labourlist--2020-11-17--Labour housing campaigners issue demands to stop mass homelessness

Grassroots housing campaign groups have outlined a set of policies that they say would “ ease the pain that tenants and people experiencing homelessness have felt through the pandemic and for years prior to that ” .
In an open letter by Labour Tenants United , Labour Homelessness and the Labour Campaign for Council Housing , activists have outlined measures that would “ allow us to stymie the growing humanitarian crisis ” .
The policies being demanded include the reintroduction of the Covid emergency evictions ban , full furlough support in line with the national living wage , maintaining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local Housing Allowance .
The Labour campaigners are also urging the government to implement an improved version of the ‘ Everyone In ’ scheme , which ministers have confirmed will not be repeated during the second lockdown currently in place .
The policy created for the first national lockdown saw around 15,000 rough sleepers provided with emergency accommodation in hotels , hostels and B & Bs to protect public health amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Labour ’ s Shadow Housing Secretary Thangam Debbonaire called for its reintroduction earlier this month .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone In ’ scheme avoided an estimated 266 deaths .
The party campaigners want Covid-related rent arrears cancelled , the ‘ no recourse to public funds ’ visa condition scrapped , the criminalisation of homelessness ended and legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions .
The Tory government has promised to scrap ‘ no fault ’ evictions , but no recent progress has been made on the renters ’ reform bill , which would also make a database of rogue landlords and property agents available to tenants .
The housing minister confirmed the delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legislation – first announced in December – would only be brought forward “ once the urgencies of responding to the pandemic have passed ” .
Neither the Conservatives nor Labour have backed the proposal advocated by Labour activist groups , as well as Acorn , Living Rent and the London Renters Union , to suspend and cancel rents during the Covid pandemic .
Below is the full text of the open letter .
As a grassroots campaigns on housing issues we have seen the real impact of the pandemic and the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in need .
Working with councillors , tenants ’ unions and housing workers and volunteers we are continually hearing of evictions , unsafe conditions and criminalisation of those in need .
Years of austerity and decades of promoting unaffordable private housing at the expense of social rented homes have already left huge numbers in precarious housing situations , and they are now bearing the brunt of the pandemic .
We are yet to see any intent from the government to fully address the impact of the pandemic and the wider housing crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the right measures .
Indeed , the government previously showed some understanding of this potential with the ‘ Everyone In ’ scheme and their manifesto promise to end section 21 evictions .
While these are very basic policies , we are yet to see any follow through .
Any government ’ s priority should at the very least include an unconditional right to housing and the pandemic gives the country a moment of clarity for that need .
As such , we are calling for the following measures that , as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pain that tenants and people experiencing homelessness have felt through the pandemic and for years prior to that .
• Immediately reintroduce the evictions ban , cancel any coronavirus-related rent arrears and the bring forward legislation to end section 21 no-fault evictions before the end of the crisis .
This is with a view to bringing in rent caps to control the ever-spiralling rent crisis .
• Provide full furlough employment and sick pay support and bring the furlough and sick pay minimum in line with the national living wage .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown rate for Universal Credit and raise the Local Housing Allowance to prevent the risk of homelessness .
• Implement an improved ‘ Everyone In ’ scheme , opening up unconditional hotels for those on the streets and long-term floating support to keep them off the streets , and ensure specialist provision for those with addiction and mental health needs or for those fleeing domestic violence and other forms of abuse .
• Scrap the ‘ no recourse to public funds ’ visa condition so everyone can get the full support they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt Home Office guidance changes which from December 1st would make sleeping rough grounds for losing the right to remain in the UK .
• End all forms of criminalisation of homelessness , from the misuse of coronavirus-related powers to the pre-existing 1824 Vagrancy Act , public space protection orders and other orders under ‘ anti-social behaviour ’ laws and the 2012 anti-squatting legislation .
Criminalising the most vulnerable simply drives them away from engaging with services and keeps them on the streets during the pandemic .
• End the Right to Buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing crisis and replace it with a comprehensive council building programme with affordable and safe homes to rent that includes government investment of £10bn per year grant funding to build 100,000 social rent council homes per year to help tackle the crisis .
The pandemic does not need to mean mass homelessness – that is a political choice being made by those in power .
We call on the government to implement these basic measures , but to make this happen we need coordinated demands from the grassroots , from councils and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the above measures could allow us to stymie the growing humanitarian crisis and finally put the right to housing at the forefront at such an important time .

Grassroots housing campaign groups have outlined a set of policies that they say would “ease the pain that tenants and people experiencing homelessness have felt through the pandemic and for years prior to that”.
In an open letter by Labour Tenants United, Labour Homelessness and the Labour Campaign for Council Housing, activists have outlined measures that would “allow us to stymie the growing humanitarian crisis”.
The policies being demanded include the reintroduction of the Covid emergency evictions ban, full furlough support in line with the national living wage, maintaining the uplift in Universal Credit and raising the Local Housing Allowance.
The Labour campaigners are also urging the government to implement an improved version of the ‘Everyone In’ scheme, which ministers have confirmed will not be repeated during the second lockdown currently in place.
The policy created for the first national lockdown saw around 15,000 rough sleepers provided with emergency accommodation in hotels, hostels and B&Bs to protect public health amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Labour’s Shadow Housing Secretary Thangam Debbonaire called for its reintroduction earlier this month. According to one study, the centrally funded ‘Everyone In’ scheme avoided an estimated 266 deaths.
The party campaigners want Covid-related rent arrears cancelled, the ‘no recourse to public funds’ visa condition scrapped, the criminalisation of homelessness ended and legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions.
The Tory government has promised to scrap ‘no fault’ evictions, but no recent progress has been made on the renters’ reform bill, which would also make a database of rogue landlords and property agents available to tenants.
The housing minister confirmed the delay in July, and told parliament that the legislation – first announced in December – would only be brought forward “once the urgencies of responding to the pandemic have passed”.
Neither the Conservatives nor Labour have backed the proposal advocated by Labour activist groups, as well as Acorn, Living Rent and the London Renters Union, to suspend and cancel rents during the Covid pandemic.
Below is the full text of the open letter.
As a grassroots campaigns on housing issues we have seen the real impact of the pandemic and the government’s wilful failure to support those in need. Working with councillors, tenants’ unions and housing workers and volunteers we are continually hearing of evictions, unsafe conditions and criminalisation of those in need. Years of austerity and decades of promoting unaffordable private housing at the expense of social rented homes have already left huge numbers in precarious housing situations, and they are now bearing the brunt of the pandemic.
We are yet to see any intent from the government to fully address the impact of the pandemic and the wider housing crisis. All of this is completely avoidable, with the right measures. Indeed, the government previously showed some understanding of this potential with the ‘Everyone In’ scheme and their manifesto promise to end section 21 evictions. While these are very basic policies, we are yet to see any follow through. Any government’s priority should at the very least include an unconditional right to housing and the pandemic gives the country a moment of clarity for that need.
As such, we are calling for the following measures that, as a comprehensive package, could begin to ease the pain that tenants and people experiencing homelessness have felt through the pandemic and for years prior to that.
Immediately reintroduce the evictions ban, cancel any coronavirus-related rent arrears and the bring forward legislation to end section 21 no-fault evictions before the end of the crisis. This is with a view to bringing in rent caps to control the ever-spiralling rent crisis.
Provide full furlough employment and sick pay support and bring the furlough and sick pay minimum in line with the national living wage.
End waiting times and keep the higher lockdown rate for Universal Credit and raise the Local Housing Allowance to prevent the risk of homelessness.
Implement an improved ‘Everyone In’ scheme, opening up unconditional hotels for those on the streets and long-term floating support to keep them off the streets, and ensure specialist provision for those with addiction and mental health needs or for those fleeing domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
Scrap the ‘no recourse to public funds’ visa condition so everyone can get the full support they need regardless of immigration status, and immediately halt Home Office guidance changes which from December 1st would make sleeping rough grounds for losing the right to remain in the UK.
End all forms of criminalisation of homelessness, from the misuse of coronavirus-related powers to the pre-existing 1824 Vagrancy Act, public space protection orders and other orders under ‘anti-social behaviour’ laws and the 2012 anti-squatting legislation. Criminalising the most vulnerable simply drives them away from engaging with services and keeps them on the streets during the pandemic.
End the Right to Buy scheme that has so vastly exacerbated the housing crisis and replace it with a comprehensive council building programme with affordable and safe homes to rent that includes government investment of £10bn per year grant funding to build 100,000 social rent council homes per year to help tackle the crisis.
The pandemic does not need to mean mass homelessness – that is a political choice being made by those in power. We call on the government to implement these basic measures, but to make this happen we need coordinated demands from the grassroots, from councils and from across the labour movement. Bringing in the above measures could allow us to stymie the growing humanitarian crisis and finally put the right to housing at the forefront at such an important time.
Signed,
Labour Tenants United
Labour Homelessness
Labour Campaign for Council Housing


labourlist--2020-11-17--Labour accuses Tories of “bumbling incompetence” over post-Brexit trade

Emily Thornberry has accused ministers of “ sheer bumbling incompetence ” while challenging the government over its failure to secure necessary continuity agreements facilitating trade with other countries post-Brexit .
Addressing MPs in parliament this afternoon , the Shadow Secretary for International Trade highlighted that , with just six weeks to go until the end of the transition period , 15 agreements worth £80bn of UK trade still need to be signed .
She said : “ Thank you , Mr Speaker , for granting this question on an issue that should never have become urgent .
The government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade with countries like Canada , Singapore and Mexico.
” Thornberry stressed that parliamentary scrutiny will now be curtailed .
Under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 , international treaties must be laid before parliament 21 sitting days before they can be ratified .
The Shadow Secretary said : “ 15 agreements that have been left so late that government will now have to ride roughshod over the rules of parliamentary scrutiny to implement them in time… Why do we find ourselves in this sorry mess ?
” She challenged the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 but only four have been signed this year , and went on to accuse the International Trade Secretary of failing to do her job .
Thornberry highlighted to MPs that Liz Truss failed to appear to discuss international trade this afternoon , sending minister Greg Hands to the Commons to answer the urgent question from Labour in her place .
Thornberry argued : “ With sheer bumbling incompetence , and instead of taking responsibility today , the Secretary of State has sent her minister instead – a fitting symbol of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her 16 months in office.
” The Shadow International Trade Secretary asked the minister what new steps the government is taking to ensure the deals are signed and when UK businesses will be told whether any of the continuity agreements will not be struck .
The contribution from Labour ’ s international trade spokesperson this afternoon followed her letter to Truss earlier this month , in which she argued that “ last year ’ s momentum appeared to die out ” as the UK entered 2020 .
She wrote : “ Not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first eight months of 2020 , and in their correspondence with the shadow international trade team , representatives of countries ranging from Cameroon to Montenegro have reported that no formal talks were even conducted in that period.
” International trade carried out between the UK and other countries , without a continuity agreement in place when the UK leaves the EU , would be based on less favourable World Trade Organisation terms .

Emily Thornberry has accused ministers of “sheer bumbling incompetence” while challenging the government over its failure to secure necessary continuity agreements facilitating trade with other countries post-Brexit.
Addressing MPs in parliament this afternoon, the Shadow Secretary for International Trade highlighted that, with just six weeks to go until the end of the transition period, 15 agreements worth £80bn of UK trade still need to be signed.
She said: “Thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting this question on an issue that should never have become urgent. The government has literally had years to protect our free trade with countries like Canada, Singapore and Mexico.”
Thornberry stressed that parliamentary scrutiny will now be curtailed. Under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, international treaties must be laid before parliament 21 sitting days before they can be ratified.
The Shadow Secretary said: “15 agreements that have been left so late that government will now have to ride roughshod over the rules of parliamentary scrutiny to implement them in time… Why do we find ourselves in this sorry mess?”
She challenged the government minister on why 20 agreements were reached in 2019 but only four have been signed this year, and went on to accuse the International Trade Secretary of failing to do her job.
Thornberry highlighted to MPs that Liz Truss failed to appear to discuss international trade this afternoon, sending minister Greg Hands to the Commons to answer the urgent question from Labour in her place.
Thornberry argued: “With sheer bumbling incompetence, and instead of taking responsibility today, the Secretary of State has sent her minister instead – a fitting symbol of her total failure to grasp this issue during her 16 months in office.”
The Shadow International Trade Secretary asked the minister what new steps the government is taking to ensure the deals are signed and when UK businesses will be told whether any of the continuity agreements will not be struck.
The contribution from Labour’s international trade spokesperson this afternoon followed her letter to Truss earlier this month, in which she argued that “last year’s momentum appeared to die out” as the UK entered 2020.
She wrote: “Not a single additional continuity agreement was secured in the first eight months of 2020, and in their correspondence with the shadow international trade team, representatives of countries ranging from Cameroon to Montenegro have reported that no formal talks were even conducted in that period.”
International trade carried out between the UK and other countries, without a continuity agreement in place when the UK leaves the EU, would be based on less favourable World Trade Organisation terms.


labourlist--2020-11-18--Starmer announces decision not to restore whip to Corbyn

Keir Starmer has announced a fresh decision not to restore the Labour whip to Jeremy Corbyn – despite the former leader being readmitted to the party via its current complaints process on Tuesday .
Corbyn was reinstated by a panel of five Labour national executive committee ( NEC ) members after last month being suspended from the party by general secretary David Evans , an ally of Starmer .
But no decision was taken immediately on whether to restore the whip .
While allies of Corbyn said party rules meant he was automatically a member of the Parliamentary Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his decision today , Starmer said : “ Since I was elected Labour leader , I have made it my mission to root out antisemitism from the Labour Party .
I know that I will judged on my actions , not my words .
“ The disciplinary process does not have the confidence of the Jewish community .
That became clear once again yesterday .
“ It is the task of my leadership to fix what I have inherited .
That is what I am resolute in doing and I have asked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as possible .
“ I ’ m the leader of the Labour Party , but I ’ m also the leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party .
“ Jeremy Corbyn ’ s actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party ’ s ability to tackle antisemitism .
“ In those circumstances , I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn .
I will keep this situation under review.
” The Board of Deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zyl has welcomed Starmer ’ s withholding of the Labour whip from Corbyn and described the move as an “ appropriate leadership decision ” .
Jon Lansman , the former Momentum chair who left Labour ’ s NEC last week , believes that the whip decision has “ driven a coach and horses through the party ’ s disciplinary process ” and made it “ subservient ” to the PLP .
Labour left MPs including Richard Burgon have called for the whip to be restored to Corbyn , while John McDonnell has tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take this course is “ plain wrong ” and will “ cause more division ” .
Diane Abbott , a longtime ally of the former leader , has commented that the removal of the whip from Corbyn separately to Labour ’ s disciplinary system “ now raises serious questions of due process ” .
Momentum ’ s Andrew Scattergood has accused Starmer of “ making it up as he goes along ” while being “ farcical and incompetent ” .
The co-chair added : “ They can ’ t remove the whip from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place after he reacted to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report by claiming that “ the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents ” .
The Jewish Labour Movement has criticised the decision to lift Corbyn ’ s suspension as “ extraordinary ” and predicted that the move by Labour ’ s NEC would “ embolden those who agreed with him ” .
The Campaign Against Antisemitism announced today that it has filed a fresh complaint against Corbyn to the party “ over his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty of unlawful acts of antisemitism ” .

Keir Starmer has announced a fresh decision not to restore the Labour whip to Jeremy Corbyn – despite the former leader being readmitted to the party via its current complaints process on Tuesday.
Corbyn was reinstated by a panel of five Labour national executive committee (NEC) members after last month being suspended from the party by general secretary David Evans, an ally of Starmer.
But no decision was taken immediately on whether to restore the whip. While allies of Corbyn said party rules meant he was automatically a member of the Parliamentary Labour Party again, the leadership disagreed.
Announcing his decision today, Starmer said: “Since I was elected Labour leader, I have made it my mission to root out antisemitism from the Labour Party. I know that I will judged on my actions, not my words.
“The disciplinary process does not have the confidence of the Jewish community. That became clear once again yesterday.
“It is the task of my leadership to fix what I have inherited. That is what I am resolute in doing and I have asked for an independent process to be established as soon as possible.
“I’m the leader of the Labour Party, but I’m also the leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
“Jeremy Corbyn’s actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party’s ability to tackle antisemitism.
“In those circumstances, I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn. I will keep this situation under review.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl has welcomed Starmer’s withholding of the Labour whip from Corbyn and described the move as an “appropriate leadership decision”.
Jon Lansman, the former Momentum chair who left Labour’s NEC last week, believes that the whip decision has “driven a coach and horses through the party’s disciplinary process” and made it “subservient” to the PLP.
Labour left MPs including Richard Burgon have called for the whip to be restored to Corbyn, while John McDonnell has tweeted that Starmer’s decision not to take this course is “plain wrong” and will “cause more division”.
Diane Abbott, a longtime ally of the former leader, has commented that the removal of the whip from Corbyn separately to Labour’s disciplinary system “now raises serious questions of due process”.
Momentum’s Andrew Scattergood has accused Starmer of “making it up as he goes along” while being “farcical and incompetent”. The co-chair added: “They can’t remove the whip from our movement.”
Corbyn’s suspension took place after he reacted to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report by claiming that “the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents”.
The Jewish Labour Movement has criticised the decision to lift Corbyn’s suspension as “extraordinary” and predicted that the move by Labour’s NEC would “embolden those who agreed with him”.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism announced today that it has filed a fresh complaint against Corbyn to the party “over his personal responsibility for the party being found guilty of unlawful acts of antisemitism”.


labourlist--2020-11-18--Labour entangled in rulebook row over restoring party whip to Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn has been readmitted to the Labour Party .
19 days after the former leader was suspended over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report , a five-member panel of Labour national executive committee ( NEC ) representatives decided to resolve the case by issuing a formal warning only .
Corbyn thanked those who had offered solidarity , while groups including the Jewish Labour Movement slammed the outcome as “ extraordinary ” .
Keir Starmer posted a five-tweet thread that did not comment on whether he agreed or not with the NEC decision but emphasised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his pledge to set up an independent complaints process “ as soon as possible in the New Year ” .
There are members wondering why , when we all know of internal complaints that have still not progressed after months and even years , Corbyn ’ s case was wrapped up so quickly .
It may surprise them to know that some close to the situation were actually wondering what was taking so long .
Work on a path towards de-escalation was being undertaken behind the scenes from the start , and according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat of legal action that persuaded the party to come to this conclusion but warnings that this was a political mess that needed to be resolved swiftly and not stay a running sore .
A thoroughly political sequence of events has prevented wounds from healing , however .
Ultimately , the way in which the whole matter was handled has left all sides feeling more mistrustful of party procedures than before , which is quite some feat .
And it has not succeeded in avoiding further strife , as Labour is now entangled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after all , it ’ s a day ending in ‘ y ’ .
Corbyn allies are declaring that the ex-leader has already had the whip restored , but the leadership insists that this is not the case .
Whichever interpretation is correct , Starmer will be expected to make a decision on the whip today .
If Labour is to look like a competent , professional , unified and electable party , which was Starmer ’ s promise , the focus must return to the spirit and recommendations of the EHRC report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Jeremy Corbyn has been readmitted to the Labour Party. 19 days after the former leader was suspended over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report, a five-member panel of Labour national executive committee (NEC) representatives decided to resolve the case by issuing a formal warning only. Corbyn thanked those who had offered solidarity, while groups including the Jewish Labour Movement slammed the outcome as “extraordinary”. Keir Starmer posted a five-tweet thread that did not comment on whether he agreed or not with the NEC decision but emphasised the hurt caused to the Jewish community and his pledge to set up an independent complaints process “as soon as possible in the New Year”.
There are members wondering why, when we all know of internal complaints that have still not progressed after months and even years, Corbyn’s case was wrapped up so quickly. It may surprise them to know that some close to the situation were actually wondering what was taking so long. Work on a path towards de-escalation was being undertaken behind the scenes from the start, and according to well-placed sources it was not the threat of legal action that persuaded the party to come to this conclusion but warnings that this was a political mess that needed to be resolved swiftly and not stay a running sore. A thoroughly political sequence of events has prevented wounds from healing, however.
Ultimately, the way in which the whole matter was handled has left all sides feeling more mistrustful of party procedures than before, which is quite some feat. And it has not succeeded in avoiding further strife, as Labour is now entangled in a row over its rulebook – after all, it’s a day ending in ‘y’. Corbyn allies are declaring that the ex-leader has already had the whip restored, but the leadership insists that this is not the case. Whichever interpretation is correct, Starmer will be expected to make a decision on the whip today. If Labour is to look like a competent, professional, unified and electable party, which was Starmer’s promise, the focus must return to the spirit and recommendations of the EHRC report. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-11-18--Senedd backs bill to “revolutionise” local government democracy in Wales

Senedd members have backed legislation , which includes provisions to extend the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds and foreign citizens in local elections , that campaigners have said could “ revolutionise democracy in Wales ” .
The local government and elections ( Wales ) bill passed its stage four vote this evening .
It makes changes to voter registration and allows councils in the devolved nation to switch to a single transferable vote ( STV ) system .
First Minister Mark Drakeford welcomed the bill today , which will require councils to consult on and publish a public participation strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand how local government functions .
Commenting on social media after the Senedd vote this evening , the Welsh Labour leader tweeted in support of the legislation , saying that he is “ pleased this historic bill has passed ” .
He added : “ It reflects our diverse nation and will modernise democracy in Wales .
16- and 17-year-olds , and foreign citizens who ’ ve made Wales their home , can now also vote in next year ’ s local elections – I ’ ll be glad to see this.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed by the Welsh parliament last year , which enfranchised 70,000 young people and 33,000 foreign nationals ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections next year .
Local government minister Julie James MS said : “ This bill will enable a local democracy which reflects our diversity as a nation , provide local government with new ways to support and serve their communities and reinvigorate local democracy.
” Councillors in Wales are currently elected under a first-past-the-post system .
Northern Ireland and Scotland have already legislated to provide for local authority elections to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation passed by the Welsh parliament today will also allow councils the power to potentially act more freely through a “ general power of competence ” and enable them to voluntarily merge .
Commenting on the bill , Electoral Reform Society director Jess Blair said : “ This legislation could revolutionise democracy in Wales , bringing in a fairer , more proportional voting system , expanding voting to 16-and 17- year olds , and changing the way local elections are run for the better .
“ This is the culmination of years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step forward for Welsh democracy .
Wales is leading the way on reforming the way local democracy can work to ensure that even at the most local level , our democracy is fair and representative .
“ These changes set a blueprint for the rest of the UK and shows just what is possible when there is the will to get it done .
Now it is England ’ s turn to follow.
” • Reforming electoral arrangements for local government , including : • • • extending the voting franchise to 16- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wales , changes to voter registration , and • enabling a principal council to choose between the ‘ first past the post ’ or the ‘ single transferable vote ’ voting systems ; • A general power of competence for principal councils and eligible community councils ; • The leadership of principal councils , including to encourage greater diversity amongst executive members and establishing a statutory position of chief executive ; • The development of a framework and powers to facilitate more consistent and coherent regional working mechanisms ; • A new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-assessment and peer review , including the consolidation of the Welsh ministers ’ support and intervention powers ; • Powers to facilitate voluntary mergers of principal councils and restructuring a principal area ; • Miscellaneous provisions relating to : • • the local democracy and boundary commission for Wales , and public service boards .
The next round of local council elections in Wales is due to take place in 2022 .
Voters will go to the polls in the devolved nation next May for the 2021 Senedd elections .
Labour recently announced @ @ @ @ @

Senedd members have backed legislation to extend the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds and foreign citizens in local elections, in a move that campaigners have said could “revolutionise democracy in Wales”.
The local government and elections (Wales) bill passed its stage four vote this evening. It makes changes to voter registration and allows councils in the devolved nation to switch to a single transferable vote (STV) system.
First Minister Mark Drakeford today welcomed the bill, which will require councils to consult on and publish a public participation strategy to make it easier for people to understand how local government works.
Commenting on social media after the Senedd vote this evening, the Welsh Labour leader tweeted in support of the legislation, saying that he is “pleased this historic bill has passed”.
He added: “It reflects our diverse nation and will modernise democracy in Wales. 16- and 17-year-olds, and foreign citizens who’ve made Wales their home, can now also vote in next year’s local elections – I’ll be glad to see this.”
The local government bill mirrors measures already passed by the Welsh parliament last year, which enfranchised 70,000 young people and 33,000 foreign nationals ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections next year.
Local government minister Julie James MS said: “This bill will enable a local democracy which reflects our diversity as a nation, provide local government with new ways to support and serve their communities and reinvigorate local democracy.”
Councillors in Wales are currently elected under a first-past-the-post system. Northern Ireland and Scotland have already legislated to provide for local authority elections to be held under an STV system.
The legislation passed by the Welsh parliament today will also allow councils the power to potentially act more freely through a “general power of competence” and enable them to voluntarily merge.
Electoral Reform Society director Jess Blair said: “This legislation could revolutionise democracy in Wales, bringing in a fairer, more proportional voting system, expanding voting to 16-and 17-year-olds, and changing the way local elections are run for the better.
“This is the culmination of years of campaigning and discussions and marks a real step forward for Welsh democracy. Wales is leading the way on reforming the way local democracy can work to ensure that even at the most local level, our democracy is fair and representative.
“These changes set a blueprint for the rest of the UK and shows just what is possible when there is the will to get it done. Now it is England’s turn to follow.”
The bill makes provisions for:
Reforming electoral arrangements for local government, including: extending the voting franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds and foreign citizens legally resident in Wales, changes to voter registration, and enabling a principal council to choose between the ‘first past the post’ or the ‘single transferable vote’ voting systems;A general power of competence for principal councils and eligible community councils;
Reforming public participation in local democracy;
The leadership of principal councils, including to encourage greater diversity amongst executive members and establishing a statutory position of chief executive;
The development of a framework and powers to facilitate more consistent and coherent regional working mechanisms;
A new system for performance and governance based on self-assessment and peer review, including the consolidation of the Welsh ministers’ support and intervention powers;
Powers to facilitate voluntary mergers of principal councils and restructuring a principal area;
Local government finance including non-domestic rating and council tax;
Miscellaneous provisions relating to: information sharing between regulators; abolition of community polls; fire and rescue authorities; and the local democracy and boundary commission for Wales, and public service boards.
The next round of local council elections in Wales is due to take place in 2022. Voters will go to the polls in the devolved nation next May for the 2021 Senedd elections. Labour recently announced its list of candidates.


labourlist--2020-11-18--West Midlands mayoral candidate Liam Byrne: “Let’s just get shit done”

Labour MP and mayoral candidate Liam Byrne has declared in an exclusive interview with LabourList that the “ unofficial slogan ” for his West Midlands campaign is “ look , let ’ s just get shit done ” .
In an online event broadcast live on Tuesday evening , Byrne set out his plan for winning the contest taking place next year and concluding in a vote on May 6th alongside other local elections .
The Hodge Hill MP told LabourList : “ This is the signature election in England next year , whether we win this or lose this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way to rebuilding the ‘ Red Wall ’ in England.
” Commenting on the campaign of his rival , the incumbent Tory mayor , he added : “ It will be super tight .
Andy Street spent a million pounds on this contest last time round and will no doubt spend the same kind of money again .
“ Tory central office know that this is a must-win for them next year .
So we ’ re up against it .
But that ’ s the kind of people we are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ change things .
If we have an unofficial slogan for our campaign , it ’ s : look , let ’ s just get shit done .
“ We ’ re just sick of what we see – we ’ re sick of people having to go to food banks , we ’ re sick of people dying homeless in the streets , we ’ re sick of the way that we ’ re falling behind the rest of the country , we ’ re just sick of it .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come together to just get shit done by pulling together in a Labour way .
And so that ’ s our rocket fuel.
” Describing rival Street – former managing director of John Lewis – as “ never knowingly under-photographed ” , Byrne said : “ No-one can actually name anything that he ’ s delivered .
Actually , that isn ’ t fair .
“ No , he has produced – in his period as a mayor – he ’ s built two kilometres of tram track .
Two kilometres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not entirely without achievements .
But look , our region needs a champion .
“ It needs an activist mayor , it needs someone who is going to go out and fight our corner , because people know that we ’ re not going to punch our weight if we ’ ve got a mayor who pulls their punches .
That ’ s what we ’ ve got right now.
” The Labour backbencher added : “ It ’ s important for our colleagues in local government , because I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We call it a servant model of leadership .
“ It ’ s about making sure that the mayor ’ s resources and powers and money are serving the people who are doing the business , who are ward-level councillors .
“ Andy Street operates a hero model of leadership , which is ‘ find a pedestal and stand on it , have some pictures taken and bugger off until the next thing comes along ’ .
And that is the wrong model for change.
” Byrne also talked about his anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , saying of volunteers : “ Anybody who is involved in this is just fucking angry that we have to do this in the sixth richest country on Earth .
“ That ’ s what makes people angry .
It ’ s a privilege to work alongside people who are doing this .
I mean , they are just phenomenal .
They ’ re absolutely phenomenal .
But this is what Labour people have always done down the generations.
” Setting out why he stood to be Labour ’ s West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I was out with a Sunday church group and we met a man , Richard .
And he , Richard , was a double amputee .
“ He was in the underpass between New Street Station and Snowhill .
And it stank of urine , and he was in acute distress .
He had been there for two days and he was still dressed in his hospital gown with a hospital tag on his wrist .
“ That was the sort of snapping point for me .
That ’ s when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving in a city and I ’ m not bringing up a family in a city where we have people who are in hospital gowns and underpasses .
“ That ’ s partly why we called our manifesto ‘ radical compassion ’ , actually , because we felt that we needed an economic settlement that was radical , but we needed to couple that with an agenda about good old-fashioned compassion.
” Byrne told LabourList that he started to work with the homeless community in Birmingham as a result of his father dying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that being the child of an alcoholic was a thing ” .
Talking about his experience of undertaking a homeless census in his local area in November 2015 , the MP recounted : “ We met somebody who reached in his pockets , and he pulled out two bits of paper .
“ One was a bank statement , because he wanted to show us he was a good person and paying into a bank account , and then the other bit of paper with his prescription for his mental health medication .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he couldn ’ t read .
And he then began the story about how he had been abused as a child and how he was basically now self-medicating trauma with drugs and alcohol .
“ That , for me , is when the penny dropped because that ’ s exactly what my dad had been doing .
My dad slipped into the abyss of alcoholism after he lost my mum to cancer when she was 52.
” Asked about his past as an immigration minister under the last Labour government , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Byrne admitted that “ too often , we were following polls ” .
“ We were following headlines , certainly that was the pressure that I used to get on me from No 10 , ” he said .
Byrne expressed regret for his past “ clumsy ” language but also said the immigration system was improved under his watch .
Byrne will run in May as Labour ’ s candidate against Andy Street , who was reselected by the Conservative Party after winning against Labour ’ s Siôn Simon by 50.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 26.7 % in 2017 .

Labour MP and mayoral candidate Liam Byrne has declared in an exclusive interview with LabourList that the “unofficial slogan” for his West Midlands campaign is “look, let’s just get shit done”.
In an online event broadcast live on Tuesday evening, Byrne set out his plan for winning the contest taking place next year and concluding in a vote on May 6th alongside other local elections.
The Hodge Hill MP told LabourList: “This is the signature election in England next year, whether we win this or lose this will tell us whether we are on the way to rebuilding the ‘Red Wall’ in England.”
Commenting on the campaign of his rival, the incumbent Tory mayor, he added: “It will be super tight. Andy Street spent a million pounds on this contest last time round and will no doubt spend the same kind of money again.
“Tory central office know that this is a must-win for them next year. So we’re up against it. But that’s the kind of people we are. We’re in this business to change things. If we have an unofficial slogan for our campaign, it’s: look, let’s just get shit done.
“We’re just sick of what we see – we’re sick of people having to go to food banks, we’re sick of people dying homeless in the streets, we’re sick of the way that we’re falling behind the rest of the country, we’re just sick of it.
“We are kind of a coalition of people who have come together to just get shit done by pulling together in a Labour way. And so that’s our rocket fuel.”
Describing rival Street – former managing director of John Lewis – as “never knowingly under-photographed”, Byrne said: “No-one can actually name anything that he’s delivered. Actually, that isn’t fair.
“No, he has produced – in his period as a mayor – he’s built two kilometres of tram track. Two kilometres, that’s it. So he’s not entirely without achievements. But look, our region needs a champion.
“It needs an activist mayor, it needs someone who is going to go out and fight our corner, because people know that we’re not going to punch our weight if we’ve got a mayor who pulls their punches. That’s what we’ve got right now.”
The Labour backbencher added: “It’s important for our colleagues in local government, because I am very clear that we deliver through councils. We call it a servant model of leadership.
“It’s about making sure that the mayor’s resources and powers and money are serving the people who are doing the business, who are ward-level councillors.
“Andy Street operates a hero model of leadership, which is ‘find a pedestal and stand on it, have some pictures taken and bugger off until the next thing comes along’. And that is the wrong model for change.”
Byrne also talked about his anger over the need for food banks in the UK, saying of volunteers: “Anybody who is involved in this is just fucking angry that we have to do this in the sixth richest country on Earth.
“That’s what makes people angry. It’s a privilege to work alongside people who are doing this. I mean, they are just phenomenal. They’re absolutely phenomenal. But this is what Labour people have always done down the generations.”
Setting out why he stood to be Labour’s West Midlands mayoral candidate, the MP explained: “I was out with a Sunday church group and we met a man, Richard. And he, Richard, was a double amputee.
“He was in the underpass between New Street Station and Snowhill. And it stank of urine, and he was in acute distress. He had been there for two days and he was still dressed in his hospital gown with a hospital tag on his wrist.
“That was the sort of snapping point for me. That’s when I thought, I’m not serving in a city and I’m not bringing up a family in a city where we have people who are in hospital gowns and underpasses.
“That’s partly why we called our manifesto ‘radical compassion’, actually, because we felt that we needed an economic settlement that was radical, but we needed to couple that with an agenda about good old-fashioned compassion.”
Byrne told LabourList that he started to work with the homeless community in Birmingham as a result of his father dying, which led him to “understand that being the child of an alcoholic was a thing”.
Talking about his experience of undertaking a homeless census in his local area in November 2015, the MP recounted: “We met somebody who reached in his pockets, and he pulled out two bits of paper.
“One was a bank statement, because he wanted to show us he was a good person and paying into a bank account, and then the other bit of paper with his prescription for his mental health medication.
“He couldn’t read it because he couldn’t read. And he then began the story about how he had been abused as a child and how he was basically now self-medicating trauma with drugs and alcohol.
“That, for me, is when the penny dropped because that’s exactly what my dad had been doing. My dad slipped into the abyss of alcoholism after he lost my mum to cancer when she was 52.”
Asked about his past as an immigration minister under the last Labour government, and for his reflections on those policy decisions, Byrne admitted that “too often, we were following polls”.
“We were following headlines, certainly that was the pressure that I used to get on me from No 10,” he said. Byrne expressed regret for his past “clumsy” language but also said the immigration system was improved under his watch.
Byrne will run in May as Labour’s candidate against Andy Street, who was reselected by the Conservative Party after winning against Labour’s Siôn Simon by 50.4% to 49.6% with a turnout of 26.7% in 2017.


labourlist--2020-11-18--Labour voters split over decision not to restore whip to Corbyn, poll finds

New polling carried out by YouGov has found that Labour voters are split over the decision taken by Keir Starmer not to reinstate Jeremy Corbyn as a Labour MP with 38 % backing the move and 32 % saying the decision was wrong .
The organisation published the findings of its snap poll this evening , in the wake of the announcement from the Labour leader this morning that the Islington MP would not have the Parliamentary Labour Party whip restored .
The research showed that 50 % of the public feel that the decision , taken after a panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reinstate Corbyn as a party member on Tuesday evening , was right .
Corbyn was suspended nearly three weeks ago after claiming that “ the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents ” in his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report .
The report , examining antisemitism within the Labour Party , had found the party responsible for “ unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination ” and “ serious failings in leadership ” during the time that Corbyn was in charge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marie van der Zyl welcomed the Labour leader ’ s withholding of the PLP whip from the Islington MP today and described the move as an “ appropriate leadership decision ” .
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey declared the decision “ vindictive and vengeful ” and argued it “ shows marked bad faith ” while Jon Lansman said it has “ driven a coach and horses through the party ’ s disciplinary process ” .
Announcing his decision this morning , Starmer said : “ Since I was elected Labour leader , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out antisemitism from the Labour Party .
I know that I will judged on my actions , not my words .
“ The disciplinary process does not have the confidence of the Jewish community .
That became clear once again yesterday .
“ It is the task of my leadership to fix what I have inherited .
That is what I am resolute in doing and I have asked for an independent process to be established as soon as possible .
“ I ’ m the leader of the Labour Party , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Parliamentary Labour Party .
“ Jeremy Corbyn ’ s actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party ’ s ability to tackle antisemitism .
“ In those circumstances , I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn .
I will keep this situation under review.
” Others have also criticised the move by the Labour leader , including left MPs Richard Burgon , John McDonnell and Diane Abbott .
McDonnell tweeted that Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division ” .
28 Socialist Campaign Group MPs have since issued a statement calling for the reversal of the decision while Unite general secretary Len McCluskey declared that it was “ vindictive and vengeful ” and “ shows marked bad faith ” .
The snap poll released by YouGov today follows research published earlier this month by the organisation , which found that 57 % of the public saw Labour as divided in the wake of the disciplinary action compared to 36 % before .
The polling today found that 63 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divided while just 8 % described it as united .
62 % of the general population see the Conservative Party as divided .

New polling carried out by YouGov has found that Labour voters are split over the decision taken by Keir Starmer not to reinstate Jeremy Corbyn as a Labour MP with 38% backing the move and 32% saying the decision was wrong.
The organisation published the findings of its snap poll this evening, in the wake of the announcement from the Labour leader this morning that the Islington MP would not have the Parliamentary Labour Party whip restored.
The research showed that 50% of the public feel that the decision, taken after a panel of five national executive committee members opted to reinstate Corbyn as a party member on Tuesday evening, was right.
Corbyn was suspended nearly three weeks ago after claiming that “the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents” in his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
The report, examining antisemitism within the Labour Party, had found the party responsible for “unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination” and “serious failings in leadership” during the time that Corbyn was in charge.
Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl welcomed the Labour leader’s withholding of the PLP whip from the Islington MP today and described the move as an “appropriate leadership decision”.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey declared the decision “vindictive and vengeful” and argued it “shows marked bad faith” while Jon Lansman said it has “driven a coach and horses through the party’s disciplinary process”.
Announcing his decision this morning, Starmer said: “Since I was elected Labour leader, I have made it my mission to root out antisemitism from the Labour Party. I know that I will judged on my actions, not my words.
“The disciplinary process does not have the confidence of the Jewish community. That became clear once again yesterday.
“It is the task of my leadership to fix what I have inherited. That is what I am resolute in doing and I have asked for an independent process to be established as soon as possible.
“I’m the leader of the Labour Party, but I’m also the leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
“Jeremy Corbyn’s actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party’s ability to tackle antisemitism.
“In those circumstances, I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn. I will keep this situation under review.”
Others have also criticised the move by the Labour leader, including left MPs Richard Burgon, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott. McDonnell tweeted that Starmer’s decision will “cause more division”.
28 Socialist Campaign Group MPs have since issued a statement calling for the reversal of the decision while Unite general secretary Len McCluskey declared that it was “vindictive and vengeful” and “shows marked bad faith”.
The snap poll released by YouGov today follows research published earlier this month by the organisation, which found that 57% of the public saw Labour as divided in the wake of the disciplinary action compared to 36% before.
The polling today found that 63% of the public currently see the party as divided while just 8% described it as united. 62% of the general population see the Conservative Party as divided.


labourlist--2020-11-18--28 Socialist Campaign Group MPs urge reversal of Corbyn whip decision

The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs on the party ’ s left wing have issued a statement calling for the reversal of the decision taken by Keir Starmer not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn .
It was released shortly before Unite general secretary Len McCluskey declared that he was “ astonished ” at the withdrawal of the whip , saying it was “ vindictive and vengeful ” and “ shows marked bad faith ” .
The SCG statement describing the reinstatement of Corbyn as “ correct ” and the continued suspension of the party whip as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including 27 Labour MPs plus Claudia Webbe .
A number of MPs who did not join SCG colleagues in calling for the reinstatement of Corbyn earlier this month have signed the latest joint declaration , but some SCG members are still missing from the list .
Those who have opted not to sign the new statement include shadow cabinet members Andy McDonald and Marsha de Cordova , and Labour frontbenchers Sam Tarry , Imran Hussain and Rachael Maskell .
Corbyn was reinstated as a party member by a panel of five Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , after being suspended from the party by general secretary David Evans in October .
Starmer announced on Wednesday morning that he would not restore the party whip , however , due he said to Corbyn ’ s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism .
Reiterating that Corbyn ’ s EHRC reaction “ undermined ” Labour ’ s ability to tackle antisemitism , the leader said : “ I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn .
I will keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl welcomed Starmer ’ s withholding of the Labour whip from Corbyn and described the move as an “ appropriate leadership decision ” .
Momentum accused Starmer of “ making it up as he goes along ” while being “ farcical and incompetent ” , with the co-chair Andrew Scattergood saying : “ They can ’ t remove the whip from our movement.
” Below is the full text of the Socialist Campaign Group statement and its signatories .
Yesterday ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the correct one and should be implemented across all levels of the party .
In light of this , the decision to not restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn is wrong and damaging to the Labour Party .
This decision and the division it causes severely undermines efforts to unite to defeat antisemitism and fully implement the EHRC recommendations and to challenge and defeat this disastrous Conservative government .
It should be swiftly reversed .

The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs on the party’s left wing have issued a statement calling for the reversal of the decision taken by Keir Starmer not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn.
It was released shortly before Unite general secretary Len McCluskey declared that he was “astonished” at the withdrawal of the whip, saying it was “vindictive and vengeful” and “shows marked bad faith”.
The SCG statement describing the reinstatement of Corbyn as “correct” and the continued suspension of the party whip as “wrong and damaging” has 32 signatories, including 27 Labour MPs plus Claudia Webbe.
A number of MPs who did not join SCG colleagues in calling for the reinstatement of Corbyn earlier this month have signed the latest joint declaration, but some SCG members are still missing from the list.
Those who have opted not to sign the new statement include shadow cabinet members Andy McDonald and Marsha de Cordova, and Labour frontbenchers Sam Tarry, Imran Hussain and Rachael Maskell.
Corbyn was reinstated as a party member by a panel of five Labour national executive committee (NEC) members on Tuesday, after being suspended from the party by general secretary David Evans in October.
Starmer announced on Wednesday morning that he would not restore the party whip, however, due he said to Corbyn’s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on Labour antisemitism.
Reiterating that Corbyn’s EHRC reaction “undermined” Labour’s ability to tackle antisemitism, the leader said: “I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn. I will keep this situation under review.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl welcomed Starmer’s withholding of the Labour whip from Corbyn and described the move as an “appropriate leadership decision”.
Momentum accused Starmer of “making it up as he goes along” while being “farcical and incompetent”, with the co-chair Andrew Scattergood saying: “They can’t remove the whip from our movement.”
Below is the full text of the Socialist Campaign Group statement and its signatories.
Yesterday’s decision to reinstate Jeremy Corbyn to the Labour Party was the correct one and should be implemented across all levels of the party.
In light of this, the decision to not restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn is wrong and damaging to the Labour Party.
This decision and the division it causes severely undermines efforts to unite to defeat antisemitism and fully implement the EHRC recommendations and to challenge and defeat this disastrous Conservative government.
It should be swiftly reversed.
Signed (32 names)
Diane Abbott MP
Tahir Ali MP
Paula Barker MP
Apsana Begum MP
Olivia Blake MP
Christine Blower
Pauline Bryan
Richard Burgon MP
Ian Byrne MP
Dan Carden MP
Katy Clark
Mary Foy MP
John Hendy
Rachel Hopkins MP
Kim Johnson MP
Ian Lavery MP
Clive Lewis MP
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
John McDonnell MP
Ian Mearns MP
Navendu Mishra MP
Grahame Morris MP
Kate Osamor MP
Kate Osborne MP
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP
Zarah Sultana MP
Jon Trickett MP
Claudia Webbe MP
Mick Whitley MP
Nadia Whittome MP
Beth Winter MP


labourlist--2020-11-18--Government must let schools “go online to rescue Christmas”, says UNISON

UNISON has urged the government to “ rescue Christmas ” by allowing schools to switch to an online format for their lessons next month and reduce the risk of families being required to self-isolate over the holiday period .
Calling on government ministers to “ save Christmas ” this afternoon , head of education at UNISON Jon Richards argued that “ measures such as increased social distancing and virtual learning are vital in the run up to the festive season ” .
The trade union has advised that schools switching to online teaching from December 10th , two weeks before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut the risk of households having to isolate on Christmas Day .
Commenting on the impact of Covid on education , Richards said : “ Schools in Covid-hit areas are struggling to stay open .
High numbers of children and staff are sick or self-isolating – and it ’ s only going to get worse .
“ Schools and local authorities know what is best for pupils , staff and the wider community .
Government officials must step back and let education leaders make their own decisions .
“ Measures such as increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the run up to the festive season .
It ’ s the only way to stop infections spiralling out of control and to save Christmas.
” UNISON also argued that schools , working with local authorities , should be allowed to provide a mix of in-classroom and home-based learning immediately to limit the number of children on site at any one time to keep staff and students safe .
Richards added : “ Parents must be supported by employers so children can learn from home properly .
The government must ensure funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kit so disadvantaged children don ’ t lose out.
” The call follows reports of increased disruption to education in the second wave of the pandemic .
Department for Education figures published on Tuesday showed that 600,000 pupils stayed home last week for Covid-related reasons .
The data reported that school attendance fell from 89.3 % to 86.5 % in the space of a week while the proportion of primary schools recording one or more students in self-isolation doubled from 11 % to 22 % .
Secondary schools have been worst affected throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send one or more pupils home to self-isolate in the week up to last Thursday , representing a significant increase from 38 % in the previous week .
A growing number have had to send home groups of children of 30 or more .
This figure rose from 8/9 % to 18/20 % over the same seven-day period .
Most children are missing school not as a result of contracting the virus , but because of a Covid risk .
Schools in areas with a high incidence of the virus have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that one in four children in Hull ( 27.6 % ) , around 12,000 pupils , were not in school on Monday .
The city has seen a rapid rise in the number of Covid cases , which the council leader described as an “ astonishing and terrifying ” increase , and its infection rate stands at around triple the average for England at 776.4 per 100,000 people .
Trade unions Unite , the NEU and NASUWT representing school support staff said earlier this month that they are prepared to consider strike action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if schools do not have adequate safety measures .

UNISON has urged the government to “rescue Christmas” by allowing schools to switch to an online format for their lessons next month and reduce the risk of families being required to self-isolate over the holiday period.
Calling on government ministers to “save Christmas” this afternoon, head of education at UNISON Jon Richards argued that “measures such as increased social distancing and virtual learning are vital in the run up to the festive season”.
The trade union has advised that schools switching to online teaching from December 10th, two weeks before the end of term, would significantly cut the risk of households having to isolate on Christmas Day.
Commenting on the impact of Covid on education, Richards said: “Schools in Covid-hit areas are struggling to stay open. High numbers of children and staff are sick or self-isolating – and it’s only going to get worse.
“Schools and local authorities know what is best for pupils, staff and the wider community. Government officials must step back and let education leaders make their own decisions.
“Measures such as increased social distancing and virtual learning are vital in the run up to the festive season. It’s the only way to stop infections spiralling out of control and to save Christmas.”
UNISON also argued that schools, working with local authorities, should be allowed to provide a mix of in-classroom and home-based learning immediately to limit the number of children on site at any one time to keep staff and students safe.
Richards added: “Parents must be supported by employers so children can learn from home properly. The government must ensure funding is available for laptops and other home-learning kit so disadvantaged children don’t lose out.”
The call follows reports of increased disruption to education in the second wave of the pandemic. Department for Education figures published on Tuesday showed that 600,000 pupils stayed home last week for Covid-related reasons.
The data reported that school attendance fell from 89.3% to 86.5% in the space of a week while the proportion of primary schools recording one or more students in self-isolation doubled from 11% to 22%.
Secondary schools have been worst affected throughout the pandemic and 64% were forced to send one or more pupils home to self-isolate in the week up to last Thursday, representing a significant increase from 38% in the previous week.
A growing number have had to send home groups of children of 30 or more. This figure rose from 8/9% to 18/20% over the same seven-day period. Most children are missing school not as a result of contracting the virus, but because of a Covid risk.
Schools in areas with a high incidence of the virus have been particularly badly hit. Departmental data revealed that one in four children in Hull (27.6%), around 12,000 pupils, were not in school on Monday.
The city has seen a rapid rise in the number of Covid cases, which the council leader described as an “astonishing and terrifying” increase, and its infection rate stands at around triple the average for England at 776.4 per 100,000 people.
Trade unions Unite, the NEU and NASUWT representing school support staff said earlier this month that they are prepared to consider strike action or tell members to refuse to work if schools do not have adequate safety measures.


labourlist--2020-11-18--You’re entitled to your own opinions, not your own facts. Vaccines work

Towards the beginning of the 1960s , back-end baby boomers like me were amongst the last kids in the UK to be vaccinated against smallpox .
The vaccination programme was available free to all via Labour ’ s youthful National Health Service , barely 15 years old .
My parents accepted the concept of vaccination without a second thought .
Vaccination programmes had expanded massively since the end of the Second World War .
This was not just for the benefit of their son ’ s health and wellbeing .
Instead , it protected everyone in the little Welsh town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was democratic socialism in action – taxpayer-funded health protection for all , not just the privileged few .
In 1980 , not long after my 18th birthday , the World Health Organisation reported that smallpox had been eradicated , thanks to an unprecedented global immunisation campaign .
Vaccination worked .
Millions of lives were saved .
Millions more were spared the pain and disfigurement caused by the scabs , blisters and sores that tormented the smallpox victim .
Vaccination programmes in developed nations like the UK are constantly evolving .
At the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection against an impressive list of infectious diseases , many of which those without young children have probably forgotten about : diphtheria ; flu ; Hepatitis B ; Hib ; human papilloma virus ; measles ; meningitis B & C ; mumps ; pneumococcal disease ; polio ; rotavirus ; rubella ; tetanus ; tuberculosis ; whooping cough .
This vital protection is programmed into the early childcare support provided by the NHS .
Many parents take this for granted , as it seems to happen without any apparent effort .
But nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We should all be thankful for the thousands of health visitors , school nurses and GP practices who co-ordinate and deliver these vaccination programmes .
Nor should we forget the analysts , administrators and project managers behind the scenes without whom none of this would happen .
Today , British children stand a better chance of living happier , healthier , pain-free lives .
This did not come about by accident .
It is all because mass vaccination programmes , free to all at the point of use , courtesy of a publicly-owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s why the news of a breakthrough in the search for a vaccine against Covid raised spirits last week .
Nowhere was this more apparent than on the world ’ s stock markets , where confidence is the only currency that matters .
In the UK , the prospect of a vaccine 90 % effective against Covid brought real hope to a nation struggling to cope with a second lockdown .
Much hangs on the outcome of a clinical trial involving more than 43,000 people in six countries .
Nevertheless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosted many stocks with some markets breaking new records .
Ten months into the global pandemic , optimism is needed .
But let ’ s be under no illusions .
The scale of the work involved with manufacturing , delivering and organising the administration of a vaccine to 67 million citizens is immense , and almost certainly beyond the capabilities of a profit-focused , free-market economy .
And , to beat the virus , a similar operation must be mounted in all nations .
Covid will not follow smallpox into the medical history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopt a selfish , nationalistic approach to public health .
Despite the incontrovertible fact that vaccines work , another obstacle has appeared on the road to progress .
Scientifically , it is beyond doubt that vaccines work – unless you subscribe to the bizarre views advanced by the so-called ‘ anti-vaxers ’ , that is .
Vaccine hesitancy is not new .
Many will be familiar with the illustration created by the British satirist James Gillray .
In 1802 , Gillray portrayed the unfortunate recipients of Edward Jenner ’ s new smallpox vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various parts of their bodies .
Jenner ’ s breakthrough involved deliberately infecting patients with cowpox , a related infection that when transmitted to milkmaids via open cuts on the hands was found to provide protection against smallpox .
Despite Gillray ’ s unhelpful intervention , Jenner ’ s new vaccine ( the word derives from ‘ vacca ’ , the Latin word for cow ) proved to be the first crucial step on the journey to the eventual eradication of smallpox 180 years later .
Gillray ’ s famous illustration was available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nonetheless , it prompted alarm and raised doubts .
But science prevailed .
Jenner secured his place as the founder of what we now describe as immunology .
Gillray , who received a secret pension from William Pitt ’ s Tory government , is now recognised as the first political cartoonist .
Whilst they may be small in number , the modern anti-vaxer has access to communication channels beyond Gillray ’ s wildest dreams .
Herein lies the challenge .
Groundless conspiracy theories about a Covid vaccine have been popping up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , last week ’ s announcement has reignited pre-existing storylines all over the internet .
Pseudoscience thrives in a world where confidence in all institutions has waned , egged on by irresponsible , usually right-wing politicians and journalists .
Social media has made things worse .
Freedom of speech is precious , and people are entitled to their own opinions .
That said , they are not entitled to their own facts .
Social media companies must accept that they have a moral responsibility and a public duty not to undermine public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ False scare stories that have no basis in scientific fact cost lives .
Companies that will not block or promptly remove damaging content should face severe financial or criminal penalties .
Vaccination is not compulsory in the UK .
Citizens can not be forcibly vaccinated .
Either the person getting the immunisation or someone with parental responsibility for them must consent for immunisation to take place .
The first duty of any government is to protect its people from harm .
This requires taking a hard line on those who give the oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cranks .
The Labour Party stance on this issue is the correct one .

Towards the beginning of the 1960s, back-end baby boomers like me were amongst the last kids in the UK to be vaccinated against smallpox. The vaccination programme was available free to all via Labour’s youthful National Health Service, barely 15 years old. My parents accepted the concept of vaccination without a second thought.
Vaccination programmes had expanded massively since the end of the Second World War. This was not just for the benefit of their son’s health and wellbeing. Instead, it protected everyone in the little Welsh town where I was growing up. This was democratic socialism in action – taxpayer-funded health protection for all, not just the privileged few.
In 1980, not long after my 18th birthday, the World Health Organisation reported that smallpox had been eradicated, thanks to an unprecedented global immunisation campaign. Vaccination worked. Millions of lives were saved. Millions more were spared the pain and disfigurement caused by the scabs, blisters and sores that tormented the smallpox victim.
Vaccination programmes in developed nations like the UK are constantly evolving. At the time of writing, young people are given protection against an impressive list of infectious diseases, many of which those without young children have probably forgotten about: diphtheria; flu; Hepatitis B; Hib; human papilloma virus; measles; meningitis B & C; mumps; pneumococcal disease; polio; rotavirus; rubella; tetanus; tuberculosis; whooping cough.
This vital protection is programmed into the early childcare support provided by the NHS. Many parents take this for granted, as it seems to happen without any apparent effort. But nothing could be further from the truth. We should all be thankful for the thousands of health visitors, school nurses and GP practices who co-ordinate and deliver these vaccination programmes. Nor should we forget the analysts, administrators and project managers behind the scenes without whom none of this would happen.
Today, British children stand a better chance of living happier, healthier, pain-free lives. This did not come about by accident. It is all because mass vaccination programmes, free to all at the point of use, courtesy of a publicly-owned and -funded NHS. Vaccination works.
That’s why the news of a breakthrough in the search for a vaccine against Covid raised spirits last week. Nowhere was this more apparent than on the world’s stock markets, where confidence is the only currency that matters. In the UK, the prospect of a vaccine 90% effective against Covid brought real hope to a nation struggling to cope with a second lockdown. Much hangs on the outcome of a clinical trial involving more than 43,000 people in six countries. Nevertheless, it is little wonder that this development boosted many stocks with some markets breaking new records.
Ten months into the global pandemic, optimism is needed. But let’s be under no illusions. The scale of the work involved with manufacturing, delivering and organising the administration of a vaccine to 67 million citizens is immense, and almost certainly beyond the capabilities of a profit-focused, free-market economy. And, to beat the virus, a similar operation must be mounted in all nations. Covid will not follow smallpox into the medical history books if rich countries like the UK adopt a selfish, nationalistic approach to public health.
Despite the incontrovertible fact that vaccines work, another obstacle has appeared on the road to progress. Scientifically, it is beyond doubt that vaccines work – unless you subscribe to the bizarre views advanced by the so-called ‘anti-vaxers’, that is.
Vaccine hesitancy is not new. Many will be familiar with the illustration created by the British satirist James Gillray. In 1802, Gillray portrayed the unfortunate recipients of Edward Jenner’s new smallpox vaccine with cows erupting, Alien-style, from various parts of their bodies. Jenner’s breakthrough involved deliberately infecting patients with cowpox, a related infection that when transmitted to milkmaids via open cuts on the hands was found to provide protection against smallpox.
Despite Gillray’s unhelpful intervention, Jenner’s new vaccine (the word derives from ‘vacca’, the Latin word for cow) proved to be the first crucial step on the journey to the eventual eradication of smallpox 180 years later. Gillray’s famous illustration was available only to a small, elite audience. Nonetheless, it prompted alarm and raised doubts. But science prevailed. Jenner secured his place as the founder of what we now describe as immunology. Gillray, who received a secret pension from William Pitt’s Tory government, is now recognised as the first political cartoonist.
Whilst they may be small in number, the modern anti-vaxer has access to communication channels beyond Gillray’s wildest dreams. Herein lies the challenge. Groundless conspiracy theories about a Covid vaccine have been popping up on social media timelines for months. Inevitably, last week’s announcement has reignited pre-existing storylines all over the internet. Pseudoscience thrives in a world where confidence in all institutions has waned, egged on by irresponsible, usually right-wing politicians and journalists. Social media has made things worse.
Freedom of speech is precious, and people are entitled to their own opinions. That said, they are not entitled to their own facts. Social media companies must accept that they have a moral responsibility and a public duty not to undermine public health initiatives that rely on mass participation. False scare stories that have no basis in scientific fact cost lives. Companies that will not block or promptly remove damaging content should face severe financial or criminal penalties.
Vaccination is not compulsory in the UK. Citizens cannot be forcibly vaccinated. Either the person getting the immunisation or someone with parental responsibility for them must consent for immunisation to take place. The first duty of any government is to protect its people from harm. This requires taking a hard line on those who give the oxygen of publicity to the anti-vax conspiracy theorists and cranks. The Labour Party stance on this issue is the correct one.


labourlist--2020-11-18--“Rebadged funding pots and reheated pledges”: Labour slams Tory climate plan

Labour has criticised the government for offering “ rebadged funding pots and reheated pledges ” with the unveiling of the Prime Minister ’ s ten-point plan to tackle climate change and stressed the need for an “ ambitious plan ” .
Responding to Boris Johnson ’ s long-awaited proposals , Ed Miliband expressed disappointment at the scale of funding committed and highlighted that the green investment compared unfavourable to that in other countries .
The government has costed the ten-point plan published today at £12bn , and the proposals include several already announced pledges , such as banning the sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and quadrupling offshore wind power .
Miliband said : “ The funding in this long-awaited announcement doesn ’ t remotely meet the scale of what is needed to tackle the unemployment emergency and climate emergency we are facing , and pales in comparison to the tens of billions committed by France and Germany .
“ Only a fraction of the funding announced today is new .
We don ’ t need rebadged funding pots and reheated pledges , but an ambitious plan that meets the scale of the task we are facing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour published its own green economic recovery plan last week , developed following a consultation process on a green new deal launched by the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary earlier this year .
Miliband added : “ Labour has called for the government to bring forward £30bn of capital investment over the next 18 months and invest it in low-carbon sectors now as part of a rapid stimulus package to support 400,000 additional jobs.
” Following the publication of the much-delayed programme this morning , Labour highlighted that only £4bn of the £12bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ten-points of the plan published by the Prime Minister are as follows : • “ Offshore wind : Producing enough offshore wind to power every home , quadrupling how much we produce to 40GW by 2030 , supporting up to 60,000 jobs .
• “ Hydrogen : Working with industry aiming to generate 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 for industry , transport , power and homes , and aiming to develop the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade .
• “ Nuclear : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , across large scale nuclear and developing the next generation of small and advanced reactors , which could support 10,000 jobs .
• “ Electric vehicles : Backing our world-leading car manufacturing bases including in the West Midlands , North East and North Wales to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles , and transforming our national infrastructure to better support electric vehicles .
• “ Public transport , cycling and walking : Making cycling and walking more attractive ways to travel and investing in zero-emission public transport of the future .
• “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult-to-decarbonise industries to become greener through research projects for zero-emission planes and ships .
• “ Homes and public buildings : Making our homes , schools and hospitals greener , warmer and more energy efficient , whilst creating 50,000 jobs by 2030 , and a target to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028 .
• “ Carbon capture : Becoming a world-leader in technology to capture and store harmful emissions away from the atmosphere , with a target to remove 10MT of carbon dioxide by 2030 , equivalent to all emissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Nature : Protecting and restoring our natural environment , planting 30,000 hectares of trees every year , whilst creating and retaining thousands of jobs .
• “ Innovation and finance : Developing the cutting-edge technologies needed to reach these new energy ambitions and make the City of London the global centre of green finance.
” Johnson described the plan as a “ green industrial revolution ” and said he has not “ lost sight of our ambitious plans to level up across the country ” , arguing that the action points included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But commenting on the proposals unveiled today , TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady said : “ For all the government ’ s talk of a ‘ green industrial revolution ’ , it is off to a slow start with this plan .
“ Ministers must do more to build a fairer , greener economy with decent work at its heart and deliver a just transition for workers .
“ The Prime Minister should step up his ambition on jobs .
TUC research shows that fast-tracked spending on green infrastructure could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A proper green jobs drive can stop mass unemployment , power our economic recovery and help tackle the climate crisis .
No more excuses – it ’ s time the Prime Minister put his money where his mouth is.
” Unite ’ s Steve Turner said the green plan “ fails on so many counts ” and urged the Prime Minister to “ open up the tent and get workers and businesses involved in a genuine national effort to transition our economy ” .
Commenting on the package , Turner said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail but more worryingly it suffers from a lack of ambition when it comes to tackling the challenges that UK manufacturers , our communities and climate are facing .
“ We ’ ve urged the Prime Minister to match the ambition of our competitor nations so that innovation and job creation is embedded in the any strategy to build back better .
“ There is enormous potential to both create the skilled manufacturing jobs in communities crying out for the work and to super-charge the development of green technologies to better our futures.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcomed the move from government to phase out the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2030 but called on Johnson to go further with greater investment to reach the net-zero emissions target .
A recent report from the think tank calculated that the UK needs an additional £33bn in annual investment to reach its goal .
The extra £4bn committed by the government in this plan represents 12 % of what the organisation has argued is needed .
Head of the IPPR environment and justice commission Luke Murphy said : “ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the action and investment that is needed to get the UK on track for net zero and restore nature .
“ IPPR analysis has shown that the government is currently only investing a little over a tenth of the funds needed to meet net zero and restore nature , and what is being announced today will not bridge the gap.
” He added : “ While the new investment today is welcome , the government must also commit to investing the full £33bn that is needed each year to meet our climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target for the delivery of 600,000 heat pumps is welcome but is not underpinned by either the strategy or investment that is required to deliver it .
The investment planned for sustainable public transport and nature are also still significantly short of what is needed.
” Labour backed a call from the think tank earlier this week , in which IPPR urged rapid investment in wide-scale retrofitting of homes in the North to create 77,000 new jobs in the region as well as 111,000 supply chain jobs by 2035 .
The Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for to tackle the climate emergency following the publication of its report .
Labour for a Green New Deal accused the leadership of a plan that “ retreats on key promises ” .
A spokesperson for the organisation said last week : “ Labour members and trade unionists demand a socialist green new deal .
They backed it overwhelmingly at party conference last year and again in this summer ’ s consultation , in which more than two-thirds of responses supported our campaign ’ s demands.
” Labour conference in 2019 approved a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey , committing to working “ towards a path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 ” .
Labour for a Green New Deal , which successfully campaigned for the party to adopt the 2030 target , has highlighted that 1,400 ( 70 % ) of the submissions to the party ’ s consultation this year endorsed proposals for a socialist Green New Deal .
The spokesperson added : “ Labour has a democratic mandate to argue for large-scale investment , expanding public ownership and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect the leadership to keep its promises and fight for a Green New Deal.
” Labour proposed a green new deal in the 2019 general election , including a strategy of investment in green industries that it said would have created one million new jobs across the country while helping to combat climate change .
Johnson ’ s plan today comes after repeated delays , with reports of clashes between Downing Street and the Treasury over spending , since the Prime Minister first trailed the low-carbon industrial revolution plan in his 2020 Tory @ @ @

Labour has criticised the government for offering “rebadged funding pots and reheated pledges” with the unveiling of the Prime Minister’s ten-point plan to tackle climate change and stressed the need for an “ambitious plan”.
Responding to Boris Johnson’s long-awaited proposals, Ed Miliband expressed disappointment at the scale of funding committed and highlighted that the green investment compared unfavourable to that in other countries.
The government has costed the ten-point plan published today at £12bn, and the proposals include several already announced pledges, such as banning the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030 and quadrupling offshore wind power.
Miliband said: “The funding in this long-awaited announcement doesn’t remotely meet the scale of what is needed to tackle the unemployment emergency and climate emergency we are facing, and pales in comparison to the tens of billions committed by France and Germany.
“Only a fraction of the funding announced today is new. We don’t need rebadged funding pots and reheated pledges, but an ambitious plan that meets the scale of the task we are facing and – crucially – creates jobs now.”
Labour published its own green economic recovery plan last week, developed following a consultation process on a green new deal launched by the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary earlier this year.
Miliband added: “Labour has called for the government to bring forward £30bn of capital investment over the next 18 months and invest it in low-carbon sectors now as part of a rapid stimulus package to support 400,000 additional jobs.”
Following the publication of the much-delayed programme this morning, Labour highlighted that only £4bn of the £12bn package actually represents new spending. The ten-points of the plan published by the Prime Minister are as follows:
“Offshore wind: Producing enough offshore wind to power every home, quadrupling how much we produce to 40GW by 2030, supporting up to 60,000 jobs.
“Hydrogen: Working with industry aiming to generate 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 for industry, transport, power and homes, and aiming to develop the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade.
“Nuclear: Advancing nuclear as a clean energy source, across large scale nuclear and developing the next generation of small and advanced reactors, which could support 10,000 jobs.
“Electric vehicles: Backing our world-leading car manufacturing bases including in the West Midlands, North East and North Wales to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, and transforming our national infrastructure to better support electric vehicles.
“Public transport, cycling and walking: Making cycling and walking more attractive ways to travel and investing in zero-emission public transport of the future.
“Jet Zero and greener maritime: Supporting difficult-to-decarbonise industries to become greener through research projects for zero-emission planes and ships.
“Homes and public buildings: Making our homes, schools and hospitals greener, warmer and more energy efficient, whilst creating 50,000 jobs by 2030, and a target to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028.
“Carbon capture: Becoming a world-leader in technology to capture and store harmful emissions away from the atmosphere, with a target to remove 10MT of carbon dioxide by 2030, equivalent to all emissions of the industrial Humber today.
“Nature: Protecting and restoring our natural environment, planting 30,000 hectares of trees every year, whilst creating and retaining thousands of jobs.
“Innovation and finance: Developing the cutting-edge technologies needed to reach these new energy ambitions and make the City of London the global centre of green finance.”
Johnson described the plan as a “green industrial revolution” and said he has not “lost sight of our ambitious plans to level up across the country”, arguing that the action points included will create 250,000 new jobs by 2030.
But commenting on the proposals unveiled today, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “For all the government’s talk of a ‘green industrial revolution’, it is off to a slow start with this plan.
“Ministers must do more to build a fairer, greener economy with decent work at its heart and deliver a just transition for workers.
“The Prime Minister should step up his ambition on jobs. TUC research shows that fast-tracked spending on green infrastructure could create 1.24 million good jobs by 2022.
“A proper green jobs drive can stop mass unemployment, power our economic recovery and help tackle the climate crisis. No more excuses – it’s time the Prime Minister put his money where his mouth is.”
Unite’s Steve Turner said the green plan “fails on so many counts” and urged the Prime Minister to “open up the tent and get workers and businesses involved in a genuine national effort to transition our economy”.
Commenting on the package, Turner said: “It’s scant on detail but more worryingly it suffers from a lack of ambition when it comes to tackling the challenges that UK manufacturers, our communities and climate are facing.
“We’ve urged the Prime Minister to match the ambition of our competitor nations so that innovation and job creation is embedded in the any strategy to build back better.
“There is enormous potential to both create the skilled manufacturing jobs in communities crying out for the work and to super-charge the development of green technologies to better our futures.”
The Institute for Public Policy Research welcomed the move from government to phase out the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2030 but called on Johnson to go further with greater investment to reach the net-zero emissions target.
A recent report from the think tank calculated that the UK needs an additional £33bn in annual investment to reach its goal. The extra £4bn committed by the government in this plan represents 12% of what the organisation has argued is needed.
Head of the IPPR environment and justice commission Luke Murphy said: “What has been announced does not yet amount to the action and investment that is needed to get the UK on track for net zero and restore nature.
“IPPR analysis has shown that the government is currently only investing a little over a tenth of the funds needed to meet net zero and restore nature, and what is being announced today will not bridge the gap.”
He added: “While the new investment today is welcome, the government must also commit to investing the full £33bn that is needed each year to meet our climate goals.
“For instance, the target for the delivery of 600,000 heat pumps is welcome but is not underpinned by either the strategy or investment that is required to deliver it. The investment planned for sustainable public transport and nature are also still significantly short of what is needed.”
Labour backed a call from the think tank earlier this week, in which IPPR urged rapid investment in wide-scale retrofitting of homes in the North to create 77,000 new jobs in the region as well as 111,000 supply chain jobs by 2035.
The Labour Party has faced criticism over its own proposals for to tackle the climate emergency following the publication of its report. Labour for a Green New Deal accused the leadership of a plan that “retreats on key promises”.
A spokesperson for the organisation said last week: “Labour members and trade unionists demand a socialist green new deal. They backed it overwhelmingly at party conference last year and again in this summer’s consultation, in which more than two-thirds of responses supported our campaign’s demands.”
Labour conference in 2019 approved a motion, backed by Unite and then Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, committing to working “towards a path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030”.
Labour for a Green New Deal, which successfully campaigned for the party to adopt the 2030 target, has highlighted that 1,400 (70%) of the submissions to the party’s consultation this year endorsed proposals for a socialist Green New Deal.
The spokesperson added: “Labour has a democratic mandate to argue for large-scale investment, expanding public ownership and a just transition for workers. We expect the leadership to keep its promises and fight for a Green New Deal.”
Labour proposed a green new deal in the 2019 general election, including a strategy of investment in green industries that it said would have created one million new jobs across the country while helping to combat climate change.
Johnson’s plan today comes after repeated delays, with reports of clashes between Downing Street and the Treasury over spending, since the Prime Minister first trailed the low-carbon industrial revolution plan in his 2020 Tory conference speech.