Lives Matter in an online event, and take attempts to divide our communities very seriously. The casual racism espoused by Peake in that interview cannot go uncritically supported by a member of the shadow cabinet. Keir Starmer pledged zero tolerance on racism through education and discipline, and we have to let him deliver. Swiftly distancing Labour’s top team from a nonchalant approach to racism was only shocking because we are so accustomed to hollow words.
Some reaction to the sacking is proving more problematic than the crime itself: excusing racism with a defence of one’s leftist credentials is repugnant, particularly as a vehicle for a data gathering exercise. There is a reason that the electorate consigned these people to the fringes of our party; anybody lining up to lionise Long-Bailey should take proper stock of the hill they’re dying on. Leftist martyrdom should be built on defence of workers, opposition to state brutality, and universal rights, not the right to accidentally tweet a racist conspiracy theory.
We can demand better action against racism in other quarters of our party, and in society, without rallying around a vacuous cause to reinstate somebody who was sacked for getting it wrong – a reminder of how politics is supposed to look.


labourlist--2020-06-28--Sunday shows: Starmer “definitely” a better leader than me, says Miliband

Ed Miliband , former Labour leader and now Shadow Business Secretary , defended the decision to sack Rebecca Long-Bailey and said Keir Starmer is “ already ” a better Labour leader than he was .
He confirmed that Labour backs ‘ unlocking ’ on July 4th , but called for an extension to the furlough scheme and more support .
On the sacking of Rebecca Long-Bailey… • On whether it was right to sack Long-Bailey : “ It was .
It ’ s important to explain why because Rebecca is a very decent person… The problem is that over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jews have been blamed.
” • On whether Long-Bailey is antisemitic : “ No , I don ’ t think she is antisemitic .
I think she made a significant error of judgment.
” • On whether the sacking was an ‘ overreaction ’ : “ I don ’ t think it was an overreaction .
I don ’ t think there can be a sense of overreaction when you know the scale of the problem we face.
” • On whether this is a ‘ wider purge of the left ’ : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t. ” • On Starmer : “ He ’ s not about purges .
He ’ s a principled guy , he ’ s a guy with integrity .
He wants to change this country and he wants to change this country by unifying the Labour Party but also by not having the Labour Party mired in issues which provide a stain on us.
” • On Ian Lavery ’ s call for Labour left members to ‘ stay and fight ’ : “ Good .
Well , we should fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • On divisions over policy : “ I think in the Labour Party sometimes we ’ re good at burying our similarities… Keir wants a radical , transformative agenda for this country .
We ’ ve got to focus on that.
” • On whether Labour supports the unlocking on July 4th : “ It does , yes .
Because we ’ ve been constructive about this.
” • On whether he wants the furlough scheme to continue : “ I would , yes… The cost of not acting is greater than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Labour wants the government to do : “ You ’ ve got to have a bridge between the end of the furlough and a proper job creation programme.
” • On a VAT cut : “ I think that ’ s one thing that should be considered .
That ’ s not top of my priority list though.
” • Emphasising that “ this is a sectoral recession ” , he added that a “ turbo-charged version ” of Labour ’ s post-recession Future Jobs Fund should be launched .
• On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recover : “ Why do I feel a bit sceptical about the Prime Minister ’ s words ?
Because he ’ s very good at words , he ’ s very good at promises… The problem is there ’ s a Grand Canyon between his rhetoric and the reality.
” • Asked whether Starmer is going to be a better Labour leader than Miliband : “ Definitely .
We ’ ve seen that already .
I certainly never had his approval ratings .
I think he ’ s made a great start .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just competence but the kind of seriousness that this crisis demands.
” Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called for a “ sector-specific ” extension to the furlough scheme to avoid redundancies , and argued that Keir Starmer was right to sack Rebecca Long-Bailey .
• On jobs : “ We need to see the government get directly involved in the business of creating jobs .
Something like the Future Jobs Fund , which we saw after the financial crisis.
” • On redundancies and the furlough scheme : “ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers have to make contributions… the danger is many of those people will simply be made redundant.
” • On extending support : “ New Zealand has extended its furlough scheme , its wage subsidy scheme , to any business still affected by a loss of revenue from the crisis… That ’ s the kind of approach that we need.
” • He added : “ Alongside that , bring forward investment decisions – make sure young people are kept in education , otherwise 800,000 young people will enter the labour market this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme should be extended : “ Yes , it should be extended .
Not in a universal way but in a sector-specific way.
” • Asked whether Labour should have done more to reopen schools : “ No , I don ’ t think that ’ s fair… Everybody wants schools back but the only way to do that is to convince parents that it ’ s safe.
” • On whether Long-Bailey should have been sacked : “ Yes , the sharing of an antisemitic conspiracy theory I ’ m afraid is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • On whether Long-Bailey understood the comments were antisemitic : “ I ’ m not sure , to be honest .
When I saw the article that had been shared I gasped… I assumed perhaps it hadn ’ t been read and an apology would be forthcoming .
I don ’ t know exactly why that is exactly still up there on Twitter .
But there ’ s no doubt , it is an antisemitic conspiracy theory and we promised zero tolerance.
” • On whether Labour is going to be “ tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ No .
I do not accept at all the kind of rhetoric we once heard from people like George Osborne .
” • On contributions-based benefits : “ Because the government has failed to up-rate legacy benefits alongside the increase in Universal Credit , the National Insurance level of support is lower than the means-tested level of support.
” • He added : “ That is completely unacceptable .
£74 a week is not sufficient compensation for the national contributions people have paid.
” • On creating a new benefit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about finding a replacement for Universal Credit , we ’ ve got to consider this aspect of it as well.
” First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford discussed the reopening of schools and criticised UK government messaging on Covid-19 .
He warned that the crisis is not over , and that he would continue to issue a “ more sober message ” in Wales .
• On reopening schools : “ As from tomorrow all schools in Wales – other than in Anglesey where we have an outbreak of coronavirus – will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk : “ No , we worked very hard indeed with our trade union colleagues and our local education authorities… A huge effort has gone on by teachers and non-teaching staff to make sure schools will be safe.
” • On the reopening of pubs and restaurants : “ We are planning with our hospitality sector to see if we can safely reopen outdoor hospitality.
” • On the UK government ’ s handling of the crisis : “ My concerns with the UK government are sometimes less with the substance… I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – the way things are described.
” • On his message : “ I am very keen to continue to say to Welsh citizens : coronavirus has not gone away… And that ’ s a very different message I think to the message across the border.
” • On communications from the PM : “ The message seems much more : it ’ s all over and you can go back to doing everything as you did before… We ’ ve seen around the world how that leads to flare ups of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the UK and Wales : “ On substance , I don ’ t think we ’ re that far apart .
We give a much more sober message to people in Wales because we are still in a coronavirus crisis.
” • On testing : “ We may have had to build up our system more slowly , but I think our system is now in very good shape and demonstrating every day that it is working effectively.
” Priti Patel also appeared , and argued that the actions of Dominic Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She repeatedly refused to say whether Boris Johnson was involved in the Robert Jenrick ‘ cash-for-favours ’ scandal and had contact with the developer , reiterating the Prime Minister ’ s message earlier this week that “ the matter is closed ” .
Patel described as “ racist ” a recent letter by BAME Labour MPs that suggested she had used her “ heritage and experiences of racism to gaslight the very real racism faced by black people ” .
She said : “ They clearly take the stance and the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their pre-conceived idea or stereotypical view of what an ethnic minority woman should stand for and represent… That in itself is racist .
”

The Andrew Marr Show
Ed Miliband, former Labour leader and now Shadow Business Secretary, defended the decision to sack Rebecca Long-Bailey and said Keir Starmer is “already” a better Labour leader than he was. He confirmed that Labour backs ‘unlocking’ on July 4th, but called for an extension to the furlough scheme and more support.
On the sacking of Rebecca Long-Bailey…
On whether it was right to sack Long-Bailey: “It was. It’s important to explain why because Rebecca is a very decent person… The problem is that over the centuries when calamitous things have happened, Jews have been blamed.”
On whether Long-Bailey is antisemitic: “No, I don’t think she is antisemitic. I think she made a significant error of judgment.”
On whether the sacking was an ‘overreaction’: “I don’t think it was an overreaction. I don’t think there can be a sense of overreaction when you know the scale of the problem we face.”
On whether this is a ‘wider purge of the left’: “No, of course it isn’t.”
On Starmer: “He’s not about purges. He’s a principled guy, he’s a guy with integrity. He wants to change this country and he wants to change this country by unifying the Labour Party but also by not having the Labour Party mired in issues which provide a stain on us.”
On Ian Lavery’s call for Labour left members to ‘stay and fight’: “Good. Well, we should fight the Conservatives. Definitely. I completely agree.”
On divisions over policy: “I think in the Labour Party sometimes we’re good at burying our similarities… Keir wants a radical, transformative agenda for this country. We’ve got to focus on that.”
On the coronavirus recovery…
On whether Labour supports the unlocking on July 4th: “It does, yes. Because we’ve been constructive about this.”
On whether he wants the furlough scheme to continue: “I would, yes… The cost of not acting is greater than the cost of acting.”
On what Labour wants the government to do: “You’ve got to have a bridge between the end of the furlough and a proper job creation programme.”
On a VAT cut: “I think that’s one thing that should be considered. That’s not top of my priority list though.”
Emphasising that “this is a sectoral recession”, he added that a “turbo-charged version” of Labour’s post-recession Future Jobs Fund should be launched.
On reports that Boris Johnson will spend to recover: “Why do I feel a bit sceptical about the Prime Minister’s words? Because he’s very good at words, he’s very good at promises… The problem is there’s a Grand Canyon between his rhetoric and the reality.”
On Starmer’s leadership…
Asked whether Starmer is going to be a better Labour leader than Miliband: “Definitely. We’ve seen that already. I certainly never had his approval ratings. I think he’s made a great start. I think he’s shown not just competence but the kind of seriousness that this crisis demands.”
#Marr: Is Sir Keir Starmer going to be a better Labour leader than you? Ed Miliband: "Definitely. We've seen that already"https://t.co/iq688bqnBq pic.twitter.com/9a9oxYsr5c — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) June 28, 2020
Ridge on Sunday
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called for a “sector-specific” extension to the furlough scheme to avoid redundancies, and argued that Keir Starmer was right to sack Rebecca Long-Bailey.
On jobs: “We need to see the government get directly involved in the business of creating jobs. Something like the Future Jobs Fund, which we saw after the financial crisis.”
On redundancies and the furlough scheme: “We have over nine million people furloughed. As employers have to make contributions… the danger is many of those people will simply be made redundant.”
On extending support: “New Zealand has extended its furlough scheme, its wage subsidy scheme, to any business still affected by a loss of revenue from the crisis… That’s the kind of approach that we need.”
He added: “Alongside that, bring forward investment decisions – make sure young people are kept in education, otherwise 800,000 young people will enter the labour market this summer.”
Asked whether the furlough scheme should be extended: “Yes, it should be extended. Not in a universal way but in a sector-specific way.”
Asked whether Labour should have done more to reopen schools: “ No, I don’t think that’s fair… Everybody wants schools back but the only way to do that is to convince parents that it’s safe.”
On whether Long-Bailey should have been sacked: “Yes, the sharing of an antisemitic conspiracy theory I’m afraid is not something that can be ignored.”
On whether Long-Bailey understood the comments were antisemitic: “I’m not sure, to be honest. When I saw the article that had been shared I gasped… I assumed perhaps it hadn’t been read and an apology would be forthcoming. I don’t know exactly why that is exactly still up there on Twitter. But there’s no doubt, it is an antisemitic conspiracy theory and we promised zero tolerance.”
On whether Labour is going to be “tough on benefits” under the new leadership: “No. I do not accept at all the kind of rhetoric we once heard from people like George Osborne .”
.” On contributions-based benefits: “Because the government has failed to up-rate legacy benefits alongside the increase in Universal Credit, the National Insurance level of support is lower than the means-tested level of support.”
He added: “That is completely unacceptable. £74 a week is not sufficient compensation for the national contributions people have paid.”
On creating a new benefit in its place: “When we talk about finding a replacement for Universal Credit, we’ve got to consider this aspect of it as well.”
Was Keir Starmer right to get rid of Rebecca Long Bailey? "Yes, the sharing of an antisemitic conspiracy theory I'm afraid is not something that can be ignored…we will get no more chances, we deserve no more chances with the Jewish community" says @jreynoldsMP #Ridge pic.twitter.com/On89jYXopy — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) June 28, 2020
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford discussed the reopening of schools and criticised UK government messaging on Covid-19. He warned that the crisis is not over, and that he would continue to issue a “more sober message” in Wales.
On reopening schools: “As from tomorrow all schools in Wales – other than in Anglesey where we have an outbreak of coronavirus – will go back.”
Asked whether teachers are at risk: “No, we worked very hard indeed with our trade union colleagues and our local education authorities… A huge effort has gone on by teachers and non-teaching staff to make sure schools will be safe.”
On the reopening of pubs and restaurants: “We are planning with our hospitality sector to see if we can safely reopen outdoor hospitality.”
On the UK government’s handling of the crisis: “My concerns with the UK government are sometimes less with the substance… I’m more concerned at the messaging – the way things are described.”
On his message: “I am very keen to continue to say to Welsh citizens: coronavirus has not gone away… And that’s a very different message I think to the message across the border.”
On communications from the PM: “The message seems much more: it’s all over and you can go back to doing everything as you did before… We’ve seen around the world how that leads to flare ups of the disease again.”
Comparing the approaches of the UK and Wales: “On substance, I don’t think we’re that far apart. We give a much more sober message to people in Wales because we are still in a coronavirus crisis.”
On testing: “We may have had to build up our system more slowly, but I think our system is now in very good shape and demonstrating every day that it is working effectively.”
Priti Patel also appeared, and argued that the actions of Dominic Cummings had not undermined government guidance on Covid-19.
She repeatedly refused to say whether Boris Johnson was involved in the Robert Jenrick ‘cash-for-favours’ scandal and had contact with the developer, reiterating the Prime Minister’s message earlier this week that “the matter is closed”.
Patel described as “racist” a recent letter by BAME Labour MPs that suggested she had used her “heritage and experiences of racism to gaslight the very real racism faced by black people”.
She said: “They clearly take the stance and the position that I just don’t conform to their pre-conceived idea or stereotypical view of what an ethnic minority woman should stand for and represent… That in itself is racist.”


labourlist--2020-06-28--Labour proposes ‘Care for Carers’ to support mental health of staff

Labour has proposed a new four-stage ‘ Care for Carers ’ package designed by the party to support the mental health of over three million NHS and care staff in England .
• A new national hotline available 24 hours a day , seven days a week • Follow-up and sign-posted to external services , such as alcohol and addiction services Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , Labour ’ s spokesperson on mental health , has called for the “ shake-up ” amid the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that staff receive fast-tracked help .
The shadow minister said : “ Even before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investing in this kind of support was clear .
Coronavirus has exacerbated the existing crisis in mental health .
“ Many NHS and social care staff have been scared of going to work , and they have lost patients and colleagues .
It has been heartbreaking to witness the toll this virus has taken on staff mental health.
” The package being put forward by Labour would cover private sector staff doing NHS and social care work and contracted workers who are more likely to be low-paid and employed on insecure contracts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not good enough , and without a tailored , fast-tracked service for staff who have faced death and despair every day for over three months , our frontline heroes will continue to be failed .
“ We need to care for our carers .
It is time for the government to give back to those who have sacrificed so much to keep our loved ones safe .
Unless our staff are protected , they can not continue their vital work of keeping us all safe.
” The national hotline would provide “ general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option for moving to a specialist assessment if needed – which would lead to stage two of the plan .
The second step would allow workers to be referred to psychological support and unlimited telephone support , and if necessary move on to intervention and treatment in stage three .
This would involve access to therapies , including specialised post-traumatic stress disorder support , and workers could then make use of sign-posted services via patient follow-up .
Labour is also calling on the government to appoint a new independent national wellbeing guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ‘ Care for Carers ’ .
Health Education England revealed last year that the cost of poor mental health in the NHS equates to £1,794-£2,174 per employee per year , and one in three have felt unwell due to work-related stress .
The June 2020 BMA survey saw 41 % of doctors responding say they suffered with depression , anxiety , stress or another mental health condition relating to work or made worse by it .
Members of Labour-affiliated trade union GMB have met with Labour ’ s health team to outline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , including increases in PTSD .
Providing testimonials about their trauma and grief following the deaths of colleagues , patients and residents , they told Labour that there was a lack of services available .
The new package has been backed by GMB , while UNISON has agreed that occupational health assistance support should be “ much more tailored to suit individual needs ” .
UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said : “ The government needs to get much better at looking after all those who do so much to look @ @ @ @ @ @

Labour has proposed a new four-stage ‘Care for Carers’ package designed by the party to support the mental health of over three million NHS and care staff in England.
The plan includes:
A new national hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week Follow-up support, including specialist assessments and referrals Intervention and treatment, including specialised PTSD support Follow-up and sign-posted to external services, such as alcohol and addiction services
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour’s spokesperson on mental health, has called for the “shake-up” amid the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that staff receive fast-tracked help.
The shadow minister said: “Even before the pandemic hit, the case for investing in this kind of support was clear. Coronavirus has exacerbated the existing crisis in mental health.
“Many NHS and social care staff have been scared of going to work, and they have lost patients and colleagues. It has been heartbreaking to witness the toll this virus has taken on staff mental health.”
The package being put forward by Labour would cover private sector staff doing NHS and social care work and contracted workers who are more likely to be low-paid and employed on insecure contracts.
Allin-Khan added: “Current support is not good enough, and without a tailored, fast-tracked service for staff who have faced death and despair every day for over three months, our frontline heroes will continue to be failed.
“We need to care for our carers. It is time for the government to give back to those who have sacrificed so much to keep our loved ones safe. Unless our staff are protected, they cannot continue their vital work of keeping us all safe.”
The national hotline would provide “general advice and empathetic listening”, with an option for moving to a specialist assessment if needed – which would lead to stage two of the plan.
The second step would allow workers to be referred to psychological support and unlimited telephone support, and if necessary move on to intervention and treatment in stage three.
This would involve access to therapies, including specialised post-traumatic stress disorder support, and workers could then make use of sign-posted services via patient follow-up.
Labour is also calling on the government to appoint a new independent national wellbeing guardian who would coordinate and oversee the implementation of ‘Care for Carers’.
Health Education England revealed last year that the cost of poor mental health in the NHS equates to £1,794-£2,174 per employee per year, and one in three have felt unwell due to work-related stress.
The June 2020 BMA survey saw 41% of doctors responding say they suffered with depression, anxiety, stress or another mental health condition relating to work or made worse by it.
Members of Labour-affiliated trade union GMB have met with Labour’s health team to outline the problems they have faced during the pandemic, including increases in PTSD.
Providing testimonials about their trauma and grief following the deaths of colleagues, patients and residents, they told Labour that there was a lack of services available.
The new package has been backed by GMB, and UNISON has agreed with Labour that occupational health assistance support should be “much more tailored to suit individual needs”.
UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The government needs to get much better at looking after all those who do so much to look after all of us.”
Unite national officer Jacalyn Williams said: “These plans would create much needed support for the mental health of NHS and care staff who have faced the brunt of the worst impacts of the pandemic day after day.”


labourlist--2020-06-29--WATCH: ‘Defund the police’ demand is “nonsense”, says Starmer

Keir Starmer has declared that the call from Black Lives Matter to ‘ defund the police ’ is “ nonsense ” , and said it is a shame that the international movement is “ getting tangled up with these organisational issues ” .
In an interview with BBC Breakfast this morning , the Labour leader said that his “ support for the police is very , very strong ” – highlighting his time as Director of Public Prosecutions .
Asked about the call to defund the police , Starmer argued : “ That ’ s nonsense and nobody should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I would have no truck with that – I was the Director of Public Prosecutions for five years .
“ I worked with police forces across England and Wales bringing thousands of people to court .
So my support for the police is very , very strong and evidenced in the joint actions I ’ ve done with the police.
” He added : “ The Black Lives Matter movement… is about reflecting something completely different and it ’ s reflecting on what happened dreadfully in America just a few weeks ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moment across the world .
“ And it ’ s a shame it ’ s getting tangled up with these organisational issues , with the organisation Black Lives Matter .
”

Keir Starmer has declared that the call from Black Lives Matter to ‘defund the police’ is “nonsense”, and said it is a shame that the international movement is “getting tangled up with these organisational issues”.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast this morning, the Labour leader said that his “support for the police is very, very strong” – highlighting his time as Director of Public Prosecutions.
On the call to defund the police, Starmer argued: “That’s nonsense and nobody should be saying anything about defunding the police, and I would have no truck with that – I was the Director of Public Prosecutions for five years.
“I worked with police forces across England and Wales bringing thousands of people to court. So my support for the police is very, very strong and evidenced in the joint actions I’ve done with the police.”
He added that Black Lives Matter is “about reflecting something completely different and it’s reflecting on what happened dreadfully in America just a few weeks ago, and showing or acknowledging that as a moment across the world”.
The Labour leader described it as a “moment”, rather than a movement, which has led Unite the Union assistant general secretary Howard Beckett to slam the comments as “appalling”.


labourlist--2020-06-29--“Our 1945 moment” – new general secretary David Evans emails members

Labour ’ s new general secretary David Evans has emailed all Labour Party members this morning , on his first day in the job , setting out his key priorities in the role amid the coronavirus crisis .
Below is the full text of the email from David Evans to Labour members .
On my first day in the job , I wanted to say what an honour and a privilege it is to have been appointed general secretary of the Labour Party .
My job is to ensure that the party is run in the most effective and efficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll support our representatives nationally , regionally and locally to make our case .
I am a former branch and constituency secretary , councillor and I have campaigned for Labour for over 40 years .
I know that the party is built from the bottom up .
Our members give us the power to win .
None of us could have anticipated the circumstances created by the pandemic , and I think our party has shown great leadership through Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner and their parliamentary team , through our local councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and down the country who have been reaching out to help those in need .
It has been our party at its very best .
Labour values in action .
Our task is a big one , but I am convinced we are up to it .
As we slowly emerge from lockdown , facing the prospect of an imminent recession , we approach a moment of unprecedented national importance .
Only together , with the entire strength of our movement , can we rise to the challenge .
I said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be our 1945 moment .
A set of bold Labour policies that square up to the devastation the Tories have wreaked , and great support for our local campaigns from a first-class professional team really could capture the imagination and support of the country .
Finally , and importantly , we need to be a party that is fully inclusive , trusted and representative of our country at every level .
Making this happen is a key priority for me .
PS It has been difficult for us to campaign under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not think about asking someone you know to join the party today ?

Labour’s new general secretary David Evans has emailed all Labour Party members this morning, on his first day in the job, setting out his key priorities in the role amid the coronavirus crisis.
Below is the full text of the email from David Evans to Labour members.
An honour and a privilege
On my first day in the job, I wanted to say what an honour and a privilege it is to have been appointed general secretary of the Labour Party. My job is to ensure that the party is run in the most effective and efficient way for our members. I’ll support our representatives nationally, regionally and locally to make our case.
I am a former branch and constituency secretary, councillor and I have campaigned for Labour for over 40 years. I know that the party is built from the bottom up. Our members give us the power to win.
None of us could have anticipated the circumstances created by the pandemic, and I think our party has shown great leadership through Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner and their parliamentary team, through our local councils and councillors and through thousands of members up and down the country who have been reaching out to help those in need.
It has been our party at its very best. Labour values in action.
Our task is a big one, but I am convinced we are up to it.
As we slowly emerge from lockdown, facing the prospect of an imminent recession, we approach a moment of unprecedented national importance. Only together, with the entire strength of our movement, can we rise to the challenge.
I said at my interview for this job that it could be our 1945 moment. A set of bold Labour policies that square up to the devastation the Tories have wreaked, and great support for our local campaigns from a first-class professional team really could capture the imagination and support of the country.
Finally, and importantly, we need to be a party that is fully inclusive, trusted and representative of our country at every level. Making this happen is a key priority for me.
David Evans
General Secretary
PS It has been difficult for us to campaign under the restrictions of the pandemic, but why not think about asking someone you know to join the party today?


labourlist--2020-06-29--Why Labour must not scrap Long-Bailey’s approach to education

Rebecca Long-Bailey will be missed by teachers , parents and anyone else concerned about children ’ s wellbeing .
Her tenure as Shadow Education Secretary was short but she nonetheless presided over our only major victories against this Tory government .
It was possible because she united the industrial and political wings of our movement .
Teachers like me were worried when Boris Johnson announced his plans to send more children back to school before it was safe .
We all wanted children back in school as soon as possible but the government ’ s plans seemed reckless .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For instance , they wanted to double or triple the number of classes in each school but they could not explain where we would find the additional space .
We questioned whether the plans were in children ’ s best interests .
Why prioritise the youngest children who were least able to maintain social distancing , and whose social and emotional development could be affected by the experience ?
The government had set a target before it had a proper plan .
It had to be opposed .
The National Education Union joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local authorities to do just that .
We were backed wholeheartedly , unreservedly and immediately by Rebecca Long-Bailey – a position sadly not shared by all senior figures in our party .
This support from the shadow cabinet gave our campaign confidence and legitimacy .
After all , we were a group of parents and teachers taking on the government on its flagship policy .
The task might have felt insurmountable .
The backing of the official opposition helped make it seem possible .
And it was – the government was defeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke rank to advise against schools reopening and when the day came , most schools stayed closed .
Of those that did open , none had full classes .
Parents had voted with their feet .
The government then shelved its ( even more dangerous ) plans to open schools more widely still a few weeks later .
With hindsight , this looks like it was inevitable .
But it wasn ’ t .
The government thought its plans would be implemented , and many in our party thought they would too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobilisation , an unflinching commitment to scientific evidence , and the political legitimacy of the Shadow Education Secretary was enough to defeat them .
This was the biggest defeat that this government has suffered .
More importantly , it saved lives .
The second biggest was probably the government ’ s U-turn on free school meals over the summer .
Again , this fell under the education remit and , again , it followed the same pattern : a people-powered campaign from the unions ( and Marcus Rashford ! )
, given political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right draws its power from wealth ; we on the left channel ours from the people .
Rebecca Long-Bailey was so successful in her role because she harnessed the strength of the alliance between the industrial and political wings of our movement .
It goes without saying that trade unions are the natural allies of the Labour Party , sharing a commitment to the transfer of wealth , power and opportunity to ordinary people .
When the unions are strong , Labour is strong too .
Despite not being an affiliate , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best examples of this .
The NEU enacts social justice trade unionism .
This means it is interested in not just its members working conditions , but wider questions concerning child poverty or international solidarity .
Its interests and views overlap with those of our party , which has tangible effects .
While the NEU does not call for a Labour vote , its campaign on school cuts nonetheless robbed the Tories of half a million votes in the 2017 general election .
The NEU fought for its values , and the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same struggle .
Rebecca Long-Bailey understands this .
Rebecca Long-Bailey has now been replaced with Kate Green .
There are rumours that Keir Starmer and she face pressure from the party ’ s right-wing to “ stand up to the NEU ” .
The argument , so it goes , is that Boris Johnson has “ weaponised ” Long-Bailey ’ s vocal support for the NEU so the party should put distance between itself and the union .
This would be to play into Boris Johnson ’ s hands .
Having seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice in as many months , it is no surprise that Boris Johnson wants to undermine that partnership .
The NEU is increasingly becoming the most trusted voice on matters of education and children ’ s wellbeing .
It would be a catastrophic error to break our alliance now .
I am hopeful that we won ’ t .
There are questions over the justification for Long-Bailey ’ s dismissal but given that it was allegedly unrelated to education there is no logical reason why the party should now change tack .
Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbynite background ( she chaired Owen Smith ’ s ill-fated leadership challenge ) , but many of her positions on education are shared by the union .
She has a strong background in the Child Poverty Action Group and her support for the ‘ Abolish Eton ’ campaign even outflanks the NEU from the left .
By working closely with trade unions , Rebecca Long-Bailey set an example for shadow ministers .
We need more like her .

Rebecca Long-Bailey will be missed by teachers, parents and anyone else concerned about children’s wellbeing. Her tenure as Shadow Education Secretary was short but she nonetheless presided over our only major victories against this Tory government. It was possible because she united the industrial and political wings of our movement.
Teachers like me were worried when Boris Johnson announced his plans to send more children back to school before it was safe. We all wanted children back in school as soon as possible but the government’s plans seemed reckless. Many aspects simply did not add up. For instance, they wanted to double or triple the number of classes in each school but they could not explain where we would find the additional space.
We questioned whether the plans were in children’s best interests. Why prioritise the youngest children who were least able to maintain social distancing, and whose social and emotional development could be affected by the experience? The government had set a target before it had a proper plan. It had to be opposed.
The National Education Union joined with other trade unions, parent groups and local authorities to do just that. We were backed wholeheartedly, unreservedly and immediately by Rebecca Long-Bailey – a position sadly not shared by all senior figures in our party. This support from the shadow cabinet gave our campaign confidence and legitimacy. After all, we were a group of parents and teachers taking on the government on its flagship policy. The task might have felt insurmountable. The backing of the official opposition helped make it seem possible.
And it was – the government was defeated. The government’s own advisers broke rank to advise against schools reopening and when the day came, most schools stayed closed. Of those that did open, none had full classes. Parents had voted with their feet. The government then shelved its (even more dangerous) plans to open schools more widely still a few weeks later.
With hindsight, this looks like it was inevitable. But it wasn’t. The government thought its plans would be implemented, and many in our party thought they would too. But the combined force of the union mobilisation, an unflinching commitment to scientific evidence, and the political legitimacy of the Shadow Education Secretary was enough to defeat them.
This was the biggest defeat that this government has suffered. More importantly, it saved lives. The second biggest was probably the government’s U-turn on free school meals over the summer. Again, this fell under the education remit and, again, it followed the same pattern: a people-powered campaign from the unions (and Marcus Rashford!), given political legitimacy by the official opposition.
Natural allies
The right draws its power from wealth; we on the left channel ours from the people. Rebecca Long-Bailey was so successful in her role because she harnessed the strength of the alliance between the industrial and political wings of our movement. It goes without saying that trade unions are the natural allies of the Labour Party, sharing a commitment to the transfer of wealth, power and opportunity to ordinary people. When the unions are strong, Labour is strong too.
Despite not being an affiliate, the National Education Union is one of the best examples of this. The NEU enacts social justice trade unionism. This means it is interested in not just its members working conditions, but wider questions concerning child poverty or international solidarity. Its interests and views overlap with those of our party, which has tangible effects. While the NEU does not call for a Labour vote, its campaign on school cuts nonetheless robbed the Tories of half a million votes in the 2017 general election. The NEU fought for its values, and the Labour Party benefited. We are partners in the same struggle. Rebecca Long-Bailey understands this.
What next?
Rebecca Long-Bailey has now been replaced with Kate Green. There are rumours that Keir Starmer and she face pressure from the party’s right-wing to “stand up to the NEU”. The argument, so it goes, is that Boris Johnson has “weaponised” Long-Bailey’s vocal support for the NEU so the party should put distance between itself and the union.
This would be to play into Boris Johnson’s hands. Having seen the NEU and Labour Party defeat him twice in as many months, it is no surprise that Boris Johnson wants to undermine that partnership. The NEU is increasingly becoming the most trusted voice on matters of education and children’s wellbeing. It would be a catastrophic error to break our alliance now.
I am hopeful that we won’t. There are questions over the justification for Long-Bailey’s dismissal but given that it was allegedly unrelated to education there is no logical reason why the party should now change tack. Green may not share Rebecca Long-Bailey’s Corbynite background (she chaired Owen Smith’s ill-fated leadership challenge), but many of her positions on education are shared by the union. She has a strong background in the Child Poverty Action Group and her support for the ‘Abolish Eton’ campaign even outflanks the NEU from the left.
By working closely with trade unions, Rebecca Long-Bailey set an example for shadow ministers. We need more like her.