labourlist--2020-03-30--MP doubts UK self-isolation advice, as ‘non-essential’ work continues for many

The UK ’ s coronavirus death toll rose to 1,228 over the weekend , including NHS doctors for the first time .
NHS staff are only just starting to be tested now , amid increasing pressure also for personal protective equipment to reach frontline key workers urgently .
Remember when the deputy chief medical officer confidently stated on March 20th that the problems around PPE had been “ completely resolved ” ?
The latest Lancet editorial was scathing .
Editor-in-chief Richard Horton called the handling of coronavirus a “ national scandal ” , and concluded that as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die unnecessarily .
NHS staff will die unnecessarily.
” The papers today are splashing on the warning on Sunday by DCMO Jenny Harries that life may not return to ‘ normal ’ for at least six months .
This does not mean that the exact same measures will be in place for that period , but that changes will need to be gradual , perhaps phased in and out when deemed necessary .
NHS capacity is crucial .
The Prime Minister and the Health Secretary are now both self-isolating after testing positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correct measures ?
Labour MP , deputy leadership candidate and NHS doctor Rosena Allin-Khan suggests not .
Their vow to self-isolate for seven days in line with the UK guidelines is not in keeping with the World Health Organisation advice , which stipulates 14 days .
We have recently seen police forces use Twitter to boast of their new powers .
Derbyshire police released drone footage to criticise people for dog-walking .
Warrington proudly announced that people were summonsed for non-essential shopping .
Labour MP Stephen Kinnock was publicly told off for visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday while following the two-metre distancing rule .
And yet some are still being forced to go into work if their bosses feel like it .
Jon Ashworth has demanded clarity on what constitutes “ essential work ” .
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard is urging ministers to “ make clear that companies producing or selling non-essential goods and services must immediately end any requirement for workers to be on site ” .
Labour ’ s leadership contests will finally come to an end this week , of course .
We revealed exclusively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to send in videos of their acceptance speeches before discovering the result , which will be unveiled via… a press release .
It will make for a very odd ending to these three-month elections , but then this is a very strange time to be reporting on internal Labour news .
The future direction of the party does matter , nonetheless , which means we will be covering both coronavirus-related developments and LabourList ’ s raison d ’ être over the coming weeks .
Expect reflections on the Jeremy Corbyn era , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the next leadership team .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

The UK’s coronavirus death toll rose to 1,228 over the weekend, including NHS doctors for the first time. NHS staff are only just starting to be tested now, amid increasing pressure also for personal protective equipment to reach frontline key workers urgently. Remember when the deputy chief medical officer confidently stated on March 20th that the problems around PPE had been “completely resolved”? The latest Lancet editorial was scathing. Editor-in-chief Richard Horton called the handling of coronavirus a “national scandal”, and concluded that as a result of delays and inaction: “Patients will die unnecessarily. NHS staff will die unnecessarily.”
The papers today are splashing on the warning on Sunday by DCMO Jenny Harries that life may not return to ‘normal’ for at least six months. This does not mean that the exact same measures will be in place for that period, but that changes will need to be gradual, perhaps phased in and out when deemed necessary. NHS capacity is crucial. The Prime Minister and the Health Secretary are now both self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19. But are they taking the correct measures? Labour MP, deputy leadership candidate and NHS doctor Rosena Allin-Khan suggests not. Their vow to self-isolate for seven days in line with the UK guidelines is not in keeping with the World Health Organisation advice, which stipulates 14 days.
We have recently seen police forces use Twitter to boast of their new powers. Derbyshire police released drone footage to criticise people for dog-walking. Warrington proudly announced that people were summonsed for non-essential shopping. Labour MP Stephen Kinnock was publicly told off for visiting his parents to celebrate Neil’s birthday while following the two-metre distancing rule. And yet some are still being forced to go into work if their bosses feel like it. Jon Ashworth has demanded clarity on what constitutes “essential work”. Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard is urging ministers to “make clear that companies producing or selling non-essential goods and services must immediately end any requirement for workers to be on site”.
Labour’s leadership contests will finally come to an end this week, of course. We revealed exclusively on Friday that all candidates are being asked to send in videos of their acceptance speeches before discovering the result, which will be unveiled via… a press release. It will make for a very odd ending to these three-month elections, but then this is a very strange time to be reporting on internal Labour news. The future direction of the party does matter, nonetheless, which means we will be covering both coronavirus-related developments and LabourList’s raison d’être over the coming weeks. Expect reflections on the Jeremy Corbyn era, as well as thoughts on and advice for the next leadership team. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-03-29--We must force companies to stop putting profits before safety

Right across the UK , people have adapted quickly to the new lockdown regulations .
They impose tough constraints on our living routines , work patterns and community activities , but most of us respect the need for these restrictions to stop the rapid transmission of coronavirus throughout our population .
The Scottish government has issued advice that businesses whose activity is not “ essential or material to the effort against the virus or to the wellbeing of society ” , and which can not “ practise safe social distancing and comply with ALL other standard health and safety requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV interview a few days ago , the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressed that if employers can not “ ensure that there are safe social distancing practices in place ” , then the “ advice is , you shouldn ’ t be continuing to operate at this time ” .
But it is clearly not working .
Since the start of the lockdown , day after day , Scottish Labour has received numerous reports of companies forcing workers to continue to travel to work and then , when they get there , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s clear that while most responsible citizens recognise the need to put safety first , some bosses are still prepared to recklessly risk public health for the sake of profits .
Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament Neil Findlay highlighted that the global drinks firm Bacardi is still requiring workers to report on site across Scotland .
Even if the lockdown is increasing our collective alcohol consumption , it ’ s a bit of a stretch to consider rum production an essential service .
And it is far from the only example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have called for Scotland ’ s whisky industry to suspend production , but many distilleries are still in action – even though their products will not be ready for the off-license shelves for many years .
Gates Power Transmission – a factory in Dumfries that makes drive belts for cars , many of which have suspended production – reportedly left staff in tears when bosses insisted the site would remain operational throughout the pandemic .
And companies like the Premier Housewares factory in Glasgow has told workers that if they stay at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If my water supply stops , there is a power cut , or I urgently need to contact NHS 24 , I am of course reliant on workers based in call centres to be at work to give me advice .
But there are too many call centres across Scotland forcing workers in , without proper safeguards , not to offer essential advice but to meet sales performance targets .
They need to close and where possible allow staff to work from home .
Unite Scotland has reported that the Scottish government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but questions remain over why work was allowed to continue for so many days after the lockdown began .
As we go into a new week , it ’ s time for ministers to make clear that companies producing or selling non-essential goods and services must immediately end any requirement for workers to be on site .
We now need the Scottish government to work with the Health and Safety Executive on a plan to force companies that are putting profits before safety to immediately stop .
Workers also need a cast-iron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not lose their jobs or their pay if they refuse to work in unsafe conditions and endanger the public at large .
As I made clear in the Scottish Parliament before the lockdown began , workers will not be able to self-isolate if they can not afford to do so .
The support packages announced by both the UK and the Scottish governments are welcome , but there is still far too much confusion over which businesses should remain open , what support businesses and workers will receive , and when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that only essential workplaces are still open , we stand a much better chance of saving lives .
It is morally irresponsible for employers to bend let alone break the rules .
And only when the Scottish government makes clear that flouting guidance will have consequences can we be sure that we are all doing all we can to tackle COVID-19 .

Right across the UK, people have adapted quickly to the new lockdown regulations. They impose tough constraints on our living routines, work patterns and community activities, but most of us respect the need for these restrictions to stop the rapid transmission of coronavirus throughout our population.
The Scottish government has issued advice that businesses whose activity is not “essential or material to the effort against the virus or to the wellbeing of society”, and which cannot “practise safe social distancing and comply with ALL other standard health and safety requirements” should cease activity.
During a TV interview a few days ago, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressed that if employers cannot “ensure that there are safe social distancing practices in place”, then the “advice is, you shouldn’t be continuing to operate at this time”.
But it is clearly not working. Since the start of the lockdown, day after day, Scottish Labour has received numerous reports of companies forcing workers to continue to travel to work and then, when they get there, making them work in close proximity. It’s clear that while most responsible citizens recognise the need to put safety first, some bosses are still prepared to recklessly risk public health for the sake of profits.
Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament Neil Findlay highlighted that the global drinks firm Bacardi is still requiring workers to report on site across Scotland. Even if the lockdown is increasing our collective alcohol consumption, it’s a bit of a stretch to consider rum production an essential service.
And it is far from the only example in the Scottish drinks industry. Unions have called for Scotland’s whisky industry to suspend production, but many distilleries are still in action – even though their products will not be ready for the off-license shelves for many years.
Gates Power Transmission – a factory in Dumfries that makes drive belts for cars, many of which have suspended production – reportedly left staff in tears when bosses insisted the site would remain operational throughout the pandemic. And companies like the Premier Housewares factory in Glasgow has told workers that if they stay at home they will not get sick pay.
If my water supply stops, there is a power cut, or I urgently need to contact NHS 24, I am of course reliant on workers based in call centres to be at work to give me advice. But there are too many call centres across Scotland forcing workers in, without proper safeguards, not to offer essential advice but to meet sales performance targets. They need to close and where possible allow staff to work from home.
Unite Scotland has reported that the Scottish government has now told building sites to shut down, but questions remain over why work was allowed to continue for so many days after the lockdown began.
As we go into a new week, it’s time for ministers to make clear that companies producing or selling non-essential goods and services must immediately end any requirement for workers to be on site. We now need the Scottish government to work with the Health and Safety Executive on a plan to force companies that are putting profits before safety to immediately stop.
Workers also need a cast-iron guarantee, right now, that they will not lose their jobs or their pay if they refuse to work in unsafe conditions and endanger the public at large. As I made clear in the Scottish Parliament before the lockdown began, workers will not be able to self-isolate if they cannot afford to do so. The support packages announced by both the UK and the Scottish governments are welcome, but there is still far too much confusion over which businesses should remain open, what support businesses and workers will receive, and when they will receive it.
Once we are sure that only essential workplaces are still open, we stand a much better chance of saving lives. It is morally irresponsible for employers to bend let alone break the rules. And only when the Scottish government makes clear that flouting guidance will have consequences can we be sure that we are all doing all we can to tackle COVID-19.


labourlist--2020-03-29--Sunday shows: Labour calls for clarity on ‘essential’ work during crisis

Jonathan Ashworth , Labour ’ s health spokesperson , appeared on the show this morning .
He called on the government to clarify “ essential ” work and urged employers to let their workers stay at home .
• On opposition comments : “ We ’ re raising these issues not to undermine Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock , not to secure some political point , but because we all want the national effort to succeed.
” • On lockdown measures : “ There are still many workers… being forced to go into their workplaces and those workplaces are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two metre distancing rule.
” • On messaging from the government : “ Clarity is everything when you ’ re dealing with a pandemic , you can ’ t have mixed messages .
When you ’ re asking people to adjust their behaviour we need clear messages from government.
” • On people still going into work : “ We ’ re asking the government to provide absolute , clear clarity over which firms are essential , which sort of work is essential and what sort of work isn ’ t essential.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work : “ Let your workers stay at home , and let those workers and you as a firm access the various support schemes the government has put in place.
” • On the long-term implications of the crisis : “ When we come through the other end , we do have to ask ourselves some questions around what the rights levels of taxation are to fund well-functioning public services.
” • Asked if he supports doubling national insurance to better fund the NHS : “ Let ’ s get through the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next Budget.
” Deputy leadership candidate Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , a Labour MP who does shifts in her local A & E , talked about her experiences dealing with coronavirus .
She raised concerns about the government advice on self-isolation being different from the World Heath Organisation guidance .
• Asked whether NHS workers have the personal protective equipment that they need : “ In the last few days in my hospital , they have started to receive the personal protective equipment.
” • On self-isolation in the UK : “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that they will return to work after seven days… The advice that we are giving is actually not in keeping with what the WHO are saying.
” • On WHO guidance : “ They are saying that you can still be able to spread the virus long after your symptoms have been resolved , and they are actually saying that it is recommended that you stay self-isolated for 14 days.
” • On UK guidance : “ Personally , I believe the government should change their advice… I would like the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days.
” • On mass testing : “ Let ’ s roll out mass testing so that we know what we ’ re working with .
It worked in South Korea , it ’ s done well in Germany .
Let ’ s roll out mass testing.
” • Asked about testing for NHS workers : “ It is absolutely urgent that NHS and care staff are tested and that they have access to testing immediately.
” • On prioritisation of tests : “ I ’ m not sure it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having access to testing when frontline NHS staff… can ’ t get the tests that they need.
” Former Labour leader and Prime Minister Tony Blair talked about the need for a global response to the coronavirus pandemic .
• On the government ’ s handling of the coronavirus crisis : “ I don ’ t want to be in a position of offering criticism of the government .
I think they ’ ll be working as hard as they possible can , they ’ re doing everything they can.
” • On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is all about getting to mass testing as soon as possible because we have to know who has the disease and who has had the disease to get the lockdown eased and get people back to work.
” • On the percentage of the population that would need to be tested : “ You could be talking about virtually everybody.
” • On whether it ’ s feasible to ‘ run the country from your living room ’ : “ Well , you can do .
We ’ ve got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up… It ’ s perfectly possible to do that , but it depends how ill he is.
” • On where the focus of the government should be : “ It ’ s really about how you put the most capable people in charge of those elements of logistics and procurement .
And I think the other thing we should be doing right now , by the way , is putting everything we can behind technology and innovation .
There will 1,000 things technology can help with… You sometimes find that the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in the public sector but in the private sector.
” • On the need for a global response : “ One other thing we shouldn ’ t forget is this is a global crisis… If any country in the world is not over this disease , then all countries are at risk.
” • On the ability of poorer countries in Africa to respond : “ These are healthcare systems that are already quite weak , government system that aren ’ t always as effective as they need to be .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment , ventilators , protective clothing , masks , testing of course .
If these countries aren ’ t helped at this stage , it is going to slow down the ability of the world as a whole to get over this crisis.
” • He added that “ I don ’ t quite understand ” why there is not already more global cooperation being undertaken , particularly to ensure that when there is a vaccine it can be distributed widely and fairly .
• He added : “ I know our priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course it will be .
But we need to realise that if there ’ s one part of the world that manages to get on top of this and another part of the world that can ’ t , then in the end we ’ re all going to have to do deal with it.
” Rebecca Long-Bailey , a leadership candidate and MP for Salford and Eccles , talked about the economic response to the virus • On government advice around working from home : “ There are workers right across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been going to construction sites , warehouses , call centres , where their health is being put at significant risk .
The government needs to now be very clear about what non-essential and essential work is , and make sure that those workers are at home if they ’ re not providing an essential function and that they ’ re financially protected… There ’ s no excuse for those employers not to furlough staff.
” • On measures for the self-employed : “ Many self-employed people have to wait until June to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not acceptable .
We ’ ve seen other countries such as New Zealand roll out schemes far quicker.
” • She added : “ There ’ s also a gap in terms of those self-employed people who aren ’ t covered by the scheme , and where they ’ re not they ’ re told to go and apply for Universal Credit at a rate of statutory sick pay , which is £94 a week .
£94 a week is not enough for anyone to live on , and the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to have that amount increased… end the five-week Universal Credit wait , and provide a grant rather than a loan to the self-employed people who need to rely on that.
” • On the balance between halting the virus spread and keeping the economy running : “ The most important thing in all of this is protecting human life .
Every single decision that is made economically must be centred around that .
We will recover .
We will need to make sure that we have a huge investment and support package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really boost our economy… At this time , the government ’ s main priority should be ensuring that people are able to stay in the homes and that they ’ re financially protected enough to do that.
” • On whether the emergency measures shows Jeremy Corbyn ‘ was right all along ’ : “ I think the crisis has highlighted how connected we all are to each other , and it has also highlights the fragility of all of our lives… and it ’ s also highlighted the dramatic underfunding of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebuild our economy , it has to be upon foundations that provide all of us with financial security and enough to live on.
” • Asked whether it ’ s difficult to compare the December 2019 debates over the economy with the response to the pandemic : “ Not at all .
What we ’ ve always been calling for is properly funded public services .
And they weren ’ t properly funded , they ’ re still not unfortunately.
” • On whether she would be prepared to join a national unity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve already been collaborating with the government , and urging them to listen to my advice and the advice of my colleagues in tackling this crisis because we want to be as helpful as possible .
We ’ re not criticising the government when we ’ re offering our suggestions… we ’ re trying to help.
” • On the LabourList exclusive that : “ It ’ s trying to deal with these strange times and have an announcement on the leadership contest that our members and the public can view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s logistically quite challenging .
We ’ ve all been asked to do this victory speech… I haven ’ t done mine yet , by the way .
• Asked whether it ’ s going to be awkward to record : “ It ’ s gon na be a bit bizarre , yeah .
”

The Andrew Marr Show
Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s health spokesperson, appeared on the show this morning. He called on the government to clarify “essential” work and urged employers to let their workers stay at home.
On opposition comments: “We’re raising these issues not to undermine Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock, not to secure some political point, but because we all want the national effort to succeed.”
On lockdown measures: “There are still many workers… being forced to go into their workplaces and those workplaces are not putting in arrangements where they can observe the two metre distancing rule.”
On messaging from the government: “Clarity is everything when you’re dealing with a pandemic, you can’t have mixed messages. When you’re asking people to adjust their behaviour we need clear messages from government.”
On people still going into work: “We’re asking the government to provide absolute, clear clarity over which firms are essential, which sort of work is essential and what sort of work isn’t essential.”
To employers continuing with non-essential work: “Let your workers stay at home, and let those workers and you as a firm access the various support schemes the government has put in place.”
On the long-term implications of the crisis: “When we come through the other end, we do have to ask ourselves some questions around what the rights levels of taxation are to fund well-functioning public services.”
Asked if he supports doubling national insurance to better fund the NHS: “Let’s get through the crisis before we start writing the specifics of the next Budget.”
“There are many non-essential workers being forced to go to their workplaces” where they cannot be 2m apart Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth tells #Marr government needs to be “crystal clear” about which work is essential, and which is nothttps://t.co/4Wq3qpUcoM #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/ThImk3jDUK — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 29, 2020
Ridge on Sunday
Deputy leadership candidate Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, a Labour MP who does shifts in her local A&E, talked about her experiences dealing with coronavirus. She raised concerns about the government advice on self-isolation being different from the World Heath Organisation guidance.
Asked whether NHS workers have the personal protective equipment that they need: “In the last few days in my hospital, they have started to receive the personal protective equipment.”
On self-isolation in the UK: “We have some very senior politicians who have said that they will return to work after seven days… The advice that we are giving is actually not in keeping with what the WHO are saying.”
On WHO guidance: “They are saying that you can still be able to spread the virus long after your symptoms have been resolved, and they are actually saying that it is recommended that you stay self-isolated for 14 days.”
On UK guidance: “Personally, I believe the government should change their advice… I would like the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to self-isolate for 14 days.”
On mass testing: “Let’s roll out mass testing so that we know what we’re working with. It worked in South Korea, it’s done well in Germany. Let’s roll out mass testing.”
Asked about testing for NHS workers: “It is absolutely urgent that NHS and care staff are tested and that they have access to testing immediately.”
On prioritisation of tests: “I’m not sure it’s entirely fair that senior politicians are having access to testing when frontline NHS staff… can’t get the tests that they need.”
“We need to save lives.”@DrRosena tells @SophyRidgeSky she is “deeply concerned” that some “very senior politicians” plan to return to work after seven days of self-isolation – as the @WHO says #COVID19 can be transmitted for 14 days.#Ridge Read more: https://t.co/hzbNys0QQR pic.twitter.com/7b7kHjqRUB — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) March 29, 2020
Former Labour leader and Prime Minister Tony Blair talked about the need for a global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
On the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis: “I don’t want to be in a position of offering criticism of the government. I think they’ll be working as hard as they possible can, they’re doing everything they can.”
On mass testing: “In my view, it is all about getting to mass testing as soon as possible because we have to know who has the disease and who has had the disease to get the lockdown eased and get people back to work.”
On the percentage of the population that would need to be tested: “You could be talking about virtually everybody.”
On whether it’s feasible to ‘run the country from your living room’: “Well, you can do. We’ve got the technology to be able to link people up… It’s perfectly possible to do that, but it depends how ill he is.”
On where the focus of the government should be: “It’s really about how you put the most capable people in charge of those elements of logistics and procurement. And I think the other thing we should be doing right now, by the way, is putting everything we can behind technology and innovation. There will 1,000 things technology can help with… You sometimes find that the best people on this are not to be found in the public sector but in the private sector.”
On the need for a global response: “One other thing we shouldn’t forget is this is a global crisis… If any country in the world is not over this disease, then all countries are at risk.”
On the ability of poorer countries in Africa to respond: “These are healthcare systems that are already quite weak, government system that aren’t always as effective as they need to be. They’ve got a massive shortage of equipment, ventilators, protective clothing, masks, testing of course. If these countries aren’t helped at this stage, it is going to slow down the ability of the world as a whole to get over this crisis.”
He added that “I don’t quite understand” why there is not already more global cooperation being undertaken, particularly to ensure that when there is a vaccine it can be distributed widely and fairly.
He added: “I know our priority will be everyone here at home, of course it will be. But we need to realise that if there’s one part of the world that manages to get on top of this and another part of the world that can’t, then in the end we’re all going to have to do deal with it.”
“I think you’re talking about [testing] virtually everybody” Former PM Tony Blair says almost everyone in the UK may need a test for coronavirus as many as “two or three different times”, so that the disease can be tracked and action taken.#Ridge pic.twitter.com/BF2z731wDm — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) March 29, 2020
Rebecca Long-Bailey, a leadership candidate and MP for Salford and Eccles, talked about the economic response to the virus
On government advice around working from home: “There are workers right across the country this week who’ve been going to construction sites, warehouses, call centres, where their health is being put at significant risk. The government needs to now be very clear about what non-essential and essential work is, and make sure that those workers are at home if they’re not providing an essential function and that they’re financially protected… There’s no excuse for those employers not to furlough staff.”
On measures for the self-employed: “Many self-employed people have to wait until June to receive a pay-out from this, and that’s not acceptable. We’ve seen other countries such as New Zealand roll out schemes far quicker.”
She added: “There’s also a gap in terms of those self-employed people who aren’t covered by the scheme, and where they’re not they’re told to go and apply for Universal Credit at a rate of statutory sick pay, which is £94 a week. £94 a week is not enough for anyone to live on, and the government have indeed admitted that themselves. We need to have that amount increased… end the five-week Universal Credit wait, and provide a grant rather than a loan to the self-employed people who need to rely on that.”
On the balance between halting the virus spread and keeping the economy running: “The most important thing in all of this is protecting human life. Every single decision that is made economically must be centred around that. We will recover. We will need to make sure that we have a huge investment and support package available after this crisis is over to really boost our economy… At this time, the government’s main priority should be ensuring that people are able to stay in the homes and that they’re financially protected enough to do that.”
On whether the emergency measures shows Jeremy Corbyn ‘was right all along’: “I think the crisis has highlighted how connected we all are to each other, and it has also highlights the fragility of all of our lives… and it’s also highlighted the dramatic underfunding of our NHS and public services. When we rebuild our economy, it has to be upon foundations that provide all of us with financial security and enough to live on.”
Asked whether it’s difficult to compare the December 2019 debates over the economy with the response to the pandemic: “Not at all. What we’ve always been calling for is properly funded public services. And they weren’t properly funded, they’re still not unfortunately.”
On whether she would be prepared to join a national unity government if elected Labour leader: “I’ve already been collaborating with the government, and urging them to listen to my advice and the advice of my colleagues in tackling this crisis because we want to be as helpful as possible. We’re not criticising the government when we’re offering our suggestions… we’re trying to help.”
On the LabourList exclusive that : “It’s trying to deal with these strange times and have an announcement on the leadership contest that our members and the public can view from their homes, really. It’s logistically quite challenging. We’ve all been asked to do this victory speech… I haven’t done mine yet, by the way.
Asked whether it’s going to be awkward to record: “It’s gonna be a bit bizarre, yeah.”


labourlist--2020-03-29--Our politics are not irrelevant in this crisis – they are more important than ever

The outbreak of coronavirus is the most serious crisis that this country has faced in many of our lifetimes .
Over 1,000 people across the UK have died having contracted the virus so far , and more deaths are expected in the coming weeks .
Stories of young and otherwise fit and healthy people losing their lives in particular will have shocked us all deeply , but every death is a tragedy and will leave loved ones grieving .
Alongside the public health crisis , we are seeing a social and economic crisis unfold .
Millions who are sick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now face immediate hardship and uncertainty over their jobs , homes and incomes .
With the country under partial lockdown , we don ’ t know how long this will last , when we will return to normal or even what a new ‘ normal ’ may look like – and we don ’ t yet know the toll that the lockdown will take , particularly for those in cramped conditions and vulnerable circumstances .
For many of us , having to deal with this situation without loved ones or friends around us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It underlines what is really important in life .
In other ways , too , the crisis is highlighting just how inter-connected we all are and the true value of solidarity and collective action .
We saw this on Thursday night , when the country came together to applaud our NHS workers , carers and those who are putting their lives at risk to get us through this .
We ’ ve seen it with more than 700,000 people having signed up to volunteer as part of a national effort in less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in community groups spontaneously taking root across the country .
I ’ m immensely proud of the Spirit of Salford initiative in my own local community , bringing together hundreds of volunteers to make deliveries , act as emergency responders and support local food banks .
In such a time of crisis , it would be easy to think that politics becomes irrelevant .
But if anything , it ’ s become more important than ever to stand up for our values of solidarity and collectivism .
It is unacceptable that NHS workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives at risk because they don ’ t have proper personal protective equipment or that millions will have to get by on statutory sick pay or the standard Universal Credit payment of just £94 a week – a sum even government ministers accept they could not survive on .
We also need to be clear that the emergency steps the government is now having to take expose the realities of a deeply unequal economy that leaves too many behind : a “ flexible ” labour market that means millions are just one pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security system that pays too little , too late ; the insecurity faced by millions of tenants fearful of being evicted at the drop of a hat ; the strain on our NHS , local councils and care services after a decade of austerity that has left them struggling to cope even in normal times .
Throughout the Labour leadership election , I ’ ve said that we must not fall into the trap of abandoning our values or socialist agenda , and that we must not resort to defending the status quo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half weeks , it has become increasingly clear that the question being posed by the whole country will be how we remake it .
In the final few days of the campaign , my message to Labour members is that our answer must be rooted in our values of equality , solidarity and collectivism .
Now more than ever is the time for big ideas , and to be confident in our conviction that a more equal society is a stronger and more resilient one .
Public ownership , public investment , trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme of council house building , a national care service , a Universal Basic Income and a national education service – just as it is collective institutions that will see us through the crisis , these policies must be the building blocks of a society that guarantees everyone security and a right to realise their aspirations in the future .
When we do emerge from the current crisis , we will also need a major national effort to rebuild and recover from a deep recession .
Again , we need to be ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our convictions .
Our plan for a Green Industrial Revolution should be at the heart of a national mission to build a more equal economy by delivering good unionised jobs , bringing wealth and industry to areas that have seen decades of de-industrialisation , and making us a world leader in green technologies .
We should also channel our values of equality , solidarity and collectivism and the spirit we are seeing in communities across the country in two other ways .
Firstly , we should promise a democratic revolution , ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has failed us , by replacing the House of Lords with an elected Senate outside of London and devolving power and resources to a local and regional level .
And secondly , we should open up our party and empower our members with open selections , a programme of political education and by organising in workplaces and communities to build a mass movement that can become part of the social fabric once again .
Mutual aid groups , volunteers and new forms of solidarity all across the country show just what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Labour leader I would embrace this .
These are all things I have been arguing for in the Labour leadership election , and I believe they can be our path back to power .
In a time of crisis that has exposed deep inequalities in our society and economy , but also revealed a spirit of solidarity and collectivism , we need to grasp the scale of the moment .
At times like this , we think of the things that are important to us .
I always find inspiration from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be part of in Salford , where the coat of arms reads ‘ the welfare of the people is the highest law.
’ If this had been the guiding principle of the past decade , millions of people would not now be facing the hardship they do .
The spirit of solidarity and collectivism will get us through this .
If I ’ m elected as leader of the Labour Party , it will be my mission to channel this determination to build a more equal , more resilient country for the future @

The outbreak of coronavirus is the most serious crisis that this country has faced in many of our lifetimes. Over 1,000 people across the UK have died having contracted the virus so far, and more deaths are expected in the coming weeks. Stories of young and otherwise fit and healthy people losing their lives in particular will have shocked us all deeply, but every death is a tragedy and will leave loved ones grieving.
Alongside the public health crisis, we are seeing a social and economic crisis unfold. Millions who are sick, self-isolating or who have seen work dry-up now face immediate hardship and uncertainty over their jobs, homes and incomes. With the country under partial lockdown, we don’t know how long this will last, when we will return to normal or even what a new ‘normal’ may look like – and we don’t yet know the toll that the lockdown will take, particularly for those in cramped conditions and vulnerable circumstances.
For many of us, having to deal with this situation without loved ones or friends around us makes it all the more difficult. It underlines what is really important in life. In other ways, too, the crisis is highlighting just how inter-connected we all are and the true value of solidarity and collective action.
We saw this on Thursday night, when the country came together to applaud our NHS workers, carers and those who are putting their lives at risk to get us through this. We’ve seen it with more than 700,000 people having signed up to volunteer as part of a national effort in less than a week. And we see it in community groups spontaneously taking root across the country. I’m immensely proud of the Spirit of Salford initiative in my own local community, bringing together hundreds of volunteers to make deliveries, act as emergency responders and support local food banks.
In such a time of crisis, it would be easy to think that politics becomes irrelevant. But if anything, it’s become more important than ever to stand up for our values of solidarity and collectivism. It is unacceptable that NHS workers are still being forced to put their lives at risk because they don’t have proper personal protective equipment or that millions will have to get by on statutory sick pay or the standard Universal Credit payment of just £94 a week – a sum even government ministers accept they could not survive on.
We also need to be clear that the emergency steps the government is now having to take expose the realities of a deeply unequal economy that leaves too many behind: a “flexible” labour market that means millions are just one pay cheque from disaster; a punitive social security system that pays too little, too late; the insecurity faced by millions of tenants fearful of being evicted at the drop of a hat; the strain on our NHS, local councils and care services after a decade of austerity that has left them struggling to cope even in normal times.
Throughout the Labour leadership election, I’ve said that we must not fall into the trap of abandoning our values or socialist agenda, and that we must not resort to defending the status quo. Over the past two and a half weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the question being posed by the whole country will be how we remake it. In the final few days of the campaign, my message to Labour members is that our answer must be rooted in our values of equality, solidarity and collectivism.
Now more than ever is the time for big ideas, and to be confident in our conviction that a more equal society is a stronger and more resilient one. Public ownership, public investment, trade union and employment rights, a mass programme of council house building, a national care service, a Universal Basic Income and a national education service – just as it is collective institutions that will see us through the crisis, these policies must be the building blocks of a society that guarantees everyone security and a right to realise their aspirations in the future.
When we do emerge from the current crisis, we will also need a major national effort to rebuild and recover from a deep recession. Again, we need to be ready with the answer and have the confidence of our convictions. Our plan for a Green Industrial Revolution should be at the heart of a national mission to build a more equal economy by delivering good unionised jobs, bringing wealth and industry to areas that have seen decades of de-industrialisation, and making us a world leader in green technologies.
We should also channel our values of equality, solidarity and collectivism and the spirit we are seeing in communities across the country in two other ways. Firstly, we should promise a democratic revolution, ending the gentlemen’s club of Westminster that has failed us, by replacing the House of Lords with an elected Senate outside of London and devolving power and resources to a local and regional level.
And secondly, we should open up our party and empower our members with open selections, a programme of political education and by organising in workplaces and communities to build a mass movement that can become part of the social fabric once again. Mutual aid groups, volunteers and new forms of solidarity all across the country show just what is possible when we come together, and as Labour leader I would embrace this.
These are all things I have been arguing for in the Labour leadership election, and I believe they can be our path back to power. In a time of crisis that has exposed deep inequalities in our society and economy, but also revealed a spirit of solidarity and collectivism, we need to grasp the scale of the moment.
At times like this, we think of the things that are important to us. I always find inspiration from the strong community I’m proud to be part of in Salford, where the coat of arms reads ‘the welfare of the people is the highest law.’ If this had been the guiding principle of the past decade, millions of people would not now be facing the hardship they do. The spirit of solidarity and collectivism will get us through this. If I’m elected as leader of the Labour Party, it will be my mission to channel this determination to build a more equal, more resilient country for the future.


labourlist--2020-03-31--WATCH: Thornberry criticises Covid-19 plans for repatriation of Brits abroad

Labour ’ s Emily Thornberry has criticised plans set out by the government for the repatriation of British people trapped abroad during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Shadow Foreign Secretary says the commitments made so far by Dominic Raab would fail to address the issues faced by hundreds of thousands of Brits around the world .
In an interview with Sky News , she said : “ We just heard more of : we ’ re going to keep the airports open , we ’ re working with commercial airlines , we may or may not charter flights.
” Thornberry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help the Foreign Office by passing on information and pressing them for action , but “ we haven ’ t got the answers we should ” .
Commenting after the appearance by Dominic Raab at the Covid-19 press conference on Monday , Thornberry said there had only been “ vague promises ” with “ none of the commitment or urgency other countries like Germany have put into this ” .
She concluded : “ We need a comprehensive and fully-funded strategy to bring our British nationals home , using every option at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give them all the practical support and help they need in the interim .
”

Labour’s Emily Thornberry has criticised plans set out by the government for the repatriation of British people trapped abroad during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Shadow Foreign Secretary says the commitments made so far by Dominic Raab would fail to address the issues faced by hundreds of thousands of Brits around the world.
In an interview with Sky News, she said: “We just heard more of: we’re going to keep the airports open, we’re working with commercial airlines, we may or may not charter flights.”
Thornberry told Sky that Labour had been trying to help the Foreign Office by passing on information and pressing them for action, but “we haven’t got the answers we should”.
Commenting after the appearance by Dominic Raab at the Covid-19 press conference on Monday, Thornberry said there had only been “vague promises” with “none of the commitment or urgency other countries like Germany have put into this”.
She concluded: “We need a comprehensive and fully-funded strategy to bring our British nationals home, using every option at the government’s disposal, and to give them all the practical support and help they need in the interim.”


labourlist--2020-03-31--Labour calls for closure of non-essential workplaces to protect staff

Rachael Maskell has called on the government to implement the “ strict and enforceable closure ” of non-essential businesses to protect all workers and better prevent the spread of coronavirus .
In a letter sent to the Prime Minister , the Shadow Employment Rights Secretary stated that she had received “ thousands of examples of workers continuing to work in non-essential industries ” .
Maskell highlighted the increased risk that this holds not only for the employees going into the workplaces , but also for their families and the wider population as it escalates the level of infection .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst offenders are factories , warehouses , call centres and construction sites with complaints also coming from cleaning staff , council workers and utility companies .
This comes after many complaints that workplaces are opening despite not providing an “ essential ” service or product , or failing to put in place the requisite measures to protect their employees .
LabourList has compiled an extensive list here .
Below is the full text of the letter sent by the Labour Party to Boris Johnson .
Last Monday , you made a strong announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and your Government have put in place measures for employees and the self-employed to receive financial protection when they cease to work .
Further , financial support has also been announced for businesses .
There are issues concerning the reach , timeliness and comprehensiveness of these financial packages , as there is with the level and access to Statutory Sick Pay , while workers still have no access to any form of financial protection .
Despite this , as the Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights , I have received thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in non-essential industries .
Workers have reported the unsafe environments that they are working in where there is no appropriate PPE , often little or no hygiene facilities or appropriate deep cleaning , and in the vast majority of examples , no social distancing practices .
As a result of this , workers are not only being exposed to the risk of infection , but risk spreading Coronavirus too .
Workers are travelling to and from work on crowded public transport systems .
They are then clocking into work together , changing into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work stations and physically sharing space all day , and then travelling back home to their families and our communities .
If people are at risk and have been asked to shelter , they have been told that they won ’ t be paid or will lose their job .
If people raise serious health concerns they have been told to continue to work ; some have been disciplined .
If they have close family members who are in the ‘ at risk ’ category , no provision has been made for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for infection spread which will then escalate infection levels in the community .
The worst examples of these are in factories , warehouses , call centres , construction sites and reports have also come from cleaning staff , council workers and utility companies .
Employers are clearly operating in breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and are putting the lives of their workers and all of us at risk .
Meanwhile NHS staff , GPs , community pharmacists , food retail staff , and all in essential public facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary PPE , thus putting their health at risk .
I have already written to the Business Secretary to call for this to be addressed , including for a national manufacturing effort to scale up the production and distribution of PPE , and yet this situation continues .
We know that the escalation of Coronavirus is stretching vital NHS resources , however the thousands of examples of bad employment is just compounding the risk we all face .
I urge you to introduce strict and enforceable closure of all non-essential workplaces , ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is safe for business to resume according to safe working practices .
Labour would support such measures being implemented with immediate effect with adequate resourcing of measures to monitor and enforce this safety regime .

Rachael Maskell has called on the government to implement the “strict and enforceable closure” of non-essential businesses to protect all workers and better prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In a letter sent to the Prime Minister, the Shadow Employment Rights Secretary stated that she had received “thousands of examples of workers continuing to work in non-essential industries”.
Maskell highlighted the increased risk that this holds not only for the employees going into the workplaces, but also for their families and the wider population as it escalates the level of infection.
The MP for York Central reported that the worst offenders are factories, warehouses, call centres and construction sites with complaints also coming from cleaning staff, council workers and utility companies.
This comes after many complaints that workplaces are opening despite not providing an “essential” service or product, or failing to put in place the requisite measures to protect their employees. LabourList has compiled an extensive list here.
Below is the full text of the letter sent by the Labour Party to Boris Johnson.
Dear Prime Minister,
Re: Protecting workers, protecting us all.
Last Monday, you made a strong announcement that people should only undertake essential work, and your Government have put in place measures for employees and the self-employed to receive financial protection when they cease to work. Further, financial support has also been announced for businesses. There are issues concerning the reach, timeliness and comprehensiveness of these financial packages, as there is with the level and access to Statutory Sick Pay, while workers still have no access to any form of financial protection.
Despite this, as the Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights, I have received thousands of examples of workers continuing to work in non-essential industries. Workers have reported the unsafe environments that they are working in where there is no appropriate PPE, often little or no hygiene facilities or appropriate deep cleaning, and in the vast majority of examples, no social distancing practices. As a result of this, workers are not only being exposed to the risk of infection, but risk spreading Coronavirus too.
Workers are travelling to and from work on crowded public transport systems. They are then clocking into work together, changing into work clothes together, working at communal work stations and physically sharing space all day, and then travelling back home to their families and our communities.
If people are at risk and have been asked to shelter, they have been told that they won’t be paid or will lose their job. If people raise serious health concerns they have been told to continue to work; some have been disciplined. If they have close family members who are in the ‘at risk’ category, no provision has been made for them. These workplaces will act as convectors for infection spread which will then escalate infection levels in the community.
The worst examples of these are in factories, warehouses, call centres, construction sites and reports have also come from cleaning staff, council workers and utility companies. Employers are clearly operating in breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and are putting the lives of their workers and all of us at risk.
Meanwhile NHS staff, GPs, community pharmacists, food retail staff, and all in essential public facing roles are continuing to work without the necessary PPE, thus putting their health at risk. I have already written to the Business Secretary to call for this to be addressed, including for a national manufacturing effort to scale up the production and distribution of PPE, and yet this situation continues.
We know that the escalation of Coronavirus is stretching vital NHS resources, however the thousands of examples of bad employment is just compounding the risk we all face. I urge you to introduce strict and enforceable closure of all non-essential workplaces, ensuring that all workers lives are protected until it is safe for business to resume according to safe working practices. Labour would support such measures being implemented with immediate effect with adequate resourcing of measures to monitor and enforce this safety regime.
Yours sincerely,
Rachael Maskell MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights


labourlist--2020-03-31--UK coronavirus response called a “national scandal” – and yet…

Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance struck a cautiously optimistic tone at the daily coronavirus press conference yesterday .
He pointed out that hospital admissions were increasing at a stable rate , and praised the ‘ distancing ’ efforts of Britons .
Unfortunately , this positivity does not reflect the feelings of many NHS workers right now .
One in four doctors are off sick , either self-isolating due to a member of their household or ill themselves , the Royal College of Physicians has estimated .
Thousands of ambulance workers are also self-isolating with symptoms , the GMB says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal protective equipment while being sent to suspected Covid-19 patients .
It transpired yesterday that ministers had claimed we had reached the government target of 10,000 tests a day – as Matt Hancock tweeted , and Michael Gove told the Sunday shows – but that was not accurate .
They are now saying this referred to testing capacity , which went up to 10,949 , whereas tests actually carried out was just over 9,000 and the number of individuals tested was 7,000 .
However , we now know that the level of daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the 24 hours before 9am on Saturday .
Only 900 frontline staff were tested over the weekend in a ‘ trial run ’ , according to Downing Street .
The simple fact is that the UK , as articulated by Professor Antony Costello and others , has been too slow .
The government has failed to contact UK clothes makers who are willing and able to produce PPE .
While wasting time is a key ongoing failure , there is also a serious lack of transparency .
There is no real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t being used , as Labour ’ s Jon Ashworth has highlighted .
NHS doctors have also told The Independent that they have been gagged from speaking out about shortages , with their social media posts being monitored and careers threatened .
The handling of coronavirus has been described as a “ national scandal ” by prestigious medical journal The Lancet , by trade unions , by NHS staff .
And yet there is apparently overwhelming public approval of the government response to the crisis .
Boris Johnson ’ s satisfaction ratings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling found .
Some like to hold up such numbers to imply that criticism should therefore be toned down – especially from Labour representatives , who could be accused of point-scoring at a time of national crisis .
But as all of the above shows , there are urgent failings that must be brought to attention .
If you ’ re looking for some escapism while staying home , LabourList may be able to help .
I have personally used the lockdown to start watching Big Brother UK from its very first episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for more intellectual material .
Luke Akehurst has put together a Labour-themed reading list with excellent recommendations that range from New Labour classics to Marxist critiques of Corbynism .
And on that note , Sabrina Huck has adopted the theme of reflecting on the Jeremy Corbyn era of leadership in her latest column , which looks at whether the parliamentary road to socialism is viable or actually a hindrance to the aim of liberation .
As they often say , Labour is a broad church .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekday morning .

Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance struck a cautiously optimistic tone at the daily coronavirus press conference yesterday. He pointed out that hospital admissions were increasing at a stable rate, and praised the ‘distancing’ efforts of Britons. Unfortunately, this positivity does not reflect the feelings of many NHS workers right now. One in four doctors are off sick, either self-isolating due to a member of their household or ill themselves, the Royal College of Physicians has estimated. Thousands of ambulance workers are also self-isolating with symptoms, the GMB says, with many having no access to personal protective equipment while being sent to suspected Covid-19 patients.
It transpired yesterday that ministers had claimed we had reached the government target of 10,000 tests a day – as Matt Hancock tweeted, and Michael Gove told the Sunday shows – but that was not accurate. They are now saying this referred to testing capacity, which went up to 10,949, whereas tests actually carried out was just over 9,000 and the number of individuals tested was 7,000. However, we now know that the level of daily testing then fell to fewer than 5,000 people in the 24 hours before 9am on Saturday. Only 900 frontline staff were tested over the weekend in a ‘trial run’, according to Downing Street.
The simple fact is that the UK, as articulated by Professor Antony Costello and others, has been too slow. The government has failed to contact UK clothes makers who are willing and able to produce PPE. While wasting time is a key ongoing failure, there is also a serious lack of transparency. There is no real clarity about why the testing capacity isn’t being used, as Labour’s Jon Ashworth has highlighted. NHS doctors have also told The Independent that they have been gagged from speaking out about shortages, with their social media posts being monitored and careers threatened.
The handling of coronavirus has been described as a “national scandal” by prestigious medical journal The Lancet, by trade unions, by NHS staff. And yet there is apparently overwhelming public approval of the government response to the crisis. Boris Johnson’s satisfaction ratings have increased to 72%, recent polling found. Some like to hold up such numbers to imply that criticism should therefore be toned down – especially from Labour representatives, who could be accused of point-scoring at a time of national crisis. But as all of the above shows, there are urgent failings that must be brought to attention.
If you’re looking for some escapism while staying home, LabourList may be able to help. I have personally used the lockdown to start watching Big Brother UK from its very first episode in 2000, but readers are probably looking for more intellectual material. Luke Akehurst has put together a Labour-themed reading list with excellent recommendations that range from New Labour classics to Marxist critiques of Corbynism. And on that note, Sabrina Huck has adopted the theme of reflecting on the Jeremy Corbyn era of leadership in her latest column, which looks at whether the parliamentary road to socialism is viable or actually a hindrance to the aim of liberation. As they often say, Labour is a broad church. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-03-31--Corbynism’s end calls into question the parliamentary road to socialism

When I first moved to Britain in 2014 , I had a very rose-tinted vision of the country I was about to make my home .
Cosmopolitan and progressive , comfortable in its role as a global cultural leader , the image of “ Cool Britannia ” popularised by Tony Blair was what I expected .
But what I discovered felt very different .
My first few months in Britain were spent in a small village in Essex .
I noticed the lack of public transport infrastructure , which meant I was trapped without a car .
I went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much badly maintained housing on gloomy roads in neglected neighbourhoods .
Above all , I noted that most people either commuted to central London to their well-paid city jobs , or worked in one of the high street shops and pubs on low wages .
It seemed there was little in between .
From home , I was used to a handful of local small to medium-sized specialist manufacturing businesses providing skilled , well-paid jobs for the local community .
I couldn ’ t see much of an equivalent here .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to be organised slightly differently to the one I grew up in .
Britain , as an Anglo-Saxon mixed market economy , is more orientated towards financial markets , offers lesser protections for workers and a limited welfare state .
In comparison , a social market economy like Germany – whilst still operating within the neoliberal framework of free market economics – places greater emphasis on state intervention and social security .
Although fundamentally still a capitalist organisation of society , these extra layers of social protections mean the oppressive characteristics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less immediately obvious .
When Jeremy Corbyn entered the race to become leader of the Labour Party in 2015 , he felt like the common sense choice to me .
Corbyn articulated what I understood to be social democracy .
His surprise leadership victory was a reflection of the growing antagonism in society after decades of intensifying struggle .
The coalition austerity measures had further eroded this country ’ s social fabric , sharpening the divisions between the working class in its diversity , and middle- and upper-class Britons .
Labour ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge of Corbynism because it pursues a political strategy of “ managerial consensus ” .
They do not believe in the antagonistic struggle of the labour movement against the powerful elites , but rather in a technocratic solution explored by experts , after having “ listened to people ” .
And yet listening can be a passive exercise if we do not empower the people we are apparently “ listening to ” and allow them to take matters in their own hands .
Corbynism promised to exploit this antagonism and turn the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many to take on the establishment few .
In the course of Corbyn ’ s leadership , the party made some important strides forward in its political programme .
Grassroots initiatives such as the Labour Campaign for a Green New Deal or the Labour Campaign for Free Movement won groundbreaking victories at conference .
In September 2019 , it still felt like we were just putting in place the important building blocks for an ambitious , radical movement that could change the world .
The dream was cut short in December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contradictions within the Labour Party had pulled the project apart .
As is often said , the Labour Party is a broad church .
But perhaps the limitations of Corbynism are as much linked to the limits of the parliamentary road to socialism per se , and the institutional limitations of a political party are a direct reflection of that .
Despite the fact that Jeremy Corbyn , John McDonnell and Diane Abbott can look back at decades of involvement in grassroots struggles , eventually they watered down some of the more radical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by the membership .
The Labour Party , even in a social democratic form , still operates within a framework that exists to uphold our current political and economic structures .
It could even be argued that social democracy ( and in particular Keynesianism ) will do more to hinder the emergence of an emancipated working-class movement to challenge economic and political power .
At times of economic crisis , the ruling classes will be willing to deploy Keynesian measures to stimulate the economy and cushion the blow .
They are aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s survival .
We can observe this now in the government ’ s response to Covid-19 .
A political project of the left should not see these policies as its end goal .
Parliamentary social democracy in other countries has thus far not materialised as the stepping stone to further socialist reform , and it is worth questioning whether this route will ever lead to victory .
Even Karl Marx seemed to have believed that England might be uniquely placed to overthrow capitalism peacefully and within legal means .
Socialists in Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crack at it .
But as Corbynism comes to an end , maybe now is the time to reorientate ourselves outwards again and build a political project that can truly take the country over from below .

When I first moved to Britain in 2014, I had a very rose-tinted vision of the country I was about to make my home. Cosmopolitan and progressive, comfortable in its role as a global cultural leader, the image of “Cool Britannia” popularised by Tony Blair was what I expected. But what I discovered felt very different.
My first few months in Britain were spent in a small village in Essex. I noticed the lack of public transport infrastructure, which meant I was trapped without a car. I went on long walks and was surprised to see so much badly maintained housing on gloomy roads in neglected neighbourhoods. Above all, I noted that most people either commuted to central London to their well-paid city jobs, or worked in one of the high street shops and pubs on low wages. It seemed there was little in between.
From home, I was used to a handful of local small to medium-sized specialist manufacturing businesses providing skilled, well-paid jobs for the local community. I couldn’t see much of an equivalent here. These observations were symptoms of a society that appeared to be organised slightly differently to the one I grew up in. Britain, as an Anglo-Saxon mixed market economy, is more orientated towards financial markets, offers lesser protections for workers and a limited welfare state.
In comparison, a social market economy like Germany – whilst still operating within the neoliberal framework of free market economics – places greater emphasis on state intervention and social security. Although fundamentally still a capitalist organisation of society, these extra layers of social protections mean the oppressive characteristics of the economic system and its contradictions are less immediately obvious.
When Jeremy Corbyn entered the race to become leader of the Labour Party in 2015, he felt like the common sense choice to me. Corbyn articulated what I understood to be social democracy. His surprise leadership victory was a reflection of the growing antagonism in society after decades of intensifying struggle. The coalition austerity measures had further eroded this country’s social fabric, sharpening the divisions between the working class in its diversity, and middle- and upper-class Britons.
Labour’s centrist wing was unable to grasp the surge of Corbynism because it pursues a political strategy of “managerial consensus”. They do not believe in the antagonistic struggle of the labour movement against the powerful elites, but rather in a technocratic solution explored by experts, after having “listened to people”. And yet listening can be a passive exercise if we do not empower the people we are apparently “listening to” and allow them to take matters in their own hands.
Corbynism promised to exploit this antagonism and turn the Labour Party into a mass movement of the many to take on the establishment few. In the course of Corbyn’s leadership, the party made some important strides forward in its political programme. Grassroots initiatives such as the Labour Campaign for a Green New Deal or the Labour Campaign for Free Movement won groundbreaking victories at conference. In September 2019, it still felt like we were just putting in place the important building blocks for an ambitious, radical movement that could change the world.
The dream was cut short in December 2019, however. It looked as if the contradictions within the Labour Party had pulled the project apart. As is often said, the Labour Party is a broad church. But perhaps the limitations of Corbynism are as much linked to the limits of the parliamentary road to socialism per se, and the institutional limitations of a political party are a direct reflection of that.
Despite the fact that Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott can look back at decades of involvement in grassroots struggles, eventually they watered down some of the more radical political demands and proposals for party reform made by the membership. The Labour Party, even in a social democratic form, still operates within a framework that exists to uphold our current political and economic structures. It could even be argued that social democracy (and in particular Keynesianism) will do more to hinder the emergence of an emancipated working-class movement to challenge economic and political power.
At times of economic crisis, the ruling classes will be willing to deploy Keynesian measures to stimulate the economy and cushion the blow. They are aware that this is necessary to ensure capitalism’s survival. We can observe this now in the government’s response to Covid-19. A political project of the left should not see these policies as its end goal. Parliamentary social democracy in other countries has thus far not materialised as the stepping stone to further socialist reform, and it is worth questioning whether this route will ever lead to victory.
Even Karl Marx seemed to have believed that England might be uniquely placed to overthrow capitalism peacefully and within legal means. Socialists in Labour can be forgiven for wanting to have a crack at it. But as Corbynism comes to an end, maybe now is the time to reorientate ourselves outwards again and build a political project that can truly take the country over from below.


labourlist--2020-03-31--Fearless and principled, our party and country need Lisa Nandy’s leadership

There are a lot of reasons why the day after the 2019 general election will be permanently seared into my memory – most of them bad .
The sense of disappointment , of the people we had let down , of the harm that five more years of Tory government could do .
But there was one moment that makes that day stand out for another , happier reason .
That was the day that Lisa Nandy called me to say she was considering standing to be the next leader of the Labour Party .
As we collectively reeled over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories and beginning the grieving process for the many brilliant MPs who we had lost as colleagues and comrades , Lisa ’ s analysis and vision were as clear and compelling as ever .
Lisa has a knack for telling the truths that others don ’ t want to see and can ’ t bring themselves to say .
She did that from the off : telling us that we can ’ t just carry on as we are , that one more roll of the dice – in any sense of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , that we have to change and change urgently or else , as a party , we faced irrelevance and extinction .
That message is a tough one to swallow .
Change is never easy , especially when it involves unpicking the way that things have been done for decades , but I knew then what I believe has been proved throughout this campaign – that Lisa is the right person to lead that change , and that she has the courage , the judgement and the values to help Labour become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t treat a problem that you struggle yourself to see .
Lisa ’ s clarity gives her the edge over the other candidates in this race .
It gives her a head start in getting us back into government and back into a position where we can change lives .
Having known Lisa for a decade , I have always been able to say with my hand on my heart that she is genuinely one of the most talented , intelligent and thoughtful people I know .
Of course , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everyone could see what we love about them , why we love them .
One of my favourite things about this campaign has been watching as members have got to know her , have learned for themselves about the qualities I see in my friend , have come to love her too .
I have travelled around the country with Lisa – to seemingly endless hustings and member meetings – and have watched her win the room time after time .
She spoke to the country and showed us how you not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , but you build a red bridge back to victory .
I ’ ve seen her unite and inspire people that you would never expect in a million years to give her the time of day , let alone to agree with her .
Bringing people together , building surprising alliances – that is Lisa ’ s way .
I am so proud of the coalition that we built , from the GMB to George Monbiot , and from Vauxhall to Bassetlaw .
But nothing sums up the campaign more than as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East , Lisa securing the Jewish Labour Movement nomination .
Lisa ’ s campaign reminds the Labour Party that we are more than the sum of our parts , that we are stronger together , that no faction matters more than a united Labour that can win .
Lisa builds teams of people and empowers them to deliver change .
I ’ ve watched her do it in her time as an MP , and I ’ ve been at the heart of it on her campaign – a campaign driven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have the funds to recruit many staff , a campaign fuelled by the energy and enthusiasm of Labour members who have gone above and beyond in what has been a long and at times gruelling contest .
They did that because Lisa put her trust and respect in them , and inspired them to support her vision .
And it was their energy and passion that drove so many of the ideas that we have put forward during the campaign , from speaking with Danny Boyle on the Olympic legacy – the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it – to working with Syrian refugees .
From campaigning for reform to the honours system to demanding tax justice and a green industrial revolution .
From redesigning our welfare system around the people who use it to giving voice to the countless women and men across our movement who are desperate to see our party finally led by a woman .
This is the Labour Party that I want to be part of and represent , and it ’ s the kind of society that I want to help build – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspirations of everyone and gives them the resources to achieve .
Leadership in modern Britain isn ’ t about pretending to be some sort of saviour .
It isn ’ t about having someone take our problems away from us .
Leadership is about creating the conditions and the means to equip and empower people to make their own decisions and build their own lives .
Lisa understands this more than anyone I ’ ve ever known .
She is fearless , principled and , in these troubled political times , her leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party and our country need .
Whatever happens this week , I couldn ’ t be prouder to have worked to make Lisa our next leader .
This campaign has given me fresh hope and fresh energy .
And confidence .
That however dark today may seem , Labour ’ s future can be bright again .

There are a lot of reasons why the day after the 2019 general election will be permanently seared into my memory – most of them bad. The sense of disappointment, of the people we had let down, of the harm that five more years of Tory government could do. But there was one moment that makes that day stand out for another, happier reason. That was the day that Lisa Nandy called me to say she was considering standing to be the next leader of the Labour Party.
As we collectively reeled over the devastating result, sharing campaign war stories and beginning the grieving process for the many brilliant MPs who we had lost as colleagues and comrades, Lisa’s analysis and vision were as clear and compelling as ever. Lisa has a knack for telling the truths that others don’t want to see and can’t bring themselves to say. She did that from the off: telling us that we can’t just carry on as we are, that one more roll of the dice – in any sense of the word – was not going to cut it, that we have to change and change urgently or else, as a party, we faced irrelevance and extinction.
That message is a tough one to swallow. Change is never easy, especially when it involves unpicking the way that things have been done for decades, but I knew then what I believe has been proved throughout this campaign – that Lisa is the right person to lead that change, and that she has the courage, the judgement and the values to help Labour become a party of government again. You can’t treat a problem that you struggle yourself to see. Lisa’s clarity gives her the edge over the other candidates in this race. It gives her a head start in getting us back into government and back into a position where we can change lives.
Having known Lisa for a decade, I have always been able to say with my hand on my heart that she is genuinely one of the most talented, intelligent and thoughtful people I know. Of course, we all love our mates and all wish that everyone could see what we love about them, why we love them. One of my favourite things about this campaign has been watching as members have got to know her, have learned for themselves about the qualities I see in my friend, have come to love her too.
I have travelled around the country with Lisa – to seemingly endless hustings and member meetings – and have watched her win the room time after time. She spoke to the country and showed us how you not only win over the ‘Red Wall’, but you build a red bridge back to victory. I’ve seen her unite and inspire people that you would never expect in a million years to give her the time of day, let alone to agree with her. Bringing people together, building surprising alliances – that is Lisa’s way.
I am so proud of the coalition that we built, from the GMB to George Monbiot, and from Vauxhall to Bassetlaw. But nothing sums up the campaign more than as chair of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, Lisa securing the Jewish Labour Movement nomination. Lisa’s campaign reminds the Labour Party that we are more than the sum of our parts, that we are stronger together, that no faction matters more than a united Labour that can win.
Lisa builds teams of people and empowers them to deliver change. I’ve watched her do it in her time as an MP, and I’ve been at the heart of it on her campaign – a campaign driven by volunteers because we simply didn’t have the funds to recruit many staff, a campaign fuelled by the energy and enthusiasm of Labour members who have gone above and beyond in what has been a long and at times gruelling contest. They did that because Lisa put her trust and respect in them, and inspired them to support her vision.
And it was their energy and passion that drove so many of the ideas that we have put forward during the campaign, from speaking with Danny Boyle on the Olympic legacy – the first time he had ever spoken publicly about it – to working with Syrian refugees. From campaigning for reform to the honours system to demanding tax justice and a green industrial revolution. From redesigning our welfare system around the people who use it to giving voice to the countless women and men across our movement who are desperate to see our party finally led by a woman.
This is the Labour Party that I want to be part of and represent, and it’s the kind of society that I want to help build – one that draws on the talents and aspirations of everyone and gives them the resources to achieve. Leadership in modern Britain isn’t about pretending to be some sort of saviour. It isn’t about having someone take our problems away from us. Leadership is about creating the conditions and the means to equip and empower people to make their own decisions and build their own lives. Lisa understands this more than anyone I’ve ever known. She is fearless, principled and, in these troubled political times, her leadership and her analysis are exactly what our party and our country need.
Whatever happens this week, I couldn’t be prouder to have worked to make Lisa our next leader. This campaign has given me fresh hope and fresh energy. And confidence. That however dark today may seem, Labour’s future can be bright again.


labourlist--2020-03-31--NHS should be able to produce its own equipment, says Long-Bailey

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has pledged her support for the NHS to be able to produce its own essential medical equipment and supplies .
In a fresh commitment made today amid the coronavirus crisis , the Shadow Business Secretary went beyond Labour ’ s 2019 manifesto by signing up to a new NHS pledge put to her by the campaign group We Own It .
Public ownership campaign group We Own It asked all three Labour leadership contenders to support four pledges – three of which were party policy under Jeremy Corbyn , but one of which was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to the request , and she agreed to all four pledges .
The full list is : • Reinstate the NHS as a fully publicly owned , universal service , ending all privatisation and outsourcing ; • Give the NHS the level of funding it needs per capita , in line with comparable countries like France and Germany ; • Enable the NHS to produce its own essential medical equipment and supplies ; • Establish a publicly owned pharmaceutical company to improve access to vital drugs and vaccines .
The Salford MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & E doctor Rosena Allin-Khan , who also committed to all four pledges for the health service .
Frontrunner in the deputy race Angela Rayner committed only to the three pledges that were included in the 2019 election manifesto : reversing NHS privatisation , increasing funding and creating a publicly owned pharmaceutical company .
Director of We Own It , Cat Hobbs said : “ Our NHS is under pressure like never before , with the coronavirus crisis presenting the biggest threat to public health in our lifetimes .
It ’ s fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosena Allin-Khan have stepped up to the plate and committed to give the NHS the support it so desperately needs .
“ Sadly , due to a decade of underfunding , and government obsession with market based solutions to public services , our NHS is fighting coronavirus with one hand tied behind its back .
We urgently need a health service that works for all , in public hands .
That means bringing the manufacture of essential equipment and pharmaceuticals into public ownership too.
” NHS Trusts across the country have reported shortages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , with many health professionals absent from work at this crucial time after displaying Covid-19 symptoms .
Hobbs added : “ This isn ’ t something the Labour Party can sit on the fence on .
Whoever the next Labour leader is , they need to commit fully to supporting the NHS .
I hope to see all other leadership contenders making these four pledges in due course.
” Earlier this year , We Own It released a total of ten pledges that the leadership candidates were asked to sign up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nandy , Keir Starmer and Long-Bailey all signed up to these .
Voting in the internal Labour election processes is currently ongoing with participants voting online and by post .
The ballots close on April 2nd , with the results being revealed at the weekend .
The Labour Party had initially planned to hold a special conference to reveal the outcome of both leader and deputy contests , however in light of coronavirus this has now been cancelled .
Each of the candidates in both contests will be required to record a victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on April 4th .
The other leadership and deputy candidates have been contacted by the campaign organisation and LabourList will continue to update this article if and when others express their support .

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has pledged her support for the NHS to be able to produce its own essential medical equipment and supplies.
In a fresh commitment made today amid the coronavirus crisis, the Shadow Business Secretary went beyond Labour’s 2019 manifesto by signing up to a new NHS pledge put to her by the campaign group We Own It.
Public ownership campaign group We Own It asked all three Labour leadership contenders to support four pledges – three of which were party policy under Jeremy Corbyn, but one of which was not.
Long-Bailey was the only one to respond to the request, and she agreed to all four pledges. The full list is:
Reinstate the NHS as a fully publicly owned, universal service, ending all privatisation and outsourcing;
Give the NHS the level of funding it needs per capita, in line with comparable countries like France and Germany;
Enable the NHS to produce its own essential medical equipment and supplies;
Establish a publicly owned pharmaceutical company to improve access to vital drugs and vaccines.
The Salford MP was joined by deputy candidates Richard Burgon and Rosena Allin-Khan who also committed to all four pledges for the health service.
Frontrunner in the deputy race Angela Rayner committed only to the three pledges that were included in the 2019 election manifesto: reversing NHS privatisation, increasing funding and creating a publicly owned pharmaceutical company.
Director of We Own It, Cat Hobbs said: “Our NHS is under pressure like never before, with the coronavirus crisis presenting the biggest threat to public health in our lifetimes. It’s fantastic to see that both Rebecca Long-Bailey and Rosena Allin-Khan have stepped up to the plate and committed to give the NHS the support it so desperately needs.
“Sadly, due to a decade of underfunding, and government obsession with market based solutions to public services, our NHS is fighting coronavirus with one hand tied behind its back. We urgently need a health service that works for all, in public hands. That means bringing the manufacture of essential equipment and pharmaceuticals into public ownership too.”
NHS Trusts across the country have reported shortages of personal protective equipment throughout the health crisis, with many health professionals absent from work at this crucial time after displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
Hobbs added: “This isn’t something the Labour Party can sit on the fence on. Whoever the next Labour leader is, they need to commit fully to supporting the NHS. I hope to see all other leadership contenders making these four pledges in due course.”
Earlier this year, We Own It released a total of ten pledges that the leadership candidates were asked to sign up to in relation to public ownership. Lisa Nandy, Keir Starmer and Long-Bailey all signed up to these.
Voting in the internal Labour election processes is currently ongoing with participants voting online and by post. The ballots close on April 2nd, with the results being revealed at the weekend.
The Labour Party had initially planned to hold a special conference to reveal the outcome of both leader and deputy contests, however in light of coronavirus this has now been cancelled.
Each of the candidates in both contests will be required to record a victory speech video ahead of the results announcement on April 4th.
The other leadership and deputy candidates have been contacted by the campaign organisation and LabourList will continue to update this article if and when others express their support.


labourlist--2020-03-31--Self-isolation means solidarity is more important than ever on Trans Day of Visibility 2020

Social distancing means this year ’ s Trans Day of Visibility ( # TDOV ) and Prides will not be the public gathering shows of support we are used to .
The need to stay isolated at home is difficult for all of us , but transgender people face particular issues that impact our moral and mental health .
Since I transitioned 20 years ago , the longest I have spent continuously at home with my parents is one week every Christmas .
Writing this for Trans Day of Visibility , I am one week into at least three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is bringing back memories of some of the difficulties I faced when transitioning .
When to come out about your gender identity and when to transition are difficult decisions for most of us .
It is often complicated by concerns over how it will affect family members and how your employer and work colleagues will react .
As with all difficult decisions , these questions are put off until something forces the issue .
It is likely that family tensions , difficulties with obtaining hormones , cancellations of surgery , and online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s support network .
Being an ally at this time really can make the difference .
While exploring my gender identity , I really benefited from affirmation and advice .
The best advice was non-prescriptive because there is no right or wrong way of being trans , and for most of us it is a journey of finding your true self .
Avoid saying “ this is how you should do it ” , and remember to always be supportive and affirming .
Transitioning takes an enormous toll on a person and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result , forms of abuse that you may have brushed off in the past , whether directed towards you or somebody else , can have a huge effect .
In these times , allies and solidarity are essential .
Allies should call-in people who are being unintentionally insensitive and call-out trolls who are being abusive , but it is best not to get into an endless debate with them because they get off on it .
Part of the network of support amongst the trans community are internet forums .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know other trans people , to explore our own identities , and to support each other .
However , these have been undermined in recent times by anti-trans trolls pretending to be transgender to enter the forums and out other users .
As a result , most forums do not accept people without a recommendation and background checks , but this caution can not keep pace with the surge of requests from trans people to join the forums during this crisis .
Trolls claim it is free speech to offend minorities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to escape accountability for their bigoted views .
Now more than ever , when people are increasingly reliant on online social contact and the nation ’ s moral and mental health is under strain , we should be demanding that social media companies take greater responsibility for the content posted on their sites and close down anonymous abusive trolls accounts .
Everyone has a role to play in making sure that we get through this crisis together safely .
It is the role of our politicians and public servants to ensure our safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing tremendously under great pressure .
It is the role of social media companies to make sure that we are safe online during this crisis , too .
There will be increased emotional pressures on transgender people living alone or with their families during this crisis , and we will rely on social media for friendship and support .
All of us can play a role to help the trans community .
Emotionally supporting individuals by keeping in contact and giving advice and encouragement makes a huge difference to people ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet bullying and abuse socially unacceptable sets an example .
Social media companies need to rise to the challenge and finally stamp out the hatred online so that communities like mine , which rely on online social contact and support , can exist without experiencing abuse .
Most importantly , events like Trans Day of Visibility are so important because allies can lift up the voices of trans people , which are too often drowned out by a vocal few who challenged our existence .

Social distancing means this year’s Trans Day of Visibility (#TDOV) and Prides will not be the public gathering shows of support we are used to. The need to stay isolated at home is difficult for all of us, but transgender people face particular issues that impact our moral and mental health.
Since I transitioned 20 years ago, the longest I have spent continuously at home with my parents is one week every Christmas. Writing this for Trans Day of Visibility, I am one week into at least three weeks of close confinement with them, and it is bringing back memories of some of the difficulties I faced when transitioning.
When to come out about your gender identity and when to transition are difficult decisions for most of us. It is often complicated by concerns over how it will affect family members and how your employer and work colleagues will react. As with all difficult decisions, these questions are put off until something forces the issue. It is likely that family tensions, difficulties with obtaining hormones, cancellations of surgery, and online transphobic abuse will overwhelm the transgender community’s support network. Being an ally at this time really can make the difference.
While exploring my gender identity, I really benefited from affirmation and advice. The best advice was non-prescriptive because there is no right or wrong way of being trans, and for most of us it is a journey of finding your true self. Avoid saying “this is how you should do it”, and remember to always be supportive and affirming. Transitioning takes an enormous toll on a person and can leave them more vulnerable to transphobia. As a result, forms of abuse that you may have brushed off in the past, whether directed towards you or somebody else, can have a huge effect. In these times, allies and solidarity are essential. Allies should call-in people who are being unintentionally insensitive and call-out trolls who are being abusive, but it is best not to get into an endless debate with them because they get off on it.
Part of the network of support amongst the trans community are internet forums. These groups provide vital spaces for us to know other trans people, to explore our own identities, and to support each other. However, these have been undermined in recent times by anti-trans trolls pretending to be transgender to enter the forums and out other users. As a result, most forums do not accept people without a recommendation and background checks, but this caution cannot keep pace with the surge of requests from trans people to join the forums during this crisis.
Trolls claim it is free speech to offend minorities and individuals but hide cowardly behind anonymous accounts to escape accountability for their bigoted views. Now more than ever, when people are increasingly reliant on online social contact and the nation’s moral and mental health is under strain, we should be demanding that social media companies take greater responsibility for the content posted on their sites and close down anonymous abusive trolls accounts. Everyone has a role to play in making sure that we get through this crisis together safely. It is the role of our politicians and public servants to ensure our safety in our day lives, which they are doing tremendously under great pressure. It is the role of social media companies to make sure that we are safe online during this crisis, too.
There will be increased emotional pressures on transgender people living alone or with their families during this crisis, and we will rely on social media for friendship and support. All of us can play a role to help the trans community. Emotionally supporting individuals by keeping in contact and giving advice and encouragement makes a huge difference to people’s lives. Calling out abuse and making internet bullying and abuse socially unacceptable sets an example. Social media companies need to rise to the challenge and finally stamp out the hatred online so that communities like mine, which rely on online social contact and support, can exist without experiencing abuse. Most importantly, events like Trans Day of Visibility are so important because allies can lift up the voices of trans people, which are too often drowned out by a vocal few who challenged our existence.