labourlist--2020-12-09--Your guidance puts us in firing line, 175 local chairs and secretaries tell Evans

175 chairs and secretaries from 124 Constituency Labour Parties have told the party ’ s general secretary David Evans today that his guidance limiting the discussion of certain controversial motions puts them “ in the firing line ” .
In a letter to Evans , locally elected officials from across the country have complained that the restrictions on items of party business and accompanying threats of suspension are “ undermining our efforts to build up our local parties ” .
They write : “ We feel that your recent guidance only puts us further into the firing line , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of chairs and secretaries , many of whom are standing down from their posts because of the stress.
” The chairs and secretaries have said they are being asked to “ break our own standing orders ” and “ the rules of the party ” when told to override votes by their local parties in favour of allowing discussions that go against guidance .
They have called on the general secretary to withdraw the guidance sent to local parties and to halt any disciplinary action currently being taken against local party officers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour ’ s general secretary told local party secretaries , chairs , MPs , MSPs and MSPs in November that motions on the suspension of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including expressions of solidarity – would be “ ruled out of order ” .
He said such items for debate were “ providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party ’ s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members , in particular our Jewish members ” .
In an email to local officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been implementing his guidance by not allowing the motions to be heard .
He reiterated that limits must be in place to ensure meetings are safe for Jewish members .
Banned motions include any criticising the Equality and Human Rights Commission report that found Labour responsible for unlawful acts , expressions of solidarity with Jeremy Corbyn , and motions of no confidence in Evans or Keir Starmer .
A motion urging its local party ’ s conference delegation to vote against the confirmation of Evans as general secretary was also ruled out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on the Hull North Labour agenda sent via the Organise tool .
Bath Labour has had its annual general meeting postponed until further notice .
An investigation is underway , but members were told by the local executive : “ We have been told it is not a disciplinary process but do not know what it is about.
” The Jewish Labour Movement , a party-affiliated organisation , has expressed concern over certain motions being heard and in November offered its members “ practical guidance in line with our duty of care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Momentum and Labour left figures have criticised the ruling on motions .
Richard Burgon has described it as a “ clampdown on legitimate discussion ” , saying : “ It ’ s a basic democratic right that members can decide what they discuss.
” A number of suspensions have taken place , including in Bristol West , Tottenham , Chipping Barnet , Hampstead and Kilburn , Chingford and Woodford Green , Birkenhead .
Corbyn himself has called for such action to be dropped .
Below is the full text of the letter sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you , as Constituency Labour Party secretaries and chairs , to raise our concerns about recent emails you have sent us , that instruct secretaries and chairs to prohibit discussion on certain topics .
Our party membership and its collective discussion in local branch and CLP meetings are vital to building an effective local political party .
Unfortunately , the recent emails from you , placing restrictions on items of party business that can be discussed in meetings , accompanied by threats and suspensions , are undermining our efforts to build up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues of party business that concern our members helps us develop and motivate our local party .
Treating our members ’ rights with respect is also important for morale and increases the capacity of local parties to turn outwards and campaign in elections .
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that was long fought for and has been traditionally upheld by the Labour Party , including in our party meetings .
The right to freedom of expression is not only about the right to speak but it is also about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different views to be heard .
Party members should have the right to express their views , including on whether the whip should or should not be restored to Jeremy Corbyn .
The policing of discussion , on a decision which has received a lot of media attention , is also demanding a great deal from volunteers who take up the role of administrators to facilitate and encourage dynamic campaigning local parties .
Our local members and party officers are all volunteers , many of whom work very hard for the party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts us further into the firing line , and is affecting the mental and physical health of chairs and secretaries , many of whom are standing down from their posts because of the stress .
This is expertise the Party can ill afford to lose with important elections coming up in May 2021 .
Suspensions of officers who allow discussion on the removal of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn to take place also raises serious issues – chairs have in some instances had their membership of the party suspended for allowing discussion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All Member Meeting has voted for them to do so .
As CLP Officers , we are elected by General Committees or All Member Meetings , not appointed by the General Secretary and therefore we are being called upon , under threat of membership suspension , to break our own standing orders , and the rules of the party .
It is vital for us that the national party acts in a responsible way to help us maintain members ’ enthusiasm to campaign for Labour .
The attempts to stifle legitimate discussion are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity , notwithstanding the suppression of members ’ rights to speak and be heard .
We urge you to withdraw the ‘ guidance ’ you have sent to our CLPs and halt any disciplinary action currently being taken against Party Officers for facilitating democratic discussion of party business .
We look forward to your response .
CLP Chair , Aberconwy CLP Secretary , Aberconwy CLP Chair , Battersea CLP Co-Secretary , Battersea CLP Co-Secretary , Battersea CLP Chair , Berwick-upon-Tweed CLP Secretary , Berwick-upon-Tweed CLP Secretary , Beverley and Holderness CLP Secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chair , Bishop Auckland CLP Secretary , Bishop Auckland CLP Chair , Blyth Valley CLP Chair , Bolton West CLP Chair , Brecon & Radnorshire CLP Secretary , Brecon & Radnorshire CLP Chair , Brent Central CLP Secretary , Brent Central CLP Chair , Brentwood and Ongar CLP Chair , Brighton Pavilion CLP Secretary , Brighton Pavilion CLP Chair , Bristol North West CLP Secretary , Bristol North West CLP Chair , Bristol West CLP Co-Secretary , Bristol West CLP Co-Secretary , Bristol West CLP Secretary , Caithness , Sutherland and Ross CLP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Camborne , Redruth and Hayle CLP Secretary , Carlisle CLP Chair , Carmarthenshire East and Dinefwr CLP Secretary , Carmarthenshire East and Dinefwr CLP Chair , Carshalton and Wallington CLP Secretary , Carshalton and Wallington CLP Chair , Ceredigion CLP Secretary , Ceredigion CLP Secretary , Chelmsford CLP Chair , Chipping Barnet CLP Secretary , Chipping Barnet CLP Secretary , City of Durham CLP CLP Secretary , Cleethorpes CLP Chair , Clwyd South CLP Secretary , Clwyd South CLP Secretary , Cynon Valley CLP Secretary , Dover CLP Chair , Dulwich and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Norwood CLP Secretary , Dwyfor Meirionnydd CLP Secretary , Ealing North CLP Secretary , Ealing Southall CLP Chair , Elmet and Rothwell CLP Chair , Filton & Bradley Stoke CLP Secretary , Filton & Bradley Stoke CLP Chair , Forest of Dean CLP Secretary , Forest of Dean CLP Secretary , Glasgow Kelvin CLP Chair , Hackney North and Stoke Newington CLP Secretary , Hackney North and Stoke Newington CLP Chair , Hackney South & Shoreditch CLP Secretary , Hackney South & Shoreditch CLP Secretary , Halifax CLP Secretary , Hampstead & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Harrow East CLP Secretary , Harrow East CLP Chair , Hastings and Rye CLP Secretary , Hemsworth CLP Chair , Hendon CLP Secretary , Hendon CLP Chair , Heywood & Middleton CLP Secretary , Heywood & Middleton CLP Chair , Hornsey & Wood Green CLP Secretary , Hornsey & Wood Green CLP Secretary , Horsham CLP Secretary , Inverness Teuchter CLP Chair , Islington North CLP Secretary , Islington North CLP Chair , Kenilworth and Southam CLP Chair , Kingston upon Hull North CLP Secretary , Kingston upon Hull North CLP Chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International CLP Chair , Leeds North East CLP Secretary , Leeds North East CLP Chair , Leicester West CLP Chair , Leyton & Wanstead CLP Secretary , Leyton & Wanstead CLP Chair , Liverpool Riverside CLP Secretary , Liverpool Walton CLP Secretary , Loughborough CLP Chair , Luton North CLP Secretary , Luton North CLP Secretary , Luton South CLP Secretary , Maidenhead CLP Chair , Maidstone & The Weald CLP Secretary , Maidstone & The Weald CLP Secretary , Mansfield CLP Chair , Mid Bedfordshire CLP Secretary , Mid Bedfordshire CLP Chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sussex CLP Secretary , Mid Worcestershire CLP Chair , Montgomeryshire CLP Secretary , Montgomeryshire CLP Chair , Morley & Outwood CLP Secretary , Morley & Outwood CLP Secretary , Newbury CLP Secretary , Newcastle North CLP Chair , North Devon CLP Secretary , North East Bedfordshire CLP Secretary , North East Fife CLP Chair , North West Cambridgeshire CLP Secretary , North West Cambridgeshire CLP Secretary , Northampton South CLP Chair , Nottingham East CLP Chair , Orkney Islands CLP Secretary , Orkney Islands CLP Chair , Oxford East CLP Chair , Pendle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penrith and the Border CLP Chair , Pudsey CLP Chair , Reading District CLP Secretary , Reading District CLP Chair , Rotherham CLP Secretary , Rotherham CLP Chair , Rushcliffe CLP Chair , Scarborough & Whitby CLP Secretary , Scarborough & Whitby CLP Chair , Sedgefield CLP Chair , Sefton Central CLP Secretary , Sheffield Central CLP Secretary , Sheffield Hallam CLP Chair , Shipley CLP Secretary , Shipley CLP Chair , Somerton and Frome CLP Secretary , South East Cambridgeshire CLP Secretary , South East Cornwall CLP Chair , South Staffordshire CLP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Thanet CLP Secretary , South West Bedforshire CLP Chair , South West Wiltshire CLP Secretary , South West Wiltshire CLP Secretary , Southampton Itchen CLP Chair , St Austell & Newquay CLP Secretary , St Austell & Newquay CLP Secretary , Stevenage CLP Secretary , Stockton South CLP Secretary , Suffolk Coastal CLP Secretary , Sutton and Cheam CLP Chair , Swansea West CLP Secretary , Thornbury & Yate CLP Secretary , Tonbridge & Malling CLP Secretary , Tooting CLP Secretary , Tottenham CLP Chair , Truro and Falmouth CLP Secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CLP Secretary , Wansbeck CLP Chair , Warley CLP Secretary , Warley CLP Secretary , Washington and Sunderland West CLP Secretary , West Suffolk CLP Secretary , Weston-super-Mare CLP Chair , Wimbledon CLP Secretary , Wimbledon CLP Chair , Windsor CLP Secretary , Windsor CLP Secretary , Wirral West CLP Secretary , Woking CLP Chair , Wolverhampton South West CLP Secretary , Wolverhampton South West CLP Chair , Worcester CLP Secretary , Worcester

175 chairs and secretaries from 124 Constituency Labour Parties have told the party’s general secretary David Evans today that his guidance limiting the discussion of certain controversial motions puts them “in the firing line”.
In a letter to Evans, locally elected officials from across the country have complained that the restrictions on items of party business and accompanying threats of suspension are “undermining our efforts to build up our local parties”.
They write: “We feel that your recent guidance only puts us further into the firing line, and is affecting the mental and physical health of chairs and secretaries, many of whom are standing down from their posts because of the stress.”
The chairs and secretaries have said they are being asked to “break our own standing orders” and “the rules of the party” when told to override votes by their local parties in favour of allowing discussions that go against guidance.
They have called on the general secretary to withdraw the guidance sent to local parties and to halt any disciplinary action currently being taken against local party officers for facilitating discussion of prohibited party business.
Labour’s general secretary told local party secretaries, chairs, MPs, MSPs and MSPs in November that motions on the suspension of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including expressions of solidarity – would be “ruled out of order”.
He said such items for debate were “providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members, in particular our Jewish members”.
In an email to local officials yesterday, Evans thanked officers who have been implementing his guidance by not allowing the motions to be heard. He reiterated that limits must be in place to ensure meetings are safe for Jewish members.
Banned motions include any criticising the Equality and Human Rights Commission report that found Labour responsible for unlawful acts, expressions of solidarity with Jeremy Corbyn, and motions of no confidence in Evans or Keir Starmer.
A motion urging its local party’s conference delegation to vote against the confirmation of Evans as general secretary was also ruled out of order, LabourList understands. It had been on the Hull North Labour agenda sent via the Organise tool.
Bath Labour has had its annual general meeting postponed until further notice. An investigation is underway, but members were told by the local executive: “We have been told it is not a disciplinary process but do not know what it is about.”
The Jewish Labour Movement, a party-affiliated organisation, has expressed concern over certain motions being heard and in November offered its members “practical guidance in line with our duty of care” in response to such discussions.
Momentum and Labour left figures have criticised the ruling on motions. Richard Burgon has described it as a “clampdown on legitimate discussion”, saying: “It’s a basic democratic right that members can decide what they discuss.”
A number of suspensions have taken place, including in Bristol West, Tottenham, Chipping Barnet, Hampstead and Kilburn, Chingford and Woodford Green, Birkenhead. Corbyn himself has called for such action to be dropped.
Below is the full text of the letter sent to David Evans.
Dear David Evans,
We are writing to you, as Constituency Labour Party secretaries and chairs, to raise our concerns about recent emails you have sent us, that instruct secretaries and chairs to prohibit discussion on certain topics.
Our party membership and its collective discussion in local branch and CLP meetings are vital to building an effective local political party. Unfortunately, the recent emails from you, placing restrictions on items of party business that can be discussed in meetings, accompanied by threats and suspensions, are undermining our efforts to build up our local parties. Democratically discussing the issues of party business that concern our members helps us develop and motivate our local party.
Treating our members’ rights with respect is also important for morale and increases the capacity of local parties to turn outwards and campaign in elections. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that was long fought for and has been traditionally upheld by the Labour Party, including in our party meetings. The right to freedom of expression is not only about the right to speak but it is also about the right to listen to others and for different views to be heard. Party members should have the right to express their views, including on whether the whip should or should not be restored to Jeremy Corbyn.
The policing of discussion, on a decision which has received a lot of media attention, is also demanding a great deal from volunteers who take up the role of administrators to facilitate and encourage dynamic campaigning local parties. Our local members and party officers are all volunteers, many of whom work very hard for the party. We feel that your recent guidance only puts us further into the firing line, and is affecting the mental and physical health of chairs and secretaries, many of whom are standing down from their posts because of the stress. This is expertise the Party can ill afford to lose with important elections coming up in May 2021.
Suspensions of officers who allow discussion on the removal of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn to take place also raises serious issues – chairs have in some instances had their membership of the party suspended for allowing discussion to take place when the General Committee or All Member Meeting has voted for them to do so. As CLP Officers, we are elected by General Committees or All Member Meetings, not appointed by the General Secretary and therefore we are being called upon, under threat of membership suspension, to break our own standing orders, and the rules of the party.
It is vital for us that the national party acts in a responsible way to help us maintain members’ enthusiasm to campaign for Labour. The attempts to stifle legitimate discussion are harming our local parties and their campaigning capacity, notwithstanding the suppression of members’ rights to speak and be heard.
We urge you to withdraw the ‘guidance’ you have sent to our CLPs and halt any disciplinary action currently being taken against Party Officers for facilitating democratic discussion of party business.
We look forward to your response.
CLP Chair, Aberconwy
CLP Secretary, Aberconwy
CLP Chair, Battersea
CLP Co-Secretary, Battersea
CLP Co-Secretary, Battersea
CLP Chair, Berwick-upon-Tweed
CLP Secretary, Berwick-upon-Tweed
CLP Secretary, Beverley and Holderness
CLP Secretary, Birkenhead
CLP Chair, Birmingham Ladywood
CLP Chair, Bishop Auckland
CLP Secretary, Bishop Auckland
CLP Chair, Blyth Valley
CLP Chair, Bolton West
CLP Chair, Brecon & Radnorshire
CLP Secretary, Brecon & Radnorshire
CLP Chair, Brent Central
CLP Secretary, Brent Central
CLP Chair, Brentwood and Ongar
CLP Chair, Brighton Pavilion
CLP Secretary, Brighton Pavilion
CLP Chair, Bristol North West
CLP Secretary, Bristol North West
CLP Chair, Bristol West
CLP Co-Secretary, Bristol West
CLP Co-Secretary, Bristol West
CLP Secretary, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross
CLP Secretary, Camberwell and Peckham
CLP Secretary, Camborne, Redruth and Hayle
CLP Secretary, Carlisle
CLP Chair, Carmarthenshire East and Dinefwr
CLP Secretary, Carmarthenshire East and Dinefwr
CLP Chair, Carshalton and Wallington
CLP Secretary, Carshalton and Wallington
CLP Chair, Ceredigion
CLP Secretary, Ceredigion
CLP Secretary, Chelmsford
CLP Chair, Chipping Barnet
CLP Secretary, Chipping Barnet
CLP Secretary, City of Durham CLP
CLP Secretary, Cleethorpes
CLP Chair, Clwyd South
CLP Secretary, Clwyd South
CLP Secretary, Cynon Valley
CLP Secretary, Dover
CLP Chair, Dulwich and West Norwood
CLP Secretary, Dulwich and West Norwood
CLP Secretary, Dwyfor Meirionnydd
CLP Secretary, Ealing North
CLP Secretary, Ealing Southall
CLP Chair, Elmet and Rothwell
CLP Chair, Filton & Bradley Stoke
CLP Secretary, Filton & Bradley Stoke
CLP Chair, Forest of Dean
CLP Secretary, Forest of Dean
CLP Secretary, Glasgow Kelvin
CLP Chair, Hackney North and Stoke Newington
CLP Secretary, Hackney North and Stoke Newington
CLP Chair, Hackney South & Shoreditch
CLP Secretary, Hackney South & Shoreditch
CLP Secretary, Halifax
CLP Secretary, Hampstead & Kilburn
CLP Chair, Harborough
CLP Chair, Harrow East
CLP Secretary, Harrow East
CLP Chair, Hastings and Rye
CLP Secretary, Hemsworth
CLP Chair, Hendon
CLP Secretary, Hendon
CLP Chair, Heywood & Middleton
CLP Secretary, Heywood & Middleton
CLP Chair, Hornsey & Wood Green
CLP Secretary, Hornsey & Wood Green
CLP Secretary, Horsham
CLP Chair, Islington North
CLP Secretary, Islington North
CLP Chair, Kenilworth and Southam
CLP Chair, Kingston upon Hull North
CLP Secretary, Kingston upon Hull North
CLP Chair, Labour International
CLP Secretary, Labour International
CLP Chair, Leeds North East
CLP Secretary, Leeds North East
CLP Chair, Leicester West
CLP Chair, Leyton & Wanstead
CLP Secretary, Leyton & Wanstead
CLP Chair, Liverpool Riverside
CLP Secretary, Liverpool Walton
CLP Secretary, Loughborough
CLP Chair, Luton North
CLP Secretary, Luton North
CLP Secretary, Luton South
CLP Secretary, Maidenhead
CLP Chair, Maidstone & The Weald
CLP Secretary, Maidstone & The Weald
CLP Secretary, Mansfield
CLP Chair, Mid Bedfordshire
CLP Secretary, Mid Bedfordshire
CLP Chair, Mid Sussex
CLP Secretary, Mid Sussex
CLP Secretary, Mid Worcestershire
CLP Chair, Montgomeryshire
CLP Secretary, Montgomeryshire
CLP Chair, Morley & Outwood
CLP Secretary, Morley & Outwood
CLP Secretary, Newbury
CLP Secretary, Newcastle North
CLP Chair, North Devon
CLP Secretary, North East Bedfordshire
CLP Secretary, North East Fife
CLP Chair, North West Cambridgeshire
CLP Secretary, North West Cambridgeshire
CLP Secretary, Northampton South
CLP Chair, Nottingham East
CLP Chair, Orkney Islands
CLP Secretary, Orkney Islands
CLP Chair, Oxford East
CLP Chair, Pendle
CLP Secretary, Pendle
CLP Secretary, Penrith and the Border
CLP Chair, Pudsey
CLP Chair, Reading District
CLP Secretary, Reading District
CLP Chair, Rotherham
CLP Secretary, Rotherham
CLP Chair, Rushcliffe
CLP Chair, Scarborough & Whitby
CLP Secretary, Scarborough & Whitby
CLP Chair, Sedgefield
CLP Chair, Sefton Central
CLP Secretary, Sheffield Central
CLP Secretary, Sheffield Hallam
CLP Chair, Shipley
CLP Secretary, Shipley
CLP Chair, Somerton and Frome
CLP Secretary, South East Cambridgeshire
CLP Secretary, South East Cornwall
CLP Chair, South Staffordshire
CLP Secretary, South Suffolk
CLP Chair, South Thanet
CLP Secretary, South West Bedforshire
CLP Chair, South West Wiltshire
CLP Secretary, South West Wiltshire
CLP Secretary, Southampton Itchen
CLP Chair, St Austell & Newquay
CLP Secretary, St Austell & Newquay
CLP Secretary, Stevenage
CLP Secretary, Stockton South
CLP Secretary, Suffolk Coastal
CLP Secretary, Sutton and Cheam
CLP Chair, Swansea West
CLP Secretary, Thornbury & Yate
CLP Secretary, Tonbridge & Malling
CLP Secretary, Tooting
CLP Secretary, Tottenham
CLP Chair, Truro and Falmouth
CLP Secretary, Truro and Falmouth
CLP Secretary, Wallasey
CLP Secretary, Wansbeck
CLP Chair, Warley
CLP Secretary, Warley
CLP Secretary, Washington and Sunderland West
CLP Secretary, West Suffolk
CLP Secretary, Weston-super-Mare
CLP Chair, Wimbledon
CLP Secretary, Wimbledon
CLP Chair, Windsor
CLP Secretary, Windsor
CLP Secretary, Wirral West
CLP Secretary, Woking
CLP Chair, Wolverhampton South West
CLP Secretary, Wolverhampton South West
CLP Chair, Worcester
CLP Secretary, Worcester


labourlist--2020-12-09--Keir Starmer stays out of Liverpool disputes in wake of Joe Anderson arrest

Labour leader Keir Starmer has made efforts to stay out of the disputes around potential changes in Liverpool and a possible intervention by government in the wake of mayor Joe Anderson being arrested last week .
Joe Anderson , the directly-elected city mayor of Liverpool , was arrested on Friday along with four other men on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation , as first revealed by the Liverpool Echo .
Merseyside Police said the arrests were made as part of an “ ongoing investigation ” in connection with building and development contracts in the city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday evening .
Asked today whether Starmer and general secretary David Evans had ruled out putting Liverpool Labour in a form of special measures , the Labour leader ’ s spokesperson replied that they were not aware of the idea being under consideration .
“ I ’ m not aware of those discussions having taken place , ” the aide said .
“ It ’ s worth just stressing the accuracy of reporting that Joe Anderson ’ s arrest is related to him as an individual , not to do with Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party would support any move by the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government to send commissioners in to run Liverpool City Council , Starmer ’ s spokesperson replied : “ This is a decision for government.
” When LabourList asked the MHCLG earlier this week for comment on a potential intervention , a spokesperson said : “ We are in close contact with Liverpool City Council and are considering the appropriate actions to ensure the effective delivery of public services for the people of Liverpool.
” It has since been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Council requesting information and that the city council ’ s chief executive Tony Reeves met with Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick on Monday .
Pressed further on the intervention idea and whether Labour would back it , Starmer ’ s spokesperson said : “ It would be for the government to set out that rationale .
We can ’ t preempt that until the government has put that approach to us.
” Asked whether Starmer favours scrapping the city mayoral model in Liverpool in light of the developments , as some locals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Keir doesn ’ t believe there should be any changes to the mayoral model.
” LabourList sources say those close to the Labour leadership in the national party do not favour rescinding the model and switching back to the traditional leader/cabinet model , as this could lead to regular leadership challenges .
If the Labour group does not opt for scrapping the directly-elected mayor post , and it is now expected that they will not do so , Labour ’ s national executive committee could play a close role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rumoured that Anderson could announce his resignation at the political council cabinet meeting that took place on Monday evening , which would see deputy Wendy Simon up to the role , but the mayor ultimately did not attend the meeting .
Although Anderson easily won a ‘ trigger ballot ’ reselection process last year , if the mayoral election goes ahead in May 2021 and the mayor is not reinstated in time by the party , he will not be able to stand as the Labour candidate .
Potential alternative candidates include Ann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been described by one source as the “ bookies ’ choice ” .
She resigned from the cabinet in 2018 , saying “ the mayor isn ’ t listening ” .
Other names have been floated such as council cabinet member Paul Brant of Fazakerley ward , Nick Small , who was sacked by Anderson in 2018 , and Barry Kushner , cabinet member for housing and regeneration projects .

Labour leader Keir Starmer has made efforts to stay out of the disputes around potential changes in Liverpool and a possible intervention by government in the wake of mayor Joe Anderson being arrested last week.
Joe Anderson, the directly-elected city mayor of Liverpool, was arrested on Friday along with four other men on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation, as first revealed by the Liverpool Echo.
Merseyside Police said the arrests were made as part of an “ongoing investigation” in connection with building and development contracts in the city. Anderson was suspended by the Labour Party on Friday evening.
Asked today whether Starmer and general secretary David Evans had ruled out putting Liverpool Labour in a form of special measures, the Labour leader’s spokesperson replied that they were not aware of the idea being under consideration.
“I’m not aware of those discussions having taken place,” the aide said. “It’s worth just stressing the accuracy of reporting that Joe Anderson’s arrest is related to him as an individual, not to do with Liverpool Labour.”
On whether the UK Labour Party would support any move by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to send commissioners in to run Liverpool City Council, Starmer’s spokesperson replied: “This is a decision for government.”
When LabourList asked the MHCLG earlier this week for comment on a potential intervention, a spokesperson said: “We are in close contact with Liverpool City Council and are considering the appropriate actions to ensure the effective delivery of public services for the people of Liverpool.”
It has since been confirmed that the government has written to Liverpool City Council requesting information and that the city council’s chief executive Tony Reeves met with Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick on Monday.
Pressed further on the intervention idea and whether Labour would back it, Starmer’s spokesperson said: “It would be for the government to set out that rationale. We can’t preempt that until the government has put that approach to us.”
Asked whether Starmer favours scrapping the city mayoral model in Liverpool in light of the developments, as some locals privately discussed last week, the spokesperson said: “Keir doesn’t believe there should be any changes to the mayoral model.”
LabourList sources say those close to the Labour leadership in the national party do not favour rescinding the model and switching back to the traditional leader/cabinet model, as this could lead to regular leadership challenges.
If the Labour group does not opt for scrapping the directly-elected mayor post, and it is now expected that they will not do so, Labour’s national executive committee could play a close role in any fresh selection process.
It was rumoured that Anderson could announce his resignation at the political council cabinet meeting that took place on Monday evening, which would see deputy Wendy Simon up to the role, but the mayor ultimately did not attend the meeting.
Although Anderson easily won a ‘trigger ballot’ reselection process last year, if the mayoral election goes ahead in May 2021 and the mayor is not reinstated in time by the party, he will not be able to stand as the Labour candidate.
Potential alternative candidates include Ann O’Byrne who represents Warbreck ward and has been described by one source as the “bookies’ choice”. She resigned from the cabinet in 2018, saying “the mayor isn’t listening”.
Other names have been floated such as council cabinet member Paul Brant of Fazakerley ward, Nick Small, who was sacked by Anderson in 2018, and Barry Kushner, cabinet member for housing and regeneration projects.


labourlist--2020-12-09--Majority of public support keeping Universal Credit uplift, poll shows

New polling has shown that a majority of the British public support the policy of keeping the Universal Credit uplift introduced amid the Covid crisis and would like to see claimants continue receiving an extra £20 a week .
The Universal Credit boost was announced by Rishi Sunak in March as part of a range of coronavirus measures .
Although the pandemic is far from over and the vaccine roll-out will take place over many months , the uplift is due to end in April .
According to a new poll conducted by Survation for Unite the Union , 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased standard allowance in Universal Credit should be extended beyond April 2021 , while 28 % disagree .
The research suggests that 40 % of those who voted Conservative in the general election last year back the policy of keeping the uplift and 70 % of 2019 Labour supporters are in favour of the increase remaining in place .
Majority support for the policy proposal is found across all income groups : 58 % of those with a household income of up to £19,999 are in favour ; 54 % for those between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those earning £40,000 or over .
Commenting on the poll , Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said : “ The basic level of out-of-work support prior to the March boost was – at just £73-a-week ( £3,800 a year ) – less than half the absolute poverty line .
“ People are being asked to get by on a tenner a day… The £20 uplift may seem like pennies to the government , but it is literally the difference between turning the heating on or buying a warm coat for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this cash will be cruel in the extreme – and will certainly offend the voting public .
The IMF and World Bank both warn this is not the time for governments to attack the incomes of the poorest and that to do so would be to imperil recovery.
” “ We are urging the Chancellor to make Christmas for the poorest families by saying that the £20 uplift will stay beyond next April .
Just do the decent thing and give them this small income security.
” Unite the Union is holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turner has written a comment piece for LabourList and Unite Community will host a live event this evening at 6pm-7.15pm with Labour ’ s Jonathan Reynolds .
A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation released today found that destitution rose by 54 % between 2017 and 2019 and that 2.4 million people were experiencing “ extreme hardship ” before coronavirus hit the country .
The JRF noted that half of all destitute households were receiving UC or had applied for it .
Some participants told the study that the uplift was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford food , electricity and other essentials ” .
The paper also specifies that many of the interviewees “ made a direct link between the repayment of UC advances and their need to use food banks ” .
Labour has called for an end to the much-criticised five-week wait .
Labour demanded five urgent changes to the social security system in April , from converting Universal Credit advances into grants instead of loans to removing the savings limit and suspending the benefits cap .
Campaigners have also called on the government to uprate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those on disability and sickness benefits , who have not benefited from the Universal Credit increase during Covid .
The Department for Work and Pensions has repeatedly claimed throughout the pandemic that changing legacy benefits in the same way as Universal Credit was altered would be “ more complex ” due to “ old ” IT systems .

New polling has shown that a majority of the British public support the policy of keeping the Universal Credit uplift introduced amid the Covid crisis and would like to see claimants continue receiving an extra £20 a week.
The Universal Credit boost was announced by Rishi Sunak in March as part of a range of coronavirus measures. Although the pandemic is far from over and the vaccine roll-out will take place over many months, the uplift is due to end in April.
According to a new poll conducted by Survation for Unite the Union, 54% of UK adults believe that the increased standard allowance in Universal Credit should be extended beyond April 2021, while 28% disagree.
The research suggests that 40% of those who voted Conservative in the general election last year back the policy of keeping the uplift and 70% of 2019 Labour supporters are in favour of the increase remaining in place.
Majority support for the policy proposal is found across all income groups: 58% of those with a household income of up to £19,999 are in favour; 54% for those between £20,000 to £39,999; and 51% for those earning £40,000 or over.
Commenting on the poll, Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “The basic level of out-of-work support prior to the March boost was – at just £73-a-week (£3,800 a year) – less than half the absolute poverty line.
“People are being asked to get by on a tenner a day… The £20 uplift may seem like pennies to the government, but it is literally the difference between turning the heating on or buying a warm coat for the kids for millions.
“Snatching back this cash will be cruel in the extreme – and will certainly offend the voting public. The IMF and World Bank both warn this is not the time for governments to attack the incomes of the poorest and that to do so would be to imperil recovery.”
“We are urging the Chancellor to make Christmas for the poorest families by saying that the £20 uplift will stay beyond next April. Just do the decent thing and give them this small income security.”
Unite the Union is holding a day of action on Universal Credit. Turner has written a comment piece for LabourList and Unite Community will host a live event this evening at 6pm-7.15pm with Labour’s Jonathan Reynolds.
A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation released today found that destitution rose by 54% between 2017 and 2019 and that 2.4 million people were experiencing “extreme hardship” before coronavirus hit the country.
The JRF noted that half of all destitute households were receiving UC or had applied for it. Some participants told the study that the uplift was a “considerable help, enabling them to afford food, electricity and other essentials”.
The paper also specifies that many of the interviewees “made a direct link between the repayment of UC advances and their need to use food banks”. Labour has called for an end to the much-criticised five-week wait.
Labour demanded five urgent changes to the social security system in April, from converting Universal Credit advances into grants instead of loans to removing the savings limit and suspending the benefits cap.
Campaigners have also called on the government to uprate legacy benefits and provide additional support to those on disability and sickness benefits, who have not benefited from the Universal Credit increase during Covid.
The Department for Work and Pensions has repeatedly claimed throughout the pandemic that changing legacy benefits in the same way as Universal Credit was altered would be “more complex” due to “old” IT systems.


labourlist--2020-12-10--Joe Anderson steps aside as Liverpool mayor after arrest

Joe Anderson has announced that he is stepping aside as Liverpool mayor , amid pressure from Labour colleagues following his arrest last week on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation .
The directly-elected mayor , who first took office in 2012 after serving as council leader for two years , was administratively suspended from the Labour Party on Friday evening pending the outcome of the case .
It was confirmed today that Kensington and Fairfield councillor Wendy Simon , the current deputy mayor of Liverpool , will step up to assume the role of interim mayor while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Announcing the decision , Anderson released the following statement : “ I have always done what I believe is best for the city , and I am taking the following action with those best intentions in mind .
“ It is important that everyone in Liverpool knows that our leaders are focussed on what is most important to the people ; their livelihoods and , with a pandemic still in force , their lives .
“ For this reason , I believe it is important that the city , and government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating in the correct way .
“ I am , therefore , stepping away from decision-making within the council through a period of unpaid leave , until the police make clear their intentions with the investigation on the 31st December .
“ I will make a further statement at that point .
Wendy Simon will be acting as mayor and I have all faith that she will provide the leadership our city requires at this time .
“ The arrest on Friday has also been a painful shock for me and my family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I need to focus on their future and returning to a normal they can recognise , with the reassurance that I am no longer under suspicion .
“ Therefore I am going to focus on co-operating with the police in their ongoing inquiry , as I believe time will make it clear that I have no case to answer .
“ This situation has not dampened my passion for our city and the inspiring people who live and work here , most particularly the dedicated public servants who work within the council and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their incredible work , as we would expect , against the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in .
“ But I am not prepared to contribute my own circumstances to those challenges , so I have reached this decision for that reason alone .
“ I am very grateful for the many messages of support I have received and I have faith that , as always , the future of our city is bright and its best days are ahead.
” Anderson had been set to stand for re-election as the Labour candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is not returned as a member soon and the election goes ahead , a number of local Labour figures may put themselves forward for selection .
Potential mayoral candidates include Ann O ’ Byrne , who represents Warbreck ward and has been described by one source as the “ bookies ’ choice ” .
She resigned from the cabinet in 2018 , saying “ the mayor isn ’ t listening ” .
Other names have been floated such as council cabinet member Paul Brant of Fazakerley ward , Nick Small , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Barry Kushner , cabinet member for housing and regeneration projects .
Anderson remains on police bail as the police investigation continues .

Joe Anderson has announced that he is stepping aside as Liverpool mayor, amid pressure from Labour colleagues following his arrest last week on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
The directly-elected mayor, who first took office in 2012 after serving as council leader for two years, was administratively suspended from the Labour Party on Friday evening pending the outcome of the case.
It was confirmed today that Kensington and Fairfield councillor Wendy Simon, the current deputy mayor of Liverpool, will step up to assume the role of acting mayor while Anderson takes a period of unpaid leave.
Announcing the decision, Anderson released the following statement:
“I have always done what I believe is best for the city, and I am taking the following action with those best intentions in mind. “It is important that everyone in Liverpool knows that our leaders are focussed on what is most important to the people; their livelihoods and, with a pandemic still in force, their lives. “For this reason, I believe it is important that the city, and government, are reassured that our city is indeed operating in the correct way. “I am, therefore, stepping away from decision-making within the council through a period of unpaid leave, until the police make clear their intentions with the investigation on the 31st December. “I will make a further statement at that point. Wendy Simon will be acting as mayor and I have all faith that she will provide the leadership our city requires at this time. “The arrest on Friday has also been a painful shock for me and my family, following a difficult few months. I need to focus on their future and returning to a normal they can recognise, with the reassurance that I am no longer under suspicion. “Therefore I am going to focus on co-operating with the police in their ongoing inquiry, as I believe time will make it clear that I have no case to answer. “This situation has not dampened my passion for our city and the inspiring people who live and work here, most particularly the dedicated public servants who work within the council and the cabinet. “They will continue their incredible work, as we would expect, against the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in. “But I am not prepared to contribute my own circumstances to those challenges, so I have reached this decision for that reason alone. “I am very grateful for the many messages of support I have received and I have faith that, as always, the future of our city is bright and its best days are ahead.”
Anderson had been set to stand for re-election as the Labour candidate on May 6th next year. If he is not returned as a member soon and the election goes ahead, a number of local Labour figures are set to put themselves forward for selection.
Potential mayoral candidates include Ann O’Byrne, who represents Warbreck ward and has been described by one source as the “bookies’ choice”. She resigned from the cabinet in 2018, saying “the mayor isn’t listening”.
Other names have been floated such as council cabinet member Paul Brant of Fazakerley ward, Nick Small, who was sacked by Anderson in 2018, and Barry Kushner, cabinet member for housing and regeneration projects.
It is expected that Labour’s selection process would see candidates self-nominate before being interviewed by a panel of regional board and national executive committee members who would draw up a shortlist.
Whether local party members will be able to have a say via nominations or a ballot, or the party will instead implement a rapid selection process with no such member input, remains to be seen.
Anderson remains on police bail while the investigation continues. The government has written to Liverpool City Council requesting information and the city council’s chief executive Tony Reeves met with Robert Jenrick on Monday.


labourlist--2020-12-10--Labour slams Tories over “smuggler’s charter” to avoid Brexit ports gridlock

Anneliese Dodds has described last-minute changes made by the Tories to customs rules , which the government itself has admitted will put the security of the UK border at risk , as “ tantamount to a smuggler ’ s charter ” .
Responding to new arrangements pushed through amid uncertainty on customs and trading after Brexit this afternoon , the Shadow Chancellor slammed the government for not having taken action earlier to avoid disruption at UK ports .
The party has highlighted that the government has admitted the rules , which give HMRC the power to waive pre-departure checks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would allow smugglers to use ports to carry out illegal activity .
Commenting on the arrangements today , Dodds said : “ Today the government traded away the security and safety of UK trade by pushing through new customs rules that are tantamount to a smuggler ’ s charter .
“ This comes on top of failures to deal with a range of business-critical issues that have repeatedly been raised with government , from rules of origin to systems still not being ready with just days to go till we leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s desperate , last-ditch attempt to avoid gridlock at our ports could have been avoided if it had acted responsibly and taken action earlier.
” The draft customs safety and security procedures were considered by committee today .
The explanatory note states : “ There may be risks associated with using these powers to implement any temporary waivers ; for example , to border security.
” Labour urged government ministers on Wednesday to “ get a grip on the situation ” at ports as the pandemic , combined with uncertainty around the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to stockpiling and disruption at Britain ’ s borders .
The comments from Dodds today follow confusion at the largest UK ports with Felixstowe , Southampton and the London Gateway , responsible between them for 70 % of container freight into the country , all reporting significant congestion .
The party highlighted that businesses have been “ sounding the alarm for weeks ” and stressed that the disruption means deliveries and food supplies risk failing to make it to shops , causing stock shortages during the Christmas trading period .
Labour ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This disruption couldn ’ t come at a worse time of year , with businesses reliant on keeping their shelves stocked to cash in on crucial Christmas trade after months of really difficult conditions .
“ Michael Gove must listen to industry and take urgent action to do what he can to ease the bottlenecks at British ports , or Gove will be the Grinch who stole Christmas .
And without a proper plan in place to reduce congestion , I worry this is the tip of the iceberg.
” Honda shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant in Europe , in Swindon , due to UK port delays .
The 370-acre factory operated by 3,000 employees ceased operating due to delays in receiving spare parts from east Asia .
Automative manufacturers such as Honda are particularly vulnerable to the disruption at the border because of their ‘ just-in-time ’ supply chains , which minimise costs by bringing parts to factories only when required .
Shipping prices have risen significantly in recent months because of the coronavirus pandemic , with British consumers facing a pre-Christmas surge in prices and companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the transition period .
The UK has left the EU and the transition period is due to end on January 1st , after which point all goods entering and leaving the country to and from the EU will be subject to new rules and processes not yet agreed .
Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK government and the EU are ongoing , with differences remaining over fishing , governance and the ‘ level playing field ’ .
If a deal is not secured before the end of the year , the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson promised at the last general election to deliver an ‘ oven-ready ’ Brexit deal , but no agreement has been reached .
The Prime Minister and the EU Commission President have now agreed Sunday as a new deadline .

Anneliese Dodds has described last-minute changes made by the Tories to customs rules, which the government itself has admitted will put the security of the UK border at risk, as “tantamount to a smuggler’s charter”.
Responding to new arrangements pushed through amid uncertainty on customs and trading after Brexit this afternoon, the Shadow Chancellor slammed the government for not having taken action earlier to avoid disruption at UK ports.
The government has admitted that the rules, which give HMRC the power to waive pre-departure checks for exports, could compromise security. Labour said they would allow smugglers to use ports to carry out illegal activity.
Commenting on the arrangements today, Dodds said: “Today the government traded away the security and safety of UK trade by pushing through new customs rules that are tantamount to a smuggler’s charter.
“This comes on top of failures to deal with a range of business-critical issues that have repeatedly been raised with government, from rules of origin to systems still not being ready with just days to go till we leave the transition period.
“The government’s desperate, last-ditch attempt to avoid gridlock at our ports could have been avoided if it had acted responsibly and taken action earlier.”
The draft customs safety and security procedures were considered by committee today. The explanatory note states: “There may be risks associated with using these powers to implement any temporary waivers; for example, to border security.”
Labour urged ministers on Wednesday to “get a grip on the situation” at ports as the pandemic, combined with uncertainty around the end of the Brexit transition period, has led to stockpiling and disruption at Britain’s borders.
The comments from Dodds today follow confusion at the largest UK ports, with Felixstowe, Southampton and the London Gateway – responsible between them for 70% of container freight into the country – reporting significant congestion.
Businesses have been “sounding the alarm for weeks”, Labour says, and the disruption means deliveries and food supplies risk failing to make it to shops, causing stock shortages during the Christmas trading period.
Labour’s Lucy Powell warned this week: “This disruption couldn’t come at a worse time of year, with businesses reliant on keeping their shelves stocked to cash in on crucial Christmas trade after months of really difficult conditions.
“Michael Gove must listen to industry and take urgent action to do what he can to ease the bottlenecks at British ports, or Gove will be the Grinch who stole Christmas. And without a proper plan in place to reduce congestion, I worry this is the tip of the iceberg.”
Honda shut down production on Wednesday at its biggest plant in Europe, in Swindon, due to UK port delays. The 370-acre factory operated by 3,000 employees ceased operating due to delays in receiving spare parts from east Asia.
Automative manufacturers such as Honda are particularly vulnerable to the disruption at the border because of their ‘just-in-time’ supply chains, which minimise costs by bringing parts to factories only when required.
Shipping prices have risen significantly in recent months because of the coronavirus pandemic, with British consumers facing a pre-Christmas surge in prices and companies bracing for further disruption at the end of the transition period.
The UK has left the EU and the transition period is due to end on January 1st, after which point all goods entering and leaving the country to and from the EU will be subject to new rules and processes not yet agreed.
Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK government and the EU are ongoing, with differences remaining over fishing, governance and the ‘level playing field’. If a deal is not secured before the end of the year, the UK will leave with no deal.
Boris Johnson promised at the last general election to deliver an ‘oven-ready’ Brexit deal, but no agreement has been reached. The Prime Minister and the EU Commission President have now agreed Sunday as a new deadline.


labourlist--2020-12-10--Lisa Nandy to set out Labour plans for Britain’s place in the world post-Brexit

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy will set out details of how Labour plans to forge Britain ’ s new role in the world after Brexit at an event on left internationalism hosted by Open Labour tonight , LabourList can reveal .
The soft left group has joined with the Labour Campaign for International Development to launch a new pamphlet today by Dr Harry Pitts and Professor Paul Thompson on the party ’ s changing approach to foreign policy .
It is hoped that the paper will “ grow into a holistic project ” creating a framework that “ Open Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party leadership can be lobbied “ to reflect upon ” , according to Labour frontbencher Alex Sobel .
The pamphlet ‘ A Progressive Foreign Policy for New Times ’ will be launched at an online event being held from 7pm tonight with Nandy and Sobel , as well as journalist Waad Al-Kateab , Professor Mary Kaldor and activist David Taylor .
Nandy is expected to tell the event : “ With the Brexit question settled , now is the moment to look to the future .
We have left the EU but our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national interest and our national security depend on it .
“ When Russian agents used chemical weapons on the streets of the UK , where did Theresa May turn for help ?
To our closest neighbours , who stood alongside us when we expelled 30 Russian diplomats .
“ Contrast that with this sorry excuse for a government , which has so far even refused to discuss how we work with neighbouring countries to defend our democracy and protect national security .
“ Ask yourselves this – if the Salisbury attack took place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for help ?
That is a question any responsible government would ask .
It is one this government simply can not answer .
“ That is why Labour will not wait for this government to begin to defend our national interests .
Since we took office , Keir and I have reached out to governments and sister parties in Europe and across the world to forge a better world together.
” Reiterating the words of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox , who worked on international development issues and ethical foreign policy , Nandy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once reminded us , we have more in common than that which divides us .
“ We will stand up to Russian attacks on democracy , we will seek both constructive engagement with the Chinese government to tackle shared issues like climate change and build the independence we need to speak up for human rights , democracy and the rule of law wherever they are threatened in the world .
“ And we will stand alongside our sister parties from the USA to Ireland , to reaffirm that the Good Friday agreement remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party.
” During the Labour leadership election , Nandy was strongly critical of the approach taken by the party under Jeremy Corbyn to foreign policy .
She argued that the leadership “ failed on Russia ” in its response to the Salisbury attack .
Referring to the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal , Nandy said Labour “ hesitated in condemning an authoritarian regime ” , adding : “ It was totally wrong that our response to this was to cast doubt on what happened and call only for dialogue.
” As Shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour under its new leadership wants voters to know “ we stand up for Britain , we stand up for British people , we stand up for British interests and we will always put that first ” .
She told the BBC in September : “ I think it is progressive and deeply ambitious to say that you love this country , that you love the people in it , and that ’ s why you want to lead the party .
I think you ’ ll see a real change in tone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir Starmer put forward a patriotic pitch to the country in a speech to Labour ’ s ‘ Connected ’ conference this year , saying : “ We love this country as you do .
This is the country I grew up in and this is the country I will grow old in.
” The Labour leader will deliver his first big “ vision ” speech to coincide with the inauguration of Joe Biden in the US , The Financial Times has reported .
His team is known to have had a WhatsApp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe ’ during the Presidential race .

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy will set out details of how Labour plans to forge Britain’s new role in the world after Brexit at an event on left internationalism hosted by Open Labour tonight, LabourList can reveal.
The soft left group has joined with the Labour Campaign for International Development to launch a new pamphlet today by Dr Harry Pitts and Professor Paul Thompson on the party’s changing approach to foreign policy.
It is hoped that the paper will “grow into a holistic project” creating a framework that “Open Labour can unite behind” and that the party leadership can be lobbied “to reflect upon”, according to Labour frontbencher Alex Sobel.
The pamphlet ‘A Progressive Foreign Policy for New Times’ will be launched at an online event being held from 7pm tonight with Nandy and Sobel, as well as journalist Waad Al-Kateab, Professor Mary Kaldor and activist David Taylor.
Nandy is expected to tell the event: “With the Brexit question settled, now is the moment to look to the future. We have left the EU but our future lies with Europe. Both our national interest and our national security depend on it.
“When Russian agents used chemical weapons on the streets of the UK, where did Theresa May turn for help? To our closest neighbours, who stood alongside us when we expelled 30 Russian diplomats.
“Contrast that with this sorry excuse for a government, which has so far even refused to discuss how we work with neighbouring countries to defend our democracy and protect national security.
“Ask yourselves this – if the Salisbury attack took place tomorrow, where would this government turn for help? That is a question any responsible government would ask. It is one this government simply cannot answer.
“That is why Labour will not wait for this government to begin to defend our national interests. Since we took office, Keir and I have reached out to governments and sister parties in Europe and across the world to forge a better world together.”
Reiterating the words of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, who worked on international development issues and ethical foreign policy, Nandy will add: “As Jo Cox once reminded us, we have more in common than that which divides us.
“We will stand up to Russian attacks on democracy, we will seek both constructive engagement with the Chinese government to tackle shared issues like climate change and build the independence we need to speak up for human rights, democracy and the rule of law wherever they are threatened in the world.
“And we will stand alongside our sister parties from the USA to Ireland, to reaffirm that the Good Friday agreement remains an article of faith for the Labour Party.”
During the Labour leadership election, Nandy was strongly critical of the approach taken by the party under Jeremy Corbyn to foreign policy. She argued that the leadership “failed on Russia” in its response to the Salisbury attack.
Referring to the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, Nandy said Labour “hesitated in condemning an authoritarian regime”, adding: “It was totally wrong that our response to this was to cast doubt on what happened and call only for dialogue.”
As Shadow Foreign Secretary, she has declared that Labour under its new leadership wants voters to know “we stand up for Britain, we stand up for British people, we stand up for British interests and we will always put that first”.
She told the BBC in September: “I think it is progressive and deeply ambitious to say that you love this country, that you love the people in it, and that’s why you want to lead the party. I think you’ll see a real change in tone and approach from the Labour Party.”
Keir Starmer put forward a patriotic pitch to the country in a speech to Labour’s ‘Connected’ conference this year, saying: “We love this country as you do. This is the country I grew up in and this is the country I will grow old in.”
The Labour leader will deliver his first big “vision” speech to coincide with the inauguration of Joe Biden in the US, The Financial Times has reported. His team is known to have had a WhatsApp group called ‘Let’s Go Joe’ during the Presidential race.


labourlist--2020-12-10--Why Momentum is campaigning for an elected Labour general secretary

Labour ’ s current general secretary David Evans wrote in 1999 that “ representative democracy should as far as possible be abolished in the party ” .
His views were perhaps more complicated than they are sometimes given credit for , but Evans was undoubtedly part of a movement in New Labour that was set on marginalising localised forms of democracy .
Over 20 years later , we are now seeing this play out before us .
Across the country , Constituency Labour Parties ( CLPs ) are being gagged and members are being unfairly suspended for simply trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whip from Jeremy Corbyn and the heavy-handed guidance issued by party staff .
Evans ’ deeply factional behaviour is a disaster for party unity and ultimately a huge blow for Labour ’ s chances of getting into government .
Divided parties do not win elections .
We are a mass party – one of the biggest in Europe – with members in every community .
The campaigning efforts of our members will be crucial to any electoral victory , and encouraging their participation in the party is critical to mobilising for long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a general secretary who is displaying a total disregard for their democratic rights and freedom of speech .
It seems members should be seen but not heard .
Many will simply leave instead .
But what can we do about this ?
Yesterday a letter was published with the support of 175 CLP secretaries and chairs , protesting against the anti-democratic crackdown orchestrated by the general secretary .
This is a welcome development , but at Momentum we believe the time has come to go further and think bigger .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an elected general secretary of the Labour Party .
In theory , Labour Party staff are impartial and non-factional .
But recent events have made a mockery of this ideal .
The Labour leaks report exposed a party bureaucracy appearing to actively work against the leadership and brief journalists against Labour MPs , and it is even alleged that they funnelled party money to their political allies rather than where it was most needed .
Now we have a general secretary with an obvious factional agenda against the left and a disregard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the general secretary is elected , it would create a new site of power within the party .
But this role is already extremely powerful and political .
Evans has suspended members for having the temerity to pass motions in solidarity with Jeremy Corbyn , overriding the rights of elected officials in local Labour parties .
Having a way to hold the general secretary to account for deeply factional behaviour or sheer incompetence is essential .
While increasing the number of CLP reps on Labour ’ s national executive committee ( NEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and should be a long-term priority – so too is the direct election of the general secretary by members .
An elected general secretary is not a groundbreaking idea .
In the major German political parties , the head of party staff is directly elected by the rank-and-file .
By holding an election for the general secretary as well as the leader and deputy leader , we would see the membership choose someone who not only reflects their politics , but also that of the Labour leadership .
The fundamental mismatch between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are currently seeing , and the mismatch between general secretaries and Labour leaders that we have seen in the past , is a recipe for a disunited party .
It leads to internal issues becoming a larger focus than effective organising for electoral victories , which is disastrous .
The history of the Labour Party shows that we can win with a powerful labour movement and Labour Party grassroots working together , united around transformative policy and the goal of a Labour government .
Only a mass-member party with activists embedded in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and persuading on the doorstep and in our communities .
The Labour Party can not win without its members – and we need party staff prepared to recognise their importance and support their work locally .
So in the new year Momentum will be launching a campaign to democratically elect the general secretary of the Labour Party .
Collective discussions across the movement will need to be had about what that process looks like – including the electoral college , and the role of affiliates – but the principle is crystal clear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots over elected officials , and this starts at the very top .
We need to fundamentally change the nature of the general secretary position , making it directly accountable to members so that we can – without sabotage or distraction – get on with a campaign to save this country from the ruin of a Tory government .

Labour’s current general secretary David Evans wrote in 1999 that “representative democracy should as far as possible be abolished in the party”. His views were perhaps more complicated than they are sometimes given credit for, but Evans was undoubtedly part of a movement in New Labour that was set on marginalising localised forms of democracy. Over 20 years later, we are now seeing this play out before us.
Across the country, Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) are being gagged and members are being unfairly suspended for simply trying to discuss issues such as the removal of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn and the heavy-handed guidance issued by party staff. Evans’ deeply factional behaviour is a disaster for party unity and ultimately a huge blow for Labour’s chances of getting into government. Divided parties do not win elections.
We are a mass party – one of the biggest in Europe – with members in every community. The campaigning efforts of our members will be crucial to any electoral victory, and encouraging their participation in the party is critical to mobilising for long and hard campaigns. Yet we now have a general secretary who is displaying a total disregard for their democratic rights and freedom of speech. It seems members should be seen but not heard. Many will simply leave instead.
But what can we do about this? Yesterday a letter was published with the support of 175 CLP secretaries and chairs, protesting against the anti-democratic crackdown orchestrated by the general secretary. This is a welcome development, but at Momentum we believe the time has come to go further and think bigger. It’s time to talk seriously about campaigning for an elected general secretary of the Labour Party.
In theory, Labour Party staff are impartial and non-factional. But recent events have made a mockery of this ideal. The Labour leaks report exposed a party bureaucracy appearing to actively work against the leadership and brief journalists against Labour MPs, and it is even alleged that they funnelled party money to their political allies rather than where it was most needed. Now we have a general secretary with an obvious factional agenda against the left and a disregard for member democracy.
Some argue that if the general secretary is elected, it would create a new site of power within the party. But this role is already extremely powerful and political. Evans has suspended members for having the temerity to pass motions in solidarity with Jeremy Corbyn, overriding the rights of elected officials in local Labour parties. Having a way to hold the general secretary to account for deeply factional behaviour or sheer incompetence is essential. While increasing the number of CLP reps on Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) is one way to achieve this – and should be a long-term priority – so too is the direct election of the general secretary by members.
An elected general secretary is not a groundbreaking idea. In the major German political parties, the head of party staff is directly elected by the rank-and-file. By holding an election for the general secretary as well as the leader and deputy leader, we would see the membership choose someone who not only reflects their politics, but also that of the Labour leadership.
The fundamental mismatch between the membership and party officials that we are currently seeing, and the mismatch between general secretaries and Labour leaders that we have seen in the past, is a recipe for a disunited party. It leads to internal issues becoming a larger focus than effective organising for electoral victories, which is disastrous.
The history of the Labour Party shows that we can win with a powerful labour movement and Labour Party grassroots working together, united around transformative policy and the goal of a Labour government. Only a mass-member party with activists embedded in every community can deliver this, through organising and persuading on the doorstep and in our communities. The Labour Party cannot win without its members – and we need party staff prepared to recognise their importance and support their work locally.
So in the new year Momentum will be launching a campaign to democratically elect the general secretary of the Labour Party. Collective discussions across the movement will need to be had about what that process looks like – including the electoral college, and the role of affiliates – but the principle is crystal clear. Unelected staff should not be calling the shots over elected officials, and this starts at the very top.
We need to fundamentally change the nature of the general secretary position, making it directly accountable to members so that we can – without sabotage or distraction – get on with a campaign to save this country from the ruin of a Tory government.


labourlist--2020-12-10--Brexit, Human Rights Day, TUC on anti-racism and new Momentum campaign

Talk of Brexit deadlines now is pointless .
“ Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged , ” No 10 said last night .
“ We understand each other ’ s positions .
They remain far apart , ” the EU Commission president tweeted drily .
Boris Johnson ’ s dinner with Ursula von der Leyen did not appear to give rise to any real progress , but simply to a new arbitrary date of Sunday by which time they will have decided whether to keep talking or give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not really worth paying attention to the interim targets as December 31st is the only one that matters .
Perhaps the Prime Minister will opt for no deal to avoid the groans of MPs forced to sit between Christmas and the New Year .
Today , the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948 is marked with Human Rights Day .
Shadow foreign affairs and international development minister Stephen Doughty has written for LabourList to celebrate the occasion , while also outlining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing everyone amid the pandemic .
( He mentions the treatment of protesting farmers in India : check out Tan Dhesi ’ s video from yesterday to see Johnson respond to those concerns with his usual level of awareness . )
You could read Doughty ’ s piece from 7.30pm after popping on BBC Radio 3 to hear Max Richter ’ s ‘ Voices ’ performance featuring passages from the document .
Just giving you options for a full sensory experience .
The TUC ’ s new anti-racism task force will meet for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair Dr Patrick Roach has penned a piece about how the trade union movement is responding to “ a new generation of activists ” who have “ re-energised and heightened the profile of anti-racist campaigning ” .
He says the task force will both establish the facts , shining a light on radical injustice at work , but also focus on action – ” organising , bargaining and campaigning to secure real change ” .
It comes as a poll for the TUC finds one in three BME workers have had to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white workers , plus BME workers are more concerned about returning to work and fewer report that their employer has done the legally required risk assessment for their workplace .
In the Labour Party , preparations are underway for next year ’ s conference already .
Momentum has announced that it will launch a campaign in the new year for the general secretary to be elected .
The role is already highly politicised , they argue , and should be made directly accountable to members .
The move is partly a response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evans on motions that can be considered by local parties and to the suspensions taking place across the country .
175 chairs and secretaries wrote to Evans yesterday to say his guidance puts them “ in the firing line ” .
Many members of the Jewish Labour Movement , on the other hand , feel that the motions , which can lead to denial of antisemitism and more , put them in the firing line .
The disagreements over how to react to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report continue .
Sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Talk of Brexit deadlines now is pointless. “Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged,” No 10 said last night. “We understand each other’s positions. They remain far apart,” the EU Commission president tweeted drily. Boris Johnson’s dinner with Ursula von der Leyen did not appear to give rise to any real progress, but simply to a new arbitrary date of Sunday by which time they will have decided whether to keep talking or give up. At this point, it is not really worth paying attention to the interim targets as December 31st is the only one that matters. Perhaps the Prime Minister will opt for no deal to avoid the groans of MPs forced to sit between Christmas and the New Year.
Today, the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948 is marked with Human Rights Day. Shadow foreign affairs and international development minister Stephen Doughty has written for LabourList to celebrate the occasion, while also outlining the scale of the human rights challenges facing everyone amid the pandemic. (He mentions the treatment of protesting farmers in India: check out Tan Dhesi’s video from yesterday to see Johnson respond to those concerns with his usual level of awareness.) You could read Doughty’s piece from 7.30pm after popping on BBC Radio 3 to hear Max Richter’s ‘Voices’ performance featuring passages from the document. Just giving you options for a full sensory experience.
The TUC’s new anti-racism task force will meet for the first time today, and its chair Dr Patrick Roach has penned a piece about how the trade union movement is responding to “a new generation of activists” who have “re-energised and heightened the profile of anti-racist campaigning”. He says the task force will both establish the facts, shining a light on radical injustice at work, but also focus on action – ”organising, bargaining and campaigning to secure real change”. It comes as a poll for the TUC finds one in three BME workers have had to self-isolate during Covid, compared to a quarter of white workers, plus BME workers are more concerned about returning to work and fewer report that their employer has done the legally required risk assessment for their workplace.
In the Labour Party, preparations are underway for next year’s conference already. Momentum has announced that it will launch a campaign in the new year for the general secretary to be elected. The role is already highly politicised, they argue, and should be made directly accountable to members. The move is partly a response to the limits being placed by David Evans on motions that can be considered by local parties and to the suspensions taking place across the country. 175 chairs and secretaries wrote to Evans yesterday to say his guidance puts them “in the firing line”. Many members of the Jewish Labour Movement, on the other hand, feel that the motions, which can lead to denial of antisemitism and more, put them in the firing line. The disagreements over how to react to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report continue. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-12-10--On Human Rights Day, the challenges at home and abroad could not be greater

Today , December 10th , we mark Human Rights Day – the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ( UDHR ) by the United Nations in 1948 – a document , like Magna Carta , that has had crucial influence on rights and protections at home and internationally .
Keir Starmer , himself a former human rights lawyer , and the shadow cabinet have made clear that a future Labour foreign and development policy must have human rights at its heart – very much in Labour ’ s proud tradition of ethical internationalism .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key part in the agreement of the Universal Declaration .
It was the former Labour MP for Warrington , a former general secretary of the GMB and TUC president Charles Dukes who was the British representative during the drafting of the UDHR .
However , British representatives at the time rightly remained frustrated that it had moral but no legal obligation .
It was not until 1976 , when the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ( ICCPR ) came into force , that legal status was given to most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced with a Tory government that seeks to weaken our legal protections and international standing , as highlighted by David Lammy this week , including undermining our commitments to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act .
It is a worrying direction of travel that would see the UK move away from the priority put on human rights and democracy of the incoming Biden administration .
For the first time since WW2 , we have no judge on the International Court of Justice .
We have no representative on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty bodies to which we are signatories , and only got a seat on the UN Human Rights Council in a non-contested election .
So it falls again to Labour to continue to defend human rights at home and abroad , and ensure they have meaningful effect .
The challenge is never greater .
Around the world , Covid-19 has changed the lives of millions , impeded or reversed economic growth and taken the lives of hundreds of thousands .
And while the pandemic exposed and exploited stark economic and social inequalities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis as cover to restrict dissent , silence criticism and withdraw protection for the most vulnerable .
In Hong Kong , the Chinese government has aggressively cracked down on opposition and dissenting voices – barring pro-democracy lawmakers from the Legislative Council and sentencing pro-democracy activists lengthy jail terms for their involvement in peaceful protests .
Elsewhere , religious and ethnic minorities have been labelled “ super spreaders ” .
The Egyptian military regime has arrested activists , human rights defenders , lawyers and journalists .
Curfews and lockdowns have been brutally enforced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repression and abuse take many forms : police brutality in the United States ; the treatment of protesting farmers in India ; the fatal massacres at Lekki Toll Gate Plaza and brutal activities of the SARS unit in Nigeria ; violent crackdowns on opposition in Tanzania and Uganda ; attacks on civilians in Ethiopia and the denial of humanitarian access .
The list goes on .
Repressive regimes – from North Korea to Iran , China to Russia – and extremist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram have continued to wage campaigns against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for global women and girls ’ rights should shame us all .
Even before the pandemic , one in five women experienced domestic violence .
Rape and sexual violence continue to be used as a weapon of war in conflicts across the world .
Millions of girls are denied the right to education and reproductive health .
In Europe , “ LGBT+ free zones ” in Poland have tacit support from the government , and LGBT+ people face repression and persecution from Russia to the Gulf .
While the global human rights situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and the silence from the UK in the face of human rights abuses is deafening .
While Labour welcomed the long-awaited introduction of Magnitsky sanctions against human rights violators , the regime does not go far enough .
The Chancellor ’ s decision to abandon our commitment to 0.7 % Official Development Assistance spending – and with it the support provided for access to health , education , food and basic dignities across the globe – speaks to a pattern of indifference to upholding rights around the world , including government-backed telecoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relating to human rights abuses against the Rohingya .
In contrast , Labour has been winning victories in parliament to ensure human rights sit at the heart of our future trade deals , listening to workers and trade unionists around the world about the positive impact Britain could be making .
As we mark Human Rights Day , it is clear that the challenges could not be greater .
That is why we must , as a party and a movement , recommit to those bold principles of 1948 .
Not just in @ @ @ @ @ @

Today, December 10th, we mark Human Rights Day – the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948 – a document, like Magna Carta, that has had crucial influence on rights and protections at home and internationally.
Keir Starmer, himself a former human rights lawyer, and the shadow cabinet have made clear that a future Labour foreign and development policy must have human rights at its heart – very much in Labour’s proud tradition of ethical internationalism.
The Labour government led by Clement Attlee played a key part in the agreement of the Universal Declaration. It was the former Labour MP for Warrington, a former general secretary of the GMB and TUC president Charles Dukes who was the British representative during the drafting of the UDHR.
However, British representatives at the time rightly remained frustrated that it had moral but no legal obligation. It was not until 1976, when the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) came into force, that legal status was given to most of the UDHR.
Yet today we are faced with a Tory government that seeks to weaken our legal protections and international standing, as highlighted by David Lammy this week, including undermining our commitments to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act. It is a worrying direction of travel that would see the UK move away from the priority put on human rights and democracy of the incoming Biden administration.
For the first time since WW2, we have no judge on the International Court of Justice. We have no representative on the majority of the key human rights treaty bodies to which we are signatories, and only got a seat on the UN Human Rights Council in a non-contested election. So it falls again to Labour to continue to defend human rights at home and abroad, and ensure they have meaningful effect.
The challenge is never greater. Around the world, Covid-19 has changed the lives of millions, impeded or reversed economic growth and taken the lives of hundreds of thousands. And while the pandemic exposed and exploited stark economic and social inequalities, numerous governments have also directly used the crisis as cover to restrict dissent, silence criticism and withdraw protection for the most vulnerable.
In Hong Kong, the Chinese government has aggressively cracked down on opposition and dissenting voices – barring pro-democracy lawmakers from the Legislative Council and sentencing pro-democracy activists lengthy jail terms for their involvement in peaceful protests.
Elsewhere, religious and ethnic minorities have been labelled “super spreaders”. The Egyptian military regime has arrested activists, human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists. Curfews and lockdowns have been brutally enforced in Liberia and Zimbabwe.
Beyond Covid-19, repression and abuse take many forms: police brutality in the United States; the treatment of protesting farmers in India; the fatal massacres at Lekki Toll Gate Plaza and brutal activities of the SARS unit in Nigeria; violent crackdowns on opposition in Tanzania and Uganda; attacks on civilians in Ethiopia and the denial of humanitarian access.
The list goes on. Repressive regimes – from North Korea to Iran, China to Russia – and extremist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram have continued to wage campaigns against fundamental rights and freedoms.
The situation for global women and girls’ rights should shame us all. Even before the pandemic, one in five women experienced domestic violence. Rape and sexual violence continue to be used as a weapon of war in conflicts across the world. Millions of girls are denied the right to education and reproductive health.
In Europe, “LGBT+ free zones” in Poland have tacit support from the government, and LGBT+ people face repression and persecution from Russia to the Gulf.
While the global human rights situation worsens, this government has no strategy – and the silence from the UK in the face of human rights abuses is deafening. While Labour welcomed the long-awaited introduction of Magnitsky sanctions against human rights violators, the regime does not go far enough.
The Chancellor’s decision to abandon our commitment to 0.7% Official Development Assistance spending – and with it the support provided for access to health, education, food and basic dignities across the globe – speaks to a pattern of indifference to upholding rights around the world, including government-backed telecoms companies complicit in the restricting of information relating to human rights abuses against the Rohingya.
In contrast, Labour has been winning victories in parliament to ensure human rights sit at the heart of our future trade deals, listening to workers and trade unionists around the world about the positive impact Britain could be making. As we mark Human Rights Day, it is clear that the challenges could not be greater. That is why we must, as a party and a movement, recommit to those bold principles of 1948. Not just in word, but in deed.


labourlist--2020-12-10--Change is coming. Why I’m chairing the TUC’s new anti-racism task force

Racism is at work and it exists .
But , as trade unions , we are committed to eradicating the prejudice and discrimination and disadvantage that continue to deny many Black workers the opportunity to secure decent jobs and careers regardless of educational outcomes .
The trade union movement has been a leading voice on the need to tackle institutional racism over the years .
However , a new generation of activists has re-energised and heightened the profile of anti-racist campaigning .
We know that an increased focus on anti-racism within the trade union movement will have to be both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real and lasting difference to tackling racial disparities and racial injustice at work , as we build a coalition that is capable of reaching out to organisations across wider civil society .
There is no more important priority for our trade union movement today than to do whatever it takes to stand up against racism and to secure racial justice at work .
We know the facts of the hostile environment .
Black workers aged between 16 and 24 are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than their white counterparts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23.8 % in London , the region with the highest proportion of BME workers .
Black workers are more likely to be in poverty .
Black workers are also more likely to be denied fair access to employment , more likely to be fired and less likely to be hired , and more likely to be in insecure work , with Black women twice as likely to be in precarious employment , working zero-hours contracts and with fewer rights at work .
The evidence points to Black workers being less likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be subject to competence procedures and disciplinary procedures , irrespective of qualifications or experience .
And , with the pandemic , Black workers are three-to-four times more likely to die at work as a result of coronavirus .
With the government ’ s immigration agenda , many Black workers are at the mercy of exploitative employers , less able to challenge exploitative employer practices for fear of losing their jobs , their homes and their right to remain in the UK .
When the economic outlook is poor and public spending is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be amongst those hit the hardest .
Wherever and whenever racism exists , wherever the conditions exist which enable racism to flourish , we must be ready to act and to call it out .
But we need to do more than speak out – we must also make a difference .
The TUC anti-racism task force is about establishing the facts and shining a light on racial injustice in the world of work .
But it will do much more than that .
It will also be about action – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real change .
The fight against injustice at work is a cornerstone of our trade union movement .
It ’ s what our movement has done over decades , and it ’ s what our movement has continued to do since the start of this pandemic – protecting jobs and livelihoods and campaigning for safe working conditions for our members .
We are determined that the anti-racism task group will mark another important chapter in the history of our trade union movement ’ s fight against racism and racial injustice at work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force for change .
20 years ago , the TUC Stephen Lawrence task group was set up to root out racism at work .
There has been some progress since then , but the reality is that there remains much more to do .
Giving voice to the everyday racism Black workers face .
Confronting institutional racism and discrimination at work .
Demonstrating that our unions are willing and able to take the lead and to secure progress .
Change is coming .

Racism is at work and it exists. But, as trade unions, we are committed to eradicating the prejudice and discrimination and disadvantage that continue to deny many Black workers the opportunity to secure decent jobs and careers regardless of educational outcomes.
The trade union movement has been a leading voice on the need to tackle institutional racism over the years. However, a new generation of activists has re-energised and heightened the profile of anti-racist campaigning. We know that an increased focus on anti-racism within the trade union movement will have to be both broad and far-reaching in order to make a real and lasting difference to tackling racial disparities and racial injustice at work, as we build a coalition that is capable of reaching out to organisations across wider civil society.
There is no more important priority for our trade union movement today than to do whatever it takes to stand up against racism and to secure racial justice at work. We know the facts of the hostile environment. Black workers aged between 16 and 24 are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than their white counterparts.
The ethnicity pay gap stands at 23.8% in London, the region with the highest proportion of BME workers. Black workers are more likely to be in poverty. Black workers are also more likely to be denied fair access to employment, more likely to be fired and less likely to be hired, and more likely to be in insecure work, with Black women twice as likely to be in precarious employment, working zero-hours contracts and with fewer rights at work.
The evidence points to Black workers being less likely to be promoted to senior positions and more likely to be subject to competence procedures and disciplinary procedures, irrespective of qualifications or experience. And, with the pandemic, Black workers are three-to-four times more likely to die at work as a result of coronavirus.
With the government’s immigration agenda, many Black workers are at the mercy of exploitative employers, less able to challenge exploitative employer practices for fear of losing their jobs, their homes and their right to remain in the UK. When the economic outlook is poor and public spending is cut, it is Black workers who will also be amongst those hit the hardest.
Wherever and whenever racism exists, wherever the conditions exist which enable racism to flourish, we must be ready to act and to call it out. But we need to do more than speak out – we must also make a difference.
The TUC anti-racism task force is about establishing the facts and shining a light on racial injustice in the world of work. But it will do much more than that. It will also be about action – organising, bargaining and campaigning to secure real change.
The fight against injustice at work is a cornerstone of our trade union movement. It’s what our movement has done over decades, and it’s what our movement has continued to do since the start of this pandemic – protecting jobs and livelihoods and campaigning for safe working conditions for our members.
We are determined that the anti-racism task group will mark another important chapter in the history of our trade union movement’s fight against racism and racial injustice at work, and that it will be a powerful force for change.
20 years ago, the TUC Stephen Lawrence task group was set up to root out racism at work. There has been some progress since then, but the reality is that there remains much more to do. Giving voice to the everyday racism Black workers face. Confronting institutional racism and discrimination at work. Demonstrating that our unions are willing and able to take the lead and to secure progress. Change is coming.