labourlist--2020-12-29--This Brexit deal is a long way from perfect – but Labour is right to vote for it

At last , the EU future relationship bill has been published .
It ’ s decision time for Labour – and MPs ’ inboxes are beginning to fill up with free advice .
So how should Labour vote ?
The first guide is always the national interest .
And that would tell us a deal , however bad , is better than no deal .
Few put it better than Unite manufacturing chief Steve Turner , who urged Labour to vote for the deal because “ right now it ’ s time to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with UK workers ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Anything else would be an act of gross industrial vandalism that will not be forgiven by those impacted by it.
” But , cry many ( with good cause ) , this deal is a long way from perfect .
There is new paperwork for lorry drivers .
A border down the Irish sea .
Our fishing fleets were sold down the Channel .
The trade agreement is a trade reduction treaty .
Surely our political interest is to abstain , safe in the knowledge that the Conservative Party has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s not be complicit !
Let the Tories ‘ own this ’ !
” shout the incoming emails .
This , I ’ m afraid , is cakeism .
The abstainers want to avoid no deal , but don ’ t want to back the deal that ’ s done .
They want to have their cake and eat it .
If only life was like that .
But it isn ’ t – and here ’ s why .
The abstainers are inviting us to exploit the luxury of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is , to say the least , a very high-risk strategy .
Last December ’ s crushing rout was delivered to us in part because voters wanted to ‘ get Brexit done ’ .
Most painfully , our working-class base collapsed because , having voted for Brexit by a margin of 64 % to 34 % , they concluded ( in the stunning verdict of the Labour Together post-mortem ) that “ Labour no longer represented people like them ” .
Imagine , you are here in Birmingham and a recently unemployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew a deal – any deal – was key to save my job , so why didn ’ t you support it ?
” .
Frankly it won ’ t cut a lot of ice to say , “ because I didn ’ t think the deal was perfect ” .
You ’ d be told pretty bluntly that perfection is a luxury few can afford right now in a city where unemployment is spiralling back to a level we last saw in the 1980s .
It ’ s true that we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the side lines and then , when things go wrong , tell everyone who ’ ll listen that ‘ we told you so ’ .
But anyone who thinks there will be a prize at the next election for the cleverer-than-thou hasn ’ t been on enough doorsteps in ‘ Red Wall ’ seats like the eight we lost across the West Midlands .
How will abstaining on the deal persuade working-class voters to come home to Labour ?
Abstention is not a qualification for high office when it looks like indecision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ national questions in our history will not persuade the good people of the 124 seats we need to win to form a government to vote for us .
We would risk last year ’ s swing away from us becoming a permanent switch .
This deal will not be as ‘ economically and socially catastrophic ’ ( as the emails put it ) as no deal , but it is a trade reduction deal .
That ’ s what Brexit is .
Like it or not ( and I don ’ t like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17.4 million people voted for .
Our strategy should be to protect and progress .
We should vote through the basic deal that safeguards the country – including Northern Ireland – against no deal , highlight the many flaws , then bring forward a series of votes in the months to make good the Tory Party ’ s sins and omissions .
We should start by asking to opt back into the Erasmus scheme .
That way , we protect ourselves from the accusation that we ’ ve simply not moved on from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s election defeat .
And we ’ ll ensure the Tories own their failure .
This armistice is the end of the ugly Brexit battle that ’ s engulfed our parliament for over four years .
But it is only the beginning of the new alliance with our neighbours .
We could carry on fighting the last war – a battle in which we failed .
Or we could summon the imagination and energy to win the peace and set out , with clarity and persuasive force , where we go from here @

At last, the EU future relationship bill has been published. It’s decision time for Labour – and MPs’ inboxes are beginning to fill up with free advice. So how should Labour vote?
The first guide is always the national interest. And that would tell us a deal, however bad, is better than no deal. Few put it better than Unite manufacturing chief Steve Turner, who urged Labour to vote for the deal because “right now it’s time to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with UK workers”. He and 34 manufacturing workplace leaders concluded: “Anything else would be an act of gross industrial vandalism that will not be forgiven by those impacted by it.”
But, cry many (with good cause), this deal is a long way from perfect. There is new paperwork for lorry drivers. A border down the Irish sea. Our fishing fleets were sold down the Channel. The trade agreement is a trade reduction treaty. Surely our political interest is to abstain, safe in the knowledge that the Conservative Party has the votes to push it through? “Let’s not be complicit! Let the Tories ‘own this’!” shout the incoming emails.
This, I’m afraid, is cakeism. The abstainers want to avoid no deal, but don’t want to back the deal that’s done. They want to have their cake and eat it. If only life was like that. But it isn’t – and here’s why.
The abstainers are inviting us to exploit the luxury of a seminal defeat for future political advantage. That is, to say the least, a very high-risk strategy. Last December’s crushing rout was delivered to us in part because voters wanted to ‘get Brexit done’. Most painfully, our working-class base collapsed because, having voted for Brexit by a margin of 64% to 34%, they concluded (in the stunning verdict of the Labour Together post-mortem) that “Labour no longer represented people like them”.
Imagine, you are here in Birmingham and a recently unemployed car worker asks you, “you knew a deal – any deal – was key to save my job, so why didn’t you support it?”. Frankly it won’t cut a lot of ice to say, “because I didn’t think the deal was perfect”. You’d be told pretty bluntly that perfection is a luxury few can afford right now in a city where unemployment is spiralling back to a level we last saw in the 1980s.
It’s true that we could try to sit back, carp from the side lines and then, when things go wrong, tell everyone who’ll listen that ‘we told you so’. But anyone who thinks there will be a prize at the next election for the cleverer-than-thou hasn’t been on enough doorsteps in ‘Red Wall’ seats like the eight we lost across the West Midlands.
How will abstaining on the deal persuade working-class voters to come home to Labour? Abstention is not a qualification for high office when it looks like indecision. And indecision on one of the greatest national questions in our history will not persuade the good people of the 124 seats we need to win to form a government to vote for us. We would risk last year’s swing away from us becoming a permanent switch.
This deal will not be as ‘economically and socially catastrophic’ (as the emails put it) as no deal, but it is a trade reduction deal. That’s what Brexit is. Like it or not (and I don’t like it), that’s what 17.4 million people voted for.
Our strategy should be to protect and progress. We should vote through the basic deal that safeguards the country – including Northern Ireland – against no deal, highlight the many flaws, then bring forward a series of votes in the months to make good the Tory Party’s sins and omissions. We should start by asking to opt back into the Erasmus scheme. That way, we protect ourselves from the accusation that we’ve simply not moved on from either the referendum or last year’s election defeat. And we’ll ensure the Tories own their failure.
This armistice is the end of the ugly Brexit battle that’s engulfed our parliament for over four years. But it is only the beginning of the new alliance with our neighbours. We could carry on fighting the last war – a battle in which we failed. Or we could summon the imagination and energy to win the peace and set out, with clarity and persuasive force, where we go from here.


labourlist--2020-12-29--Illegal practices, proper pay, low prices. 3 unfashionable questions about fashion

Question 1 .
How do you get a Tory government to ignore illegal practices in the fashion industry ?
Answer .
Make sure you have 93 official investigations and a select committee report on the problem .
As the environmental audit committee ( EAC ) launched its new investigation recently , it is worth noting that inquiries into the UK fashion industry have been running at the rate of ten a year for almost a decade since the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary in 2010 .
Every time , the same facts have emerged : worker exploitation and failure to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for better resourcing of inspections , due diligence checks across supply chains and financial penalties for non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act have all been ignored by the government .
It is this inaction that encouraged manufacturers to capitalise on the Covid crisis .
Companies like Boohoo seized on the opportunity presented by the surge in online sales that saw growth of 44 % in the first quarter of the year .
And it is this inaction that meant it was workers in places like Leicester that paid the price of that growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity with little or no social distancing measures , and there are even reports of workers being forced to come in to fulfil orders despite testing positive for Covid : ‘ Just don ’ t tell the others you ’ ve got it !
’ .
Question 2 .
How do you fix fashion ?
Answer .
Outrageous things , like paying workers properly and regulating your supply chain .
Purchasers such as Boohoo drive prices down by bringing all the competing suppliers into the same room and holding a bidding war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dress for less ?
’ .
It is a reverse auction where the manufacturers compete to supply the garment for an even lower price than each other .
The result is that the ‘ winning ’ manufacturer is forced to drive down wages and conditions in their factories in order to meet the contract .
With such cutthroat practices , the government should hardly be surprised to find that workers are operating in unsafe conditions and paid below the minimum wage .
What should be a surprise is that there has been no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s national minimum wage inspections , which still give manufacturers two weeks ’ notice in writing before they attend the factory .
Boohoo and others should be obliged to publish their list of suppliers and subcontractors , at the very least , and to commit to robust auditing and transparency throughout their supply chains .
Fiona Gooch of Traidcraft Exchange is one of the people who has been leading the campaign for a ‘ garment trade adjudicator ’ to bring much needed regulation to fashion retailer purchasing practices .
She told the select @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power imbalance between retailers and suppliers , the disruption to trade as a result of Covid has meant retailers have simply not paid for £12bn worth of clothes and at least £2bn is owed in wages .
The International Labour Organisation has estimated that 86 million workers in the garment industry worldwide are now in severe hardship .
Boohoo director Andrew Reaney , in charge of “ responsible sourcing ” , admitted to the EAC inquiry that the company had recently been alerted to an unauthorised subcontractor in Pakistan .
He did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which a recent investigation found workers were being paid just 29p per hour .
Question 3 .
What has any of this got to do with me ?
Answer .
Who do you think is buying all this crap , and who do you think is paying for it ?
If the only thing we are interested in when we go online or into a store is how to get the item we want at the lowest possible price , then we are hypocrites when we point the finger at companies like Boohoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who fuel the race to the bottom .
The more we drive down price , the more we drive down wages and conditions in factories .
The public are certainly more environmentally conscious now than when allegations of illegal practices in the garment trade first surfaced in 2010 , but demand for fast fashion continues unabated .
On Black Friday , Boohoo was offering up to 99 % off their clothes – with one little black dress going for just 8p .
Imagine the transformation in the industry if , instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we searched for a mark telling us this garment was made by a unionised workforce .
At our inquiry , the Boohoo Group ’ s executive chairman was asked whether he would agree to repeated requests from Usdaw to meet and discuss union representation .
His reply was either astonishingly ignorant or disturbingly arrogant – or perhaps both .
His exact words were : “ What I would like to say is that I personally do not want to join a union so I do not want to meet them.
” Exploitation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of management to engage with unions is not new .
The imbalance of power makes it difficult for workers to secure their rights without the unity and solidarity that is difficult to achieve in a global supply chain where one group is pitted against the other .
That is where consumer power can work to redress the balance .
We have the power to not purchase .
We have the power to boycott Bohoo .
Read the ‘ Fixing Fashion ’ inquiry report here and watch the follow-up hearing here .

Question 1. How do you get a Tory government to ignore illegal practices in the fashion industry? Answer. Make sure you have 93 official investigations and a select committee report on the problem.
As the environmental audit committee (EAC) launched its new investigation recently, it is worth noting that inquiries into the UK fashion industry have been running at the rate of ten a year for almost a decade since the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary in 2010. Every time, the same facts have emerged: worker exploitation and failure to pay the national minimum wage. Yet recommendations for better resourcing of inspections, due diligence checks across supply chains and financial penalties for non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act have all been ignored by the government.
It is this inaction that encouraged manufacturers to capitalise on the Covid crisis. Companies like Boohoo seized on the opportunity presented by the surge in online sales that saw growth of 44% in the first quarter of the year. And it is this inaction that meant it was workers in places like Leicester that paid the price of that growth. Factories have operated at 100% capacity with little or no social distancing measures, and there are even reports of workers being forced to come in to fulfil orders despite testing positive for Covid: ‘Just don’t tell the others you’ve got it!’.
Question 2. How do you fix fashion? Answer. Outrageous things, like paying workers properly and regulating your supply chain.
Purchasers such as Boohoo drive prices down by bringing all the competing suppliers into the same room and holding a bidding war, asking: ‘Who can make this dress for less?’. It is a reverse auction where the manufacturers compete to supply the garment for an even lower price than each other. The result is that the ‘winning’ manufacturer is forced to drive down wages and conditions in their factories in order to meet the contract.
With such cutthroat practices, the government should hardly be surprised to find that workers are operating in unsafe conditions and paid below the minimum wage. What should be a surprise is that there has been no additional monitoring and enforcement by HMRC’s national minimum wage inspections, which still give manufacturers two weeks’ notice in writing before they attend the factory.
Boohoo and others should be obliged to publish their list of suppliers and subcontractors, at the very least, and to commit to robust auditing and transparency throughout their supply chains. Fiona Gooch of Traidcraft Exchange is one of the people who has been leading the campaign for a ‘garment trade adjudicator’ to bring much needed regulation to fashion retailer purchasing practices. She told the select committee that, due to the enormous power imbalance between retailers and suppliers, the disruption to trade as a result of Covid has meant retailers have simply not paid for £12bn worth of clothes and at least £2bn is owed in wages. The International Labour Organisation has estimated that 86 million workers in the garment industry worldwide are now in severe hardship.
Boohoo director Andrew Reaney, in charge of “responsible sourcing”, admitted to the EAC inquiry that the company had recently been alerted to an unauthorised subcontractor in Pakistan. He did not say whether it was the one in which a recent investigation found workers were being paid just 29p per hour.
Question 3. What has any of this got to do with me? Answer. Who do you think is buying all this crap, and who do you think is paying for it?
If the only thing we are interested in when we go online or into a store is how to get the item we want at the lowest possible price, then we are hypocrites when we point the finger at companies like Boohoo. It is we, the consumers, who fuel the race to the bottom. The more we drive down price, the more we drive down wages and conditions in factories.
The public are certainly more environmentally conscious now than when allegations of illegal practices in the garment trade first surfaced in 2010, but demand for fast fashion continues unabated. On Black Friday, Boohoo was offering up to 99% off their clothes – with one little black dress going for just 8p.
Imagine the transformation in the industry if, instead of searching the label for the price, we searched for a mark telling us this garment was made by a unionised workforce. At our inquiry, the Boohoo Group’s executive chairman was asked whether he would agree to repeated requests from Usdaw to meet and discuss union representation. His reply was either astonishingly ignorant or disturbingly arrogant – or perhaps both. His exact words were: “What I would like to say is that I personally do not want to join a union so I do not want to meet them.”
Exploitation of workers is not new. The refusal of management to engage with unions is not new. The imbalance of power makes it difficult for workers to secure their rights without the unity and solidarity that is difficult to achieve in a global supply chain where one group is pitted against the other. That is where consumer power can work to redress the balance. We have the power to not purchase. We have the power to boycott Boohoo. Read the ‘Fixing Fashion’ inquiry report here and watch the follow-up hearing here.


labourlist--2020-12-29--Minimum scrutiny, maximum gasps of relief? Don’t be fooled by the Brexit deal

The timing of the Brexit deal was designed to allow minimum scrutiny and maximum gasps of relief .
By waiting until Christmas Eve to sign off a deal that could – and should – have been completed months ago , Boris Johnson has set an oven-ready trap for Labour .
Nobody should be fooled by this smoke and mirrors trick .
The false dichotomy between this shoddy deal and the chaos of no deal is one that Labour should reject .
The vote in the Commons is not a meaningful vote – but even if it was , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority for it .
Labour is suffering from Stockholm syndrome .
Held hostage by Johnson ’ s fibs , fabrications and ‘ cunning plans ’ , the party is in danger of mistaking release for the end in itself .
The Conservative Party needs to be forced to take exclusive ownership of a policy that will bedevil and blight British politics , economy and society for years to come .
It may trigger the death of the United Kingdom .
In economic terms , this deal ties Northern Ireland closer to the Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a referendum is held on the future of the territory , nobody should be surprised to see it held up as a reason to leave the UK .
As this deal is analysed and implemented , its damaging nature will be exposed and come increasingly to the fore .
When our manufacturing sector becomes less competitive than EU competitors due to its exclusion from the customs union , when Britain ’ s car industry collapses as the agreed new ‘ rules of origin ’ requirements triggers tariffs , when our service sector declines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of market access and when inward investment shrinks , Labour needs to be able to pin the tail on the Tory donkey where the blame belongs .
If Labour votes for this desperate deal , the Conservatives will have an easy refrain : “ you voted for it ” .
When it becomes clear that this deal makes our labour and environmental standards vulnerable , weakens our universities and does not deliver on the promises made to fishing and farming communities , Labour will be viewed as culpable .
As we serially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various sectors of society , we will be asked if it is so bad , “ why did you vote for it ?
” .
We understand that Labour wants to look responsible and constructive by voting for this deal .
Yet we will in fact look weak and malleable .
Voting in favour will give the Prime Minister a massive majority and appear to endorse his negotiating strategy .
Voting against enables Labour to make clear that it will in power seek to improve and rebalance our relationship with the EU .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 2016 referendum , but allows us to make clear that our vision of a future relationship with Europe is quite different from this thinnest of deals the government has manoeuvred .
There is a mountain of quotes from leading Brexiteers claiming they envisaged a relationship a million miles from this one .
The hope of Labour ’ s leadership in recommending a positive vote on this deal appears to be to draw a line under Brexit and appeal to the so-called ‘ Red Wall ’ voters .
Yet the evidence is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel conned by the false promises of the Brexiteers .
It is unlikely that voting for the deal will bring them back to Labour .
However , voting for it will be another nail in Labour ’ s coffin in Scotland and most commentators say Labour can not win a general election without some recovery in Scotland .
The SNP narrative of betrayal is well underway .
They have already claimed the deal will cost Scotland £9bn , sells out our fishing community and hammers our ( previously unheralded ) potato seed farmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal and accuse Labour of siding with the Conservatives against Scotland ’ s interest .
A Labour defence that there was no alternative to avoid a no deal shambles will be met with the strident response that there is an alternative and it is for Scotland to have its own relationship with Brussels as an independent country .
It ’ s time someone said it : the Emperor has no clothes .
For reasons of principle , policy and politics , we urge Labour to reject this damaging deal .

The timing of the Brexit deal was designed to allow minimum scrutiny and maximum gasps of relief. By waiting until Christmas Eve to sign off a deal that could – and should – have been completed months ago, Boris Johnson has set an oven-ready trap for Labour. Nobody should be fooled by this smoke and mirrors trick.
The false dichotomy between this shoddy deal and the chaos of no deal is one that Labour should reject. The vote in the Commons is not a meaningful vote – but even if it was, it is up to the government to ensure a majority for it. Labour is suffering from Stockholm syndrome. Held hostage by Johnson’s fibs, fabrications and ‘cunning plans’, the party is in danger of mistaking release for the end in itself. The Conservative Party needs to be forced to take exclusive ownership of a policy that will bedevil and blight British politics, economy and society for years to come.
It may trigger the death of the United Kingdom. In economic terms, this deal ties Northern Ireland closer to the Republic and the EU. If and when a referendum is held on the future of the territory, nobody should be surprised to see it held up as a reason to leave the UK.
As this deal is analysed and implemented, its damaging nature will be exposed and come increasingly to the fore. When our manufacturing sector becomes less competitive than EU competitors due to its exclusion from the customs union, when Britain’s car industry collapses as the agreed new ‘rules of origin’ requirements triggers tariffs, when our service sector declines relative to the EU because of the lack of market access and when inward investment shrinks, Labour needs to be able to pin the tail on the Tory donkey where the blame belongs. If Labour votes for this desperate deal, the Conservatives will have an easy refrain: “you voted for it”.
When it becomes clear that this deal makes our labour and environmental standards vulnerable, weakens our universities and does not deliver on the promises made to fishing and farming communities, Labour will be viewed as culpable. As we serially expose the impact of the deal on various sectors of society, we will be asked if it is so bad, “why did you vote for it?”.
We understand that Labour wants to look responsible and constructive by voting for this deal. Yet we will in fact look weak and malleable. Voting in favour will give the Prime Minister a massive majority and appear to endorse his negotiating strategy. Voting against enables Labour to make clear that it will in power seek to improve and rebalance our relationship with the EU.
A no vote does not imply rejection of the 2016 referendum, but allows us to make clear that our vision of a future relationship with Europe is quite different from this thinnest of deals the government has manoeuvred. There is a mountain of quotes from leading Brexiteers claiming they envisaged a relationship a million miles from this one.
The hope of Labour’s leadership in recommending a positive vote on this deal appears to be to draw a line under Brexit and appeal to the so-called ‘Red Wall’ voters. Yet the evidence is many of them regret their vote and feel conned by the false promises of the Brexiteers. It is unlikely that voting for the deal will bring them back to Labour. However, voting for it will be another nail in Labour’s coffin in Scotland and most commentators say Labour cannot win a general election without some recovery in Scotland.
The SNP narrative of betrayal is well underway. They have already claimed the deal will cost Scotland £9bn, sells out our fishing community and hammers our (previously unheralded) potato seed farmers. The Nationalists will vote against the deal and accuse Labour of siding with the Conservatives against Scotland’s interest. A Labour defence that there was no alternative to avoid a no deal shambles will be met with the strident response that there is an alternative and it is for Scotland to have its own relationship with Brussels as an independent country.
It’s time someone said it: the Emperor has no clothes. For reasons of principle, policy and politics, we urge Labour to reject this damaging deal.


labourlist--2020-12-30--Liveblog: MPs debate and vote on Boris Johnson’s post-Brexit deal

Parliament has been recalled today for a vote on the legislation – the EU ( future relationship ) bill – @ @ @ @ @ ’ s post-Brexit trade deal .
The vote in the House of Commons is expected @ @ @ @ @ the Lords will consider the bill until around 11pm .
Keir Starmer has described the @ @ @ @ @ very thin ” but Labour MPs are being whipped to vote in favour of it @ @ @ @ @ debate contributions and the expected rebellion via this liveblog…

Parliament has been recalled today for a vote on the legislation – the EU (future relationship) bill – that will implement Boris Johnson’s post-Brexit trade deal. The vote in the House of Commons is expected at around 3pm, then the Lords will consider the bill until around 11pm. Keir Starmer has described the agreement as “very, very thin” but Labour MPs are being whipped to vote in favour of it. We followed the debate contributions and the expected rebellion via this liveblog, which is now closed…


labourlist--2020-12-30--Labour slams “government failure” as Williamson delays schools reopening

Kate Green has declared that the disruption to children ’ s education across the country has directly resulted from “ government failure ” as Gavin Williamson announced a U-turn on the planned reopening of schools next month .
Delivering a statement to parliament this afternoon on the return of children to schools after the Christmas and New Year break , the Education Secretary told MPs that the reopening of schools would be delayed until mid-January .
He told the Commons that “ we must always act swiftly when circumstances change ” and said evidence on the new variant of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjustments ” to the plans for schools next term .
Green said in response to the statement : “ We should not be in this position .
Only days before many schools should have been opening again to all pupils , the Secretary of State has announced that many will not be returning as planned .
“ This delay and disruption to children ’ s education is a direct result of government failure .
They ’ ve lost control of the virus , now they are losing control of children ’ s education.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consensus across the House that the best place for children is in schools but the government has failed to give schools the support they need to make that happen.
” Green added that “ we know that action must be taken to control the spread of the virus ” , but questioned whether the measures announced would work and asked Williamson to publish the advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies .
She also highlighted that Labour had “ for months ” been calling for mass testing in schools and slammed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the term end , “ creating huge additional work for overstretched school staff ” .
The Shadow Education Secretary asked how many schools had testing infrastructure in place , how many would by the end of next week and for the government to guarantee that “ every school will have the testing it needs when due to open again ” .
The U-turn outlined by Williamson this afternoon came just 24 hours after the government insisted that it would be keeping to its plan to start a phased reopening of schools from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government plans – published two weeks ago – days before the start of term , Williamson revealed that only pupils in exam years are set to return to secondary schools in-person in England on January 11th .
Williamson said that the rest of secondary and college students would go back on January 18th , and that “ in a small number of areas where the infection rates are highest ” only vulnerable children would go back to primary schools in person .
The government had faced sustained pressure from schools , unions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , at least temporarily , following a significant surge in the number of coronavirus cases across the country .
Williamson had already said secondary schools would reopen in January on a staggered basis , with only exam year groups , vulnerable children and those of key workers “ prioritised ” for testing and expected to return as normal after the break .
He had told the public that other pupils would receive “ full-time remote education , as close as possible to that which students would get in class , during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all starting on 11th January ” .
The phased return of children to educational settings across the country next month was announced by the Education Secretary alongside a plan to roll-out of mass testing with lateral flow test kits to be distributed for use in schools .
According to the plan , students and staff identified as having had close contact with a Covid case are to get a daily test over seven days while teachers are to get weekly tests .
Schools and unions have described the proposals as “ inoperable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament this afternoon to insist that testing in schools would begin “ in earnest ” in January with those currently in an exam year to be prioritised ahead of others .
Responding to the announcement by Williamson today , UNISON head of education Jon Richards said : “ Everyone agrees it ’ s important for schools and colleges to open but it can ’ t be at any expense when infections are rising .
“ This delay for secondary schools is a sensible decision , giving more time to organise mass testing effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early years reopening should also be delayed because social distancing isn ’ t really possible .
“ Ministers should also ensure any moves to extend the vaccine priority list must cover all school staff and not just teachers.
” The U-turn announced today , keeping schools closed , comes just weeks after Williamson ’ s department threatened local councils with legal action after they tried to move schools online for a few days before the Christmas break .
The statement from the Education Secretary followed the announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be placed under Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions from tomorrow .
There were 21,787 patients in hospitals in England with Covid as of Tuesday morning , according to NHS England data , and cases reached a record daily high of 53,135 – surpassing the April peak during the first wave of the health crisis .
Update , 7pm : Labour has called on the Secretary of State to return to parliament and apologise for falsely claiming that the “ overwhelming majority ” of primary schools would open as usual next week for the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary schools , when published by the government 30 minutes after the end of Williamson ’ s speech in the Commons this afternoon , named a total of 49 local authority areas in which schools will close .
Green said : “ Gavin Williamson told parents that the “ overwhelming majority ” of primary schools would open on 4 January .
An hour later , he snuck out the news that hundreds of thousands of children will see their schools closed indefinitely .
“ He must return to parliament this evening to correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers , apologise to parents , and outline his plans to keep pupils learning and support parents .
“ Parents face yet another eleventh hour U-turn because of this government ’ s failure to deliver on testing , and failure to control the virus .
Only a government that is completely out of touch with the needs of working families would treat them with such disregard.
” Below are those areas in which primary schools will remain closed .
London : Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley Brent Bromley Croydon Ealing Enfield Hammersmith and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merton Newham Redbridge Richmond-Upon-Thames Southwark Sutton Tower Hamlets Waltham Forest Wandsworth Westminster

Kate Green has declared that the disruption to children’s education across the country has directly resulted from “government failure” as Gavin Williamson announced a U-turn on the planned reopening of schools next month.
Delivering a statement to parliament this afternoon on the return of children to schools after the Christmas and New Year break, the Education Secretary told MPs that the reopening of schools would be delayed until mid-January.
He told the Commons that “we must always act swiftly when circumstances change” and said evidence on the new variant of the virus and rising infections require “immediate adjustments” to the plans for schools next term.
Green said in response to the statement: “We should not be in this position. Only days before many schools should have been opening again to all pupils, the Secretary of State has announced that many will not be returning as planned.
“This delay and disruption to children’s education is a direct result of government failure. They’ve lost control of the virus, now they are losing control of children’s education.”
She argued: “There is consensus across the House that the best place for children is in schools but the government has failed to give schools the support they need to make that happen.”
Green added that “we know that action must be taken to control the spread of the virus”, but questioned whether the measures announced would work and asked Williamson to publish the advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.
She also highlighted that Labour had “for months” been calling for mass testing in schools and slammed the government minister for only announcing it just before the term end, “creating huge additional work for overstretched school staff”.
The Shadow Education Secretary asked how many schools had testing infrastructure in place, how many would by the end of next week and for the government to guarantee that “every school will have the testing it needs when due to open again”.
The U-turn outlined by Williamson this afternoon came just 24 hours after the government insisted that it would be keeping to its plan to start a phased reopening of schools from January 4th.
Announcing changes to the government plans – published two weeks ago – days before the start of term, Williamson revealed that only pupils in exam years are set to return to secondary schools in-person in England on January 11th.
Williamson said that the rest of secondary and college students would go back on January 18th, and that “in a small number of areas where the infection rates are highest” only vulnerable children would go back to primary schools in person.
The government had faced sustained pressure from schools, unions and others to close education settings in recent weeks, at least temporarily, following a significant surge in the number of coronavirus cases across the country.
Williamson had already said secondary schools would reopen in January on a staggered basis, with only exam year groups, vulnerable children and those of key workers “prioritised” for testing and expected to return as normal after the break.
He had told the public that other pupils would receive “full-time remote education, as close as possible to that which students would get in class, during the first week of term with face-to-face education for all starting on 11th January”.
The phased return of children to educational settings across the country next month was announced by the Education Secretary alongside a plan to roll-out of mass testing with lateral flow test kits to be distributed for use in schools.
According to the plan, students and staff identified as having had close contact with a Covid case are to get a daily test over seven days while teachers are to get weekly tests. Schools and unions have described the proposals as “inoperable”.
Williamson used his contribution to parliament this afternoon to insist that testing in schools would begin “in earnest” in January with those currently in an exam year to be prioritised ahead of others.
Responding to the announcement by Williamson today, UNISON head of education Jon Richards said: “Everyone agrees it’s important for schools and colleges to open but it can’t be at any expense when infections are rising.
“This delay for secondary schools is a sensible decision, giving more time to organise mass testing effectively to limit the spread. Primary and early years reopening should also be delayed because social distancing isn’t really possible.
“Ministers should also ensure any moves to extend the vaccine priority list must cover all school staff and not just teachers.”
The U-turn announced today, keeping schools closed, comes just weeks after Williamson’s department threatened local councils with legal action after they tried to move schools online for a few days before the Christmas break.
The statement from the Education Secretary followed the announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock this afternoon that three quarters of England would be placed under Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions from tomorrow.
There were 21,787 patients in hospitals in England with Covid as of Tuesday morning, according to NHS England data, and cases reached a record daily high of 53,135 – surpassing the April peak during the first wave of the health crisis.
Update, 7pm: Labour has called on the Secretary of State to return to parliament and apologise for falsely claiming that the “overwhelming majority” of primary schools would open as usual next week for the start of term.
The full list of primary schools, when published by the government 30 minutes after the end of Williamson’s speech in the Commons this afternoon, named a total of 49 local authority areas in which schools will close.
Green said: “Gavin Williamson told parents that the “overwhelming majority” of primary schools would open on 4 January. An hour later, he snuck out the news that hundreds of thousands of children will see their schools closed indefinitely.
“He must return to parliament this evening to correct the record, be honest about the numbers, apologise to parents, and outline his plans to keep pupils learning and support parents.
“Parents face yet another eleventh hour U-turn because of this government’s failure to deliver on testing, and failure to control the virus. Only a government that is completely out of touch with the needs of working families would treat them with such disregard.”
Below are those areas in which primary schools will remain closed.
London:
Barking and Dagenham
Barnet
Bexley
Brent
Bromley
Croydon
Ealing
Enfield
Hammersmith and Fulham
Havering
Hillingdon
Hounslow
Kensington and Chelsea
Merton
Newham
Redbridge
Richmond-Upon-Thames
Southwark
Sutton
Tower Hamlets
Waltham Forest
Wandsworth
Westminster
Essex:
Brentwood
Epping Forest
Castle Point
Basildon
Rochford
Harlow
Chelmsford
Braintree
Maldon
Southend on Sea
Thurrock
Kent:
Dartford
Gravesham
Sevenoaks
Medway
Ashford
Maidstone
Tonbridge and Malling
Tunbridge Wells
Swale
East Sussex:
Hastings
Rother
Buckinghamshire:
Milton Keynes
Hertfordshire:
Watford
Broxbourne
Hertsmere
Three Rivers


labourlist--2020-12-30--Hancock announces three quarters of England will enter Tier 4 restrictions

Matt Hancock has announced that three quarters of England will be placed under Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions as he declared that “ case rates are doubling fast ” and warned of “ significant pressures on the NHS ” .
Giving a Covid update to the Commons this afternoon , the Health Secretary has confirmed that vast swathes of England will join those parts of the country already under the strictest restrictions in an effort to halt the surge in Covid cases .
He said : “ We must act to suppress the virus now , not least because the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then even more difficult .
And so whilst we have the good news of the vaccine today , we also have to take some difficult decisions.
” Areas in the North , including Cumbria , Cheshire , Warrington , Greater Manchester , Lancashire , Blackpool , and Blackburn with Darwen will be placed under Tier 4 along with large parts of the Midlands and the South West .
Labour ’ s Jonathan Ashworth told MPs he understood why the Health Secretary has taken steps to place more areas under stricter restrictions and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid regulations in parliament later today .
He argued : “ The situation we are in today is truly horrific .
This virus is out of control .
Yesterday over 47,000 cases reported in England , in the last two weeks nearly half a million cases reported… “ In England , there are now more patients in hospital – over 20,000 – than at any time in the pandemic .
With admissions rising day by day including almost 2000 on Christmas day .
Hospitals are close to or at surge capacity .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because there are no beds for their patients .
We have London hospitals requesting to transfer patients in need of intensive care to Yorkshire.
” There were 21,787 patients in hospitals in England with Covid as of Tuesday morning , according to NHS England data , and cases reached a record daily high of 53,135 – surpassing the April peak during the first wave of the health crisis .
The new variant of the virus discovered earlier this month accounts for a majority of all new cases , and there had been growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks and hospitals reported increasing pressure .
Emergency and NHS services in Essex declared a major incident this morning , allowing local leaders to seek further government support , as rising coronavirus cases put pressure on hospital capacity in the area .
Londoners have received a text message informing them that the ambulance service and hospitals are “ extremely busy ” and hospitals have reported oxygen shortfalls , with at least one NHS trust reducing its target usage to conserve supplies .
The Shadow Health Secretary asked today for reassurances on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nightingale hospitals established earlier this year will be used and how , given current shortages , they would be staffed if so .
He also highlighted reports that just one in eight retired NHS staff had been brought back to work , representing 5,000 out of an eligible 30,000 who have applied to help in the fight against the virus .
Ashworth added : “ Our National Health Service is becoming overwhelmed .
I hope the Tier 4 restrictions are enough , but many believe even tougher restrictions are inevitable ?
Does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put more lives in jeopardy when vaccines are so near .
Let ’ s give the achievements of our scientists the best chance to save lives .
The country has sacrificed so much in 2020 , let ’ s not repeat the same mistakes.
” The statement came after the government this morning announced that it had accepted the recommendation of the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency to authorise the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine .
This latest vaccine is easier to deploy than the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine approved earlier this month , which must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oxford vaccine needs only normal refrigeration at 2-8 °C .
The joint committee on vaccination and immunisation has advised that priority should be to give as many at-risk people their first dose of either vaccine , instead of providing two doses in four weeks in line with the protocol in the trials .
“ People get protection after the first dose , ” Hancock said today .
“ This means we can accelerate the speed at which we can vaccinate people for the first 12 weeks before we return to deliver the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this afternoon whether the government will introduce a level above the highest Tier 4 restrictions , Health Secretary Hancock told parliament : “ I ’ m not announcing anything above Tier 4 today , no.
” Below are the areas entering Tier 4 .

Matt Hancock has announced that three quarters of England will be placed under Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions as he declared that “case rates are doubling fast” and warned of “significant pressures on the NHS”.
Giving a Covid update to the Commons this afternoon, the Health Secretary has confirmed that vast swathes of England will join those parts of the country already under the strictest restrictions in an effort to halt the surge in Covid cases.
He said: “We must act to suppress the virus now, not least because the new variant makes the time between now and then even more difficult. And so whilst we have the good news of the vaccine today, we also have to take some difficult decisions.”
Areas in the North, including Cumbria, Cheshire, Warrington, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen will be placed under Tier 4 along with large parts of the Midlands and the South West.
Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth told MPs he understood why the Health Secretary has taken steps to place more areas under stricter restrictions and said the Labour Party would vote for the Covid regulations in parliament later today.
He argued: “The situation we are in today is truly horrific. This virus is out of control. Yesterday over 47,000 cases reported in England, in the last two weeks nearly half a million cases reported…
“In England, there are now more patients in hospital – over 20,000 – than at any time in the pandemic. With admissions rising day by day including almost 2000 on Christmas day. Hospitals are close to or at surge capacity.
“We see ambulances queuing up outside hospitals because there are no beds for their patients. We have London hospitals requesting to transfer patients in need of intensive care to Yorkshire.”
There were 21,787 patients in hospitals in England with Covid as of Tuesday morning, according to NHS England data, and cases reached a record daily high of 53,135 – surpassing the April peak during the first wave of the health crisis.
The new variant of the virus discovered earlier this month accounts for a majority of all new cases, and there had been growing calls for greater restrictions as cases surged in recent weeks and hospitals reported increasing pressure.
Emergency and NHS services in Essex declared a major incident this morning, allowing local leaders to seek further government support, as rising coronavirus cases put pressure on hospital capacity in the area.
Londoners have received a text message informing them that the ambulance service and hospitals are “extremely busy” and hospitals have reported oxygen shortfalls, with at least one NHS trust reducing its target usage to conserve supplies.
The Shadow Health Secretary asked today for reassurances on oxygen supplies through to hospitals, whether the Nightingale hospitals established earlier this year will be used and how, given current shortages, they would be staffed if so.
He also highlighted reports that just one in eight retired NHS staff had been brought back to work, representing 5,000 out of an eligible 30,000 who have applied to help in the fight against the virus.
Ashworth added: “Our National Health Service is becoming overwhelmed. I hope the Tier 4 restrictions are enough, but many believe even tougher restrictions are inevitable? Does he agree?
“We need not put more lives in jeopardy when vaccines are so near. Let’s give the achievements of our scientists the best chance to save lives. The country has sacrificed so much in 2020, let’s not repeat the same mistakes.”
The statement came after the government this morning announced that it had accepted the recommendation of the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency to authorise the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine.
This latest vaccine is easier to deploy than the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine approved earlier this month, which must be stored at -70 °C. The Oxford vaccine needs only normal refrigeration at 2-8 °C.
The joint committee on vaccination and immunisation has advised that priority should be to give as many at-risk people their first dose of either vaccine, instead of providing two doses in four weeks in line with the protocol in the trials.
“People get protection after the first dose,” Hancock said today. “This means we can accelerate the speed at which we can vaccinate people for the first 12 weeks before we return to deliver the second doses for that longer-term protection.”
Asked this afternoon whether the government will introduce a level above the highest Tier 4 restrictions, Health Secretary Hancock told parliament: “I’m not announcing anything above Tier 4 today, no.”
Below are the areas entering Tier 4.


labourlist--2020-12-30--Johnson’s Brexit bill passes with Labour backing – but 37 rebels defy Starmer

The European Union future relationship bill implementing the trade deal struck by Boris Johnson has won the approval of MPs including Labour – but a significant number of rebels have broken the whip set by Keir Starmer .
The government bill passed the Commons by a majority of 448 votes today following a four-and-a-half hour debate .
While Labour MPs were whipped to vote in favour , 37 chose to defy the leadership ’ s instructions .
The Labour rebels included frontbenchers Tonia Antoniazzi , Helen Hayes and Florence Eshalomi , who quit their posts to abstain on the controversial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
Welsh MP Antoniazzi was a parliamentary private secretary to the work and pensions and Scottish teams , London MP Hayes was a shadow Cabinet Office minister and Eshalomi – also a London MP – was an opposition whip .
The rebels were from across Labour ’ s factional spectrum , from Starmer supporters Ben Bradshaw , Neil Coyle and Stella Creasy to figures such as Richard Burgon and John McDonnell who are associated with the last leadership .
Around 20 to 25 Labour MPs had been predicted this week to rebel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership have highlighted that an earlier report had warned that “ up to 60 ” MPs could rebel on the key vote .
Nearly all of those opting to go against the Labour whip abstained on the bill rather than opposing it .
The legislation passed at both second and third reading in the Commons with 521 MPs in favour and 73 against each time .
Opening the Brexit debate for Labour in the chamber , Starmer described the decision as a “ simple vote with a simple choice ” – deal or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote in favour to avoid the outcome of no deal .
He criticised the Prime Minister for claiming that there will be no additional trade barriers as a result of the deal .
Starmer said there would be many new checks and “ significant and permanent burdens ” on UK businesses .
The Labour leader was challenged over whether the deal meets the six tests he set out in in 2017 and over Scottish Labour appearing to take a different view on Johnson ’ s deal , to which he replied that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also criticised by Theresa May , who told him : “ He said he wanted a better deal .
He had the opportunity in early 2019 when there was the opportunity of better deal on the table and he voted against it.
” Closing the debate for Labour by video link , Rachel Reeves said : “ The alternative , the chaos of no deal , is not something any responsible government could facilitate – and neither could a responsible government-in-waiting.
” She added : “ It ’ s not about whether you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not about whether you think this deal is good enough .
We know that it isn ’ t .
But voting for this deal now is the only way to avoid no deal.
” Listing the limitations of the deal , Reeves argued that the UK ’ s trade surplus on services has not been protected , the government did not stand up for the cultural industries and customs agents are not in place as promised .
“ We are not this deal ’ s cheerleaders , far from it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour frontbencher concluded : “ It is important that this bill passes today , as limited as it is , because no deal is no solution for our country.
” Read about the contributions to the Brexit debate today in full by catching up on our liveblog .
Jeremy Corbyn and Claudia Webbe , who have the Labour whip suspended , also abstained .

The European Union future relationship bill implementing the trade deal struck by Boris Johnson has won the approval of MPs including Labour – but a significant number of rebels have broken the whip set by Keir Starmer.
The government bill passed the Commons by a majority of 448 votes today following a four-and-a-half hour debate. While Labour MPs were whipped to vote in favour, 37 chose to defy the leadership’s instructions.
The Labour rebels included frontbenchers Tonia Antoniazzi, Helen Hayes and Florence Eshalomi, who quit their posts to abstain on the controversial bill facilitating the implementation of the post-Brexit deal.
Welsh MP Antoniazzi was a parliamentary private secretary to the work and pensions and Scottish teams, London MP Hayes was a shadow Cabinet Office minister and Eshalomi – also a London MP – was an opposition whip.
The rebels were from across Labour’s factional spectrum, from Starmer supporters Ben Bradshaw, Neil Coyle and Stella Creasy to figures such as Richard Burgon and John McDonnell who are associated with the last leadership.
Around 20 to 25 Labour MPs had been predicted this week to rebel, but those close to the Labour leadership have highlighted that an earlier report had warned that “up to 60” MPs could rebel on the key vote.
Nearly all of those opting to go against the Labour whip abstained on the bill rather than opposing it. The legislation passed at both second and third reading in the Commons with 521 MPs in favour and 73 against each time.
Opening the Brexit debate for Labour in the chamber, Starmer described the decision as a “simple vote with a simple choice” – deal or no deal. He said Labour would vote in favour to avoid the outcome of no deal.
He criticised the Prime Minister for claiming that there will be no additional trade barriers as a result of the deal. Starmer said there would be many new checks and “significant and permanent burdens” on UK businesses.
The Labour leader was challenged over whether the deal meets the six tests he set out in in 2017 and over Scottish Labour appearing to take a different view on Johnson’s deal, to which he replied that the Holyrood vote was different.
Starmer was also criticised by Theresa May, who told him: “He said he wanted a better deal. He had the opportunity in early 2019 when there was the opportunity of better deal on the table and he voted against it.”
Closing the debate for Labour by video link, Rachel Reeves said: “The alternative, the chaos of no deal, is not something any responsible government could facilitate – and neither could a responsible government-in-waiting.”
She added: “It’s not about whether you want to Remain or Leave. It’s not about whether you think this deal is good enough. We know that it isn’t. But voting for this deal now is the only way to avoid no deal.”
Listing the limitations of the deal, Reeves argued that the UK’s trade surplus on services has not been protected, the government did not stand up for the cultural industries and customs agents are not in place as promised.
“We are not this deal’s cheerleaders, far from it,” she told MPs. But the Labour frontbencher concluded: “It is important that this bill passes today, as limited as it is, because no deal is no solution for our country.”
Read about the contributions to the Brexit debate today in full by catching up on our liveblog.
Labour rebels:
Voted against – 1
Bell Ribeiro-Addy
No vote recorded – 36
Diane Abbott
Tonia Antoniazzi
Apsana Begum
Olivia Blake
Ben Bradshaw
Kevin Brennan
Richard Burgon
Dawn Butler
Neil Coyle
Stella Creasy
Janet Daby
Geraint Davies
Peter Dowd
Rosie Duffield
Clive Efford
Florence Eshalomi
Mary Kelly Foy
Barry Gardiner
Helen Hayes
Meg Hillier
Dr Rupa Huq
Dame Diana Johnson
Darren Jones
Clive Lewis
Rebecca Long-Bailey
Siobhain McDonagh
John McDonnell
Catherine McKinnell
Ian Mearns
Kate Osamor
Lloyd Russell-Moyle
Andy Slaughter
Zarah Sultana
Nadia Whittome
Beth Winter
Mohammad Yasin
Jeremy Corbyn and Claudia Webbe, who have the Labour whip suspended, also abstained.


labourlist--2020-12-31--Our top news stories of 2020, from Labour’s leadership race to Brexit

2020 is finally coming to an end .
We ’ ve been through a lot this year .
It kicked off with Labour leadership elections when we were trying to recover from a terrible general election defeat .
It is ending with Brexit getting done .
Above all , of course , we will remember being hit by a pandemic leading to many deaths and changes to lives across the world that are still difficult to take in .
It has been a year unlike most others .
To show how it was seen through the eyes of LabourList readers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of the most-read news story of each month in 2020… Our first most-read story of 2020 was out rolling list of parliamentary nominations for Labour leadership candidates in the first stage of the race .
Each one needed 10 % of Labour MP and MEPs – a total of 22 – in order to progress .
This saw Clive Lewis withdraw from the contest , as Rebecca Long-Bailey , Lisa Nandy , Jess Phillips , Keir Starmer and Emily Thornberry all reached the threshold .
Starmer was way out in front with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nandy 31 , Phillips and Thornberry 23 each .
Right , I promise they won ’ t all be like this .
Our second most-read was another rolling list in the Labour leadership election – this time of local party nominations , i.e .
the second stage of the race .
Phillips withdrew , leaving four candidates still in the running .
Long-Bailey , Nandy , Starmer and Thornberry needed to secure either nominations from 5 % of local parties , or they could pass through the affiliate route ( which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rely on local parties ) .
Again , Starmer emerged as the frontrunner with 374 nominations , while Long-Bailey had 163 , Nandy 72 and Thornberry 31 .
Government is pressing ahead with A & E closures despite Covid-19 By quite some way , this short write-up was LabourList ‘ s most-read news story of March , when the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK .
“ The government is continuing with plans to close existing A & E departments and intensive care units in the capital despite the decision to open a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with pressure caused by Covid-19 , ” Elliot reported .
There was no denying the severity of the Covid crisis at this point , but this was also the month that the Labour leadership election concluded .
Perhaps surprisingly , the story with the most hits is not our write-up of the result but this story on Starmer ’ s shadow cabinet appointments a few days later .
I think I remember writing it up very quickly , which obviously makes a difference .
All of the initial appointments are still in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacked in June .
( The next most-read stories were the shadow ministerial appointments and the Labour leaks report . )
This is barely a write-up , without even an author attached to the copy .
To my irritation , it ’ s often those stories you do least for that go big .
( Proving the point further , the next most-read in May was a watch post on Matt Hancock telling Dr Rosena Allin-Khan that she had the wrong “ tone ” . )
But people were interested in the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former leader Jeremy Corbyn , who described the Prime Minister ’ s statement on lifting coronavirus restrictions as a “ thinly veiled declaration of class war ” .
June was a quiet month .
The main story was Long-Bailey ’ s sacking : we wrote that up , along with a quick analysis piece , but the one that got the most hits was about the criticism she received that day before being stood down by Starmer .
“ Rebecca Long-Bailey has been criticised for sharing an interview in which Maxine Peake claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kneeling on people ’ s necks “ from seminars with Israeli secret services ” , ” it started .
As the summer rolled on , the site was still more quiet than usual .
I took a week off .
Then Elliot alone was faced with a big story : the Panorama settlement .
Labour under Starmer ’ s leadership decided to apologise and settle its libel case with former Labour staffers and journalist John Ware .
Corbyn criticised this move , calling it a “ political decision , not a legal one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ware would take legal action against him , and a fund was set up to support Corbyn .
The GoFundMe page has now raised over £360,000 .
55 % of LabourList readers predict a Tory government after the next election “ LabourList readers are gloomy about Labour ’ s chances of winning the next general election , our latest survey has revealed , with a majority believing that a Tory government is the most likely outcome .
Asked about the result expected in 2024 , 55 % of our readers said some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probable , versus 45 % for Labour , when excluding ‘ don ’ t know ’ answers.
” Boris Johnson squirms as Ed Miliband grills him on law-breaking Brexit bill “ Boris Johnson squirmed in his seat on the government frontbench this afternoon as Ed Miliband , standing in for Labour leader Keir Starmer , grilled him on the controversial internal market bill being put to the Commons today.
” The Labour leader was self-isolating , so Miliband stepped up and excoriated the Prime Minister over his law-breaking legislation to great effect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Seven trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party have released a joint statement expressing “ serious concerns ” over the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn and urging the party leadership to “ repair this damage ” , LabourList can exclusively reveal.
” This came after Corbyn was suspended from the party over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report that found Labour responsible for unlawful acts in its poor handling of antisemitism complaints .
Keir Starmer increased the strength of support for his leadership on Labour ’ s core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal election results giving rise to a new national executive committee in November .
“ The UK Labour leader now has a more solid majority on the NEC , ” I wrote .
Indeed , these results were followed by other widely-read news stories on Margaret Beckett becoming NEC chair instead of the FBU ’ s Ian Murray .
This results write-up was accompanied by a live analysis event in which four of us discussed the details and potential consequences .
Keir Starmer : Labour has six tests for Brexit – if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t back the final deal in parliament All my work this month has been for nothing !
Our most popular news story of the month was not published in December , nor even this year .
It is the list of six tests for any Brexit deal put forward by Starmer back in March 2017 .
“ Failure to meet the tests I have set out today will of course affect how Labour votes in the House of Commons .
The Prime Minister should be under no illusion that Labour will not support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British values and the six tests I have set out today , ” he said at the time .
This has been shared and read this week as Labour MPs were whipped by Starmer , now leader , to back Boris Johnson ’ s deal .

2020 is finally coming to an end. We’ve been through a lot this year. It kicked off with Labour leadership elections when we were trying to recover from a terrible general election defeat. It is ending with Brexit ‘getting done’. Above all, of course, we will remember being hit by a pandemic leading to many deaths and changes to lives across the world that are still difficult to take in.
It has been a year unlike most others. To show how it was seen through the eyes of LabourList readers, we’ve put together a list of the most-read news story of each month in 2020…
January
Rolling list: MP/MEP nominations for Labour leadership candidates
Our first most-read story of 2020 was our rolling list of parliamentary nominations for Labour leadership candidates in the first stage of the race. Each one needed 10% of Labour MP and MEPs – a total of 22 – in order to progress. This saw Clive Lewis withdraw from the contest, while Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips, Keir Starmer and Emily Thornberry all reached the threshold. Starmer was way out in front with 88 nominations. RLB had 33, Nandy 31, Phillips and Thornberry 23 each.
February
Rolling list: CLP nominations in Labour’s 2020 leadership race
Right, I promise they won’t all be like this. Our second most-read was another rolling list in the Labour leadership election – this time of local party nominations, i.e. the second stage of the race. Phillips withdrew, leaving four candidates still in the running. Long-Bailey, Nandy, Starmer and Thornberry needed to secure either nominations from 5% of local parties, or they could pass through the affiliate route (which the final three did, but Thornberry had to rely on local parties). Again, Starmer emerged as the frontrunner with 374 nominations, while Long-Bailey had 163, Nandy 72 and Thornberry 31.
March
Government is pressing ahead with A&E closures despite Covid-19
By quite some way, this short write-up was LabourList‘s most-read news story of March, when the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK. “The government is continuing with plans to close existing A&E departments and intensive care units in the capital despite the decision to open a new field hospital in east London to deal with pressure caused by Covid-19,” Elliot reported.
April
Keir Starmer finalises shadow cabinet appointments
There was no denying the severity of the Covid crisis at this point, but this was also the month that the Labour leadership election concluded. Perhaps surprisingly, the story with the most hits is not our write-up of the result but this story on Starmer’s shadow cabinet appointments a few days later. I think I remember writing it up very quickly, which obviously makes a difference. All of the initial appointments are still in place apart from Long-Bailey, who was sacked in June. (The next most-read stories were the shadow ministerial appointments and the Labour leaks report.)
May
17 Labour MPs including Corbyn slam PM’s “declaration of class war”
This is barely a write-up, without even an author attached to the copy. To my irritation, it’s often those stories you do least for that go big. (Proving the point further, the next most-read in May was a watch post on Matt Hancock telling Dr Rosena Allin-Khan that she had the wrong “tone”.) But people were interested in the statement released by 17 Labour MPs, including former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who described the Prime Minister’s statement on lifting coronavirus restrictions as a “thinly veiled declaration of class war”.
June
Rebecca Long-Bailey criticised for sharing Maxine Peake interview
June was a quiet month. The main story was Long-Bailey’s sacking: we wrote that up, along with a quick analysis piece, but the one that got the most hits was about the criticism she received that day before being stood down by Starmer. “Rebecca Long-Bailey has been criticised for sharing an interview in which Maxine Peake claims that US police learnt the practice of kneeling on people’s necks “from seminars with Israeli secret services”,” it started.
July
Legal fund for Corbyn reaches £160,000 after Labour’s Panorama settlement
As the summer rolled on, the site was still more quiet than usual. I took a week off. Then Elliot alone was faced with a big story: the Panorama settlement. Labour under Starmer’s leadership decided to apologise and settle its libel case with former Labour staffers and journalist John Ware. Corbyn criticised this move, calling it a “political decision, not a legal one”. It was then reported that Ware would take legal action against him, and a fund was set up to support Corbyn. The GoFundMe page has now raised over £360,000.
August
55% of LabourList readers predict a Tory government after the next election
“LabourList readers are gloomy about Labour’s chances of winning the next general election, our latest survey has revealed, with a majority believing that a Tory government is the most likely outcome. Asked about the result expected in 2024, 55% of our readers said some kind of Conservative or Conservative-led administration was most probable, versus 45% for Labour, when excluding ‘don’t know’ answers.”
September
Boris Johnson squirms as Ed Miliband grills him on law-breaking Brexit bill
“Boris Johnson squirmed in his seat on the government frontbench this afternoon as Ed Miliband, standing in for Labour leader Keir Starmer, grilled him on the controversial internal market bill being put to the Commons today.” The Labour leader was self-isolating, so Miliband stepped up and excoriated the Prime Minister over his law-breaking legislation to great effect. It’s worth another watch now.
October
Exclusive: Unions release joint statement on Labour suspension of Corbyn
“Seven trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party have released a joint statement expressing “serious concerns” over the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn and urging the party leadership to “repair this damage”, LabourList can exclusively reveal.” This came after Corbyn was suspended from the party over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report that found Labour responsible for unlawful acts in its poor handling of antisemitism complaints.
November
Labour NEC election results boost support for Starmer on ruling body
Keir Starmer increased the strength of support for his leadership on Labour’s core ruling body following the release of fresh internal election results giving rise to a new national executive committee in November. “The UK Labour leader now has a more solid majority on the NEC,” I wrote. Indeed, these results were followed by other widely-read news stories on Margaret Beckett becoming NEC chair instead of the FBU’s Ian Murray. This results write-up was accompanied by a live analysis event in which four of us discussed the details and potential consequences.
December
Keir Starmer: Labour has six tests for Brexit – if they’re not met we won’t back the final deal in parliament
All my work this month has been for nothing! Our most popular news story of the month was not published in December, nor even this year. It is the list of six tests for any Brexit deal put forward by Starmer back in March 2017. “Failure to meet the tests I have set out today will of course affect how Labour votes in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister should be under no illusion that Labour will not support a deal that fails to reflect core British values and the six tests I have set out today,” he said at the time. This has been shared and read this week as Labour MPs were whipped by Starmer, now leader, to back Boris Johnson’s deal.


labourlist--2020-12-31--Our top 10 most-read comment pieces of 2020

Between the Labour leadership election , coronavirus and Brexit , 2020 has been eventful to say the least .
And along the way , LabourList has offered many , many contributions from across the breadth of the labour movement .
Below is our list of the ten most-read comment pieces from the past 12 months .
“ With a drive to unify our party around a radical programme , the experience to oversee the rebuilding and management of our complex party machine and the skills and determination to take on the Tories , Keir Starmer can become a great party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a million members – accept and rise to the challenge of supporting him in this endeavour , then we will become more than the sum of our individual parts and also a great party.
” “ There ’ s been a lot of talk about ‘ Section 44 ’ since Boris Johnson announced plans to ease coronavirus lockdown measures at the weekend and advised some people to return to work .
But what does Section 44 actually do , and what does it mean for you if you ’ re returning to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s time for a new generation .
Why I ’ m not standing in Momentum ’ s elections , Jon Lansman – May 16th .
“ After working seven days a week for the better part of five years , I will be spending more time with my family , who have also suffered from my role .
The struggle for an equal , environmentally sustainable world continues .
By keeping up the momentum , building on the great strides made in the last five years , I have every faith that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet done so.
” 4 .
Why have the self-employed been hung out to dry by the Chancellor ?
Olga Fitzroy – March 21st .
“ In this time of national crisis , I had hoped the entire trade union movement would stand with all workers , regardless of how they filed their tax return , and I ’ m deeply disappointed that our voices were apparently not heard – or were deemed expendable – in the negotiations between the TUC and the government.
” 5 .
What the latest CLP nominations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections , James McAsh – February 13th .
“ They have hoovered up support from both previous Corbyn supporters and his critics .
Is this a new era of unity ?
A happy compromise between those who want the Corbyn project to enter a new stage , and those who want it to end ?
Or rather , will the expectations for the new leadership be ultimately irreconcilable ?
Only time will tell.
” 6 .
Voting down the CHIS bill would weaken national security and human rights , Conor McGinn MP – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the legislation this government brings forward , and do so in a way that shows we are a responsible government-in-waiting .
The covert human intelligence sources ( criminal conduct ) bill is imperfect , but voting it down would weaken national security and lead to weaker legal safeguards .
That ’ s not a choice we will make.
” 7 .
Civil servants are key workers too , and the government must protect them , Rachel Hopkins MP – May 4th .
“ It is important that we do not return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key workers were taken for granted .
One thing is for certain : the selfless work of those who believe in a decent society , and who have prioritised the safety of the collective , must be recognised .
It is these workers who will be fundamental in rebuilding our economy after the Covid-19 crisis.
” 8 .
Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire review – inside story of Labour under Corbyn , Sienna Rodgers – September 4th .
“ Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire benefited from there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and downright shitty behaviour from Labour officials and elected representatives over the last few years .
Covering such a leak-prone period of the party could have been a challenging endeavour , and you might think there can ’ t possibly be more to reveal .
But the time between Labour ’ s 2017 better-than-expected general election performance and Keir Starmer taking the helm provides plenty of material.
” 9 .
How Labour ’ s approach to opposition has shifted under Keir Starmer , Sabrina Huck – May 12th .
“ A Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integral part of the system poses a huge challenge to those who still hope that a Labour government is the first step to transforming the state and society .
The question is whether there will be scope to at least influence Team Starmer on policy , if not on strategy.
” 10 .
Where the Socialist Campaign Group should go next for a unified left , Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP – May 4th .
“ Jeremy is no longer leader and being a member of the Socialist Campaign Group doesn ’ t confer career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , that membership should be for everyone .
I don ’ t support inviting soft left , Open Labour MPs into the Campaign Group .
I do , however , think it ’ s vital that we work with them inside and outside of parliament to achieve our shared aims .
”

Between the Labour leadership election, coronavirus and Brexit, 2020 has been eventful to say the least. And along the way, LabourList has offered many, many contributions from across the breadth of the labour movement. Below is our list of the ten most-read comment pieces from the past 12 months.
1. Why I’m backing Keir Starmer for Labour leader, Laura Parker – February 19th.
“With a drive to unify our party around a radical programme, the experience to oversee the rebuilding and management of our complex party machine and the skills and determination to take on the Tories, Keir Starmer can become a great party leader. If we – over half a million members – accept and rise to the challenge of supporting him in this endeavour, then we will become more than the sum of our individual parts and also a great party.”
2. Returning to work? Section 44 explained, Shelly Asquith – May 12th.
“There’s been a lot of talk about ‘Section 44’ since Boris Johnson announced plans to ease coronavirus lockdown measures at the weekend and advised some people to return to work. But what does Section 44 actually do, and what does it mean for you if you’re returning to work tomorrow?”
3. It’s time for a new generation. Why I’m not standing in Momentum’s elections, Jon Lansman – May 16th.
“After working seven days a week for the better part of five years, I will be spending more time with my family, who have also suffered from my role. The struggle for an equal, environmentally sustainable world continues. By keeping up the momentum, building on the great strides made in the last five years, I have every faith that the next generation will succeed where we have not yet done so.”
4. Why have the self-employed been hung out to dry by the Chancellor? Olga Fitzroy – March 21st.
“A slight tweak to Universal Credit meant that after weeks of coronavirus-related cancellations, thousands of my colleagues in all parts of the music industry and beyond will get to apply for a measly £400 a month at best and wait five weeks for it to land in their account. I guess that is one way of stopping people from hoarding – just don’t give them any money!”
5. What the latest CLP nominations tell us about Labour’s leadership elections, James McAsh – February 13th.
“It is all but impossible that Starmer and Rayner will lose. Moreover, their staggering leads make it clear that they have hoovered up support from both previous Corbyn supporters and his critics. Is this a new era of unity? A happy compromise between those who want the Corbyn project to enter a new stage, and those who want it to end? Or rather, will the expectations for the new leadership be ultimately irreconcilable? Only time will tell.”
6. Voting down the CHIS bill would weaken national security and human rights, Conor McGinn MP – October 14th.
“We have to deal with the legislation this government brings forward, and do so in a way that shows we are a responsible government-in-waiting. The covert human intelligence sources (criminal conduct) bill is imperfect, but voting it down would weaken national security and lead to weaker legal safeguards. That’s not a choice we will make.”
7. Civil servants are key workers too, and the government must protect them, Rachel Hopkins MP – May 4th.
“It is important that we do not return to the previous business as usual where key workers were taken for granted. One thing is for certain: the selfless work of those who believe in a decent society, and who have prioritised the safety of the collective, must be recognised. It is these workers who will be fundamental in rebuilding our economy after the Covid-19 crisis.”
8. Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire review – inside story of Labour under Corbyn, Sienna Rodgers – September 4th.
“Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire benefited from there being no shortage of odd, dull-witted and downright shitty behaviour from Labour officials and elected representatives over the last few years. Covering such a leak-prone period of the party could have been a challenging endeavour, and you might think there can’t possibly be more to reveal. But the time between Labour’s 2017 better-than-expected general election performance and Keir Starmer taking the helm provides plenty of material.”
9. How Labour’s approach to opposition has shifted under Keir Starmer, Sabrina Huck – May 12th.
“A Labour Party that once again sees itself as an integral part of the system poses a huge challenge to those who still hope that a Labour government is the first step to transforming the state and society. The question is whether there will be scope to at least influence Team Starmer on policy, if not on strategy.”
10. Where the Socialist Campaign Group should go next for a unified left, Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP – May 4th.
“Jeremy is no longer leader and being a member of the Socialist Campaign Group doesn’t confer career advantage. That doesn’t mean, however, that membership should be for everyone. I don’t support inviting soft left, Open Labour MPs into the Campaign Group. I do, however, think it’s vital that we work with them inside and outside of parliament to achieve our shared aims.”


labourlist--2020-12-31--“There are reasons to be optimistic” – Keir Starmer’s New Year message

Keir Starmer has declared in his New Year message released today that “ our best years are still to come ” and “ there are reasons to be optimistic ” as vaccines are distributed to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Optimistic at the distribution of the vaccine .
Optimistic that we will once again hold loved ones and have our freedom .
That our economy can start growing .
Businesses can start trading , ” the Labour leader said .
“ I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hope and that vision , I believe that our best years are still to come.
” Below is the full text of Keir Starmer ’ s New Year message .
I want to wish everyone across the United Kingdom a very happy new year .
Usually , of course , people across the country would be gathering with their friends , their families and their loved ones .
Reflecting on what ’ s gone on and looking forward to everything that is to come .
But 2020 has reminded us just how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has changed all of our lives .
Britain ’ s suffered more than almost any other major economy .
Too many of our loved ones have lost their lives .
Too many good businesses have struggled .
Too many people have lost their jobs .
And restrictions , no matter how necessary , have been difficult for all of us .
The hidden costs of this pandemic have sometimes felt overwhelming .
People ’ s mental health has suffered , we ’ ve missed each other and some days it feels like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the new year , there are reasons to be optimistic .
Optimistic at the distribution of the vaccine .
Optimistic that we will once again hold loved ones and have our freedom .
That our economy can start growing .
Businesses can start trading .
And we can focus on the task at hand of rebuilding our country .
But until then , it is all of our duty to stay safe , to look after neighbours , keep up the national effort that has got us this far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it will end , we will rebuild our country , together .
This should be inspired by the bravery and heroism of those who have been on the frontline since the start of the pandemic .
Our key workers , our carers , NHS workers , police officers , those who kept streets safe and our supermarkets stocked at the peak of the crisis .
The United Kingdom is forging a new path in the world .
And the Labour Party that I lead will focus on ensuring that path leads to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every nation and region , every village , every town and city that makes up our great United Kingdom .
I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in .
And with that hope and that vision , I believe that our best years are still to come .
So , wherever you are , however you are spending this season , on behalf of the Labour Party , I wish you a happy new year .

Keir Starmer has declared in his New Year message released today that “our best years are still to come” and “there are reasons to be optimistic” as vaccines are distributed to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
“Optimistic at the distribution of the vaccine. Optimistic that we will once again hold loved ones and have our freedom. That our economy can start growing. Businesses can start trading,” the Labour leader said.
“I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in. And with that hope and that vision, I believe that our best years are still to come.”
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer’s New Year message.
I want to wish everyone across the United Kingdom a very happy new year. Usually, of course, people across the country would be gathering with their friends, their families and their loved ones. Reflecting on what’s gone on and looking forward to everything that is to come. But 2020 has reminded us just how uncertain life can be.
The coronavirus has changed all of our lives. Britain’s suffered more than almost any other major economy. Too many of our loved ones have lost their lives. Too many good businesses have struggled. Too many people have lost their jobs. And restrictions, no matter how necessary, have been difficult for all of us.
The hidden costs of this pandemic have sometimes felt overwhelming. People’s mental health has suffered, we’ve missed each other and some days it feels like the pandemic will never end.
But, at the start of the new year, there are reasons to be optimistic. Optimistic at the distribution of the vaccine. Optimistic that we will once again hold loved ones and have our freedom. That our economy can start growing. Businesses can start trading. And we can focus on the task at hand of rebuilding our country.
But until then, it is all of our duty to stay safe, to look after neighbours, keep up the national effort that has got us this far. Because when this crisis ends, and it will end, we will rebuild our country, together.
This should be inspired by the bravery and heroism of those who have been on the frontline since the start of the pandemic. Our key workers, our carers, NHS workers, police officers, those who kept streets safe and our supermarkets stocked at the peak of the crisis.
The United Kingdom is forging a new path in the world. And the Labour Party that I lead will focus on ensuring that path leads to greater prosperity, fairness and opportunity for every nation and region, every village, every town and city that makes up our great United Kingdom.
I believe this can once again be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in. And with that hope and that vision, I believe that our best years are still to come.
So, wherever you are, however you are spending this season, on behalf of the Labour Party, I wish you a happy new year.


labourlist--2020-01-31--Starmer vows to “bring back” EU free movement after Brexit

Labour leadership candidate Keir Starmer has said that he would “ bring back ” freedom of movement after the UK leaves the European Union .
Addressing a crowd at Westminster Cathedral on Brexit day , the Shadow Brexit Secretary spoke about the future of the country post-Brexit .
Asked by The Mirror ’ s Dan Bloom whether he would bring back freedom of movement after the country exits the European bloc , he replied : “ Yes of course – bring back , argue for , challenge.
” Starmer kicked off the event by saying : “ We do leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes with it… And that includes for the Labour Party.
” During the speech , he stated : “ Let ’ s think about those EU citizens .
This government has treated them like we tolerate them .
‘ Tolerate ’ them… We need to give our EU citizens rights not tolerance .
And that starts with the right to vote.
” The Holborn and St Pancras MP added : “ We have to make the case for freedom of movement.
” He also said that the Labour Party had to face some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We haven ’ t even begun to address why some people voted Leave.
” However , in a move less likely to attract support from pro-EU Labour members , Starmer also appeared to row back on the offer of full voting rights to all UK residents .
Asked whether the right to vote for EU nationals would be extended to people from other countries also living in the UK , Starmer said : “ People from other countries already have votes in certain circumstances.
” The Labour leadership candidate cited the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote in general elections , and added : “ We have to look at this in the round.
” In the UK , full voting rights are currently limited to citizens of the UK , Ireland and Commonwealth countries .
EU citizens living in the UK can vote in local and European elections , but not general elections .
Nondiscriminatory national voting rights are rare , with New Zealand being a notable exception .
After Brexit , it will be a matter of national jurisdiction and subject to bilateral agreements with individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that EU nationals in the UK will be able to vote in the 2020 local elections as they will not be removed from the register before May .

Labour leadership candidate Keir Starmer has said that he would “bring back” freedom of movement after the UK leaves the European Union.
Addressing a crowd at Westminster Cathedral on Brexit Day, which will see the UK leave the EU at 11pm, the Shadow Brexit Secretary talked about the future of the country post-Brexit.
Asked by The Mirror’s Dan Bloom whether he would bring back freedom of movement after the country exits the European bloc, the leadership hopeful replied: “Yes of course – bring back, argue for, challenge.”
Starmer kicked off the event by saying: “We do leave the EU tonight, and the Leave-Remain divide goes with it… And that includes for the Labour Party.”
The Holborn and St Pancras MP added: “We have to make the case for freedom of movement.”
He also said that the Labour Party had to face some “home truths”, explaining: “We haven’t even begun to address why some people voted Leave.”
However, in a move less likely to attract support from pro-EU Labour members, Starmer also appeared to row back on Labour’s 2019 manifesto offer of full voting rights to all UK residents.
During his speech, he said: “Let’s think about those EU citizens. This government has treated them like we tolerate them. ‘Tolerate’ them… We need to give our EU citizens rights not tolerance. And that starts with the right to vote.”
But asked whether the right to vote for EU nationals would be extended to people from other countries also living in the UK, Starmer said: “People from other countries already have votes in certain circumstances.”
The Labour leadership candidate cited the case of Commonwealth citizens, who are able to vote in UK general elections, and added: “We have to look at this in the round.”
In the UK, full voting rights are currently limited to citizens of the UK, Ireland and Commonwealth countries. EU citizens living in the UK can vote in local and European elections, but not general elections.
Nondiscriminatory national voting rights are rare, with New Zealand being a notable exception. After Brexit, it will be a matter of national jurisdiction and subject to bilateral agreements with individual countries.
The UK government has confirmed that EU nationals in the UK will be able to vote in the 2020 local elections as they will not be removed from the register before May.


labourlist--2020-01-31--Open Labour set to back Nandy for leader based on member ballot

Soft left group Open Labour is set to endorse Lisa Nandy for Labour leader and Angela Rayner for deputy leader based on the results of a member ballot , LabourList can reveal .
Although the organisation has no official nomination powers because it is not affiliated to the Labour Party , it held a vote of its members that produced a high turnout of 80 % .
The result of the ballot aligns with the positioning of the group , which is considered to be on the ‘ soft left ’ of the party , in that both Nandy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the same tradition .
Open Labour member preferences were first Lisa Nandy , then Keir Starmer , Rebecca Long-Bailey and Emily Thornberry .
For deputy candidates , Rosena Allin-Khan came second , followed by Dawn Butler , Ian Murray and Richard Burgon .
Before the contests started , Open Labour set out ten pledges that it urged candidates to sign up to – including a commitment to “ encourage all socialist societies , affiliates and Labour member-based organisations to ballot their members before endorsement of candidates ” .
Momentum balloted its members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice to pick any candidate , instead asking ‘ yes/no ’ questions on recommendations put forward by the national coordinating group .
The CWU , a large affiliated trade union associated with the Labour left , held a special conference in Bristol that saw its nomination powers awarded to 500 delegates .
The majority of affiliated socialist societies and unions – including Unite , UNISON , Usdaw and FBU – are having their executive councils directly decide which candidates to back in Labour ’ s leadership elections .
During its member vote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hustings that took place in Nottingham and were attended by around 350 people .
Starmer could not make it to the event as a family member was critically ill at the time , which meant he sent a video that was played and a written statement to be read out instead .
Nandy impressed on issues such as immigration , which saw her reiterate clear support for continued freedom of movement , and was thought to have spoken well about the effect of cuts on disabled people .

Soft left group Open Labour is set to endorse Lisa Nandy for Labour leader and Angela Rayner for deputy leader based on the results of a member ballot, LabourList can reveal.
Although the organisation has no official nomination powers because it is not affiliated to the Labour Party, it held a vote of its members that produced a high turnout of 80%.
The result of the ballot aligns with the positioning of the group, which is considered to be on the ‘soft left’ of the party, in that both Nandy and Rayner have long been seen as belonging to the same tradition.
Open Labour member preferences were first Lisa Nandy, then Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Emily Thornberry. For deputy candidates, Rosena Allin-Khan came second, followed by Dawn Butler, Ian Murray and Richard Burgon.
Before the contests started, Open Labour set out ten pledges that it urged candidates to sign up to – including a commitment to “encourage all socialist societies, affiliates and Labour member-based organisations to ballot their members before endorsement of candidates”.
Momentum balloted its members but did not give them a free choice to pick any candidate, instead asking ‘yes/no’ questions on recommendations put forward by the national coordinating group.
The CWU, a large affiliated trade union associated with the Labour left, held a special conference in Bristol that saw its nomination powers awarded to 500 delegates.
The majority of affiliated socialist societies and unions – including Unite, UNISON, Usdaw and FBU – are having their executive councils directly decide which candidates to back in Labour’s leadership elections.
During its member vote, Open Labour organised leadership and deputy leadership hustings that took place in Nottingham and were attended by around 350 people.
Starmer could not make it to the event as a family member was critically ill at the time, which meant he sent a video that was played and a written statement to be read out instead.
Nandy impressed on issues such as immigration, which saw her reiterate clear support for continued freedom of movement, and was thought to have spoken well about the effect of cuts on disabled people.