labourlist--2020-02-29--Labour must reclaim the values of freedom and aspiration

Freedom and aspiration were once core Labour values , reflecting the hopes and ambitions of the working class that our party was founded to represent .
It was the Labour dream – a strong safety net , coupled with policies to enhance life chances , opportunity and independence .
But somewhere in the early 2010s we abandoned these core values that the public still hold dear and are instrumental in forming a winning majority .
Freedom and aspiration are now associated with the Tories .
Labour must reclaim these values in the 2020s .
We have always championed freedom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ own choosing , freedom to love and marry who you want , freedom to organise for better pay and working conditions , a woman ’ s right to choose , the freedom a stable job and a decent income offers , and the freedom that comes from knowing you have a roof over your head .
But we allowed the Tories to hijack freedom – a very specific kind of freedom .
Freedom from people paying their fair share of tax , from regulation and from scrutiny .
It is an exclusive form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether that be an individual or a corporation .
But to Labour , freedom in its richest sense means that the state provides the educational , societal and economic freedom and equality to set working people and families on a path towards independence and achievement .
For a while , that was true .
Even worse , we have allowed the Tories to monopolise aspiration .
Labour was once the party of aspiration – it was the promise of something better that motivated working class voters to support Labour .
We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet the scale of the electoral challenge ahead , freedom and aspiration must be regained as core values at the forefront of our promise to the public .
In recent years , our hesitation to speak positively about these values has been viewed as a reluctance to champion individual success .
In the future , it will be Labour ’ s job to ensure that the success of individuals is a benefit to society , and that it is coupled with a strong emphasis on fairness and social justice .
Aspiration should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for government , one that will give people the tools , investment and infrastructure they need to succeed – whether they are starting their own business or up-skilling .
People don ’ t want to feel bought or shackled by the state , they want to feel proud of their own achievements .
We need to make a positive and patriotic case for aspiration .
What is good for the individual is good for the local community and our country .
Labour should not be afraid of championing the aspirational working class – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maker .
I am sure some would disagree with me , and say that these values would be a return to Tory-lite policy .
But answer this : what is not sensible or radical about the freedom that would come from a universal basic income ?
It gives people economic freedom , which nurtures trust and freedom to participate in society .
For too long , we have allowed the Tories to set the tone for political debate and therefore handed over control of the narrative .
With our country in turmoil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision that unites our country .
We can no longer afford to fight a war on a battleground drawn up by the Tories , pitching an alternative on the issues where Tories know that they can win the argument .
In the 2020s , Labour must reconnect with working-class voters who have been switching to the Tories since 2010 .
We must not be afraid to distinguish ourselves from the recent past and meet voters where they are in their lives right now .
Reclaiming freedom and aspiration is one of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values , coupled with strong progressive messaging , would resonate well in areas like mine on Teesside , where in 2019 the blue wave washed away our ‘ Red Wall ’ and with it the end of Labour ’ s century-old stronghold in the North East .
The next Labour leader must embrace freedom and aspiration as part of their programme for the future .
Failure to do so may spell a further decade in the political wilderness .

Freedom and aspiration were once core Labour values, reflecting the hopes and ambitions of the working class that our party was founded to represent. It was the Labour dream – a strong safety net, coupled with policies to enhance life chances, opportunity and independence. But somewhere in the early 2010s we abandoned these core values that the public still hold dear and are instrumental in forming a winning majority. Freedom and aspiration are now associated with the Tories. Labour must reclaim these values in the 2020s.
We have always championed freedom. Freedom to live a life of your own choosing, freedom to love and marry who you want, freedom to organise for better pay and working conditions, a woman’s right to choose, the freedom a stable job and a decent income offers, and the freedom that comes from knowing you have a roof over your head.
But we allowed the Tories to hijack freedom – a very specific kind of freedom. Freedom from people paying their fair share of tax, from regulation and from scrutiny. It is an exclusive form of freedom for the wealthy and powerful, whether that be an individual or a corporation. But to Labour, freedom in its richest sense means that the state provides the educational, societal and economic freedom and equality to set working people and families on a path towards independence and achievement. For a while, that was true.
Even worse, we have allowed the Tories to monopolise aspiration. Labour was once the party of aspiration – it was the promise of something better that motivated working class voters to support Labour. We were their champion. If we are to meet the scale of the electoral challenge ahead, freedom and aspiration must be regained as core values at the forefront of our promise to the public. In recent years, our hesitation to speak positively about these values has been viewed as a reluctance to champion individual success.
In the future, it will be Labour’s job to ensure that the success of individuals is a benefit to society, and that it is coupled with a strong emphasis on fairness and social justice. Aspiration should be at the heart of a Labour programme for government, one that will give people the tools, investment and infrastructure they need to succeed – whether they are starting their own business or up-skilling. People don’t want to feel bought or shackled by the state, they want to feel proud of their own achievements. We need to make a positive and patriotic case for aspiration. What is good for the individual is good for the local community and our country.
Labour should not be afraid of championing the aspirational working class – the self-employed, the doer or the maker. I am sure some would disagree with me, and say that these values would be a return to Tory-lite policy. But answer this: what is not sensible or radical about the freedom that would come from a universal basic income? It gives people economic freedom, which nurtures trust and freedom to participate in society.
For too long, we have allowed the Tories to set the tone for political debate and therefore handed over control of the narrative. With our country in turmoil, we should be putting forward a grand vision that unites our country. We can no longer afford to fight a war on a battleground drawn up by the Tories, pitching an alternative on the issues where Tories know that they can win the argument.
In the 2020s, Labour must reconnect with working-class voters who have been switching to the Tories since 2010. We must not be afraid to distinguish ourselves from the recent past and meet voters where they are in their lives right now. Reclaiming freedom and aspiration is one of the first steps we must take next. These values, coupled with strong progressive messaging, would resonate well in areas like mine on Teesside, where in 2019 the blue wave washed away our ‘Red Wall’ and with it the end of Labour’s century-old stronghold in the North East. The next Labour leader must embrace freedom and aspiration as part of their programme for the future. Failure to do so may spell a further decade in the political wilderness.


labourlist--2020-03-02--COBRA for coronavirus, Home Office chaos and Labour’s Brexit challenge

Our “ part-time Prime Minister ” , as Labour has taken to calling him , will finally chair a COBRA meeting this morning on the coronavirus outbreak .
Cases in the UK have now increased to 36 , and a plan of action is needed .
The chief demands of trade unions have centred on workers ’ rights , with the TUC making the point that this threat and the calls for self-isolation in some cases shows why statutory sick pay should be a day one right for everyone .
Lisa Nandy is calling on the government to pass emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people need to be able to follow medical advice ” without having to make “ unnecessarily difficult choices ” .
It also looks likely that there will be an urgent question from Labour in the House of Commons on the Home Office chaos .
The most senior civil servant in the department quit on Saturday , accusing Priti Patel of bullying .
She denies the allegations , but Philip Rutnam plans to take his case to an employment tribunal .
Keir Starmer was quick off the mark with a series of demands after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet Secretary to launch an investigation ; Patel to explain herself to parliament ; Liaison Committee to hold an urgent inquiry “ into the culture and workings of government ” .
Rebecca Long-Bailey said she preferred an independent judge-led inquiry , and called on the government to offer to pay Rutnam ’ s legal fees or at least not seek costs in his case .
It looks like Pratel is on her way out – only weeks after Sajid Javid had to resign .
It ’ s all kicking off today : EU-UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is seeking to strengthen its hand by publishing the government ’ s mandate for a US trade deal at the same time .
How will the trickiest issues , such as fisheries , be resolved ?
Will the transition period need to be extended beyond December 31st , or will the UK walk away ?
John Lehal of Labour Business has written for LabourList on how Labour should approach Brexit in the coming months .
There is a tricky balance to be struck between warning of the dangers of ‘ no deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low .
While a ‘ no deal ’ scenario seems far from unlikely , the constant talk last year of Johnson never being able to renegotiate the exit package meant that when he achieved just that – by recycling an earlier version discarded by his predecessor – his victory was huge .
The demands of the opposition should therefore hold the government to a high standard , rather than limit itself to predictions of doom and gloom .
Labour ’ s next leader must make the details of these crucial talks real to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor inclination to follow blow-by-blow accounts of the UK-EU negotiations .
If you missed them since our last morning email , catch up on our most-read pieces of the weekend .
Starmer promised to consult Labour members on electoral reform .
Long-Bailey set out a six-point plan to stop the “ corrupting influence of corporate money in politics ” , prevent “ vested interests ” from “ buying policy ” and “ end the gentleman ’ s club in Westminster ” .
Most importantly , the second leadership election Survation poll for LabourList @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a clear lead , but also indicated that members overwhelmingly believe he would shift the party “ further to the centre ” – and plenty more , which you can read in full here .
• Wednesday : PMQs ( 12pm ) ; Labour Women ’ s Network leadership hustings ( 6.15pm ) ; Rebecca Long-Bailey and Keir Starmer on The Andrew Neil Show ( 7pm )

Our “part-time Prime Minister”, as Labour has taken to calling him, will finally chair a COBRA meeting this morning on the coronavirus outbreak. Cases in the UK have now increased to 36, and a plan of action is needed. The chief demands of trade unions have centred on workers’ rights, with the TUC making the point that this threat and the calls for self-isolation in some cases shows why statutory sick pay should be a day one right for everyone. Lisa Nandy is calling on the government to pass emergency legislation guaranteeing just that, because “people need to be able to follow medical advice” without having to make “unnecessarily difficult choices”.
It also looks likely that there will be an urgent question from Labour in the House of Commons on the Home Office chaos. The most senior civil servant in the department quit on Saturday, accusing Priti Patel of bullying. She denies the allegations, but Philip Rutnam plans to take his case to an employment tribunal. Keir Starmer was quick off the mark with a series of demands after the news broke, for: the Cabinet Secretary to launch an investigation; Patel to explain herself to parliament; Liaison Committee to hold an urgent inquiry “into the culture and workings of government”. Rebecca Long-Bailey said she preferred an independent judge-led inquiry, and called on the government to offer to pay Rutnam’s legal fees or at least not seek costs in his case. It looks like Pratel is on her way out – only weeks after Sajid Javid had to resign.
It’s all kicking off today: EU-UK trade negotiations are starting, and the UK is seeking to strengthen its hand by publishing the government’s mandate for a US trade deal at the same time. How will the trickiest issues, such as fisheries, be resolved? Will the transition period need to be extended beyond December 31st, or will the UK walk away? John Lehal of Labour Business has written for LabourList on how Labour should approach Brexit in the coming months. There is a tricky balance to be struck between warning of the dangers of ‘no deal’ and not setting the bar too low.
While a ‘no deal’ scenario seems far from unlikely, the constant talk last year of Johnson never being able to renegotiate the exit package meant that when he achieved just that – by recycling an earlier version discarded by his predecessor – his victory was huge. The demands of the opposition should therefore hold the government to a high standard, rather than limit itself to predictions of doom and gloom. Labour’s next leader must make the details of these crucial talks real to voters who do not have the time nor inclination to follow blow-by-blow accounts of the UK-EU negotiations.
If you missed them since our last morning email, catch up on our most-read pieces of the weekend. Starmer promised to consult Labour members on electoral reform. Long-Bailey set out a six-point plan to stop the “corrupting influence of corporate money in politics”, prevent “vested interests” from “buying policy” and “end the gentleman’s club in Westminster”. Most importantly, the second leadership election Survation poll for LabourList dropped. It not only showed Starmer take a clear lead, but also indicated that members overwhelmingly believe he would shift the party “further to the centre” – and plenty more, which you can read in full here.


labourlist--2020-03-02--Nandy calls for emergency sick pay legislation amid coronavirus outbreak

Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy has called for emergency legislation to ensure that all workers receive sick pay from day one , amid the coronavirus – or COVID-19 – outbreak in the UK .
The Wigan MP has joined other Labour Party figures and trade unions in urging a change to the law , as currently over two million low-paid UK workers do not have the right to sick pay from day one .
Nandy has highlighted the fact that because statutory sick pay kicks in after four days , the decision to self-isolate effectively means giving up pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of £118 per week to be eligible , and she has called on the government to ensure that workers are able to receive statutory sick pay regardless of income .
Unveiling her demands for further action from the government , Nandy said : “ The threat of coronavirus is concerning enough without worrying it will leave you without money for rent and food .
“ Workers on insecure contracts , those with unscrupulous employers or the bogus self-employed in the gig economy are being left to fend for themselves and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means no sick pay .
“ This is a global health crisis and we need to do everything we can to make sure it ’ s not also a personal and financial tragedy for families in the UK .
People must stay at home when they need to .
“ Employers need to wake up to their wider responsibilities and the consequences for everyone if ill people are attending work when they should be at home.
” She added : “ The government needs to pass emergency legislation to guarantee people the rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from day one for all workers regardless of income .
“ They should also bring together employers , trade unions and public health bodies to and ensure that all workers at risk will self-isolate and not spread coronavirus to either colleagues or customers .
“ Bosses should not put their profit margins ahead of public health and people need to be able to follow medical advice .
The government must step in and do what it takes to help stop coronavirus spreading at work and beyond.
” When unwell , to qualify for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting days ’ before a sum of £94.25 per week is payable from the fourth day .
A day can not be counted as a ‘ sick day ’ if the individual has worked for one minute or more before they go home unwell .
Commenting on the issue in relation to outsourced NHS staff on BBC ’ s Today programme , GMB organiser Lola McAvoy said : “ Statutory sick pay has long been insufficient for health workers on the frontline because it ’ s three days with no pay .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether to come into the hospital whilst ill and hope that that ’ s OK and that nothing bad happens to the patient – or , forgo paying their rent.
” She added : “ It is not right that our members are having to make that choice and we haven ’ t seen any guidance from the NHS , or from the government or from these contractors about what is going to happen if our members come into contact with a coronavirus patient.
” Labour health spokesperson Jonathan Ashworth said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they need to self-isolate , then we should be removing all the barriers to self-isolating and in the increasingly precarious economy of zero-hours contracts , low pay , the gig economy.
” He pointed out that currently , in order to take sick pay , workers must obtain a note from their GP – yet the government is currently advising people not to visit a GP if they suspect that they have the virus .
Over the weekend , Ashworth called on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to come to the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers he is planning to bring in ” .
Labour has expressed “ serious concerns ” about the capacity of the NHS workforce to cope with an escalation in cases , and the government has said its plans could include asking newly retired health professionals to return to work .
The number of instances of coronavirus in the UK has now increased to 36 , and the Prime Minister is set to chair an emergency meeting of COBRA today before setting out an official action plan .

Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy has called for emergency legislation to ensure that all workers receive sick pay from day one, amid the coronavirus – or COVID-19 – outbreak in the UK.
The Wigan MP has joined other Labour Party figures and trade unions in urging a change to the law, as currently over two million low-paid UK workers do not have the right to sick pay from day one.
Nandy has highlighted the fact that because statutory sick pay kicks in after four days, the decision to self-isolate effectively means giving up pay for many people.
Individuals have to earn an average of £118 per week to be eligible, and she has called on the government to ensure that workers are able to receive statutory sick pay regardless of income.
Unveiling her demands for further action from the government, Nandy said: “The threat of coronavirus is concerning enough without worrying it will leave you without money for rent and food.
“Workers on insecure contracts, those with unscrupulous employers or the bogus self-employed in the gig economy are being left to fend for themselves and make unnecessarily difficult choices. Self-isolation for some means no sick pay.
“This is a global health crisis and we need to do everything we can to make sure it’s not also a personal and financial tragedy for families in the UK. People must stay at home when they need to.
“Employers need to wake up to their wider responsibilities and the consequences for everyone if ill people are attending work when they should be at home.”
She added: “The government needs to pass emergency legislation to guarantee people the rights they deserve such as statutory sick pay from day one for all workers regardless of income.
“They should also bring together employers, trade unions and public health bodies to and ensure that all workers at risk will self-isolate and not spread coronavirus to either colleagues or customers.
“Bosses should not put their profit margins ahead of public health and people need to be able to follow medical advice. The government must step in and do what it takes to help stop coronavirus spreading at work and beyond.”
When unwell, to qualify for the benefit you must wait three ‘waiting days’ before a sum of £94.25 per week is payable from the fourth day.
A day cannot be counted as a ‘sick day’ if the individual has worked for one minute or more before they go home unwell.
Commenting on the issue in relation to outsourced NHS staff on BBC’s Today programme, GMB organiser Lola McAvoy said: “Statutory sick pay has long been insufficient for health workers on the frontline because it’s three days with no pay.
“They are facing an impossible choice about whether to come into the hospital whilst ill and hope that that’s OK and that nothing bad happens to the patient – or, forgo paying their rent.”
She added: “It is not right that our members are having to make that choice and we haven’t seen any guidance from the NHS, or from the government or from these contractors about what is going to happen if our members come into contact with a coronavirus patient.”
Labour health spokesperson Jonathan Ashworth said: “If we’re saying to people that they need to self-isolate, then we should be removing all the barriers to self-isolating and in the increasingly precarious economy of zero-hours contracts, low pay, the gig economy.”
He pointed out that currently, in order to take sick pay, workers must obtain a note from their GP – yet the government is currently advising people not to visit a GP if they suspect that they have the virus.
Over the weekend, Ashworth called on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to come to the House of Commons to “explain fully the emergency powers he is planning to bring in”.
Labour has expressed “serious concerns” about the capacity of the NHS workforce to cope with an escalation in cases, and the government has said its plans could include asking newly retired health professionals to return to work.
The number of instances of coronavirus in the UK has now increased to 36, and the Prime Minister is set to chair an emergency meeting of COBRA today before setting out an official action plan.


labourlist--2020-03-03--London mayoral election will be referendum on rent controls, says Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan is expected to launch his campaign declaring that the London election in May will be a referendum on introducing rent controls in the capital .
Speaking at a housing estate in Hackney on Tuesday morning , the mayor of London will kick off his campaign for re-election with fresh commitments to stand up for renters .
The Labour incumbent is proposing a new private rent commission , with renters on its board , to implement and enforce measures to control rents and keep them at lower levels .
Khan is expected to say : “ The case for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Tory ministers have blocked us from introducing our plans for rent controls in London – and have simply said no .
They have refused to give us the powers we need to make rent controls happen .
“ That ’ s why today , I am making the mayoral election on May 7th a referendum on rent controls – showing Londoners that I will stand up for renters .
Because if Londoners re-elect me as their mayor on May 7th , I want no one to have any doubt that it represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduction of rent controls in our city.
” The mayor has no statutory powers over the private rented sector , but last year he commissioned a report to explore how rent controls could be introduced in London .
It gave recommendations to improve security for private renters through tenancy and court reform , as well as specifying powers that central government should devolve to the mayor to control rents .
The mayor will say : “ The Prime Minister will have to give us the powers we need .
Because if he refuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denying the express democratic will of millions of Londoners – who are crying out for rent controls .
“ And as we have all heard Boris Johnson repeatedly say himself , the democratic will of the people must be respected – and it is not for politicians to frustrate it .
“ The Tories and big landlord lobbyists might not like it , but Londoners need rent controls now .
And if they vote for me on May 7th , that is exactly what they will get.
” There are currently 2.4 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proportion has risen from 11 % of the residents in 1990 to 26 % in 2018 .
Those renting privately spend on average around 43 % of their income on rent , and the average private rent for a one-bedroom home in London is now more than the average for a three-bed home in every other region in England .
The mayor has not yet specified what form the controls would take , but many European and North American cities have policies in place to keep rents down .
In New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rent guidelines board , while others have their rent ‘ stabilised ’ or reset between tenancies .
Scotland recently introduced new laws that allow councils to apply to implement “ rent pressure zones ” – where rent increases are capped at inflation .
Khan is standing for his second term as the mayor of London in May , and has described it as a two-horse race between Labour and the Conservatives .
The Tory candidate is Shaun Bailey , while Siobhan Benita is standing for the Lib Dems and former Conservative MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Sadiq Khan is expected to launch his campaign declaring that the London election in May will be a referendum on introducing rent controls in the capital.
Speaking at a housing estate in Hackney on Tuesday morning, the mayor of London will kick off his campaign for re-election with fresh commitments to stand up for renters.
The Labour incumbent is proposing a new private rent commission, with renters on its board, to implement and enforce measures to control rents and keep them at lower levels.
Khan is expected to say: “The case for rent controls is now absolutely undeniable. But Tory ministers have blocked us from introducing our plans for rent controls in London – and have simply said no. They have refused to give us the powers we need to make rent controls happen.
“That’s why today, I am making the mayoral election on May 7th a referendum on rent controls – showing Londoners that I will stand up for renters. Because if Londoners re-elect me as their mayor on May 7th, I want no one to have any doubt that it represents an undeniable and irresistible mandate for the introduction of rent controls in our city.”
The mayor has no statutory powers over the private rented sector, but last year he commissioned a report to explore how rent controls could be introduced in London.
It gave recommendations to improve security for private renters through tenancy and court reform, as well as specifying powers that central government should devolve to the mayor to control rents.
The mayor will say: “The Prime Minister will have to give us the powers we need. Because if he refuses to do so – he will be denying the express democratic will of millions of Londoners – who are crying out for rent controls.
“And as we have all heard Boris Johnson repeatedly say himself, the democratic will of the people must be respected – and it is not for politicians to frustrate it.
“The Tories and big landlord lobbyists might not like it, but Londoners need rent controls now. And if they vote for me on May 7th, that is exactly what they will get.”
There are currently 2.4 million people privately renting in London, and the proportion has risen from 11% of the residents in 1990 to 26% in 2018.
Those renting privately spend on average around 43% of their income on rent, and the average private rent for a one-bedroom home in London is now more than the average for a three-bed home in every other region in England.
The mayor has not yet specified what form the controls would take, but many European and North American cities have policies in place to keep rents down.
In New York City, some rents are capped by a rent guidelines board, while others have their rent ‘stabilised’ or reset between tenancies.
Scotland recently introduced new laws that allow councils to apply to implement “rent pressure zones” – where rent increases are capped at inflation.
Khan is standing for his second term as the mayor of London in May, and has described it as a two-horse race between Labour and the Conservatives.
The Tory candidate is Shaun Bailey, while Siobhan Benita is standing for the Lib Dems and former Conservative MP Rory Stewart is running as an independent.


labourlist--2020-03-02--Carol Sewell: Why I’m standing to be a member of Labour’s NEC

BAME Labour members need a strong , experienced voice on our national executive committee .
That is why I ’ m standing – because with decades of experience as a trade unionist , I know what it takes to make our voices heard .
In recent years , we ’ ve seen a welcome and much needed rise in the number of BAME Labour MPs – especially BAME women – elected to parliament .
It ’ s critical that Labour continues to push for all-BAME shortlists to ensure that our party and our parliament are representative of the country we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to work much harder to ensure greater representation in local government as well .
One third of single-tier local authorities have no BAME councillors , so we should also be investing more in encouraging our talented BAME members to stand for election at all levels and in every part of the country .
Ensuring that our voices are heard from the Commons chamber to the council chamber is vital .
As a local government worker with decades of experience providing housing and benefit services in Birmingham and Walsall , I know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen the harm that has been done to local government and the vulnerable people in communities that rely on its services .
Too often those failed by our government are from BAME communities .
Better representation is critical to fighting that injustice .
The fight for representation must also extend into our own party ’ s structures .
As Labour develops a new BAME organisation , it ’ s vital that the person representing BAME members on the NEC is someone with a track record of working across diverse communities and bringing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s black members committee , I ’ ve shown I have the skills to do just that .
And the nominations I ’ ve been proud to receive in this contest show the broad coalition I ’ m capable of building .
I am delighted to be backed by 43 constituency Labour parties ( CLPs ) from every part of our country and party , and I ’ ve got support from some of the biggest and best unions in the country – my own union UNISON , as well as USDAW , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our movement and our party are strongest when we ’ re united behind a common cause .
After four painful election defeats , our cause now must be coming together behind the next leader and taking our values into government .
I am backing Keir Starmer , but whoever is elected in April , I will get behind them if they are willing to empower our BAME members .
Our voices must be heard at the very highest levels of our party .
But they must also be heard in our CLP meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight for greater representation at all levels , and I ’ ll be a champion for diversity , campaigning to ensure that Labour reflects all parts of our communities .

BAME Labour members need a strong, experienced voice on our national executive committee. That is why I’m standing – because with decades of experience as a trade unionist, I know what it takes to make our voices heard. In recent years, we’ve seen a welcome and much needed rise in the number of BAME Labour MPs – especially BAME women – elected to parliament. It’s critical that Labour continues to push for all-BAME shortlists to ensure that our party and our parliament are representative of the country we seek to govern.
But we also have to work much harder to ensure greater representation in local government as well. One third of single-tier local authorities have no BAME councillors, so we should also be investing more in encouraging our talented BAME members to stand for election at all levels and in every part of the country. Ensuring that our voices are heard from the Commons chamber to the council chamber is vital.
As a local government worker with decades of experience providing housing and benefit services in Birmingham and Walsall, I know what savage cuts look like. I have seen the harm that has been done to local government and the vulnerable people in communities that rely on its services. Too often those failed by our government are from BAME communities. Better representation is critical to fighting that injustice.
The fight for representation must also extend into our own party’s structures. As Labour develops a new BAME organisation, it’s vital that the person representing BAME members on the NEC is someone with a track record of working across diverse communities and bringing people together. As chair of UNISON’s black members committee, I’ve shown I have the skills to do just that. And the nominations I’ve been proud to receive in this contest show the broad coalition I’m capable of building.
I am delighted to be backed by 43 constituency Labour parties (CLPs) from every part of our country and party, and I’ve got support from some of the biggest and best unions in the country – my own union UNISON, as well as USDAW, Community and GMB. I know that our movement and our party are strongest when we’re united behind a common cause. After four painful election defeats, our cause now must be coming together behind the next leader and taking our values into government.
I am backing Keir Starmer, but whoever is elected in April, I will get behind them if they are willing to empower our BAME members. Our voices must be heard at the very highest levels of our party. But they must also be heard in our CLP meetings and council chambers too. I will fight for greater representation at all levels, and I’ll be a champion for diversity, campaigning to ensure that Labour reflects all parts of our communities.


labourlist--2020-03-02--Cabinet Office probe announced as Corbyn says government is “led by bullies”

A Cabinet Office investigation into bullying claims against Home Secretary Priti Patel has been announced , as Jeremy Corbyn has described the government as “ led by bullies ” .
In response to an urgent question by Labour this afternoon , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said that the Home Secretary “ absolutely rejects ” the allegations made by senior civil servant Philip Rutnam .
Although he described Patel as a “ superb ” minister , Gove revealed that the Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Office to carry out an investigation that will aim to establish the facts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson for calling the Home Secretary “ fantastic ” and saying he “ absolutely ” had confidence in her before an investigation had taken place .
He added : “ It ’ s not enough just to refer this to the Cabinet Office .
The government must now call in an external lawyer as quite rightly suggested by the union for senior civil servants , the FDA .
“ A minister in breach of the Ministerial Code can not remain in office and should be sacked .
These are just the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unacceptable pattern of behaviour .
“ According to reports in the media , a number of the Home Office clashes had involved demands from the Home Secretary , some of which were considered illegal by officials .
“ Most disturbingly , the Home Secretary reportedly asked officials to reverse a court ruling halting the deportation of 25 individuals to Jamaica last month.
” Corbyn concluded that the government is “ led by bullies ” and “ presided over by a part-time Prime Minister who not only can ’ t be bothered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the vital action required ” .
The SNP ’ s Joanna Cherry suggested that Patel was responsible for creating a “ hostile environment ” both outside and within the Home Office .
Leadership candidate Keir Starmer called for an investigation by the Cabinet Secretary on Saturday , while Rebecca Long-Bailey said she wanted to see an immediate “ independent judge-led inquiry ” instead .

A Cabinet Office investigation into bullying claims against Home Secretary Priti Patel has been announced, as Jeremy Corbyn has described the government as “led by bullies”.
In response to an urgent question by Labour this afternoon, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said that the Home Secretary “absolutely rejects” the allegations made by senior civil servant Philip Rutnam.
Although he described Patel as a “superb” minister, Gove revealed that the Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Office to carry out an investigation that will aim to establish the facts.
As outgoing Labour leader, Corbyn criticised Boris Johnson for calling the Home Secretary “fantastic” and saying he “absolutely” had confidence in her before an investigation had taken place.
He added: “It’s not enough just to refer this to the Cabinet Office. The government must now call in an external lawyer as quite rightly suggested by the union for senior civil servants, the FDA.
“A minister in breach of the Ministerial Code cannot remain in office and should be sacked. These are just the latest in a series of allegations that suggest an unacceptable pattern of behaviour.
“According to reports in the media, a number of the Home Office clashes had involved demands from the Home Secretary, some of which were considered illegal by officials.
“Most disturbingly, the Home Secretary reportedly asked officials to reverse a court ruling halting the deportation of 25 individuals to Jamaica last month.”
Corbyn concluded that the government is “led by bullies” and “presided over by a part-time Prime Minister who not only can’t be bothered to turn up but simply won’t take the vital action required”.
The SNP’s Joanna Cherry suggested that Patel was responsible for creating a “hostile environment” both outside and within the Home Office.
Leadership candidate Keir Starmer called for an investigation by the Cabinet Secretary on Saturday, while Rebecca Long-Bailey said she wanted to see an immediate “independent judge-led inquiry” instead.


labourlist--2020-03-02--Labour must rediscover its working-class foundations in the North

A fire is burning .
It ’ s the angry flame of the injustice that we feel about the way the North has been treated .
Last year , the two of us along with then-MP for Crewe and Nantwich , Laura Smith , drafted the report Northern Discomfort .
For a variety of reasons , it went unpublished .
In the wake of a disastrous general election and the gross inequalities being suffered by so many , we are now releasing the report with a brief update .
How can anyone who lives in the North feel ?
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publication – an update to the Marmot report laid bare a decade of Tory failure in England that has been most acutely felt in left behind communities .
Unsurprisingly , the areas that have been hit hardest are those in the Midlands and the North .
By almost every metric , it was communities in these regions that bore the brunt of Tory cruelty .
Life expectancy in the North East is the lowest in the country .
The North East , Yorkshire and the Humber had the lowest employment levels .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were revealed to have the highest rates of male suicide .
The North East , North West and East Midlands have the lowest levels of attainment at age 16 .
Strikingly , the average wealth of households in the South East is 2.6 times higher than in the North East .
The last ten years have led to an intolerable situation – but the reality is that our areas have suffered decline for decades .
This disgrace must stop , and yet it ’ s getting worse .
Of course , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Labour failed to win the argument .
The discussion around Brexit played a huge role in the last election .
Of the seats we lost in England , all but two had voted to leave the EU .
And most were in the North and the Midlands .
For too many , the comments of Labour ’ s leading Remain-facing spokespersons confirmed their suspicion that we no longer spoke for them .
But the truth is that Brexit has merely served to speed up a decline in our political base in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making .
In many communities that heavily relied on an industry long gone , Labour had been seen as a distant and alien presence .
To some , our party had become that of an intolerant and authoritarian liberalism more interested in representing than being representative of working people .
Northern Discomfort shows that it is impossible to win if we become disconnected from our ‘ heartlands ’ and that we should never , ever wish to .
These communities helped give birth to the Labour Party , and they are vital to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the future .
As proudly northern , working-class representatives , today we say : enough is enough .
No more being left behind , no more acceptance of a social situation that is wreaking havoc in people ’ s lives .
There can be no turning back to a metropolitan dominated politics that has utterly failed our people .
The document sets out a path to rebuilding our great party in the North for and of working people .
Let ’ s renew the social contract that we always wanted to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour was never intended to be a career ladder constructed for professional politicians to climb up .
It was created to be a mass movement designed to transform our society , from top to bottom .
Our purpose was to promote the common good – a better society for all .
The first step on our journey is surely to rediscover our working-class foundations , upon which a great movement can yet be built .
We welcome any comments .
If you live in the North and you are a socialist , please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected ] and please provide your name and region .
The full Northern Discomfort report can be found here .

A fire is burning. It’s the angry flame of the injustice that we feel about the way the North has been treated. Last year, the two of us along with then-MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Laura Smith, drafted the report Northern Discomfort. For a variety of reasons, it went unpublished. In the wake of a disastrous general election and the gross inequalities being suffered by so many, we are now releasing the report with a brief update.
How can anyone who lives in the North feel? Last week – ten years after its first publication – an update to the Marmot report laid bare a decade of Tory failure in England that has been most acutely felt in left behind communities. Unsurprisingly, the areas that have been hit hardest are those in the Midlands and the North. By almost every metric, it was communities in these regions that bore the brunt of Tory cruelty.
Life expectancy in the North East is the lowest in the country. The North East, Yorkshire and the Humber had the lowest employment levels. The North East, Yorkshire and the Humber were revealed to have the highest rates of male suicide. The North East, North West and East Midlands have the lowest levels of attainment at age 16. Strikingly, the average wealth of households in the South East is 2.6 times higher than in the North East.
The last ten years have led to an intolerable situation – but the reality is that our areas have suffered decline for decades. This disgrace must stop, and yet it’s getting worse. Of course, it is Conservative policies that are to blame. But Labour failed to win the argument. The discussion around Brexit played a huge role in the last election. Of the seats we lost in England, all but two had voted to leave the EU. And most were in the North and the Midlands. For too many, the comments of Labour’s leading Remain-facing spokespersons confirmed their suspicion that we no longer spoke for them.
But the truth is that Brexit has merely served to speed up a decline in our political base in the heartlands that had been decades in the making. In many communities that heavily relied on an industry long gone, Labour had been seen as a distant and alien presence. To some, our party had become that of an intolerant and authoritarian liberalism more interested in representing than being representative of working people.
Northern Discomfort shows that it is impossible to win if we become disconnected from our ‘heartlands’ and that we should never, ever wish to. These communities helped give birth to the Labour Party, and they are vital to ensuring it survives as an electoral force into the future. As proudly northern, working-class representatives, today we say: enough is enough. No more being left behind, no more acceptance of a social situation that is wreaking havoc in people’s lives. There can be no turning back to a metropolitan dominated politics that has utterly failed our people. The document sets out a path to rebuilding our great party in the North for and of working people.
Let’s renew the social contract that we always wanted to create between our movement and the nation. Labour was never intended to be a career ladder constructed for professional politicians to climb up. It was created to be a mass movement designed to transform our society, from top to bottom. Our purpose was to promote the common good – a better society for all. The first step on our journey is surely to rediscover our working-class foundations, upon which a great movement can yet be built.
We welcome any comments. If you live in the North and you are a socialist, please do get in touch via northern.discomfort.2[email protected] and please provide your name and region. The full Northern Discomfort report can be found here.


labourlist--2020-03-02--Where next for Labour? Trade unions need to do some soul-searching

General election defeats for Labour are always keenly felt in the trade union movement .
Although the relationship has its ups and downs , the two wings of the movement are still – and perhaps always will be – joined at the hip .
This is partly about a shared philosophical outlook and communal soul .
But even in periods when the more misty-eyed , romantic side of the relationship seems a bit frayed , there is always the more hard-headed , transactional dimension to keep it going , given expression through the resources that the unions put in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party ’ s policy .
So , losing always sucks .
It ’ s for losers .
The investment hasn ’ t paid off and our shared endeavour has been set back .
But 2019 hurt more than most .
This is because there was far more at stake .
Trade union membership , density and collective bargaining coverage have been in serious decline .
It barely exists in those parts of the world of work where growing numbers of workers are now found .
The 2019 manifesto and a Labour victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has made it harder for unions to take industrial action and collect political funds .
More importantly , it offered a legislative route back to policy influence and would have created conditions that – theoretically at least – could have been used to boost flagging membership and organisation .
It wasn ’ t to be , however .
As such , the movement now faces some big strategic questions .
Should it just hang on in there , try and win the case for the commitments on sector level bargaining and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2019 manifesto to remain in place under a new leader , and then go hell for leather at the next election in 2023/4 ?
Alternatively , should it reflect on the efficacy of both strategy and policy – asking itself honestly how likely the 2019 policies were to deliver and what the alternatives might be ?
The answer should be obvious .
Whilst Keir Starmer is right when he says that Labour should be careful not to oversteer , it should also be accepted that the 2019 manifesto and what it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world of work wasn ’ t good enough to cut through .
Private union polling shows that although voters were sympathetic to Labour ’ s offer on worker and trade union rights , they just didn ’ t rate these policy areas as particularly important to them personally .
Put starkly , nobody beyond the movement ’ s activist base had these issues in their mind when they went to the polling station .
Many have observed that part of Labour ’ s problem at the 2019 election was that it promised so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In many ways , the pledge that the party in government would deliver the biggest extension in workers ’ rights in history was a microcosm of this credibility problem .
Yes , the manifesto included some important substantive measures including electronic balloting , strengthening rights to access workplaces and simplifying the law around recognition .
But propositions such as “ giving people a voice at work through collective action ” and “ giving working people a voice at the cabinet table by establishing a ministry for employment rights ” did not connect as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government working hand in hand with unions could make a positive difference to most people at work today – especially in a world in which most in private sector workplaces have no experience of unions or collectivism .
Underpinning all of this is the sense that on this particular part of our shared historical mission – the area on which the two wings of the movement are , historically at least , most intimately aligned – we have let each other down .
Sure , unions individually continue to do great things in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power .
But as a movement overall , they represent and speak for an ever-smaller share of the workforce .
This results in a disconnect , which makes it hard for unions to be rooted , authentic partners to a social contract that could be a powerful guarantor of better work , voice , democracy and dignity at the workplace .
So , the case for some collective soul searching and a rethink is powerful .
What might a new agenda look like ?
Here are three starters for ten to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collectively through the TUC , need to think through what they can offer in growing parts of the economy , such as administrative and support services , professional and scientific services and the retail sector .
About 40 % of current private sector jobs are in these three sectors , but union membership and organisation is scant .
This offer might not , at least initially , be full-blown union membership as we ’ ve previously understood it .
But we shouldn ’ t lose sight of an aspiration to be a voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a sobering example of what happens when we speak only for sectors that have experience of unions .
The starting point should be listening to and engaging workers in unorganised sectors .
Secondly , let ’ s think through how trade unions can use the devolution agenda to shape local labour markets .
The ideas about a ministry for employment rights and national level sector bargaining were very top-down , big state .
They carried an unfortunate echo of the 1940s maxim that ‘ the man in Whitehall knows best ’ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about giving power to communities .
But we don ’ t have to wait until Labour wins nationally .
In locations such as the Manchester city region , unions are already on to this , engaging the mayor in the development of a Greater Manchester employment charter .
Of course there will be limitations to what can be achieved under a Tory government – but tangible gains can be made in the here and now , and opportunities identified for further devolution under a future Labour government .
Third , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognise that the world of work is more complex than the bosses versus workers , of recent caricature .
That ’ s not to say for one minute that we ignore the structural power imbalances at work and the fact that there are lots of bad employers and unhappy , exploited employees .
But let ’ s not start from the standpoint that our work is a continuation of the industrial turmoil of the ’ 70s and ’ 80s – see Labour ’ s surreal campaign film about the miners ’ strike during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election campaign .
Promising and being able to deliver a decent job for all and a real voice in the workplace on pay , rewards and how work is organised needs to be the motivating principle underpinning the labour movement ’ s future offer to the country .

General election defeats for Labour are always keenly felt in the trade union movement. Although the relationship has its ups and downs, the two wings of the movement are still – and perhaps always will be – joined at the hip. This is partly about a shared philosophical outlook and communal soul. But even in periods when the more misty-eyed, romantic side of the relationship seems a bit frayed, there is always the more hard-headed, transactional dimension to keep it going, given expression through the resources that the unions put in and the opportunities given in return to develop the party’s policy. So, losing always sucks. It’s for losers. The investment hasn’t paid off and our shared endeavour has been set back.
But 2019 hurt more than most. This is because there was far more at stake. Trade union membership, density and collective bargaining coverage have been in serious decline. It barely exists in those parts of the world of work where growing numbers of workers are now found. The 2019 manifesto and a Labour victory promised to scrap the Trade Union Act, which has made it harder for unions to take industrial action and collect political funds. More importantly, it offered a legislative route back to policy influence and would have created conditions that – theoretically at least – could have been used to boost flagging membership and organisation.
It wasn’t to be, however. As such, the movement now faces some big strategic questions. Should it just hang on in there, try and win the case for the commitments on sector level bargaining and trade union freedoms that were included in the 2019 manifesto to remain in place under a new leader, and then go hell for leather at the next election in 2023/4? Alternatively, should it reflect on the efficacy of both strategy and policy – asking itself honestly how likely the 2019 policies were to deliver and what the alternatives might be?
The answer should be obvious. Whilst Keir Starmer is right when he says that Labour should be careful not to oversteer, it should also be accepted that the 2019 manifesto and what it had to say about trade unions and the world of work wasn’t good enough to cut through. Private union polling shows that although voters were sympathetic to Labour’s offer on worker and trade union rights, they just didn’t rate these policy areas as particularly important to them personally. Put starkly, nobody beyond the movement’s activist base had these issues in their mind when they went to the polling station.
Many have observed that part of Labour’s problem at the 2019 election was that it promised so much that nobody believed a thing. In many ways, the pledge that the party in government would deliver the biggest extension in workers’ rights in history was a microcosm of this credibility problem. Yes, the manifesto included some important substantive measures including electronic balloting, strengthening rights to access workplaces and simplifying the law around recognition. But propositions such as “giving people a voice at work through collective action” and “giving working people a voice at the cabinet table by establishing a ministry for employment rights” did not connect as a relatable narrative about how a Labour government working hand in hand with unions could make a positive difference to most people at work today – especially in a world in which most in private sector workplaces have no experience of unions or collectivism.
Underpinning all of this is the sense that on this particular part of our shared historical mission – the area on which the two wings of the movement are, historically at least, most intimately aligned – we have let each other down. Sure, unions individually continue to do great things in the workplaces in which they still have power. But as a movement overall, they represent and speak for an ever-smaller share of the workforce. This results in a disconnect, which makes it hard for unions to be rooted, authentic partners to a social contract that could be a powerful guarantor of better work, voice, democracy and dignity at the workplace. So, the case for some collective soul searching and a rethink is powerful. What might a new agenda look like? Here are three starters for ten to get the debate started.
First, unions, collectively through the TUC, need to think through what they can offer in growing parts of the economy, such as administrative and support services, professional and scientific services and the retail sector. About 40% of current private sector jobs are in these three sectors, but union membership and organisation is scant. This offer might not, at least initially, be full-blown union membership as we’ve previously understood it. But we shouldn’t lose sight of an aspiration to be a voice for all workers. The 2019 result is a sobering example of what happens when we speak only for sectors that have experience of unions. The starting point should be listening to and engaging workers in unorganised sectors.
Secondly, let’s think through how trade unions can use the devolution agenda to shape local labour markets. The ideas about a ministry for employment rights and national level sector bargaining were very top-down, big state. They carried an unfortunate echo of the 1940s maxim that ‘the man in Whitehall knows best’. All of the current leadership candidates have talked about giving power to communities. But we don’t have to wait until Labour wins nationally. In locations such as the Manchester city region, unions are already on to this, engaging the mayor in the development of a Greater Manchester employment charter. Of course there will be limitations to what can be achieved under a Tory government – but tangible gains can be made in the here and now, and opportunities identified for further devolution under a future Labour government.
Third, let’s drop the class war rhetoric and recognise that the world of work is more complex than the bosses versus workers, of recent caricature. That’s not to say for one minute that we ignore the structural power imbalances at work and the fact that there are lots of bad employers and unhappy, exploited employees. But let’s not start from the standpoint that our work is a continuation of the industrial turmoil of the ’70s and ’80s – see Labour’s surreal campaign film about the miners’ strike during the last few days of the 2019 election campaign. Promising and being able to deliver a decent job for all and a real voice in the workplace on pay, rewards and how work is organised needs to be the motivating principle underpinning the labour movement’s future offer to the country.
David Arnold is writing in a personal capacity.


labourlist--2020-03-02--Caroline Flack, the corporate media and the Crown Prosecution Service

As we approach International Women ’ s Day on March 8th , it is important to recognise that the struggle for equality has come a long way to give us women many rights that we often take for granted .
The right to vote , to divorce and even to drive are still withheld from women in certain places .
It is also no exaggeration to say that women ’ s rights are under serious threat , with gains made over the last century being clawed back by right-wing political agendas all over the world .
The movement to advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going through a difficult period , which is not made any easier by certain media cheerleaders who take any opportunity to shout women down .
The forces and motivations in today ’ s world that are endangering women ’ s advancement challenge us to consider whether progress can be sustained .
The tragedy of Caroline Flack taking her own life encapsulates so many of the problems faced by women in the public eye .
A beautiful and talented woman saw herself at the centre of a media circus , when she was clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I ’ m sure were very complex and difficult circumstances .
Even those with the thickest skin would find social media pile-ons that rip into your appearance , your personal life and your character difficult to deal with , but the sad truth is that this is the nature of the beast now .
If you are working in a job that is in the public eye , you can ’ t escape the vicious side of the media .
I know from my own experience that positive news stories reflecting achievements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written when I was the MP for Crewe and Nantwich , I shared on my own social media happily .
However , having the positive sadly comes at a price – that reporters will also be there to see you when you undoubtedly make mistakes .
For as long as the public clicks on links and buys the tabloids , showing a desire to hear such stories the market for grubby news will never change .
This is the problem with ‘ corporate media ’ .
Its job isn ’ t to inform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through targeted advertisement , sensationalist stories and spreading fear and anxiety .
If we want to see actual change to the way the press operates , then we must recognise that the press will always be constrained and controlled by the society in which it operates .
It is ultimately up to politics to create the press that it wants .
I was not surprised in the wake of the terrible news of Flack ’ s death that some protectors of the machine have been quick to start shifting the blame towards the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely cautious , in my opinion , about blaming the CPS as the progress that they have made around domestic violence is already incredibly fragile .
We must not give anyone the chance to weaken the chances of prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence .
Domestic violence overwhelmingly effects women and children , yet it was not taken seriously in the UK until 1971 , when the first shelter for abused women was set up in Chiswick .
The law has moved on since then , and domestic violence – as well as marital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made a criminal offence in the UK .
We know that here in the UK , cuts to social services affect the options available to women in abusive relationships .
Budget cuts have resulted in closures of women ’ s shelters up and down the country .
Domestic abuse services have gone from funding crisis to funding crisis , as local governments budgets have been squeezed and vital lifelines to women and children wanting to escape the abuse have been cut off .
Teamed with cuts to police force numbers , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse never even make it to trial , or victims give up bothering to try to get justice .
Criticism aimed at the CPS could have a negative impact on the progress that has been made , which includes significant increase in support for victims .
We must not give the right-wing any excuse to attack any protections that women currently have , or make it potentially more difficult for them to escape danger .
And don ’ t think it won ’ t happen .
Just look how in America , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grabbing women ‘ by the pussy ’ was elected to the highest office in government .
Or how Russia now has no domestic violence law after dramatically taking a huge step backwards in 2017 , decriminalising certain forms of domestic violence .
Let ’ s not forget that victims of domestic abuse will often become reluctant to pursue complaints against partners , but also abusers are likely to have done it before and do it again .
With on average two women a week being killed at the hands of a partner or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
I stand with women against the abuse that is aimed at them in the mainstream media and on social media .
Kindness is definitely under threat in modern life , and mental health support has become increasingly difficult to access .
But I also stand with those who have fought tirelessly for domestic violence support .
It is possible to be shocked and sad that Caroline took her life , whilst at the same time taking the abuse allegations seriously and wanting to see a more responsible and kinder media .

As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th, it is important to recognise that the struggle for equality has come a long way to give us women many rights that we often take for granted. The right to vote, to divorce and even to drive are still withheld from women in certain places. It is also no exaggeration to say that women’s rights are under serious threat, with gains made over the last century being clawed back by right-wing political agendas all over the world. The movement to advance women’s development and equality is going through a difficult period, which is not made any easier by certain media cheerleaders who take any opportunity to shout women down. The forces and motivations in today’s world that are endangering women’s advancement challenge us to consider whether progress can be sustained.
The tragedy of Caroline Flack taking her own life encapsulates so many of the problems faced by women in the public eye. A beautiful and talented woman saw herself at the centre of a media circus, when she was clearly struggling and needed privacy and support in what I’m sure were very complex and difficult circumstances. Even those with the thickest skin would find social media pile-ons that rip into your appearance, your personal life and your character difficult to deal with, but the sad truth is that this is the nature of the beast now. If you are working in a job that is in the public eye, you can’t escape the vicious side of the media.
I know from my own experience that positive news stories reflecting achievements are obviously welcome. Those that were written when I was the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, I shared on my own social media happily. However, having the positive sadly comes at a price – that reporters will also be there to see you when you undoubtedly make mistakes. For as long as the public clicks on links and buys the tabloids, showing a desire to hear such stories the market for grubby news will never change. This is the problem with ‘corporate media’. Its job isn’t to inform the public but instead to make money through targeted advertisement, sensationalist stories and spreading fear and anxiety. If we want to see actual change to the way the press operates, then we must recognise that the press will always be constrained and controlled by the society in which it operates. It is ultimately up to politics to create the press that it wants.
I was not surprised in the wake of the terrible news of Flack’s death that some protectors of the machine have been quick to start shifting the blame towards the Crown Prosecution Service. We must be extremely cautious, in my opinion, about blaming the CPS as the progress that they have made around domestic violence is already incredibly fragile. We must not give anyone the chance to weaken the chances of prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence.
Domestic violence overwhelmingly effects women and children, yet it was not taken seriously in the UK until 1971, when the first shelter for abused women was set up in Chiswick. The law has moved on since then, and domestic violence – as well as marital rape and forced marriage – has since been made a criminal offence in the UK.
We know that here in the UK, cuts to social services affect the options available to women in abusive relationships. Budget cuts have resulted in closures of women’s shelters up and down the country. Domestic abuse services have gone from funding crisis to funding crisis, as local governments budgets have been squeezed and vital lifelines to women and children wanting to escape the abuse have been cut off. Teamed with cuts to police force numbers, it is no surprise that many cases of abuse never even make it to trial, or victims give up bothering to try to get justice.
Criticism aimed at the CPS could have a negative impact on the progress that has been made, which includes significant increase in support for victims. We must not give the right-wing any excuse to attack any protections that women currently have, or make it potentially more difficult for them to escape danger. And don’t think it won’t happen. Just look how in America, a man who boasted about sexual assault and grabbing women ‘by the pussy’ was elected to the highest office in government. Or how Russia now has no domestic violence law after dramatically taking a huge step backwards in 2017, decriminalising certain forms of domestic violence.
Let’s not forget that victims of domestic abuse will often become reluctant to pursue complaints against partners, but also abusers are likely to have done it before and do it again. With on average two women a week being killed at the hands of a partner or ex-partner, we must not take the risk.
I stand with women against the abuse that is aimed at them in the mainstream media and on social media. Kindness is definitely under threat in modern life, and mental health support has become increasingly difficult to access. But I also stand with those who have fought tirelessly for domestic violence support. It is possible to be shocked and sad that Caroline took her life, whilst at the same time taking the abuse allegations seriously and wanting to see a more responsible and kinder media.


labourlist--2020-03-03--How we became the first council to introduce an abortion clinic safe zone

We ’ ve been watching closely as the concept of safe zones around sexual health clinics offering abortions has become national news once again over the last couple of weeks .
Labour ’ s Catherine West , MP for Hornsey and Wood Green , made headlines by rightly calling for the government to bring forward national legislation to protect women in response to protests outside a clinic offering abortion services in her constituency .
If you live or work in an area that has experienced these protests , you will absolutely know about it – and the problem has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Mattock Lane in Ealing , West London , is a prime example .
For 20 years , women and staff members at that clinic were harassed and intimidated by organisations with no regard for the position , background or feelings of those they approached .
At a council meeting in October 2017 , Ealing Labour joined forces with local pro-choice campaigners , Sister Supporter , to investigate the need for a safe zone around the clinic .
Residents , council officers and campaigners came together to create the largest ever public consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly upsetting .
Staff of the clinic reported being hounded to their cars and written to by anti-choice groups at their homes .
Users of the clinic , often blocked from entering , were called “ murderers ” , told to “ change lifestyles ” and that they would be “ haunted ” by their baby .
Misleading literature linking abortion to cancer , medically inaccurate foetus dolls and graphic images purporting to be of aborted foetuses were regular sights around the clinic .
In response to the harrowing testimony we heard from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Labour council implemented the UK ’ s first Public Space Protection Order ( more commonly known as a “ buffer zone ” or “ safe zone ” ) outside a sexual health clinic on Mattock Lane .
This buffer zone gives police the powers to disperse protesters up to a distance of 300m from the clinic .
The safe zone was enforceable from 23rd April 2018 , and staff quickly found that women were no longer coming to their appointments in tears because they hadn ’ t been harassed by protestors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 % of local people agreeing that we were doing the right thing , we knew that the decision to implement a safe zone would be met with resistance from anti-choice organisations .
Sure enough , protestors mounted a legal challenge to our safe zone , which the council vigorously defended in the Court of Appeal last August .
In a victory for the right of women to access reproductive healthcare and abortion , the judge found that the safe zone was entirely proportionate .
We don ’ t know if the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Supreme Court , but they ’ ve certainly threatened to .
Our Labour council is very clear : we ’ ll continue to fight any attempts to remove this vital protection for women using the Marie Stopes clinic .
We firmly believe that access to reproductive healthcare – and specifically abortion , the target of most protests outside health clinics – is a fundamental right .
We ’ re very proud to be the Labour council that led the way in creating the first Safe Zone in the UK , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must rely on local councils suffering from almost a decade of Tory cuts to create a patchwork of safe zones around the country .
Women should have access to healthcare without intimidation regardless of where they live , and this problem needs a national solution .
It ’ s time for the government to introduce national legislation to protect women accessing reproductive healthcare all over the country and end this postcode lottery .

We’ve been watching closely as the concept of safe zones around sexual health clinics offering abortions has become national news once again over the last couple of weeks. Labour’s Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, made headlines by rightly calling for the government to bring forward national legislation to protect women in response to protests outside a clinic offering abortion services in her constituency.
If you live or work in an area that has experienced these protests, you will absolutely know about it – and the problem has been getting worse. The Marie Stopes clinic on Mattock Lane in Ealing, West London, is a prime example. For 20 years, women and staff members at that clinic were harassed and intimidated by organisations with no regard for the position, background or feelings of those they approached.
At a council meeting in October 2017, Ealing Labour joined forces with local pro-choice campaigners, Sister Supporter, to investigate the need for a safe zone around the clinic. Residents, council officers and campaigners came together to create the largest ever public consultation in Ealing. What we found was incredibly upsetting.
Staff of the clinic reported being hounded to their cars and written to by anti-choice groups at their homes. Users of the clinic, often blocked from entering, were called “murderers”, told to “change lifestyles” and that they would be “haunted” by their baby. Misleading literature linking abortion to cancer, medically inaccurate foetus dolls and graphic images purporting to be of aborted foetuses were regular sights around the clinic.
In response to the harrowing testimony we heard from patients, staff and residents, Ealing’s Labour council implemented the UK’s first Public Space Protection Order (more commonly known as a “buffer zone” or “safe zone”) outside a sexual health clinic on Mattock Lane. This buffer zone gives police the powers to disperse protesters up to a distance of 300m from the clinic.
The safe zone was enforceable from 23rd April 2018, and staff quickly found that women were no longer coming to their appointments in tears because they hadn’t been harassed by protestors and groups crowding outside.
Despite nearly 90% of local people agreeing that we were doing the right thing, we knew that the decision to implement a safe zone would be met with resistance from anti-choice organisations. Sure enough, protestors mounted a legal challenge to our safe zone, which the council vigorously defended in the Court of Appeal last August. In a victory for the right of women to access reproductive healthcare and abortion, the judge found that the safe zone was entirely proportionate. We don’t know if the same group will try to take their case to the Supreme Court, but they’ve certainly threatened to. Our Labour council is very clear: we’ll continue to fight any attempts to remove this vital protection for women using the Marie Stopes clinic.
We firmly believe that access to reproductive healthcare – and specifically abortion, the target of most protests outside health clinics – is a fundamental right. We’re very proud to be the Labour council that led the way in creating the first Safe Zone in the UK, but it’s not right that women must rely on local councils suffering from almost a decade of Tory cuts to create a patchwork of safe zones around the country.
Women should have access to healthcare without intimidation regardless of where they live, and this problem needs a national solution. It’s time for the government to introduce national legislation to protect women accessing reproductive healthcare all over the country and end this postcode lottery.


labourlist--2020-03-03--Iram Woolley: Why I’m standing to be a member of Labour’s NEC

We are experiencing challenging times since the election , and I have seen how quickly our activists and trade unions have come together since then .
Despite the huge knock-back , we were blessed to see many BAME politicians elected .
We still have to do more .
And it wasn ’ t always this way .
In 1997 , my sister and I were racially attacked by a mob of angry youths in Woolwich not far from Stephen Lawrence ’ s murder , in Eltham , London .
Thankfully , I am proud that our NHS services and British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an anti-racist inequalities campaigner – politicised by Blair Peach and Gurdip Chaggar Singh ’ s brutal deaths , and ingrained institutionalised racism .
I am inculcating an awareness of racial bias .
It exists , and we must fight back and be fearless .
I would like to say a massive thank you to the nine constituency Labour parties that nominated me , along with comrades and affiliates at the NUM .
But the job isn ’ t done yet – we are now asking all members to vote , support , retweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offline , over the next six weeks .
This is why I call on activists to work together to facilitate and campaign on the issues faced by BAME people .
I support and stand in solidarity with all communities who represent equality , fairness and justice .
I have supported the Southall Black Sisters fighting violence against women and girls , and I promote riding bikes to stay fit and strong .
I have supported awareness sessions on wellbeing to manage the time for self-care and work .
I have delivered speeches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruskin College , through the CWU , CMA , AMICUS , MSF and UNITE .
I have supported all of you by providing the opportunity , as a community activist , and I still have a lot more to give back .
I am proud to have worked as a campaign coordinator for Sadiq Khan , campaigned in the European elections and in a by-election in Dormers Wells , and to have run a # SchoolCuts campaign .
I know that I am meant for more .
As a BAME person , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment .
And I understand the far right ’ s rising agenda .
I will work to eradicate racism .
As a Labour Women ’ s Network member , I hope to work in sisterhood with all intersectionalities , to ensure that we as a party strive to live up to its transformative policies .
We also face an unprecedented global climate emergency , and I will ensure we do more but urgently .
I am standing to be the voice on our party ’ s governing body so that we can continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our party with our new deputy and leader .
I am diplomatic and will work with anyone .
I want to share my experience and skills to help CLPs and unions .
I am always willing to offer advice , support and training – you are never alone .
We also need to acknowledge the BAME colleagues that have been elected to parliament , and celebrate it without condition .
We need the energy to rebuild BAME Labour .
Together , we can do this .
Please vote for me .
I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making a difference in society , working to add value and making positive contributions at all levels , so that your voices are heard .
I will work at the local , regional and national level for you .
Love for all , and hatred for none .

We are experiencing challenging times since the election, and I have seen how quickly our activists and trade unions have come together since then. Despite the huge knock-back, we were blessed to see many BAME politicians elected. We still have to do more. And it wasn’t always this way. In 1997, my sister and I were racially attacked by a mob of angry youths in Woolwich not far from Stephen Lawrence’s murder, in Eltham, London. Thankfully, I am proud that our NHS services and British Transport Police helped us.
I am an anti-racist inequalities campaigner – politicised by Blair Peach and Gurdip Chaggar Singh’s brutal deaths, and ingrained institutionalised racism. I am inculcating an awareness of racial bias. It exists, and we must fight back and be fearless. I would like to say a massive thank you to the nine constituency Labour parties that nominated me, along with comrades and affiliates at the NUM. But the job isn’t done yet – we are now asking all members to vote, support, retweet, share and like, online and offline, over the next six weeks.
This is why I call on activists to work together to facilitate and campaign on the issues faced by BAME people. I support and stand in solidarity with all communities who represent equality, fairness and justice. I have supported the Southall Black Sisters fighting violence against women and girls, and I promote riding bikes to stay fit and strong. I have supported awareness sessions on wellbeing to manage the time for self-care and work.
I have delivered speeches, written motions and gained training credits through Ruskin College, through the CWU, CMA, AMICUS, MSF and UNITE. I have supported all of you by providing the opportunity, as a community activist, and I still have a lot more to give back. I am proud to have worked as a campaign coordinator for Sadiq Khan, campaigned in the European elections and in a by-election in Dormers Wells, and to have run a #SchoolCuts campaign. I know that I am meant for more.
As a BAME person, I understand the effects of racial discrimination and harassment. And I understand the far right’s rising agenda. I will work to eradicate racism. As a Labour Women’s Network member, I hope to work in sisterhood with all intersectionalities, to ensure that we as a party strive to live up to its transformative policies. We also face an unprecedented global climate emergency, and I will ensure we do more but urgently.
I am standing to be the voice on our party’s governing body so that we can continue to work to transform and radically change our party with our new deputy and leader. I am diplomatic and will work with anyone. I want to share my experience and skills to help CLPs and unions. I am always willing to offer advice, support and training – you are never alone. We also need to acknowledge the BAME colleagues that have been elected to parliament, and celebrate it without condition. We need the energy to rebuild BAME Labour.
Together, we can do this. Please vote for me. I will be a trailblazer for enabling proportional representation, making a difference in society, working to add value and making positive contributions at all levels, so that your voices are heard. I will work at the local, regional and national level for you. Love for all, and hatred for none.


labourlist--2020-03-03--PM insists NHS can cope with coronavirus but people must be “self-restraining”

Boris Johnson has insisted that the NHS is “ well capable ” of handling the pressures of the coronavirus , but says people will need to be “ self-restraining ” in their use of health services .
Speaking at a press conference this morning , the Prime Minister outlined the steps that the government and health services would take .
He revealed the government ’ s four-point plan to contain the coronavirus , delay its spread , research the origins and a cure and mitigate its impact .
Johnson said : “ We will make sure the NHS gets all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant response to the virus so far.
” Asked about the pressure that the NHS will be under , the Prime Minister insisted that the NHS is “ well capable of handling the most tremendous pressures ” .
But he added : “ It will be very important for everybody to think not only what we can do to prevent the spread of the virus individually , but also what we can do to avoid too much pressure on the NHS… It will be quite important to be self-restraining.
” The Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the people of this country , we should be going about our business as usual.
” In a recent survey , 99 % of 1,618 doctors questioned said that the NHS not well prepared to deal with a major outbreak of coronavirus .
There are particular concerns given the fact that that the NHS currently has 10,000 doctor and 43,000 nurse vacancies .
The action plan published today has warned that up to a sixth of the workforce in the country could be off sick during the peak of a coronavirus epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for emergency legislation to ensure all those who need to self-isolate get sick pay from day one .
Asked about this today , Johnson said only that “ we ’ re going to keep all options under review – we ’ re well aware of the issue ” .
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock will be in the House of Commons to answer questions from MPs about the action plan tomorrow .

Boris Johnson has insisted that the NHS is “well capable” of handling the pressures of the coronavirus, but says people will need to be “self-restraining” in their use of health services.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, the Prime Minister outlined the steps that the government and health services would take.
He revealed the government’s four-point plan to contain the coronavirus, delay its spread, research the origins and a cure and mitigate its impact.
Johnson said: “We will make sure the NHS gets all the support it needs to continue their brilliant response to the virus so far.”
Asked about the pressure that the NHS will be under, the Prime Minister insisted that the NHS is “well capable of handling the most tremendous pressures”.
But he added: “It will be very important for everybody to think not only what we can do to prevent the spread of the virus individually, but also what we can do to avoid too much pressure on the NHS… It will be quite important to be self-restraining.”
The Prime Minister said: “For the vast majority of the people of this country, we should be going about our business as usual.”
In a recent survey, 99% of 1,618 doctors questioned said that the NHS not well prepared to deal with a major outbreak of coronavirus.
There are particular concerns given the fact that that the NHS currently has 10,000 doctor and 43,000 nurse vacancies.
"We will make sure the NHS gets all the support it needs" to continue their response to coronavirus UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says "keeping the country safe is the government's overriding priority"https://t.co/pHUimFiIOR #coronavirusuk pic.twitter.com/ExEfPGGeq1 — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 3, 2020
The action plan published today has warned that up to a sixth of the workforce in the country could be off sick during the peak of a coronavirus epidemic.
Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy has called for emergency legislation to ensure all those who need to self-isolate get sick pay from day one.
Asked about this today, Johnson said only that “we’re going to keep all options under review – we’re well aware of the issue”.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock will be in the House of Commons to answer questions from MPs about the action plan tomorrow.