labourlist--2020-07-01--WATCH: PM’s economic recovery plan is “pathetic”, says Labour

Jim McMahon has declared that the economic recovery plan outlined by the Prime Minister is “ pathetic ” , and said that the government has “ fallen short ” in its ambition .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the Shadow Transport Secretary discussed the speech made yesterday by Boris Johnson and said that the £5bn plan amounts to a “ drop in the ocean ” .
He said that the Prime Minister is “ waving the flag and hoping it all turns out OK , instead of having a clear plan about how we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and running , how we ’ re going to create decent well-payed secure jobs of the future ” .
In another interview with BBC News this morning , McMahon called for the furlough scheme to be extended into next year , saying that “ it ’ s far more sensible that those jobs are protected ” .
He said : “ It would be ridiculous , wouldn ’ t it , to spend billions of pounds on a furlough scheme – that ’ s meant to be a job retention scheme – for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made redundant very shortly.
” The Prime Minister struck an optimistic tone in a speech yesterday morning despite the announcement yesterday of a lockdown in Leicester , which has seen a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the past two weeks .
Johnson announced a plan that he said “ sounds like a prodigious amount of government intervention .
It sounds like a New Deal ” .
He added : “ That is how it is meant to sound and to be , because that is what the times demand.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ new deal ” was insufficient and said that the plan must match the scale of the crisis .
He stated : “ There ’ s not much that ’ s new and there ’ s not much of a deal.
” TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady also slammed the plans put forward .
She said that Johnson had simply “ rehashed old promises ” , pointing out that the spending commitments amount to just 0.2 % of GDP .
Responding to questions from the press afterwards , the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to how many jobs might be created by the economic recovery plan .

Jim McMahon has declared that the economic recovery plan outlined by the Prime Minister is “pathetic”, and said that the government has “fallen short” in its ambition.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the Shadow Transport Secretary discussed the speech made yesterday by Boris Johnson and said that the £5bn plan amounts to a “drop in the ocean”.
He said that the Prime Minister is “waving the flag and hoping it all turns out OK, instead of having a clear plan about how we’re going to get the country back up and running, how we’re going to create decent well-payed secure jobs of the future”.
"His response was pathetic" Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon says he believes the £5 billion for Boris Johnson's recovery plan is a "drop in the ocean" Read more: https://t.co/AgoWY33uwE pic.twitter.com/qCwITlqWZW — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 1, 2020
In another interview with BBC News this morning, McMahon called for the furlough scheme to be extended into next year, saying that “it’s far more sensible that those jobs are protected”.
He said: “It would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it, to spend billions of pounds on a furlough scheme – that’s meant to be a job retention scheme – for staff who the government know will be made redundant very shortly.”
Labour's shadow transport secretary calls for furlough scheme – due to end in October – to be extended into the new year for certain sectors Jim McMahon says "it's far more sensible that those jobs are protected"https://t.co/mzWARQuM2m pic.twitter.com/ctueMPOt1o — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) July 1, 2020
The Prime Minister struck an optimistic tone in a speech yesterday morning despite the announcement yesterday of a lockdown in Leicester, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the past two weeks.
Johnson announced a plan that he said “sounds like a prodigious amount of government intervention. It sounds like a New Deal”. He added: “That is how it is meant to sound and to be, because that is what the times demand.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer warned that the “new deal” was insufficient and said that the plan must match the scale of the crisis. He stated: “There’s not much that’s new and there’s not much of a deal.”
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady also slammed the plans put forward. She said that Johnson had simply “rehashed old promises”, pointing out that the spending commitments amount to just 0.2% of GDP.
Responding to questions from the press afterwards, the Prime Minister was unable to give an estimate as to how many jobs might be created by the economic recovery plan.


labourlist--2020-07-01--What does Forward Momentum’s win mean for the Labour Party?

Keir Starmer scored another big internal win at the latest Labour national executive meeting ( NEC ) yesterday .
The ruling body decided to switch from first-past-the-post to a single transferable ( STV ) system for member representative places on the NEC .
In plain English , the nine local party reps will now be elected by a more proportional system and – according to proponents of the change – this will limit ‘ hyper-factionalism ’ .
Basically , someone like Ann Black has a much better chance of being elected to the NEC .
Why is this controversial to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparking threats of a legal challenge ?
Partly because the issue has not gone to conference , and this shows that Starmer can push big changes through the NEC .
Partly because by reducing ‘ one-slate-takes all ’ results , STV means that even if the left returned to power at leadership level they would struggle more than they did under Jeremy Corbyn to get a majority on the body .
In the meantime , the Labour left will be relying on a limited number of reps to stick up for their side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t all smooth sailing for Starmer in the NEC meeting .
He was criticised by Huda Elmi and Lara McNeill over his response to Black Lives Matter and approach to racism in the party .
Further details of what happened during the lengthy Zoom call can be found in my detailed write-up ( including NEC election timetable ) and Alice Perry ’ s super speedy NEC report , which reveals that : policy consultations are being extended ; a virtual policy conference will be held in the autumn ; local parties will use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Evans will work on allowing normal local party business to resume online ; Labour now has 580,000 members .
In other big internal party news , Forward Momentum has emerged victorious from the Momentum elections that mark the exit of co-founder Jon Lansman .
Rival slate Momentum Renewal had high-profile backers , but the Forward campaign started earlier and won over Momentum members with a strong message of change .
FM won all 20 member representative places , giving them a majority on the top body , while MR won the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and councillors .
We ’ ve seen this divide between public office holders and the grassroots in Momentum for a long time , but these results offer a stark illustration .
What does this mean for Starmer and the wider party ?
There were many more public office holders in Renewal ’ s slate ( a point of contention in itself ) .
The Labour leader can be cheered that they have lost : Momentum is now less intertwined with Labour in parliament and local government .
Whether these results are good news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depends on how effective you reckon the new Momentum is going to be .
Bluntly , you can argue that this is good for Starmer because the left is spread more thinly .
But you can also conclude that Momentum will be tough on policy .
Forward candidates are strongly opposed to any watered-down positions on migrants ’ rights , a Green New Deal or democratisation such as mandatory reselection .
To think of them as ‘ soft Momentum ’ is wrong .
And they are determined to organise .
I will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an event organised by the Tribune group of MPs .
Sign up here and feel free to email your suggestions for questions .
And if you appreciate our work , LabourList has launched a fundraising campaign this week .
An extra 500 people – less than 1 % of our morning email readership – giving just £5 a month would raise more than enough to hire another reporter .
Read my editor ’ s letter here and visit our donate page here .
Thank you so much to everyone who has already decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors .

Keir Starmer scored another big internal win at the latest Labour national executive meeting (NEC) yesterday. The ruling body decided to switch from first-past-the-post to a single transferable (STV) system for member representative places on the NEC. In plain English, the nine local party reps will now be elected by a more proportional system and – according to proponents of the change – this will limit ‘hyper-factionalism’. Basically, someone like Ann Black has a much better chance of being elected to the NEC.
Why is this controversial to some on the Labour left, even sparking threats of a legal challenge? Partly because the issue has not gone to conference, and this shows that Starmer can push big changes through the NEC. Partly because by reducing ‘one-slate-takes all’ results, STV means that even if the left returned to power at leadership level they would struggle more than they did under Jeremy Corbyn to get a majority on the body. In the meantime, the Labour left will be relying on a limited number of reps to stick up for their side on the NEC.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Starmer in the NEC meeting. He was criticised by Huda Elmi and Lara McNeill over his response to Black Lives Matter and approach to racism in the party. Further details of what happened during the lengthy Zoom call can be found in my detailed write-up (including NEC election timetable) and Alice Perry’s super speedy NEC report, which reveals that: policy consultations are being extended; a virtual policy conference will be held in the autumn; local parties will use Microsoft Teams to nominate NEC candidates; David Evans will work on allowing normal local party business to resume online; Labour now has 580,000 members.
In other big internal party news, Forward Momentum has emerged victorious from the Momentum elections that mark the exit of co-founder Jon Lansman. Rival slate Momentum Renewal had high-profile backers, but the Forward campaign started earlier and won over Momentum members with a strong message of change. FM won all 20 member representative places, giving them a majority on the top body, while MR won the four public office holder seats elected by MPs and councillors. We’ve seen this divide between public office holders and the grassroots in Momentum for a long time, but these results offer a stark illustration.
What does this mean for Starmer and the wider party? There were many more public office holders in Renewal’s slate (a point of contention in itself). The Labour leader can be cheered that they have lost: Momentum is now less intertwined with Labour in parliament and local government. Whether these results are good news for the leadership overall, though, depends on how effective you reckon the new Momentum is going to be. Bluntly, you can argue that this is good for Starmer because the left is spread more thinly. But you can also conclude that Momentum will be tough on policy. Forward candidates are strongly opposed to any watered-down positions on migrants’ rights, a Green New Deal or democratisation such as mandatory reselection. To think of them as ‘soft Momentum’ is wrong. And they are determined to organise.
I will be in conversation with Lisa Nandy tomorrow in an event organised by the Tribune group of MPs. Sign up here and feel free to email your suggestions for questions. And if you appreciate our work, LabourList has launched a fundraising campaign this week.
An extra 500 people – less than 1% of our morning email readership – giving just £5 a month would raise more than enough to hire another reporter. Read my editor’s letter here and visit our donate page here. Thank you so much to everyone who has already decided to contribute and to our new regular donors.


labourlist--2020-07-01--Starmer: Covid and government inaction created “perfect storm” for councils

The coronavirus pandemic and government inaction have created the “ perfect storm ” for local authorities , Keir Starmer will say as he pledges to build a “ new relationship between national and local government ” .
In an online speech to the Local Government Association this afternoon , the Labour leader is expected to warn of a “ black hole of around £10bn ” in council finances if central government fails to act .
Starmer will set out plans to give local councils a “ much bigger say over investment and services ” , and reiterate a commitment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ democratic second chamber representing the nations and regions ” .
Addressing the party ’ s plans for local government , he will say : “ A Labour government would win power in order to hand it back to the nations , regions , cities and towns across our country .
“ We would give local government a much bigger say over investment and services , not through plans devised by someone in an office on Whitehall , but ones created and rooted in communities , so that they truly serve the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its power and its innovation , straight at the heart of Westminster by replacing the House of Lords with a democratic second chamber representing the nations and regions of the UK .
“ And we would give councillors , communities and people on the front line in our public services a bigger say over the decisions that affect them .
“ Because at the heart of the broken trust in national politics and politicians is a feeling that we aren ’ t listening .
But working with you , we want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local communities .
“ So , where services people use in their daily lives are no longer a source of convenience but frustration – let ’ s make them truly accountable to the people they serve .
“ And where politics feels distant or remote or like something that is ‘ done to ’ people rather than ‘ with them ’ and ‘ for them ’ – let ’ s break down those barriers to make sure people have the power to make their voices heard .
“ And where government in Westminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovation , put business out of action or damage people ’ s lives and livelihoods without fully understanding the consequences – let ’ s offer a vision of a fairer Britain that will be better for everyone.
” Steve Reed told LabourList that despite Boris Johnson claiming that austerity has not been pursued as a policy by this government , it “ never went away ” and is currently being imposed on local councils .
The Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary warned : “ The government is forcing councils to make cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the middle of a global pandemic , just as we slide into what could be the worst recession in 300 years.
” Councils across the UK have come under significant pressure in the pandemic .
Of 173 councils who responded to a recent survey , 148 predicted a budget shortfall and at least five have warned they may issue a section 114 notice .
If a council fails to balance the budget , a section 114 notice is issued under the Local Government Act 1998 , which prevents any new expenditure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make an alternative budget that fits the criteria .
A budget made after the issue of a section 114 notice would involve significant cuts to existing services .
Several local authorities have said that they are weeks away from issuing a section 114 notice .
During the Labour leadership contest , Starmer called for an “ end the stifling over-centralisation of power in our politics , in our party and in parliament ” and pledged to place local political figures “ at Labour ’ s heart ” .
The Labour leader set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his policy in relation to local government .
He pledged to :

The coronavirus pandemic and government inaction have created the “perfect storm” for local authorities, Keir Starmer will say as he pledges to build a “new relationship between national and local government”.
In an online speech to the Local Government Association this afternoon, the Labour leader is expected to warn of a “black hole of around £10bn” in council finances if central government fails to act.
Starmer will set out plans to give local councils a “much bigger say over investment and services”, and reiterate a commitment to replace the House of Lords with a “democratic second chamber representing the nations and regions”.
Addressing the party’s plans for local government, he will say: “A Labour government would win power in order to hand it back to the nations, regions, cities and towns across our country.
“We would give local government a much bigger say over investment and services, not through plans devised by someone in an office on Whitehall, but ones created and rooted in communities, so that they truly serve the people.
“We would put local government, its power and its innovation, straight at the heart of Westminster by replacing the House of Lords with a democratic second chamber representing the nations and regions of the UK.
“And we would give councillors, communities and people on the front line in our public services a bigger say over the decisions that affect them.
“Because at the heart of the broken trust in national politics and politicians is a feeling that we aren’t listening. But working with you, we want to prove this wrong. And truly empower local communities.
“So, where services people use in their daily lives are no longer a source of convenience but frustration – let’s make them truly accountable to the people they serve.
“And where politics feels distant or remote or like something that is ‘done to’ people rather than ‘with them’ and ‘for them’ – let’s break down those barriers to make sure people have the power to make their voices heard.
“And where government in Westminster imposes decisions and cuts that trample on innovation, put business out of action or damage people’s lives and livelihoods without fully understanding the consequences – let’s offer a vision of a fairer Britain that will be better for everyone.”
Steve Reed told LabourList that despite Boris Johnson claiming that austerity has not been pursued as a policy by this government, it “never went away” and is currently being imposed on local councils.
The Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary warned: “The government is forcing councils to make cuts of up to 20% in year, in the middle of a global pandemic, just as we slide into what could be the worst recession in 300 years.”
Councils across the UK have come under significant pressure in the pandemic. Of 173 councils who responded to a recent survey, 148 predicted a budget shortfall and at least five have warned they may issue a section 114 notice.
If a council fails to balance the budget, a section 114 notice is issued under the Local Government Act 1998, which prevents any new expenditure and gives a council 21 days to make an alternative budget that fits the criteria.
A budget made after the issue of a section 114 notice would involve significant cuts to existing services. Several local authorities have said that they are weeks away from issuing a section 114 notice.
During the Labour leadership contest, Starmer called for an “end the stifling over-centralisation of power in our politics, in our party and in parliament” and pledged to place local political figures “at Labour’s heart”.
The Labour leader set out five principles that he said would guide his policy in relation to local government. He pledged to:


labourlist--2020-07-01--Victory for Forward Momentum candidates as Lansman steps down

Forward Momentum candidates have swept to victory by winning all member representative seats in Momentum internal elections that mark the exit of co-founder Jon Lansman .
Forward Momentum put forward one of the two main slates in the contest .
The group pitched itself as ‘ anti-continuity ’ with a focus on democratising the organisation , and held open primaries to select candidates .
Momentum Renewal was the rival platform , more closely associated with Lansman .
It stressed the importance of “ left unity ” within Labour and being “ rooted in working-class communities ” .
FM candidates won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ section , which gives them a majority on the NCG .
Renewal candidates were elected by MPs and councillors to the four office holder posts .
The new NCG is made up of 50 % women , seven BAME members , seven under 30 and five LGBT members .
They are drawn from all the regions and nations of the UK , and for the first time one international section member lives in New York .
A Momentum spokesperson said : “ This election is the start of a new era for Momentum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , diverse team who will unite our movement and take us forward .
“ We will proudly champion radical policies like the Green New Deal 2030 and push the leadership to support the Black Lives Matter movement and lay out a bold plan for after the pandemic .
“ Now our elections are over , it ’ s time to get on with the hard work of building a socialist mass movement together.
” Reacting to the results , Forward Momentum candidate and new Momentum NCG member Gaya Sriskanthan said : “ These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members in every corner of the country want a fresh start and a new direction .
“ This means rebuilding our organisation from the ground up , placing members at the centre and developing a strategy for winning in the Labour Party and campaigning in communities .
“ This starts today , and our message to Momentum members , however they voted , is that we can only achieve this with the involvement of everyone .
“ Socialism holds the answers to many of the problems we face today , and we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure it ’ s at the heart of everything the Labour Party does.
” Jon Trickett MP , and councillors Emina Ibrahim , Sarah Doyle and Leigh Drennan beat Nadia Whittome MP , mayor Jamie Driscoll , councillors Christine Howard and Barrie Margetts to the ‘ public office holder ’ seats .
Labour MPs such as Ian Lavery , Paula Barker , Sam Tarry and Charlotte Nichols , plus Tribune ‘ s Ronan Burtenshaw and Novara Media ‘ s Aaron Bastani , had all signed up to back the Renewal initiative .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to include key workers , shop stewards and community organisers – were described by the campaign as “ representing a break with the current leadership faction ” .
Founder and then chair Jon Lansman used a LabourList comment piece in May to announce that he would not be standing in the internal elections of the Corbynite organisation .
Momentum members chose from 57 candidates between ballots opening on June 16th and closing on June 30th .
The new NCG will decide who replaces Lansman as chair and who sits on the officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the results in full .

Forward Momentum candidates have swept to victory by winning all member representative seats in Momentum internal elections that mark the exit of co-founder Jon Lansman.
Forward Momentum put forward one of the two main slates in the contest. The group pitched itself as ‘anti-continuity’ with a focus on democratising the organisation, and held open primaries to select candidates.
Momentum Renewal was the rival platform, more closely associated with Lansman. It stressed the importance of “left unity” within Labour and being “rooted in working-class communities”.
FM candidates won all 20 places in the members’ section, which gives them a majority on the NCG. Renewal candidates were elected by MPs and councillors to the four office holder posts.
The new NCG is made up of 50% women, seven BAME members, seven under 30 and five LGBT members. They are drawn from all the regions and nations of the UK, and for the first time one international section member lives in New York.
A Momentum spokesperson said: “This election is the start of a new era for Momentum. Our members have elected a talented, diverse team who will unite our movement and take us forward.
“We will proudly champion radical policies like the Green New Deal 2030 and push the leadership to support the Black Lives Matter movement and lay out a bold plan for after the pandemic.
“Now our elections are over, it’s time to get on with the hard work of building a socialist mass movement together.”
Reacting to the results, Forward Momentum candidate and new Momentum NCG member Gaya Sriskanthan said: “These results could not be clearer: Momentum members in every corner of the country want a fresh start and a new direction.
“This means rebuilding our organisation from the ground up, placing members at the centre and developing a strategy for winning in the Labour Party and campaigning in communities.
“This starts today, and our message to Momentum members, however they voted, is that we can only achieve this with the involvement of everyone.
“Socialism holds the answers to many of the problems we face today, and we must do everything in our collective power to make sure it’s at the heart of everything the Labour Party does.”
Jon Trickett MP, and councillors Emina Ibrahim, Sarah Doyle and Leigh Drennan beat Nadia Whittome MP, mayor Jamie Driscoll, councillors Christine Howard and Barrie Margetts to the ‘public office holder’ seats.
Labour MPs such as Ian Lavery, Paula Barker, Sam Tarry and Charlotte Nichols, plus Tribune‘s Ronan Burtenshaw and Novara Media‘s Aaron Bastani, had all signed up to back the Renewal initiative.
But the candidates selected by FM – said to include key workers, shop stewards and community organisers – were described by the campaign as “representing a break with the current leadership faction”.
Founder and then chair Jon Lansman used a LabourList comment piece in May to announce that he would not be standing in the internal elections of the Corbynite organisation.
Momentum members chose from 57 candidates between ballots opening on June 16th and closing on June 30th. The new NCG will decide who replaces Lansman as chair and who sits on the officers group in the coming days.
Below are the results in full.
Turnout: 8,580 eligible voters.
London
Sonali Bhattacharyya [ELECTED] 1382
Deborah Hermanns [ELECTED] 1302
Mick Moore [ELECTED] 1156
Ana Oppenheim [ELECTED] 1105
Chardine Taylor Stone 929
Lewis Baker 692
Aghileh Djafari-Marbini 664
Seema Chandwani 664
Urte Macikene 359
Syed Siddiqi 310
Ruth Cashman 245
Marcel Golten 238
Midlands and East
Andrew Scattergood [ELECTED] 1018
Mish Rahman [ELECTED] 952
Solma Ahmed [ELECTED] 918
Abbie Clark [ELECTED] 843
Huda Elmi 651
Laura McAlpine 548
Sonya Ward 408
Dan Roberts 377
North West and Wales
Alan Gibbons [ELECTED] 951
Tracey Hylton [ELECTED] 932
Harriet Protheroe-Soltani [ELECTED] 877
Charlie Bollaan [ELECTED] 853
Lotte Boumelha 779
Jaz Duncan-Rees 721
Matthew Brown 703
Lawrence Dunne 647
South East and South West
Darran McLaughlin [ELECTED] 999
Shona Jemphrey [ELECTED] 968
Jennifer Forbes [ELECTED] 926
Phil Clarke [ELECTED] 901
Jabu Nala-Hartley 665
Sarah Cundy 546
Max Shanly 479
Martin Menear 421
Zaid Marham 187
Jordan Hartley 152
Yorkshire, North East, Scotland and International
Gaya Sriskanthan [ELECTED] 1009
Rory Maclean [ELECTED] 935
Callum Bell [ELECTED] 923
Liz Smith [ELECTED] 886
Aneesa Akbar 565
Matt Kerr 508
Leeann Clarkson 404
Dave Aldwinkle 368
Andy Young 200
Chloe Hopkins 183
Kas Witana 165
Public Office Holders’ section
Jon Trickett [ELECTED] 164
Leigh Drennan [ELECTED] 146
Sarah Doyle [ELECTED] 144
Emine Ibrahim [ELECTED] 140
Nadia Whittome 129
Jamie Driscoll 116
Christine Howard 108
Barrie Margetts 95


labourlist--2020-07-01--Labour sets out four-point plan to make local lockdowns “robust and efficient”

Labour has set out a four-point plan to prevent a second wave of coronavirus and called on the government to take “ urgent action ” to ensure that local lockdowns are “ robust and efficient ” .
The party has warned that the country is “ facing the risk of a deadly second wave of infections and a second national lockdown ” , following the significant spike of cases and fresh lockdown imposed in Leicester this week .
Covid-19 could spread rapidly if the delays seen responding to the outbreak in the city are repeated , Labour has said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the following four steps : • “ Ensure that local authority directors of public health have access to all Coronavirus test data , including the postcodes of all positive tests ; • “ Provide guidance on exactly what legal powers are available to local authorities to rapidly put in place local lockdowns by closing schools , workplaces or neighbourhoods ; • “ Clarify where decision making for local lockdowns will be taken , which decisions will be made by the government , the Joint Biosecurity Centre or left for local authorities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise to fund councils in full for the cost of the crisis , so that they don ’ t have to cut the resources they need to keep our communities safe.
” The Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary said : “ The government made local lockdowns a key component of the exit strategy but yet again they were too slow to involve local authorities , just like they were too slow to enforce the lockdown nationally .
“ The lack of a functioning test , track and trace system , coupled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take action quickly could lead to local outbreaks becoming deadly national ones .
“ The government must not waste any more time , we are facing the risk of a deadly second wave of infections and a second national lockdown fatal for both lives and livelihoods across the country.
” In the latest Prime Minister ’ s Questions , Keir Starmer argued that the government was too slow to act on the Leicester outbreak .
He said there had been a “ lost week ” in which share case data was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Hancock told MPs on Sunday that non-essential shops in Leicester would have to close again , as would most schools , and that the city would not be able to open pubs , bars and restaurants on July 4th .
Labour has warned that the Health Secretary ’ s update to parliament and announcement of the localised lockdown on Monday had “ left people anxious and confused ” and called for the government to “ take firm leadership ” .

Labour has set out a four-point plan to prevent a second wave of coronavirus and called on the government to take “urgent action” to ensure that local lockdowns are “robust and efficient”.
The party has warned that the country is “facing the risk of a deadly second wave of infections and a second national lockdown”, following the significant spike of cases and fresh lockdown imposed in Leicester this week.
Covid-19 could spread rapidly if the delays seen responding to the outbreak in the city are repeated, Labour has said. Steve Reed is urging the government to take the following four steps:
“Ensure that local authority directors of public health have access to all Coronavirus test data, including the postcodes of all positive tests;
“Provide guidance on exactly what legal powers are available to local authorities to rapidly put in place local lockdowns by closing schools, workplaces or neighbourhoods;
“Clarify where decision making for local lockdowns will be taken, which decisions will be made by the government, the Joint Biosecurity Centre or left for local authorities to take; and
“Keep the promise to fund councils in full for the cost of the crisis, so that they don’t have to cut the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
The Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary said: “The government made local lockdowns a key component of the exit strategy but yet again they were too slow to involve local authorities, just like they were too slow to enforce the lockdown nationally.
“The lack of a functioning test, track and trace system, coupled with their failure to give councils the power to take action quickly could lead to local outbreaks becoming deadly national ones.
“The government must not waste any more time, we are facing the risk of a deadly second wave of infections and a second national lockdown fatal for both lives and livelihoods across the country.”
In the latest Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer argued that the government was too slow to act on the Leicester outbreak. He said there had been a “lost week” in which share case data was not shared with the council.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs on Sunday that non-essential shops in Leicester would have to close again, as would most schools, and that the city would not be able to open pubs, bars and restaurants on July 4th.
Labour has warned that the Health Secretary’s update to parliament and announcement of the localised lockdown on Monday had “left people anxious and confused” and called for the government to “take firm leadership”.


labourlist--2020-07-01--Labour to Win unveils “pluralistic” set of NEC candidate recommendations

‘ Labour to Win ’ , the new joint project of Progress and Labour First , has recommended a “ pluralistic ” set of nine candidates standing this summer to represent members on Labour ’ s national executive committee .
The umbrella group , a self-described “ coalition of mainstream Labour activists ” , officially launched last week .
It has pledged to work with other factions to “ make Keir Starmer ’ s leadership a success ” .
The six Labour to Win candidates for the party ’ s ruling body elections are as follows : • Luke Akehurst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former Hackney Council chief whip , parliamentary candidate in Aldershot ( 2001 ) and Castle Point ( 2005 ) , Labour First director Baxter and Singh Josan were both elected in recent NEC by-elections , while Labour First ’ s Akehurst is a former NEC member .
The other three , all councillors , have not stood for the NEC before .
In addition to these six candidates , Labour to Win is endorsing the following three : • Theresa Griffin , endorsed by Tribune group of MPs – Former MEP for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paula Sherriff , endorsed by Tribune group of MPs – Former MP for Dewsbury ( 2015-2019 ) Speaking on behalf of Labour to Win , Baroness Margaret Prosser said : “ We want to move on from the binary left vs right battles of the last five years and work with people from across the Labour Party who care about restoring Labour ’ s electoral fortunes and want to make Keir Starmer ’ s leadership a success .
“ Therefore , we are only standing six of our own candidates for the nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all traditions in the party in our recommendations so that if they are elected , the NEC will be genuinely pluralistic .
“ This is an all-star team that will give Keir an NEC that will help him revitalise Labour and win the next general election and give party members representatives who will fight their corner and make them proud to be Labour.
” The organisation has decided to support two of the NEC candidates from the Tribune group slate , but it has swapped out Liz McInnes of the same slate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favourite Ann Black .
Griffin was a Labour MEP until Brexit , Sherriff was MP for Dewsbury until the seat was narrowly lost to the Tories in 2019 , and Black used to sit on the NEC as a representative backed by the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance ( CLGA ) .
Labour to Win says it has endorsed an additional three candidates from outside its own slate to “ ensure gender and regional balance ” and because it hopes for a “ politically pluralistic ” ruling body .
LabourList understands that it was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not endorse the full Tribune group set but for diversity reasons , as they wanted to promote at least three BAME candidates .
Commenting on the news , Tribune group chair Clive Efford MP said : “ The Tribune group has three candidates for the NEC : Liz McInnes , Theresa Griffin and Paula Sherriff .
We hope party members will support our three candidates .
“ Keir Starmer is a member of our group , as are Lisa Nandy , Rosena Allin-Khan and Ian Murray , who performed so well in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We want to work with them and all sections of our party , particularly its members , to deliver a Labour government at the next election , which will bring about the radical change we need to create a fairer , greener economy and society.
” After decisions by Labour ’ s NEC on Tuesday , the upcoming elections for local party representatives will be conducted under the single transferable vote ( STV ) system rather than first-past-the-post .
The NEC also set a timetable for the elections , which will see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements , nominations open between July 11th and September 27th , and voting between October 19th and November 12th .

‘Labour to Win’, the new joint project of Progress and Labour First, has recommended a “pluralistic” set of nine candidates standing this summer to represent members on Labour’s national executive committee.
The umbrella group, a self-described “coalition of mainstream Labour activists”, officially launched last week. It has pledged to work with other factions to “make Keir Starmer’s leadership a success”.
The six Labour to Win candidates for the party’s ruling body elections are as follows:
Luke Akehurst – Former NEC member (2010-2012), former Hackney Council chief whip, parliamentary candidate in Aldershot (2001) and Castle Point (2005), Labour First secretary
– Former NEC member (2010-2012), former Hackney Council chief whip, parliamentary candidate in Aldershot (2001) and Castle Point (2005), Labour First secretary Johanna Baxter – Current NEC member, Cunninghame North CLP chair, Scottish executive committee (SEC) member
– Current NEC member, Cunninghame North CLP chair, Scottish executive committee (SEC) member Gurinder Singh Josan CBE – Current NEC member, Sikhs for Labour vice-chair, Sandwell Unite branch secretary
– Current NEC member, Sikhs for Labour vice-chair, Sandwell Unite branch secretary Terry Paul – Newham Council cabinet member and former PLP campaigns officer
– Newham Council cabinet member and former PLP campaigns officer Michael Payne – Gedling Borough Council deputy leader, Nottinghamshire County councillor, LGA Labour deputy leader
– Gedling Borough Council deputy leader, Nottinghamshire County councillor, LGA Labour deputy leader Shama Tatler – Brent Council cabinet member
Baxter and Singh Josan were both elected in recent NEC by-elections, while Labour First’s Akehurst is a former NEC member. The other three, all councillors, have not stood for the NEC before.
In addition to these six candidates, Labour to Win is endorsing the following three:
Ann Black – Former NEC member (2000-2018), South East regional board member, Oxford & District secretary
– Former NEC member (2000-2018), South East regional board member, Oxford & District secretary Theresa Griffin , endorsed by Tribune group of MPs – Former MEP for the North West (2014-2020)
, endorsed by Tribune group of MPs – Former MEP for the North West (2014-2020) Paula Sherriff, endorsed by Tribune group of MPs – Former MP for Dewsbury (2015-2019)
Speaking on behalf of Labour to Win, Baroness Margaret Prosser said: “We want to move on from the binary left vs right battles of the last five years and work with people from across the Labour Party who care about restoring Labour’s electoral fortunes and want to make Keir Starmer’s leadership a success.
“Therefore, we are only standing six of our own candidates for the nine positions; and have included voices from all traditions in the party in our recommendations so that if they are elected, the NEC will be genuinely pluralistic.
“This is an all-star team that will give Keir an NEC that will help him revitalise Labour and win the next general election and give party members representatives who will fight their corner and make them proud to be Labour.”
The organisation has decided to support two of the NEC candidates from the Tribune group slate, but it has swapped out Liz McInnes of the same slate and replaced her with ‘soft left’ favourite Ann Black.
Griffin was a Labour MEP until Brexit, Sherriff was MP for Dewsbury until the seat was narrowly lost to the Tories in 2019, and Black used to sit on the NEC as a representative backed by the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance (CLGA).
Labour to Win says it has endorsed an additional three candidates from outside its own slate to “ensure gender and regional balance” and because it hopes for a “politically pluralistic” ruling body.
LabourList understands that it was not for political reasons that Labour to Win did not endorse the full Tribune group set but for diversity reasons, as they wanted to promote at least three BAME candidates.
Commenting on the news, Tribune group chair Clive Efford MP said: “The Tribune group has three candidates for the NEC: Liz McInnes, Theresa Griffin and Paula Sherriff. We hope party members will support our three candidates.
“Keir Starmer is a member of our group, as are Lisa Nandy, Rosena Allin-Khan and Ian Murray, who performed so well in the leadership and deputy leadership contests.
“We want to work with them and all sections of our party, particularly its members, to deliver a Labour government at the next election, which will bring about the radical change we need to create a fairer, greener economy and society.”
After decisions by Labour’s NEC on Tuesday, the upcoming elections for local party representatives will be conducted under the single transferable vote (STV) system rather than first-past-the-post.
The NEC also set a timetable for the elections, which will see a July 10th deadline for submitting candidate statements, nominations open between July 11th and September 27th, and voting between October 19th and November 12th.


labourlist--2020-07-01--WATCH: Government’s approach to China is “deeply confused”, says Labour

Lisa Nandy has said the approach of the government towards China has been “ deeply confused ” , and warned that it has been “ going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security ” .
In the interview with BBC News this afternoon , the Shadow Foreign Secretary highlighted several high-profile examples of Chinese investment – including the role of company Huawei in the UK ’ s 5G network .
Nandy said that these projects , combined with the measures announced by the Prime Minister today , amounts to a “ really confusing ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark the start of a “ new era in our relations with China ” .
She said : “ On the one hand you have these very tough measures that the Prime Minister has announced today , but on the other hand they ’ ve given a Chinese company Huawei a major role in our 5G network.
” She added that the government is “ pressing ahead with nuclear power projects like Bradwell that will give the Chinese government significant access to our nuclear system and our energy system ” .
Nandy later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop home grown alternatives , a proper assessment of the national security implications and maintain constructive engagement with China as part of a more strategic approach ” .
Earlier today , the Shadow Foreign Secretary welcomed the parliamentary statement by Dominic Raab confirming that the government would be offering citizenship to British nationals in Hong Kong .
He confirmed the offer of a “ bespoke ” visa route for British nationals , which was touted earlier this month by the government .
The plan would effect an estimated 2.9 million people living in @ @ @

Lisa Nandy has said the approach of the government towards China has been “deeply confused”, and warned that it has been “going after China for its investment without regard to the consequences for national security”.
In the interview with BBC News this afternoon, the Shadow Foreign Secretary highlighted several high-profile examples of Chinese investment – including the role of company Huawei in the UK’s 5G network.
Nandy said that these projects, combined with the measures announced by the Prime Minister today, amounts to a “really confusing” approach and called on the government to mark the start of a “new era in our relations with China”.
She said: “On the one hand you have these very tough measures that the Prime Minister has announced today, but on the other hand they’ve given a Chinese company Huawei a major role in our 5G network.”
She added that the government is “pressing ahead with nuclear power projects like Bradwell that will give the Chinese government significant access to our nuclear system and our energy system”.
Nandy later tweeted that the UK needs to “develop home grown alternatives, a proper assessment of the national security implications and maintain constructive engagement with China as part of a more strategic approach”.
"We've been going ahead with Chinese investment without regard for consequences for national security for too long" Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy says the government's position on China has been "deeply confused" https://t.co/kNi5BThBTs pic.twitter.com/RD28dJhmtc — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) July 1, 2020
Earlier today, the Shadow Foreign Secretary welcomed the parliamentary statement by Dominic Raab confirming that the government would be offering citizenship to British nationals in Hong Kong.
He confirmed the offer of a “bespoke” visa route for British nationals, which was touted earlier this month by the government. The plan would effect an estimated 2.9 million people living in the city.


labourlist--2020-07-02--How candidates slates for Labour’s NEC elections are shaping up

Labour ’ s national executive committee ( NEC ) elections are soon kicking off , and slates of candidates are being formed .
The contests will be conducted under a single transferable vote ( STV ) system and the deadline for submitting candidate statements is July 10th .
We already know that the Tribune group of MPs ( not to be confused with the magazine ) is endorsing three former parliamentarians as candidates for local party representative seats .
If you ’ re wondering why there are slates of less than nine candidates , which is the full number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot to do with it .
Under the new proportional system , you don ’ t want first preferences to be spread too thinly among your favoured candidates .
It is interesting , then , to look at the set of recommendations newly released by ‘ Labour to Win ’ .
The new joint project of ‘ old right ’ organisation Labour First and Blairite group Progress is putting forward six candidates of its own , including the two incumbents who won their NEC seats in the recent by-elections but will now have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the umbrella group is also recommending that party members vote for three other candidates : soft left favourite Ann Black , and two of the Tribune three ( I ’ m told it couldn ’ t be all three as they wanted at least three BAME candidates among the nine recommendations ) .
This is part of Labour to Win pitching itself as a “ coalition of mainstream activists ” who above all want Keir Starmer to succeed .
Open Labour , LabourList can reveal , will be backing just two local party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost definitely going to be Ann Black ) , plus one councillor ( likely Alice Perry ) , one disability and one youth rep candidate .
They know their onions when it comes to STV , being its fierce champion over the years , so their decision to back only limited numbers in these sections is no coincidence .
The need to optimise first preference is crucial .
Open Labour members will be able to self-nominate until Saturday , then a ballot will be held from Sunday 5th to Thursday 9th , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday 10th .
The missing piece of the puzzle is Momentum , and other Labour left groups if no single slate can be agreed .
The organisation has only just elected a new leadership – with just over a week to figure out what they ’ re doing .
The winning Forward Momentum campaign promised to ballot members before endorsing slates for internal party elections .
But can they arrange such a vote in this very limited time period ?
Or will they pass it off as a legacy from the old guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations ?
( If so , will they kick off current NEC members Jon Lansman , Huda Elmi and others ? )
It is a balance between not wanting to break a recent campaign promise and not wanting to risk far too many Labour left candidates being put up for election .
Some lefties are withering about the new Momentum ’ s chances of dealing with this situation successfully .
“ They ’ ll renege on their promises and become everything they hate as they realise the reality of the situation .
Sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The dilemma illustrates one of the key debates on the Labour left , which is also taking place within the Socialist Campaign Group of MPs .
As the source put it : “ Does the left of the party remain cohesive and effective under new challenging circumstances… or do we just throw shit into the tent from the outside and get nowhere ?
” Keep following LabourList for further developments , which will shape the future direction of the party .
Update : The Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance ( CLGA ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ assemble a slate of candidates that will attract broad appeal across the party ” .
This is the umbrella under which groups such as Momentum , the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy , the Labour Representation Committee , Jewish Voice for Labour and Red Labour work to form a united Labour left slate for the NEC .
There is some nervousness around the process as nobody is certain of how the new Momentum leadership will approach it yet .
LabourList understands that this CLGA statement has been issued to reassure members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those groups want a single slate .
It is also understood that there is consensus over the slate not being a full set of nine candidates – more likely five or six – due to the STV change .
I will be in conversation with Lisa Nandy tonight in an event organised by the Tribune group of MPs .
Sign up here and feel free to email your suggestions for questions .
And another quick reminder that LabourList has launched a fundraising campaign this week .
Read my editor ’ s letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many thanks to everyone to our existing and new regular donors .

Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) elections are soon kicking off, and slates of candidates are being formed. The contests will be conducted under a single transferable vote (STV) system and the deadline for submitting candidate statements is July 10th. We already know that the Tribune group of MPs (not to be confused with the magazine) is endorsing three former parliamentarians as candidates for local party representative seats. If you’re wondering why there are slates of less than nine candidates, which is the full number of local party reps, STV has a lot to do with it. Under the new proportional system, you don’t want first preferences to be spread too thinly among your favoured candidates.
It is interesting, then, to look at the set of recommendations newly released by ‘Labour to Win’. The new joint project of ‘old right’ organisation Labour First and Blairite group Progress is putting forward six candidates of its own, including the two incumbents who won their NEC seats in the recent by-elections but will now have to fight for them again. But the umbrella group is also recommending that party members vote for three other candidates: soft left favourite Ann Black, and two of the Tribune three (I’m told it couldn’t be all three as they wanted at least three BAME candidates among the nine recommendations). This is part of Labour to Win pitching itself as a “coalition of mainstream activists” who above all want Keir Starmer to succeed.
Open Labour, LabourList can reveal, will be backing just two local party rep candidates (one of whom is almost definitely going to be Ann Black), plus one councillor (likely Alice Perry), one disability and one youth rep candidate. They know their onions when it comes to STV, having been its fierce champion over the years, so their decision to back only limited numbers in these sections is no coincidence. The need to optimise first preference is crucial. Open Labour members will be able to self-nominate until Saturday, then a ballot will be held from Sunday 5th to Thursday 9th, in time for the candidate statement deadline on Friday 10th.
The missing piece of the puzzle is Momentum, and other Labour left groups if no single slate can be agreed. The organisation has only just elected a new leadership – with just over a week to figure out what they’re doing. The winning Forward Momentum campaign promised to ballot members before endorsing slates for internal party elections. But can they arrange such a vote in this very limited time period? Or will they pass it off as a legacy from the old guard and go ahead with Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance negotiations? (If so, will they kick off current NEC members Jon Lansman, Huda Elmi and others?) It is a balance between not wanting to break a recent campaign promise and not wanting to risk far too many Labour left candidates being put up for election.
Some lefties are withering about the new Momentum’s chances of dealing with this situation successfully. “They’ll renege on their promises and become everything they hate as they realise the reality of the situation. Sad really,” one former Momentum staffer said. The dilemma illustrates one of the key debates on the Labour left, which is also taking place within the Socialist Campaign Group of MPs. As the source put it: “Does the left of the party remain cohesive and effective under new challenging circumstances… or do we just throw shit into the tent from the outside and get nowhere?” Keep following LabourList for further developments, which will shape the future direction of the party.
Update: The Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance (CLGA) has put out a statement saying it wants to “assemble a slate of candidates that will attract broad appeal across the party”. This is the umbrella under which groups such as Momentum, the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy, the Labour Representation Committee, Jewish Voice for Labour and Red Labour work to form a united Labour left slate for the NEC.
There is some nervousness around the process as nobody is certain of how the new Momentum leadership will approach it yet. LabourList understands that this CLGA statement has been issued to reassure members on the party’s left that all those groups want a single slate. It is also understood that there is consensus over the slate not being a full set of nine candidates – more likely five or six – due to the STV change.
I will be in conversation with Lisa Nandy tonight in an event organised by the Tribune group of MPs. Sign up here and feel free to email your suggestions for questions. And another quick reminder that LabourList has launched a fundraising campaign this week. Read my editor’s letter here and visit our donate page here. Many thanks to everyone to our existing and new regular donors.


labourlist--2020-07-02--“All children must be safely back in school by September,” says Labour

Kate Green has said that “ all children must be safely back in school by September ” and reiterated Labour ’ s call for a “ cross-party task force ” to make sure that the necessary arrangements are in place .
Responding to guidance issued today by the Department for Education on returning all children to school in September , the new Shadow Education Secretary voiced concerns about the widening of the attainment gap for disadvantaged children .
She criticised the government for having been “ asleep at the wheel ” during the pandemic , and stressed the need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – warning that “ heads and staff can not be left to do this alone ” .
Commenting on the guidance , Green said : “ All children must be safely back in school by September .
By then , they ’ ll have suffered a six month gap in their learning .
“ Officials in the Department for Education have warned this could lead to a widening of the attainment gap of up to 75 % as children from disadvantaged backgrounds have lacked access to resources to learn at home .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and parents have achieved a huge amount throughout this crisis , and now they desperately need the support of the government .
“ With only three weeks to go before the end of term , there is an enormous amount to prepare : finalising health and safety arrangements , ensuring there is space for children to learn , restructuring the school day and providing reassurance to parents .
“ The government has been asleep at the wheel , but heads and staff can not be left to do this alone .
Labour is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus urgently on getting the necessary arrangements in place so that all students can return safely in September.
” Green ’ s comments follow the publication of new guidelines this morning with few restrictions placed on how schools can operate , the central one being that they place pupils in bubbles of entire class or year groups .
The new rules say that children and staff will not be required to wear masks on site – but children aged 11 and over will have to wear a face covering on public transport when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move will see a reintroduction of mandatory attendance for pupils , and the departmental guidance states that it expects schools to “ secure full attendance from the start of the new academic year ” .
The Labour leader has repeatedly called for the Prime Minister to set up a cross-party task force , to work together on the return of children to schools throughout the coronavirus crisis .
The Prime Minister and Education Secretary had previously announced that schools would begin reopening on June 1st .
But , according to government figures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 25 % of children eligible returning .
The June 1st deadline had followed weeks in which parents , teachers , unions and the opposition had raised concerns and 690,000 – or 6.9 % of the normal school population – were found to be in school later that week .
Ministers were subsequently forced to back down on their plans for a phased return last month , and U-turn on their commitment to get all primary school children back to school a month before the summer holidays .

Kate Green has said that “all children must be safely back in school by September” and reiterated Labour’s call for a “cross-party task force” to make sure that the necessary arrangements are in place.
Responding to guidance issued today by the Department for Education on returning all children to school in September, the new Shadow Education Secretary voiced concerns about the widening of the attainment gap for disadvantaged children.
She criticised the government for having been “asleep at the wheel” during the pandemic, and stressed the need for cross-party working to prepare for the reopening – warning that “heads and staff cannot be left to do this alone”.
Commenting on the guidance, Green said: “All children must be safely back in school by September. By then, they’ll have suffered a six month gap in their learning.
“Officials in the Department for Education have warned this could lead to a widening of the attainment gap of up to 75% as children from disadvantaged backgrounds have lacked access to resources to learn at home.
“Teachers, school leaders, staff, and parents have achieved a huge amount throughout this crisis, and now they desperately need the support of the government.
“With only three weeks to go before the end of term, there is an enormous amount to prepare: finalising health and safety arrangements, ensuring there is space for children to learn, restructuring the school day and providing reassurance to parents.
“The government has been asleep at the wheel, but heads and staff cannot be left to do this alone. Labour is calling for a cross-party task force to focus urgently on getting the necessary arrangements in place so that all students can return safely in September.”
Green’s comments follow the publication of new guidelines this morning with few restrictions placed on how schools can operate, the central one being that they place pupils in bubbles of entire class or year groups.
The new rules say that children and staff will not be required to wear masks on site – but children aged 11 and over will have to wear a face covering on public transport when travelling to and from school.
The move will see a reintroduction of mandatory attendance for pupils, and the departmental guidance states that it expects schools to “secure full attendance from the start of the new academic year”.
The Labour leader has repeatedly called for the Prime Minister to set up a cross-party task force, to work together on the return of children to schools throughout the coronavirus crisis.
The Prime Minister and Education Secretary had previously announced that schools would begin reopening on June 1st. But, according to government figures, just 52% of schools opened with only 25% of children eligible returning.
The June 1st deadline had followed weeks in which parents, teachers, unions and the opposition had raised concerns and 690,000 – or 6.9% of the normal school population – were found to be in school later that week.
Ministers were subsequently forced to back down on their plans for a phased return last month, and U-turn on their commitment to get all primary school children back to school a month before the summer holidays.


labourlist--2020-07-02--WATCH: “We must not allow more Leicesters to happen,” says Labour

Steve Reed has said that “ we must not allow more Leicesters to happen ” , urging the government to share data quickly with councils and make clear what powers authorities have to enforce local lockdowns .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary accused the government of failing to prepare adequately for the local lockdown strategy to be effective .
He described “ a lot of confusion in Leicester ” on the day the lockdown was imposed , saying that local public health authorities and the police were not aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforce the measures .
The Labour MP for Croydon North said : “ What we ’ re calling for today is what local authority leaders have been calling for , for weeks .
And it ’ s fundamentally two things which are part of this .
“ First of all , they need the data that shows whether in their town or locality there is an increase in the rate of infection , and the government has been refusing to give that to them.
” He described how “ the authorities in Leicester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing there ” , and said that “ the data they had showed that there we 80 people infected – the government had data that showed 944 people were infected ” .
He added : “ Point two is local authorities , the police , Public Health England need to know what powers they have to enforce a local lockdown where it is imposed .
“ There was a lot of confusion in Leicester on the day that it was imposed about whether , for instance , people living near the boundaries of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , whether the police had the power to stop them or should stop them.
” The Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary highlighted that he had sent a letter to the public health minister on June 8th setting out the concerns raised by local councils , but that he has received no response .
He concluded : “ They have had weeks to prepare – they haven ’ t done it .
We must not allow more Leicesters to happen .
We must not allow the risk of an outbreak in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national outbreak.
” Labour has called on the government to take “ urgent action ” to ensure that local lockdowns are “ robust and efficient ” , and set out a four-point plan to prevent a second wave of coronavirus .

Steve Reed has said that “we must not allow more Leicesters to happen”, urging the government to share data quickly with councils and make clear what powers authorities have to enforce local lockdowns.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary accused the government of failing to prepare adequately for the local lockdown strategy to be effective.
He described “a lot of confusion in Leicester” on the day the lockdown was imposed, saying that local public health authorities and the police were not aware of the powers that they had to enforce the measures.
The Labour MP for Croydon North said: “What we’re calling for today is what local authority leaders have been calling for, for weeks. And it’s fundamentally two things which are part of this.
“First of all, they need the data that shows whether in their town or locality there is an increase in the rate of infection, and the government has been refusing to give that to them.”
He described how “the authorities in Leicester did not know the problem that was growing there”, and said that “the data they had showed that there we 80 people infected – the government had data that showed 944 people were infected”.
He added: “Point two is local authorities, the police, Public Health England need to know what powers they have to enforce a local lockdown where it is imposed.
“There was a lot of confusion in Leicester on the day that it was imposed about whether, for instance, people living near the boundaries of the city could still go out to work, whether the police had the power to stop them or should stop them.”
"We must not allow a second Leicester to happen" Shadow Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government Steve Reed calls on the government to share infection rate data with local councils.#KayBurley
Today's top stories: https://t.co/iOm40vn1kt pic.twitter.com/9s2LP8O2Ev — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 2, 2020
The Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary highlighted that he had sent a letter to the public health minister on June 8th setting out the concerns raised by local councils, but that he has received no response.
He concluded: “They have had weeks to prepare – they haven’t done it. We must not allow more Leicesters to happen. We must not allow the risk of an outbreak in a particular town or city growing into a national outbreak.”
Labour has called on the government to take “urgent action” to ensure that local lockdowns are “robust and efficient”, and set out a four-point plan to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.


labourlist--2020-07-02--Ed Miliband backs Labour’s 2030 emissions reduction target

Ed Miliband has spoken out in favour of the 2030 emissions reduction target set out under the last Labour leadership , saying that it was “ completely right on the ambition we need over the next decade ” .
In a call with activists from the Labour for a Green New Deal campaign group last night , the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary told 150 attendees : “ I don ’ t resile one iota from the manifesto.
” Following increasing pressure from party members for the new Labour leadership to take a stronger stance on a green coronavirus recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not in this job to scale back on ambition.
” Miliband also reiterated his support for the government taking public equity stakes in struggling airline companies to protect jobs in the coronavirus crisis and to “ drive a low-carbon transition ” .
There have been concerns among some activists that the 2030 target may have been dropped by Labour , as Keir Starmer ’ s spokesperson last month refused to confirm that the aim was currently party policy .
Commenting on the call , spokesperson for Labour for a Green New Deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging to hear Ed Miliband ’ s commitment to slashing emissions by 2030 , and an improved stance on aviation .
“ With the Arctic burning and unemployment soaring , now is the time for the Labour leadership to push for a truly transformative Green New Deal .
“ As we made clear to the Labour frontbench , this has to mean expanding our commitments to public ownership across the economy , creating millions of green jobs and building a fairer , cleaner , greener economy post-Covid.
” 1,300 supporters of the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader this week , accusing him of being “ missing in action ” and demanding a ‘ People ’ s Green New Deal ’ as part of the UK ’ s coronavirus pandemic recovery .
Townsend added : “ Amid economic , health and climate crises , Labour members expect Keir Starmer to keep to his promise to “ put the Green New Deal at the heart of everything we do ” .
Now is the time to step up.
” The comments from the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary yesterday follow a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn , who have called on the new leadership to back the ‘ Green New Deal ’ programme .
Miliband set out the need for “ the most ambitious green recovery in the world ” last month , and called for a “ zero carbon army of young people ” in order to implement a green economic rescue from coronavirus .
During the Labour leadership contest , Keir Starmer pledged to “ fight for a Green New Deal now ” and said that the country “ can not wait until 2024 to tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Labour backs a 2030 net-zero target recently , his spokesperson stressed that that the next Labour manifesto including the decarbonisation target would be “ written in four or five years ’ time ” .

Ed Miliband has spoken out in favour of the 2030 emissions reduction target set out under the last Labour leadership, saying that it was “completely right on the ambition we need over the next decade”.
In a call with activists from the Labour for a Green New Deal campaign group last night, the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary told 150 attendees: “I don’t resile one iota from the manifesto.”
Following increasing pressure from party members for the new Labour leadership to take a stronger stance on a green coronavirus recovery, he said: “I’m not in this job to scale back on ambition.”
Miliband also reiterated his support for the government taking public equity stakes in struggling airline companies to protect jobs in the coronavirus crisis and to “drive a low-carbon transition”.
There have been concerns among some activists that the 2030 target may have been dropped by Labour, as Keir Starmer’s spokesperson last month refused to confirm that the aim was currently party policy.
Commenting on the call, spokesperson for Labour for a Green New Deal Lauren Townsend said: “It was encouraging to hear Ed Miliband’s commitment to slashing emissions by 2030, and an improved stance on aviation.
“With the Arctic burning and unemployment soaring, now is the time for the Labour leadership to push for a truly transformative Green New Deal.
“As we made clear to the Labour frontbench, this has to mean expanding our commitments to public ownership across the economy, creating millions of green jobs and building a fairer, cleaner, greener economy post-Covid.”
1,300 supporters of the campaign group signed a letter to the Labour leader this week, accusing him of being “missing in action” and demanding a ‘People’s Green New Deal’ as part of the UK’s coronavirus pandemic recovery.
Townsend added: “Amid economic, health and climate crises, Labour members expect Keir Starmer to keep to his promise to “put the Green New Deal at the heart of everything we do”. Now is the time to step up.”
The comments from the Shadow Business and Energy Secretary yesterday follow a letter from Labour left MPs including Jeremy Corbyn, who have called on the new leadership to back the ‘Green New Deal’ programme.
Miliband set out the need for “the most ambitious green recovery in the world” last month, and called for a “zero carbon army of young people” in order to implement a green economic rescue from coronavirus.
During the Labour leadership contest, Keir Starmer pledged to “fight for a Green New Deal now” and said that the country “cannot wait until 2024 to tackle the climate crisis”.
But asked whether Labour backs a 2030 net-zero target recently, his spokesperson stressed that that the next Labour manifesto including the decarbonisation target would be “written in four or five years’ time”.


labourlist--2020-07-02--There is no ‘New Deal’. Just the same old Conservative deal – Build Back Better

Our ‘ Build Back Better ’ club acquired an application from a new aspiring member this week : welcome , Prime Minister .
I hope that you will take some time to familiarise yourself with the rules of the club but , as your Dudley speech seems to suggest , you may only have a passing understanding of what we ’ re trying to achieve .
After much fanfare and acres of newsprint devoted to trailing the UK ’ s much-vaunted 2020 version of Franklin D. Roosevelt ’ s New Deal , many will be thinking – “ was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per person to fix some bridges , which we knew about already , amid a soup of words and , of course , no actual new money .
No detail and no commitment to making the buses , heat pumps , glass , turbines or the electric vehicles we desperately need here in the UK .
You can understand why some in the club may not be ready to bring the Prime Minister into the fold just yet .
I heard a better understanding of what this country needs to build a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
The Tyneside businessman was on the radio asking why his local train station , which he felt was well cared for and working decently , was a candidate for infrastructure investment .
He would much prefer to see the government invest in and expand our manufacturing base .
He couldn ’ t fathom the government ’ s aversion to manufacturing investment – neither can I , and nor can the manufacturing industry bodies I speak to every day .
The most telling line in the Prime Minister ’ s speech was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our hearts that furloughing can not go on forever ” .
We understand that it ’ s not possible for the taxpayer to stand behind 11 million private sector jobs indefinitely , and nobody is asking for that .
But what we do need is an extension of furlough to save thousands of jobs right now .
What the trade unions have been looking for is a strategic approach that would see sector support packages take over , bringing people back to work in a phased way – such as by short-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tapers off .
So far , all we have got with certainty is that the job retention scheme will taper off – the first part of the equation is evidently missing .
This lopsided management of economic recovery does not find favour among our competitors .
In France , Germany and Spain , central governments are extending furlough schemes – some by two years .
They see this move as central to buying the space to repair the pandemic damage while averting crippling unemployment .
The derisive term ‘ zombie jobs ’ has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and France wage support comes alongside demands on core industries to accelerate retraining and diversification , as well as to commit to green enterprises and in-country investment and jobs .
Nothing lopsided about this approach to building back better .
Germany ’ s Kurzarbeitergeld ( STW ) programme is of a piece with their enviable approach to manufacturing .
It is never the mistreated Cinderella of their economy .
In Germany , manufacturing is the belle of the ball , with employers , unions and the top levels of government proud to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they stay world-leaders , with this enthusiasm running through every aspect of economic life from the education system to the regional investment bank structure , which is so proud to stand behind German business .
State wage support in Germany and France also comes with the demand that there are no job losses during the two years of furlough .
Germany ’ s scheme can not be used during notice periods , as British Airways and others are doing , so disgracefully .
If they want to dismiss workers , they have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at work .
There was another line from the Prime Minister ’ s speech that alarmed me – the one where he reassured the City that it would not lose out with his approach to “ levelling up ” .
The City will never be a fan of the commitment that must come with building and investing , preferring the easy lure of the service sector and quick returns for the boardroom .
Such short-termism has plagued British industrial development for the past half a century .
It belongs in the pre-pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a country where the majority of people want economic reform and say that there should be no back to business as usual .
Across Germany , France and Spain , working people – like working people in this country – are fearful for what will soon be upon us as our economies emerge from their deep sleeps and face contact with reality .
The difference in the experience of our manufacturing friends and comrades over on the continent , is that they will have a measure of wage security – they will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosperity .
The question I want to ask the Prime Minister is why is it that a worker in Cologne knows that they will be able to feed their family and keep a roof over their heads through the tough times ahead , while a worker doing the same job in Cowley or Coventry has no such security ?
Workers in the ‘ Red/Blue Wall ’ seats will be asking the same question .
The promise of some far-off infrastructure project – probably at the other end of the country – has little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know why their jobs are moving overseas .
With more skilled and decent UK jobs disappearing this week at Airbus while the government sits on the sidelines , doing nothing , it strikes me that there is no ‘ New Deal ’ – just the same old Conservative deal .
The more I watch this government at close quarters , professing to listen but taking no action , the more I fear that this is just the industrial sabotage of the 1980s but with better PR .
The slender hope that I take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , is that he might be just the warm-up act .
Perhaps the real show is next week when the Chancellor sets out his plans for economic revival with targeted support to recover our strategically vital industries and with the determined , joined-up programme to deliver on our climate change commitments .
Until then , the Build Back Better club will keep the Prime Minister ’ s membership application well and truly under review .

Our ‘Build Back Better’ club acquired an application from a new aspiring member this week: welcome, Prime Minister. I hope that you will take some time to familiarise yourself with the rules of the club but, as your Dudley speech seems to suggest, you may only have a passing understanding of what we’re trying to achieve. After much fanfare and acres of newsprint devoted to trailing the UK’s much-vaunted 2020 version of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, many will be thinking – “was that it?”. An extra £75 per person to fix some bridges, which we knew about already, amid a soup of words and, of course, no actual new money. No detail and no commitment to making the buses, heat pumps, glass, turbines or the electric vehicles we desperately need here in the UK. You can understand why some in the club may not be ready to bring the Prime Minister into the fold just yet.
I heard a better understanding of what this country needs to build a new economy from a Conservative supporter the other day. The Tyneside businessman was on the radio asking why his local train station, which he felt was well cared for and working decently, was a candidate for infrastructure investment. He would much prefer to see the government invest in and expand our manufacturing base. He couldn’t fathom the government’s aversion to manufacturing investment – neither can I, and nor can the manufacturing industry bodies I speak to every day.
The most telling line in the Prime Minister’s speech was when he said that we “know in our hearts that furloughing cannot go on forever”. We understand that it’s not possible for the taxpayer to stand behind 11 million private sector jobs indefinitely, and nobody is asking for that. But what we do need is an extension of furlough to save thousands of jobs right now. What the trade unions have been looking for is a strategic approach that would see sector support packages take over, bringing people back to work in a phased way – such as by short-time working, or for retraining as furlough tapers off. So far, all we have got with certainty is that the job retention scheme will taper off – the first part of the equation is evidently missing.
This lopsided management of economic recovery does not find favour among our competitors. In France, Germany and Spain, central governments are extending furlough schemes – some by two years. They see this move as central to buying the space to repair the pandemic damage while averting crippling unemployment. The derisive term ‘zombie jobs’ has been bandied about, but in Germany and France wage support comes alongside demands on core industries to accelerate retraining and diversification, as well as to commit to green enterprises and in-country investment and jobs. Nothing lopsided about this approach to building back better.
Germany’s Kurzarbeitergeld (STW) programme is of a piece with their enviable approach to manufacturing. It is never the mistreated Cinderella of their economy. In Germany, manufacturing is the belle of the ball, with employers, unions and the top levels of government proud to get round the table to work on how they stay world-leaders, with this enthusiasm running through every aspect of economic life from the education system to the regional investment bank structure, which is so proud to stand behind German business. State wage support in Germany and France also comes with the demand that there are no job losses during the two years of furlough. Germany’s scheme cannot be used during notice periods, as British Airways and others are doing, so disgracefully. If they want to dismiss workers, they have to put them on notice, paid and back at work.
There was another line from the Prime Minister’s speech that alarmed me – the one where he reassured the City that it would not lose out with his approach to “levelling up”. The City will never be a fan of the commitment that must come with building and investing, preferring the easy lure of the service sector and quick returns for the boardroom. Such short-termism has plagued British industrial development for the past half a century. It belongs in the pre-pandemic era; it has no place in a country where the majority of people want economic reform and say that there should be no back to business as usual.
Across Germany, France and Spain, working people – like working people in this country – are fearful for what will soon be upon us as our economies emerge from their deep sleeps and face contact with reality. The difference in the experience of our manufacturing friends and comrades over on the continent, is that they will have a measure of wage security – they will have work to do, necessary work rebuilding prosperity. The question I want to ask the Prime Minister is why is it that a worker in Cologne knows that they will be able to feed their family and keep a roof over their heads through the tough times ahead, while a worker doing the same job in Cowley or Coventry has no such security?
Workers in the ‘Red/Blue Wall’ seats will be asking the same question. The promise of some far-off infrastructure project – probably at the other end of the country – has little appeal for skilled workers who want to know why their jobs are moving overseas. With more skilled and decent UK jobs disappearing this week at Airbus while the government sits on the sidelines, doing nothing, it strikes me that there is no ‘New Deal’ – just the same old Conservative deal. The more I watch this government at close quarters, professing to listen but taking no action, the more I fear that this is just the industrial sabotage of the 1980s but with better PR.
The slender hope that I take from the Prime Minister’s speech, though, is that he might be just the warm-up act. Perhaps the real show is next week when the Chancellor sets out his plans for economic revival with targeted support to recover our strategically vital industries and with the determined, joined-up programme to deliver on our climate change commitments. Until then, the Build Back Better club will keep the Prime Minister’s membership application well and truly under review.


labourlist--2020-07-02--Labour to set out four tests for Covid economic recovery

Anneliese Dodds will set out four tests against which to measure the UK ’ s recovery from the pandemic and call for the government to abandon its “ one-size-fits-all approach ” to support schemes .
In her first major speech as Shadow Chancellor tomorrow , Dodds is expected to say that “ we need guarantees of delivery , not just warm words – for ten years , the Conservatives have talked and talked : they have not built ” .
She will call for the government to extend the furlough scheme in areas that have been forced to go into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ localised second waves don ’ t wash away businesses and jobs in their wake ” .
Dodds is expected to emphasise the need for the government to “ recognise the scale of the challenge we face ” by committing to a ‘ back to work ’ Budget “ focused on jobs , jobs , jobs ” .
Among the tests is commitment from the government not to raise taxes or cut support for low and middle-income families .
The full four tests the Shadow Chancellor will set out are : • “ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ; • “ That every project announced is carbon neutral or carbon reducing ; and • “ That the government commits , at the very least , to not increase taxes or cut support for low and middle-income people , during the recovery period.
” On businesses , Dodds will say : “ It has been heartbreaking to hear from many of them in recent weeks , how they feel their businesses slipping through their fingers because of a temporary lack of cashflow even though with the right , targeted support now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the long term .
“ That frustration , that anger , at working hard all your life , playing by the rules , doing the right thing , waiting your place patiently in the queue , only to find it snatched away from you by a combination of this terrible crisis and government ’ s refusal to help .
That isn ’ t about ‘ picking winners ’ .
That ’ s basic fairness.
” She will criticise the government ’ s “ one-size-fits-all ” approach to the job retention scheme , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not and should not be treated the same way as workers in sectors that are already back to full capacity ” .
She is expected to add : “ This is not about ‘ picking winners ’ , in the Chancellor ’ s words .
It is about protecting those who have lost – through no fault of their own .
It is about giving people across the country a fair chance .
The reward for months of sacrifice can not be a redundancy notice .
“ This week we saw a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – because the government is refusing to shift from its one-size-fits-all approach .
To avoid the same flood of redundancy notices for workers within smaller companies later on this month , government must act now – and abandon its one-size-fits-all approach.
” Labour initially demanded measures to protect jobs in a ‘ back to work ’ Budget last month , warning that the UK could see “ mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades ” when the furlough scheme is withdrawn .
Earlier in the week , Dodds reinforced this with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ much more urgent action ” to protect jobs during the pandemic and highlighted that other countries were doing more .
The party has also said that the furlough scheme should be extended into next year , with Transport Secretary Jim McMahon describing it as “ far more sensible that those jobs are protected ” .
He told BBC News on Wednesday : “ It would be ridiculous to spend billions of pounds on a furlough scheme – that ’ s meant to be a job retention scheme – for staff who the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly.
” The furlough scheme has protected more than eight million jobs across the country throughout the health crisis .
Economists have warned that the level of unemployment will rise sharply as the government scheme is removed .

Anneliese Dodds is expected to set out four tests against which the UK’s recovery from the pandemic should be measured, and call for the government to abandon its “one-size-fits-all approach” to support schemes.
In her first major speech as Shadow Chancellor tomorrow, Dodds is expected to say that “we need guarantees of delivery, not just warm words – for ten years, the Conservatives have talked and talked: they have not built”.
She will call on the government to extend the furlough scheme in areas that have been forced to go into a local lockdown, “so that localised second waves don’t wash away businesses and jobs in their wake”.
Dodds is expected to emphasise the need for the government to “recognise the scale of the challenge we face” by committing to a ‘back to work’ Budget “focused on jobs, jobs, jobs”.
Among the tests is commitment from the government not to raise taxes or cut support for low and middle-income families. The full four tests the Shadow Chancellor will set out are:
“A focus on creating, supporting and protecting jobs;
“That it produces a bounce-back effect across the country;
“That every project announced is carbon neutral or carbon reducing; and
“That the government commits, at the very least, to not increase taxes or cut support for low and middle-income people, during the recovery period.”
On businesses, Dodds will say: “It has been heartbreaking to hear from many of them in recent weeks, how they feel their businesses slipping through their fingers because of a temporary lack of cashflow even though with the right, targeted support now, they would be perfectly viable in the long term.
“That frustration, that anger, at working hard all your life, playing by the rules, doing the right thing, waiting your place patiently in the queue, only to find it snatched away from you by a combination of this terrible crisis and government’s refusal to help. That isn’t about ‘picking winners’. That’s basic fairness.”
She will criticise the government’s “one-size-fits-all” approach to the job retention scheme, and say that “workers in struggling sectors cannot and should not be treated the same way as workers in sectors that are already back to full capacity”.
“This is not about ‘picking winners’, in the Chancellor’s words,” Dodds will say. “It is about protecting those who have lost – through no fault of their own. It is about giving people across the country a fair chance. The reward for months of sacrifice cannot be a redundancy notice.
“This week we saw a wave of companies announcing enormous job losses – because the government is refusing to shift from its one-size-fits-all approach. To avoid the same flood of redundancy notices for workers within smaller companies later on this month, government must act now – and abandon its one-size-fits-all approach.”
Labour initially demanded measures to protect jobs in a ‘back to work’ Budget last month, warning that the UK could see “mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades” when the furlough scheme is withdrawn.
Earlier in the week, Dodds reinforced this with a call for the government to take “much more urgent action” to protect jobs during the pandemic and highlighted that other countries were doing more.
The party has also said that the furlough scheme should be extended into next year, with Transport Secretary Jim McMahon describing it as “far more sensible that those jobs are protected”.
He told BBC News on Wednesday: “It would be ridiculous to spend billions of pounds on a furlough scheme – that’s meant to be a job retention scheme – for staff who the government know will be made redundant very shortly.”
The furlough scheme has protected more than eight million jobs across the country throughout the health crisis. Economists have warned that the level of unemployment will rise sharply as the government scheme is removed.