labourlist--2020-08-14--Ellen Morrison: Why I’m standing to represent disabled members on Labour’s NEC

This year , Labour will make history .
For the first time in its 120-year history , disabled people will have a voice and seat on the ruling national executive committee .
We can ’ t let this opportunity go to waste .
If elected , I won ’ t sit quietly at the table .
I ’ ve never been afraid of challenging our party over its disregard for our lives and the issues that affect us .
I ’ ll take you with me as we fight to embed the disabled people ’ s movement into Labour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like so many disabled people , I experienced the cruel hostility of Tory austerity .
When I became seriously unwell in 2015 , I faced years-long waiting lists for treatment , cuts to local services and the indignity of the work capability assessment .
It would ’ ve been easy to feel powerless , but the movement showed me just how much power I had .
I joined the Labour Party and campaigned with Disabled People Against Cuts and Unite Community .
Together , we protested and demanded an end to the vicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned the power of collective action and solidarity .
The pandemic has only further proved that the disabled people ’ s movement and the trade union movement need to unite in the fightback against a government intent on eroding our rights .
But our party must first look inwards if we ’ re going to make real change .
That starts with strengthening our equalities structures and standing shoulder to shoulder with all minorities .
If I win , we won ’ t sit through the repeated denials that it ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive ” to open up our meetings and conferences to disabled members .
We won ’ t wait any longer for the democratic structures and organisation that we were promised in the democracy review .
We won ’ t accept social care policies that only offer tepid improvements to merciless Tory austerity .
But I can ’ t do this alone .
The disabled people ’ s movement won the creation of this role , now we have to fight to make the most of it .
My campaign isn ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s about winning a Labour Party where disabled people get to take the decisions that affect us , and showing the political establishment what that looks like .
I would stay accountable to the movement , and would focus my work on accessibility , democracy and policy-making .
It is unacceptable that for so long disabled members have been shut out of party spaces .
It should never have been such a battle to simply access meetings and events , but it has been and we ’ re weary .
Disabled members have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t democratise the party or develop policies if we ’ re continually shut out of the conversation .
I ’ ll fight to transform Labour from the ground up , with a party-wide accessibility review to ensure our structures and decision-making are as inclusive and open as possible .
Remote access is not the solution for all members , but for some of us it ’ s vital .
It ’ s been shown to be not only possible but achievable , and I will argue for remote meetings and conferences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ ll fight to ensure accessible formats are normalised in party communications .
It ’ s not right that D/deaf and disabled people still can ’ t fully engage in party activity or read our campaign materials .
I ’ ll fight for a Labour where disabled members have the space and power to lead on the issues affecting us .
Collective strength needs organisation , and I ’ ll fight to get the disabled members structures we were promised in the democracy review established at Labour ’ s next conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabled candidates and representatives standing for office .
I ’ m calling for a Disabled Members ’ Leadership Programme , alongside resources and support , so the party can remove the barriers that we face to being elected .
Policy-making by us , for us I want to ensure we get a genuine say in the party policy that affects us .
I brought the motion that changed Unite policy to Stop and Scrap Universal Credit , and the Trades Union Congress and Labour followed suit .
If I ’ m elected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll continue to work with the campaigns to scrap this and work capability assessments .
Both are hated policies that have damaged the lives of millions and forced disabled people to live in indignity and poverty .
I ’ d proudly defend the proposal for a National Independent Living Support Service ( NILSS ) .
These are transformative proposals put together by disabled trade unionists , based on the key principles of independent living , reimagining what society would look like if we had the support we need .
Finally , we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social model of disability .
It is society that disables us , not our impairments , and improving disabled people ’ s lives means ensuring this fundamental shift in understanding .
We know the strength of our movement .
It was disabled Labour members that won the right to this vote .
After years of fighting and never giving up , we are on the cusp of fundamental change .
I ’ m from our movement and I ’ ll fight for our movement .
So please vote for me , Ellen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NEC disabled members rep .

This year, Labour will make history. For the first time in its 120-year history, disabled people will have a voice and seat on the ruling national executive committee. We can’t let this opportunity go to waste. If elected, I won’t sit quietly at the table. I’ve never been afraid of challenging our party over its disregard for our lives and the issues that affect us. I’ll take you with me as we fight to embed the disabled people’s movement into Labour.
I was introduced to socialism because, like so many disabled people, I experienced the cruel hostility of Tory austerity. When I became seriously unwell in 2015, I faced years-long waiting lists for treatment, cuts to local services and the indignity of the work capability assessment. It would’ve been easy to feel powerless, but the movement showed me just how much power I had. I joined the Labour Party and campaigned with Disabled People Against Cuts and Unite Community. Together, we protested and demanded an end to the vicious policies enacted by the DWP.
I learned the power of collective action and solidarity. The pandemic has only further proved that the disabled people’s movement and the trade union movement need to unite in the fightback against a government intent on eroding our rights. But our party must first look inwards if we’re going to make real change. That starts with strengthening our equalities structures and standing shoulder to shoulder with all minorities.
If I win, we won’t sit through the repeated denials that it’s just “too difficult” or “too expensive” to open up our meetings and conferences to disabled members. We won’t wait any longer for the democratic structures and organisation that we were promised in the democracy review. We won’t accept social care policies that only offer tepid improvements to merciless Tory austerity.
But I can’t do this alone. The disabled people’s movement won the creation of this role, now we have to fight to make the most of it. My campaign isn’t just about winning one seat. It’s about winning a Labour Party where disabled people get to take the decisions that affect us, and showing the political establishment what that looks like. I would stay accountable to the movement, and would focus my work on accessibility, democracy and policy-making.
Accessibility
It is unacceptable that for so long disabled members have been shut out of party spaces. It should never have been such a battle to simply access meetings and events, but it has been and we’re weary. Disabled members have so much to contribute – but we can’t democratise the party or develop policies if we’re continually shut out of the conversation. I’ll fight to transform Labour from the ground up, with a party-wide accessibility review to ensure our structures and decision-making are as inclusive and open as possible.
Remote access is not the solution for all members, but for some of us it’s vital. It’s been shown to be not only possible but achievable, and I will argue for remote meetings and conferences to be kept, improved and extended. I’ll fight to ensure accessible formats are normalised in party communications. It’s not right that D/deaf and disabled people still can’t fully engage in party activity or read our campaign materials.
Democracy
I’ll fight for a Labour where disabled members have the space and power to lead on the issues affecting us. Collective strength needs organisation, and I’ll fight to get the disabled members structures we were promised in the democracy review established at Labour’s next conference. We have a severe lack of disabled candidates and representatives standing for office. I’m calling for a Disabled Members’ Leadership Programme, alongside resources and support, so the party can remove the barriers that we face to being elected.
Policy-making by us, for us
I want to ensure we get a genuine say in the party policy that affects us. I brought the motion that changed Unite policy to Stop and Scrap Universal Credit, and the Trades Union Congress and Labour followed suit. If I’m elected to Labour’s NEC, I’ll continue to work with the campaigns to scrap this and work capability assessments. Both are hated policies that have damaged the lives of millions and forced disabled people to live in indignity and poverty.
I’d proudly defend the proposal for a National Independent Living Support Service (NILSS). These are transformative proposals put together by disabled trade unionists, based on the key principles of independent living, reimagining what society would look like if we had the support we need.
Finally, we need to implement Labour’s commitment to the social model of disability. It is society that disables us, not our impairments, and improving disabled people’s lives means ensuring this fundamental shift in understanding.
We know the strength of our movement. It was disabled Labour members that won the right to this vote. After years of fighting and never giving up, we are on the cusp of fundamental change. I’m from our movement and I’ll fight for our movement. So please vote for me, Ellen Morrison, to be your first ever NEC disabled members rep.


labourlist--2020-08-14--Starmer pushes for return to teacher predicted grades as “best option available”

Keir Starmer has declared that a move away from the current A-Level results and a return to the original teacher predicted grades is now the “ best option available ” amid uproar over unfair outcomes for pupils .
Labour ’ s education lead Kate Green has criticised the downgrading of nearly two in five A-Level grades in England as a “ huge injustice ” , and demanded that fees for schools and colleges appealing results should be waived .
But the Labour leader is now going further by calling for the UK government to perform the same U-turn that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Nicola Sturgeon was forced to undertake earlier this week .
Commenting on the chaotic situation , he said : “ Across the last 24 hours we have heard heartbreaking stories and the scale of the injustice caused by the fatally flawed results system has become clear… “ The unprecedented and chaotic circumstances created by the UK government ’ s mishandling of education during recent months mean that a return to teacher assessments is now the best option available .
“ No young person should be at a detriment due to government incompetence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need action in days , not weeks .
That also means an urgent technical review of the standardisation model ahead of GCSE results next week.
” Starmer has described the system that saw hundreds of thousands of A-Level results downgraded on Thursday as “ fatally flawed ” , adding : “ Young people and parents right across the country , in every town and city , feel let down and betrayed.
” 280,000 teacher assessed A-Level results were revised downwards yesterday by an algorithm criticised by teachers , pupils and parents , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process “ may have been biased ” .
39 % of pupils had their marks downgraded , and disadvantaged pupils have been worst-affected .
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has told Ofqual to “ remove bias ” and allow students to appeal directly .
“ We will continue to discuss this with Ofqual and consider all our powers so that ethnic minority and disabled children , for example , are treated fairly in this process , ” the chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said .
In one case highlighted by BBC Newsnight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer to read medicine at Cambridge .
He was predicted four A*s but received one A* and three As , and the offer was withdrawn .
The government said students may be able to use mock results in the appeals process – if they took mock exams this year , and if they were conducted in an as yet unspecified way – but the process is still unclear .
Schools minister Nick Gibb was also accused by Starmer of “ grossly misleading ” students , as he had promised that downgrading would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ofqual figures show that this was not true for around 24,000 grades .
Labour ’ s deputy leader Angela Rayner said that the algorithm used has “ baked in inequalities for a lot of students ” and “ penalises children , in effect , on where they live or which school and the history of that school ” .
Equality impact analysis published by exam regulator Ofqual shows that private schools increased the proportion of students achieving top grades – A* and A – twice as much as pupils at comprehensive schools .

Keir Starmer has declared that a move away from the current A-Level results and a return to the original teacher predicted grades is now the “best option available” amid uproar over unfair outcomes for pupils.
Labour’s education lead Kate Green has criticised the downgrading of nearly two in five A-Level grades in England as a “huge injustice”, and demanded that fees for schools and colleges appealing results should be waived.
But the Labour leader is now going further by calling for the UK government to perform the same U-turn that the Scottish government led by the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon was forced to undertake earlier this week.
Commenting on the chaotic situation, he said: “Across the last 24 hours we have heard heartbreaking stories and the scale of the injustice caused by the fatally flawed results system has become clear…
“The unprecedented and chaotic circumstances created by the UK government’s mishandling of education during recent months mean that a return to teacher assessments is now the best option available.
“No young person should be at a detriment due to government incompetence. Time is running out. We need action in days, not weeks. That also means an urgent technical review of the standardisation model ahead of GCSE results next week.”
Starmer has described the system that saw hundreds of thousands of A-Level results downgraded on Thursday as “fatally flawed”, adding: “Young people and parents right across the country, in every town and city, feel let down and betrayed.”
280,000 teacher assessed A-Level results were revised downwards yesterday by an algorithm criticised by teachers, pupils and parents, with the Association of Colleges warning that the process “may have been biased”.
39% of pupils had their marks downgraded, and disadvantaged pupils have been worst-affected. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has told Ofqual to “remove bias” and allow students to appeal directly.
“We will continue to discuss this with Ofqual and consider all our powers so that ethnic minority and disabled children, for example, are treated fairly in this process,” the chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said.
In one case highlighted by BBC Newsnight, a state school student had a conditional offer to read medicine at Cambridge. He was predicted four A*s but received one A* and three As, and the offer was withdrawn.
The government said students may be able to use mock results in the appeals process – if they took mock exams this year, and if they were conducted in an as yet unspecified way – but the process is still unclear.
Schools minister Nick Gibb was also accused by Starmer of “grossly misleading” students, as he had promised that downgrading would be “by just one grade”. Ofqual figures show that this was not true for around 24,000 grades.
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said that the algorithm used has “baked in inequalities for a lot of students” and “penalises children, in effect, on where they live or which school and the history of that school”.
Equality impact analysis published by exam regulator Ofqual shows that private schools increased the proportion of students achieving top grades – A* and A – twice as much as pupils at comprehensive schools.


labourlist--2020-08-15--Immortalise the sacrifice of those lost – and never forget Victory over Japan Day

Today marks 75 years since the surrender of Japan and the effective end of the Second World War .
But why is recognising the significance of VJ Day so important ?
As the last theatre where British troops lost their lives in WW2 , it is essential that VJ Day forms a major part of our nation ’ s commemorative calendar , especially as the true bravery and sacrifice of those in this conflict is often left untold .
Aside from the obvious commemorative need , it is also important that we recognise the Pacific conflict as a source of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up .
These factors , combined with the fact that VJ Day marks the end of the bloodiest conflict the world has witnessed , make it a requirement that we all heed Pacific veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore ’ s advice and “ stop what we are doing , and take some time to remember ” .
As the MP for a city key to launching Operation Overlord and heart and home to the Royal Navy , I know just how important to the nation D-Day is as a cultural reference point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British Legion has outlined , VJ Day can be a ‘ forgotten ’ part of our country ’ s war story .
We have a duty to change this .
Spanning Asia , the Pacific Ocean , the Indian Ocean , and Oceania – the Pacific theatre was geographically the largest in WW2 .
British and Commonwealth forces incurred heavy losses of life , were on the receiving end of some of the worst atrocities recorded and played a crucial part in significant military operations such as the Battle of Okinawa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Pacific were among the worst recorded in the war .
Brutal jungle conflicts , precarious supply lines , and the worst treatment that prisoners of war encountered during the entirety of the global war are some of challenges faced by troops .
This resulted in heavy losses of life , with 235,000 casualties – including approximately 82,000 killed .
We all have a responsibility to make sure the stories of bravery and sacrifice are immortalised .
VJ Day must not be forgotten .
Today , lone pipers will play the Battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aboard HMS Belfast in London and at dawn in India , Australia , New Zealand and Nepal .
Why ?
Because the British and Commonwealth forces in the Pacific were among the most diverse and multicultural .
Whether considering the Indian 57th Rajput Regiment ’ s immense bravery in Malaya or the 4th Royal Gurkha Rifles heroism in Burma , the efforts of these troops were integral to securing the end of WW2 .
This is something to be celebrated .
While the reasoning behind these troops involvement in the conflict must also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime – we must commemorate the Commonwealth troops who so often demonstrated immeasurable bravery .
The diversity of forces during this period also helps us to understand Britain ’ s complex history .
As the Royal British Legion ’ s assistant director of commemorative events said : “ Much of the UK ’ s modern-day multiculturalism can be traced back to this period of history.
” Recognising Britain ’ s conflicted and chequered past , while celebrating the achievements of a highly diverse and effective fighting force , is another reason why VJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too , does the Labour Party have a stake in ensuring that VJ Day is properly acknowledged .
It was Prime Minister Clement Attlee who called for two days of national holiday to commemorate the efforts in the Pacific .
Addressing the House of Commons , the Labour premier delivered a powerful speech that is encapsulated by his statement : “ Thus the long , grievous war is at an end , and peace on earth has been restored.
” As members of a party committed to peace and unity , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Labour ’ s post-war Prime Minister and ensure that commemorations continue for this most significant of conflicts .
As we hear bells chime out 75 times across our country today , it is important we reflect on the events that unfolded in the lead up to VJ Day .
We must take stock and commemorate the heavy losses of life , causalities and atrocities that were suffered .
Recognition of the fighting force ’ s diversity must be given so that we can properly understand and celebrate our country ’ s multicultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the story of these brave people and put an end to the cycle of events leading up to VJ Day being forgotten .
As shadow armed forces minister , I urge everyone to do what they can to safely join in commemorations on the 75 anniversary of Victory over Japan Day .

Today marks 75 years since the surrender of Japan and the effective end of the Second World War. But why is recognising the significance of VJ Day so important? As the last theatre where British troops lost their lives in WW2, it is essential that VJ Day forms a major part of our nation’s commemorative calendar, especially as the true bravery and sacrifice of those in this conflict is often left untold.
Aside from the obvious commemorative need, it is also important that we recognise the Pacific conflict as a source of much of Britain’s cherished multicultural make up. These factors, combined with the fact that VJ Day marks the end of the bloodiest conflict the world has witnessed, make it a requirement that we all heed Pacific veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore’s advice and “stop what we are doing, and take some time to remember”.
As the MP for a city key to launching Operation Overlord and heart and home to the Royal Navy, I know just how important to the nation D-Day is as a cultural reference point and commemorative intervention. Sadly, as the British Legion has outlined, VJ Day can be a ‘forgotten’ part of our country’s war story. We have a duty to change this. Spanning Asia, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and Oceania – the Pacific theatre was geographically the largest in WW2. British and Commonwealth forces incurred heavy losses of life, were on the receiving end of some of the worst atrocities recorded and played a crucial part in significant military operations such as the Battle of Okinawa.
It is widely acknowledged that the conditions in the Pacific were among the worst recorded in the war. Brutal jungle conflicts, precarious supply lines, and the worst treatment that prisoners of war encountered during the entirety of the global war are some of challenges faced by troops. This resulted in heavy losses of life, with 235,000 casualties – including approximately 82,000 killed. We all have a responsibility to make sure the stories of bravery and sacrifice are immortalised. VJ Day must not be forgotten.
Today, lone pipers will play the Battle’s O’er at sunrise aboard HMS Belfast in London and at dawn in India, Australia, New Zealand and Nepal. Why? Because the British and Commonwealth forces in the Pacific were among the most diverse and multicultural. Whether considering the Indian 57th Rajput Regiment’s immense bravery in Malaya or the 4th Royal Gurkha Rifles heroism in Burma, the efforts of these troops were integral to securing the end of WW2. This is something to be celebrated.
While the reasoning behind these troops involvement in the conflict must also be acknowledged – a vicious British colonialist regime – we must commemorate the Commonwealth troops who so often demonstrated immeasurable bravery. The diversity of forces during this period also helps us to understand Britain’s complex history. As the Royal British Legion’s assistant director of commemorative events said: “Much of the UK’s modern-day multiculturalism can be traced back to this period of history.” Recognising Britain’s conflicted and chequered past, while celebrating the achievements of a highly diverse and effective fighting force, is another reason why VJ Day commemorations must go on.
So, too, does the Labour Party have a stake in ensuring that VJ Day is properly acknowledged. It was Prime Minister Clement Attlee who called for two days of national holiday to commemorate the efforts in the Pacific. Addressing the House of Commons, the Labour premier delivered a powerful speech that is encapsulated by his statement: “Thus the long, grievous war is at an end, and peace on earth has been restored.” As members of a party committed to peace and unity, we have a duty to heed the words of Labour’s post-war Prime Minister and ensure that commemorations continue for this most significant of conflicts.
As we hear bells chime out 75 times across our country today, it is important we reflect on the events that unfolded in the lead up to VJ Day. We must take stock and commemorate the heavy losses of life, causalities and atrocities that were suffered. Recognition of the fighting force’s diversity must be given so that we can properly understand and celebrate our country’s multicultural history. We have a duty to tell the story of these brave people and put an end to the cycle of events leading up to VJ Day being forgotten. As shadow armed forces minister, I urge everyone to do what they can to safely join in commemorations on the 75 anniversary of Victory over Japan Day.


labourlist--2020-08-16--Starmer: I expect all children back at school in September

Keir Starmer has declared that “ I don ’ t just want all children back at school next month , I expect them back at school ” and said that the Prime Minister has a “ moral responsibility to make sure that it happens ” .
In an article for The Mail on Sunday today , the Labour leader wrote : “ The government must learn from the mistakes over the past months and ensure that the next academic year is not disrupted to the detriment of children and families.
” Although he explained that he wants to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his offer to help with reopening schools still stands , he said “ the responsibility for making it happen lies squarely at the door of No 10 ” .
He described how the Prime Minister ’ s “ priorities were wrong ” and slammed him for setting up a task force for the reopening of bowling alleys while rejecting calls from Labour to establish a cross-party working group on opening schools .
He also described the “ anger and frustration ” he has heard from families over the past week surrounding the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent review to prevent the same situation arising with GCSE results , due on August 20th .
A-Level pupils across the country received estimated grades on Thursday following the cancellation of the usual end-of-year exams when schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Figures show that 39.1 % had their result moderated down .
Starmer wrote : “ So , let me send a very clear message to the Prime Minister : I don ’ t just want all children back at school next month , I expect them back at school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no equivocation .
“ Let me be equally clear : it is the Prime Minister ’ s responsibility to guarantee children get the education they need and the benefit of being back with their teachers and classmates.
” The grades released on Thursday followed results day in Scotland last week , where 93.1 % of students had their grades revised down .
The Scottish government later abandoned its moderating system and deferred to initial teacher predictions .
Starmer wrote that while the pandemic had made it challenging to assess qualifications , “ many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that the government had the time to create a working system to manage the issue .
He said it was “ blatantly obvious when the Scottish government was forced to U-turn early last week that the UK government was going to need to take drastic action ” , and accused the Tories of having instead “ turned a blind eye ” .
The Labour leader added : “ Young people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – have been robbed by a system that judged them on their postcode , not their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the official figures released by Ofqual , those students with a grade C or above were downgraded from teacher estimations by over 10 % among children from the most disadvantaged background .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was slammed by teachers last week for a “ panicked and chaotic ” reassurance issued to students on the eve of results day last week when he announced a “ triple-lock ” for results .
He said that results would based on the highest out of predicted grades , mock exams , and an optional written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if pupils received an estimated grade lower than their mock result , they would be able to appeal .
Following the A-Level results day earlier this week , Ofqual published guidance for the appeals process on Saturday afternoon .
But later the same day , the body announced that it is reviewing its own criteria for those challenging their grades .
The body said late on Saturday : “ Earlier today we published information about mock exam results in appeals .
This policy is being reviewed by the Ofqual board and further information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commenting on the exams , Labour ’ s Kate Green said : “ The Tories ’ results fiasco is turning from tragedy to farce , and the chaos and incompetence is completely unacceptable when so many students and families have been devastated by it.
” The Shadow Education Secretary added : “ A credible appeals system should have been the government ’ s first priority , but three days later there is absolutely no clarity on how young people can challenge their unfair grades.
” Labour has called on the government to waive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the current system , institutions are required to pay up-front for appeals and can only claim back the money if successful .
108,000 result reviews were carried out last year .
Analysis shows that private schools are both more likely to attempt to challenge a grade and more likely to be successful in their appeals .
The independent regulatory body has recognised this : “ Independent schools tended to submit a greater percentage of their qualification entries , at both GCSE and A-Level ( 11.9 % ) .
” This compares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other school types .
The figures released by Ofqual alongside Thursday ’ s results show that 35.6 % of the predicted awards given out were adjusted down by one grade , while 3.3 % were brought down by two grades and 0.2 % came down by three grades .
New polling from Opinium showed that 42 % of the public disapprove of the government ’ s handling of predicted A-Level and GCSE exams results in the coronavirus pandemic .
43 % of respondents thought students should be allowed to appeal to use their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 43 % believed that they should be allowed to simply sit the exam as intended .
It also showed that respondents want to see the government prioritise schools over other venues when considering what to open – when asked , 60 % said that they would prefer pubs and restaurants close in September so that schools can open .

Keir Starmer has declared that he expects “all children back at school next month” – “no ifs, no buts, no equivocation” – and that the Prime Minister has a “moral responsibility to make sure that it happens”.
In an article for The Mail on Sunday today, the Labour leader wrote: “The government must learn from the mistakes over the past months and ensure that the next academic year is not disrupted to the detriment of children and families.”
“My offer to help the government reopen schools still stands but responsibility for making it happen lies squarely at the door of No 10. Despite our differences, I want the government to succeed in defeating the virus.
“I want lives saved, I want the virus contained, I want the economy restarted and I want children in school. But education has become characteristic of this government’s handling of the pandemic in recent months.”
Starmer said the Prime Minister’s “priorities were wrong” and slammed Boris Johnson for setting up a task force for the reopening of bowling alleys while rejecting calls from Labour to establish a cross-party working group on opening schools.
He also described the “anger and frustration” of families over the past week surrounding the “exams fiasco”, and called for an urgent review to prevent the same situation arising with GCSE results on August 20th.
A-Level pupils across the country received estimated grades on Thursday following the cancellation of the usual end-of-year exams when schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Figures show that 39.1% had their result moderated down.
Starmer wrote: “So, let me send a very clear message to the Prime Minister: I don’t just want all children back at school next month, I expect them back at school. No ifs, no buts, no equivocation.
“Let me be equally clear: it is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to guarantee children get the education they need and the benefit of being back with their teachers and classmates.”
The grades released on Thursday followed results day in Scotland last week, where 93.1% of students had their grades revised down. The Scottish government later abandoned its moderating system and returned to initial teacher predictions.
Starmer wrote in the Mail that while the pandemic had made it challenging to assess qualifications, “many of the challenges were entirely foreseeable”, and the government has had time to create a working system.
He said it was “blatantly obvious when the Scottish government was forced to U-turn early last week that the UK government was going to need to take drastic action”, and accused the Tories of having instead “turned a blind eye”.
The Labour leader added: “Young people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – have been robbed by a system that judged them on their postcode, not their ability or effort.”
According to analysis of the official figures released by Ofqual, those students with a grade C or above were downgraded from teacher estimations by over 10% among children from the most disadvantaged background.
Gavin Williamson was slammed by teachers last week for a “panicked and chaotic” reassurance issued to students on the eve of results day last week when he announced a “triple-lock” for results.
The Education Secretary promised that pupils would have three options: accept their predicted grades, resit their exam in the autumn, or use a mock exam result for the basis of an appeal.
But after Ofqual published guidance for the appeals process on Saturday, the body announced later in the day that it would be reviewing its own criteria for appeals – suggesting that Williamson’s last-minute mock results plan could be scrapped.
Ofqual said: “Earlier today we published information about mock exam results in appeals. This policy is being reviewed by the Ofqual board and further information will be published in due course.”
Commenting on the exams, Labour’s Kate Green said: “The Tories’ results fiasco is turning from tragedy to farce, and the chaos and incompetence is completely unacceptable when so many students and families have been devastated by it.”
The Shadow Education Secretary added: “A credible appeals system should have been the government’s first priority, but three days later there is absolutely no clarity on how young people can challenge their unfair grades.”
Labour has called on the government to waive fees for schools and colleges appealing grades. Under the current system, institutions are required to pay up-front for appeals and can only claim back the money if successful.
108,000 result reviews were carried out last year. Analysis shows that private schools are both more likely to attempt to challenge a grade and more likely to be successful in their appeals.
The independent regulatory body has recognised this, saying: “Independent schools tended to submit a greater percentage of their qualification entries, at both GCSE and A-Level (11.9%).” This compares to 5.4% to 8.6% for other school types.
The figures released by Ofqual alongside Thursday’s results show that 35.6% of the predicted awards given out were adjusted down by one grade, while 3.3% were brought down by two grades and 0.2% came down by three grades.
New polling from Opinium indicates that 42% of the public disapprove of the government’s handling of predicted A-Level and GCSE exams results in the coronavirus pandemic.
43% of respondents thought students should be allowed to appeal to use their teacher’s estimate instead, while another 43% believed that they should be allowed to simply sit the exam as intended.
It also showed respondents wanting to see the government prioritise schools over other venues when considering what to open – when asked, 60% said that they would prefer pubs and restaurants close in September so that schools can open.


labourlist--2020-08-16--55% of LabourList readers predict a Tory government after the next election

LabourList readers are gloomy about Labour ’ s chances of winning the next general election , our latest survey has revealed , with a majority believing that a Tory government is the most likely outcome .
Asked about the result expected in 2024 , 55 % of our readers said some kind of Conservative or Conservative-led administration was most probable , versus 45 % for Labour , when excluding ‘ don ’ t know ’ answers .
ConservativeHome , often considered to be the Tory equivalent of LabourList , recently ran the same survey question .
74 % of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority was most likely .
But respondents to the new LabourList survey did not express optimism for the main opposition party , despite over 80 % of them self-identifying as Labour members .
Keir Starmer certainly has a huge mountain to climb , with 123 seat gains needed to win a parliamentary majority of one – “ something no major party has ever done ” , as the Labour Together election review noted .
Reflecting disunity within the party , LabourList readers were found to be starkly divided on Starmer ’ s leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unhappy ” ( 34.3 % ) and “ very happy ” ( 33.8 % ) about it .
Those readers who told us they were overall “ happy ” – “ very ” or “ fairly ” – slightly outnumbered those who said they were unhappy with his leadership , by 49.8 % to 48.1 % .
In our last survey , which ran in May this year , “ very happy ” was the most popular answer ( 36 % ) while “ very unhappy ” was the response of 25 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LabourList readers came out in favour of Labour backing bold policies such as the cancellation of local authority debt ( 81.5 % ) and introducing proportional representation for all UK elections ( 75 % ) .
Of the policies put forward by Labour in the 2019 general election , readers said the party should continue to support the following : • Cut the substantial majority of carbon emissions by 2030 ( 82 % ) • Increase income tax for those earning over £80,000 ( 71 % ) • Maximum pay ratios of 20:1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) The two in our list of policies from last year ’ s manifesto that did not find majority backing among our survey respondents were free and fast broadband for all ( very narrowly , at 49.6 % ) and renewing Trident ( 12.3 % ) .
LabourList readers also agreed with Dawn Butler MP ’ s description of the Metropolitan Police as “ institutionally racist ” , with 71 % saying ‘ yes ’ , 17 % saying ‘ don ’ t know ’ and 12 % ‘ no ’ .
David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our shadow cabinet popularity poll in this survey .
He came sixth in the May rankings , but has now overtaken Ed Miliband and Rosena Allin-Khan , who place second and third .
Angela Rayner , Lisa Nandy and Anneliese Dodds are the next most popular shadow cabinet members .
All six placed in the top seven in the last survey , too – along with Rebecca Long-Bailey , who has since been sacked .
Almost 81 % of respondents to the new LabourList survey identified themselves as Labour Party members , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of at least one trade union .
Unite was the most popular choice by some way ( 37 % ) , followed by UNISON ( 18 % ) and GMB ( 11 % ) – Labour ’ s three biggest affiliate unions .
All three are soon set to be undergoing changes of leadership .
2 .
Are you a member of a trade union ?
3 .
If so , which one ?
4 .
Are you happy with Keir Starmer ’ s leadership of the Labour Party since his election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the most likely outcome of the next general election ?
6 .
Should Labour nominate anyone for peerages while the House of Lords exists in its current form ?
7 .
Should Labour back the campaign for the cancellation of local authority debt ?
8 .
Should Labour support the introduction of proportional representation ( PR ) for all UK elections ?
9 .
Do you agree with Dawn Butler MP that the Metropolitan Police is institutionally racist ?
10 .
Which of the following 2019 manifesto policies should Labour support now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon emissions by 2030 – 82 % of respondents ( 5,904 ) • Increase income tax for those earning over £80,000 – 71.4 % ( 5,141 ) • Maximum pay ratios of 20:1 in the public sector – 55.9 % ( 4,025 ) • Free and fast broadband for all – 49.6 % ( 3,568 ) 11. Who are your favourite members of Keir Starmer ’ s shadow cabinet ?
The survey was open from 5.30pm on Friday 14th August until 6pm on Sunday 16th August .
The results are unweighted and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to all 7,197 readers who took part .

LabourList readers are gloomy about Labour’s chances of winning the next general election, our latest survey has revealed, with a majority believing that a Tory government is the most likely outcome.
Asked about the result expected in 2024, 55% of our readers said some kind of Conservative or Conservative-led administration was most probable, versus 45% for Labour, when excluding ‘don’t know’ answers.
ConservativeHome, often considered to be the Tory equivalent of LabourList, recently ran the same survey question. 74% of their panel members confidently replied that a Tory majority was most likely.
But respondents to the new LabourList survey did not express optimism for the main opposition party, despite over 80% of them self-identifying as Labour members.
Keir Starmer certainly has a huge mountain to climb, with 123 seat gains needed to win a parliamentary majority of one – “something no major party has ever done”, as the Labour Together election review noted.
Reflecting disunity within the party, LabourList readers were found to be starkly divided on Starmer’s leadership – the top answers being “very unhappy” (34.3%) and “very happy” (33.8%) about it.
Those readers who told us they were overall “happy” – “very” or “fairly” – slightly outnumbered those who said they were unhappy with his leadership, by 49.8% to 48.1%.
In our last survey, which ran in May this year, “very happy” was the most popular answer (36%) while “very unhappy” was the response of 25% of readers.
On policy issues, LabourList readers came out in favour of Labour backing bold policies such as the cancellation of local authority debt (81.5%) and introducing proportional representation for all UK elections (75%).
Of the policies put forward by Labour in the 2019 general election, readers said the party should continue to support the following:
Cut the substantial majority of carbon emissions by 2030 (82%)
Create one million green jobs (74%)
Close tax loopholes enjoyed by private schools (73%)
Increase income tax for those earning over £80,000 (71%)
Nationalise mail, rail, energy and water (67%)
Repeal anti-trade union legislation (64%)
Scrap tuition fees (61%)
Extend full voting rights to all UK residents (61%)
Set up a publicly owned generic drug company (60.5%)
Compensate the WASPI women (57%)
Maximum pay ratios of 20:1 in the public sector (56%)
Aim for 32-hour working week within a decade (51%)
The two in our list of policies from last year’s manifesto that did not find majority backing among our survey respondents were free and fast broadband for all (very narrowly, at 49.6%) and renewing Trident (12.3%).
LabourList readers also agreed with Dawn Butler MP’s description of the Metropolitan Police as “institutionally racist”, with 71% saying ‘yes’, 17% saying ‘don’t know’ and 12% ‘no’.
David Lammy has shot up to the top of our shadow cabinet popularity poll in this survey. He came sixth in the May rankings, but has now overtaken Ed Miliband and Rosena Allin-Khan, who place second and third.
Angela Rayner, Lisa Nandy and Anneliese Dodds are the next most popular shadow cabinet members. All six placed in the top seven in the last survey, too – along with Rebecca Long-Bailey, who has since been sacked.
Almost 81% of respondents to the new LabourList survey identified themselves as Labour Party members, while nearly 53% said they were members of at least one trade union.
Unite was the most popular choice by some way (37%), followed by UNISON (18%) and GMB (11%) – Labour’s three biggest affiliate unions. All three are soon set to be undergoing changes of leadership.
1. Are you a Labour member?
Yes – 80.9% (5,823) No – 19.1% (1,374)
2. Are you a member of a trade union?
Yes – 52.8% (3,801) No – 47.2% (3,396)
3. If so, which one?
Unite the Union – 37.2% of respondents (1,414) UNISON – 17.8% (675) GMB – 10.6% (404) UCU – 7.4% (281) NEU – 7.1% (271) Other(s) – 5.2% (237) PCS – 3.7% (139) Community – 3.6% (136) Prospect – 2.1% (81) NUJ – 2.1% (79)
4. Are you happy with Keir Starmer’s leadership of the Labour Party since his election?
Very unhappy – 34.3% (2,472) Very happy – 33.8% (2,429) Fairly happy – 16% (1,155) Fairly unhappy – 13.8% (990) Don’t know – 2.1% (151)
5. What do you think is the most likely outcome of the next general election?
Tory majority – 26.7% (1,922) Don’t know – 21.8% (1,568) Labour-led coalition – 14.9% (1,075) Tory minority government – 12.3% (883) Labour minority government – 11.7% (845) Labour majority – 8.4% (605) Tory-led coalition – 4.2% (299)
6. Should Labour nominate anyone for peerages while the House of Lords exists in its current form?
Yes – 48.8% (3,514) No – 42.1% (3,031) Don’t know – 9.1% (652)
7. Should Labour back the campaign for the cancellation of local authority debt?
Yes – 81.5% (5,864) Don’t know – 13.1% (943) No – 5.4% (390)
8. Should Labour support the introduction of proportional representation (PR) for all UK elections?
Yes – 75.2% (5,413) No – 15.4% (1,106) Don’t know – 9.4% (678)
9. Do you agree with Dawn Butler MP that the Metropolitan Police is institutionally racist?
Yes – 70.8% (5,093) Don’t know – 17.1% (1,230) No – 12.1% (874)
10. Which of the following 2019 manifesto policies should Labour support now?
Cut the substantial majority of carbon emissions by 2030 – 82% of respondents (5,904) Create one million green jobs – 74% (5,327) Close tax loopholes enjoyed by private schools – 73.4% (5,281) Increase income tax for those earning over £80,000 – 71.4% (5,141) Nationalise mail, rail, energy and water – 67.4% (4,848) Repeal anti-trade union legislation – 63.7% (4,581) Scrap tuition fees – 61.2% (4,408) Extend full voting rights to all UK residents – 60.7% (4,372) Set up a publicly owned generic drug company – 60.5% (4,351) Compensate the WASPI women – 56.7% (4,079) Maximum pay ratios of 20:1 in the public sector – 55.9% (4,025) Aim for 32-hour working week within a decade – 50.8% (3,658) Free and fast broadband for all – 49.6% (3,568) Renew the Trident nuclear programme – 12.3% (884)
11. Who are your favourite members of Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet?
David Lammy – 2,727 Ed Miliband – 2,193 Rosena Allin-Khan – 2,154 Angela Rayner – 2,123 Lisa Nandy – 1,772 Anneliese Dodds – 1,571 Emily Thornberry – 1,562 Cat Smith – 1,172 Andy McDonald – 1,088 Jonathan Ashworth – 873 Marsha de Cordova – 815 Rachel Reeves – 407 Nick Thomas-Symonds – 392 Ian Murray – 324 John Healey – 270
The survey was open from 5.30pm on Friday 14th August until 6pm on Sunday 16th August. The results are unweighted and from a self-selected sample of readers. Thank you to all 7,197 readers who took part.


labourlist--2020-08-17--Disproportionate BAME Covid deaths were avoidable, task force finds

A task force has found that the disproportionate number of Covid deaths in Black and ethnic minority communities in the West Midlands were avoidable , after hearing months of “ harrowing and distressing ” evidence from families affected .
The body , which has heard testimony from those who lost relatives in the pandemic over the past three months , today presented a 42-page report with 35 recommendations for ministers , MPs , local government and the NHS .
The group – led by Labour figures including MP and West Midlands metro mayor candidate Liam Byrne – has said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ urgent medical emergency ” .
The task force reported that a “ perfect storm of factors meant that the West Midlands BAME community was hit hardest – yet the data and funding to stop a second wave is not in place ” .
It has called for an independent public inquiry into the disproportionate number of BAME Covid fatalities and demanded urgent action be taken to protect communities ahead of a second wave of the virus .
Commenting on the evidence heard by the group , Byrne said : “ Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families was the most harrowing and distressing that any of us have heard in public life .
“ We heard about families holding back from seeking help because they were worried about the care they would receive .
“ We heard about BAME workers on the frontline having to make their own personal protective equipment , or having to ‘ pull strings ’ to visit dying loved ones – and now a significant risk of ongoing trauma and mental health issues , because so many have lost loved ones , without the normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We heard from frontline medical staff who saw for themselves how the system was overwhelmed with little regard to communicating with the minority groups or understanding their specific needs .
“ The lack of personal protective equipment in the early stages led to many BAME staff being struck down themselves and passing Covid-19 onto their families .
“ Yet despite the perfect storm of health inequalities , the lack of PPE for the frontline , and underfunding of groups supporting those with long term health conditions , the most diverse West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to public health funding – and we still don ’ t have the ethnicity data we need on death certificates or testing results to be able to track risks in the future .
“ The government must now call an independent inquiry to learn this lessons – and I ’ ll present this report to the House of Commons to demand they get on with it.
” This report into coronavirus deaths in the West Midlands will contribute to the wider review being conducted by the Labour Party into the impact of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baroness Doreen Lawrence .
Describing the findings as “ deeply worrying ” , Lawrence said : “ The testimony of those that have lost loved ones are distressing and lessons need to be learned , so that further people from BAME populations are not put at risk of dying .
“ If we are going to effectively address the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 , we must eradicate the systemic inequalities that it thrives on .
My wider review for Labour will be taking this inquiry ’ s findings into account.
” She commended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and added that “ the government will be held to account for its failings and we will not sit by idly , while lives remain at risk ” .
Labour ’ s Marsha de Cordova said that this latest analysis “ reinforces what we already know about the structural and racial inequalities which have led to the Covid-19 pandemic hitting BAME communities across the UK so very hard ” .
The Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary added : “ The government has had repeated warnings , repeated reports , repeated recommendations and yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a timely manner.
” The government announced an investigation into the disproportionately high number of deaths among BAME communities in the pandemic in April .
Labour launched its own review shortly afterwards .
The Labour Party initially welcomed the government ’ s review but criticised the subsequent report , published by the inquiry in June , for providing no recommendations on how disparities between communities would be reduced .
You can read the full report published today here .

A task force has found that the disproportionate number of Covid deaths in Black and ethnic minority communities in the West Midlands were avoidable, after hearing months of “harrowing and distressing” evidence from families affected.
The body, which has heard testimony from those who lost relatives in the pandemic over the past three months, today presented a 42-page report with 35 recommendations for ministers, MPs, local government and the NHS.
The group – led by Labour figures including MP and West Midlands metro mayor candidate Liam Byrne – has said that this higher rate of coronavirus deaths constitutes an “urgent medical emergency”.
The task force reported that a “perfect storm of factors meant that the West Midlands BAME community was hit hardest – yet the data and funding to stop a second wave is not in place”.
It has called for an independent public inquiry into the disproportionate number of BAME Covid fatalities and demanded urgent action be taken to protect communities ahead of a second wave of the virus.
Commenting on the evidence heard by the group, Byrne said: “Without doubt, the evidence we heard from families was the most harrowing and distressing that any of us have heard in public life.
“We heard about families holding back from seeking help because they were worried about the care they would receive.
“We heard about BAME workers on the frontline having to make their own personal protective equipment, or having to ‘pull strings’ to visit dying loved ones – and now a significant risk of ongoing trauma and mental health issues, because so many have lost loved ones, without the normal traditions of being able to say goodbye.
“We heard from frontline medical staff who saw for themselves how the system was overwhelmed with little regard to communicating with the minority groups or understanding their specific needs.
“The lack of personal protective equipment in the early stages led to many BAME staff being struck down themselves and passing Covid-19 onto their families.
“Yet despite the perfect storm of health inequalities, the lack of PPE for the frontline, and underfunding of groups supporting those with long term health conditions, the most diverse West Midlands communities has suffered the biggest cuts to public health funding – and we still don’t have the ethnicity data we need on death certificates or testing results to be able to track risks in the future.
“The government must now call an independent inquiry to learn this lessons – and I’ll present this report to the House of Commons to demand they get on with it.”
This report into coronavirus deaths in the West Midlands will contribute to the wider review being conducted by the Labour Party into the impact of the virus on BAME communities, headed by Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
Describing the findings as “deeply worrying”, Lawrence said: “The testimony of those that have lost loved ones are distressing and lessons need to be learned, so that further people from BAME populations are not put at risk of dying.
“If we are going to effectively address the disproportionate impact of Covid-19, we must eradicate the systemic inequalities that it thrives on. My wider review for Labour will be taking this inquiry’s findings into account.”
She commended the work of the West Midlands group and added that “the government will be held to account for its failings and we will not sit by idly, while lives remain at risk”.
Labour’s Marsha de Cordova said the latest analysis “reinforces what we already know about the structural and racial inequalities which have led to the Covid-19 pandemic hitting BAME communities across the UK so very hard”.
The Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary added: “The government has had repeated warnings, repeated reports, repeated recommendations and yet has still consistently failed to act in a timely manner.”
The government announced an investigation into the disproportionately high number of deaths among BAME communities in the pandemic in April. Labour launched its own review shortly afterwards.
The Labour Party initially welcomed the government’s review but criticised the subsequent report, published by the inquiry in June, for providing no recommendations on how disparities between communities would be reduced.
You can read the full report published today here.


labourlist--2020-08-17--Don’t push self-employed towards “financial cliff edge”, Labour urges government

Labour ’ s Anneliese Dodds has told the government not to push self-employed people towards a “ financial cliff edge ” this autumn by withdrawing income support before many are able to return to work .
Applications for the final grant provided through the government ’ s coronavirus crisis self-employment income support scheme ( SEISS ) open today .
This will offer support over the next three months .
After October 17th , self-employed workers whose businesses and income have been hit by the pandemic will receive no more support from the government – despite hardship continuing for many due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people including caterers , beauticians and those who work in live entertainment are struggling to make their businesses viable when social distancing guidelines are still in place .
And workers such as taxi drivers , plumbers and electricians will only see demand for their services return to normal levels if the UK economy recovers quickly over the next two months .
The UK has officially entered a recession for the first time since the global financial crisis in 2008 .
Figures published last week showed that UK GDP fell by 20.4 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop was larger than that of any other European country , as France saw its economy shrink by 13.8 % , Italy by 12.4 % and Germany by 10.1 % .
Dodds described the downturn as a “ tragedy for the British people ” .
The Shadow Chancellor today said : “ This second phase of the self-employment income support scheme is too late for the quarter of a million people who left self-employment between April and June .
“ The Chancellor now plans to cut off support for every self-employed worker in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they ’ re back at work or back under local lockdown .
“ Just like his one-size-fits-all wind down of the furlough scheme , he ’ s pulling the plug at the worst possible time .
“ Without flexible , targeted support beyond the autumn , hundreds of thousands more self-employed workers will lose out and Johnson ’ s jobs crisis will get much worse .
“ Britain ’ s entrepreneurs and innovators don ’ t need a permanent helping hand , just targeted support to see them through the crisis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead of pushing them towards a financial cliff edge , the government should empower them to do what they do best : build great British businesses.
” Introduced in March along with the furlough scheme , the SEISS allowed the self-employed to claim a taxable grant worth 80 % of their average monthly trading profits , capped at £7,500 over three months .
The scheme was extended in June for those who lost earnings after mid-July .
The second and final grant was set at a lower rate of 70 % and capped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-month period .
The Resolution Foundation found that more than half of all self-employed people reported losing work due to Covid-19 , which is more than any other category of worker .
2.7 million applied for the first SEISS grant .
Labour has also pointed towards figures from the Office of National Statistics that show 238,000 fewer self-employed people in the last quarter than the one before – a record fall .
The opposition party has said that this significant drop suggests there are “ fundamental problems ” with the design of SEISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or not targeted .
Dodds , along with Keir Starmer , have called on the government to abandon its “ one-size-fits-all ” approach , which has led to both furlough and SEISS being withdrawn in October despite ongoing struggles .
At the start of August , Labour launched a new ‘ jobs , jobs , jobs ’ campaign and described the way that the job retention scheme was being wrapped up as a “ historic mistake ” .
But the government has not changed course .

Labour’s Anneliese Dodds has told the government not to push self-employed people towards a “financial cliff edge” this autumn by withdrawing income support before many are able to return to work.
Applications for the final grant provided through the government’s coronavirus crisis self-employment income support scheme (SEISS) open today. This will offer support over the next three months.
After October 17th, self-employed workers whose businesses and income have been hit by the pandemic will receive no more support from the government – despite hardship continuing for many due to Covid-19.
Labour is highlighting that people including caterers, beauticians and those who work in live entertainment are struggling to make their businesses viable when social distancing guidelines are still in place.
And workers such as taxi drivers, plumbers and electricians will only see demand for their services return to normal levels if the UK economy recovers quickly over the next two months.
The UK has officially entered a recession for the first time since the global financial crisis in 2008. Figures published last week showed that UK GDP fell by 20.4% in the second quarter of 2020.
The drop was larger than that of any other European country, as France saw its economy shrink by 13.8%, Italy by 12.4% and Germany by 10.1%. Dodds described the downturn as a “tragedy for the British people”.
The Shadow Chancellor today said: “This second phase of the self-employment income support scheme is too late for the quarter of a million people who left self-employment between April and June.
“The Chancellor now plans to cut off support for every self-employed worker in the country from October – no matter whether they’re back at work or back under local lockdown.
“Just like his one-size-fits-all wind down of the furlough scheme, he’s pulling the plug at the worst possible time.
“Without flexible, targeted support beyond the autumn, hundreds of thousands more self-employed workers will lose out and Johnson’s jobs crisis will get much worse.
“Britain’s entrepreneurs and innovators don’t need a permanent helping hand, just targeted support to see them through the crisis and get back on their feet.
“Instead of pushing them towards a financial cliff edge, the government should empower them to do what they do best: build great British businesses.”
Introduced in March along with the furlough scheme, the SEISS allowed the self-employed to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, capped at £7,500 over three months.
The scheme was extended in June for those who lost earnings after mid-July. The second and final grant was set at a lower rate of 70% and capped at £6,570 in total for the following three-month period.
The Resolution Foundation found that more than half of all self-employed people reported losing work due to Covid-19, which is more than any other category of worker. 2.7 million applied for the first SEISS grant.
Labour has also pointed towards figures from the Office of National Statistics that show 238,000 fewer self-employed people in the last quarter than the one before – a record fall.
The opposition party has said that this significant drop suggests there are “fundamental problems” with the design of SEISS and the way that it was targeted, or not targeted.
Dodds, along with Keir Starmer, have called on the government to abandon its “one-size-fits-all” approach, which has led to both furlough and SEISS being withdrawn in October despite ongoing struggles.
At the start of August, Labour launched a new ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ campaign and described the way that the job retention scheme was being wrapped up as a “historic mistake”. But the government has not changed course.


labourlist--2020-08-17--Cancel rent arrears and extend evictions ban by a year, says McDonnell

John McDonnell has told the government to extend the evictions ban by at least another year and called for rent arrears to be cancelled to prevent a “ torrent of people ” becoming homeless .
Speaking at a Claim the Future event on Sunday – a group launched by the former Shadow Chancellor last month campaigning for a socialist vision for a post-Covid economy – McDonnell discussed the ban due to end on August 23rd .
The ex-Labour frontbencher said that “ many people are becoming desperately worried that they will now face evictions ” , and warned that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their landlords to prevent them losing their homes ” .
He also discussed the urgent need for wider housing reform to “ end landlordism and restore housing as a right ” and to “ end the ease by which landlords can deprive a family of their home ” .
McDonnell said : “ Many people are becoming desperately worried that they will now face evictions .
Many can not rely upon the goodwill of their landlords to prevent them losing their homes .
“ That ’ s why it is premature to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with so many jobs being lost and incomes drying up .
Councils will face a torrent of people turning up on their doorstep as homeless .
“ The ban on evictions must be extended for as long as the risk of Covid persists .
The reality is at least another year but we also need a reform of the law to end the ease by which landlords can deprive a family of their home.
” The government introduced legislation in March that stopped landlords from taking court proceedings to evict people during Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to last for three months but the government extended it into August .
Housing charity Shelter warned last month that 230,000 renters have fallen into arrears in the pandemic and are at risk of being evicted when the ban ends on August 23rd .
While the ban is set to end in England and Wales next week , the Scottish government announced last week that the evictions ban in Scotland – which was due to end in September – will now run until March 2021 .
The UK government recently changed the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about their tenants ’ situation when seeking an eviction – but this does not prevent them from proceeding with ‘ no-fault ’ evictions .
Under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 , landlords can ‘ seek possession ’ of their properties and tenants can be evicted from their homes without a reason being given .
The notice period for this has been extended to three months in Covid .
Boris Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May both pledged to end no-fault evictions , promising to bring forward a new ‘ renters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservatives have failed to act on this pledge .
McDonnell added : “ Questions also have to be asked about why companies should be allowed to make large scale profits from people ’ s need for a roof over their heads .
Housing should be a right for all , not an investment opportunity for a few.
” A cross-party group of MPs has written to the government today to urge it to extend the eviction ban or warned the UK would see a “ new wave of homelessness ” .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DUP MP and ten Lib Dems .
Labour ’ s Thangam Debonnaire has described how people across the country are “ living in fear ” with existing evictions cases currently on hold but set to resume in the courts imminently .
She said : “ The situation can ’ t be more urgent .
The government has just seven days to prevent a wave of automatic evictions and homelessness at the worst possible time , as the furlough scheme winds up and we enter a potential second wave this winter.
” The Shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend the ban and introduce emergency legislation as soon as parliament is back in September to prevent a wave of automatic evictions .
”

John McDonnell has told the government to extend the evictions ban by at least another year and called for rent arrears to be cancelled to prevent a “torrent of people” becoming homeless.
Speaking at a Claim the Future event on Sunday – a group launched by the former Shadow Chancellor last month campaigning for a socialist vision for a post-Covid economy – McDonnell discussed the ban due to end on August 23rd.
The ex-Labour frontbencher said that “many people are becoming desperately worried that they will now face evictions”, and warned that they “cannot rely upon the goodwill of their landlords to prevent them losing their homes”.
He also discussed the urgent need for wider housing reform to “end landlordism and restore housing as a right” and to “end the ease by which landlords can deprive a family of their home”.
McDonnell said: “Many people are becoming desperately worried that they will now face evictions. Many cannot rely upon the goodwill of their landlords to prevent them losing their homes.
“That’s why it is premature to end the ban on evictions, especially with so many jobs being lost and incomes drying up. Councils will face a torrent of people turning up on their doorstep as homeless.
“The ban on evictions must be extended for as long as the risk of Covid persists. The reality is at least another year but we also need a reform of the law to end the ease by which landlords can deprive a family of their home.”
The government introduced legislation in March that stopped landlords from taking court proceedings to evict people during Covid. The initial rule change was intended to last for three months but the government extended it into August.
Housing charity Shelter warned last month that 230,000 renters have fallen into arrears in the pandemic and are at risk of being evicted when the ban ends on August 23rd.
While the ban is set to end in England and Wales next week, the Scottish government announced last week that the evictions ban in Scotland – which was due to end in September – will now run until March 2021.
The UK government recently changed the rules to mean that landlords must now provide information about their tenants’ situation when seeking an eviction – but this does not prevent them from proceeding with ‘no-fault’ evictions.
Under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, landlords can ‘seek possession’ of their properties and tenants can be evicted from their homes without a reason being given. The notice period for this has been extended to three months in Covid.
Boris Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May both pledged to end no-fault evictions, promising to bring forward a new ‘renters’ reform bill’. But the Conservatives have failed to act on this pledge.
McDonnell added: “Questions also have to be asked about why companies should be allowed to make large scale profits from people’s need for a roof over their heads. Housing should be a right for all, not an investment opportunity for a few.”
A cross-party group of MPs has written to the government today to urge it to extend the eviction ban or warned the UK would see a “new wave of homelessness”. It was signed by nine Labour MPs, one DUP MP and ten Lib Dems.
Labour’s Thangam Debonnaire has described how people across the country are “living in fear” with existing evictions cases currently on hold but set to resume in the courts imminently.
She said: “The situation can’t be more urgent. The government has just seven days to prevent a wave of automatic evictions and homelessness at the worst possible time, as the furlough scheme winds up and we enter a potential second wave this winter.”
The Shadow Housing Secretary added: “They need to extend the ban and introduce emergency legislation as soon as parliament is back in September to prevent a wave of automatic evictions.”


labourlist--2020-08-17--Starmer welcomes government’s “screeching U-turn” on exam results

Keir Starmer has welcomed a “ screeching U-turn ” on exam results after confirmation that the controversial algorithm will be scrapped and students awarded grades based on teacher predictions .
The Labour leader reacted to a much-anticipated announcement on Ofqual-generated school grades this afternoon , describing the decision to abandon the standardisation process as a “ victory for thousands of young people ” .
Commenting on the decision , he said : “ The government has had months to sort out exams and has now been forced into a screeching U-turn after days of confusion .
“ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have powerfully made their voices heard this past week .
However , the Tories ’ handling of this situation has been a complete fiasco .
“ Incompetence has become this government ’ s watchword , whether that is on schools , testing or care homes .
Boris Johnson ’ s failure to lead is holding Britain back.
” The move follows several days of sustained pressure after nearly 40 % of students in England saw their grades moderated down by the regulator .
Data from Ofqual showed that the most disadvantaged were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-Level pupils across England , Wales and Northern Ireland received grades generated by from the exam regulator last week , replacing usual end-of-year exams as schools were closed due to Covid-19 .
Over the weekend , Gavin Williamson had rejected criticism and insisted that there would be “ no U-turn , no change ” .
He argued that it would lead to grade inflation and devalue the qualifications .
The system adopted by Ofqual was criticised for relying too much on the previous performance of schools and colleges in modelling results , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historically poorer education settings were marked down .
Chair of Ofqual Roger Taylor issued a statement on the decision this afternoon , confirming that “ after reflection , we have decided that the best way to do this is to award grades on the basis of what teachers submitted ” .
He said that “ we understand this has been a distressing time for students ” , but argued that “ there was no easy solution to the problem of awarding exam results when no exams have taken place ” .
Describing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust that the public rightly has in educational qualifications ” , he admitted that its approach had “ caused real anguish and damaged public confidence ” .
Labour had described the grades awarded last week as a “ huge injustice ” and called on the government to waive fees for schools and colleges appealing results .
Ofqual published an appeals process on Saturday before withdrawing it only hours later .
The Welsh government announced earlier this afternoon that it is also abandoning the algorithm used to predict last week ’ s A-Level results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on teacher predictions .

Keir Starmer has welcomed a “screeching U-turn” on exam results after confirmation that the controversial algorithm will be scrapped and students awarded grades based on teacher predictions.
The Labour leader reacted to a much-anticipated announcement on Ofqual-generated school grades this afternoon, describing the decision to abandon the standardisation process as a “victory for thousands of young people”.
Commenting on the decision, he said: “The government has had months to sort out exams and has now been forced into a screeching U-turn after days of confusion.
“This is a victory for the thousands of young people who have powerfully made their voices heard this past week. However, the Tories’ handling of this situation has been a complete fiasco.
“Incompetence has become this government’s watchword, whether that is on schools, testing or care homes. Boris Johnson’s failure to lead is holding Britain back.”
The move follows several days of sustained pressure after nearly 40% of students in England saw their grades moderated down by the regulator. Data from Ofqual showed that the most disadvantaged were worst-affected by the algorithm.
Thousands of A-Level pupils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland received grades generated by from the exam regulator last week, replacing usual end-of-year exams as schools were closed due to Covid-19.
Over the weekend, Gavin Williamson had rejected criticism and insisted that there would be “no U-turn, no change”. He argued that it would lead to grade inflation and devalue the qualifications.
The system adopted by Ofqual was criticised for relying too much on the previous performance of schools and colleges in modelling results, meaning that young people who did well in historically poorer education settings were marked down.
Chair of Ofqual Roger Taylor issued a statement on the decision this afternoon, confirming that “after reflection, we have decided that the best way to do this is to award grades on the basis of what teachers submitted”.
He said that “we understand this has been a distressing time for students”, but argued that “there was no easy solution to the problem of awarding exam results when no exams have taken place”.
Describing the goal of Ofqual to “protect the trust that the public rightly has in educational qualifications”, he admitted that its approach had “caused real anguish and damaged public confidence”.
Labour had described the grades awarded last week as a “huge injustice” and called on the government to waive fees for schools and colleges appealing results. Ofqual published an appeals process on Saturday before withdrawing it only hours later.
The Welsh government announced earlier this afternoon that it is also abandoning the algorithm used to predict last week’s A-Level results and its students would be receiving grades based on teacher predictions.


labourlist--2020-08-17--Wales scraps algorithm for results and awards teacher-predicted grades

The Welsh government has announced that the controversial algorithm used to calculate A-Level results will be scrapped and grades will now be awarded on the basis of teacher predictions .
In a statement released this afternoon , Lib Dem MS and education minister Kirsty Williams said : “ We have sought an approach which provides fairness and balances out differences in the standards applied to judgments in schools.
” Taking to social media to confirm the U-turn , she tweeted : “ A-level , AS , GCSE , skills challenge certificate and Welsh baccalaureate grades in Wales will now be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grades.
” This latest development follows days of confusion after thousands of A-Level students in England , Wales and Northern Ireland received predicted results last week , replacing the usual end of year exams that were cancelled in the pandemic .
In her statement , the minister said that she is “ taking this decision now ahead of results being released this week ” , but that exams results published last week will also receive be awarded based on teacher assessments .
Williams also explained that “ for those young people , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those predicted by teachers , the higher grades will stand ” .
A number of Welsh Labour MPs had called on both the First Minister and the Prime Minister to “ right this wrong ” in relation to exam results and accept teachers ’ predictions for A-Level and GCSE results .
Ahead of the U-turn , Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi declared that she was “ adamant we should accept teachers ’ predictions ” while Rhondda MP Chris Bryant said that it was the only way to ensure a fair system .
Bryant added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be across the whole of the UK – Wales , Scotland , England and Northern Ireland.
” The UK government is expected to make an announcement about the exam results later this afternoon , following sustained pressure after nearly 40 % of students in England saw their grades moderated down by the regulator .
Commenting on the Welsh government ’ s decision , Labour ’ s Kate Green said : “ Boris Johnson must now follow the lead of the Welsh Government which has acted to ensure young people in Wales get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Secretary added : “ The Prime Minister must get a grip on the situation in England now , and end the historic injustice that he is imposing on young people across the country.
” Below is the full text of the statement from the Welsh government .
Working with Qualifications Wales and the Welsh Joint Education Committee we have sought an approach which provides fairness and balances out differences in the standards applied to judgments in schools .
Given decisions elsewhere , the balance of fairness now lies with awarding centre assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the system in Wales .
I am taking this decision now ahead of results being released this week , so that been is time for the necessary work to take place .
For grades issued last week , I have decided that all awards in Wales , will also be made on the basis of teacher assessment .
For those young people , for whom our system produced higher grades than those predicted by teachers , the higher grades will stand .
Maintaining standards is not new for 2020 , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wales , and across the UK .
However , it is clear that maintaining confidence in our qualifications whilst being fair to students requires this difficult decision .
These have been exceptional circumstances , and in due course I will be making a further statement on an independent review of events following the cancellation of this year ’ s exams .
Other awarding bodies across the UK are involved in determining the approach to vocational qualifications .
This continues to be the case but it is important that I give assurance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earliest opportunity .

The Welsh government has announced that the controversial algorithm used to calculate A-Level results will be scrapped and grades will now be awarded on the basis of teacher predictions.
In a statement released this afternoon, Lib Dem MS and education minister Kirsty Williams said: “We have sought an approach which provides fairness and balances out differences in the standards applied to judgments in schools.”
Taking to social media to confirm the U-turn, she tweeted: “A-level, AS, GCSE, skills challenge certificate and Welsh baccalaureate grades in Wales will now be awarded on the basis of centre assessment grades.”
This latest development follows days of confusion after thousands of A-Level students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received predicted results last week, replacing the usual end of year exams that were cancelled in the pandemic.
In her statement, the minister said that she is “taking this decision now ahead of results being released this week”, but that exams results published last week will also receive be awarded based on teacher assessments.
Williams also explained that “for those young people, for whom our system produced higher grades than those predicted by teachers, the higher grades will stand”.
A number of Welsh Labour MPs had called on both the First Minister and the Prime Minister to “right this wrong” in relation to exam results and accept teachers’ predictions for A-Level and GCSE results.
Ahead of the U-turn, Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi declared that she was “adamant we should accept teachers’ predictions” while Rhondda MP Chris Bryant said that it was the only way to ensure a fair system.
Bryant added: “Incidentally, I think that should be across the whole of the UK – Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.”
The UK government is expected to make an announcement about the exam results later this afternoon, following sustained pressure after nearly 40% of students in England saw their grades moderated down by the regulator.
Commenting on the Welsh government’s decision, Labour’s Kate Green said: “Boris Johnson must now follow the lead of the Welsh Government which has acted to ensure young people in Wales get the qualifications they deserve.”
The Shadow Education Secretary added: “The Prime Minister must get a grip on the situation in England now, and end the historic injustice that he is imposing on young people across the country.”
Below is the full text of the statement from the Welsh government.
Working with Qualifications Wales and the Welsh Joint Education Committee we have sought an approach which provides fairness and balances out differences in the standards applied to judgments in schools. Given decisions elsewhere, the balance of fairness now lies with awarding centre assessment grades to students, despite the strengths of the system in Wales.
I am taking this decision now ahead of results being released this week, so that been is time for the necessary work to take place. For grades issued last week, I have decided that all awards in Wales, will also be made on the basis of teacher assessment. For those young people, for whom our system produced higher grades than those predicted by teachers, the higher grades will stand.
Maintaining standards is not new for 2020, it is a feature of awarding qualifications every year in Wales, and across the UK. However, it is clear that maintaining confidence in our qualifications whilst being fair to students requires this difficult decision. These have been exceptional circumstances, and in due course I will be making a further statement on an independent review of events following the cancellation of this year’s exams.
Other awarding bodies across the UK are involved in determining the approach to vocational qualifications. This continues to be the case but it is important that I give assurance to GCSE, AS and A-Level student at the earliest opportunity.


labourlist--2020-08-17--Yet again, the Prime Minister is missing in action

The Prime Minister has decided to go on holiday for a week .
His summer break comes amid a major policy crisis .
Hundreds of thousands of A-Level students received grades generated by Ofqual last week following the cancellation of the usual end-of-year exams due to the pandemic .
Nearly 40 % saw teacher predictions moderated down and those from disadvantaged backgrounds have been worst affected .
Hundreds told The Guardian that they felt “ utterly let down ” while one has launched legal action against the exams regulator .
Ofqual unveiled an appeals process on Saturday before withdrawing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils in the lurch .
To make matters worse , GCSE results are set to be published on Thursday .
And yet , amid this chaos , Boris Johnson is nowhere to be seen .
Absenteeism has been a trademark of his premiership .
When flooding hit the UK earlier this year , causing widespread devastation and disruption , Johnson left it to his ministers to lead the response .
Unlike with flooding in the run-up to the general election , when he took the chance for several choice photo opportunities , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public appearance .
The then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn branded Johnson a “ part-time Prime Minister ” as it came to light that while remaining conspicuously silent on the crisis in communities across the country , he had made the time to schmooze Tory donors at a party event .
More recently , The Sunday Times broke the story in April that – just as Covid cases were ramping up and the virus was gathering pace in the UK – Johnson missed five consecutive meetings of the government ’ s emergency COBRA committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s normal for the Prime Minister not to attend these meetings – but it is common during a major crisis .
Maybe he thought that this whole Covid thing would blow over .
Regardless , it ’ s clear he wasn ’ t letter it cut into his personal time .
“ He liked his country breaks .
He didn ’ t work weekends , ” one adviser told the paper .
This deeply held attachment to breaks and holidays is nothing new .
Throughout his career , Johnson has been found missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riots broke out in London during his tenure as mayor , he told angry residents in Clapham : “ I came as fast as I could.
” The problem was that ‘ as fast as he could ’ to Johnson meant only deciding to interrupt his holiday three days into the public disturbances .
And as Foreign Secretary he conveniently dodged a controversial vote in 2018 on Heathrow expansion – which he had previously pledged to oppose by lying down in front of the bulldozers – by taking a quick trip to Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kate Green demanded today that the Prime Minister “ get off his holiday and come and take charge ” of the exams fiasco .
But based on his record , I wouldn ’ t hold my breath .
His tendency to be absent is a chance for Labour leader Keir Starmer to score an easy win over the Prime Minister in the eyes of the public .
As Johnson continues to shy away from his obligations by running away at the opportune moment and burying his head in the sand , Starmer just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour ’ s demands .

The Prime Minister has decided to go on holiday for a week. His summer break comes amid a major policy crisis. Hundreds of thousands of A-Level students received grades generated by Ofqual last week following the cancellation of the usual end-of-year exams due to the pandemic. Nearly 40% saw teacher predictions moderated down and those from disadvantaged backgrounds have been worst affected. Hundreds told The Guardian that they felt “utterly let down” while one has launched legal action against the exams regulator. Ofqual unveiled an appeals process on Saturday before withdrawing it just hours later, leaving thousands of pupils in the lurch. To make matters worse, GCSE results are set to be published on Thursday. And yet, amid this chaos, Boris Johnson is nowhere to be seen.
Absenteeism has been a trademark of his premiership. When flooding hit the UK earlier this year, causing widespread devastation and disruption, Johnson left it to his ministers to lead the response. Unlike with flooding in the run-up to the general election, when he took the chance for several choice photo opportunities, it took him 12 days to make a public appearance. The then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn branded Johnson a “part-time Prime Minister” as it came to light that while remaining conspicuously silent on the crisis in communities across the country, he had made the time to schmooze Tory donors at a party event.
More recently, The Sunday Times broke the story in April that – just as Covid cases were ramping up and the virus was gathering pace in the UK – Johnson missed five consecutive meetings of the government’s emergency COBRA committee. Michael Gove insisted that it’s normal for the Prime Minister not to attend these meetings – but it is common during a major crisis. Maybe he thought that this whole Covid thing would blow over. Regardless, it’s clear he wasn’t letter it cut into his personal time. “He liked his country breaks. He didn’t work weekends,” one adviser told the paper.
This deeply held attachment to breaks and holidays is nothing new. Throughout his career, Johnson has been found missing in action at crucial moments. When riots broke out in London during his tenure as mayor, he told angry residents in Clapham: “I came as fast as I could.” The problem was that ‘as fast as he could’ to Johnson meant only deciding to interrupt his holiday three days into the public disturbances. And as Foreign Secretary he conveniently dodged a controversial vote in 2018 on Heathrow expansion – which he had previously pledged to oppose by lying down in front of the bulldozers – by taking a quick trip to Afghanistan.
Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green demanded today that the Prime Minister “get off his holiday and come and take charge” of the exams fiasco. But based on his record, I wouldn’t hold my breath. His tendency to be absent is a chance for Labour leader Keir Starmer to score an easy win over the Prime Minister in the eyes of the public. As Johnson continues to shy away from his obligations by running away at the opportune moment and burying his head in the sand, Starmer just needs to be present and clearly articulating Labour’s demands.