labourlist--2020-11-14--“Your fight is our fight” – Angela Rayner’s speech to LGBT+ Labour

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by Angela Rayner to LGBT+ Labour ’ s annual general meeting today .
Thank you for inviting me to speak at your AGM .
I ’ m really honoured to have been invited because ever since I was a teenager I ’ ve been welcomed by the LGBT+ community .
I want to thank LGBT+ Labour for all the work that you do , especially this year , which has been a tough year for all of us , but especially those who already feel isolated or alone .
LGBT+ Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we have today and fighting for justice and a better future for all .
Hate crimes are on the rise , and the LGBTQ+ community is facing increased homophobia , transphobia and discrimination .
I want you to know that I am your ally , and I am proud to stand with you .
Your fight is my fight too .
And on behalf of the entire Labour Party and the labour movement , your fight is our fight .
Being an ally gets to the heart of what it means to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oppressed , fighting the prejudices that exist in our society and having each other ’ s back .
I am proud of our party ’ s record fighting for and advancing LGBTQ+ rights , from abolishing Section 28 to winning marriage equality .
And I am proud that I stood with you to make sure that we passed compulsory sex and relationship education for schools so that we can overcome prejudice and make sure that all our young people can be proud of who they are .
But we know that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Labour ’ s support for reforming the Gender Recognition Act is clear .
We need to see self-declaration for transgender people , and we need the full roll-out of LGBTQ+ inclusive education for all in our schools .
As I said during Pride month , everyone should be able to love who they want to love and everyone should be able to love themselves for who they are , and celebrate who they are .
That ’ s why I ’ m so proud to be your ally , and I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all at Pride next year .

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by Angela Rayner to LGBT+ Labour’s annual general meeting today.
Thank you for inviting me to speak at your AGM. I’m really honoured to have been invited because ever since I was a teenager I’ve been welcomed by the LGBT+ community.
I want to thank LGBT+ Labour for all the work that you do, especially this year, which has been a tough year for all of us, but especially those who already feel isolated or alone.
LGBT+ Labour do amazing work protecting the hard-won rights that we have today and fighting for justice and a better future for all.
Hate crimes are on the rise, and the LGBTQ+ community is facing increased homophobia, transphobia and discrimination.
I want you to know that I am your ally, and I am proud to stand with you. Your fight is my fight too. And on behalf of the entire Labour Party and the labour movement, your fight is our fight.
Being an ally gets to the heart of what it means to be a socialist. Standing up for the oppressed, fighting the prejudices that exist in our society and having each other’s back.
I am proud of our party’s record fighting for and advancing LGBTQ+ rights, from abolishing Section 28 to winning marriage equality.
And I am proud that I stood with you to make sure that we passed compulsory sex and relationship education for schools so that we can overcome prejudice and make sure that all our young people can be proud of who they are.
But we know that there is so much more work to do. Labour’s support for reforming the Gender Recognition Act is clear. We need to see self-declaration for transgender people, and we need the full roll-out of LGBTQ+ inclusive education for all in our schools.
As I said during Pride month, everyone should be able to love who they want to love and everyone should be able to love themselves for who they are, and celebrate who they are.
That’s why I’m so proud to be your ally, and I can’t wait to hopefully see you all at Pride next year.


labourlist--2020-11-15--Sunday shows: Labour calls for censorship laws to fight anti-vax content

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth battled the wind and rain to appear on the show this morning .
He discussed Labour ’ s call for the government to introduce penalties to prevent the spread of anti-vax conspiracy theories .
• On a vaccine : “ A vaccine is a great hope for the coming months but we know the World Health Organisation has warned of vaccine hesitancy so I think the government needs to do three things.
” • On public health messaging : “ Have strong public health messaging .
People will have legitimate questions about the health vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those fears.
” • He added : “ Secondly , mobilise our NHS and our public health infrastructure and resource them properly to get the vaccine out quickly , but thirdly deal with some of the dangerous , nonsensical anti-vax stuff.
” • On anti-vax disinformation : “ We ’ re calling on the government , we ’ re asking the government that we will work with you on a cross-party basis to put in place measures to deal with that anti-vax nonsense.
” • On his message to government : “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , you ’ ve talked about holding social media platforms responsible – we will work with you on a cross-party basis to get that legislation on the statute book.
” • On who would be fined : “ It would be the platforms because their business models are based on the sharing of incendiary comments so they will have mechanisms to deal with this – and they have begun to deal with it.
” • Asked whether use of a coronavirus vaccine should be made compulsory in the UK : “ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • On prioritising distribution : “ The committee of clinicians who make these decisions have suggested that we vaccinate the elderly and the vulnerable in care homes and health care workers – I think that ’ s the right priority.
” • He added : “ I would hope that committee also looks at the impact on those from ethnic minority communities because we know that this virus has had a disproportionate impact on those from ethnic minority communities.
” Politician vs weather : `` This is going to be one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt '' It 's a wet and windy weekend for many – but even more for Labour 's @ JonAshworth as he battles inside out umbrellas and catches lights.
# Ridge pic.twitter.com/jCuCxx2Jst Minister George Eustice told viewers this morning that the government would be seeking to reintroduce measures in the internal market bill , removed by House of Lords amendments , that break international law .
On Brexit and the need to secure a deal with the EU , the Environment Secretary said that “ you can always squeeze out extra time ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a week when things move , when we breakthrough some of these difficult issues.
” Asked whether the UK is going to blow up the possibility of a Brexit deal over fishing , he said : “ There ’ s an important principle here as well , which is the right and the ability to manage and control access to your exclusive economic zone.
” Shadow Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Secretary Jo Stevens discussed her party ’ s proposals for legislation to “ combat the tsunami of anti-vax disinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media companies .
• On the plan : “ We are calling on the government to this morning to introduce urgent legislation to combat the tsunami of anti-vax disinformation that is online and is harmful.
” • On the legislation : “ What we want the government to do , is bring forward legislation that will put an onus on social media companies to be able to identify dangerous anti-vax content , to stop it going onto their platforms.
” • She added : “ If they don ’ t stop it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems in place to remove it once it ’ s on there as quickly as possible.
” • On what happens with noncompliance : “ Proper sanctions that are financial penalties that are meaningful in terms of the size of these huge global companies but also criminal penalties if there are aggravated and persistent breaches.
” • On talks the government has had with social media companies on self-regulation : “ We know , and the social media companies themselves have admitted , that self-regulation doesn ’ t work.
” • On online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 18 months ago to bring forward legislation on online harms , which they failed to do so .
And the latest indication that we have is that the legislation may not be in place until 2024.
” • On whether Labour is proposing criminalising people with doubts about the vaccine : “ The criminalising aspect is simply about aggravated failure to abide by legislation once introduced on senior executives of social media companies .
• She added : “ This is not about criminalising individual members of the public.
” • On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re calling for legislation to put the onus on social media companies .
We know already that they can remove content – they do it already in terms of illegal content.
” Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown made the case for a constitutional review in response to both Downing Street infighting and the question of independence in Scotland .
• On Tory infighting and recent controversy surrounding Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain : “ I see no end to this factional fighting.
” • He added : “ You ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a libertarian faction in relation to health restrictions , a communitarian faction , a northern faction wanting spending rises , a southern faction wanting spending cuts , you ’ ve got a devolution and centralisation faction.
” • On Downing Street : “ This is not simply a problem of a dysfunctional Downing Street – this is a dysfunctional UK .
It really will need a wholesale root and branch constitutional review.
” • On a Brexit deal and the US election : “ The arrival of Joe Biden has made all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal coming pretty soon .
The government can ’ t afford to be at war with America on the one hand and Europe at the other.
” • On Scottish independence : “ There ’ s got to be a time to heal before you go into any divisive , conflicting referendum that really will cause consternation in Scotland for months to come… I don ’ t think this is the right time at all.
” • On the constitutional debate : “ It ’ s between independence , one form of change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the change that has really got to take place in the UK to bring us up to date.
” • On the relationship between Whitehall and the devolved nations : “ You can not continue with the centralist , unitary , man-in-Whitehall-knows-best formulas that we ’ ve used too often in the past.
” • On a Covid recovery : “ The only way forward is getting back to growth… Of course it ’ s a lot cheaper , because interest rates are virtually nil , to pay off your deficit and debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rise on the altar of a new policy of austerity .
”

Ridge on Sunday
Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth battled the wind and rain to appear on the show this morning. He discussed Labour’s call for the government to introduce penalties to prevent the spread of anti-vax conspiracy theories.
On a vaccine: “A vaccine is a great hope for the coming months but we know the World Health Organisation has warned of vaccine hesitancy so I think the government needs to do three things.”
On public health messaging: “Have strong public health messaging. People will have legitimate questions about the health vaccine – strong public health messaging should allay those fears.”
He added: “Secondly, mobilise our NHS and our public health infrastructure and resource them properly to get the vaccine out quickly, but thirdly deal with some of the dangerous, nonsensical anti-vax stuff.”
On anti-vax disinformation: “We’re calling on the government, we’re asking the government that we will work with you on a cross-party basis to put in place measures to deal with that anti-vax nonsense.”
On his message to government: “You’ve talked about an online harms bill, you’ve talked about holding social media platforms responsible – we will work with you on a cross-party basis to get that legislation on the statute book.”
On who would be fined: “It would be the platforms because their business models are based on the sharing of incendiary comments so they will have mechanisms to deal with this – and they have begun to deal with it.”
Asked whether use of a coronavirus vaccine should be made compulsory in the UK: “No, I don’t think so.”
On prioritising distribution: “The committee of clinicians who make these decisions have suggested that we vaccinate the elderly and the vulnerable in care homes and health care workers – I think that’s the right priority.”
He added: “I would hope that committee also looks at the impact on those from ethnic minority communities because we know that this virus has had a disproportionate impact on those from ethnic minority communities.”
Politician vs weather: "This is going to be one of those clips that will go viral no doubt" It's a wet and windy weekend for many – but even more for Labour's @JonAshworth as he battles inside out umbrellas and catches lights.#Ridge pic.twitter.com/jCuCxx2Jst — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) November 15, 2020
Minister George Eustice told viewers this morning that the government would be seeking to reintroduce measures in the internal market bill, removed by House of Lords amendments, that break international law.
On Brexit and the need to secure a deal with the EU, the Environment Secretary said that “you can always squeeze out extra time” but added: “This needs to be a week when things move, when we breakthrough some of these difficult issues.”
Asked whether the UK is going to blow up the possibility of a Brexit deal over fishing, he said: “There’s an important principle here as well, which is the right and the ability to manage and control access to your exclusive economic zone.”
The Andrew Marr Show
Shadow Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Jo Stevens discussed her party’s proposals for legislation to “combat the tsunami of anti-vax disinformation” with criminal and financial penalties for social media companies.
On the plan: “We are calling on the government to this morning to introduce urgent legislation to combat the tsunami of anti-vax disinformation that is online and is harmful.”
On the legislation: “What we want the government to do, is bring forward legislation that will put an onus on social media companies to be able to identify dangerous anti-vax content, to stop it going onto their platforms.”
She added: “If they don’t stop it going onto their platforms, to have systems in place to remove it once it’s on there as quickly as possible.”
On what happens with noncompliance: “Proper sanctions that are financial penalties that are meaningful in terms of the size of these huge global companies but also criminal penalties if there are aggravated and persistent breaches.”
On talks the government has had with social media companies on self-regulation: “We know, and the social media companies themselves have admitted, that self-regulation doesn’t work.”
On online harms laws: “The government promised over 18 months ago to bring forward legislation on online harms, which they failed to do so. And the latest indication that we have is that the legislation may not be in place until 2024.”
On whether Labour is proposing criminalising people with doubts about the vaccine: “The criminalising aspect is simply about aggravated failure to abide by legislation once introduced on senior executives of social media companies.
She added: “This is not about criminalising individual members of the public.”
On social media companies: “We’re calling for legislation to put the onus on social media companies. We know already that they can remove content – they do it already in terms of illegal content.”
Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown made the case for a constitutional review in response to both Downing Street infighting and the question of independence in Scotland.
On Tory infighting and recent controversy surrounding Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain: “I see no end to this factional fighting.”
He added: “You’ve got a soft-Brexit faction, a hard-Brexit faction, a libertarian faction in relation to health restrictions, a communitarian faction, a northern faction wanting spending rises, a southern faction wanting spending cuts, you’ve got a devolution and centralisation faction.”
On Downing Street: “This is not simply a problem of a dysfunctional Downing Street – this is a dysfunctional UK. It really will need a wholesale root and branch constitutional review.”
On a Brexit deal and the US election: “The arrival of Joe Biden has made all the difference. I see a tree deal coming pretty soon. The government can’t afford to be at war with America on the one hand and Europe at the other.”
On Scottish independence: “There’s got to be a time to heal before you go into any divisive, conflicting referendum that really will cause consternation in Scotland for months to come… I don’t think this is the right time at all.”
On the constitutional debate: “It’s between independence, one form of change I don’t like, and the change that has really got to take place in the UK to bring us up to date.”
On the relationship between Whitehall and the devolved nations: “You cannot continue with the centralist, unitary, man-in-Whitehall-knows-best formulas that we’ve used too often in the past.”
On a Covid recovery: “The only way forward is getting back to growth… Of course it’s a lot cheaper, because interest rates are virtually nil, to pay off your deficit and debt. But you cannot allow unemployment to rise on the altar of a new policy of austerity.”


labourlist--2020-11-17--Labour urges UK to “rapidly invest in wide-scale retrofitting” of homes

Ed Miliband has urged the Tories to commit to “ rapidly invest in wide-scale retrofitting ” after a new report called on the government to retrofit 2.7 million homes across the North of England within the decade .
Responding to a paper published by the Institute for Public Policy ( IPPR ) North , the Shadow Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary stressed the benefits for both the environment and jobs in the country ’ s Covid recovery .
On the fresh research released by the think tank , Miliband argued : “ The UK ’ s homes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy efficient in Europe , and improving UK housing is crucial to meeting climate objectives .
“ The government must rapidly invest in wide-scale retrofitting which would support the creation of jobs , tackling rising unemployment and the climate emergency at the same time .
“ IPPR North ’ s research provides yet more evidence this is the right thing to do and could create jobs right across the North of England.
” Labour published its green economic recovery plan last week , developed following a consultation on a green new deal launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June earlier this year .
Miliband added : “ Labour has called for ministers to bring forward £30bn in capital investment in a green economic recovery to help create hundreds of thousands of low-carbon jobs in the next 18 months.
” The report put forward by IPPR North today states that retrofitting homes across the North of England could create 77,000 new jobs in the region as well as 111,000 supply chain jobs across the UK by 2035 .
The retrofitting measures specified include fitting insulation and removing gas boilers , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from people ’ s homes and replacing them with heat pumps and heat networks .
The think tank also highlighted that doing so could produce a £3.85bn gross value added ( GVA ) boost each year for the North and £5.61m GVA boost every year in supply chains across the UK .
The report shows that of the 6.8 million homes in the region , almost one in four were built before 1919 and 44 % were built before 1944 .
1.35 million fail to meet decent home standards , which can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marcus Johns said : “ 64 councils and combined authorities in the North have declared a climate emergency , but the nation isn ’ t doing enough… If everyone in the world lived like the average UK citizen , we would need 2.5 planets ’ worth of resources .
“ Decarbonisation isn ’ t an option – it ’ s vital for our region , our country and our planet .
Not only will it make a difference to the world we live in , but it could also help us to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greener , economically just North .
“ As we approach an incredibly tough winter , during which time people living in fuel poverty and non-decent homes will be disproportionately affected – the time for government invest in a green stimulus into the North is now.
” The research organisation explained that the rapid retrofit of the 2.7 million homes would require an investment of £2.36bn a year over this decade , at least half of which – £1.18bn – it has said must be grant funded by government .
Miliband and Anneliese Dodds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Build it in Britain ’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
Shadow Business and Energy Secretary Miliband argued that “ we get bang for our buck if we invest in green ” , urging the government to seize the opportunity to both provide jobs for the UK and help combat the climate emergency .
Commenting on Monday ahead of an expected announcement from Boris Johnson of a ‘ ten-point plan ’ to tackle climate change , Miliband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming proposal “ meets the scale of the challenge ” .
The unveiling of the Prime Minister ’ s plan has been repeatedly delayed , with reports of a clash between Downing Street and the Treasury , but Johnson tweeted last week that he is “ looking forward to shortly setting out my ten-point plan ” .
Labour sources have suggested to LabourList that Chancellor Rishi Sunak could be behind the delay in the release of the low-carbon industrial revolution plan that was first trailed in Johnson ’ s 2020 Tory conference speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitments on energy efficiency ; offshore wind ; the power system ; nuclear ; carbon capture ; hydrogen ; innovation funding for net-zero ; transport ; green financing ; and natural environment investment .

Ed Miliband has urged the Tories to commit to “rapidly invest in wide-scale retrofitting” after a new report called on the government to retrofit 2.7 million homes across the North of England within the decade.
Responding to a paper published by the Institute for Public Policy (IPPR) North, the Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary stressed the benefits for both the environment and jobs in the country’s Covid recovery.
On the fresh research released by the think tank, Miliband argued: “The UK’s homes are some of the worst insulated and least energy efficient in Europe, and improving UK housing is crucial to meeting climate objectives.
“The government must rapidly invest in wide-scale retrofitting which would support the creation of jobs, tackling rising unemployment and the climate emergency at the same time.
“IPPR North’s research provides yet more evidence this is the right thing to do and could create jobs right across the North of England.”
Labour published its green economic recovery plan last week, developed following a consultation on a green new deal launched by the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary in June earlier this year.
Miliband added: “Labour has called for ministers to bring forward £30bn in capital investment in a green economic recovery to help create hundreds of thousands of low-carbon jobs in the next 18 months.”
The report put forward by IPPR North today states that retrofitting homes across the North of England could create 77,000 new jobs in the region as well as 111,000 supply chain jobs across the UK by 2035.
The retrofitting measures specified include fitting insulation and removing gas boilers, which are a key contributor to household emissions, from people’s homes and replacing them with heat pumps and heat networks.
The think tank also highlighted that doing so could produce a £3.85bn gross value added (GVA) boost each year for the North and £5.61m GVA boost every year in supply chains across the UK.
The report shows that of the 6.8 million homes in the region, almost one in four were built before 1919 and 44% were built before 1944. 1.35 million fail to meet decent home standards, which can be dangerous.
IPPR North’s Marcus Johns said: “64 councils and combined authorities in the North have declared a climate emergency, but the nation isn’t doing enough… If everyone in the world lived like the average UK citizen, we would need 2.5 planets’ worth of resources.
“Decarbonisation isn’t an option – it’s vital for our region, our country and our planet. Not only will it make a difference to the world we live in, but it could also help us to create high quality jobs in a healthier, greener, economically just North.
“As we approach an incredibly tough winter, during which time people living in fuel poverty and non-decent homes will be disproportionately affected – the time for government invest in a green stimulus into the North is now.”
The research organisation explained that the rapid retrofit of the 2.7 million homes would require an investment of £2.36bn a year over this decade, at least half of which – £1.18bn – it has said must be grant funded by government.
Miliband and Anneliese Dodds challenged the Conservative administration last week to ‘Build it in Britain’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Shadow Business and Energy Secretary Miliband argued that “we get bang for our buck if we invest in green”, urging the government to seize the opportunity to both provide jobs for the UK and help combat the climate emergency.
Commenting on Monday ahead of an expected announcement from Boris Johnson of a ‘ten-point plan’ to tackle climate change, Miliband emphasised the need to ensure that the coming proposal “meets the scale of the challenge”.
The unveiling of the Prime Minister’s plan has been repeatedly delayed, with reports of a clash between Downing Street and the Treasury, but Johnson tweeted last week that he is “looking forward to shortly setting out my ten-point plan”.
Labour sources have suggested to LabourList that Chancellor Rishi Sunak could be behind the delay in the release of the low-carbon industrial revolution plan that was first trailed in Johnson’s 2020 Tory conference speech.
The plan is expected to include commitments on energy efficiency; offshore wind; the power system; nuclear; carbon capture; hydrogen; innovation funding for net-zero; transport; green financing; and natural environment investment.


labourlist--2020-11-16--Government votes down Labour pension schemes bill climate change amendment

The government has voted down by a majority of 100 votes an amendment to the pension schemes bill that would have required schemes in the UK to develop strategies to comply with the Paris agreement on climate change by 2050 .
256 MPs backed the change to the legislation tabled by the Labour Party this evening , which would have required alignment with the internationally agreed set of climate objectives within 30 years from now “ or sooner ” , while 356 voted against .
Labour ’ s Jonathan Reynolds told MPs : “ Our colleagues in the Lords worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirements in the bill on the assessment and disclosure of climate risks in pension investments .
“ This is a historic step .
The first time it has ever been included in UK pensions legislation and we all should and do celebrate that fact .
But we know that , with the climate emergency getting even more serious , it is possible to go even further .
“ We are bringing forward an amendment today , which would allow regulators to mandate occupational schemes to develop a clear investment strategy that is aligned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace the science demands.
” The Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary added : “ This amendment is not just about where capital is allocated .
It is about the stewardship that we need to see from all asset managers over the companies they have investments in .
“ This is not a divestment amendment , nor does it limit the choices available to fund managers… It is simply about setting a strategy in place that considers their role in meeting out climate objectives .
“ Furthermore , this proposal is designed to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via regulations ; to ensure trustees have a strategic plan to become Paris aligned over a period of time .
“ Any measures resulting from this amendment will be subject to extensive consultation with market participants so that their design can take into account what works best for schemes… This is written to be as accommodating as possible.
” The bill , which passed both the report stage and third reading in the Commons today , provides for a new form of scheme designed to be less expensive for the employer to run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money purchase scheme ’ .
The measures put forward by the government in the pensions legislation only make it mandatory for workplace schemes to manage the impact of climate change , and provide reporting on how they have done so , as a financial risk .
The opposition party has seen resistance from within the labour movement to its position on the bill .
Critics have said the amendment represents a deviation from previous commitments to reach net-zero by 2030 .
Labour for a Green New Deal spokesperson Lauren Townsend said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership abandoning the 2030 decarbonisation target mandated by the last party conference , and reaffirmed by Ed Miliband just months ago.
” Labour conference on 2019 approved a motion , backed by Unite and then Shadow Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey , committing to working “ towards a path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 ” .
Current Shadow Secretary Ed Miliband spoke in favour of the 2030 emissions reduction target set out under the previous Labour leadership , saying in July this year that it was “ completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next decade ” .
Townsend added : “ This is an unacceptable betrayal of party democracy .
With only a decade left to prevent climate catastrophe , how can Labour call for urgent action in one breath , and ask for a 2050 net-zero target for pensions in the next ?
“ Finance is an important arena for climate action .
But from abandoning proposals to delist companies failing climate tests , to delaying net-zero targets to 2050 , Labour seems to be hoping the market can solve the very crisis it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new deal means taking on the corporate interests driving us over the climate cliff .
Members won ’ t stand for anything less.
” Labour also proposed a change to the bill this evening that would have required the government to make sure pension scheme members receive an impartial guidance appointment before they become eligible to access their pension benefit .
Chair of the work and pensions committee and Labour MP Stephen Timms argued : “ Implementation of the ‘ pensions freedoms ’ without the intended safeguards has caused a great deal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguards in place.
” Pensions freedoms introduced by the government in 2015 allow people over the age of 55 to access their ‘ defined contribution ’ or ‘ money purchase ’ pension pot , enabling them to withdraw their whole pension in one lump sum .
Timms ’ committee has warned on several occasions since the change in the law that the government needs to protect people targeted by cold-calling scammers .
An estimated £30.9m has been lost to fraudsters since 2017 , according to Action Fraud .
The amendment , which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members or survivors of a scheme five years prior to the age of becoming eligible to access their benefits to offer an appointment , was voted down by a majority of 89 votes .

The government has voted down by a majority of 100 votes an amendment to the pension schemes bill that would have required schemes in the UK to develop strategies to comply with the Paris agreement on climate change by 2050.
256 MPs backed the change to the legislation tabled by the Labour Party this evening, which would have required alignment with the internationally agreed set of climate objectives within 30 years from now “or sooner”, while 356 voted against.
Labour’s Jonathan Reynolds told MPs: “Our colleagues in the Lords worked hard with the government to bring in requirements in the bill on the assessment and disclosure of climate risks in pension investments.
“This is a historic step. The first time it has ever been included in UK pensions legislation and we all should and do celebrate that fact. But we know that, with the climate emergency getting even more serious, it is possible to go even further.
“We are bringing forward an amendment today, which would allow regulators to mandate occupational schemes to develop a clear investment strategy that is aligned with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions at the pace the science demands.”
The Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary added: “This amendment is not just about where capital is allocated. It is about the stewardship that we need to see from all asset managers over the companies they have investments in.
“This is not a divestment amendment, nor does it limit the choices available to fund managers… It is simply about setting a strategy in place that considers their role in meeting out climate objectives.
“Furthermore, this proposal is designed to allow the government the flexibility to guide schemes via regulations; to ensure trustees have a strategic plan to become Paris aligned over a period of time.
“Any measures resulting from this amendment will be subject to extensive consultation with market participants so that their design can take into account what works best for schemes… This is written to be as accommodating as possible.”
The bill, which passed both the report stage and third reading in the Commons today, provides for a new form of scheme designed to be less expensive for the employer to run and fund known as a ‘collective money purchase scheme’.
The measures put forward by the government in the pensions legislation only make it mandatory for workplace schemes to manage the impact of climate change, and provide reporting on how they have done so, as a financial risk.
The opposition party has seen resistance from within the labour movement to its position on the bill. Critics have said the amendment represents a deviation from previous commitments to reach net-zero by 2030.
Labour for a Green New Deal spokesperson Lauren Townsend said: “Labour members are appalled to see our leadership abandoning the 2030 decarbonisation target mandated by the last party conference, and reaffirmed by Ed Miliband just months ago.”
Labour conference on 2019 approved a motion, backed by Unite and then Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, committing to working “towards a path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030”.
Current Shadow Secretary Ed Miliband spoke in favour of the 2030 emissions reduction target set out under the previous Labour leadership, saying in July this year that it was “completely right on the ambition we need over the next decade”.
Townsend added: “This is an unacceptable betrayal of party democracy. With only a decade left to prevent climate catastrophe, how can Labour call for urgent action in one breath, and ask for a 2050 net-zero target for pensions in the next?
“Finance is an important arena for climate action. But from abandoning proposals to delist companies failing climate tests, to delaying net-zero targets to 2050, Labour seems to be hoping the market can solve the very crisis it created.
“Commitment to a green new deal means taking on the corporate interests driving us over the climate cliff. Members won’t stand for anything less.”
Labour also proposed a change to the bill this evening that would have required the government to make sure pension scheme members receive an impartial guidance appointment before they become eligible to access their pension benefit.
Chair of the work and pensions committee and Labour MP Stephen Timms argued: “Implementation of the ‘pensions freedoms’ without the intended safeguards has caused a great deal of harm. We must now put those safeguards in place.”
Pensions freedoms introduced by the government in 2015 allow people over the age of 55 to access their ‘defined contribution’ or ‘money purchase’ pension pot, enabling them to withdraw their whole pension in one lump sum.
Timms’ committee has warned on several occasions since the change in the law that the government needs to protect people targeted by cold-calling scammers. An estimated £30.9m has been lost to fraudsters since 2017, according to Action Fraud.
The amendment, which would have required the government to write to members or survivors of a scheme five years prior to the age of becoming eligible to access their benefits to offer an appointment, was voted down by a majority of 89 votes.


labourlist--2020-11-16--Young Labour election results show the party’s future will be a socialist one

This year ’ s Young Labour elections resulted in a convincing victory for the ‘ Socialist Future ’ slate as we won 13 out of 16 available positions , including chair , international representative , all three student positions and the under 18s rep .
Faced with insecure housing , expensive higher education and a looming climate crisis , a younger generation of Labour members overwhelmingly voted for a slate that supports an overhaul of a failing economic system .
Our generation understands that only socialist solutions can deal with our contemporary crises .
And it is not just Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Millions of young voters are desperate for a Labour leadership that grasps the extent of the task at hand and is willing to argue for a policy platform that meets the challenges we face .
Young people understand that tinkering around the edges of a broken system and being ‘ moderate ’ simply will not cut it anymore .
Our election has shown that the Labour Party ’ s future will be a socialist one .
As Young Labour , we want to show what a truly socialist Labour Party could look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to build organising power in every community : by standing shoulder to shoulder with young workers on picket lines to take on exploitative bosses , marching with youth climate strikers for immediate action on the climate crisis and standing with tenants ’ unions to resist evictions and unfair rent charges .
A socialist society can only be brought about by a powerful agglomeration of grassroots forces standing up for themselves and working together .
Young Labour will do all it can to play an important organising role in building socialism from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by right-wing commentators about Labour ‘ rediscovering ’ its working-class roots – often code for adopting reactionary , right-wing positions , or watering down socialist politics that threaten the status quo .
But we will not allow this to happen .
Working-class support must instead be won by the collective action we take as a movement in defence of the interests of working-class people .
The Democratic Socialists of America over in the US showed what can be achieved when grassroots activism is taken seriously , with 26 out of the 30 candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They won with boots on the ground and because they took a clear , transformative stance on the biggest issues .
They didn ’ t rely on their opponent ’ s incompetence or pander to the right-wing press .
Realising that victories do not come overnight , the DSA were active in their community all year round and built support for their candidate around issues that matter to working-class people like healthcare and housing .
And in doing so , they made history , pushing the socialist movement in the US to new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a lot to learn from them .
Which brings us to the current Labour leadership .
So far , the small parts of the programme it has sketched out are way off what was promised in the leadership election – and we as the Young Labour committee are not afraid to call them out for it .
On renters ’ rights , the party ’ s position is exceptionally weak , with Shadow Housing Secretary Thangam Debbonaire advocating a policy where renters pay back rent they have accrued over the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young renters into even more debt .
Young Labour under my watch will champion transformational politics and remind the Labour party that there is no path to power without young voters .
On the climate crisis , Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has proposed that pension schemes should be carbon neutral by “ 2050 or sooner ” – 20 years off the net zero 2030 target that was mandated by conference last year .
This is miles off where we need to be if Britain is to play the role required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two degrees .
Climate change is an existential threat that needs governments to massively scale up their efforts now .
Kicking the can down the road to 2050 is almost as bad as doing nothing .
Our Young Labour wants to see a socialist , internationalist green industrial revolution that pledges to take the necessary steps to protect communities in the global south from irreversible climate damage .
No excuses .
We will be a Young Labour committee not afraid to talk straight to other parts of the party that are not pulling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sugar the pill for younger members , or as a step on the ladder of our own political careers .
We want to do all we can to push Labour to become a socialist party and use our power to work with social movements to bring about socialist change in the interests of millions of young people crying out for a better system .
And we can not wait to get started .

This year’s Young Labour elections resulted in a convincing victory for the ‘Socialist Future’ slate as we won 13 out of 16 available positions, including chair, international representative, all three student positions and the under 18s rep. Faced with insecure housing, expensive higher education and a looming climate crisis, a younger generation of Labour members overwhelmingly voted for a slate that supports an overhaul of a failing economic system.
Our generation understands that only socialist solutions can deal with our contemporary crises. And it is not just Young Labour members who feel this way either. Millions of young voters are desperate for a Labour leadership that grasps the extent of the task at hand and is willing to argue for a policy platform that meets the challenges we face. Young people understand that tinkering around the edges of a broken system and being ‘moderate’ simply will not cut it anymore. Our election has shown that the Labour Party’s future will be a socialist one.
As Young Labour, we want to show what a truly socialist Labour Party could look like. We will look outwards and work to build organising power in every community: by standing shoulder to shoulder with young workers on picket lines to take on exploitative bosses, marching with youth climate strikers for immediate action on the climate crisis and standing with tenants’ unions to resist evictions and unfair rent charges. A socialist society can only be brought about by a powerful agglomeration of grassroots forces standing up for themselves and working together.
Young Labour will do all it can to play an important organising role in building socialism from the bottom up. Much has been said by right-wing commentators about Labour ‘rediscovering’ its working-class roots – often code for adopting reactionary, right-wing positions, or watering down socialist politics that threaten the status quo. But we will not allow this to happen. Working-class support must instead be won by the collective action we take as a movement in defence of the interests of working-class people.
The Democratic Socialists of America over in the US showed what can be achieved when grassroots activism is taken seriously, with 26 out of the 30 candidates they endorsed elected to national office. They won with boots on the ground and because they took a clear, transformative stance on the biggest issues. They didn’t rely on their opponent’s incompetence or pander to the right-wing press.
Realising that victories do not come overnight, the DSA were active in their community all year round and built support for their candidate around issues that matter to working-class people like healthcare and housing. And in doing so, they made history, pushing the socialist movement in the US to new heights. We in the Labour Party have a lot to learn from them.
Which brings us to the current Labour leadership. So far, the small parts of the programme it has sketched out are way off what was promised in the leadership election – and we as the Young Labour committee are not afraid to call them out for it.
On renters’ rights, the party’s position is exceptionally weak, with Shadow Housing Secretary Thangam Debbonaire advocating a policy where renters pay back rent they have accrued over the pandemic, which would have the effect of plunging young renters into even more debt. Young Labour under my watch will champion transformational politics and remind the Labour party that there is no path to power without young voters.
On the climate crisis, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has proposed that pension schemes should be carbon neutral by “2050 or sooner” – 20 years off the net zero 2030 target that was mandated by conference last year. This is miles off where we need to be if Britain is to play the role required of us to keep global heating below two degrees.
Climate change is an existential threat that needs governments to massively scale up their efforts now. Kicking the can down the road to 2050 is almost as bad as doing nothing. Our Young Labour wants to see a socialist, internationalist green industrial revolution that pledges to take the necessary steps to protect communities in the global south from irreversible climate damage. No excuses.
We will be a Young Labour committee not afraid to talk straight to other parts of the party that are not pulling their weight. We are not here to sugar the pill for younger members, or as a step on the ladder of our own political careers. We want to do all we can to push Labour to become a socialist party and use our power to work with social movements to bring about socialist change in the interests of millions of young people crying out for a better system. And we cannot wait to get started.


labourlist--2020-11-16--Dan Norris selected as Labour’s West of England mayoral candidate

Former MP Dan Norris has been selected as the Labour Party ’ s candidate for the West of England mayoral election taking place on May 6th next year , when he will attempt to defeat Tory incumbent Tim Bowles .
On a turnout of 41.9 % , it was a closely fought selection race , with Labour in the South West of England reporting that 1,611 Labour members voted for Norris and 1,558 for rival candidate Helen Godwin .
Norris tweeted : “ Thank you to all @ UKLabour members from across our party who supported me to be your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks too , to @ helengt76 for a fair & friendly contest .
“ Now the real campaign begins .
In May we face the first ever Covid election , in truly uncertain times .
It is a privilege to be selected as your Labour candidate .
“ I know people across the West of England feel let down by the Conservatives [ and ] are worried about their health , education [ and ] livelihoods .
These are tough times .
I will listen [ and ] lead so together we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Labour MP for Wansdyke from 1997 until the seat was abolished in 2010 .
This saw him lose the subsequent North East Somerset race to Jacob Rees-Mogg , now leader of the House of Commons .
During his selection campaign , he emphasised pledges on improving local transport , addressing inadequate access to skills training , meeting the challenges of dementia and reducing animal cruelty .
The ex-MP , who previously worked as a scaffolder ’ s assistant , factory worker and teacher , had been shortlisted for the West of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cabinet member Helen Godwin .
The shortlist of two attracted controversy over the summer as Labour members complained that other applicants who received more nominations were dropped – including Lesley Mansell , who narrowly lost the same mayoral race in 2017 .
Critics in the party pointed out that Mhairi Threlfall and Mike Davies – contenders also not shortlisted – were Labour parliamentary candidates in the 2019 general election and are councillors .
The party rejected calls to restart the selection process , however , with the south west regional director saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred had any material impact on the final shortlist ” .
Labour rules state that selection committees for mayoral selections must consider all applicants that received at least two nominations , but there is no number of nominations that grants automatic shortlisting .
Norris worked on David Miliband ’ s Labour leadership bid in 2010 and was a critic of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership .
He was shortlisted in Labour ’ s Bristol mayor selection in 2012 but did not secure the candidacy .
While an MP , he served as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later parliamentary private secretary to Foreign Secretary David Miliband .
He became a minister in 2009 in the Department for the Environment , Food and Rural Affairs .
Norris will be standing for the mayoral post against the Conservative incumbent Tim Bowles , previously a South Gloucestershire councillor , and fellow former MP Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams .

Former MP Dan Norris has been selected as the Labour Party’s candidate for the West of England mayoral election taking place on May 6th next year, when he will attempt to defeat Tory incumbent Tim Bowles.
On a turnout of 41.9%, it was a closely fought selection race, with Labour in the South West of England reporting that 1,611 Labour members voted for Norris and 1,558 for rival candidate Helen Godwin.
Norris tweeted: “Thank you to all @UKLabour members from across our party who supported me to be your West of England metro mayor. My thanks too, to @helengt76 for a fair & friendly contest.
“Now the real campaign begins. In May we face the first ever Covid election, in truly uncertain times. It is a privilege to be selected as your Labour candidate.
“I know people across the West of England feel let down by the Conservatives [and] are worried about their health, education [and] livelihoods. These are tough times. I will listen [and] lead so together we can build a better future.”
Norris served as the Labour MP for Wansdyke from 1997 until the seat was abolished in 2010. This saw him lose the subsequent North East Somerset race to Jacob Rees-Mogg, now leader of the House of Commons.
During his selection campaign, he emphasised pledges on improving local transport, addressing inadequate access to skills training, meeting the challenges of dementia and reducing animal cruelty.
The ex-MP, who previously worked as a scaffolder’s assistant, factory worker and teacher, had been shortlisted for the West of England selection contest along with Bristol councillor and cabinet member Helen Godwin.
The shortlist of two attracted controversy over the summer as Labour members complained that other applicants who received more nominations were dropped – including Lesley Mansell, who narrowly lost the same mayoral race in 2017.
Critics in the party pointed out that Mhairi Threlfall and Mike Davies – contenders also not shortlisted – were Labour parliamentary candidates in the 2019 general election and are councillors.
The party rejected calls to restart the selection process, however, with the south west regional director saying that “none of the irregularities which occurred had any material impact on the final shortlist”.
Labour rules state that selection committees for mayoral selections must consider all applicants that received at least two nominations, but there is no number of nominations that grants automatic shortlisting.
Norris worked on David Miliband’s Labour leadership bid in 2010 and was a critic of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. He was shortlisted in Labour’s Bristol mayor selection in 2012 but did not secure the candidacy.
While an MP, he served as an assistant whip for two years and was later parliamentary private secretary to Foreign Secretary David Miliband. He became a minister in 2009 in the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Norris will be standing for the mayoral post against the Conservative incumbent Tim Bowles, previously a South Gloucestershire councillor, and fellow former MP Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams.


labourlist--2020-11-16--Labour looking into complaint against new NEC member Gemma Bolton

The Labour Party is looking into a complaint made against Gemma Bolton , a newly elected member of its ruling national executive committee ( NEC ) , LabourList understands .
It has been reported by The Jewish Chronicle that Labour has launched an investigation into social media posts by left-wing NEC member Gemma Bolton as it emerged she described Israel as “ an apartheid state ” .
LabourList understands , however , that the party is looking into the complaint yet this is not equivalent to a formal Labour investigation .
Bolton is not currently suspended from the party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ NEC candidates in a ballot of Labour members that concluded last week .
The closely-fought internal contests also saw ex-MP Laura Pidcock picked for the top body .
After running on the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance platform backed by Momentum and her organisation the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy , Bolton now represents local parties on the NEC .
But the CLPD co-chair is the subject of a complaint after it was highlighted that she tweeted in 2018 : “ If I run the risk of getting suspended for calling Israel an apartheid state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A Labour spokesperson said : “ The Labour Party takes all complaints of antisemitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures , and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.
” Supporters of Bolton have drawn attention to a United Nations 2017 report stating that Israel is “ an apartheid regime that oppresses and dominates the Palestinian people as a whole ” .
Critics of the label say it is used to delegitimise Israel .
Adam Wagner , who acted for the Campaign Against Antisemitism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Human Rights Commission , was asked whether Bolton ’ s post could be considered antisemitic under the EHRC report .
The human rights barrister tweeted in response : “ There is nothing – it ’ s not antisemitic .
Certainly doesn ’ t fall within the IHRA definition .
On what is quoted in the JC article , there is nothing there – nothing .
”

The Labour Party is looking into a complaint made against Gemma Bolton, a newly elected member of its ruling national executive committee (NEC), LabourList understands.
It has been reported by The Jewish Chronicle that Labour has launched an investigation into social media posts by left-wing NEC member Gemma Bolton as it emerged she described Israel as “an apartheid state”.
LabourList understands, however, that the party is looking into the complaint yet this is not equivalent to a formal Labour investigation. Bolton is not currently suspended from the party.
Bolton placed fourth out of nine successful NEC candidates in a ballot of Labour members that concluded last week. The closely-fought internal contests also saw ex-MP Laura Pidcock picked for the top body.
After running on the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance platform backed by Momentum and her organisation the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy, Bolton now represents local parties on the NEC.
But the CLPD co-chair is the subject of a complaint after it was highlighted that she tweeted in 2018: “If I run the risk of getting suspended for calling Israel an apartheid state then so be it. Suspend me.”
A Labour spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints of antisemitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”
Supporters of Bolton have drawn attention to a United Nations 2017 report stating that Israel is “an apartheid regime that oppresses and dominates the Palestinian people as a whole”. Critics of the label say it is used to delegitimise Israel.
Adam Wagner, who acted for the Campaign Against Antisemitism in Labour’s referral to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, was asked whether Bolton’s post could be considered antisemitic under the EHRC report.
The human rights barrister tweeted in response: “There is nothing – it’s not antisemitic. Certainly doesn’t fall within the IHRA definition. On what is quoted in the JC article, there is nothing there – nothing.”
During the NEC campaign, Bolton wrote a piece for LabourList expressing support for “robust, transparent disciplinary processes” to challenge “the antisemitism and the Islamophobia that sadly continue to persist in our own ranks”.
LabourList has contacted Bolton for comment.


labourlist--2020-11-16--WATCH: Starmer pledges to “work constructively” with PM on vaccine plan

Keir Starmer has declared that “ we need to pull everybody together ” and pledged to “ work constructively with the government ” to deliver a plan for the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine across the UK .
In an interview this afternoon , he said “ the public will be relieved ” following recent reports on progress towards securing an effective Covid vaccine and described the news as “ light at the end of the tunnel ” .
But the Labour leader also stressed the need for organised planning , telling viewers : “ Obviously , we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now to rolling it out .
“ And that ’ s why I ’ ve written to the Prime Minister to say we need a clear strategy , we need to pull everybody together – best of Britain , if you like – very good comms and I want to work constructively with the government on that .
“ I think the public want to see all political parties , all politicians , pulling together to make this work as quickly as we can.
” His comments followed reports of a vaccine against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective , according to early data from US pharmaceutical company Moderna , and promising news last week of a vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech .
The Labour leader added : “ The government needs to set out a strategy now for rolling this out across the whole of the UK .
“ What are the priorities ?
How are we going to get it to everyone , everywhere in a safe way ?
I think what the public want here is to see us all pulling together to make that work.
” Early results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus , of which the UK government has secured 40 million doses , is 90 % effective .
But it has not yet been approved as safe by the regulator .
Matt Hancock has said that the length of the vaccine effect and its effectiveness at reducing transmission of the virus is still unknown , but the NHS would be ready to start giving out the vaccine from December 1st if approved .
US biotech firm Moderna became the latest to reveal positive results in the work to secure effective vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning that the company is seeking emergency-use authorisation in the coming weeks .
The Moderna vaccine , which is being trialled in more than 30,000 volunteers , is not expected to be available outside the US until next year .
The organisation has said it hopes to manufacture between 500 million and one billion doses globally next year .
The vaccine is thought to provide for easier distribution than that of Pfizer-BioNTech as it is stable for up to six months at a temperature of -20°C , or 30 days at standard refrigerator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech can be transported and stored for up to six months at -70°C .
It can be stored at standard refrigerator temperatures for up to five days .

Keir Starmer has declared that “we need to pull everybody together” and pledged to “work constructively with the government” to deliver a plan for the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine across the UK.
In an interview this afternoon, he said “the public will be relieved” following recent reports on progress towards securing an effective Covid vaccine and described the news as “light at the end of the tunnel”.
But the Labour leader also stressed the need for organised planning, telling viewers: “Obviously, we’ve got to go from where we are now to rolling it out.
“And that’s why I’ve written to the Prime Minister to say we need a clear strategy, we need to pull everybody together – best of Britain, if you like – very good comms and I want to work constructively with the government on that.
“I think the public want to see all political parties, all politicians, pulling together to make this work as quickly as we can.”
His comments followed reports of a vaccine against the virus that is nearly 94.5% effective, according to early data from US pharmaceutical company Moderna, and promising news last week of a vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech.
The Labour leader added: “The government needs to set out a strategy now for rolling this out across the whole of the UK.
“What are the priorities? How are we going to get it to everyone, everywhere in a safe way? I think what the public want here is to see us all pulling together to make that work.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says he wants to "work constructively" with the government on a plan for Covid vaccine roll-out "I think what the public want to see here is us all pulling together"https://t.co/6Zj8xsciHQ pic.twitter.com/8DxCFEyjB7 — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) November 16, 2020
Early results for Pfizer-BioNTech suggested that the vaccine for the novel coronavirus, of which the UK government has secured 40 million doses, is 90% effective. But it has not yet been approved as safe by the regulator.
Matt Hancock has said that the length of the vaccine effect and its effectiveness at reducing transmission of the virus is still unknown, but the NHS would be ready to start giving out the vaccine from December 1st if approved.
US biotech firm Moderna became the latest to reveal positive results in the work to secure effective vaccines to the virus with reports emerging this morning that the company is seeking emergency-use authorisation in the coming weeks.
The Moderna vaccine, which is being trialled in more than 30,000 volunteers, is not expected to be available outside the US until next year. The organisation has said it hopes to manufacture between 500 million and one billion doses globally next year.
The vaccine is thought to provide for easier distribution than that of Pfizer-BioNTech as it is stable for up to six months at a temperature of -20°C, or 30 days at standard refrigerator temperatures of two to eight degrees.
The vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech can be transported and stored for up to six months at -70°C. It can be stored at standard refrigerator temperatures for up to five days.


labourlist--2020-11-16--Tory ten-point climate plan must “meet the scale of the challenge”, says Labour

Labour has warned that the government is “ seriously off track ” to meet its own climate targets and has called on Boris Johnson to make sure his ten-point , low-carbon plan “ meets the scale of the challenge ” .
Responding to data published by the government at the end of last month and ahead of an expected announcement from the Prime Minister on a climate plan , Ed Miliband stressed the need for more than a “ piecemeal set of points ” .
The Shadow Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary said : “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact climate change is one of the most important defining issues we will face in the years ahead .
“ But the figures are stark – the UK is seriously behind the government ’ s own climate targets .
Worryingly these are older , less ambitious targets and ministers haven ’ t managed to even meet them.
” The figures include projections towards the carbon budget targets for greenhouse gas emissions .
The 2008 Climate Change Act set a target to reduce emissions by 80 % by 2050 against a 1990 baseline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net zero by 2050 .
Miliband added : “ What we need this week is a plan , not a piecemeal set of points .
It needs to be ambitious enough to meet the scale of the challenge , and it needs to reflect the urgency of creating hundreds of thousands of jobs now.
” Labour published its green economic recovery plan last week , which called on the government to bring forward £30bn in capital investment as part of a rapid stimulus package to invest in low-carbon sectors over the next 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Conservative administration to ‘ Build it in Britain ’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
The Shadow BEIS Secretary argued last week that “ we get bang for our buck if we invest in green ” , urging the government to seize the opportunity to both provide jobs for the UK and help the country combat the climate emergency .
Developed following a consultation on a green new deal launched by the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being put forward by the Labour Party include : • placing new orders for electric buses to help struggling manufacturers ; • creating a new National Nature Service ; energy efficiency and retrofit programmes , including in social housing ; • negotiating new sectoral deals to protect jobs and promote the shift to net zero ; The Institute for Public Policy Research has estimated that the government needs to introduce an investment boost of £33bn a year over this parliament to put the UK on a path to reach its net-zero target by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister ’ s plan has been repeatedly delayed , with reports of a clash between Downing Street and the Treasury , but Johnson tweeted last week that he is “ looking forward to shortly setting out my ten-point plan ” .
Labour sources have suggested to LabourList that Chancellor Rishi Sunak could be behind the delay in the release of the low-carbon industrial revolution plan that was first trailed in Johnson ’ s 2020 Tory conference speech .
The plan is expected to include commitments on energy efficiency ; offshore wind ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; hydrogen ; innovation funding for net-zero ; transport ; green financing ; and natural environment investment .

Labour has warned that the government is “seriously off track” to meet its own climate targets and has called on Boris Johnson to make sure his ten-point, low-carbon plan “meets the scale of the challenge”.
Responding to data published by the government at the end of last month and ahead of an expected announcement from the Prime Minister on a climate plan, Ed Miliband stressed the need for more than a “piecemeal set of points”.
The Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary said: “It’s good the government is waking up to the fact climate change is one of the most important defining issues we will face in the years ahead.
“But the figures are stark – the UK is seriously behind the government’s own climate targets. Worryingly these are older, less ambitious targets and ministers haven’t managed to even meet them.”
The figures include projections towards the carbon budget targets for greenhouse gas emissions. The 2008 Climate Change Act set a target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 against a 1990 baseline. The Tories last year committed to net zero by 2050.
Miliband added: “What we need this week is a plan, not a piecemeal set of points. It needs to be ambitious enough to meet the scale of the challenge, and it needs to reflect the urgency of creating hundreds of thousands of jobs now.”
Labour published its green economic recovery plan last week, which called on the government to bring forward £30bn in capital investment as part of a rapid stimulus package to invest in low-carbon sectors over the next 18 months.
Miliband and Anneliese Dodds challenged the Conservative administration to ‘Build it in Britain’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The Shadow BEIS Secretary argued last week that “we get bang for our buck if we invest in green”, urging the government to seize the opportunity to both provide jobs for the UK and help the country combat the climate emergency.
Developed following a consultation on a green new deal launched by the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary in June this year, the proposals being put forward by the Labour Party include:
upgrading ports and shipyards for offshore wind supply chains;
expanding investment in carbon capture tech;
accelerating investment in electric vehicle charging;
placing new orders for electric buses to help struggling manufacturers;
creating a new National Nature Service; energy efficiency and retrofit programmes, including in social housing;
negotiating new sectoral deals to protect jobs and promote the shift to net zero;
and expanding flood protection investment.
The Institute for Public Policy Research has estimated that the government needs to introduce an investment boost of £33bn a year over this parliament to put the UK on a path to reach its net-zero target by 2050.
The unveiling of the Prime Minister’s plan has been repeatedly delayed, with reports of a clash between Downing Street and the Treasury, but Johnson tweeted last week that he is “looking forward to shortly setting out my ten-point plan”.
Labour sources have suggested to LabourList that Chancellor Rishi Sunak could be behind the delay in the release of the low-carbon industrial revolution plan that was first trailed in Johnson’s 2020 Tory conference speech.
The plan is expected to include commitments on energy efficiency; offshore wind; the power system; nuclear; carbon capture; hydrogen; innovation funding for net-zero; transport; green financing; and natural environment investment.


labourlist--2020-11-16--WATCH: In conversation with… Liam Byrne MP

Join us at 6pm on Tuesday , November 17th , for our latest “ In conversation with… ” online event @ @ @ @ @ and the Labour candidate for mayor of the West Midlands , Liam Byrne MP .
@ @ @ @ @ questions about Byrne ’ s candidacy , which is the focus of the event , @ @ @ @ @ them to us in advance .
You will also be able to offer suggestions during @ @ @ @ @ page will refresh automatically to show the livestream below when the event starts at 6pm @ @ @ @ @ able to watch it directly on YouTube by clicking here .

Join us at 6pm on Tuesday, November 17th, for our latest “In conversation with…” online event featuring LabourList editor Sienna Rodgers and the Labour candidate for mayor of the West Midlands, Liam Byrne MP.
If readers have suggestions for questions about Byrne’s candidacy, which is the focus of the event, please feel free to email them to us in advance. You will also be able to offer suggestions during the live broadcast.
This page will refresh automatically to show the livestream below when the event starts at 6pm. You will also be able to watch it directly on YouTube by clicking here.


labourlist--2020-11-16--New ruling body, Labour Islamophobia, anti-vax crackdown and self-isolation

Are we all recovered from the excitement of Labour ’ s new national executive committee ( NEC ) election results ?
The outcome released on Friday offered all party factions cause for celebration : the Labour left did better than expected , winning five of nine local party reps , plus both disabled and youth places , while Keir Starmer increased his majority on the ruling body , partly thanks to the introduction of a new voting system earlier this year that prevented a ‘ winner-takes-all ’ conclusion .
Our write-up – including links to detailed vote breakdowns – is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can watch back our live event from the night and read my deeper dive from the weekend .
More internal Labour news emerged over the weekend when the Labour Muslim Network released its findings on Islamophobia within the party .
The survey conducted for the report saw one in four Muslim members and supporters of Labour report directly experiencing it in the party and one in three say they have directly seen it .
A series of recommendations has been issued , which Starmer has committed to implementing , from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education for members to an improved complaints system .
These urgently needed steps will be added to the already overflowing in-tray of Labour ’ s general secretary and new NEC .
Labour ’ s weekend policy push was around anti-vax content on social media .
With preparations underway to roll out the Covid vaccine as soon as possible , concerns around hesitancy and the sharing of disinformation are mounting .
Both Jonathan Ashworth and Jo Stevens used the morning Sunday shows to make the case for online harms legislation designed to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and criminal penalties introduced for failures leading to “ serious harm ” .
This action would be aimed at big tech companies such as Google , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube , rather than individuals .
Someone who will be spending yet more time online is Boris Johnson .
We can safely assume that Zoom will play a key role in governing the UK in the near future , as the Prime Minister has been told by Test and Trace to self-isolate .
He only has PMQs to front , a delayed ten-point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit deal to strike and a chaotic No 10 to sort out .
You might assume that during coronavirus and following the exits of certain notable staffers the childish briefing war between the Vote Leave lads and others in Downing Street might die down , but if anything it has escalated .
After all the incompetence and cronyism on display during this crisis , the idea that Johnson can bounce back to his cuddly London mayor image seems laughable right now .
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Are we all recovered from the excitement of Labour’s new national executive committee (NEC) election results? The outcome released on Friday offered all party factions cause for celebration: the Labour left did better than expected, winning five of nine local party reps, plus both disabled and youth places, while Keir Starmer increased his majority on the ruling body, partly thanks to the introduction of a new voting system earlier this year that prevented a ‘winner-takes-all’ conclusion. Our write-up – including links to detailed vote breakdowns – is available here, and for more analysis, you can watch back our live event from the night and read my deeper dive from the weekend.
More internal Labour news emerged over the weekend when the Labour Muslim Network released its findings on Islamophobia within the party. The survey conducted for the report saw one in four Muslim members and supporters of Labour report directly experiencing it in the party and one in three say they have directly seen it. A series of recommendations has been issued, which Starmer has committed to implementing, from a code of conduct around Islamophobia and more education for members to an improved complaints system. These urgently needed steps will be added to the already overflowing in-tray of Labour’s general secretary and new NEC.
Labour’s weekend policy push was around anti-vax content on social media. With preparations underway to roll out the Covid vaccine as soon as possible, concerns around hesitancy and the sharing of disinformation are mounting. Both Jonathan Ashworth and Jo Stevens used the morning Sunday shows to make the case for online harms legislation designed to deal with these anxieties, which would see financial and criminal penalties introduced for failures leading to “serious harm”. This action would be aimed at big tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, rather than individuals.
Someone who will be spending yet more time online is Boris Johnson. We can safely assume that Zoom will play a key role in governing the UK in the near future, as the Prime Minister has been told by Test and Trace to self-isolate. He only has PMQs to front, a delayed ten-point climate change plan to announce, a Brexit deal to strike and a chaotic No 10 to sort out. You might assume that during coronavirus and following the exits of certain notable staffers the childish briefing war between the Vote Leave lads and others in Downing Street might die down, but if anything it has escalated. After all the incompetence and cronyism on display during this crisis, the idea that Johnson can bounce back to his cuddly London mayor image seems laughable right now. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-11-16--We can put people power into pensions – and tackle climate change

Labour will seek to mobilise pension funds towards tackling climate change today .
Our amendment to the pension schemes bill would be a watershed moment in the fight to protect our planet .
With the heft of the UK ’ s pension funds behind us , we can make the UK a world leader in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement and take us much closer to achieving net zero .
We have already challenged the government to deliver a green economic recovery from the pandemic by bringing forward urgent investment to support the creation of at least 400,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing sector .
Future generations will judge us by the choices we make today to support livelihoods and businesses , tackle the unemployment crisis , and face up to the realities of the climate emergency .
But just as a credible , jobs-rich green recovery requires coordinated action across government , achieving meaningful progress on climate demands change in every part of our economy .
Pension funds are not always recognised for the colossal economic lever they are in this conversation .
And I know for most the mention of the word ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but bear with me .
The investment decisions taken by pensions are hugely powerful .
They contain trillions of pounds of your money – money that can catalyse significant change when used responsibly .
The commitments made last month by a coalition of Nordic Prime Ministers to scale up green finance through institutional investors like pension funds sets an ambitious benchmark that is being set for the UK ahead of next year ’ s COP26 .
Labour ’ s amendment , supported by pension providers and climate campaigners alike , would ask pension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping us get to net zero emissions .
In reality , that could mean billions of pounds divested away from fossil fuels and towards new clean technology creating thousands of jobs .
It would also direct pension funds to use their activist power as shareholders in some of our biggest companies to push for higher environmental standards .
It is tough to see how the government can achieve its own climate goals while excluding trillions of pounds of British capital from those efforts .
And pension funds themselves know they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors , many of the biggest funds are already taking steps to mitigate climate risk , to protect the future investment of their members and the economy they rely upon .
Aviva and the BT Pension Scheme already have net zero target investment policies , representing tens of billions of pounds between them .
Imagine the power of knowing that your pension contributions are not only funding a secure retirement , but the next clean technology , or a clean , green jobs recovery from this crisis .
That is what this amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pensions .
And we know that people support this – research by Aviva showed that 59 % think is important that pension funds ensure their investments help tackle climate change .
The Conservatives talk a good game , but they refuse to take the action necessary to address the climate crisis .
Labour will not allow the government to drag its feet on this issue .
We urge the government to show it is committed to tackling the climate emergency and back our amendment .
Labour is ambitious for Britain .
We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government takes the right decisions now .
The UK should be a world leader in developing the jobs , technologies and investment of the future .
Today ’ s amendment would be a huge step towards that .
This is our money – let ’ s put it to good use by mobilising pension funds to protect the planet and support the drive to net zero .

Labour will seek to mobilise pension funds towards tackling climate change today. Our amendment to the pension schemes bill would be a watershed moment in the fight to protect our planet. With the heft of the UK’s pension funds behind us, we can make the UK a world leader in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement and take us much closer to achieving net zero.
We have already challenged the government to deliver a green economic recovery from the pandemic by bringing forward urgent investment to support the creation of at least 400,000 new jobs, including in the crucial manufacturing sector. Future generations will judge us by the choices we make today to support livelihoods and businesses, tackle the unemployment crisis, and face up to the realities of the climate emergency.
But just as a credible, jobs-rich green recovery requires coordinated action across government, achieving meaningful progress on climate demands change in every part of our economy. Pension funds are not always recognised for the colossal economic lever they are in this conversation. And I know for most the mention of the word ‘pension’ makes them glaze over – but bear with me.
The investment decisions taken by pensions are hugely powerful. They contain trillions of pounds of your money – money that can catalyse significant change when used responsibly. The commitments made last month by a coalition of Nordic Prime Ministers to scale up green finance through institutional investors like pension funds sets an ambitious benchmark that is being set for the UK ahead of next year’s COP26.
Labour’s amendment, supported by pension providers and climate campaigners alike, would ask pension funds to demonstrate how they’re helping us get to net zero emissions. In reality, that could mean billions of pounds divested away from fossil fuels and towards new clean technology creating thousands of jobs. It would also direct pension funds to use their activist power as shareholders in some of our biggest companies to push for higher environmental standards.
It is tough to see how the government can achieve its own climate goals while excluding trillions of pounds of British capital from those efforts. And pension funds themselves know they don’t exist in a vacuum.
As responsible investors, many of the biggest funds are already taking steps to mitigate climate risk, to protect the future investment of their members and the economy they rely upon. Aviva and the BT Pension Scheme already have net zero target investment policies, representing tens of billions of pounds between them.
Imagine the power of knowing that your pension contributions are not only funding a secure retirement, but the next clean technology, or a clean, green jobs recovery from this crisis. That is what this amendment could do – put people power into pensions. And we know that people support this – research by Aviva showed that 59% think is important that pension funds ensure their investments help tackle climate change.
The Conservatives talk a good game, but they refuse to take the action necessary to address the climate crisis. Labour will not allow the government to drag its feet on this issue. We urge the government to show it is committed to tackling the climate emergency and back our amendment.
Labour is ambitious for Britain. We can harness the opportunities for green growth if the government takes the right decisions now. The UK should be a world leader in developing the jobs, technologies and investment of the future. Today’s amendment would be a huge step towards that. This is our money – let’s put it to good use by mobilising pension funds to protect the planet and support the drive to net zero.


labourlist--2020-11-17--No deal Brexit would be a knockout blow for an economy already on the ropes

With the world gripped by the drama of the US Presidential elections and the ongoing fight against Covid , it is easy to forget that we are entering a critical stage of the UK-EU negotiations on post-Brexit trade .
Emergency talks are currently ongoing to salvage a deal in time for December 31st after months and months of failed negotiations .
Once again , the government has left it to the last minute , doing its assignment the night before it is due in .
I never thought I would find myself agreeing with a former Tory Prime Minister but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he said Brexit may be “ even more brutal than expected ” due to the UK ’ s negotiating failures .
He is not optimistic about the prospects of reaching a deal , and he is concerned that the process is either going to end up either with no deal or a “ flimsy and bare-bones ” agreement that creates new barriers to trade and would be a “ wretched betrayal ” of the promises made to British voters during the 2016 referendum .
I agree .
I share his pessimism over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right deal for Britain .
The government ’ s inflexibility , its hubris and lack of attention to detail give me very little reason to hope for a good outcome .
Theresa May once said that “ no deal is better than a bad deal ” .
Now , thanks to this government ’ s incompetence and intransigence , it is no deal or a bad deal .
We are being left to choose the lesser of two evils .
It did not have to be this way .
We know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of business costs as a result of extra customs declarations and more red tape .
There will be disruption to supply chains and , as the National Audit Office report showed last week , poor Tory planning could hit our country hard in the New Year even with a deal .
Nobody should be expected to pay the high price of Tory incompetence and failure .
With the economy already in tatters due to the mishandling of the pandemic , no deal would be an absolute nightmare scenario for jobs and business – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many businesses and employers .
Even the government ’ s own research has shown that we can not cope with a no-deal Brexit and a Covid second wave at once .
According to the “ doomsday document ” leaked in August , a “ reasonable worst-case scenario ” could lead to a “ systemic economic crisis ” , leading to mass unemployment at a time when jobs and businesses are already vulnerable , shortages of vital medicines during a deadly pandemic , rising food prices , power cuts , and fuel rationing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my own community in Wandsworth .
Research by Best for Britain indicates that in Wandsworth 39 % of jobs are in sectors identified as being severely impacted by a no-deal Brexit .
The facts are clear : the double effect of coronavirus and crashing out of the EU with a no-deal Brexit will be absolutely devastating in our community .
Our negotiators can not let this happen .
This is not just about the economy either .
Without a deal , the UK would lose real-time access to EU databases of criminal records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation David Anderson says this will significantly slow investigations and leave British Police “ increasingly unable to cope ” .
Policing and security is at stake too .
At such a critical stage of negotiations , it beggars belief that the government is choosing now to rewrite parts of the withdrawal agreement through the internal market bill – an act of legal vandalism that even the government has admitted breaks international law .
It could not have picked a worse time to undermine trust in the negotiations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Lords overwhelmingly vote to remove these clauses from the draft bill last week .
The clock is ticking and the next fortnight is absolutely vital .
No deal is not just an undesirable option – it is an unthinkable scenario that everyone except the most ardent Brexiteers has spent four years warning would be a complete disaster .
It would provide a knockout blow to an economy that is already on the ropes .
It must be avoided at all costs .

With the world gripped by the drama of the US Presidential elections and the ongoing fight against Covid, it is easy to forget that we are entering a critical stage of the UK-EU negotiations on post-Brexit trade. Emergency talks are currently ongoing to salvage a deal in time for December 31st after months and months of failed negotiations. Once again, the government has left it to the last minute, doing its assignment the night before it is due in.
I never thought I would find myself agreeing with a former Tory Prime Minister but Sir John Major is absolutely spot on when he said Brexit may be “even more brutal than expected” due to the UK’s negotiating failures. He is not optimistic about the prospects of reaching a deal, and he is concerned that the process is either going to end up either with no deal or a “flimsy and bare-bones” agreement that creates new barriers to trade and would be a “wretched betrayal” of the promises made to British voters during the 2016 referendum. I agree.
I share his pessimism over the government’s ability to negotiate the right deal for Britain. The government’s inflexibility, its hubris and lack of attention to detail give me very little reason to hope for a good outcome. Theresa May once said that “no deal is better than a bad deal”. Now, thanks to this government’s incompetence and intransigence, it is no deal or a bad deal. We are being left to choose the lesser of two evils. It did not have to be this way.
We know the government’s deal will add £7bn of business costs as a result of extra customs declarations and more red tape. There will be disruption to supply chains and, as the National Audit Office report showed last week, poor Tory planning could hit our country hard in the New Year even with a deal. Nobody should be expected to pay the high price of Tory incompetence and failure.
With the economy already in tatters due to the mishandling of the pandemic, no deal would be an absolute nightmare scenario for jobs and business – and the final nail in the coffin for many businesses and employers. Even the government’s own research has shown that we cannot cope with a no-deal Brexit and a Covid second wave at once. According to the “doomsday document” leaked in August, a “reasonable worst-case scenario” could lead to a “systemic economic crisis”, leading to mass unemployment at a time when jobs and businesses are already vulnerable, shortages of vital medicines during a deadly pandemic, rising food prices, power cuts, and fuel rationing.
This dread is most acute in my own community in Wandsworth. Research by Best for Britain indicates that in Wandsworth 39% of jobs are in sectors identified as being severely impacted by a no-deal Brexit. The facts are clear: the double effect of coronavirus and crashing out of the EU with a no-deal Brexit will be absolutely devastating in our community. Our negotiators cannot let this happen.
This is not just about the economy either. Without a deal, the UK would lose real-time access to EU databases of criminal records, arrest warrants and passenger information. Former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation David Anderson says this will significantly slow investigations and leave British Police “increasingly unable to cope”. Policing and security is at stake too.
At such a critical stage of negotiations, it beggars belief that the government is choosing now to rewrite parts of the withdrawal agreement through the internal market bill – an act of legal vandalism that even the government has admitted breaks international law. It could not have picked a worse time to undermine trust in the negotiations. It was absolutely no surprise to see the House of Lords overwhelmingly vote to remove these clauses from the draft bill last week.
The clock is ticking and the next fortnight is absolutely vital. No deal is not just an undesirable option – it is an unthinkable scenario that everyone except the most ardent Brexiteers has spent four years warning would be a complete disaster. It would provide a knockout blow to an economy that is already on the ropes. It must be avoided at all costs.