labourlist--2020-06-16--Labour MPs remember Jo Cox on fourth anniversary of murder

Labour figures are remembering former Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox today , as they mark the fourth anniversary of her murder at the hands of a constituent with far-right views .
Keir Starmer tweeted that “ Jo ’ s legacy lives on ” , along with a video clip of her parliamentary maiden speech in which she famously said : “ We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.
” Deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted : “ We are all thinking of our friend Jo Cox today who was taken from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more in common than that which divides us ” such powerful and strong words that will always resonate ” .
Nick Thomas-Symonds , now Shadow Home Secretary , said : “ I will be thinking of my friend Jo Cox today , so cruelly taken away from her family , friends and the causes she gave so much support to.
” Harriet Harman , MP for Camberwell and Peckham , said : “ I will never , ever forget sparking Jo Cox and still feel really unable to come to terms with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her family.
” Dulwich MP Helen Hayes said : “ Thinking of my friend Jo Cox today whose message continues to be so resonant & is needed now more than ever .
Always missed , never forgotten ” .
Former deputy leader Tom Watson said : “ f you get a few moments of calm today , please reflect on the life of Jo Cox .
Perhaps you can commit to honour her legacy ?
You ’ ll be making the world a kinder , less lonely place.
” Ex-MP Mary Creagh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years since we lost beautiful , brave , brilliant Jo Cox .
Her truth – that we have more in common than that which divides us – is needed now more than ever .
Today , my thoughts are with her family , and all who loved her.
” Ex-MP Mike Gapes said : “ She was a bright light of humanity taken from us by a Neo Nazi murderer four years ago .
It was an honour to know Jo and to work with her in Parliament in support of the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Politicians of other parties have also posted tributes , such as Plaid Cymru ’ s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts who said : “ Her legacy lives on .
Thoughts today with her family and friends.
” Cox ’ s sister Kim Leadbeater has written a piece for HuffPost UK today , which reads : “ I know that I have still got a huge amount of work to do in terms of dealing with the senseless murder of my sister – a woman who was genuinely one of the kindest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet .
“ But I sometimes feel that I can ’ t even begin to deal with the grieving process while there is still so much work to be done on the issues Jo cared about during her life – and indeed the issues raised by her brutal murder at the hands of a right-wing extremist and white supremacist .
”

Labour figures are remembering former Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox today, as they mark the fourth anniversary of her murder at the hands of a constituent with far-right views.
Keir Starmer tweeted that “Jo’s legacy lives on”, along with a video clip of her parliamentary maiden speech in which she famously said: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Four years ago today our friend Jo Cox was tragically murdered. But Jo’s legacy lives on. Now more than ever, we see how right Jo was that we have “far more in common with each other than things that divide us.” pic.twitter.com/cKYJo0UkaZ — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 16, 2020
Deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted: “We are all thinking of our friend Jo Cox today who was taken from us four years ago. “We have more in common than that which divides us” such powerful and strong words that will always resonate”.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, now Shadow Home Secretary, said: “I will be thinking of my friend Jo Cox today, so cruelly taken away from her family, friends and the causes she gave so much support to.”
Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, said: “I will never, ever forget sparking Jo Cox and still feel really unable to come to terms with how it happened. Solidarity and sympathy to her family.”
Dulwich MP Helen Hayes said: “Thinking of my friend Jo Cox today whose message continues to be so resonant & is needed now more than ever. Always missed, never forgotten”.
Former deputy leader Tom Watson said: “f you get a few moments of calm today, please reflect on the life of Jo Cox. Perhaps you can commit to honour her legacy? You’ll be making the world a kinder, less lonely place.”
Ex-MP Mary Creagh said: “It’s four years since we lost beautiful, brave, brilliant Jo Cox. Her truth – that we have more in common than that which divides us – is needed now more than ever. Today, my thoughts are with her family, and all who loved her.”
Ex-MP Mike Gapes said: “She was a bright light of humanity taken from us by a Neo Nazi murderer four years ago. It was an honour to know Jo and to work with her in Parliament in support of the Syrian people. We will never forget her.”
Politicians of other parties have also posted tributes, such as Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts who said: “Her legacy lives on. Thoughts today with her family and friends.”
Cox’s sister Kim Leadbeater has written a piece for HuffPost UK today, which reads: “I know that I have still got a huge amount of work to do in terms of dealing with the senseless murder of my sister – a woman who was genuinely one of the kindest and least self-centred people you could hope to meet.
“But I sometimes feel that I can’t even begin to deal with the grieving process while there is still so much work to be done on the issues Jo cared about during her life – and indeed the issues raised by her brutal murder at the hands of a right-wing extremist and white supremacist.”


labourlist--2020-06-16--PM resists calls to extend free school meals despite mounting pressure

Labour launched a ‘ Holidays Without Hunger ’ campaign over the weekend , with a petition demanding that the government continues funding free school meals during the summer .
We know that food poverty has been exacerbated in the coronavirus crisis , and the voucher scheme did not operate smoothly – but it was essential , including when it covered the May half-term .
However , while the Welsh government has announced that it will provide each eligible child with the equivalent of £19.50 a week over the summer , the UK Tories are resisting calls to do the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even against footballer Marcus Rashford , who wrote a brilliant open letter to all MPs that read : “ Political affiliations aside , can we not all agree that no child should be going to bed hungry ?
” .
He has 2.7 million followers on Twitter , but still Downing Street has not backed down .
Government minister Therese Coffey even replied to one of his tweets this morning to say : “ Water can not be disconnected though ” .
No effort is being made to disguise the nasty party – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that image at significant political cost .
Labour ’ s first opposition day debate with Keir Starmer as leader is being used to apply further pressure on this issue .
Shadow Education Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey will say that not making a U-turn here would be “ deeply callous ” .
It is understood that the Conservatives do plan to push this to a vote , and the Prime Minister has even made the wonderfully patronising move of tabling an amendment that welcomes alternative action being taken by the government .
As the inboxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will this position hold ?
The blockage appears to be the Treasury – as you would expect , though it does seem odd to expend so much political capital on something that would cost an extra £30m while billions are being spent on furlough schemes .
As usual , this is about setting a precedent and building a narrative : ‘ don ’ t get used to the state helping you out ’ , the Tories are telling us , even if this is an exceptional crisis .
This has been identified as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other main intervention today : Anneliese Dodds is calling for an emergency ‘ back to work budget ’ with a clear focus on ” jobs , jobs , jobs ” .
Trade unions have played a crucial role in forcing the government to make huge economic interventions , and the demands of the labour movement are more important than ever .
If you have any questions about Labour ’ s international development plans , submit them via email ahead of LabourList in conversation with Preet Kaur Gill MP on Thursday at 6pm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Labour launched a ‘Holidays Without Hunger’ campaign over the weekend, with a petition demanding that the government continues funding free school meals during the summer. We know that food poverty has been exacerbated in the coronavirus crisis, and the voucher scheme did not operate smoothly – but it was essential, including when it covered the May half-term. However, while the Welsh government has announced that it will provide each eligible child with the equivalent of £19.50 a week over the summer, the UK Tories are resisting calls to do the same.
They are putting up a fight even against footballer Marcus Rashford, who wrote a brilliant open letter to all MPs that read: “Political affiliations aside, can we not all agree that no child should be going to bed hungry?”. He has 2.7 million followers on Twitter, but still Downing Street has not backed down. Government minister Therese Coffey even replied to one of his tweets this morning to say: “Water cannot be disconnected though”. No effort is being made to disguise the nasty party – in fact they seem to be defending that image at significant political cost.
Labour’s first opposition day debate with Keir Starmer as leader is being used to apply further pressure on this issue. Shadow Education Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey will say that not making a U-turn here would be “deeply callous”. It is understood that the Conservatives do plan to push this to a vote, and the Prime Minister has even made the wonderfully patronising move of tabling an amendment that welcomes alternative action being taken by the government. As the inboxes of MPs fill up with protest, will this position hold?
The blockage appears to be the Treasury – as you would expect, though it does seem odd to expend so much political capital on something that would cost an extra £30m while billions are being spent on furlough schemes. As usual, this is about setting a precedent and building a narrative: ‘don’t get used to the state helping you out’, the Tories are telling us, even if this is an exceptional crisis. This has been identified as a good moment for Labour’s other main intervention today: Anneliese Dodds is calling for an emergency ‘back to work budget’ with a clear focus on ”jobs, jobs, jobs”. Trade unions have played a crucial role in forcing the government to make huge economic interventions, and the demands of the labour movement are more important than ever.
If you have any questions about Labour’s international development plans, submit them via email ahead of LabourList in conversation with Preet Kaur Gill MP on Thursday at 6pm. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-06-16--Labour calls for “back to work Budget” and warns of “mass unemployment”

Labour has called for the government to bring forward measures to protect jobs in a “ back to work Budget ” , and warned that the UK could see “ mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades ” when the furlough scheme is withdrawn .
The call for a focus on “ jobs , jobs , jobs ” from the party comes as the Office for National Statistics has revealed that the number of people on company payrolls fell by 612,000 between March and May 2020 .
Labour ’ s Anneliese Dodds expressed concern that “ the slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by a slow and confused response to saving jobs ” , and has urged the government to take swift action .
Setting out the demands , the Shadow Chancellor said : “ The government was too slow to recognise the scale of the health crisis from coronavirus and we are already paying the economic price .
“ We are increasingly worried that the slow and confused health response is now being followed by a slow and confused response to saving jobs .
The window is closing to protect existing jobs and encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That ’ s why we need a back to work Budget that has one focus – jobs , jobs , jobs .
As a constructive opposition , we want to work with government to get the right solutions to the problems the country faces.
” Data released by the ONS this morning showed that while the level of unemployment has remained unchanged at 3.9 % over the three months to April , there has been a sharp increase in the benefit claimant rate .
The figures reveal that since the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jobless claimant count in the UK increased by 125.9 % or 1.6 million to a total of 2.8 million by the end of May .
Responding to the data , Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said : “ These numbers show that unless the government acts , the UK is likely to face mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades once the furlough scheme is withdrawn .
“ The government has been slow at every stage of this crisis – they can not afford to be slow again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be urgent action from the government to assist the hardest hit regions and specific support for sectors particularly exposed to the nature of the Covid crisis .
“ It must prevent additional unemployment , support those who become unemployed and enable the creation of new jobs .
This is why Labour is calling for a back to work Budget that has one focus – jobs , jobs , jobs.
” The figures produced by the ONS today also show that job vacancies fell to their lowest level on record and inflation-adjusted pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in over two years .
The unchanged unemployment rate is thought to be a result of the furlough scheme , which has protected more than eight million jobs across the country throughout the health crisis .
Economists have warned that the level of unemployment will rise as the government scheme is withdrawn .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last month that the support programme will come to an end in October this year .

Labour has called for the government to bring forward measures to protect jobs in a “back to work Budget”, and warned that the UK could see “mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades” when the furlough scheme is withdrawn.
The call for a focus on “jobs, jobs, jobs” from the party comes as the Office for National Statistics has revealed that the number of people on company payrolls fell by 612,000 between March and May 2020.
Labour’s Anneliese Dodds expressed concern that “the slow and confused health response is now being followed by a slow and confused response to saving jobs”, and has urged the government to take swift action.
Setting out the demands, the Shadow Chancellor said: “The government was too slow to recognise the scale of the health crisis from coronavirus and we are already paying the economic price.
“We are increasingly worried that the slow and confused health response is now being followed by a slow and confused response to saving jobs. The window is closing to protect existing jobs and encourage firms to invest in creating new ones.
“That’s why we need a back to work Budget that has one focus – jobs, jobs, jobs. As a constructive opposition, we want to work with government to get the right solutions to the problems the country faces.”
Data released by the ONS this morning showed that while the level of unemployment has remained unchanged at 3.9% over the three months to April, there has been a sharp increase in the benefit claimant rate.
The figures reveal that since the start of lockdown in March this year, the jobless claimant count in the UK increased by 125.9% or 1.6 million to a total of 2.8 million by the end of May.
Responding to the data, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “These numbers show that unless the government acts, the UK is likely to face mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades once the furlough scheme is withdrawn.
“The government has been slow at every stage of this crisis – they cannot afford to be slow again in responding to this threat. There must be urgent action from the government to assist the hardest hit regions and specific support for sectors particularly exposed to the nature of the Covid crisis.
“It must prevent additional unemployment, support those who become unemployed and enable the creation of new jobs. This is why Labour is calling for a back to work Budget that has one focus – jobs, jobs, jobs.”
The figures produced by the ONS today also show that job vacancies fell to their lowest level on record and inflation-adjusted pay fell in real terms in April for the first time in over two years.
The unchanged unemployment rate is thought to be a result of the furlough scheme, which has protected more than eight million jobs across the country throughout the health crisis.
Economists have warned that the level of unemployment will rise as the government scheme is withdrawn. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last month that the support programme will come to an end in October this year.


labourlist--2020-06-16--Labour councillor launches campaign against “institutionally racist” council

A Labour councillor in London has launched a social media campaign to issue the local authority with a set of demands after calling it “ institutionally racist ” .
Tele Lawal created ‘ Havering Racism ’ with several local residents last week to provide people in Havering – “ whether a resident , a visitor or an employee ” – with a place to share their experiences and raise awareness of racism .
The group has set up a ‘ GoFundMe ‘ page to raise funds and “ take the campaign offline ” .
The money is to be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distributing leaflets and a letter to every household in the borough .
The organisation has ten demands for the council – including creating an equality fund , encouraging more BAME people to stand for office , and conducting an independent inquiry into racial equality in the borough .
The Labour councillor told LabourList that she started the campaign following her own experiences of racism : “ I ’ ve had members of the public writing into the council , saying that it is clear that I ’ m being treated differently to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been appointed as the champion for diversity and equality .
But after submitting a report detailing a number of racial issues , she was removed from the post and the recommendations were never implemented .
Lawal explained that she was later attacked by a fellow councillor : “ The last straw for me was me last year I was physically attacked in the town hall , and I don ’ t believe the man who attacked me did it because of race – not at all .
“ But the problem for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year and the council still haven ’ t launched the investigation or done anything… If this was a white blonde woman who was grabbed by a black man , the reaction of the community and my local authority would have been very different .
“ And that ’ s when I felt like my life didn ’ t matter – because if my life mattered , nearly a year wouldn ’ t have gone by where a man has grabbed me in the town hall and I ’ ve made a formal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authority – something would have been done.
” She is hoping to raise funds for the campaign through the GoFundMe page : “ We can only reach so many people online so we want to take our campaign offline – that involves sending out our ten demands to every household.
” Lawal added : “ That offline activity is going to help people go onto our platforms and see the stories .
And that ’ s the aim of it – we want people to see the stories – but also to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of demands from the group is : • Switch the town hall lights to purple in memory of # GeorgeFloyd and in support of the fight against # Racialinjustice ; • Launch an independent inquiry into the racial inequality at Havering Council and publicly publish the findings ; • Set up a task force to implement the recommendations set out in the inquiry report and this must be adopted within five to ten years ; • Create an equality fund by the next budget council meeting .
Members in the community can apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will bring about better community cohesion and inclusion .
• Havering Council does not know the ethnicity or race of over 40 % of its workforce .
Havering Council must close the data gap by April 2021 ; • Diversify your senior leadership team and senior managers within five to ten years ; • Work with councillors to encourage BAME people to stand for public office by the next election in 2022 ; • Create an equality digital newsletter and column in Havering Living Magazine by September 2020 ; • Annually hold an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded by Havering Council – put your money where your mouth is ; and The group is encouraging people to come forward with their own stories of racism , using the hashtag # haveringracism and @ lbofhavering on social media to encourage the council to adopt their demands .
The Heaton ward councillor said : “ The only way the council is going to listen to us is if residents are saying that this is a problem and if residents are aware of these problems.
” Since the campaign launched on June 7th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s second call from the organisation – that of conducting an independent inquiry into institutional racism in the borough .
Havering Racism is a cross-party effort , and the Labour councillor emphasised the broad-based community nature of the campaign – saying that the group “ is for everyone and anyone ” .
Lawal is the first black woman to have been elected as a councillor in the London borough of Havering , and took the seat from a UKIP representative in the 2018 local elections .

A Labour councillor in London has launched a social media campaign to issue the local authority with a set of demands after calling it “institutionally racist”.
Tele Lawal created ‘Havering Racism’ with several local residents last week to provide people in Havering – “whether a resident, a visitor or an employee” – with a place to share their experiences and raise awareness of racism.
The group has set up a ‘GoFundMe‘ page to raise funds and “take the campaign offline”. The money is to be used for campaigning activities, including creating and distributing leaflets and a letter to every household in the borough.
The organisation has ten demands for the council – including creating an equality fund, encouraging more BAME people to stand for office, and conducting an independent inquiry into racial equality in the borough.
The Labour councillor told LabourList that she started the campaign following her own experiences of racism: “I’ve had members of the public writing into the council, saying that it is clear that I’m being treated differently to other councillors.”
Upon her election, she had been appointed as the champion for diversity and equality. But after submitting a report detailing a number of racial issues, she was removed from the post and the recommendations were never implemented.
Lawal explained that she was later attacked by a fellow councillor: “The last straw for me was me last year I was physically attacked in the town hall, and I don’t believe the man who attacked me did it because of race – not at all.
“But the problem for me is that it’s nearly a year and the council still haven’t launched the investigation or done anything… If this was a white blonde woman who was grabbed by a black man, the reaction of the community and my local authority would have been very different.
“And that’s when I felt like my life didn’t matter – because if my life mattered, nearly a year wouldn’t have gone by where a man has grabbed me in the town hall and I’ve made a formal complaint to the police and to the local authority – something would have been done.”
She is hoping to raise funds for the campaign through the GoFundMe page: “We can only reach so many people online so we want to take our campaign offline – that involves sending out our ten demands to every household.”
Lawal added: “That offline activity is going to help people go onto our platforms and see the stories. And that’s the aim of it – we want people to see the stories – but also to share their experiences.”
The full list of demands from the group is:
Switch the town hall lights to purple in memory of #GeorgeFloyd and in support of the fight against #Racialinjustice; Launch an independent inquiry into the racial inequality at Havering Council and publicly publish the findings; Set up a task force to implement the recommendations set out in the inquiry report and this must be adopted within five to ten years; Create an equality fund by the next budget council meeting. Members in the community can apply and use the funds for projects which will bring about better community cohesion and inclusion. Havering Council does not know the ethnicity or race of over 40% of its workforce. Havering Council must close the data gap by April 2021; Diversify your senior leadership team and senior managers within five to ten years; Work with councillors to encourage BAME people to stand for public office by the next election in 2022; Create an equality digital newsletter and column in Havering Living Magazine by September 2020; Annually hold an equality event led by the community and funded by Havering Council – put your money where your mouth is; and Launch an annual BAME business award by April 2021.
The group is encouraging people to come forward with their own stories of racism, using the hashtag #haveringracism and @lbofhavering on social media to encourage the council to adopt their demands.
The Heaton ward councillor said: “The only way the council is going to listen to us is if residents are saying that this is a problem and if residents are aware of these problems.”
Since the campaign launched on June 7th, Havering Council has now conceded to the group’s second call from the organisation – that of conducting an independent inquiry into institutional racism in the borough.
Havering Racism is a cross-party effort, and the Labour councillor emphasised the broad-based community nature of the campaign – saying that the group “is for everyone and anyone”.
Lawal is the first black woman to have been elected as a councillor in the London borough of Havering, and took the seat from a UKIP representative in the 2018 local elections.


labourlist--2020-06-16--Why Pregnant Then Screwed is taking the Chancellor to court

One long and anxious week after the furlough scheme for employees was announced in March , the Chancellor heeded calls from trade unions and others and unveiled the self employment income support scheme ( SEISS ) .
This paid self-employed workers affected by coronavirus 80 % of their average trading profits .
I could see the problem with the scheme instantly , as I had experienced the same thing when applying for a mortgage .
I remember submitting my past three tax returns , and being told that I could borrow much less than my husband – despite us being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my average over the last three years had been slashed by nine months of maternity leave .
The SEISS scheme does exactly the same thing .
While 80 % of average profits calculated over three years appears at first glance to be on par with the furlough scheme , any mothers of kids of four and under will automatically receive less than male colleagues on the same income .
Single mums , who are more likely to have the children living with them , and therefore higher outgoings , will be hit hardest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a petition asking the Chancellor to allow women who have taken maternity leave to exempt those periods from the SEISS calculation .
And before long , Pregnant Then Screwed – the maternity discrimination charity I volunteer for – threw their weight behind the campaign .
We ’ ve had heartbreaking letters from women for whom this drop in income is not just inconvenient and infuriating , but for whom it means the difference between being able to pay their rent – never mind sustain their business or afford childcare .
There is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to clinical vulnerability , who will get a tiny fraction of her usual earnings as she was on maternity leave with her first child in 2017-18 .
The single-mum musician , whose regular freelance gig with a West End show has disappeared overnight and who will get less than a third of what her male colleagues will receive – just because she took maternity leave .
Many freelance mums we ’ ve spoken to have faced a double-whammy of discrimination over the years .
Some find themselves among the 54,000 women a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant , and have no choice but to set up their own business .
To then be penalised three years later for taking maternity leave while self-employed , is piling one injustice on top of another .
This is why last week Pregnant Then Screwed sent a legal letter to the Chancellor , Rishi Sunak .
The pre-action protocol letter alleges that SEISS is unlawful , and may be in breach of both the 1998 Human Rights Act and the 2010 Equality Act .
Litigation is a risky endeavour for a tiny charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers to parliamentary questions and showing no sign of addressing the issue , Pregnant Then Screwed CEO Joeli Brearely felt that we had no choice .
Calls for legal representation were answered by Doughty Street Chambers and law firm Leigh Day .
And the Federation of Entertainment Unions , Community Union and local businesses such as Sweet Cecily – owned by Labour candidate for Scarborough & Whitby Hugo Fearley – have all pledged their support .
But how did it even come to this ?
In the labour movement , we talk a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairness and equality of opportunity .
However , there is strong evidence from across business that more diverse boards make better decisions .
Situations like this one could have been avoided had the Chancellor sought the advice of self-employed women .
But anyone watching the daily press briefings will have noticed that women are rarely asked to speak by this government , so it should come as no surprise if things run the same way behind closed doors in Whitehall .
In her book , Invisible Women – also the working title for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Caroline Criado-Perez tells the tale of temporary homes for people made homeless after a natural disaster , being built without kitchens .
You ’ ve guessed it : there were no women involved in leading this project , and the men making the decisions made a critical omission , because it was outside their lived experience .
This pandemic has amplified the inequalities in our society , and our response must be shaped by those worst affected or we will miss vital opportunities to help .
In this case , a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caring responsibilities decided to inflict a pay-cut on those who can withstand it the least .
We can not accept that .

One long and anxious week after the furlough scheme for employees was announced in March, the Chancellor heeded calls from trade unions and others and unveiled the self employment income support scheme (SEISS). This paid self-employed workers affected by coronavirus 80% of their average trading profits.
I could see the problem with the scheme instantly, as I had experienced the same thing when applying for a mortgage. I remember submitting my past three tax returns, and being told that I could borrow much less than my husband – despite us being on roughly the same income – as my average over the last three years had been slashed by nine months of maternity leave.
The SEISS scheme does exactly the same thing. While 80% of average profits calculated over three years appears at first glance to be on par with the furlough scheme, any mothers of kids of four and under will automatically receive less than male colleagues on the same income. Single mums, who are more likely to have the children living with them, and therefore higher outgoings, will be hit hardest.
That’s why I started a petition asking the Chancellor to allow women who have taken maternity leave to exempt those periods from the SEISS calculation. And before long, Pregnant Then Screwed – the maternity discrimination charity I volunteer for – threw their weight behind the campaign.
We’ve had heartbreaking letters from women for whom this drop in income is not just inconvenient and infuriating, but for whom it means the difference between being able to pay their rent – never mind sustain their business or afford childcare.
There is the pregnant locum doctor unable to work due to clinical vulnerability, who will get a tiny fraction of her usual earnings as she was on maternity leave with her first child in 2017-18. The single-mum musician, whose regular freelance gig with a West End show has disappeared overnight and who will get less than a third of what her male colleagues will receive – just because she took maternity leave.
Many freelance mums we’ve spoken to have faced a double-whammy of discrimination over the years. Some find themselves among the 54,000 women a year who lose their job simply for getting pregnant, and have no choice but to set up their own business. To then be penalised three years later for taking maternity leave while self-employed is piling one injustice on top of another.
This is why last week Pregnant Then Screwed sent a legal letter to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak. The pre-action protocol letter alleges that SEISS is unlawful, and may be in breach of both the 1998 Human Rights Act and the 2010 Equality Act.
Litigation is a risky endeavour for a tiny charity. However, with ministers giving nonsensical answers to parliamentary questions and showing no sign of addressing the issue, Pregnant Then Screwed CEO Joeli Brearely felt that we had no choice. Calls for legal representation were answered by Doughty Street Chambers and law firm Leigh Day. And the Federation of Entertainment Unions, Community Union and local businesses such as Sweet Cecily – owned by Labour candidate for Scarborough & Whitby Hugo Fearley – have all pledged their support.
But how did it even come to this? In the labour movement, we talk a lot about diversity from the perspective of fairness and equality of opportunity. However, there is strong evidence from across business that more diverse boards make better decisions. Situations like this one could have been avoided had the Chancellor sought the advice of self-employed women. But anyone watching the daily press briefings will have noticed that women are rarely asked to speak by this government, so it should come as no surprise if things run the same way behind closed doors in Whitehall.
In her book, Invisible Women – also the working title for a documentary on the daily press briefings – Caroline Criado-Perez tells the tale of temporary homes for people made homeless after a natural disaster, being built without kitchens. You’ve guessed it: there were no women involved in leading this project, and the men making the decisions made a critical omission, because it was outside their lived experience.
This pandemic has amplified the inequalities in our society, and our response must be shaped by those worst affected or we will miss vital opportunities to help. In this case, a group of men with steady incomes and few caring responsibilities decided to inflict a pay-cut on those who can withstand it the least. We cannot accept that.


labourlist--2020-06-16--Matt Wrack: Why I’m backing the Forward Momentum candidates

In the aftermath of the general election defeat and the outcome of the Labour leadership election , there is much soul-searching and reflection on the Labour left .
Regrettably , there is also much defeatism , with too many suggesting that all is lost .
Nonsense .
Socialist politics is a struggle and the struggle continues .
But we must discuss and assess the lessons of the past five years – including the errors that were made .
I was proud that my union , the Fire Brigades Union , was the first to affiliate to Momentum , seeing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and democratic socialist organisation drawing on the enthusiasm of the Corbyn movement .
The reality turned out somewhat differently .
As Momentum internal elections now take place , I would ask all involved to reflect on the experiences of the past few years .
For me , two events are particularly instructive : the introduction of the new constitution to Momentum in 2017 ; and the decision of the Momentum leadership to support steps to avoid a debate on open selection at the 2018 Labour conference .
In each case , I ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong ?
To be clear about my own position , I think they were both significant setbacks for building a new socialist left in the Labour Party .
At the time of the constitutional changes , I sat on the then national committee and the steering committee ( both subsequently replaced ) .
It ’ s interesting today to see Momentum Renewal talk about the need to engage with unions when we consider how Jon Lansman and his closest supporters actually treated a Momentum-affiliated union .
The divisions that opened up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local groups and whether there should be a decision-making Momentum conference ( we supported one , Jon did not ) .
These matters came to a head as it became clear that Jon Lansman and those around him were desperate to avoid a decision-making conference taking place at all .
I ’ ve been around a while in the labour movement and I ’ ve seen a few stitch-ups in my time but the one that took place in Momentum in 2017 really takes some beating .
With no notice , the steering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional structures needed to be agreed – that same evening and without a meeting .
I immediately stated that this was ridiculous , and I refused to participate in such a farce .
The coup went ahead regardless .
The new constitution was implemented and power was further centralised in the hands of the office and the owner of the company .
The coup demoralised a layer of activists and some dropped out of activity within Momentum .
Indeed , that was one of the intentions .
But despite this setback , Momentum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election and was able to successfully harness the enthusiasm of activists to help remove Theresa May ’ s majority .
It also developed very effective means to mobilise supporters for votes in Labour internal elections .
All Momentum members should be proud of those developments .
Unfortunately , the bureaucratic and undemocratic approach taken in relation to the constitutional changes had created a pattern , and this was repeated when Momentum ’ s leadership completely failed the test in relation to the demand for open selection at the 2018 Labour conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would have been carried .
Various manoeuvres therefore followed to ensure that the issue would not be put to a vote .
Rather than challenging this and mobilising local party and union delegates to argue for the most democratic option , Momentum eventually fell behind the supposed compromise of improved trigger ballots .
Indeed , one of the NCG members currently re-standing was gushing in his praise for what a fantastic step forward this would be , describing it as “ prime steak ” .
In reality , we got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise .
The mishandling of this issue by the Momentum leadership was at best strategically and tactically inept ; at worst , it was sabotage of a long-standing democratic demand of Labour ’ s rank and file at precisely the moment when it could have been won .
Those standing today for the Momentum NCG – either as part of a slate or as independents – should state where they stand on the issue of open selection .
But they also need to explain what they actually did when put to the test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , the FBU is supporting the Forward Momentum slate for the NCG , although there are other candidates I know and respect .
Among the Forward Momentum candidates is Andrew Scattergood , who is also the FBU West Midlands regional secretary , someone who has organised and led important political and workplace struggles .
Significantly , one reason the FBU was so clear on the issue of open selection at the 2018 Labour conference was because we were supporting and implementing the unanimous democratic decision of our own union conference .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very same Andrew Scattergood .
I was then proud to speak in support of our policy at Labour conference – that ’ s how labour movement democracy should work ; open discussion and debate , not secret backroom deals .
Forward Momentum candidates are from all parts of the movement , including firefighters , healthcare workers , nurses , carers and teachers .
They are all on the frontline fighting the Covid crisis we are all facing – genuine grassroots activists .
On the other slate , Labour councillors are being pushed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not at all wanting to diminish the contribution of these Labour councillors .
But when there are four spaces reserved for public office holders on the NCG , it is strange to have such domination of one slate by sitting councillors and public office holders .
It has long been a mantra of the Labour right that MPs and councillors understand politics far better than the rank and file ; it ’ s disappointing to see that approach repeated in elections for Momentum .
The criticism that Forward Momentum is a student-led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this myth know it .
The anti-London narrative is silly and divisive ; London is a strategically vitally important working-class and Labour city .
Another claim is that FM has a ‘ focus on process ’ as though it ’ s a form of navel-gazing , but the appeal of democracy isn ’ t because it ’ s just a nice add-on .
We do democracy because it must be intrinsic within our structures to deliver a socialist of society .
All candidates are now claiming that trade unions are vital for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting to see the continuity slate , Momentum Renewal , not even attempt to discuss with Momentum ’ s first union affiliate before launching its plan to ‘ save ’ Momentum .
Perhaps , with our clear commitment to policies such as open selection and our call to ensure public ownership was at the heart of the debate on a green new deal , we ’ re considered the ‘ wrong sort ’ of union .
But unless there is a genuine assessment of mistakes of the past few years , many will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of the same .
To build a new left , we must be open , we must be transparent and we must be democratic .
If we are to democratise the Labour Party , we have to democratise Momentum .
That ’ s why Forward Momentum ’ s democratic selection of candidates not only speaks to but also practices those values .
Lastly , I agree with John McDonnell , who is supporting all of the Forward Momentum candidates : “ We ’ ve got to turn Momentum into a member-led , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical campaigns.
” We have all said that we wanted this from Momentum ’ s inception – now is the time to deliver .
Momentum should not just be a source of money or a stage army called into action as directed by those at the top .
We are a movement and we deserve to be treated like one .
If you want a new start with a genuine member-led Momentum that will actually fight for and vote for open selection and other policies of the left when the time comes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I certainly will be .

In the aftermath of the general election defeat and the outcome of the Labour leadership election, there is much soul-searching and reflection on the Labour left. Regrettably, there is also much defeatism, with too many suggesting that all is lost. Nonsense. Socialist politics is a struggle and the struggle continues. But we must discuss and assess the lessons of the past five years – including the errors that were made.
I was proud that my union, the Fire Brigades Union, was the first to affiliate to Momentum, seeing it as an opportunity to build a broad and democratic socialist organisation drawing on the enthusiasm of the Corbyn movement. The reality turned out somewhat differently. As Momentum internal elections now take place, I would ask all involved to reflect on the experiences of the past few years.
For me, two events are particularly instructive: the introduction of the new constitution to Momentum in 2017; and the decision of the Momentum leadership to support steps to avoid a debate on open selection at the 2018 Labour conference. In each case, I ask, was the decision taken right or wrong? To be clear about my own position, I think they were both significant setbacks for building a new socialist left in the Labour Party.
At the time of the constitutional changes, I sat on the then national committee and the steering committee (both subsequently replaced). It’s interesting today to see Momentum Renewal talk about the need to engage with unions when we consider how Jon Lansman and his closest supporters actually treated a Momentum-affiliated union.
The divisions that opened up on the steering committee were about the role of local groups and whether there should be a decision-making Momentum conference (we supported one, Jon did not). These matters came to a head as it became clear that Jon Lansman and those around him were desperate to avoid a decision-making conference taking place at all. I’ve been around a while in the labour movement and I’ve seen a few stitch-ups in my time but the one that took place in Momentum in 2017 really takes some beating.
With no notice, the steering committee was informed by email that new constitutional structures needed to be agreed – that same evening and without a meeting. I immediately stated that this was ridiculous, and I refused to participate in such a farce. The coup went ahead regardless. The new constitution was implemented and power was further centralised in the hands of the office and the owner of the company.
The coup demoralised a layer of activists and some dropped out of activity within Momentum. Indeed, that was one of the intentions. But despite this setback, Momentum ran a good campaign in the 2017 general election and was able to successfully harness the enthusiasm of activists to help remove Theresa May’s majority. It also developed very effective means to mobilise supporters for votes in Labour internal elections. All Momentum members should be proud of those developments.
Unfortunately, the bureaucratic and undemocratic approach taken in relation to the constitutional changes had created a pattern, and this was repeated when Momentum’s leadership completely failed the test in relation to the demand for open selection at the 2018 Labour conference. If open selection had been voted on, it would have been carried. Various manoeuvres therefore followed to ensure that the issue would not be put to a vote.
Rather than challenging this and mobilising local party and union delegates to argue for the most democratic option, Momentum eventually fell behind the supposed compromise of improved trigger ballots. Indeed, one of the NCG members currently re-standing was gushing in his praise for what a fantastic step forward this would be, describing it as “prime steak”. In reality, we got the stale and warmed-up leftovers of a shoddy compromise. The mishandling of this issue by the Momentum leadership was at best strategically and tactically inept; at worst, it was sabotage of a long-standing democratic demand of Labour’s rank and file at precisely the moment when it could have been won.
Those standing today for the Momentum NCG – either as part of a slate or as independents – should state where they stand on the issue of open selection. But they also need to explain what they actually did when put to the test in 2018.
For these reasons among others, the FBU is supporting the Forward Momentum slate for the NCG, although there are other candidates I know and respect. Among the Forward Momentum candidates is Andrew Scattergood, who is also the FBU West Midlands regional secretary, someone who has organised and led important political and workplace struggles.
Significantly, one reason the FBU was so clear on the issue of open selection at the 2018 Labour conference was because we were supporting and implementing the unanimous democratic decision of our own union conference. It was moved at FBU conference by the very same Andrew Scattergood. I was then proud to speak in support of our policy at Labour conference – that’s how labour movement democracy should work; open discussion and debate, not secret backroom deals.
Forward Momentum candidates are from all parts of the movement, including firefighters, healthcare workers, nurses, carers and teachers. They are all on the frontline fighting the Covid crisis we are all facing – genuine grassroots activists. On the other slate, Labour councillors are being pushed for many of these grassroots seats.
This is not at all wanting to diminish the contribution of these Labour councillors. But when there are four spaces reserved for public office holders on the NCG, it is strange to have such domination of one slate by sitting councillors and public office holders. It has long been a mantra of the Labour right that MPs and councillors understand politics far better than the rank and file; it’s disappointing to see that approach repeated in elections for Momentum.
The criticism that Forward Momentum is a student-led London clique is nonsense and those disseminating this myth know it. The anti-London narrative is silly and divisive; London is a strategically vitally important working-class and Labour city. Another claim is that FM has a ‘focus on process’ as though it’s a form of navel-gazing, but the appeal of democracy isn’t because it’s just a nice add-on. We do democracy because it must be intrinsic within our structures to deliver a socialist of society.
All candidates are now claiming that trade unions are vital for the future of the left. It was interesting to see the continuity slate, Momentum Renewal, not even attempt to discuss with Momentum’s first union affiliate before launching its plan to ‘save’ Momentum. Perhaps, with our clear commitment to policies such as open selection and our call to ensure public ownership was at the heart of the debate on a green new deal, we’re considered the ‘wrong sort’ of union. But unless there is a genuine assessment of mistakes of the past few years, many will conclude that the change suggested actually means more of the same.
To build a new left, we must be open, we must be transparent and we must be democratic. If we are to democratise the Labour Party, we have to democratise Momentum. That’s why Forward Momentum’s democratic selection of candidates not only speaks to but also practices those values.
Lastly, I agree with John McDonnell, who is supporting all of the Forward Momentum candidates: “We’ve got to turn Momentum into a member-led, activist-led organisation developing ideas that translate into practical campaigns.” We have all said that we wanted this from Momentum’s inception – now is the time to deliver. Momentum should not just be a source of money or a stage army called into action as directed by those at the top. We are a movement and we deserve to be treated like one.
If you want a new start with a genuine member-led Momentum that will actually fight for and vote for open selection and other policies of the left when the time comes, vote for the Forward Momentum candidates – I certainly will be.


labourlist--2020-06-16--Paula Barker: Why I’m backing the Momentum Renewal candidates

As we approach the start of voting for Momentum ’ s national coordinating group elections , voters need to remember what this organisation is for .
A vital debate on democracy and accountability in our organisation is currently underway – but this debate is just one part of a much larger conversation that is needed .
Now is a pivotal time for the Labour left .
Reeling from a terrible election defeat , the loss of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader , the loss of the leadership election and the loss of the national executive committee , the gains made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undone as quickly as they came about .
In this moment , Momentum must remember its purpose – to transform the labour movement into a fight for socialism .
Our democracy is vital in this process , but we must look outwards as well as in .
During this campaign , Momentum Renewal has been focused on an outward-facing discussion on how we might do that , relating to the Labour Party and broader society .
The vision for Renewal is a Momentum integrated with Labour at every level of our party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its members , winning national votes in Labour , represented in Labour ’ s NEC , the regions , the national policy forum and other bodies of our party ; represented in local government , in branches , in constituencies and in communities .
It ’ s a vision for an organisation making key contributions to the development of policy in Labour – and acting as a gateway for new members from the broader labour movement to join and get involved .
The Momentum Renewal platform agrees wholeheartedly that Momentum ’ s over-centralised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London-centric model for organising is in dire need of a shake-up .
But from our perspective , it ’ s hard not to notice the dearth of detail from Forward Momentum in how to build that broader role for Momentum within Labour and the rest of our movement .
And there are other reasons to be cautious .
Forward Momentum ’ s initial proposals to dilute the trade union link with Momentum will cause a great deal of concern at the top of our unions , especially given the left ’ s symbiotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Without the unions , Jeremy would never have gotten onto the ballot .
The left would have never achieved a majority on the NEC and been able to protect him .
We would have barely won a single vote at conference .
The unions represent the last link between our party and organised Labour – a sacred link that stems back to the foundation of this organisation over 100 years ago .
Moving forward , Momentum must recognise the need for greater union involvement – not less – if we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move on from our recent defeats .
It has also been concerning to watch Forward Momentum pursue such a negative campaign , focusing heavily on negative issues with Momentum whilst ignoring its achievements .
Over the past four years , Momentum has been behind the selection of almost every left Labour MP in parliament today .
We supported the leader ’ s office through thick and thin , we played a huge role in the stunning election result of 2017 and for years managed to ensure a solid left majority on the NEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Momentum must change with them .
Momentum Renewal is a movement to bring a whole new generation of the left ’ s best activists and organisers from across the country into the driving seat of the organisation to direct that course .
NCG candidates such as Matt Brown reflect this new generation .
He is leader of Preston Council and architect of the ‘ Preston model ’ that has transformed his city .
The model , in which local councils use their procurement powers to support cooperatives and mutual enterprises , has transformed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gold standard for local government across the country .
Or we have Laura McAlpine , an inspiring young organiser from Harlow – sadly not an MP following our losses in the 2019 election .
Laura is a prominent local housing campaigner , a lifelong fighter for social justice and a hugely prominent figure in the South East campaigning for better lives for working people .
Huda Elmi , an inspiring candidate who has campaigned tirelessly for Jeremy and socialism on our NEC – putting up a huge fight against the right and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huda is an icon in our movement , and it is a huge honour to have her standing under the Renewal banner .
Or the legendary Glasgow councillor Matt Kerr , a prominent figurehead on the Scottish Labour left leading the party ’ s fight to reclaim lost ground in Scotland .
Matt is an inspiring figure in our movement .
These are just a few examples of the incredible team that Momentum Renewal has mobilised to shake up Momentum , and transform our organisation into a vehicle for socialism and change in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Momentum – and choosing the right people to change it will be crucial .
Fundamentally , through this election , Momentum members must remember our purpose .
A socialist Labour Party is our destination ; Momentum is just the vehicle .
It simply does not work the other way around .

As we approach the start of voting for Momentum’s national coordinating group elections, voters need to remember what this organisation is for. A vital debate on democracy and accountability in our organisation is currently underway – but this debate is just one part of a much larger conversation that is needed.
Now is a pivotal time for the Labour left. Reeling from a terrible election defeat, the loss of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, the loss of the leadership election and the loss of the national executive committee, the gains made by the left in Labour could come undone as quickly as they came about.
In this moment, Momentum must remember its purpose – to transform the labour movement into a fight for socialism. Our democracy is vital in this process, but we must look outwards as well as in. During this campaign, Momentum Renewal has been focused on an outward-facing discussion on how we might do that, relating to the Labour Party and broader society.
The vision for Renewal is a Momentum integrated with Labour at every level of our party. An organisation run by and accountable to its members, winning national votes in Labour, represented in Labour’s NEC, the regions, the national policy forum and other bodies of our party; represented in local government, in branches, in constituencies and in communities. It’s a vision for an organisation making key contributions to the development of policy in Labour – and acting as a gateway for new members from the broader labour movement to join and get involved.
The Momentum Renewal platform agrees wholeheartedly that Momentum’s over-centralised structures need an overhaul, and our London-centric model for organising is in dire need of a shake-up. But from our perspective, it’s hard not to notice the dearth of detail from Forward Momentum in how to build that broader role for Momentum within Labour and the rest of our movement. And there are other reasons to be cautious.
Forward Momentum’s initial proposals to dilute the trade union link with Momentum will cause a great deal of concern at the top of our unions, especially given the left’s symbiotic relationship with them over the past five years. Without the unions, Jeremy would never have gotten onto the ballot. The left would have never achieved a majority on the NEC and been able to protect him. We would have barely won a single vote at conference.
The unions represent the last link between our party and organised Labour – a sacred link that stems back to the foundation of this organisation over 100 years ago. Moving forward, Momentum must recognise the need for greater union involvement – not less – if we are to continue to thrive in Labour and move on from our recent defeats.
It has also been concerning to watch Forward Momentum pursue such a negative campaign, focusing heavily on negative issues with Momentum whilst ignoring its achievements. Over the past four years, Momentum has been behind the selection of almost every left Labour MP in parliament today. We supported the leader’s office through thick and thin, we played a huge role in the stunning election result of 2017 and for years managed to ensure a solid left majority on the NEC.
Times have changed, and now Momentum must change with them. Momentum Renewal is a movement to bring a whole new generation of the left’s best activists and organisers from across the country into the driving seat of the organisation to direct that course.
NCG candidates such as Matt Brown reflect this new generation. He is leader of Preston Council and architect of the ‘Preston model’ that has transformed his city. The model, in which local councils use their procurement powers to support cooperatives and mutual enterprises, has transformed Preston City Centre. It is now the gold standard for local government across the country.
Or we have Laura McAlpine, an inspiring young organiser from Harlow – sadly not an MP following our losses in the 2019 election. Laura is a prominent local housing campaigner, a lifelong fighter for social justice and a hugely prominent figure in the South East campaigning for better lives for working people.
Huda Elmi, an inspiring candidate who has campaigned tirelessly for Jeremy and socialism on our NEC – putting up a huge fight against the right and making sure members voices are heard. Huda is an icon in our movement, and it is a huge honour to have her standing under the Renewal banner.
Or the legendary Glasgow councillor Matt Kerr, a prominent figurehead on the Scottish Labour left leading the party’s fight to reclaim lost ground in Scotland. Matt is an inspiring figure in our movement.
These are just a few examples of the incredible team that Momentum Renewal has mobilised to shake up Momentum, and transform our organisation into a vehicle for socialism and change in Labour.
So much needs to change in Momentum – and choosing the right people to change it will be crucial. Fundamentally, through this election, Momentum members must remember our purpose. A socialist Labour Party is our destination; Momentum is just the vehicle. It simply does not work the other way around.


labourlist--2020-06-16--Labour vows to “oppose retreat from global stage” as PM axes DfID

Labour has vowed to “ oppose retreat from the global stage ” as the Prime Minister announced that the government would be scrapping the Department for International Development .
Boris Johnson has confirmed that DfID – which he has called a “ giant cashpoint in the sky ” – will be merged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to create a new department this year .
It is understood that Dominic Raab , the Foreign Secretary , will lead the new department , and there are no plans for a second Secretary of State or a Deputy Foreign Secretary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ until early September , when the new department will be formally established .
Work is starting immediately on the merger , according to 10 Downing Street .
“ The Foreign Secretary will be empowered to decide which countries receive – or cease to receive – British aid , ” Johnson said .
He claimed the move would “ bring together our international effort ” .
Reacting to the news , Labour ’ s Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Kaur Gill described DfID as “ the most effective , respected development institution in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Getting rid of an independent DfID in the middle of a global pandemic is irresponsible , counter-productive and wrong .
DfID is a world leader in providing life-changing and life-saving support to millions of people around the world.
” She added : “ This takeover of the Department for International Development by the Foreign Office is a mistake by a Prime Minister who wants to deflect attention away from his failings in the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
” The shadow cabinet member had earlier tweeted : “ We will oppose this retreat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations # MoreInCommon ” .
Today is the fourth anniversary of the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox .
Cox was head of policy at Oxfam and visited Darfur and Afghanistan .
DfID has worked closely with the Jo Cox Foundation to develop grants in her name since 2017 .
Also reacting to the news , Sarah Champion said : “ I am incredulous that you are going down this path .
With a single stroke , you are getting rid of our soft power and our international standing.
” The international development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostile takeover ” , raise concerns about the costs of the restructure and said it was being undertaken “ at the most inappropriate time ” .
Keir Starmer said scrapping the department , created by Tony Blair ’ s government in 1997 , was being used as a “ distraction ” from the poor handling of the coronavirus crisis by the government .
Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy tweeted : “ Extraordinary that in the middle of a global crisis , the UK is retreating from the world… Once again we are diminished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ At a moment of international crisis , the biggest idea the prime minister has is that he should change the letter head from the Foreign Office .
This isn ’ t a statement on Global Britain , it ’ s a statement from Little England.
” The Prime Minister has suggested that he wants to see UK foreign aid moved from African countries such as Zambia and Tanzania to countries bordering Russia .
He told MPs : “ It ’ s no use a British diplomat going to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to cut the head off his opponent… if the next day another emanation of this government is going to arrive with a cheque for £250m.
” LabourList will be in conversation with Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Kaur Gill MP on Thursday at 6pm .

Labour has vowed to “oppose retreat from the global stage” as the Prime Minister announced that the government would be scrapping the Department for International Development.
Boris Johnson has confirmed that DfID – which he has called a “giant cashpoint in the sky” – will be merged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to create a new department this year.
It is understood that Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, will lead the new department, and there are no plans for a second Secretary of State or a Deputy Foreign Secretary.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan will remain International Development Secretary until early September, when the new department will be formally established. Work is starting immediately on the merger, according to 10 Downing Street.
“The Foreign Secretary will be empowered to decide which countries receive – or cease to receive – British aid,” Johnson said. He claimed the move would “bring together our international effort”.
Reacting to the news, Labour’s Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Kaur Gill described DfID as “the most effective, respected development institution in the world”.
Gill said: “Getting rid of an independent DfID in the middle of a global pandemic is irresponsible, counter-productive and wrong. DfID is a world leader in providing life-changing and life-saving support to millions of people around the world.”
She added: “This takeover of the Department for International Development by the Foreign Office is a mistake by a Prime Minister who wants to deflect attention away from his failings in the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.”
The shadow cabinet member had earlier tweeted: “We will oppose this retreat from the global stage and our moral obligations #MoreInCommon”. Today is the fourth anniversary of the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox.
Cox was head of policy at Oxfam and visited Darfur and Afghanistan. DfID has worked closely with the Jo Cox Foundation to develop grants in her name since 2017.
Also reacting to the news, Sarah Champion said: “I am incredulous that you are going down this path. With a single stroke, you are getting rid of our soft power and our international standing.”
The international development committee chair described it as a “hostile takeover”, raised concerns about the costs of the restructure and said it was being undertaken “at the most inappropriate time”.
Keir Starmer said scrapping the department, created by Tony Blair’s government in 1997, was being used as a “distraction” from the poor handling of the coronavirus crisis by the government.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy tweeted: “Extraordinary that in the middle of a global crisis, the UK is retreating from the world… Once again we are diminished in the world”.
Chris Bryant said: “At a moment of international crisis, the biggest idea the prime minister has is that he should change the letter head from the Foreign Office. This isn’t a statement on Global Britain, it’s a statement from Little England.”
The Prime Minister has suggested that he wants to see UK foreign aid moved from African countries such as Zambia and Tanzania to countries bordering Russia.
He told MPs: “It’s no use a British diplomat going to see the leader of a country and urging him not to cut the head off his opponent… if the next day another emanation of this government is going to arrive with a cheque for £250m.”
LabourList will be in conversation with Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Kaur Gill MP on Thursday at 6pm.


labourlist--2020-06-16--Starmer hails “another welcome U-turn from Boris” on free school meals

Keir Starmer has welcomed the government ’ s new position on free school meals during the summer holidays as “ another welcome U-turn from Boris Johnson ” .
In an announcement just hours before Labour was expected to force a vote on the matter in Starmer ’ s first oppposition day debate , the Prime Minister ’ s spokesperson outlined a new “ Covid summer food fund ” .
Johnson was facing pressured from Labour , who had launched the ‘ Holidays Without Hunger ’ campaign over the weekend , and footballer Marcus Rashford – who sent this open letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a moment to congratulate the footballer , saying : “ Well done to Marcus Rashford and many others who spoke out so powerfully about this issue.
” Asked if Rashford had influenced the Prime Minister ’ s decision , the spokesperson said that Johnson “ welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty ” and “ respects the fact he has been using his profile as a leading sportsman ” .
Labour ’ s Shadow Education Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said : “ This is a welcome U-turn from the government and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were at risk of going hungry this summer .
“ It is thanks to the amazing work of Marcus Rashford and campaigners that the government has had no choice but to reverse their decision .
“ The government must now confirm that this new money will be for the direct provision of free school meals to all eligible children.
” 1.3 million children are expected to benefit from the £120m in additional funding .
Payments will be made through vouchers valued at £15 per week , which will be given to parents at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the holiday is due to start .

Keir Starmer has hailed the government’s changed position on free school meals during the summer holidays as “another welcome U-turn from Boris Johnson”.
In an announcement just hours before Labour was expected to force a vote on the matter in Starmer’s first opposition day debate, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson outlined a new “Covid summer food fund”.
Johnson was facing pressured from Labour, who had launched a ‘Holidays Without Hunger’ campaign over the weekend, and footballer Marcus Rashford who sent an open letter to all MPs.
The Labour leader congratulated the 22-year-old Manchester United footballer, saying: “Well done to Marcus Rashford and many others who spoke out so powerfully about this issue.”
Asked whether Rashford had influenced the U-turn, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said he “welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty” and “respects the fact he has been using his profile as a leading sportsman”.
This is another welcome u-turn from Boris Johnson. The thought of 1.3 million children going hungry this summer was unimaginable. Well done to @MarcusRashford and many others who spoke out so powerfully about this issue. #HolidaysWithoutHunger — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 16, 2020
Shadow Education Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey commented: “This is a welcome U-turn from the government and a victory for the 1.3 million children who were at risk of going hungry this summer.
“It is thanks to the amazing work of Marcus Rashford and campaigners that the government has had no choice but to reverse their decision.
“The government must now confirm that this new money will be for the direct provision of free school meals to all eligible children.”
1.3 million children are expected to benefit from the £120m in additional funding. Payments will be made through vouchers valued at £15 per week, which will be given to parents at the end of the school term before the holiday is due to start.


labourlist--2020-06-17--WATCH: Stella Creasy on free broadband policy post-Covid

Labour MP Stella Creasy has commented on the idea that Labour ’ s 2019 general election free broadband policy may have more appeal after the coronavirus crisis highlighted the digital divide .
Asked on Politics Live whether Labour ’ s ‘ free broadband for all ’ pledge should be kept , Creasy said : “ I have to say I was sceptical in that campaign.
” She noted that there was no policy to make water free .
“ However , I think things have changed in terms of the importance of accessing broadband .
If this is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is going to be a new inequality , ” she added .
“ I think there are ways in which we can deal with the pricing .
It ’ s partly about the competition for it .
I ’ m also a Co-op as well as Labour MP , I ’ d like to see more co-operative provision of broadband .
“ But fundamentally there is a difference between the pricing and the access to it .
It ’ s no good saying it ’ s free if the quality… isn ’ @ @ @ @

Labour MP Stella Creasy has commented on the idea that Labour’s 2019 general election free broadband policy may have more appeal after the coronavirus crisis highlighted the digital divide.
Asked on Politics Live whether Labour’s ‘free broadband for all’ pledge should be kept, Creasy said: “I have to say I was sceptical in that campaign.” She noted that there was no policy to make water free.
“However, I think things have changed in terms of the importance of accessing broadband. If this is going to be the new normal, then clearly this is going to be a new inequality,” she added.
“I think there are ways in which we can deal with the pricing. It’s partly about the competition for it. I’m also a Co-op as well as Labour MP, I’d like to see more co-operative provision of broadband.
“But fundamentally there is a difference between the pricing and the access to it. It’s no good saying it’s free if the quality… isn’t there.”


labourlist--2020-06-17--Pride and prejudice in a pandemic

Pride and prejudice in a pandemic

The recent report published by Public Health England confirmed what I feared but suspected – that coronavirus is disproportionality affecting our black and ethnic minority population .
The statistic that jumped out at me was the Bangladeshi community having twice the risk of Covid-19 death than those who are white British .
This news report was of course sat between stories about the tragic death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter .
It seemed that the news was telling me that whatever my community , or other minority communities , achieved we would still be defined by the colour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Bangladeshi and deputy mayor in Tower Hamlets – home to Banglatown and Brick Lane , and a borough where Bangladeshi is the largest ethnic group – knowing that we might be more susceptible simply because of the colour of our skin makes me anxious for my family , friends and residents .
It also makes me really angry because the government is dragging its heels .
The PHE report was toothless and didn ’ t contain anything in the way of solutions .
Like the Black Lives Matter protesters , I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by our society still discriminating due to people ’ s backgrounds .
I do not feel that the government is making tackling this a priority , and it is letting down our BAME communities .
Of course , we know more than most in the East End that health inequalities are not new .
Studies have shown that as you travel along the tube lines in London , life expectancy varies widely .
We are a city of great wealth and great poverty .
The underlying causes are complex , ranging from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty and diet .
As the killing of George Floyd told us what we already knew about police brutality in the US , coronavirus has highlighted the same about health outcomes in the UK .
The two stories seem to have crystallised the unfairness of what ’ s been going on for some time , but has previously been accepted .
They have opened up wounds of racism and inequalities in communities across the world .
I can only hope that they will be catalysts for bigger changes towards creating a much fairer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
Labour ’ s Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth hit the nail on the head when he said that “ coronavirus thrives on inequalities ” .
A decade of austerity has meant that progress on health inequalities nationally was going backwards , and our public services have been cut to the bone .
Locally , we made the argument against austerity and I believe we had our political priorities right .
We had maintained a local ‘ safety net ’ and stood firm to protect this despite budget pressures , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , crisis loans and a Tackling Poverty Fund in place before Covid-19 hit .
I am also proud that as a local authority we have been at the forefront of the response to the pandemic .
From making sure public health messages get out to all our diverse communities by translating them , to providing emergency food and getting rough sleepers off the streets , we have been on the sides of our residents .
Our elected Mayor John Biggs gets how personal this is , not just for me but for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Prime Minister demanding action .
This week we met with Queen Mary University , which has been looking at the latest statistics on the impact of the virus locally and seeing what we can learn from these , and what other actions we can take as a council .
Equality is a continuous fight for us all .
It should not be for your skin colour , background or where you live to determine your life chances , how are treated , or whether you are more likely to be stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch coronavirus .
We have to act , we have to change , we have to do better .
People in positions of change need to raise their voices and demand better .
The government should not be dragging its heels on taking action .
When people are losing loved ones , they can not wait for more reports without recommendations .

The recent report published by Public Health England confirmed what I feared but suspected – that coronavirus is disproportionality affecting our black and ethnic minority population. The statistic that jumped out at me was the Bangladeshi community having twice the risk of Covid-19 death than those who are white British. This news report was of course sat between stories about the tragic death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter. It seemed that the news was telling me that whatever my community, or other minority communities, achieved we would still be defined by the colour of our skin.
As a proud British Bangladeshi and deputy mayor in Tower Hamlets – home to Banglatown and Brick Lane, and a borough where Bangladeshi is the largest ethnic group – knowing that we might be more susceptible simply because of the colour of our skin makes me anxious for my family, friends and residents. It also makes me really angry because the government is dragging its heels. The PHE report was toothless and didn’t contain anything in the way of solutions. Like the Black Lives Matter protesters, I feel a sense of fury at the injustice caused by our society still discriminating due to people’s backgrounds. I do not feel that the government is making tackling this a priority, and it is letting down our BAME communities.
Of course, we know more than most in the East End that health inequalities are not new. Studies have shown that as you travel along the tube lines in London, life expectancy varies widely. We are a city of great wealth and great poverty. The underlying causes are complex, ranging from overcrowding and poor quality housing to food poverty and diet.
As the killing of George Floyd told us what we already knew about police brutality in the US, coronavirus has highlighted the same about health outcomes in the UK. The two stories seem to have crystallised the unfairness of what’s been going on for some time, but has previously been accepted. They have opened up wounds of racism and inequalities in communities across the world. I can only hope that they will be catalysts for bigger changes towards creating a much fairer society for my children to grow up in.
Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth hit the nail on the head when he said that “coronavirus thrives on inequalities”. A decade of austerity has meant that progress on health inequalities nationally was going backwards, and our public services have been cut to the bone. Locally, we made the argument against austerity and I believe we had our political priorities right. We had maintained a local ‘safety net’ and stood firm to protect this despite budget pressures, so that we had a council tax reduction scheme, crisis loans and a Tackling Poverty Fund in place before Covid-19 hit.
I am also proud that as a local authority we have been at the forefront of the response to the pandemic. From making sure public health messages get out to all our diverse communities by translating them, to providing emergency food and getting rough sleepers off the streets, we have been on the sides of our residents. Our elected Mayor John Biggs gets how personal this is, not just for me but for the residents of Tower Hamlets. He wrote to the Prime Minister demanding action. This week we met with Queen Mary University, which has been looking at the latest statistics on the impact of the virus locally and seeing what we can learn from these, and what other actions we can take as a council.
Equality is a continuous fight for us all. It should not be for your skin colour, background or where you live to determine your life chances, how are treated, or whether you are more likely to be stopped and searched or to die if you catch coronavirus. We have to act, we have to change, we have to do better. People in positions of change need to raise their voices and demand better. The government should not be dragging its heels on taking action. When people are losing loved ones, they cannot wait for more reports without recommendations.


Pitch perfect

It didn ’ t take long for that entirely predictable U-turn on free school meals during the summer holidays to take place .
Labour laid the groundwork , then Marcus Rashford ran a short , pitch-perfect campaign and scored the winning goal .
Why is this government repeatedly doing it to themselves ?
They make every inevitable policy change as painful as possible .
I don ’ t think the explanation needs to be any more complicated than pure incompetence .
But it is also because ideology holds the government back from making decisions that live up to the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of hope for Labour .
Steve Turner touches on these themes and much more as he kicks off Unite the Union ’ s new # BuildBackBetter series on LabourList with a piece about UK manufacturing today .
When Boris Johnson giveth , he taketh away , however .
Just as we were processing the victory of the Holiday Hunger campaign , the Prime Minister confirmed to the House of Commons that the government would be scrapping the Department for International Development .
It will be merged with the Foreign Office in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vivid imagery to make a stark political point in the style of a Spectator column , Johnson described DfID as a “ giant cashpoint in the sky ” .
Labour countered that it was actually “ the most effective , respected development institution in the world ” .
Keir Starmer observed that this was being used as a “ distraction ” from government failings on coronavirus .
It is a plan long in the making , though : Johnson expressed his desire to abolish the department when he was Foreign Secretary , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ some Scandinavian NGO ” .
The danger here is that the anti-poverty mission will be replaced by altogether less virtuous political objectives , which was the reason that the demerger took place in 1997 , and the Prime Minister basically confirmed as much when he addressed the chamber yesterday .
This news makes our next online event a particularly timely one .
I will be talking to Preet Kaur Gill MP , the Shadow International Development Secretary , on Thursday at 6pm .
Submit suggestions for questions here and remember to visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

It didn’t take long for that entirely predictable U-turn on free school meals during the summer holidays to take place. Labour laid the groundwork, then Marcus Rashford ran a short, pitch-perfect campaign and scored the winning goal. Why is this government repeatedly doing it to themselves? They make every inevitable policy change as painful as possible. I don’t think the explanation needs to be any more complicated than pure incompetence. But it is also because ideology holds the government back from making decisions that live up to the moment during this crisis. There lies a lot of hope for Labour. Steve Turner touches on these themes and much more as he kicks off Unite the Union’s new #BuildBackBetter series on LabourList with a piece about UK manufacturing today.
When Boris Johnson giveth, he taketh away, however. Just as we were processing the victory of the Holiday Hunger campaign, the Prime Minister confirmed to the House of Commons that the government would be scrapping the Department for International Development. It will be merged with the Foreign Office in September. In his usual way, employing vivid imagery to make a stark political point in the style of a Spectator column, Johnson described DfID as a “giant cashpoint in the sky”. Labour countered that it was actually “the most effective, respected development institution in the world”.
Keir Starmer observed that this was being used as a “distraction” from government failings on coronavirus. It is a plan long in the making, though: Johnson expressed his desire to abolish the department when he was Foreign Secretary, and remarked last year that it behaves like “some Scandinavian NGO”. The danger here is that the anti-poverty mission will be replaced by altogether less virtuous political objectives, which was the reason that the demerger took place in 1997, and the Prime Minister basically confirmed as much when he addressed the chamber yesterday.
This news makes our next online event a particularly timely one. I will be talking to Preet Kaur Gill MP, the Shadow International Development Secretary, on Thursday at 6pm. Submit suggestions for questions here and remember to visit this page to watch the event live tomorrow. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-06-17--UK manufacturers are ready to lead the world – Build Back Better

Towards the end of last year , I had a fascinating meeting with a major employer .
They wanted Unite ’ s help with replacing their entire fleet of vans with electric ones built here in the UK .
Good for the planet , good for UK jobs , happy to help .
There was just one problem : we don ’ t make a single electric van in this country to meet their needs .
I wish that this was the only call of this nature that I ’ ve taken in recent times , but it isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navy ’ s ships built on the Clyde with imported steel rather than steel from UK producers , and I ’ ve seen our emergency services driving around in anything but a UK-produced vehicle .
I ’ ve spoken to an army of UK manufacturers looking to make desperately needed personal protective equipment , alongside Covid-19 test-kit specialists who can not get a UK contract despite supplying millions to governments overseas .
Sadly , I know that when a good news story breaks like the potential of thousands of new jobs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cheers will go up in North Carolina .
Because that is where the same man looking to buy electric vans was off to purchase mile after mile of fibre optic cable , rather than from two perfectly good world-class sites here in the UK .
What is it about UK manufacturing ?
Why won ’ t our government , and too many private sector corporations , show real pride and faith in our homegrown skills and products ?
The one fifth wiped off the size of the economy in April is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepts – because we are an economy heavily dependent on the service sector .
But as we now look to build back , this is the opportunity that must be taken to repair , recover and rebuild , with manufacturing at the heart of a new , greener , transitioning economy .
When the coronavirus crisis hit , our automotive and aerospace sectors in particular were already being challenged by government own goals like diesel-gate , a US/China trade war , growing uncertainties over future European trade rules and the climate emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and better use the UK ’ s world-leading research and design , engineering and manufacturing capabilities to meet those challenges – up-skilling millions and training an army of new apprentices on the way – was not clear before lockdown , it is vivid and urgent now .
For every worker in a manufacturing plant , four more jobs are supported through an extensive supply chain .
Decent union-won wages in the sector reflect the expertise of this talented workforce .
They don ’ t just support millions of families , high streets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute the export revenues and UK taxes that support our NHS and public services .
Putting manufacturing at the heart of the UK economy , just as they do in Germany and France , is a no-brainer .
Why has it not been done ?
The non-existent UK electric van reflects a depressing lack of long-term vision and investment , as well as a complete failure of successive governments to understand the role of domestic industry in rebalancing and powering the UK economy .
Levelling up our economy , skilling our workforce and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an industrial strategy while swallowing the globalisation Kool-Aid that led us to an unthinking over-reliance on overseas supply chains , imported products and insecure , low-paid service jobs .
Covid-19 changes all that , as will the outcome of negotiations on our future relationship with the European Union .
Corporations are rethinking investment plans , retreating to major markets , reacting to government incentives and bringing home supply chains .
When Honda announced that it was closing its Swindon plant and Ford , Bridgend , this was an opportunity for government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future of our sector and support its transition to electric vehicles .
These plants should be seen as national assets and a programme for repurposing them implemented .
We desperately need a gigafactory to produce batteries and others producing powertrain , fuel cells and digital control systems .
The plants are available , the workforce is ready , and industry is crying out for a plan .
Failure to act in the past can be rectified with a genuine plan now to recover and rebuild .
It ’ s clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infects the Conservatives .
While sector packages have been secured in our competitor economies , we ’ re still waiting for even a signal that help is coming .
The failure to incentivise demand , plan for necessary infrastructure or even outline a strategy for long-term support is putting UK jobs at risk , as others become more attractive for businesses looking for a willing partner in government .
Don ’ t take my word for that : the CEO of Airbus warned over the weekend that the readiness of the French government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more tempting nation in which to invest .
Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta warned recently of the companies fears for the viability of their huge Sunderland plant in the event of a tariff-imposing trade deal with the European Union .
Urgent action is now needed to build back better .
Steps like an aircraft replacement scheme can secure our manufacturing base in a high-value , high-waged economy while delivering the climate change obligations that every right-thinking politician is signed up to .
Focused sectoral support , as with Germany and France , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come ; in Germany , strategically-vital businesses can breathe knowing that state assistance will continue for two years .
For a Prime Minister and a government facing a chorus of calls to “ get a grip ” , it is time for them to do something to prove that they have a plan for the country that we need to become .
The dithering and resistance to committing as a willing partner alongside working people and industry , to use this extraordinary national moment to reshape our economy for the common good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building back better , the plan may well just be to build back as before .
Given the sacrifices and suffering of people through this crisis , ambition for and commitment to a stronger , fairer economy is the least we deserve .
Let ’ s start with that electric van plant because UK workers are ready to lead the world .

Towards the end of last year, I had a fascinating meeting with a major employer. They wanted Unite’s help with replacing their entire fleet of vans with electric ones built here in the UK. Good for the planet, good for UK jobs, happy to help. There was just one problem: we don’t make a single electric van in this country to meet their needs.
I wish that this was the only call of this nature that I’ve taken in recent times, but it isn’t. I’ve seen our navy’s ships built on the Clyde with imported steel rather than steel from UK producers, and I’ve seen our emergency services driving around in anything but a UK-produced vehicle. I’ve spoken to an army of UK manufacturers looking to make desperately needed personal protective equipment, alongside Covid-19 test-kit specialists who cannot get a UK contract despite supplying millions to governments overseas.
Sadly, I know that when a good news story breaks like the potential of thousands of new jobs to be created in laying super-fast broadband cables, the cheers will go up in North Carolina. Because that is where the same man looking to buy electric vans was off to purchase mile after mile of fibre optic cable, rather than from two perfectly good world-class sites here in the UK.
What is it about UK manufacturing? Why won’t our government, and too many private sector corporations, show real pride and faith in our homegrown skills and products? The one fifth wiped off the size of the economy in April is in large part – as the Chancellor himself accepts – because we are an economy heavily dependent on the service sector. But as we now look to build back, this is the opportunity that must be taken to repair, recover and rebuild, with manufacturing at the heart of a new, greener, transitioning economy.
When the coronavirus crisis hit, our automotive and aerospace sectors in particular were already being challenged by government own goals like diesel-gate, a US/China trade war, growing uncertainties over future European trade rules and the climate emergency. If the need to invest, diversify and better use the UK’s world-leading research and design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities to meet those challenges – up-skilling millions and training an army of new apprentices on the way – was not clear before lockdown, it is vivid and urgent now.
For every worker in a manufacturing plant, four more jobs are supported through an extensive supply chain. Decent union-won wages in the sector reflect the expertise of this talented workforce. They don’t just support millions of families, high streets and communities across the land – they also contribute the export revenues and UK taxes that support our NHS and public services. Putting manufacturing at the heart of the UK economy, just as they do in Germany and France, is a no-brainer.
Why has it not been done? The non-existent UK electric van reflects a depressing lack of long-term vision and investment, as well as a complete failure of successive governments to understand the role of domestic industry in rebalancing and powering the UK economy. Levelling up our economy, skilling our workforce and supporting our regions requires more than talk of an industrial strategy while swallowing the globalisation Kool-Aid that led us to an unthinking over-reliance on overseas supply chains, imported products and insecure, low-paid service jobs.
Covid-19 changes all that, as will the outcome of negotiations on our future relationship with the European Union. Corporations are rethinking investment plans, retreating to major markets, reacting to government incentives and bringing home supply chains.
When Honda announced that it was closing its Swindon plant and Ford, Bridgend, this was an opportunity for government to step in with a plan, invest in the future of our sector and support its transition to electric vehicles. These plants should be seen as national assets and a programme for repurposing them implemented. We desperately need a gigafactory to produce batteries and others producing powertrain, fuel cells and digital control systems. The plants are available, the workforce is ready, and industry is crying out for a plan. Failure to act in the past can be rectified with a genuine plan now to recover and rebuild.
It’s clear that hostility towards active, interventionist government still infects the Conservatives. While sector packages have been secured in our competitor economies, we’re still waiting for even a signal that help is coming. The failure to incentivise demand, plan for necessary infrastructure or even outline a strategy for long-term support is putting UK jobs at risk, as others become more attractive for businesses looking for a willing partner in government. Don’t take my word for that: the CEO of Airbus warned over the weekend that the readiness of the French government to support its industry makes France the much more tempting nation in which to invest. Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta warned recently of the companies fears for the viability of their huge Sunderland plant in the event of a tariff-imposing trade deal with the European Union.
Urgent action is now needed to build back better. Steps like an aircraft replacement scheme can secure our manufacturing base in a high-value, high-waged economy while delivering the climate change obligations that every right-thinking politician is signed up to. Focused sectoral support, as with Germany and France, will also have to continue for some time to come; in Germany, strategically-vital businesses can breathe knowing that state assistance will continue for two years.
For a Prime Minister and a government facing a chorus of calls to “get a grip”, it is time for them to do something to prove that they have a plan for the country that we need to become. The dithering and resistance to committing as a willing partner alongside working people and industry, to use this extraordinary national moment to reshape our economy for the common good, makes me fear that far from building back better, the plan may well just be to build back as before.
Given the sacrifices and suffering of people through this crisis, ambition for and commitment to a stronger, fairer economy is the least we deserve. Let’s start with that electric van plant because UK workers are ready to lead the world.