labourlist--2020-12-04--TSSA condemns “shortsighted and reckless” £1bn rail budget cut

Transport workers ’ union TSSA has labelled a £1bn government cut to the rail infrastructure budget “ shortsighted and reckless ” and called on ministers to “ come clean ” about where savings will be made .
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said the government needed to tell the public which rail projects would be ditched and how safety would be maintained with the planned reduction in funding .
Railways minister Chris Heaton-Harris revealed earlier this week that Network Rail ’ s budget for enhancements from 2019-2024 would fall from £10.4bn to £9.4bn following the Chancellor ’ s spending review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Cortes said : “ Without doubt cutting investment in our railways is both shortsighted and reckless , particularly when borrowing costs are at a historic low .
“ Rail infrastructure is no small thing ; it ’ s the lifeblood of a safe network and the government must come clean and explain exactly which projects it wants to see ditched , and how they propose that will work in practice.
” He added : “ Frankly this is the wrong decision and one which , worryingly , casts doubt over some long-planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport union head also noted that Chancellor Rishi Sunak did not mention the proposed cut in his statement to the Commons last week , which championed the government ’ s so-called “ levelling-up ” agenda .
“ Yet as ever with the Conservatives , once you look at the small print , what they say and do are two very different things .
You can ’ t trust Boris Johnson and this lot as far as you can throw them , ” Cortes said .
In response to the TSSA ’ s comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LabourList that projects were being “ reviewed to reflect the changing demand for rail services ” due to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Alongside the billions invested in supporting our railway through the pandemic , protecting services passengers depend on and frontline jobs , we continue to invest significant sums in modernising our railway for the reliable , punctual , safe journeys people deserve , ” they said .
“ We must ensure that , where necessary , projects are reviewed to reflect the changing demand for rail services as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We must also strive for a better deal for taxpayers , given the scale of their support for railways .
We are therefore closely examining all of our spending to ensure that it is efficient and represents value for the taxpayer.
” Meanwhile , the Railway Industry Association , the trade body for the UK rail supply community , said the reduction in enhancements investment was “ very disappointing ” .
“ Rail enhancements are essential in ensuring our rail network is fit for the future , improving reliability , connectivity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emissions , ” chief executive Darren Caplan commented .
“ Taking our foot off the pedal now on rail investment will not help for when passengers return following the coronavirus pandemic.
” Labour ’ s Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon has previously called for increased investment in the UK ’ s rail infrastructure and criticised plans for an “ inflation-busting ” rise in rail fares .
In an interview with inews in June , McMahon argued that the Chancellor had “ found the magic money tree ” amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopted by government for transport spending .
“ We need to find the same determination to fund the railway , and the recovery from Covid , as we found to fund our way through the pandemic , ” the Shadow Transport Secretary said .
Writing for LabourList in September , McMahon said infrastructure – as well as modes of transport – should be “ a focus of our attention ” .
The shadow cabinet member demanded a commitment to projects that will “ deliver for local people ” .
In November , Cortes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of leadership ” by failing to mention the climate crisis during his spending review statement delivered to parliament .
The TSSA general secretary also joined other trade unions in criticising the government for failing to take advantage of low interest rates to increase investment spending and deliver on ambitious climate targets .
“ With debt repayments going down as a result of low interest rates – even when we have increased borrowing – now was the time to borrow more in order to kick start a green new deal , ” Cortes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only route to an economy which can endure in the decades to come without catastrophic damage to our planet .
The lack of leadership from the Tories on this amounts to a tragic missed opportunity .
”

Transport workers’ union TSSA has labelled a £1bn government cut to the rail infrastructure budget “shortsighted and reckless” and called on ministers to “come clean” about where savings will be made.
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said the government needed to tell the public which rail projects would be ditched and how safety would be maintained with the planned reduction in funding.
Railways minister Chris Heaton-Harris revealed earlier this week that Network Rail’s budget for enhancements from 2019-2024 would fall from £10.4bn to £9.4bn following the Chancellor’s spending review.
Commenting on the plans, union leader Cortes said: “Without doubt cutting investment in our railways is both shortsighted and reckless, particularly when borrowing costs are at a historic low.
“Rail infrastructure is no small thing; it’s the lifeblood of a safe network and the government must come clean and explain exactly which projects it wants to see ditched, and how they propose that will work in practice.”
He added: “Frankly this is the wrong decision and one which, worryingly, casts doubt over some long-planned improvements to our rail infrastructure.”
The transport union head also noted that Chancellor Rishi Sunak did not mention the proposed cut in his statement to the Commons last week, which championed the government’s so-called “levelling-up” agenda.
“Yet as ever with the Conservatives, once you look at the small print, what they say and do are two very different things. You can’t trust Boris Johnson and this lot as far as you can throw them,” Cortes said.
In response to the TSSA’s comments, a Department for Transport spokesperson told LabourList that projects were being “reviewed to reflect the changing demand for rail services” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Alongside the billions invested in supporting our railway through the pandemic, protecting services passengers depend on and frontline jobs, we continue to invest significant sums in modernising our railway for the reliable, punctual, safe journeys people deserve,” they said.
“We must ensure that, where necessary, projects are reviewed to reflect the changing demand for rail services as a result of the pandemic.”
The spokesperson added: “We must also strive for a better deal for taxpayers, given the scale of their support for railways. We are therefore closely examining all of our spending to ensure that it is efficient and represents value for the taxpayer.”
Meanwhile, the Railway Industry Association, the trade body for the UK rail supply community, said the reduction in enhancements investment was “very disappointing”.
“Rail enhancements are essential in ensuring our rail network is fit for the future, improving reliability, connectivity, customer experience and helping to reduce carbon emissions,” chief executive Darren Caplan commented.
“Taking our foot off the pedal now on rail investment will not help for when passengers return following the coronavirus pandemic.”
Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon has previously called for increased investment in the UK’s rail infrastructure and criticised plans for an “inflation-busting” rise in rail fares.
In an interview with inews in June, McMahon argued that the Chancellor had “found the magic money tree” amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and called for a similar attitude to be adopted by government for transport spending.
“We need to find the same determination to fund the railway, and the recovery from Covid, as we found to fund our way through the pandemic,” the Shadow Transport Secretary said.
Writing for LabourList in September, McMahon said infrastructure – as well as modes of transport – should be “a focus of our attention”. The shadow cabinet member demanded a commitment to projects that will “deliver for local people”.
In November, Cortes criticised the Chancellor for showing a “lack of leadership” by failing to mention the climate crisis during his spending review statement delivered to parliament.
The TSSA general secretary also joined other trade unions in criticising the government for failing to take advantage of low interest rates to increase investment spending and deliver on ambitious climate targets.
“With debt repayments going down as a result of low interest rates – even when we have increased borrowing – now was the time to borrow more in order to kick start a green new deal,” Cortes said last month.
“That is the only route to an economy which can endure in the decades to come without catastrophic damage to our planet. The lack of leadership from the Tories on this amounts to a tragic missed opportunity.”


labourlist--2020-12-04--Resisting the far-right is in the DNA of the trade union movement

From the battle of Cable Street and the fight against Nazism to the struggle against apartheid , trade unions have a proud history of fighting the politics of hate .
But we can ’ t take on the 21st-century global far right using 20th-century methods .
It ’ s time to write a new chapter .
Trade unions are the voice of working people in all our diversity .
So we have a special responsibility to step up .
To do that , we need to understand how the far-right has mainstreamed its messages , worked across national borders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promote its hateful ideologies .
That ’ s why we ’ ve launched a new report , put together by Trademark Belfast , on effective strategies for tackling right-wing extremism in our workplaces and communities .
It is aimed at trade unions , organisers and the wider labour movement .
One of the key takeaways is about using our tradition of internationalism to out-organise the far right globally .
Where they are in power – as in Hungary , Poland , Turkey , Brazil and Colombia – or are influential , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade of crisis , austerity and insecurity .
We see clear links between exploitative economies and the abuse of workers ’ rights , and far-right rhetoric and increasing authoritarianism .
But around the world , unions are leading successful , progressive coalitions against the far-right .
Some engage employers in the struggle against extremism .
Other unions work closely with one another across borders where firms have sites in their respective countries .
The far-right has grown stronger by working across national borders .
So our response must be as firmly rooted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the workplaces We must leverage our industrial power to tackle the influence of the far-right in the workplace .
That ’ s why the TUC and Unite , alongside our sister German unions DGB and IG Metall , are developing a programme of practical workplace action to counter the far-right , working with companies that have sites in both the UK and Germany .
We need a smart response to the far-right ’ s menacing presence and adept use of new technologies .
We will start by mapping the influence of far-right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and demographic data , and identifying key influencers in far-right networks .
We need to skill up trade unionists to spot and stop attempts to bring harmful ideas into our workplaces and communities .
Working people have been failed in the UK and elsewhere by stagnant wages , insecure work and poor working conditions – all of which have unleashed huge inequality .
These are the political choices of governments that do not have the interests of working people at heart .
And , in the shadow of the pandemic , we face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fertile recruiting ground for extremism .
The priorities for unions are clear .
We must rebuild our capacity for political education , to help a new generation of reps and activists defeat attempts to divide working people from one another .
We must redouble our efforts to win a new deal for working people , and a fairer , greener , more equal society .
Above all , we need to build solidarity and workers ’ power .
Let ’ s resist all attempts to divide us : workers are always stronger @ @

From the battle of Cable Street and the fight against Nazism to the struggle against apartheid, trade unions have a proud history of fighting the politics of hate. But we can’t take on the 21st-century global far right using 20th-century methods. It’s time to write a new chapter.
Trade unions are the voice of working people in all our diversity. So we have a special responsibility to step up. To do that, we need to understand how the far-right has mainstreamed its messages, worked across national borders and used online spaces to organise, recruit and promote its hateful ideologies.
That’s why we’ve launched a new report, put together by Trademark Belfast, on effective strategies for tackling right-wing extremism in our workplaces and communities. It is aimed at trade unions, organisers and the wider labour movement.
Internationalism
One of the key takeaways is about using our tradition of internationalism to out-organise the far right globally. Where they are in power – as in Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Brazil and Colombia – or are influential, the far-right has been quick to exploit a decade of crisis, austerity and insecurity. We see clear links between exploitative economies and the abuse of workers’ rights, and far-right rhetoric and increasing authoritarianism.
But around the world, unions are leading successful, progressive coalitions against the far-right. Some engage employers in the struggle against extremism. Other unions work closely with one another across borders where firms have sites in their respective countries. The far-right has grown stronger by working across national borders. So our response must be as firmly rooted in internationalism and solidarity.
Taking the fight to the workplaces
We must leverage our industrial power to tackle the influence of the far-right in the workplace. That’s why the TUC and Unite, alongside our sister German unions DGB and IG Metall, are developing a programme of practical workplace action to counter the far-right, working with companies that have sites in both the UK and Germany.
Taking the fight online
We need a smart response to the far-right’s menacing presence and adept use of new technologies. We will start by mapping the influence of far-right narratives and networks online, analysing geographic and demographic data, and identifying key influencers in far-right networks. We need to skill up trade unionists to spot and stop attempts to bring harmful ideas into our workplaces and communities.
A new deal for working people
Working people have been failed in the UK and elsewhere by stagnant wages, insecure work and poor working conditions – all of which have unleashed huge inequality. These are the political choices of governments that do not have the interests of working people at heart. And, in the shadow of the pandemic, we face again the spectre of mass unemployment – a fertile recruiting ground for extremism.
The priorities for unions are clear. We must rebuild our capacity for political education, to help a new generation of reps and activists defeat attempts to divide working people from one another. We must redouble our efforts to win a new deal for working people, and a fairer, greener, more equal society. Above all, we need to build solidarity and workers’ power. Let’s resist all attempts to divide us: workers are always stronger together.


labourlist--2020-12-04--Scottish Labour’s Maria Fyfe never stopped fighting for our movement

The Scottish Labour Party is a family .
Yeah we have our fights and we bicker , but we are nonetheless a big , dysfunctional family .
Right now , we are united in a unique sadness as we mourn the loss of the one and only Maria Fyfe who passed away yesterday .
Maria was the Labour MP for Glasgow Maryhill from 1987 until 2001 .
She was also a loving mum to Stephen and Chris and a doting granny to Catriona , Jacob , Max and Peter , as well as a dear friend to so many .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the difference a good local MP can make .
Whether this was standing up for workers and uncovering the shadowy deeds of the economic league behind the blacklisting scandal , campaigning for nuclear disarmament , trying to build peace on the island of Ireland and across the world , or helping to deliver what John Smith called the “ unfinished business ” and securing home rule for Scotland .
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Maria ’ s politics was her unwavering commitment to equality .
When she was elected in 1987 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border to Westminster – and she was the only woman in that number .
The famous picture of Scottish MPs standing on the steps of the old party headquarters shows an iconic Maria wearing red in a sea of suits and ties .
She spent her whole career as a politician fighting for her sisters and to improve the representation of women .
I can think of no legacy she was more proud of than the fact at every election to our national parliament in Scotland , the Labour group has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has matched .
She got a bit of a reputation for being a rebel at times and was not exactly the flavour of the month during the Blair years .
The whips ’ office had a habit of writing to local parties noting concern at voting records of backbenchers with the hope of spooking rogue MPs into submission over fear of deselection .
Only thing is , that didn ’ t quite work out the way they hoped when those letters made it to Maryhill .
When the whips sent a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a motion from local members unanimously supporting Maria .
But that didn ’ t mean they disliked Maria – quite the opposite .
The Scottish contingent of the Labour government whips ’ office , affectionately known by some as the “ Green Kremlin ” , had songs for their favourite MPs .
For Maria , what tune better suited her from a whip ’ s perspective than How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria ?
Maria stopped being a politician when I was very young , but she never stopped being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commemorate the work of Mary Barbour , the leader of the 1915 rent strikes in Glasgow , has finally seen a statue erected in her memory in Govan – only the fourth statue of a woman in the great city of Glasgow .
She truly was held in the highest regard by her former constituents and universally adored in our party , even 20 years after leaving parliament .
Comrade Fyfe was a party stalwart through and through .
I can never remember her missing a single CLP meeting – even when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked her son to phone me and make sure her apologies were noted .
The highest praise I will ever probably get in my life was Maria saying I wrote the best set of CLP minutes she had ever read .
One of my favourite memories will be helping to organise a surprise 80th birthday celebration for her along with her closest friend , Anna Dyer .
We told her it was a fundraiser and asked if she could bring some things for the raffle – because if she knew we were organising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have murdered us .
We allocated the important role of getting her to the hall at the right time to Paul Sweeney , a comrade famed for his punctuality .
She walked in the door expecting a Labour social and instead got a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday led by the iconic socialist songsmith Arthur Johnstone .
Her face was a picture .
She then sought me out , gave me a big hug and handed me a bag of raffle goodies – what a legend .
It was a brilliant night .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you could ever hear and lived a remarkable life .
I don ’ t have enough time to tell them all , but I would urge you to read her book A Problem Like Maria , which talks about her time in the House of Commons , and her new book Singing in the Streets , which details her earlier life growing up in Glasgow , something I can ’ t wait to read .
I am just sad I won ’ t get to speak to her about it .
Richard Leonard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an inspiration to generations of Labour Party members ” , and she was .
She was a great source of support to me and a phenomenal comrade .
She was an active CLP member and our vice-chair .
I had the pleasure of working with her closely over the last few years as a CLP Secretary and latterly a prospective parliamentary candidate .
She was so passionately committed to political education , determined to have a speaker at every single meeting , and to supporting younger activists .
I have had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours from dozens of members sharing their stories how they were at some event and Maria saw them and made the effort to make them feel welcome .
Our CLP meetings are just never going to be the same again without her .
After I was selected last year to stand for her old constituency at the 2021 Scottish parliament elections , she gifted me something that is now one of my most prized possessions – a red revue songbook .
Singing was a big part of the labour movement when Maria was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me how sad it was we didn ’ t sing enough anymore .
Well , if we can do one thing to honour her , let ’ s right that wrong : sing those songs and pass them on .
Maria was Labour to her bones , and she never stopped fighting for our movement .
She gave her life to Labour .
Well , we need to keep fighting .
We have a responsibility to do our best and try to do her proud .
Rest in power comrade .

The Scottish Labour Party is a family. Yeah we have our fights and we bicker, but we are nonetheless a big, dysfunctional family. Right now, we are united in a unique sadness as we mourn the loss of the one and only Maria Fyfe who passed away yesterday. Maria was the Labour MP for Glasgow Maryhill from 1987 until 2001. She was also a loving mum to Stephen and Chris and a doting granny to Catriona, Jacob, Max and Peter, as well as a dear friend to so many.
She spent her time in parliament showing the difference a good local MP can make. Whether this was standing up for workers and uncovering the shadowy deeds of the economic league behind the blacklisting scandal, campaigning for nuclear disarmament, trying to build peace on the island of Ireland and across the world, or helping to deliver what John Smith called the “unfinished business” and securing home rule for Scotland.
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Maria’s politics was her unwavering commitment to equality. When she was elected in 1987, Labour sent 50 MPs north of the border to Westminster – and she was the only woman in that number. The famous picture of Scottish MPs standing on the steps of the old party headquarters shows an iconic Maria wearing red in a sea of suits and ties. She spent her whole career as a politician fighting for her sisters and to improve the representation of women. I can think of no legacy she was more proud of than the fact at every election to our national parliament in Scotland, the Labour group has always been 50/50, a feat no other party has matched.
She got a bit of a reputation for being a rebel at times and was not exactly the flavour of the month during the Blair years. The whips’ office had a habit of writing to local parties noting concern at voting records of backbenchers with the hope of spooking rogue MPs into submission over fear of deselection. Only thing is, that didn’t quite work out the way they hoped when those letters made it to Maryhill. When the whips sent a letter to the Constituency Labour Party, they usually got a motion from local members unanimously supporting Maria. But that didn’t mean they disliked Maria – quite the opposite. The Scottish contingent of the Labour government whips’ office, affectionately known by some as the “Green Kremlin”, had songs for their favourite MPs. For Maria, what tune better suited her from a whip’s perspective than How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
Maria stopped being a politician when I was very young, but she never stopped being political. Her work in particular to commemorate the work of Mary Barbour, the leader of the 1915 rent strikes in Glasgow, has finally seen a statue erected in her memory in Govan – only the fourth statue of a woman in the great city of Glasgow. She truly was held in the highest regard by her former constituents and universally adored in our party, even 20 years after leaving parliament.
Comrade Fyfe was a party stalwart through and through. I can never remember her missing a single CLP meeting – even when she was in the hospital recently, she asked her son to phone me and make sure her apologies were noted. The highest praise I will ever probably get in my life was Maria saying I wrote the best set of CLP minutes she had ever read.
One of my favourite memories will be helping to organise a surprise 80th birthday celebration for her along with her closest friend, Anna Dyer. We told her it was a fundraiser and asked if she could bring some things for the raffle – because if she knew we were organising a party for her, she would have murdered us. We allocated the important role of getting her to the hall at the right time to Paul Sweeney, a comrade famed for his punctuality. She walked in the door expecting a Labour social and instead got a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday led by the iconic socialist songsmith Arthur Johnstone. Her face was a picture. She then sought me out, gave me a big hug and handed me a bag of raffle goodies – what a legend. It was a brilliant night.
Maria had some of the best stories you could ever hear and lived a remarkable life. I don’t have enough time to tell them all, but I would urge you to read her book A Problem Like Maria, which talks about her time in the House of Commons, and her new book Singing in the Streets, which details her earlier life growing up in Glasgow, something I can’t wait to read. I am just sad I won’t get to speak to her about it.
Richard Leonard said yesterday in Holyrood, Maria “was an inspiration to generations of Labour Party members”, and she was. She was a great source of support to me and a phenomenal comrade. She was an active CLP member and our vice-chair. I had the pleasure of working with her closely over the last few years as a CLP Secretary and latterly a prospective parliamentary candidate.
She was so passionately committed to political education, determined to have a speaker at every single meeting, and to supporting younger activists. I have had a lot of messages in the last few hours from dozens of members sharing their stories how they were at some event and Maria saw them and made the effort to make them feel welcome. Our CLP meetings are just never going to be the same again without her.
After I was selected last year to stand for her old constituency at the 2021 Scottish parliament elections, she gifted me something that is now one of my most prized possessions – a red revue songbook. Singing was a big part of the labour movement when Maria was growing up, and she always said to me how sad it was we didn’t sing enough anymore. Well, if we can do one thing to honour her, let’s right that wrong: sing those songs and pass them on.
Maria was Labour to her bones, and she never stopped fighting for our movement. She gave her life to Labour. Well, we need to keep fighting. We have a responsibility to do our best and try to do her proud. Rest in power comrade.


labourlist--2020-12-04--WATCH: No deal “would be disastrous for British businesses”, says Pennycook

Labour ’ s Matthew Pennycook has declared that leaving the European Union without a free trade agreement would be “ disastrous for British businesses ” amid reports of divides on the Labour frontbench over supporting a deal .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the shadow minister for climate change was asked about reports that at least one shadow cabinet member would consider resigning if MPs are told to vote with the government .
Sky News ’ Kay Burley asked : “ A report in The Times this morning is suggesting at least one frontbench shadow minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote against and potentially resign if Labour supports the government ’ s free trade agreement for the EU – are you one of them ?
” Pennycook replied : “ Let ’ s just start by stepping back one second and saying there isn ’ t an agreement , you ’ re presuming there is .
I really hope there is.
” UK government sources briefed last night that the chances of a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU were receding , as they claimed that EU negotiators had introduced fresh demands into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The negotiations have reportedly stalled over the issue of European fishing fleet access to British waters and the so-called level playing field provisions designed to prevent unfair competition on state subsidies and standards .
Pennycook added : “ This is a really really important issue for the future of our country .
It arouses passions among colleagues .
There ’ s going to be , as you ’ d expect , a lot of debate about Labour ’ s position but I don ’ t think we can take a decision until we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what that agreement says .
“ We ’ re having this discussion , if you like , in a vacuum .
And , who knows , the reports overnight suggest that breakthrough isn ’ t perhaps as imminent as suggested .
“ The most important thing is that we do what ’ s in the national interest , which is to get an agreement – because leaving without an agreement , I think , would be disastrous for British businesses and for investment into our country .
”

Labour’s Matthew Pennycook has declared that leaving the European Union without a free trade agreement would be “disastrous for British businesses” amid reports of divides on the Labour frontbench over supporting a deal.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the shadow minister for climate change was asked about reports that at least one shadow cabinet member would consider resigning if MPs are told to vote with the government.
Sky News’ Kay Burley asked: “A report in The Times this morning is suggesting at least one frontbench shadow minister [and] several shadow ministers will vote against and potentially resign if Labour supports the government’s free trade agreement for the EU – are you one of them?”
Pennycook replied: “Let’s just start by stepping back one second and saying there isn’t an agreement, you’re presuming there is. I really hope there is.”
UK government sources briefed last night that the chances of a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU were receding, as they claimed that EU negotiators had introduced fresh demands into the talks at the eleventh hour.
The negotiations have reportedly stalled over the issue of European fishing fleet access to British waters and the so-called level playing field provisions designed to prevent unfair competition on state subsidies and standards.
Pennycook added: “This is a really really important issue for the future of our country. It arouses passions among colleagues. There’s going to be, as you’d expect, a lot of debate about Labour’s position but I don’t think we can take a decision until we know there’s an agreement and what that agreement says.
“We’re having this discussion, if you like, in a vacuum. And, who knows, the reports overnight suggest that breakthrough isn’t perhaps as imminent as suggested.
“The most important thing is that we do what’s in the national interest, which is to get an agreement – because leaving without an agreement, I think, would be disastrous for British businesses and for investment into our country.”


labourlist--2020-12-04--Johnson’s decarbonisation ambition for 2030, and Starmer’s potential Brexit revolt

Boris Johnson is backing up his recently unveiled ten-point climate plan with a newly strengthened target to reduce carbon emissions by at least 68 % over the next decade .
The move , which should see the UK cut greenhouse gas emissions faster than any other major economy from now until 2030 , has quietly impressed some , and it has been welcomed by Labour .
But Ed Miliband has also pointed out that there is a “ yawning gap ” between the government ’ s stated aspirations and its policies .
A chasm , really .
The plan announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – but only £4bn represented new spending commitments .
Rehashing existing pledges will not be enough for the UK to actually reach its 2030 target or aim for net zero by 2050 .
While Miliband is urging the government to “ go further and faster ” , activists in campaign groups such as Labour for a Green New Deal are pushing the opposition party to do the same .
Spokesperson Lauren Townsend slammed the new Tory announcement as a “ failed Tory tribute act to Labour ’ s Green Industrial Revolution of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ go beyond pointing out holes and voice the alternative ” .
They believe that under Keir Starmer ’ s leadership the party has shied away from presenting its own big ideas , merely reacting rather than shaping the narrative .
And they ask : if the Tories can go more than two-thirds of the way , can ’ t Labour go for 100 % of the emissions reduction aim that was backed by conference ?
The chances of a post-Brexit trade deal being struck in the next few days as expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is what UK government sources are briefing .
Fishing is still being cited as the key sticking point , and France is still playing bad cop , threatening to veto any agreement brought back that is not considered satisfactory .
Whether Downing Street is exaggerating the difficulty of the talks or no deal is genuinely a very likely prospect , it does make one wonder why exactly the domestic ‘ discourse ’ on Brexit has been dominated this week by reports that Labour frontbenchers would consider resigning if Starmer tells them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the leadership is currently inclined to do .
We don ’ t know yet whether a deal will be struck .
If an agreement is reached , the way that Labour MPs are whipped will probably be inconsequential in terms of whether the deal is passed by the Commons .
If it looked as if Labour votes were actually going to matter because Conservatives were so unhappy with the deal , the government could simply cite “ exceptional ” circumstances and not hold a vote .
Of course Labour members should debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why is the focus right now on differences of opinion between the opposition leader and his Shadow Chancellor ?
Naturally , journalists enjoy the irony of Starmer – the man accused of blowing up Labour talks with Theresa May last year – promoting the line that a bad deal is better than no deal .
But the media is the media , and the events of this week also point towards an issue of poor party management : clearly , the Remainers on Labour ’ s frontbench – and the backbenchers pitching critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit more love and attention from the boss .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Boris Johnson is backing up his recently unveiled ten-point climate plan with a newly strengthened target to reduce carbon emissions by at least 68% over the next decade. The move, which should see the UK cut greenhouse gas emissions faster than any other major economy from now until 2030, has quietly impressed some, and it has been welcomed by Labour. But Ed Miliband has also pointed out that there is a “yawning gap” between the government’s stated aspirations and its policies. A chasm, really. The plan announced month set out proposals amounting to £12bn – but only £4bn represented new spending commitments. Rehashing existing pledges will not be enough for the UK to actually reach its 2030 target or aim for net zero by 2050.
While Miliband is urging the government to “go further and faster”, activists in campaign groups such as Labour for a Green New Deal are pushing the opposition party to do the same. Spokesperson Lauren Townsend slammed the new Tory announcement as a “failed Tory tribute act to Labour’s Green Industrial Revolution of 2019”, but also called on Labour to “go beyond pointing out holes and voice the alternative”. They believe that under Keir Starmer’s leadership the party has shied away from presenting its own big ideas, merely reacting rather than shaping the narrative. And they ask: if the Tories can go more than two-thirds of the way, can’t Labour go for 100% of the emissions reduction aim that was backed by conference?
The chances of a post-Brexit trade deal being struck in the next few days as expected are reportedly receding – or at least, that is what UK government sources are briefing. Fishing is still being cited as the key sticking point, and France is still playing bad cop, threatening to veto any agreement brought back that is not considered satisfactory. Whether Downing Street is exaggerating the difficulty of the talks or no deal is genuinely a very likely prospect, it does make one wonder why exactly the domestic ‘discourse’ on Brexit has been dominated this week by reports that Labour frontbenchers would consider resigning if Starmer tells them to vote for a Tory deal, as the leadership is currently inclined to do.
We don’t know yet whether a deal will be struck. If an agreement is reached, the way that Labour MPs are whipped will probably be inconsequential in terms of whether the deal is passed by the Commons. If it looked as if Labour votes were actually going to matter because Conservatives were so unhappy with the deal, the government could simply cite “exceptional” circumstances and not hold a vote. Of course Labour members should debate the party’s position, but why is the focus right now on differences of opinion between the opposition leader and his Shadow Chancellor?
Naturally, journalists enjoy the irony of Starmer – the man accused of blowing up Labour talks with Theresa May last year – promoting the line that a bad deal is better than no deal. But the media is the media, and the events of this week also point towards an issue of poor party management: clearly, the Remainers on Labour’s frontbench – and the backbenchers pitching critical comment pieces to LabourList – need a bit more love and attention from the boss. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-12-05--Starmer calls on government to “repay” local businesses with more support

Keir Starmer has hailed the “ monumental effort ” made by small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic as he called on the government to “ repay ” them for supporting local communities through the crisis .
To mark ‘ Small Business Saturday ’ , Labour has called on ministers to provide more financial support to local businesses to see them through a winter of tough restrictions designed to curb the spread of Covid-19 .
The Prime Minister ’ s three-tier system of restrictions in England is likely to run until spring , with strict limits on the hospitality sector , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rollout of vaccinations across the UK .
Starmer said : “ Small businesses across the country have made a monumental effort during this crisis .
They have stepped up when it was most needed , supporting their local communities and making huge sacrifices to help tackle the spread of the virus .
“ Now we must repay them .
The government must ensure businesses , particularly those facing the toughest restrictions , are supported to see them through the winter.
” He added : “ This Small Business Saturday and beyond , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by small businesses , by shopping safely where we live , including online , or ordering from local restaurants.
” Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a shopping holiday in the US , held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving , but has since been adopted in the UK to encourage consumers to support independent businesses in their communities .
The Labour leader ’ s comments came after he raised the issue of support for the retail sector at Prime Minister ’ s Questions on Wednesday , urging Boris Johnson to take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and provide emergency support .
“ Over 200,000 retail jobs have been lost this year .
That ’ s 200,000 individuals and their families , 20,000 stores have been closed on our high street and that ’ s before the latest restrictions , ” Starmer said .
“ Now , I suspect if we ’ d seen that scale of job losses in any other sector there would have been much greater action already.
” Starmer and Shadow Chancellor Annneliese Dodds hosted a webinar on Monday with hundreds of small business owners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government support in sectors that have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic .
On Friday , Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband warned that many small businesses reopening after the second national lockdown in England would not make it through to spring due to inadequate government support .
He highlighted analysis of official data showing that an estimated 390,000 small businesses were worried that they would not survive the next three months , while more than 520,000 small businesses had seen turnover fall by more than half .
Commenting on Small Business Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , manufacturers , hotels and hairdressers , beauty salons and suppliers , breweries and bakeries , and small businesses of all kinds have been on the frontline of the economic crisis .
“ This is a day to celebrate the millions of these small businesses at the heart of our communities and the workers they employ .
They represent the best of our country.
” Other members of Labour ’ s frontbench also showed support for small businesses this week , with shadow business minister Lucy Powell holding a ‘ Shop Local ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Bridget Philipson making a virtual visit to businesses in Swindon .

Keir Starmer has hailed the “monumental effort” made by small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic as he called on the government to “repay” them for supporting local communities through the crisis.
To mark ‘Small Business Saturday’, Labour has called on ministers to provide more financial support to local businesses to see them through a winter of tough restrictions designed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The Prime Minister’s three-tier system of restrictions in England is likely to run until spring, with strict limits on the hospitality sector, as health officials carry out a months-long rollout of vaccinations across the UK.
Starmer said: “Small businesses across the country have made a monumental effort during this crisis. They have stepped up when it was most needed, supporting their local communities and making huge sacrifices to help tackle the spread of the virus.
“Now we must repay them. The government must ensure businesses, particularly those facing the toughest restrictions, are supported to see them through the winter.”
He added: “This Small Business Saturday and beyond, we can all do our bit to stand by small businesses, by shopping safely where we live, including online, or ordering from local restaurants.”
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a shopping holiday in the US, held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but has since been adopted in the UK to encourage consumers to support independent businesses in their communities.
The Labour leader’s comments came after he raised the issue of support for the retail sector at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, urging Boris Johnson to take the problem of job losses “seriously” and provide emergency support.
“Over 200,000 retail jobs have been lost this year. That’s 200,000 individuals and their families, 20,000 stores have been closed on our high street and that’s before the latest restrictions,” Starmer said.
“Now, I suspect if we’d seen that scale of job losses in any other sector there would have been much greater action already.”
Starmer and Shadow Chancellor Annneliese Dodds hosted a webinar on Monday with hundreds of small business owners, where they committed to fighting for better government support in sectors that have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic.
On Friday, Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband warned that many small businesses reopening after the second national lockdown in England would not make it through to spring due to inadequate government support.
He highlighted analysis of official data showing that an estimated 390,000 small businesses were worried that they would not survive the next three months, while more than 520,000 small businesses had seen turnover fall by more than half.
Commenting on Small Business Saturday, Miliband said: “Shops, pubs, manufacturers, hotels and hairdressers, beauty salons and suppliers, breweries and bakeries, and small businesses of all kinds have been on the frontline of the economic crisis.
“This is a day to celebrate the millions of these small businesses at the heart of our communities and the workers they employ. They represent the best of our country.”
Shadow business minister Lucy Powell held a ‘Shop Local’ campaign event this week with businesses in Bolton and Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Bridget Phillipson made a virtual visit to businesses in Swindon.


labourlist--2020-12-04--James Asser elected as chair of Labour’s NEC equalities committee

James Asser , the LGBT campaigner who represents socialist societies on Labour ’ s national executive committee , has today replaced Ann Henderson as chair of the ruling body ’ s equalities committee .
The chair post had been held by Henderson , who was elected to the sub-committee role in January 2019 , but the Momentum-backed Scottish rep was not re-elected in the latest Labour NEC contests last month .
Asser , the representative of 22 affiliated organisations on the party ’ s ruling body , is considered to be a strong backer of the new leadership under Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet member in Newham .
He tweeted : “ Very honoured to be elected chair of the Labour NEC equalities committee .
Thanks to all my colleagues for their trust and support .
We ’ ve lots to do but I ’ m looking forward to the challenge.
” His election was welcomed by the Jewish Labour Movement ’ s Peter Mason , as well as NEC members Luke Akehurst and Ann Black , who described the meeting of the new equalities committee as “ constructive ” .
Black also revealed that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unite ’ s Jayne Taylor , Lara McNeill is vice-chair for youth , Nick Forbes for LGBT+ , Ellen Morrison for disability and Carol Sewell for BAME .
Alice Perry , who had been rumoured for the equalities chair role until she was chosen as vice-chair of the NEC , tweeted that she was “ proud to second ” the nomination of Asser for chair of the sub-committee .
The local government representative said : “ James has a strong record defending [ all-women shortlists ] , tackling hate and prejudice , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of political representation.
” Labour MP Harriet Harman said : “ Congrats @ JamesAsser on your election as chair of @ UKLabour equalities committee .
Labour is the party of and for equality and I look forward to supporting you in your work.
” Asser is now a member of the NEC officers ’ group , which comprises the following : • National policy forum chair ( when also an NEC member ) – Ann Black Both the CWU ’ s Kerr and member representative Dar are on the left of the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership .
The GMB ’ s Warnett is usually thought of as a ‘ swing voter ’ on the ruling body .
Perry and Black are seen as ‘ soft left ’ in the party , Holland is supported by the Labour left but did not join the recent walkout staged by 13 other Starmersceptic members , and Beckett is a firm Starmer supporter .
The election of Asser to the post therefore represents a significant victory for the leadership , which has hugely strengthened its support on the officers ’ group since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected that the position of Dar – who is an NEC officer on the basis of being chair of the NEC disputes panel – will be contested by a pro-leadership NEC member when her term ends in January .
At a Labour conference event by Labour First in 2019 , Asser complained that the NEC had disaffiliated Labour Students “ without any debate at all ” , referring to Jon Lansman ’ s motion to scrap the student body .
He also said Labour NEC meetings were consumed with discussions about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but “ what we didn ’ t talk about was the imminent election or any strategy about it ” .
With Forbes , Perry , George Howarth and Tom Watson , Asser proposed a motion in July 2019 for Labour to set up an independent process for racism , sexism , misogyny , homophobia and transphobia complaints .
As chair of the socialist societies executive , he wrote for LabourList in 2014 that the societies “ represent a core idea of what the party is ; something more than just a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .

James Asser, the LGBT campaigner who represents socialist societies on Labour’s national executive committee, has today replaced Ann Henderson as chair of the ruling body’s equalities committee.
The chair post had been held by Henderson, who was elected to the sub-committee role in January 2019, but the Momentum-backed Scottish rep was not re-elected in the latest Labour NEC contests last month.
Asser, the representative of 22 affiliated organisations on the party’s ruling body, is considered to be a strong backer of the new leadership under Keir Starmer. He is a councillor and cabinet member in Newham.
He tweeted: “Very honoured to be elected chair of the Labour NEC equalities committee. Thanks to all my colleagues for their trust and support. We’ve lots to do but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
His election was welcomed by the Jewish Labour Movement’s Peter Mason, as well as NEC members Luke Akehurst and Ann Black, who described the meeting of the new equalities committee as “constructive”.
Black also revealed that she is now vice-chair for women jointly with Unite’s Jayne Taylor, Lara McNeill is vice-chair for youth, Nick Forbes for LGBT+, Ellen Morrison for disability and Carol Sewell for BAME.
Alice Perry, who had been rumoured for the equalities chair role until she was chosen as vice-chair of the NEC, tweeted that she was “proud to second” the nomination of Asser for chair of the sub-committee.
The local government representative said: “James has a strong record defending [all-women shortlists], tackling hate and prejudice, and improving culture and processes to increase diversity of political representation.”
Labour MP Harriet Harman said: “Congrats @JamesAsser on your election as chair of @UKLabour equalities committee. Labour is the party of and for equality and I look forward to supporting you in your work.”
Asser is now a member of the NEC officers’ group, which comprises the following:
Leader – Keir Starmer
Deputy leader – Angela Rayner
NEC chair – Margaret Beckett
NEC vice-chair – Alice Perry
Treasurer – Diana Holland
Joint policy committee co-convenor – Tom Warnett
National policy forum chair (when also an NEC member) – Ann Black
Organisation committee (‘Org Sub’) chair – Andy Kerr
Disputes panel chair – Yasmine Dar
Equalities committee chair – James Asser
Both the CWU’s Kerr and member representative Dar are on the left of the party and can be critical of the new leadership. The GMB’s Warnett is usually thought of as a ‘swing voter’ on the ruling body.
Perry and Black are seen as ‘soft left’ in the party, Holland is supported by the Labour left but did not join the recent walkout staged by 13 other Starmersceptic members, and Beckett is a firm Starmer supporter.
The election of Asser to the post therefore represents a significant victory for the leadership, which has hugely strengthened its support on the officers’ group since the most recent NEC elections.
It is expected that the position of Dar – who is an NEC officer on the basis of being chair of the NEC disputes panel – will be contested by a pro-leadership NEC member when her term ends in January.
At a Labour conference event by Labour First in 2019, Asser complained that the NEC had disaffiliated Labour Students “without any debate at all”, referring to Jon Lansman’s motion to scrap the student body.
He also said Labour NEC meetings were consumed with discussions about the value of the word ‘much’, but “what we didn’t talk about was the imminent election or any strategy about it”.
With Forbes, Perry, George Howarth and Tom Watson, Asser proposed a motion in July 2019 for Labour to set up an independent process for racism, sexism, misogyny, homophobia and transphobia complaints.
As chair of the socialist societies executive, he wrote for LabourList in 2014 that the societies “represent a core idea of what the party is; something more than just a political party, part of a wider movement”.


labourlist--2020-12-04--John McDonnell offers to be witness for suspended JVL party member

Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has declared that he would be willing to be a witness at a party disciplinary hearing for a ‘ Jewish Voice for Labour ’ member who was suspended by Labour this week .
Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi , vice-chair of Chingford and Woodford Green Constituency Labour Party ( CLP ) , was suspended alongside chair Gary Lafley after her local party considered a motion ruled “ out of order ” by the party .
JVL , which is not formally affiliated to the Labour Party , was set up in 2017 as an organisation for Jewish members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s leadership .
The group campaigned for the reinstatement of Jackie Walker .
Commenting on a video by Double Down News featuring Wimborne-Idrissi , McDonnell today tweeted : “ I know Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi .
She ’ s a decent , sincere socialist .
Not everybody may agree with everything Naomi says .
“ We all have the right to speak and the right to disagree but disagreement shouldn ’ t result in suspension .
I ’ d be a witness for her at any party disciplinary hearing.
” Former Labour parliamentary candidate Faiza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chingford and Woodford Green in the 2019 general election , also spoke out against the suspension , adding that she knew Wimborne-Idrissi personally .
“ Naomi lives local to me and was kind enough to offer her car to us during the election… She doesn ’ t deserve this , ” Shaheen tweeted .
“ I know this probably puts me in the firing line but I don ’ t feel comfortable being silent on this.
” The Jewish Chronicle reported on Thursday that Wimborne-Idrissi had been suspended after allegedly creating a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday in which she criticised Corbyn ’ s suspension as “ unjust ” .
Wimborne-Idrissi received support on Thursday from Momentum co-chair Andrew Scattergood , who described her as a “ principled socialist and anti-racist ” and criticised the suspension of members in relation to Corbyn ’ s disciplinary case .
Labour ’ s general secretary David Evans warned local parties in November that motions related to the suspension of the whip from Corbyn , including “ expressions of solidarity ” for the former leader , would be “ ruled out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said such motions were “ providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party ’ s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members , in particular our Jewish members ” .
Incumbent general secretary Jennie Formby in March 2019 informed elected local party officials that motions on individual disciplinary cases were “ not competent business ” for discussion at CLP meetings .
Wimborne-Idrissi reportedly told her CLP on Monday : “ The idea that Jewish people require for their comfort that whole swathes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership of this party is insulting to Jewish people.
” The JVL activist also questioned whether Jewish members should be “ seen as gatekeepers ” for topics of discussion in meetings and described the situation as a “ dangerous road ” , according to the Jewish Chronicle .
The suspension follows a number of similar incidents in recent weeks at other local Labour parties , including Nottingham East , Hampstead and Kilburn , Tottenham and Bristol West , over motions related to Corbyn ’ s suspension .
Last month , the chair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bristol West Labour were suspended , reportedly over considering motions on Corbyn ’ s suspension and tweets calling for the resignation of the party ’ s regional director .
The chair and vice-chair of Hampstead and Kilburn CLP were suspended for reportedly allowing a motion in support of Corbyn , which prompted criticism from local Labour MP Tulip Siddiq who said she was “ angry and saddened ” .
In Nottingham East CLP , the chair was suspended after a motion was discussed which local Labour MP Nadia Whittome described as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to a Jewish member saying they had to leave the meeting .
It is also understood that the chair of Tottenham CLP has been suspended pending investigation after the JC reported that they considered a motion in support of Corbyn despite being warned against doing so by regional officials .

Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has declared that he would be willing to be a witness at a party disciplinary hearing for a ‘Jewish Voice for Labour’ member who was suspended by Labour this week.
Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, vice-chair of Chingford and Woodford Green Constituency Labour Party (CLP), was suspended alongside chair Gary Lafley after reportedly criticising the party leadership and praising Jeremy Corbyn.
The local party was originally set to consider motions that had been ruled “out of order” by general secretary David Evans, but these were dropped in light of the ban and suspensions taking place across the country.
JVL, which is not formally affiliated to the Labour Party, was set up in 2017 as an organisation for Jewish members in the party supportive of Corbyn’s leadership. The group campaigned for the reinstatement of Jackie Walker.
Commenting on a video by Double Down News featuring Wimborne-Idrissi, McDonnell today tweeted: “I know Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi. She’s a decent, sincere socialist. Not everybody may agree with everything Naomi says.
“We all have the right to speak and the right to disagree but disagreement shouldn’t result in suspension. I’d be a witness for her at any party disciplinary hearing.”
Former Labour parliamentary candidate Faiza Shaheen, who fought for the party Chingford and Woodford Green in the 2019 general election, also spoke out against the suspension, adding that she knew Wimborne-Idrissi personally.
“Naomi lives local to me and was kind enough to offer her car to us during the election… She doesn’t deserve this,” Shaheen tweeted. “I know this probably puts me in the firing line but I don’t feel comfortable being silent on this.”
The Jewish Chronicle reported on Thursday that Wimborne-Idrissi had been suspended after allegedly creating a “deeply unpleasant environment” at a meeting on Monday in which she criticised Corbyn’s suspension as “unjust”.
Wimborne-Idrissi received support on Thursday from Momentum co-chair Andrew Scattergood, who described her as a “principled socialist and anti-racist” and criticised the suspension of members in relation to Corbyn’s disciplinary case.
General secretary David Evans warned local parties in November that motions related to the suspension of the whip from Corbyn, including “expressions of solidarity” for the former leader, would be “ruled out of order”.
The most senior party official said such motions were “providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members, in particular our Jewish members”.
Incumbent general secretary Jennie Formby in March 2019 informed elected local party officials that motions on individual disciplinary cases were “not competent business” for discussion at CLP meetings.
Wimborne-Idrissi reportedly told her CLP on Monday: “The idea that Jewish people require for their comfort that whole swathes of subjects should not be debated by the membership of this party is insulting to Jewish people.”
The JVL activist also questioned whether Jewish members should be “seen as gatekeepers” for topics of discussion in meetings and described the situation as a “dangerous road”, according to the Jewish Chronicle.
The suspension follows a number of similar incidents in recent weeks at other local Labour parties, including Nottingham East, Hampstead and Kilburn, Tottenham and Bristol West, over motions related to Corbyn’s suspension.
Last month, the chair, co-secretary and a number of other members in Bristol West Labour were suspended, reportedly over considering motions on Corbyn’s suspension and tweets calling for the resignation of the party’s regional director.
The chair and vice-chair of Hampstead and Kilburn CLP were suspended for reportedly allowing a motion in support of Corbyn, which prompted criticism from local Labour MP Tulip Siddiq who said she was “angry and saddened”.
In Nottingham East CLP, the chair was suspended after a motion was discussed which local Labour MP Nadia Whittome described as “clearly out of order” and which led to a Jewish member saying they had to leave the meeting.
It is also understood that the chair of Tottenham CLP has been suspended pending investigation after the JC reported that they considered a motion in support of Corbyn despite being warned against doing so by regional officials.


labourlist--2020-12-04--Six months on from George Floyd’s death, what’s changed in the labour movement?

It ’ s tough to come to terms with the whirlwind that has been 2020 .
But it has been over half a year since the tragic murder of George Floyd , and over half a year since that video was released of that knee on his neck .
Over 190 days of protest , movements and the call for real , tangible change .
The Black Lives Matter movement has given us a vital opportunity to look at the institutional racism within Britain and calls on all of us to take radical action to change it .
From our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our education services and so much more .
And that call for change includes within our labour movement .
There has certainly been a lot of talking and education .
A quick glimpse of my Google Calendar since May shows that I have personally attended at least 16 different events that at one point or another discusses Black Lives Matter , Black liberation or anti-Black racism .
I have even organised and spoke at a couple of events myself as the Black , Asian , minority ethnic ( BAME ) officer for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experiences of Black people within and outside the Labour Party is not only good , but vital .
There comes a point , however , where we have to go beyond just talking .
As Keir Starmer himself said in June : “ Now is the time for action.
” With that in mind , let ’ s reflect on what has happened within the last six months and what has actually changed within the party and the movement .
Has that rhetoric of the need for “ institutional change ” has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party working harder to protect and champion its Black members ?
For me , and many others , that answer is still an uncomfortable no .
Breaking down the institutional barriers of inequality is such a massive mountain to climb , and I feel we haven ’ t even made the first steps , let alone approached the summit .
Results of the most recent internal Labour Party elections show how far this movement still has to go to climb that mountain .
Even after the 1987 Caucus pointed out the lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national executive committee , both Jermain Jackman and Terry Paul failed to win a place in the members ’ section , keeping in place a concrete ceiling that has been there for 120 years .
Young Labour now only has one Black figure on its national committee , which comes as no surprise considering that in these elections we saw a complete failure of the party ’ s safeguarding policy and the contest was blighted by over-scrutinisation , abuse and a lot of bad faith when it came to candidates of colour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Labour leadership from June ?
We still haven ’ t received details of the renewal of the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme , and we still haven ’ t received the results of the diversity audit within the Labour Party staff .
And we are still yet to receive a timetable for an autonomous , one-member-one-vote BAME Labour organisation .
As we move on to 2021 , I fear that this party and movement will become compliant , with those words of action being seen as an adequate substitute for actual change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as if the tragic murder of George Floyd took place yesterday .
Because for many Black members , the pain is still there .
In a labour movement that prides itself on anti-racism , we should never be content with doing the bare minimum .
We should always have the political will to push ourselves and others to advocate for more .
This is not only a problem for Keir Starmer and the leadership alone : every single wing , every single trade union and every single affiliate must play their part .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions have done some fantastic work in pointing out the inequalities that Black people face .
From the TSSA passionately calling for justice for Belly Mujinga to the FBU continuing to show amazing solidarity with the residents of Grenfell Tower .
But now it ’ s time for unions to support the many Black workers within their ranks and train them for positions of influences within their unions to continue that fight .
Finally , to the factional groups such as Progress , Momentum , Labour First , the Campaign for Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour .
While the sheer brutality of factionalism has fed into this problem of anti-Black racism within the movement , we can not deny how important and close these organisations are to the levers of power internally .
Rather than being part of the problem , these groups should be a part of the solution .
They could do more to find Black voices and champion them , not seeing their grievance as a chance for political gain , but a cause to fight for .
I understand that this will take time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of lessons , one of them being the fact that we can ’ t keep kicking the problem of anti-Black racism into the long grass .
If anti-racism is one of Labour ’ s core values , the party must prove it .

It’s tough to come to terms with the whirlwind that has been 2020. But it has been over half a year since the tragic murder of George Floyd, and over half a year since that video was released of that knee on his neck. Over 190 days of protest, movements and the call for real, tangible change.
The Black Lives Matter movement has given us a vital opportunity to look at the institutional racism within Britain and calls on all of us to take radical action to change it. From our criminal justice system to our immigration policies, our education services and so much more. And that call for change includes within our labour movement.
There has certainly been a lot of talking and education. A quick glimpse of my Google Calendar since May shows that I have personally attended at least 16 different events that at one point or another discusses Black Lives Matter, Black liberation or anti-Black racism. I have even organised and spoke at a couple of events myself as the Black, Asian, minority ethnic (BAME) officer for Open Labour.
Listening and learning from the experiences of Black people within and outside the Labour Party is not only good, but vital. There comes a point, however, where we have to go beyond just talking. As Keir Starmer himself said in June: “Now is the time for action.”
With that in mind, let’s reflect on what has happened within the last six months and what has actually changed within the party and the movement. Has that rhetoric of the need for “institutional change” has led to actual change? Is the party working harder to protect and champion its Black members? For me, and many others, that answer is still an uncomfortable no. Breaking down the institutional barriers of inequality is such a massive mountain to climb, and I feel we haven’t even made the first steps, let alone approached the summit.
Results of the most recent internal Labour Party elections show how far this movement still has to go to climb that mountain. Even after the 1987 Caucus pointed out the lack of Black male representation on Labour’s national executive committee, both Jermain Jackman and Terry Paul failed to win a place in the members’ section, keeping in place a concrete ceiling that has been there for 120 years. Young Labour now only has one Black figure on its national committee, which comes as no surprise considering that in these elections we saw a complete failure of the party’s safeguarding policy and the contest was blighted by over-scrutinisation, abuse and a lot of bad faith when it came to candidates of colour.
What about the promises of Keir Starmer and the Labour leadership from June? We still haven’t received details of the renewal of the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme, and we still haven’t received the results of the diversity audit within the Labour Party staff. And we are still yet to receive a timetable for an autonomous, one-member-one-vote BAME Labour organisation.
As we move on to 2021, I fear that this party and movement will become compliant, with those words of action being seen as an adequate substitute for actual change. We must keep the pressure on as if the tragic murder of George Floyd took place yesterday. Because for many Black members, the pain is still there.
In a labour movement that prides itself on anti-racism, we should never be content with doing the bare minimum. We should always have the political will to push ourselves and others to advocate for more. This is not only a problem for Keir Starmer and the leadership alone: every single wing, every single trade union and every single affiliate must play their part.
During the Covid-19 pandemic,, trade unions have done some fantastic work in pointing out the inequalities that Black people face. From the TSSA passionately calling for justice for Belly Mujinga to the FBU continuing to show amazing solidarity with the residents of Grenfell Tower. But now it’s time for unions to support the many Black workers within their ranks and train them for positions of influences within their unions to continue that fight.
Finally, to the factional groups such as Progress, Momentum, Labour First, the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and even my very own Open Labour. While the sheer brutality of factionalism has fed into this problem of anti-Black racism within the movement, we cannot deny how important and close these organisations are to the levers of power internally. Rather than being part of the problem, these groups should be a part of the solution. They could do more to find Black voices and champion them, not seeing their grievance as a chance for political gain, but a cause to fight for.
I understand that this will take time. But Black Lives Matter taught us a lot of lessons, one of them being the fact that we can’t keep kicking the problem of anti-Black racism into the long grass. If anti-racism is one of Labour’s core values, the party must prove it.


labourlist--2020-12-04--Labour mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson arrested and suspended from party

Joe Anderson , the elected Labour mayor of Liverpool , has been arrested along with four other men on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation , the Liverpool Echo has reported .
The former leader of Liverpool Council and the first directly-elected mayor of Liverpool since being elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 was reportedly arrested earlier today by Merseyside Police .
The police said the arrests were made as part of an “ ongoing investigation ” and confirmed the details of the following arrests , with the 62-year-old understood to be Anderson : • A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation .
• A 33-year-old man , from West Derby , has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation .
• A 46-year-old man , from Ainsdale , has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation .
• A 25-year-old man , from , Ormskirk , has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation .
• A 72-year-old man , from Aigburth , has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ building and development contracts in Liverpool .
The police earlier today said those arrested had been taken to police stations across Merseyside where they would be questioned by detectives .
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said : “ Liverpool City Council is co-operating with Merseyside Police in relation to its ongoing investigation .
We do not comment on matters relating to individuals.
” Anderson comfortably won the internal party contest to be reselected as Labour ’ s mayoral candidate in February last year after being the subject of a ‘ trigger ballot ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been administratively suspended from the Labour Party , pending the outcome of the case .
The Labour Party can not comment on an ongoing police matter , nor on individual cases as disciplinary procedures are confidential and the party must uphold its legal responsibilities for data protection .

Joe Anderson, the elected Labour mayor of Liverpool, has been arrested along with four other men on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation, the Liverpool Echo has reported.
The former leader of Liverpool Council and the first directly-elected mayor of Liverpool since being elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 was reportedly arrested earlier today by Merseyside Police.
The police said the arrests were made as part of an “ongoing investigation” and confirmed the details of the following arrests, with the 62-year-old understood to be Anderson:
A 62-year-old man, from Old Swan has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
A 33-year-old man, from West Derby, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
A 46-year-old man, from Ainsdale, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
A 25-year-old man, from, Ormskirk, has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.
A 72-year-old man, from Aigburth, has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.
The year-long probe is in connection with building and development contracts in Liverpool. The police earlier today said those arrested had been taken to police stations across Merseyside where they would be questioned by detectives.
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “Liverpool City Council is co-operating with Merseyside Police in relation to its ongoing investigation. We do not comment on matters relating to individuals.”
Anderson comfortably won the internal party contest to be reselected as Labour’s mayoral candidate in February last year after being the subject of a ‘trigger ballot’ process.
LabourList understands that Anderson has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party, pending the outcome of the case.
The Labour Party cannot comment on an ongoing police matter, nor on individual cases as disciplinary procedures are confidential and the party must uphold its legal responsibilities for data protection.
Update: Anderson later released a statement, saying: “I was arrested as part of Operation Aloft on Friday 4th December, and interviewed for six hours. I co-operated fully with Merseyside Police and will continue to be co-operative in their continuing enquiries.
“I will be talking to my cabinet colleagues over the weekend to ensure the challenges our city faces with the Covid pandemic continue to receive the focus they deserve. I also support the Labour Party’s decision to apply an administrative suspension while this investigation continues.
“I have been bailed to return in one month’s time. Given the investigation is continuing, and there are bail conditions, I will not be making any further comments.”


labourlist--2020-12-04--Why the national security and investment bill 2020 is too little, too late

The national security and investment bill 2020 is the most extensive overhaul of the law on company takeovers for nearly 20 years .
I welcome the bill , as I said to the public bill committee when giving evidence in the House of Commons on November 26th , but it does not go nearly far enough .
Britain needs a comprehensive industrial strategy and regulatory framework and laws to prevent predators taking over brilliant companies , especially those laid low by Covid and Brexit .
The present law on company takeovers is governed by the Enterprise Act 2002 .
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public interest intervention notice to call in a takeover on four grounds : national security , media plurality , UK financial stability , and public health emergency .
This is far too limited .
The public health category was added by statutory instrument only this year in SI 2020 No .
627 , as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic .
The power of government to call in a takeover , whether agreed or hostile , for national security reasons , will now be moved from the EA 2002 to the NS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A new unit at the Department of Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) will be set up and the jurisdiction removed from the Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) where it now sits .
The bill is useful in that it lowers and widens the threshold for intervention , allowing the government to intervene on national security grounds on a much wider range of companies than presently .
The new BEIS unit will carry out an assessment and determine whether they will recommend blocking a company takeover , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceed with better powers than now to police and impose conditions , e.g .
job guarantees , investment , location , green policies .
Useful , too , is the new regulatory framework for the imposition of penalties and sanctions for non-compliance .
National security is not defined in the bill , but papers issued with the bill identify 17 areas where it is suggested that intervention may be made and these will be covered in secondary legislation brought in at the same time .
But those 17 areas surprisingly do not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biotechnology , so already big gaps are emerging in the coverage of the bill .
There is also the fact that the Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the Commons that the new powers would only be used “ sparingly ” , so what is the point of them ?
The remaining powers in the EA 2002 have hardly ever been used in their lifetime , and there are many more areas of public interest than just financial stability , media plurality and public health emergency .
Since the government started its consultations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has suffered two massive economic and social body blows – Covid and Brexit – from which it will take years to recover .
There are many examples of priceless assets and world-beating research and development already being lost to the UK .
Some of the family silver has alas already gone .
In 2011 , US company Nvidia ( now buying Cambridge-based Arm for $ 40bn ) bought Icera of Bristol – one of the world ’ s leading companies in the development of semiconductors and chips .
They subsequently closed one workplace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs .
In 2012 , Huawei bought the Centre for Integrated Photonics from the government ’ s own East of England regional development agency .
This privatisation lost ground-breaking innovative British photonics research and development to foreign ownership .
In 2014 , Google bought DeepMind , the world-class British artificial intelligence company , for a mere $ 400m .
DeepMind has announced just this week a breakthrough in DNA of proteins that has stumped researchers for 50 years .
This will have worldwide benefits for public health , as well as lining Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars .
In 2016 , Arm itself with its world-beating British smart phone chip technology founded in Cambridge was sold to Japanese company SoftBank .
Japan would never have allowed such a sale of a Japanese company .
One of the founders , Herman Houser , is desperately asking the government to intervene to stop the further sale now to Nvidia .
In 2018 , Melrose bought GKN with the aid of short-term speculative shareholders in a hostile takeover .
Although the 250-year-old major worldwide engineering company headquartered in Redditch in the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Defence , the government refused to block the takeover on existing national security grounds .
In 2019 , British satellite and space company Inmarsat was taken over by American private equity firms for a mere £4bn .
This British company with its world-beating satellite technology started life as a UN agency and is engaged in bringing communications to billions of people around the world in areas of limited internet access .
In 2020 , Cobham Aviation was sold to American private equity although it was a customer of the Ministry of Defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in on national security grounds .
Lady Cobham of the founding family bemoaned the sale , and said this would lead to a sell-off .
The former nine divisions of the company have already been reduced just to four , and the sell-off has begun .
None of these takeovers were blocked on the existing categories of government intervention , so a wider test is needed if government is to protect existing national assets , foster research and development , encourage innovation , and develop an effective industrial strategy .
The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to permit intervention by government in takeovers on the following additional grounds : where it is necessary in the interests of research and development and innovation , or strategic ( as just introduced in France ) , or in the public interest generally .
The idea of intervention in the public interest in the UK is not new .
It exists in the Industry Act 1975 , which is still on the statute book but not used , and the intervention test under the Fair trading Act 1973 was wider before it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual cry will go up that further regulation will stifle investment and encourage entrepreneurs to start or move their companies abroad .
But Britain is very much open for business .
Foreign direct investment into Britain is already twice that than into France and Germany .
And other competitive countries already have protective laws more interventionist that in the UK .
When the Glazer family floated Manchester United on the Stock Exchange in 2012 , they chose New York rather than London because a share structure permitted them to retain control although they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Anglo-Dutch Unilever , one of our largest UK quoted companies , managed to escape from being taken over by Kraft in 2017 , the then chief executive Paul Polman wanted to move the headquarters from London to Rotterdam to protect the company , because Dutch law has a public interest test defence law that prevents companies being taken over by predators .
Far from discouraging investment in the UK , good regulation will encourage long-term and patient capital and be part of the range of measures to build back better after Covid @ @ @

The national security and investment bill 2020 is the most extensive overhaul of the law on company takeovers for nearly 20 years. I welcome the bill, as I said to the public bill committee when giving evidence in the House of Commons on November 26th, but it does not go nearly far enough. Britain needs a comprehensive industrial strategy and regulatory framework and laws to prevent predators taking over brilliant companies, especially those laid low by Covid and Brexit.
The present law on company takeovers is governed by the Enterprise Act 2002. Under that Act, the government can serve a public interest intervention notice to call in a takeover on four grounds: national security, media plurality, UK financial stability, and public health emergency. This is far too limited. The public health category was added by statutory instrument only this year in SI 2020 No. 627, as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
The power of government to call in a takeover, whether agreed or hostile, for national security reasons, will now be moved from the EA 2002 to the NS&I bill when it becomes law. A new unit at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will be set up and the jurisdiction removed from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) where it now sits.
The bill is useful in that it lowers and widens the threshold for intervention, allowing the government to intervene on national security grounds on a much wider range of companies than presently. The new BEIS unit will carry out an assessment and determine whether they will recommend blocking a company takeover, or whether they will allow it to proceed with better powers than now to police and impose conditions, e.g. job guarantees, investment, location, green policies. Useful, too, is the new regulatory framework for the imposition of penalties and sanctions for non-compliance.
National security is not defined in the bill, but papers issued with the bill identify 17 areas where it is suggested that intervention may be made and these will be covered in secondary legislation brought in at the same time. But those 17 areas surprisingly do not yet include food, telecoms, pharma or biotechnology, so already big gaps are emerging in the coverage of the bill. There is also the fact that the Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the Commons that the new powers would only be used “sparingly”, so what is the point of them?
The remaining powers in the EA 2002 have hardly ever been used in their lifetime, and there are many more areas of public interest than just financial stability, media plurality and public health emergency. Since the government started its consultations on national security in 2017, the UK has suffered two massive economic and social body blows – Covid and Brexit – from which it will take years to recover.
There are many examples of priceless assets and world-beating research and development already being lost to the UK. Some of the family silver has alas already gone. In 2011, US company Nvidia (now buying Cambridge-based Arm for $40bn) bought Icera of Bristol – one of the world’s leading companies in the development of semiconductors and chips. They subsequently closed one workplace in Bristol and 300 staff lost their jobs.
In 2012, Huawei bought the Centre for Integrated Photonics from the government’s own East of England regional development agency. This privatisation lost ground-breaking innovative British photonics research and development to foreign ownership.
In 2014, Google bought DeepMind, the world-class British artificial intelligence company, for a mere $400m. DeepMind has announced just this week a breakthrough in DNA of proteins that has stumped researchers for 50 years. This will have worldwide benefits for public health, as well as lining Google’s balance sheet with billions of dollars.
In 2016, Arm itself with its world-beating British smart phone chip technology founded in Cambridge was sold to Japanese company SoftBank. Japan would never have allowed such a sale of a Japanese company. One of the founders, Herman Houser, is desperately asking the government to intervene to stop the further sale now to Nvidia.
In 2018, Melrose bought GKN with the aid of short-term speculative shareholders in a hostile takeover. Although the 250-year-old major worldwide engineering company headquartered in Redditch in the West Midlands was a customer of the Ministry of Defence, the government refused to block the takeover on existing national security grounds.
In 2019, British satellite and space company Inmarsat was taken over by American private equity firms for a mere £4bn. This British company with its world-beating satellite technology started life as a UN agency and is engaged in bringing communications to billions of people around the world in areas of limited internet access.
In 2020, Cobham Aviation was sold to American private equity although it was a customer of the Ministry of Defence, and the government could have called it in on national security grounds. Lady Cobham of the founding family bemoaned the sale, and said this would lead to a sell-off. The former nine divisions of the company have already been reduced just to four, and the sell-off has begun.
None of these takeovers were blocked on the existing categories of government intervention, so a wider test is needed if government is to protect existing national assets, foster research and development, encourage innovation, and develop an effective industrial strategy. The new NS&I bill should be widened to permit intervention by government in takeovers on the following additional grounds: where it is necessary in the interests of research and development and innovation, or strategic (as just introduced in France), or in the public interest generally.
The idea of intervention in the public interest in the UK is not new. It exists in the Industry Act 1975, which is still on the statute book but not used, and the intervention test under the Fair trading Act 1973 was wider before it was replaced by the EA 2002.
The usual cry will go up that further regulation will stifle investment and encourage entrepreneurs to start or move their companies abroad. But Britain is very much open for business. Foreign direct investment into Britain is already twice that than into France and Germany. And other competitive countries already have protective laws more interventionist that in the UK.
When the Glazer family floated Manchester United on the Stock Exchange in 2012, they chose New York rather than London because a share structure permitted them to retain control although they only had a minority of shares. When Anglo-Dutch Unilever, one of our largest UK quoted companies, managed to escape from being taken over by Kraft in 2017, the then chief executive Paul Polman wanted to move the headquarters from London to Rotterdam to protect the company, because Dutch law has a public interest test defence law that prevents companies being taken over by predators.
Far from discouraging investment in the UK, good regulation will encourage long-term and patient capital and be part of the range of measures to build back better after Covid and Brexit.