labourlist--2020-05-31--Sunday shows: Labour on schools reopening and lockdown easing

Steve Reed , Labour ’ s communities spokesperson , discussed the reopening of schools due to take place tomorrow and said the government had “ wasted time ” in developing the test , track and isolate system .
• On easing lockdown restrictions : “ Labour supports the lockdown easing but it ’ s critically important that as that happens it ’ s done in the safest way that it possibly can be.
” • Asked if Labour supports schools reopening tomorrow : “ Where it ’ s possible to open schools , then absolutely we want to see schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of children are not getting any education at all.
” • On some areas reopening schools and others not : “ We don ’ t have a single rate of infection for this disease… The way to deal with that is to set clear national standards that everybody can understand but allow flexibility on how those are applied in particular localities.
” • On the differences between areas : “ If you try to apply one-size-fits-all when the circumstances are so different in different parts of the country , you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • On the test and trace system : “ The government has , in my opinion , wasted time on getting this program right .
Just on Friday last week , with four working days until Boris Johnson ’ s deadline… local authority leaders were told they were going to have to take a lead on this.
” • On what is needed : “ We need to see better data sharing , so that local authorities know exactly who needs to be contacted and asked to isolate .
Local authorities are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local lockdowns.
” • On further support : “ Where there are people who for reasons of their own personal income are less likely to self-isolate… there needs to be financial support to help them self-isolate.
” • On public confidence : “ These are all things the government can fix very , very quickly if they choose to , and it ’ s essential that is done if you ’ re going to have public confidence and an effective and robust contact tracing system.
” '' All of us want to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done in a gradual way that maintains parents ' confidence that it 's safe for their child to go back '' Shadow Communities Secretary Steve Reed says Labour supports the reopening of schools `` where it 's possible '' # Ridge pic.twitter.com/EiGQNqSGQh Joint general secretary of the National Education Union Mary Bousted also appeared on the show .
She argued for the reopening of schools to be pushed back to June 15th and said the summer holidays should not be cancelled .
• On the reopening of schools : “ Tomorrow is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argument for a number of weeks now.
” • On the government ’ s approach : “ The government simply did not give enough time to plan… The government ’ s plans on reopening schools , since they were first produced on 12th May , have been changed 41 times.
” • On staff : “ We are asking them – without personal protective equipment and without social distancing – to go into schools at a time when the rate fo infection is still the fifth highest incidence in the world.
” • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you keep the lockdown measures in place for two more weeks and open schools on June 15th , then the rate of infection in children will have halved… We think that is safer.
” • Asked if summer holidays should be cancelled : “ No , the summer holidays shouldn ’ t be cancelled because teachers have been working flat-out to provide education for children from home.
” • But she also said : “ What should happen is – and we do support this – to have clubs and activities on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together and to socialise.
” Dominic Raab discussed the easing of lockdown restrictions .
He argued that the government had made “ steady progress ” in bringing down the rate of transmission .
The Foreign Secretary said : “ We can ’ t just stay in lockdown forever – we ’ ve got to transition.
” Nicola Sturgeon was asked about the crisis care homes , and said : “ It ’ s often put to me that the death rate for care homes in Scotland is higher than it is in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that.
” She said there was a “ question of under-reporting in England ” .
• On whether Labour supports the unlocking : “ That decision has been made much riskier because of what seems like a lack of preparedness , particularly around test track and isolate… And around the public health messaging , which really ought to be crystal clear.
” • Pointed out that 250,000 tests a day , an app , and other tests set by Labour have not been achieved : “ Party political debate over some of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is relevant is getting those problems fixed and doing it urgently.
“ • On whether Labour backs the furlough scheme ending in October : “ I don ’ t support the approach that we ’ ve seen from government , which is adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to every sector of our economy..
I ’ ve called on the Chancellor to release the information he ’ s basing these decision on.
” • On Rosie Duffield ’ s resignation : “ She was absolutely right to resign .
Clearly she wasn ’ t right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposite , and it ’ s absolutely correct that she has immediately taken responsibility for that as I understand it.
” • On whether she is still worried about sending her children to reopened schools : “ It ’ s very interesting being a woman in politics .
I know this question has been asked of men as well .
Actually my children aren ’ t at the stage where they would be in those year groups anyway.
” • On schools , she added : “ It is really important now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right decisions around this .
If individual schools feel that they are not ready , that they are given the support so they can get ready .
If individual parents don ’ t feel that it is safe for their children , that they ’ re not put in a difficult position because of that.
” Dominic Raab also appeared on Marr .
He reiterated that we are “ transitioning from Level 4 to Level 3 ” .
The Foreign Secretary also made clear : “ What we really want to avoid is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that the government would reimpose measures on specific areas with worse infection rates , and agreed with the example of Greater Manchester .
Its mayor , Andy Burnham , has called this plan a “ recipe for chaos ” .
Raab said : “ If there ’ s any uptick in one particular locality , we ’ ve got the ability to take targeted measures , and that ’ s why the test and tracing system will help us… We will target specific settings or particular regions or geographic areas , yes.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ traced ” following the launch of NHS Test and Trace on Thursday , he replied : “ I don ’ t have the exact figures.
” Raab confirmed that the UK is proposing to offer residency rights to 2.9m people from Hong Kong , though added : “ You ’ re not going to get all of those people – a fraction of them would actually come to the UK.
” On George Floyd and Trump ’ s tweet ( “ When the looting starts , the shooting starts ” ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-imposed guidance not to comment on what President Trump says ” .
He added : “ We want to see America come back together , not tear itself apart over this .
That is a very distressing and upsetting case .
”

Ridge on Sunday
Steve Reed, Labour’s communities spokesperson, discussed the reopening of schools due to take place tomorrow and said the government had “wasted time” in developing the test, track and isolate system.
On easing lockdown restrictions: “Labour supports the lockdown easing but it’s critically important that as that happens it’s done in the safest way that it possibly can be.”
Asked if Labour supports schools reopening tomorrow: “Where it’s possible to open schools, then absolutely we want to see schools open… In some communities up to a third of children are not getting any education at all.”
On some areas reopening schools and others not: “We don’t have a single rate of infection for this disease… The way to deal with that is to set clear national standards that everybody can understand but allow flexibility on how those are applied in particular localities.”
On the differences between areas: “If you try to apply one-size-fits-all when the circumstances are so different in different parts of the country, you’ll put children and their families at risk.”
On the test and trace system: “The government has, in my opinion, wasted time on getting this program right. Just on Friday last week, with four working days until Boris Johnson’s deadline… local authority leaders were told they were going to have to take a lead on this.”
On what is needed: “We need to see better data sharing, so that local authorities know exactly who needs to be contacted and asked to isolate. Local authorities are saying they need more powers to enforce local lockdowns.”
On further support: “Where there are people who for reasons of their own personal income are less likely to self-isolate… there needs to be financial support to help them self-isolate.”
On public confidence: “These are all things the government can fix very, very quickly if they choose to, and it’s essential that is done if you’re going to have public confidence and an effective and robust contact tracing system.”
"All of us want to see schools open, but it has to be done in a gradual way that maintains parents' confidence that it's safe for their child to go back" Shadow Communities Secretary Steve Reed says Labour supports the reopening of schools "where it's possible" #Ridge pic.twitter.com/EiGQNqSGQh — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) May 31, 2020
Joint general secretary of the National Education Union Mary Bousted also appeared on the show. She argued for the reopening of schools to be pushed back to June 15th and said the summer holidays should not be cancelled.
On the reopening of schools: “Tomorrow is too soon and we have made that argument for a number of weeks now.”
On the government’s approach: “The government simply did not give enough time to plan… The government’s plans on reopening schools, since they were first produced on 12th May, have been changed 41 times.”
On staff: “We are asking them – without personal protective equipment and without social distancing – to go into schools at a time when the rate fo infection is still the fifth highest incidence in the world.”
On pushing back reopening: “If you keep the lockdown measures in place for two more weeks and open schools on June 15th, then the rate of infection in children will have halved… We think that is safer.”
Asked if summer holidays should be cancelled: “No, the summer holidays shouldn’t be cancelled because teachers have been working flat-out to provide education for children from home.”
But she also said: “What should happen is – and we do support this – to have clubs and activities on a voluntary basis for those children to meet together and to socialise.”
Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, says "the government simply did not given enough time to plan" schools reopening, adding that guidelines have changed 41 times since 12 May Follow #Ridge: https://t.co/h5YYYY10bO pic.twitter.com/PCdmrbMb6k — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) May 31, 2020
Dominic Raab discussed the easing of lockdown restrictions. He argued that the government had made “steady progress” in bringing down the rate of transmission. The Foreign Secretary said: “We can’t just stay in lockdown forever – we’ve got to transition.”
Nicola Sturgeon was asked about the crisis care homes, and said: “It’s often put to me that the death rate for care homes in Scotland is higher than it is in England and I just don’t believe that.” She said there was a “question of under-reporting in England”.
The Andrew Marr Show
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds discussed restrictions being lifted, economic measures, Rosie Duffield’s resignation and schools reopening.
On whether Labour supports the unlocking: “That decision has been made much riskier because of what seems like a lack of preparedness, particularly around test track and isolate… And around the public health messaging, which really ought to be crystal clear.”
Pointed out that 250,000 tests a day, an app, and other tests set by Labour have not been achieved: “Party political debate over some of these issues is not relevant now. What is relevant is getting those problems fixed and doing it urgently.“
On whether Labour backs the furlough scheme ending in October: “I don’t support the approach that we’ve seen from government, which is adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to every sector of our economy.. I’ve called on the Chancellor to release the information he’s basing these decision on.”
On Rosie Duffield’s resignation: “She was absolutely right to resign. Clearly she wasn’t right to have broken the rules, quite the opposite, and it’s absolutely correct that she has immediately taken responsibility for that as I understand it.”
On whether she is still worried about sending her children to reopened schools: “It’s very interesting being a woman in politics. I know this question has been asked of men as well. Actually my children aren’t at the stage where they would be in those year groups anyway.”
On schools, she added: “It is really important now that we enable people to take the right decisions around this. If individual schools feel that they are not ready, that they are given the support so they can get ready. If individual parents don’t feel that it is safe for their children, that they’re not put in a difficult position because of that.”
Dominic Raab also appeared on Marr. He reiterated that we are “transitioning from Level 4 to Level 3” on the coronavirus alert system. The Foreign Secretary also made clear: “What we really want to avoid is a re-entering of the lockdown.”
He confirmed that the government would reimpose measures on specific areas with worse infection rates, and agreed with the example of Greater Manchester. Its mayor, Andy Burnham, has called this plan a “recipe for chaos”.
Raab said: “If there’s any uptick in one particular locality, we’ve got the ability to take targeted measures, and that’s why the test and tracing system will help us… We will target specific settings or particular regions or geographic areas, yes.”
Asked how many people had been “traced” following the launch of NHS Test and Trace on Thursday, he replied: “I don’t have the exact figures.”
Raab confirmed that the UK is proposing to offer residency rights to 2.9m people from Hong Kong, though added: “You’re not going to get all of those people – a fraction of them would actually come to the UK.”
On George Floyd and Trump’s tweet (“When the looting starts, the shooting starts”), Raab said he was keeping to “self-imposed guidance not to comment on what President Trump says”. He added: “We want to see America come back together, not tear itself apart over this. That is a very distressing and upsetting case.”


labourlist--2020-05-31--Tory lead narrows to just four points as Johnson approval rating falls

The Conservative lead over the Labour Party has narrowed from 12 points to just four points in one week , as the Prime Minister ’ s approval rating has fallen in the wake of the Dominic Cummings story .
According to a new Opinium poll , the Tory lead has been squeezed considerably after Boris Johnson defended his top adviser from accusations that he had broken coronavirus lockdown rules .
Although Cummings travelled 260 miles with a symptomatic member of his family at the height of the lockdown , and took an additional unnecessary trip , he has refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new survey for The Observer shows that the Tories have dropped four points compared to last week , now on 43 % , while Labour is up four points to 39 % – its best since January 2019 .
The poll finds that Johnson now has a net disapproval rating , going from 6 % net approval last week to 5 % net disapproval this week .
Only 37 % now approve of the job the Prime Minister is doing , down from 45 % last week .
Keir Starmer ’ s approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37 % say ‘ neither ’ and 19 % disapprove .
The percentage of those approving surpassed the proportion of those saying ‘ neither ’ two weeks ago .
The public showed net approval ratings for the government ’ s handling of the coronavirus crisis until mid-May , when the levels of disapproval took over .
43 % currently disapprove while 37 % approve .
On the Cummings story , 96 % of those surveyed said they had heard something about the row , and 81 % believe that the adviser broke the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not believe Cummings ’ explanation of events .
With 60 % thinking his trip to Durham was unjustified , the poll shows that 42 % feel angry towards Cummings about the situation and only 9 % feel sympathetic towards the top aide .
68 % think that Cummings should resign – including a majority , 52 % , of 2019 Conservative voters – and 66 % think that the Prime Minister should sack him .
Polling from Savanta ComRes showed earlier this week that the Prime Minister ’ s personal approval ratings dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -1 % after he claimed Cummings had “ acted legally and with integrity ” .
Between May 24th and 25th , Keir Starmer saw his ratings rise from 7 % to 12 % and approval for the government fell below zero to -2 % according to the Savanta Comres research .

The Conservative lead over the Labour Party has narrowed from 12 points to just four points in one week, as the Prime Minister’s approval rating has fallen in the wake of the Dominic Cummings story.
According to a new Opinium poll, the Tory lead has been squeezed considerably after Boris Johnson defended his top adviser from accusations that he had broken coronavirus lockdown rules.
Although Cummings travelled 260 miles with a symptomatic member of his family at the height of the lockdown, and took an additional unnecessary trip, he has refused to apologise or admit a breach.
The new survey for The Observer shows that the Tories have dropped four points compared to last week, now on 43%, while Labour is up four points to 39% – its best since January 2019.
The poll finds that Johnson now has a net disapproval rating, going from 6% net approval last week to 5% net disapproval this week. Only 37% now approve of the job the Prime Minister is doing, down from 45% last week.
Keir Starmer’s approval rating has seen 44% approve, 37% say ‘neither’ and 19% disapprove. The percentage of those approving surpassed the proportion of those saying ‘neither’ two weeks ago.
The public showed net approval ratings for the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis until mid-May, when the levels of disapproval took over. 43% currently disapprove while 37% approve.
On the Cummings story, 96% of those surveyed said they had heard something about the row, and 81% believe that the adviser broke the rules during lockdown. 67% do not believe Cummings’ explanation of events.
With 60% thinking his trip to Durham was unjustified, the poll shows that 42% feel angry towards Cummings about the situation and only 9% feel sympathetic towards the top aide.
68% think that Cummings should resign – including a majority, 52%, of 2019 Conservative voters – and 66% think that the Prime Minister should sack him.
Polling from Savanta ComRes showed earlier this week that the Prime Minister’s personal approval ratings dropped by 20 points in four days to -1% after he claimed Cummings had “acted legally and with integrity”.
Between May 24th and 25th, Keir Starmer saw his ratings rise from 7% to 12% and approval for the government fell below zero to -2% according to the Savanta Comres research.


labourlist--2020-05-31--Rosie Duffield resigns as Labour whip after breaking lockdown rules

Rosie Duffield has apologised and resigned from her opposition frontbench post as a Labour whip after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules .
The Labour MP for Canterbury met her new partner for a long walk in April , and also did not deny that he had visited her home , according to The Mail on Sunday .
People are now allowed to meet someone from a different household while keeping to the two-metre distancing rule , but the measures had not yet been relaxed when the walk took place .
Duffield was not living with her partner as he is married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , though they are now thought to be living in the same property in London .
In a statement , Duffield said : “ My partner and I have been attempting to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible .
I apologise that during that process , we breached the guidelines.
” She added : “ A relationship breakdown is difficult at the best of times , let alone during a pandemic .
I hope people can understand why I took the steps I did and know that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for which I apologise.
” The events have been compared to the Dominic Cummings story , but Labour sources point out that Duffield has apologised and admitted a breach – unlike the Prime Minister ’ s adviser .
Elected for the first time in 2017 , Duffield was appointed as a whip by new leader Keir Starmer in mid-April , along with more than a dozen other Labour MPs .
As well as winning Canterbury for Labour after 185 years of the constituency being held by Tories , Duffield is best known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year on domestic abuse .
Duffield succeeded Jess Phillips as chair of the Women ’ s Parliamentary Labour Party in October 2019 .
She has been outspoken on antisemitism and in her support of the Jewish Labour Movement .

Rosie Duffield has apologised and resigned from her opposition frontbench post as a Labour whip after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.
The Labour MP for Canterbury met her new partner for a long walk in April, and also did not deny that he had visited her home, according to The Mail on Sunday.
People are now allowed to meet someone from a different household while keeping to the two-metre distancing rule, but the measures had not yet been relaxed when the walk took place.
Duffield was not living with her partner as he is married and was living with his wife at the time, though they are now thought to be living in the same property in London.
In a statement, Duffield said: “My partner and I have been attempting to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible. I apologise that during that process, we breached the guidelines.”
She added: “A relationship breakdown is difficult at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. I hope people can understand why I took the steps I did and know that I take responsibility for the breaches that occurred and for which I apologise.”
The events have been compared to the Dominic Cummings story, but Labour sources point out that Duffield has apologised and admitted a breach – unlike the Prime Minister’s adviser.
Elected for the first time in 2017, Duffield was appointed as a whip by new leader Keir Starmer in mid-April, along with more than a dozen other Labour MPs.
As well as winning Canterbury for Labour after 185 years of the constituency being held by Tories, Duffield is best known for her House of Commons speech last year on domestic abuse.
Duffield succeeded Jess Phillips as chair of the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party in October 2019. She has been outspoken on antisemitism and in her support of the Jewish Labour Movement.


labourlist--2020-06-01--Labour’s three-point plan to make test, track and trace work

Labour has launched a three-point plan to ensure that the new test , track and trace system works on a local level , as the government plan relies on the ability to contain local outbreaks .
It comes after Dido Harding , executive chair of NHS Test and Trace , confirmed to MPs that the local roll-out of the programme would not be “ fully operational ” until the end of June .
Ben Bradshaw was among the parliamentarians noting that this went against Boris Johnson ’ s promise to have a “ world-beating ” track and trace system in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s plan for making the scheme work on a local level is as follows : • Make sure councils have necessary powers to play their role in enforcing lockdowns in their area as needed to respond to local spikes in infections .
• Introduce a Covid Test Guarantee – a double-lock that no one will have to wait more than 24 hours to receive a test and then no more than 24 hours to receive the results .
• Deliver a working app that will enable councils to contact everyone at risk – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the security of their personal information .
Commenting on the proposals , Labour ’ s communities spokesperson Steve Reed said : “ Test and Trace is the key to easing lockdown restrictions safely .
But instead of the “ world-beating ” system the Prime Minister promised us by 1 June , the system is in total chaos because the government got the planning wrong .
“ Yet again , the government has been too slow in tackling the virus .
They were too slow with the lockdown , too slow on PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too slow to protect care homes and now they ’ ve been too slow to involve councils even though they had the expertise and knowledge ready to hunt down this virus street by street .
“ The government must now follow Labour ’ s three-point plan if we are to end lockdown safely .
If they get test and trace wrong , the country risks another catastrophic spike of infection that will lead to a second lockdown with all the untold damage that will mean for lives and livelihoods across Britain.
” Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system was “ up and running ” and “ going since Thursday ” , the Foreign Secretary could not say on Sunday how many people had been traced .
He also confirmed that the coronavirus alert level had not gone down to Level 3 and measures are being lifted , despite initial claims that the the alert system would determine the relaxation of restrictions .

Labour has launched a three-point plan to ensure that the new test, track and trace system works on a local level, as the government plan relies on the ability to contain local outbreaks.
It comes after Dido Harding, executive chair of NHS Test and Trace, confirmed to MPs that the local roll-out of the programme would not be “fully operational” until the end of June.
Ben Bradshaw was among the parliamentarians noting that this went against Boris Johnson’s promise to have a “world-beating” track and trace system in place by June 1st.
Labour’s plan for making the scheme work on a local level is as follows:
Make sure councils have necessary powers to play their role in enforcing lockdowns in their area as needed to respond to local spikes in infections. Introduce a Covid Test Guarantee – a double-lock that no one will have to wait more than 24 hours to receive a test and then no more than 24 hours to receive the results. Deliver a working app that will enable councils to contact everyone at risk – with a cast-iron guarantee to the public about the security of their personal information.
Commenting on the proposals, Labour’s communities spokesperson Steve Reed said: “Test and Trace is the key to easing lockdown restrictions safely. But instead of the “world-beating” system the Prime Minister promised us by 1 June, the system is in total chaos because the government got the planning wrong.
“Yet again, the government has been too slow in tackling the virus. They were too slow with the lockdown, too slow on PPE distribution, too slow on testing, too slow to protect care homes and now they’ve been too slow to involve councils even though they had the expertise and knowledge ready to hunt down this virus street by street.
“The government must now follow Labour’s three-point plan if we are to end lockdown safely. If they get test and trace wrong, the country risks another catastrophic spike of infection that will lead to a second lockdown with all the untold damage that will mean for lives and livelihoods across Britain.”
Although Dominic Raab claimed to Andrew Marr that the system was “up and running” and “going since Thursday”, the Foreign Secretary could not say on Sunday how many people had been traced.
He also confirmed that the coronavirus alert level had not gone down to Level 3 and measures are being lifted, despite initial claims that the the alert system would determine the relaxation of restrictions.


labourlist--2020-06-01--Where is Boris Johnson’s “world-beating” test and trace system?

Coronavirus restrictions are being lifted from today , and yet the conditions that we were told would be in place before this happened… are not in place .
There is no tracing app .
Testing may have reached the 200,000 daily target for capacity but not for tests actually carried out .
And then there is the number of people being tested , which we can only assume is pitiful because that figure is no longer being disclosed .
They have refused to explain the omission at the press conferences .
In fact , far from the “ world-beating ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 1st , NHS Test and Trace is in chaos and won ’ t be fully operational until the end of June .
As public health officials accuse the government of “ misjudging the balance of risk ” by lifting “ too many restrictions , too quickly ” , schools are reopening for many more pupils .
The Labour leadership has been accused by journalists and the party ’ s left of not being entirely clear in its position on schools .
Frontbenchers have been careful about endorsing the refusals of some Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party did not back the National Education Union ’ s call for the move to be delayed until mid-June .
Rebecca Long-Bailey as Shadow Education Secretary is pretty straightforward , however , saying “ schools should only open when it is safe to do so ” .
On LabourList today , we have a focus on our care workers .
Angela Rayner , a care worker herself before entering parliament , recently hosted a Zoom call with frontline workers in the sector .
Noting that half are not paid the real living wage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those workers who have risked their lives without receiving support .
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has also penned a LabourList article on this subject .
He makes the case for care staff not only to be given “ better pay , improved conditions and recognised trade union representation ” but also a “ re-evaluation of their status ” .
Leonard slams the SNP for joining forces with the Tories against Scottish Labour ’ s proposal to extend collective bargaining rights to care workers .
There is plenty of news here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is risking lives in order to get more of the economy ‘ back to normal ’ .
But our attention is being drawn to events in the US .
Following the police killing of George Floyd , there have been widespread protests fuelled by righteous anger .
In response , the white supremacist in the White House , who recently encouraged anti-lockdown protests , tweeted : “ When the looting starts , the shooting starts.
” Trump has since claimed that Antifa , the amorphous anti-fascism movement , will be designated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75 US cities , police officers have driven cars into crowds , used tear gas and batons , shot people with rubber bullets to seriously injure and blind them .
They know that they have the backing of their President , after all .
The response of Foreign Secretary , Dominic Raab ?
He doesn ’ t want to comment on Trump ’ s statements .
The footage is “ very distressing ” , he says , and “ we want to see a de-escalation of all of those tensions ” .
Bothsidesing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing else .
But the UK left must stand in solidarity with those scared and angry in the US , recognise that this country is home to discriminatory state violence too and – as party activist Jake Cable has written – work to ensure that Labour delivers justice for Black people and People of Colour .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Coronavirus restrictions are being lifted from today, and yet the conditions that we were told would be in place before this happened… are not in place. There is no tracing app. Testing may have reached the 200,000 daily target for capacity but not for tests actually carried out. And then there is the number of people being tested, which we can only assume is pitiful because that figure is no longer being disclosed. They have refused to explain the omission at the press conferences. In fact, far from the “world-beating” system that the Prime Minister promised by June 1st, NHS Test and Trace is in chaos and won’t be fully operational until the end of June.
As public health officials accuse the government of “misjudging the balance of risk” by lifting “too many restrictions, too quickly”, schools are reopening for many more pupils. The Labour leadership has been accused by journalists and the party’s left of not being entirely clear in its position on schools. Frontbenchers have been careful about endorsing the refusals of some Labour councils to reopen schools, and the party did not back the National Education Union’s call for the move to be delayed until mid-June. Rebecca Long-Bailey as Shadow Education Secretary is pretty straightforward, however, saying “schools should only open when it is safe to do so”.
On LabourList today, we have a focus on our care workers. Angela Rayner, a care worker herself before entering parliament, recently hosted a Zoom call with frontline workers in the sector. Noting that half are not paid the real living wage, her piece sets out the anxieties of those workers who have risked their lives without receiving support. Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has also penned a LabourList article on this subject. He makes the case for care staff not only to be given “better pay, improved conditions and recognised trade union representation” but also a “re-evaluation of their status”. Leonard slams the SNP for joining forces with the Tories against Scottish Labour’s proposal to extend collective bargaining rights to care workers.
There is plenty of news here, with lots of evidence that the UK government is risking lives in order to get more of the economy ‘back to normal’. But our attention is being drawn to events in the US. Following the police killing of George Floyd, there have been widespread protests fuelled by righteous anger. In response, the white supremacist in the White House, who recently encouraged anti-lockdown protests, tweeted: “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.” Trump has since claimed that Antifa, the amorphous anti-fascism movement, will be designated as a terrorist organisation.
Across more than 75 US cities, police officers have driven cars into crowds, used tear gas and batons, shot people with rubber bullets to seriously injure and blind them. They know that they have the backing of their President, after all. The response of Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab? He doesn’t want to comment on Trump’s statements. The footage is “very distressing”, he says, and “we want to see a de-escalation of all of those tensions”. Bothsidesing it, basically. We would expect nothing else. But the UK left must stand in solidarity with those scared and angry in the US, recognise that this country is home to discriminatory state violence too and – as party activist Jake Cable has written – work to ensure that Labour delivers justice for Black people and People of Colour. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-06-01--Clapping for our carers must be matched by meaningful action

I hosted a meeting on Zoom last week with frontline care workers who were so worried about the consequences of speaking out that they asked for their identities to be protected .
They are scared that if they speak out publicly about the situation on the ground they will lose their jobs and be unable to support their families .
The government is quick to laud our carers as heroes , but instead of trotting out platitudes about throwing a “ protective ring ” around care homes they should listen to people like the home care worker who told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily basis .
She tries to care for 20 older people each day whilst making do with only one mask to protect her and everyone she comes into contact with throughout her working day .
She is terrified of passing coronavirus to vulnerable , at-risk people as she goes from home to home because she has not been provided with adequate PPE .
I ’ m proud of the work that I did as a care worker before becoming a Member of Parliament .
I know from my own experience how hard our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put their own lives at risk to keep our country going during this crisis .
So it makes me angry to hear how badly they have been let down .
It makes me angry that they fear speaking out about the situation on the frontline .
Our care sector has been tragically let down throughout this crisis , as anyone on the frontline will tell you .
And the failure to protect our social care sector and care home residents has undoubtedly cost lives , as the death rates in our care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s “ protective ring ” around care homes never existed .
The idea of a “ protective ring ” is contradicted by the government ’ s own guidance , which stated that “ negative tests are not required prior to transfer/admissions into the care home ” .
Leaked Public Health England documents revealed that the government rejected plans to “ require care home workers to isolate to reduce [ the ] risk of picking up Covid-19 ” , possibly with higher pay .
We can not afford for the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to the test and trace system .
The care workers I spoke to want to do the right thing , and it is absolutely essential that they don ’ t put vulnerable older people who live in care homes or are shielding in their own homes at risk .
But the government has not been clear about the support that will be in place for social care workers who need to isolate under test , trace and isolate .
Nobody should have to choose between keeping people safe and putting food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so the government needs to assure care workers that they won ’ t be going unpaid if they have to isolate and take time off work to keep us all safe .
The government should listen to the young carer who spoke about how many home care workers are being paid poverty wages – below even the national minimum wage when they take into account the unpaid travel time between 20 home visits every day .
It is simply wrong that half of all care workers are not even paid the real living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to listen to our care workers , they would realise that they are not low-skilled , they are actually low-paid and undervalued .
There is real and justified anger amongst staff in the care sector that the workers who are risking their lives to care for others are being called “ low-skilled ” by the very same ministers who have been clapping for them on Thursday evenings .
What is clear from speaking to staff working on the frontline is that warm words and the applause we have seen on Thursday evenings will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not matched by meaningful action .
They want fair pay and to be valued for the incredible work they do .
That is the very least they deserve .

I hosted a meeting on Zoom last week with frontline care workers who were so worried about the consequences of speaking out that they asked for their identities to be protected. They are scared that if they speak out publicly about the situation on the ground they will lose their jobs and be unable to support their families.
The government is quick to laud our carers as heroes, but instead of trotting out platitudes about throwing a “protective ring” around care homes they should listen to people like the home care worker who told me about the struggle she faces on a daily basis. She tries to care for 20 older people each day whilst making do with only one mask to protect her and everyone she comes into contact with throughout her working day. She is terrified of passing coronavirus to vulnerable, at-risk people as she goes from home to home because she has not been provided with adequate PPE.
I’m proud of the work that I did as a care worker before becoming a Member of Parliament. I know from my own experience how hard our carers work, and they have selflessly put their own lives at risk to keep our country going during this crisis. So it makes me angry to hear how badly they have been let down. It makes me angry that they fear speaking out about the situation on the frontline.
Our care sector has been tragically let down throughout this crisis, as anyone on the frontline will tell you. And the failure to protect our social care sector and care home residents has undoubtedly cost lives, as the death rates in our care homes demonstrate.
It has become clear that the government’s “protective ring” around care homes never existed. The idea of a “protective ring” is contradicted by the government’s own guidance, which stated that “negative tests are not required prior to transfer/admissions into the care home”.
Leaked Public Health England documents revealed that the government rejected plans to “require care home workers to isolate to reduce [the] risk of picking up Covid-19”, possibly with higher pay. We cannot afford for the government to make the same mistakes again when it comes to the test and trace system.
The care workers I spoke to want to do the right thing, and it is absolutely essential that they don’t put vulnerable older people who live in care homes or are shielding in their own homes at risk. But the government has not been clear about the support that will be in place for social care workers who need to isolate under test, trace and isolate. Nobody should have to choose between keeping people safe and putting food on the table for their family, so the government needs to assure care workers that they won’t be going unpaid if they have to isolate and take time off work to keep us all safe.
The government should listen to the young carer who spoke about how many home care workers are being paid poverty wages – below even the national minimum wage when they take into account the unpaid travel time between 20 home visits every day. It is simply wrong that half of all care workers are not even paid the real living wage.
If ministers took the time to listen to our care workers, they would realise that they are not low-skilled, they are actually low-paid and undervalued. There is real and justified anger amongst staff in the care sector that the workers who are risking their lives to care for others are being called “low-skilled” by the very same ministers who have been clapping for them on Thursday evenings.
What is clear from speaking to staff working on the frontline is that warm words and the applause we have seen on Thursday evenings will feel hollow for care workers if it is not matched by meaningful action. They want fair pay and to be valued for the incredible work they do. That is the very least they deserve.


labourlist--2020-06-01--Scotland’s care workers deserve better

Scotland’s care workers deserve better

The sombre evidence that has stacked up over the last ten weeks reveals that the social care sector is the frontline of Scotland ’ s Covid-19 crisis .
The latest figures show there have been 1,749 Covid-19-related deaths in care homes – around 46 % of all coronavirus fatalities in Scotland .
The fact is that care workers and our older people in residential care have been badly let down during this pandemic .
I have been accused of applying the benefit of hindsight , but I was raising what was happening in our residential care homes with the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
Because we knew that these are our most vulnerable citizens to this kind of virus due to their age , health frailties and communal living arrangements .
This week at First Minister ’ s Questions , I highlighted the fateful impact of the government ’ s rush to discharge nearly a thousand hospital patients to care homes in March without testing them for the virus .
I quoted testimony from a nurse in Lanarkshire who said that patients were transferred to her nursing home without their knowledge or that of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all one big mess , ” she said .
This has not only exposed care workers to the virus , it has also caused additional stress and anguish at the hardest of times .
Throughout this national emergency , Scotland ’ s care workers have been professional and dedicated in truly exceptional and unprecedented circumstances .
Despite the widespread public appreciation for their efforts , too many have been forced to call in their union for support over health and safety issues , most strikingly a lack of PPE .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step change in how our care system operates .
Scotland ’ s care workers deserve better pay , improved conditions and recognised trade union representation .
But they also deserve a re-evaluation of their status .
Only two weeks ago , the SNP joined forces with the Tories in the Scottish Parliament to vote down an amendment to emergency Covid-19 legislation to give collective bargaining rights for care workers .
The SNP only voted in favour of a Scottish Labour amendment to establish a care workers ’ fund to stop vital key workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a huge public backlash against the party ’ s initial opposition .
Many care workers feel as if their services – often privatised or transferred to the third sector – are treated , both by government and in the public discourse , as the poor relation of our public services .
Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly stressed that she values care workers as much as NHS staff .
But in that case , why has she voted to deny them the collective bargaining rights that NHS workers rightly enjoy ?
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down with local authorities , private care companies , third sector organisations and trade unions to ensure that Scotland ’ s care workers are properly paid and properly cared for .
We must show those who have cared for us and for our loved ones that we will be here to support them long after the applause has ended .

The sombre evidence that has stacked up over the last ten weeks reveals that the social care sector is the frontline of Scotland’s Covid-19 crisis. The latest figures show there have been 1,749 Covid-19-related deaths in care homes – around 46% of all coronavirus fatalities in Scotland.
The fact is that care workers and our older people in residential care have been badly let down during this pandemic. I have been accused of applying the benefit of hindsight, but I was raising what was happening in our residential care homes with the First Minister in early March, before the lockdown. Because we knew that these are our most vulnerable citizens to this kind of virus due to their age, health frailties and communal living arrangements.
This week at First Minister’s Questions, I highlighted the fateful impact of the government’s rush to discharge nearly a thousand hospital patients to care homes in March without testing them for the virus. I quoted testimony from a nurse in Lanarkshire who said that patients were transferred to her nursing home without their knowledge or that of their next of kin. “It was all one big mess,” she said.
This has not only exposed care workers to the virus, it has also caused additional stress and anguish at the hardest of times. Throughout this national emergency, Scotland’s care workers have been professional and dedicated in truly exceptional and unprecedented circumstances. Despite the widespread public appreciation for their efforts, too many have been forced to call in their union for support over health and safety issues, most strikingly a lack of PPE.
That’s why I’m calling for a step change in how our care system operates. Scotland’s care workers deserve better pay, improved conditions and recognised trade union representation. But they also deserve a re-evaluation of their status.
Only two weeks ago, the SNP joined forces with the Tories in the Scottish Parliament to vote down an amendment to emergency Covid-19 legislation to give collective bargaining rights for care workers. The SNP only voted in favour of a Scottish Labour amendment to establish a care workers’ fund to stop vital key workers being plunged into poverty by the pandemic after a huge public backlash against the party’s initial opposition.
Many care workers feel as if their services – often privatised or transferred to the third sector – are treated, both by government and in the public discourse, as the poor relation of our public services. Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly stressed that she values care workers as much as NHS staff. But in that case, why has she voted to deny them the collective bargaining rights that NHS workers rightly enjoy?
It’s time for the Scottish government to sit down with local authorities, private care companies, third sector organisations and trade unions to ensure that Scotland’s care workers are properly paid and properly cared for. We must show those who have cared for us and for our loved ones that we will be here to support them long after the applause has ended.


labourlist--2020-05-29--Labour welcomes changes to income schemes – but warns against ‘one size fits all’ approach

Labour has welcomed the changes to coronavirus income support schemes announced today by the Chancellor – but warned the government against a ‘ one size fits all ’ approach .
Rishi Sunak has extended the coronavirus self-employment income support scheme ( SEISS ) , due to end this weekend .
113 MPs had demanded an extension to the mechanism currently supporting millions .
In August , self-employed workers will be able to apply for a second and final coronavirus support payment equivalent to 70 % of their monthly profits , capped at a total of £6,570 .
The Chancellor also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributing to furloughed workers ’ salaries , and he introduced flexibility to the scheme by allowing part-time work from July .
From August , the taxpayer contribution to wages will still cover 80 % of furloughed wages , while employers will be asked to pay National Insurance and pension contributions – 5 % of total employment costs .
In September , taxpayers will pay 70 % and employers 10 % ; in October , taxpayers will pay 60 % and employers 20 % , Sunak revealed today .
The job retention scheme will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Anneliese Dodds said : “ It is welcome that the government has heeded Labour ’ s calls for a more gradual introduction of the employer contribution to furlough , the introduction of flexibility within furlough to allow part time working , and the extension of the self-employed scheme.
” But the Shadow Chancellor expressed concern that a “ one size fits all approach ” was being adopted to coronavirus support programmes over the coming months despite the varying impact on different sectors .
“ However , it is concerning that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to only be scaled back in step with the removal of lockdown .
Nor is there any analysis of the impact on unemployment of a ‘ one size fits all ’ approach being adopted across all sectors .
“ The Chancellor must publish the evidence behind these decisions to provide reassurance that his proposals won ’ t cause an additional spike in unemployment , and an even more difficult economic recovery from this crisis.
” In response to the announcement this afternoon , the TUC also welcomed both the short-time furlough from July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” – and the extension to SEISS .
TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady said : “ We ’ re glad the chancellor has listened to unions and allowed employers to start using short-time furlough from July .
This will help employers gradually and safely bring people back to work , protect jobs and support the economy to recover .
“ As employers begin to contribute to the costs of furlough , we remain pleased that all workers will continue to receive at least 80 % of their wages for every hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ However , the government needs to act urgently to make sure workers with health conditions or childcare responsibilities aren ’ t first in line when it comes to redundancies .
The UK can not afford the misery of mass unemployment .
“ The government must start planning now to build on the job retention scheme with a national recovery plan that prioritises protecting and creating jobs .
That means a jobs guarantee scheme so that everyone can get a decent job on fair wages .
“ And working with unions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have the potential for many good jobs once the outbreak is controlled .
We can work our way out of recession – together.
” The GMB trade union said : “ The Chancellor ’ s furlough plans provide a valuable lifeline for business and workers – but people mustn ’ t be abandoned while the economy is still stuttering .
“ In October , lots of sectors – leisure , hospitality , aviation – may still be on their knees .
Those workers can ’ t just be thrown to the wolves.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ further when compulsory employer contributions to furlough come in , the TUC has repeatedly called for a jobs guarantee scheme – in particular for young workers .
The trade union federation is also calling for a furlough scheme beyond October for companies with significant fall in turnover and employees can not return to work due to personal circumstances .
Unite the Union has said that changes to support schemes should “ go hand-in-hand with an immediate and strategic programme to create new green jobs as part of a just transition ” .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the furlough scheme , unemployment has risen .
Over two million new claims for benefits were made in the two months following the start of the lockdown .
Around 935,000 businesses have used the job retention scheme and a further 440,000 claims were made on the first day of the government ’ s equivalent income support scheme for the self-employed , according to the Resolution Foundation .

Labour has welcomed the changes to coronavirus income support schemes announced today by the Chancellor – but warned the government against a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Rishi Sunak has extended the coronavirus self-employment income support scheme (SEISS), due to end this weekend. 113 MPs had demanded an extension to the mechanism currently supporting millions.
In August, self-employed workers will be able to apply for a second and final coronavirus support payment equivalent to 70% of their monthly profits, capped at a total of £6,570.
The Chancellor also confirmed that employers would need to start contributing to furloughed workers’ salaries, and he introduced flexibility to the scheme by allowing part-time work from July.
From August, the taxpayer contribution to wages will still cover 80% of furloughed wages, while employers will be asked to pay National Insurance and pension contributions – 5% of total employment costs.
In September, taxpayers will pay 70% and employers 10%; in October, taxpayers will pay 60% and employers 20%, Sunak revealed today. The job retention scheme will then close.
Commenting on these changes, Anneliese Dodds said: “It is welcome that the government has heeded Labour’s calls for a more gradual introduction of the employer contribution to furlough, the introduction of flexibility within furlough to allow part time working, and the extension of the self-employed scheme.”
But the Shadow Chancellor expressed concern that a “one size fits all approach” was being adopted to coronavirus support programmes over the coming months despite the varying impact on different sectors.
“However, it is concerning that there is no commitment within these plans for support to only be scaled back in step with the removal of lockdown. Nor is there any analysis of the impact on unemployment of a ‘one size fits all’ approach being adopted across all sectors.
“The Chancellor must publish the evidence behind these decisions to provide reassurance that his proposals won’t cause an additional spike in unemployment, and an even more difficult economic recovery from this crisis.”
In response to the announcement this afternoon, the TUC also welcomed both the short-time furlough from July – branded “another union campaign win” – and the extension to SEISS.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “We’re glad the chancellor has listened to unions and allowed employers to start using short-time furlough from July. This will help employers gradually and safely bring people back to work, protect jobs and support the economy to recover.
“As employers begin to contribute to the costs of furlough, we remain pleased that all workers will continue to receive at least 80% of their wages for every hour worked until the scheme closes in October.
“However, the government needs to act urgently to make sure workers with health conditions or childcare responsibilities aren’t first in line when it comes to redundancies. The UK cannot afford the misery of mass unemployment.
“The government must start planning now to build on the job retention scheme with a national recovery plan that prioritises protecting and creating jobs. That means a jobs guarantee scheme so that everyone can get a decent job on fair wages.
“And working with unions and business to deliver support for strategic industries that have the potential for many good jobs once the outbreak is controlled. We can work our way out of recession – together.”
The GMB trade union said: “The Chancellor’s furlough plans provide a valuable lifeline for business and workers – but people mustn’t be abandoned while the economy is still stuttering.
“In October, lots of sectors – leisure, hospitality, aviation – may still be on their knees. Those workers can’t just be thrown to the wolves.”
Amid fears that unemployment will increase further when compulsory employer contributions to furlough come in, the TUC has repeatedly called for a jobs guarantee scheme – in particular for young workers.
The trade union federation is also calling for a furlough scheme beyond October for companies with significant fall in turnover and employees cannot return to work due to personal circumstances.
Unite the Union has said that changes to support schemes should “go hand-in-hand with an immediate and strategic programme to create new green jobs as part of a just transition”.
Although 7.5 million jobs have been covered by the furlough scheme, unemployment has risen. Over two million new claims for benefits were made in the two months following the start of the lockdown.
Around 935,000 businesses have used the job retention scheme and a further 440,000 claims were made on the first day of the government’s equivalent income support scheme for the self-employed, according to the Resolution Foundation.


labourlist--2020-06-01--Labour rejects “discriminatory proposals” to scrap remote voting for MPs

Labour has rejected the “ discriminatory proposals ” of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg who has sought to scrap remote voting and virtual parliament arrangements for MPs during the coronavirus crisis .
The opposition party has tabled an amendment to the motion being considered by MPs on Tuesday .
The change seeks to retain the changes allowing MPs to participate in parliamentary activities from a distance .
There are concerns that the preferences of the government to scrap the virtual Commons would disproportionately affect MPs who need to “ shield ” as they belong to a Covid-19 vulnerable group .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any reasonable proposal ” that goes against Rees-Mogg ’ s moves against a hybrid parliament .
Amendments by the Tory-chaired procedure committee is thought to have a better chance of passing .
The committee has recommended that some form of “ should be allowed to continue while coronavirus restrictions are in place ” to help MPs unable to make the journey to Westminster due to continued restrictions .
The amendment being put forward by Labour is also signed by the SNP ’ s Tommy Sheppard , the Lib Dems ’ Alistair Carmichael , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SDLP , the Green Party and Alliance .
Commenting on the new amendment tabled by Labour today , Valerie Vaz said : “ Jacob Rees-Mogg ’ s discriminatory proposals would result in two classes of MPs .
“ Those who can physically attend and those unable to owing to the government ’ s own rules , including having an underlying health condition or shielding responsibilities .
“ The abolition of the hybrid remote parliament which allowed all MPs to take part regardless of their personal circumstances is discriminatory and would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We remain ready to work with the government and all parties to reach a consensus that would allow all MPs to participate on an equal basis.
” Below is the full text of the amendment .
As an amendment to the motion Leave out from “ That ” in line 1 to end of line XX [ end of para 3 ] and insert “ ( 1 ) until the Speaker states that the ordinary conduct of divisions and deferred divisions is consistent with relevant public health guidance and advice and with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission and the Corporate Officer or the House otherwise orders– 1 .
Standing Orders Nos .
38 , 40 and 41A ( save as provided for in the temporary order of 22 April ( Conduct of remote divisions ) ) shall not have effect ; 2. if the opinion of the Speaker or the chair as to the decision of a question is challenged , they shall direct that a remote division or , as the case may be , a remote deferred division , take place ; 3. the temporary order of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) shall have effect ; ( 2 ) this House requires a Minister of the Crown , no later than Monday 8 June , to move a motion proposing arrangements for virtual participation by hon .
Members unable to attend at Westminster for medical or public health reasons related to the pandemic .
”

Labour has rejected the “discriminatory proposals” of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg who has sought to scrap remote voting and virtual parliament arrangements for MPs during the coronavirus crisis.
The opposition party has tabled an amendment to the motion being considered by MPs on Tuesday. The change seeks to retain the changes allowing MPs to participate in parliamentary activities from a distance.
There are concerns that the preferences of the government to scrap the virtual Commons would disproportionately affect MPs who need to “shield” as they belong to a Covid-19 vulnerable group.
Labour has confirmed that it will support “any reasonable proposal” that goes against Rees-Mogg’s moves against a hybrid parliament. Amendments by the Tory-chaired procedure committee is thought to have a better chance of passing.
The committee has recommended that some form of “should be allowed to continue while coronavirus restrictions are in place” to help MPs unable to make the journey to Westminster due to continued restrictions.
The amendment being put forward by Labour is also signed by the SNP’s Tommy Sheppard, the Lib Dems’ Alistair Carmichael, Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville-Roberts, the SDLP, the Green Party and Alliance.
Commenting on the new amendment tabled by Labour today, Valerie Vaz said: “Jacob Rees-Mogg’s discriminatory proposals would result in two classes of MPs.
“Those who can physically attend and those unable to owing to the government’s own rules, including having an underlying health condition or shielding responsibilities.
“The abolition of the hybrid remote parliament which allowed all MPs to take part regardless of their personal circumstances is discriminatory and would not be acceptable in any other workplace.
“We remain ready to work with the government and all parties to reach a consensus that would allow all MPs to participate on an equal basis.”
Below is the full text of the amendment.
Valerie Vaz
Tommy Sheppard
Alistair Carmichael
Liz Saville-Roberts
Colum Eastwood
Caroline Lucas
Dr Stephen Farry
Patrick Grady
Mr Nicholas Brown
As an amendment to the motion
Leave out from “That” in line 1 to end of line XX [end of para 3] and insert
“(1) until the Speaker states that the ordinary conduct of divisions and deferred divisions is consistent with relevant public health guidance and advice and with the legal duties of the House of Commons Commission and the Corporate Officer or the House otherwise orders–
1. Standing Orders Nos. 38, 40 and 41A (save as provided for in the temporary order of 22 April (Conduct of remote divisions)) shall not have effect;
2. if the opinion of the Speaker or the chair as to the decision of a question is challenged, they shall direct that a remote division or, as the case may be, a remote deferred division, take place;
3. the temporary order of 22 April (Conduct of remote divisions) shall have effect;
(2) this House requires a Minister of the Crown, no later than Monday 8 June, to move a motion proposing arrangements for virtual participation by hon. Members unable to attend at Westminster for medical or public health reasons related to the pandemic.”


labourlist--2020-06-01--Local and regional BBC coverage should be increased, not cut

Reports of possible cuts to BBC local news , politics and current affairs programming in England are very concerning .
Over the weekend , The Guardian reported that a review was now underway that put question marks over the future of the flagship BBC regional current affairs show Inside Out and the weekly regional political shows , both popular and enjoyable viewing for many of us .
The BBC has a unique and valued place in our national life and in our local communities .
At around £13 per month , it represents excellent value for money with its range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drama , entertainment , education and more across its television , radio and online platforms .
Regional and local coverage is a vital and integral part of that mix .
Many of us value the BBC ’ s regional news coverage , reporting on key local stories and events and presenting a local slant on the national issues of the day .
Critically , this local news is covered by BBC journalists who know their patches and who understand the communities they report on , which itself becomes a key ingredient of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this coverage .
The BBC ’ s weekly Sunday regional political show will be watched by many LabourList readers .
These regional political shows help to hold those in power to account as well as covering the key political issues of the day in a way that explores local implications .
For example , regionalised coverage of the Brexit process in the Midlands – highlighting implications for local industry and employers – has brought to life some of the critical points and arguments in a much more relatable way .
Like many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political coverage , particularly Politics Live , The Westminster Hour and other TV and radio shows , but the BBC ’ s regional political shows are a healthy counterbalance to the Westminster- and London-dominated national coverage .
The range of guests on the regional shows includes ministers and MPs as well as council and local government leaders , police commissioners , and other regional figures from a range of sectors ( including , until January , MEPs ) .
This breadth , reaching beyond Westminster parliamentarians , helps to widen debates , introducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national lines and positions .
These shows , under their various names over the years , have never overlooked their important role in holding politicians to account .
I know from experience that the questions put to studio guests are informed and challenging , always reflecting the direct concerns of viewers .
Inside Out , reported to have already had its autumn series cut , is an excellent current affairs documentary .
It explores important regional and local issues in detail , based on real life stories and with a sharp investigatory edge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has given important profile to issues of social unfairness like homelessness or issues where a wider and urgent public debate is needed , such as social care .
It is a show with a real relevance and a far-reaching impact on the issues that it has explored .
During this terrible Covid-19 pandemic , local and regional BBC coverage has been of real importance .
Local BBC news coverage and radio programming has helped give an important local clarity to events .
It has offered a sense of reassurance in places , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community response and support initiatives seen across the country .
The response by local BBC stations to the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the BBC at its best .
It would be a regrettable step if the BBC ’ s review did see regional and local news , politics and current affairs output reduced or cut .
This content is valued by many ; it supports important efforts to hold those in power to account and shines a much-needed light on key local issues .
In doing so , this content underpins the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engagement with local communities across the country .
We shouldn ’ t see the BBC ’ s regional content as just of regional or local concern .
These programmes make an important contribution to national debate , supporting the BBC ’ s unique and important place in our national life .
If anything , the BBC should be exploring how to put more resources into regional and local content .

Reports of possible cuts to BBC local news, politics and current affairs programming in England are very concerning. Over the weekend, The Guardian reported that a review was now underway that put question marks over the future of the flagship BBC regional current affairs show Inside Out and the weekly regional political shows, both popular and enjoyable viewing for many of us.
The BBC has a unique and valued place in our national life and in our local communities. At around £13 per month, it represents excellent value for money with its range of news, politics, current affairs, drama, entertainment, education and more across its television, radio and online platforms. Regional and local coverage is a vital and integral part of that mix.
Many of us value the BBC’s regional news coverage, reporting on key local stories and events and presenting a local slant on the national issues of the day. Critically, this local news is covered by BBC journalists who know their patches and who understand the communities they report on, which itself becomes a key ingredient of the quality, value and importance of this coverage.
The BBC’s weekly Sunday regional political show will be watched by many LabourList readers. These regional political shows help to hold those in power to account as well as covering the key political issues of the day in a way that explores local implications. For example, regionalised coverage of the Brexit process in the Midlands – highlighting implications for local industry and employers – has brought to life some of the critical points and arguments in a much more relatable way.
Like many, I enjoy the BBC’s national political coverage, particularly Politics Live, The Westminster Hour and other TV and radio shows, but the BBC’s regional political shows are a healthy counterbalance to the Westminster- and London-dominated national coverage. The range of guests on the regional shows includes ministers and MPs as well as council and local government leaders, police commissioners, and other regional figures from a range of sectors (including, until January, MEPs).
This breadth, reaching beyond Westminster parliamentarians, helps to widen debates, introducing different perspectives beyond the main parties’ national lines and positions. These shows, under their various names over the years, have never overlooked their important role in holding politicians to account. I know from experience that the questions put to studio guests are informed and challenging, always reflecting the direct concerns of viewers.
Inside Out, reported to have already had its autumn series cut, is an excellent current affairs documentary. It explores important regional and local issues in detail, based on real life stories and with a sharp investigatory edge. Over the years, Inside Out has given important profile to issues of social unfairness like homelessness or issues where a wider and urgent public debate is needed, such as social care. It is a show with a real relevance and a far-reaching impact on the issues that it has explored.
During this terrible Covid-19 pandemic, local and regional BBC coverage has been of real importance. Local BBC news coverage and radio programming has helped give an important local clarity to events. It has offered a sense of reassurance in places, and played an important role in the wider community response and support initiatives seen across the country. The response by local BBC stations to the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the BBC at its best.
It would be a regrettable step if the BBC’s review did see regional and local news, politics and current affairs output reduced or cut. This content is valued by many; it supports important efforts to hold those in power to account and shines a much-needed light on key local issues. In doing so, this content underpins the importance of an effective national broadcaster’s engagement with local communities across the country.
We shouldn’t see the BBC’s regional content as just of regional or local concern. These programmes make an important contribution to national debate, supporting the BBC’s unique and important place in our national life. If anything, the BBC should be exploring how to put more resources into regional and local content.


labourlist--2020-06-01--Tories made EHRC “part of the government machine”, says Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn has declared that the Equalities and Human Rights Commission – currently investigating allegations of institutional antisemitism in Labour – is “ part of the government machine ” .
Giving his first major interview since stepping down as Labour leader to Middle East Eye , the Islington MP said it was “ quite significant ” that the equalities watchdog was “ underfunded ” by the Tory government .
The former party leader said that the Conservatives in power had “ for some reason , which I don ’ t fully understand… decided to take away its independent status and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Asked by MEE whether he believed that the lack of independence he described would shape the EHRC ’ s upcoming report on Labour antisemitism , Corbyn reportedly replied : “ Let ’ s see what happens.
” Commenting on the remarks , a Labour spokesperson said : “ We fully respect the independence of the EHRC .
Keir Starmer has made clear he will cooperate fully with the Commission ’ s inquiry .
We will implement , in full , any recommendations made by the EHRC.
” In response , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claiming that the EHRC is part of the government ‘ machine ’ is a conspiracy theory .
Questioning the rights of Jews to call out antisemitism is victimisation .
“ We have always maintained that a fully independent organisation such as the EHRC , with statutory powers to compel witness testimony and obtain documents , was the only way to reach the truth of the scale of Labour ’ s antisemitism problems .
“ With the EHRC ’ s final judgement imminent , it ’ s unsurprising that the Leader who oversaw the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a culture of causal anti-Jewish racism is scared about what it might find.
” Labour MP Margaret Hodge , who called Corbyn a racist when he was leader , tweeted : “ What a ridiculous [ and ] dangerous conspiracy theory for a Member of Parliament to start spreading.
” Neil Coyle added : “ I believe this is known as ‘ getting your defence in first ’ .
It ’ s an insult to the EHRC workforce and to Labour members who want this dreadful chapter closed and our Party to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antisemitism ( and all its proponents and apologists ) out completely.
” Some party activists recently criticised the EHRC decision – after the Muslim Council of Britain submitted a dossier – not to investigate the Conservative Party over allegations of institutional Islamophobia .
The EHRC launched an investigation in May 2019 looking at “ whether The Labour Party has unlawfully discriminated against , harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish ” .
Labour in response said : “ We reject any suggestion that the party does not handle antisemitism complaints fairly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted unlawfully , and we will continue to cooperate fully with the EHRC.
” The party also argued at the time that the EHRC had been “ undermined by a 70 % budget cut since 2010 ” , and pledged to “ strengthen the powers and functions of the commission ” in government .
In the same month that the probe was launched , Labour national executive committee ( NEC ) member Yasmine Dar wrote that the EHRC should be “ treating all political parties the same , without fear or favour ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour in 2007 , has been forming judgments on whether unlawful acts have been committed by the party or employees and whether its response to complaints has been “ lawful , efficient and effective ” .
It is expected to report on the allegations imminently , and Labour will then be given 28 days in which it can respond to the conclusions .
The Jewish Labour Movement has encouraged the party to allow the report to be published .
“ We need to have the full and documented conclusions of the EHRC because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herculean effort on behalf of the leadership… to really undo some of the things that have started to happen , ” JLM secretary Peter Mason said .
In the MEE interview , Corbyn responded to accusations that he had tolerated antisemitism in Labour , saying : “ They attacked me all the time on this .
I think it is wrong , because I think I ’ m the one that actually introduced a process for dealing with it.
” He was also asked about the recently leaked report on Labour ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that anti-Corbyn staff had undermined the process .
Corbyn said : “ I always knew that there was a culture in the Labour party that was not a healthy one , of an almost self-perpetuating bureaucracy .
All organisations have a degree of self-perpetuating bureaucracy about them.
” MEE has said that its full interview with Corbyn will be released on Tuesday .

Jeremy Corbyn has declared that the Equalities and Human Rights Commission – currently investigating allegations of institutional antisemitism in Labour – is “part of the government machine”.
Giving his first major interview since stepping down as Labour leader to Middle East Eye, the Islington MP said it was “quite significant” that the equalities watchdog was “underfunded” by the Tory government.
The former party leader said that the Conservatives in power had “for some reason, which I don’t fully understand… decided to take away its independent status and make it part of the government machine”.
Asked by MEE whether he believed that the lack of independence he described would shape the EHRC’s upcoming report on Labour antisemitism, Corbyn reportedly replied: “Let’s see what happens.”
Commenting on the remarks, a Labour spokesperson said: “We fully respect the independence of the EHRC. Keir Starmer has made clear he will cooperate fully with the Commission’s inquiry. We will implement, in full, any recommendations made by the EHRC.”
In response, the party-affiliated Jewish Labour Movement said: “Claiming that the EHRC is part of the government ‘machine’ is a conspiracy theory. Questioning the rights of Jews to call out antisemitism is victimisation.
“We have always maintained that a fully independent organisation such as the EHRC, with statutory powers to compel witness testimony and obtain documents, was the only way to reach the truth of the scale of Labour’s antisemitism problems.
“With the EHRC’s final judgement imminent, it’s unsurprising that the Leader who oversaw the Labour Party’s moral descent into a culture of causal anti-Jewish racism is scared about what it might find.”
Labour MP Margaret Hodge, who called Corbyn a racist when he was leader, tweeted: “What a ridiculous [and] dangerous conspiracy theory for a Member of Parliament to start spreading.”
Neil Coyle added: “I believe this is known as ‘getting your defence in first’. It’s an insult to the EHRC workforce and to Labour members who want this dreadful chapter closed and our Party to be able to move on and clear the antisemitism (and all its proponents and apologists) out completely.”
Some party activists recently criticised the EHRC decision – after the Muslim Council of Britain submitted a dossier – not to investigate the Conservative Party over allegations of institutional Islamophobia.
The EHRC launched an investigation in May 2019 looking at “whether The Labour Party has unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”.
Labour in response said: “We reject any suggestion that the party does not handle antisemitism complaints fairly and robustly, or that the party has acted unlawfully, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the EHRC.”
The party also argued at the time that the EHRC had been “undermined by a 70% budget cut since 2010”, and pledged to “strengthen the powers and functions of the commission” in government.
In the same month that the probe was launched, Labour national executive committee (NEC) member Yasmine Dar wrote that the EHRC should be “treating all political parties the same, without fear or favour”.
The body, set up under Labour in 2007, has been forming judgments on whether unlawful acts have been committed by the party or employees and whether its response to complaints has been “lawful, efficient and effective”.
It is expected to report on the allegations imminently, and Labour will then be given 28 days in which it can respond to the conclusions. The Jewish Labour Movement has encouraged the party to allow the report to be published.
“We need to have the full and documented conclusions of the EHRC because it’s going to take a herculean effort on behalf of the leadership… to really undo some of the things that have started to happen,” JLM secretary Peter Mason said.
In the MEE interview, Corbyn responded to accusations that he had tolerated antisemitism in Labour, saying: “They attacked me all the time on this. I think it is wrong, because I think I’m the one that actually introduced a process for dealing with it.”
He was also asked about the recently leaked report on Labour’s handling of antisemitism complaints, which alleged that anti-Corbyn staff had undermined the process.
Corbyn said: “I always knew that there was a culture in the Labour party that was not a healthy one, of an almost self-perpetuating bureaucracy. All organisations have a degree of self-perpetuating bureaucracy about them.”
MEE has said that its full interview with Corbyn will be released on Tuesday.


labourlist--2020-06-01--Open Labour attracts record number of candidates for internal elections

Open Labour has attracted a record number of candidates for its internal elections , as a fresh round of committee nominations have seen 50 activists on the party ’ s ‘ soft left ’ step forward .
Those standing include former MEP Julie Ward , past parliamentary candidates Lucy Burke and Sarah Sackman , and activist Omar Salem who confronted Boris Johnson over NHS funding at a hospital last year .
Alex Sobel has already been re-elected unopposed as the parliamentary rep on Open Labour ’ s committee .
The Labour MP for Leeds North West co-founded the activist organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open places ’ on the committee up for grabs , which are being contested by 43 members , plus one representative each in the Scottish , LGBT , women ’ s , disability and BAME categories .
A number of candidates are current or former Jewish Labour Movement committee members – a reflection of Open Labour ’ s strong stance on Labour antisemitism , insiders say .
With more women and BAME activists running than previously , improved regional representation and six individuals going for ‘ disability rep ’ , Open Labour activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes .
However , it has also been noted by some that there is still significant room for improvement , with only 10 of the 43 ‘ open place ’ candidates – less than a quarter – being women .
According to the soft left group , it now has “ well over 1,000 members ” , and between 40 and 50 are being added to its ranks each week .
It is fundraising to be able to employ an organiser in the future .
Activists can join Open Labour and secure voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Open Labour committee elections will take place between June 4th and July 4th .
Below is the full list of Open Labour candidates .
Aaron Mark Daniels , Ceredigion Abi Barinski , Manchester Gorton Alex Greer , Wansbeck Amrita Rose , Hackney South Andrew Ryder , Labour International Anisha Faruk , Oxford West and Abingdon Aydan Greatrick , Hornsey and Wood Green Ben Roberts , Leeds North East Callum Gordon , Guildford Cathleen Clarke , Poplar and Limehouse Charlotte Norton , Poplar and Limehouse David White , Denton and Reddish Gabe Milne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tooting Jake Cable , Hammersmith James Barber , Macclesfield James Bryan , Streatham Joseph Hamm , Loughborough Julie Ward , North West Durham Kuba Stawiski , Poplar and Limehouse Lee Glover , Manchester Central Liam O ’ Rourke , Heywood and Middleton Logan Machell , Aberdeen North Lucy Burke , Bury South Martin Le Brech , Aberdeen North Mike Rowley , Oxford East Omar Salem , Ilford North Pablo John , Leeds North West Panny Antoniou , Ealing Central and Acton Paul Martin , Wallasey Peter Whitehead , Bethnal Green and Bow Philip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freeman , Cities of London and Westminster Rachael Ward , Brent North Ralph Berry , Shipley Robbie Bentley , Bristol West Sarah Sackman , Holborn and St Pancras Shamik Das , Brent Central Stephen Lapsley , Nottingham East Tessa Milligan , Hemel Hempstead Tom Laing , Wallasey Tom Miller , Brent North Tyron Wilson , Bristol East Wrenna Robson , Runnymede and Weybridge

Open Labour has attracted a record number of candidates for its internal elections, as a fresh round of committee nominations have seen 50 activists on the party’s ‘soft left’ step forward.
Those standing include former MEP Julie Ward, past parliamentary candidates Lucy Burke and Sarah Sackman, and activist Omar Salem who confronted Boris Johnson over NHS funding at a hospital last year.
Alex Sobel has already been re-elected unopposed as the parliamentary rep on Open Labour’s committee. The Labour MP for Leeds North West co-founded the activist organisation in 2015.
There are ten ‘open places’ on the committee up for grabs, which are being contested by 43 members, plus one representative each in the Scottish, LGBT, women’s, disability and BAME categories.
A number of candidates are current or former Jewish Labour Movement committee members – a reflection of Open Labour’s strong stance on Labour antisemitism, insiders say.
With more women and BAME activists running than previously, improved regional representation and six individuals going for ‘disability rep’, Open Labour activists are said to be pleased with demographic changes.
However, it has also been noted by some that there is still significant room for improvement, with only 10 of the 43 ‘open place’ candidates – less than a quarter – being women.
According to the soft left group, it now has “well over 1,000 members”, and between 40 and 50 are being added to its ranks each week. It is fundraising to be able to employ an organiser in the future.
Activists can join Open Labour and secure voting rights until July 3rd. Voting for the Open Labour committee elections will take place between June 4th and July 4th.
Below is the full list of Open Labour candidates.
Open Places (statements here)
Aaron Mark Daniels, Ceredigion
Abi Barinski, Manchester Gorton
Alex Greer, Wansbeck
Amrita Rose, Hackney South
Andrew Ryder, Labour International
Anisha Faruk, Oxford West and Abingdon
Aydan Greatrick, Hornsey and Wood Green
Ben Roberts, Leeds North East
Callum Gordon, Guildford
Cathleen Clarke, Poplar and Limehouse
Charlotte Norton, Poplar and Limehouse
David White, Denton and Reddish
Gabe Milne, Leyton and Wanstead
Henry Mendoza, Tooting
Jake Cable, Hammersmith
James Barber, Macclesfield
James Bryan, Streatham
Joseph Hamm, Loughborough
Julie Ward, North West Durham
Kuba Stawiski, Poplar and Limehouse
Lee Glover, Manchester Central
Liam O’Rourke, Heywood and Middleton
Logan Machell, Aberdeen North
Lucy Burke, Bury South
Martin Le Brech, Aberdeen North
Mike Rowley, Oxford East
Omar Salem, Ilford North
Pablo John, Leeds North West
Panny Antoniou, Ealing Central and Acton
Paul Martin, Wallasey
Peter Whitehead, Bethnal Green and Bow
Philip Cohen, Finchley and Golders Green
Philip Freeman, Cities of London and Westminster
Rachael Ward, Brent North
Ralph Berry, Shipley
Robbie Bentley, Bristol West
Sarah Sackman, Holborn and St Pancras
Shamik Das, Brent Central
Stephen Lapsley, Nottingham East
Tessa Milligan, Hemel Hempstead
Tom Laing, Wallasey
Tom Miller, Brent North
Tyron Wilson, Bristol East
Wrenna Robson, Runnymede and Weybridge
Scottish Rep (statements here)
Keiran O’Neill, Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn
Logan Machell, Aberdeen North
LGBT Place (statements here)
Ben Roberts, Leeds North East
Logan Machell, Aberdeen North
Megan Birchall, Oldham East and Saddleworth
Robbie Bentley, Bristol West
Wrenna Robson, Runnymede and Weybridge
Women’s Place (statements here)
Cathleen Clarke, Poplar and Limehouse
Charlotte Norton, Poplar and Limehouse
Julie Ward, North West Durham
Robbie Bentley, Bristol West
Disability Place (statements here)
Aaron Mark Daniels, Ceredigion
Abdallah S. Al-Ammari, Stirling
Lucy Burke, Bury South
Robbie Bentley, Bristol West
Tom Laing, Wallasey
Tyron Wilson, Bristol East
BAME Place (statements here)
Amen Tesfay, Enfield North
Panny Antoniou, Ealing Central and Acton
Shamik Das, Brent Central


labourlist--2020-06-01--The Tories cannot be allowed to scrap free travel for under 18s in London

The government approach to the Covid-19 pandemic has become as muddled as it is dangerous .
From today , some school-aged children and young adults will be expected to return to schools as part of the government ’ s move into ‘ phase two ’ of their response to the crisis .
This is part of a move to get all students back to schools in the very near future .
But when that happens , it will be young working-class Londoners and their families who will be hit hardest by government failure .
This is most clear when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Transport for London .
Looking at the detail , this deal is nothing more than a power grab by Boris Johnson and his cronies .
The strings that have been attached to the deal to keep London ’ s public transport network working – such as the scrapping of reduced fares , free travel for under 18s or the increase in the congestion charge – are not found in other packages that the government has negotiated across the country .
The government has quickly bailed out private rail companies and agreed similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK but have not insisted on punishing their citizens in the same way they have Londoners .
In a normal school week , eight million journeys are made by under 18s across London .
Though some may be able to walk or cycle to school , many of these journeys will still need to be made by public transport .
Losing free travel for under 18s would hit the poorest Londoners hardest at a time when finances are stretched more than ever , and parents are already under enormous pressure with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening .
What this means in practice is that many families will have to make the difficult decision of not sending their children to school due to the additional burden of having to pay for travel .
Concessionary travel for London ’ s children has always existed .
Free bus and tram travel for under 16s has been in place since 2005 , and this was extended to all under 18s in 2006 .
On top of this , TfL Rail and Tube services were made free for under 11s .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider the logistical challenges surrounding ticketing for under 18s .
To use the bus , most children aged five to ten would need to apply for a Zip card – something they do not currently need – at a time when contractors can not issue enough cards as it is .
Those who might be able to apply for support for free travel to and from school will be hindered by the fact that boroughs across London will need to share a lot of data , creating major administrative demands for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In all likelihood , this is a demand that realistically can not be met .
The decision made by the government has completely failed to take any of this into account , just as with many of the other decisions they have taken throughout the course of this crisis .
Beyond the logistics , in the same period that the Prime Minister ’ s chief adviser has got away with breaking the rules that the rest of us were told to follow , this is another case of the decision-makers around Johnson failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live our lives .
Londoners are not daft and we won ’ t fall for the political games that are being played by the Conservative Party .
London ’ s children and students are not pawns in a political game and their futures are too important to be used in this way .

The government approach to the Covid-19 pandemic has become as muddled as it is dangerous. From today, some school-aged children and young adults will be expected to return to schools as part of the government’s move into ‘phase two’ of their response to the crisis. This is part of a move to get all students back to schools in the very near future. But when that happens, it will be young working-class Londoners and their families who will be hit hardest by government failure.
This is most clear when we assess the so-called ‘bail out’ of Transport for London. Looking at the detail, this deal is nothing more than a power grab by Boris Johnson and his cronies. The strings that have been attached to the deal to keep London’s public transport network working – such as the scrapping of reduced fares, free travel for under 18s or the increase in the congestion charge – are not found in other packages that the government has negotiated across the country. The government has quickly bailed out private rail companies and agreed similar funding packages for every other transport authority in the UK but have not insisted on punishing their citizens in the same way they have Londoners.
In a normal school week, eight million journeys are made by under 18s across London. Though some may be able to walk or cycle to school, many of these journeys will still need to be made by public transport. Losing free travel for under 18s would hit the poorest Londoners hardest at a time when finances are stretched more than ever, and parents are already under enormous pressure with the current lack of clarity around schools reopening. What this means in practice is that many families will have to make the difficult decision of not sending their children to school due to the additional burden of having to pay for travel.
Concessionary travel for London’s children has always existed. Free bus and tram travel for under 16s has been in place since 2005, and this was extended to all under 18s in 2006. On top of this, TfL Rail and Tube services were made free for under 11s. This is important because the government has completely failed to consider the logistical challenges surrounding ticketing for under 18s. To use the bus, most children aged five to ten would need to apply for a Zip card – something they do not currently need – at a time when contractors cannot issue enough cards as it is.
Those who might be able to apply for support for free travel to and from school will be hindered by the fact that boroughs across London will need to share a lot of data, creating major administrative demands for both TfL and London’s boroughs. In all likelihood, this is a demand that realistically cannot be met. The decision made by the government has completely failed to take any of this into account, just as with many of the other decisions they have taken throughout the course of this crisis.
Beyond the logistics, in the same period that the Prime Minister’s chief adviser has got away with breaking the rules that the rest of us were told to follow, this is another case of the decision-makers around Johnson failing to even consider how most of us live our lives. Londoners are not daft and we won’t fall for the political games that are being played by the Conservative Party. London’s children and students are not pawns in a political game and their futures are too important to be used in this way.