labourlist--2020-12-04--Starmer warns government “must intervene” over Rolls-Royce job cuts

Keir Starmer has warned that the government “ must intervene ” to resolve the dispute over a proposed cut of 350 UK jobs at Rolls-Royce and expressed “ solidarity ” with the workers currently on strike at the engineering firm .
The Labour leader spoke out following confirmation on Thursday that another 140 jobs are at risk at aero-engine giant Rolls-Royce ’ s Barnoldswick plant in Lancashire .
They are set to be lost as part of plans to cut around 9,000 jobs worldwide .
The company announced details of its plans to reduce its manufacturing capacity earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas such as Lancashire and the Midlands , amid a collapse in global demand for air travel .
“ We need more high skilled jobs like theirs , instead of allowing them to be offshored , ” Starmer tweeted .
“ The government must intervene , work with Rolls Royce and get around the table with workers to resolve the dispute.
” The opposition leader ’ s intervention comes after Shadow Secretary for Employment Rights Andy McDonald joined workers over a video call on the picket line at the Barnoldswick plant on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a photo of Rolls-Royce workers taking “ action against hundreds of jobs being shipped overseas ” , McDonald said : “ It ’ s an outrage that a company currently securing billions of taxpayer money can cut jobs in the UK to offshore work.
” The Labour leadership as a whole has taken a strong line on the issue , with deputy leader Angela Rayner also commenting on the action today , arguing that the government needed to step in and “ fight for every job and every worker ” .
Unite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s future ” with its plans to cut hundreds of jobs and move work currently based in the UK to Singapore and Germany , and said the timing ahead of Christmas “ stinks ” .
National officer Rhys McCarthy said : “ Workers have been left fearing for their futures as Christmas approaches .
This announcement amounts to a death by a thousand cuts , which will send a chill through Rolls-Royce ’ s workers and the entire supply chain .
“ Choking the company ’ s future like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shareholders in the short term , while disregarding the hopes and concerns of workers and their families.
” Unite is arguing for the decision to be “ reversed ” .
McCarthy has confirmed that Unite is willing to enter into negotiations with the company to preserve jobs and guarantee a future for UK manufacturing plants , describing apprentices as “ the future life blood of the company ” .
The union officer also attributed part of the blame for the job losses on the UK government , which he said had “ failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector ” during the coronavirus pandemic despite it being hit hard .
Writing for LabourList last month , Labour MP Grahame Morris said the cuts were a “ complete betrayal of a loyal and dedicated workforce ” and called for government support for the company to be conditional on protecting jobs at UK sites .
“ It is particularly galling that Rolls-Royce is seeking to benefit from billions of pounds of taxpayer support , yet refuses to use this taxpayer-funded lifeline to keep valuable jobs in the UK , ” Morris added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for government support to be conditional on ensuring jobs and businesses in the UK were protected ” and firms are now “ seeking support at the same time as offshoring jobs elsewhere ” .
Rolls-Royce has said the Barnoldswick site will not be closed as it will become a product development and technical support centre and will continue to manufacture blades for a range of defence and civil aerospace applications .
Rolls-Royce ’ s president of civil aerospace Chris Cholerton said the restructuring plans were designed to create a “ stronger , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted the changes would be “ hugely upsetting ” for workers .
“ This is a very difficult proposal to make , but we can not afford to retain every Rolls-Royce factory that was supported by demand that has been dramatically reduced by the pandemic , ” Cholerton said .
“ No government support scheme can replace sustainable customer demand and no government can sign up to extending the sort of short-term measures we have been very grateful for , over multiple years.
” Earlier this year , Labour called for a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aviation sector during the Covid-19 pandemic while also setting out conditions to aid a just transition to a green economy to tackle climate change .
Following the announcement of the ‘ Test to Release ’ scheme for airports last month , Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon said the government had been “ incompetently slow to react ” to calls for support for the sector .
He said : “ It will take a long time to recover from the impact of the virus .
The government must come up with the sector-specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its supply chain that supports almost a quarter of a million jobs and protects the environment.
” The Test to Release for International Travel scheme for those who need to self-isolate on arrival in England , starting from December 15th , will allow people to pay for a private Covid-19 test and stop self-isolating sooner .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has received criticism after announcing on Thursday that “ high-value ” business travellers will no longer need to self-isolate when returning to England from a country not in a travel corridor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is this a joke ?
What Is high value ?
So the government lets its rich mates in quarantine-free , while the rest of us trying to see our loved ones for Christmas have to quarantine for five days & then pay £150 for a test .
”

Keir Starmer has warned that the government “must intervene” to resolve the dispute over a proposed cut of 350 UK jobs at Rolls-Royce and expressed “solidarity” with the workers currently on strike at the engineering firm.
The Labour leader spoke out following confirmation on Thursday that another 140 jobs are at risk at aero-engine giant Rolls-Royce’s Barnoldswick plant in Lancashire. They are set to be lost as part of plans to cut around 9,000 jobs worldwide.
The company announced details of its plans to reduce its manufacturing capacity earlier this week, with the proposals affecting sites in areas such as Lancashire and the Midlands, amid a collapse in global demand for air travel.
“We need more high skilled jobs like theirs, instead of allowing them to be offshored,” Starmer tweeted. “The government must intervene, work with Rolls Royce and get around the table with workers to resolve the dispute.”
The opposition leader’s intervention comes after Shadow Secretary for Employment Rights Andy McDonald joined workers over a video call on the picket line at the Barnoldswick plant on Thursday morning as the workers protested.
Sharing a photo of Rolls-Royce workers taking “action against hundreds of jobs being shipped overseas”, McDonald said: “It’s an outrage that a company currently securing billions of taxpayer money can cut jobs in the UK to offshore work.”
The Labour leadership as a whole has taken a strong line on the issue, with deputy leader Angela Rayner also commenting on the action today, arguing that the government needed to step in and “fight for every job and every worker”.
Unite the Union has accused Rolls-Royce of “choking the company’s future” with its plans to cut hundreds of jobs and move work currently based in the UK to Singapore and Germany, and said the timing ahead of Christmas “stinks”.
National officer Rhys McCarthy said: “Workers have been left fearing for their futures as Christmas approaches. This announcement amounts to a death by a thousand cuts, which will send a chill through Rolls-Royce’s workers and the entire supply chain.
“Choking the company’s future like this is clearly about pacifying the city and shareholders in the short term, while disregarding the hopes and concerns of workers and their families.” Unite is arguing for the decision to be “reversed”.
McCarthy has confirmed that Unite is willing to enter into negotiations with the company to preserve jobs and guarantee a future for UK manufacturing plants, describing apprentices as “the future life blood of the company”.
The union officer also attributed part of the blame for the job losses on the UK government, which he said had “failed to provide specific support to the aerospace sector” during the coronavirus pandemic despite it being hit hard.
Writing for LabourList last month, Labour MP Grahame Morris said the cuts were a “complete betrayal of a loyal and dedicated workforce” and called for government support for the company to be conditional on protecting jobs at UK sites.
“It is particularly galling that Rolls-Royce is seeking to benefit from billions of pounds of taxpayer support, yet refuses to use this taxpayer-funded lifeline to keep valuable jobs in the UK,” Morris added.
Anneliese Dodds said Labour had “called for government support to be conditional on ensuring jobs and businesses in the UK were protected” and firms are now “seeking support at the same time as offshoring jobs elsewhere”.
Rolls-Royce has said the Barnoldswick site will not be closed as it will become a product development and technical support centre and will continue to manufacture blades for a range of defence and civil aerospace applications.
Rolls-Royce’s president of civil aerospace Chris Cholerton said the restructuring plans were designed to create a “stronger, more efficient and sustainable business”, though noted the changes would be “hugely upsetting” for workers.
“This is a very difficult proposal to make, but we cannot afford to retain every Rolls-Royce factory that was supported by demand that has been dramatically reduced by the pandemic,” Cholerton said.
“No government support scheme can replace sustainable customer demand and no government can sign up to extending the sort of short-term measures we have been very grateful for, over multiple years.”
Earlier this year, Labour called for a “robust plan” to protect jobs in the aviation sector during the Covid-19 pandemic while also setting out conditions to aid a just transition to a green economy to tackle climate change.
Following the announcement of the ‘Test to Release’ scheme for airports last month, Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon said the government had been “incompetently slow to react” to calls for support for the sector.
He said: “It will take a long time to recover from the impact of the virus. The government must come up with the sector-specific plan it promised for the aviation sector and its supply chain that supports almost a quarter of a million jobs and protects the environment.”
The Test to Release for International Travel scheme for those who need to self-isolate on arrival in England, starting from December 15th, will allow people to pay for a private Covid-19 test and stop self-isolating sooner.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has received criticism after announcing on Thursday that “high-value” business travellers will no longer need to self-isolate when returning to England from a country not in a travel corridor.
Labour MP Ben Bradshaw tweeted: “Is this a joke? What Is high value? So the government lets its rich mates in quarantine-free, while the rest of us trying to see our loved ones for Christmas have to quarantine for five days & then pay £150 for a test.”


labourlist--2020-12-04--Wherever you live and whatever you buy, support Small Business Saturday

Is your favourite coffee shop still operating from morning until night ?
Has your hairdresser or barber reopened its doors after the second lockdown ?
These stark questions have run through the minds of millions of us as we adapt to the changes in our jobs , commute and home life amid the pandemic .
After one of the worst years in living memory for small businesses , however , now is the chance to do something to help the traders that are a vital part of your community : go out , spend , and champion the contribution of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
Small Business Saturday takes place tomorrow on December 5th .
It is a special day to celebrate the impact of small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) , which make up 99.9 % of all businesses in the UK .
The celebratory day , which was launched in the US in 2010 , has surged in popularity and profile since it was initiated on these shores eight years ago .
It can now count on American Express as its principal supporter and , having generated £800m in sales on Small Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do even better in 2020 .
As a businessman who has set up restaurants , a think tank , a cafe providing free meals for the homeless and the British Kebab Awards , I am passionate about investing in and growing small companies .
And I am glad to see the ambition of Small Business Saturday burns as bright as ever despite the cloud of the pandemic hanging over us .
It was great seeing Labour leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds listening to the voice of small businesses ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Yes , it has been a painful year – whether you measure that in terms of turnover , jobs , insolvencies or the dreams of entrepreneurs .
Too many of our vital small firms were forced to close for good after the UK plunged into the worst recession on record .
Before the pandemic , Britain ’ s 5.9 million SMEs employed an estimated 16.6 million people .
These numbers have , sadly , fallen this year and despite the late extension to the furlough scheme may fall again before March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to support small firms and the labour market , but too many of the initiatives have been subject to delays in getting started , confusion in implementation or uncertainty over their future .
Meanwhile , support for the self-employed has been piecemeal and insufficient .
Labour ’ s frontbench has done a great job in holding the government to account .
The opposition led the way in calling for a short second lockdown to try to reduce the threat of the second wave of Covid while rightly demanding reforms to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are worried , however , as to what will happen now that the national lockdown in England has ended .
Will Boris Johnson stick to his word ?
It is a question that hangs over British politics like never before .
The Prime Minister ’ s U-turns were once a source of laughter but now , deep into the pandemic , his inadequate and intermittent support for the NHS and small business is deeply worrying .
Outside Westminster , I know the vast majority of people living in the UK will want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in making December 5th the biggest and best Small Business Saturday .
Yes , of course we must carry out our shopping trips in line with the latest government guidance – but please use this day to visit your local businesses , spend your money with them and show them the support they always need , but never take for granted .
Our high streets depend on you , and you depend on our high streets .
Let ’ s ensure our treasured small businesses can bounce back next year .
Wherever you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support Small Business Saturday .

Is your favourite coffee shop still operating from morning until night? Has your hairdresser or barber reopened its doors after the second lockdown? These stark questions have run through the minds of millions of us as we adapt to the changes in our jobs, commute and home life amid the pandemic. After one of the worst years in living memory for small businesses, however, now is the chance to do something to help the traders that are a vital part of your community: go out, spend, and champion the contribution of your local firms at the start of December.
Small Business Saturday takes place tomorrow on December 5th. It is a special day to celebrate the impact of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 99.9% of all businesses in the UK. The celebratory day, which was launched in the US in 2010, has surged in popularity and profile since it was initiated on these shores eight years ago. It can now count on American Express as its principal supporter and, having generated £800m in sales on Small Business Saturday last year, organisers hope to do even better in 2020.
As a businessman who has set up restaurants, a think tank, a cafe providing free meals for the homeless and the British Kebab Awards, I am passionate about investing in and growing small companies. And I am glad to see the ambition of Small Business Saturday burns as bright as ever despite the cloud of the pandemic hanging over us. It was great seeing Labour leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds listening to the voice of small businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday through a webinar on Monday.
Yes, it has been a painful year – whether you measure that in terms of turnover, jobs, insolvencies or the dreams of entrepreneurs. Too many of our vital small firms were forced to close for good after the UK plunged into the worst recession on record. Before the pandemic, Britain’s 5.9 million SMEs employed an estimated 16.6 million people. These numbers have, sadly, fallen this year and despite the late extension to the furlough scheme may fall again before March 2021.
Ministers have taken various steps to try to support small firms and the labour market, but too many of the initiatives have been subject to delays in getting started, confusion in implementation or uncertainty over their future. Meanwhile, support for the self-employed has been piecemeal and insufficient.
Labour’s frontbench has done a great job in holding the government to account. The opposition led the way in calling for a short second lockdown to try to reduce the threat of the second wave of Covid while rightly demanding reforms to the furlough scheme. Many small business owners are worried, however, as to what will happen now that the national lockdown in England has ended.
Will Boris Johnson stick to his word? It is a question that hangs over British politics like never before. The Prime Minister’s U-turns were once a source of laughter but now, deep into the pandemic, his inadequate and intermittent support for the NHS and small business is deeply worrying.
Outside Westminster, I know the vast majority of people living in the UK will want to support our small businesses. Join me in making December 5th the biggest and best Small Business Saturday. Yes, of course we must carry out our shopping trips in line with the latest government guidance – but please use this day to visit your local businesses, spend your money with them and show them the support they always need, but never take for granted. Our high streets depend on you, and you depend on our high streets. Let’s ensure our treasured small businesses can bounce back next year. Wherever you live, and whatever you purchase, support Small Business Saturday.


labourlist--2020-12-05--Starmer enters self-isolation after staffer tests positive for Covid-19

Keir Starmer has entered self-isolation in line with the government ’ s coronavirus rules after coming into contact with a @ @ @ @ @ private office who has tested positive for Covid-19 .
A spokesperson for Starmer said : @ @ @ @ @ was advised to self-isolate after a member of his private office staff tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ well and not showing any symptoms .
He will now be working from home.
” @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader last came into contact with the member of staff on Tuesday this week @ @ @ @ @ follow the government guidelines by self-isolating until Wednesday , December 16th .
Starmer was also @ @ @ @ @ and start working from home on September 14th .
On that occasion , he was @ @ @ @ @ his household has showed possible symptoms of Covid-19 .
The opposition leader was not understood @ @ @ @ @ of the virus himself then either , and he left self-isolation two days later after @ @ @ @ @ negative for Covid-19 .

Keir Starmer has entered self-isolation in line with the government’s coronavirus rules after coming into contact with a member of staff from his private office who has tested positive for Covid-19.
A spokesperson for Starmer said: “This afternoon Keir Starmer was advised to self-isolate after a member of his private office staff tested positive for the coronavirus. Keir is well and not showing any symptoms. He will now be working from home.”
It is understood that the Labour leader last came into contact with the member of staff on Tuesday this week, and that he will follow the government guidelines by self-isolating until Wednesday, December 16th.
Starmer was also forced to enter coronavirus self-isolation and start working from home on September 14th. On that occasion, he was told that a member of his household had showed possible symptoms of Covid-19.
The opposition leader was not understood to have shown any symptoms of the virus himself then either, and he left self-isolation two days later after one of his children tested negative for Covid-19.
Boris Johnson, who has already had the virus, left self-isolation this week along with six other Tory MPs after they held a meeting in Downing Street with Lee Anderson who later tested positive for Covid-19.
The Prime Minister participated in House of Commons activity virtually, via video link from Downing Street. Whether the Labour leader will do the same this week for PMQs or hand over to Angela Rayner has not yet been confirmed.
Labour’s deputy leader stood in for the opposition leader in September when he stopped self-isolating just shortly before PMQs was starting. She drew attention to care worker pay and the social care crisis.


labourlist--2020-12-06--Sunday shows: Get on and deliver a Brexit deal, Labour urges PM

Labour ’ s Rachel Reeves would not give the government a “ blank cheque ” by revealing now whether Labour would vote in favour of a post-Brexit trade deal , but emphasised that the government should get one .
• On whether Labour wants a Brexit deal at any cost : “ We want a deal , the British people want a deal , that is what they were promised less than a year ago in the general election… I just say to the Prime Minister , this is not a game of snakes and ladders.
” • On whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The differences are clearly not insignificant , but I don ’ t think they ’ re insurmountable either .
On fishing , we do want access to the fish in our waters , but we also want to be able to sell the fish to the EU.
” • On the level playing field : “ The British government wants to be able to water down rules on workers ’ rights and environmental standards .
That would not be Labour ’ s priorities and I don ’ t think it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either.
” • On getting a deal : “ There is a deal there to be done .
If the government can ’ t sign a deal because they want to water down rules on workers ’ rights and environmental standards , that is absolutely wrong.
” • She added : “ My message to Boris Johnson is that you made a promise to the British people to get Brexit done .
You said you had an oven-ready deal .
Well , get on and deliver it.
” • On whether Labour will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s see… We ’ ll have to look at the content of a deal , but also any legislation that comes to parliament .
We ’ re not going to give them a blank cheque but I think I have been very clear that the most important thing is that the government get a deal.
” • Pressed further : “ We can ’ t say how we ’ re going to vote in a hypothetical vote without seeing the legislation… Keir Starmer and myself will make sure we understand the implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” # Marr : If the Government gets a trade deal with the EU , will Labour back it ?
Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Rachel Reeves : `` We ’ ll have to look at the deal… we ’ re not going to give them a blank cheque '' # Brexit https : //t.co/XJOGgZil5C pic.twitter.com/3GRsCOMT1b The government was represented by George Eustice , the Environment Secretary , who said : “ There is still a deal to be done but there is no denying that the end of last week was quite a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal , he added : “ You could always extend , but unless you can resolve these quite fundamental divergences at the moment we are going to have to take a position in the next few days.
” On the impact of no deal on farming , amid warnings by the National Farmers ’ Union , Eustice admitted the sheep sector would be exposed but said in “ many other sectors ” of British agriculture no deal would “ create opportunities ” .
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds defended Labour ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week and refused to rule out the possibility of the party abstaining on a Brexit trade deal .
• On Labour ’ s Covid abstention : “ What we did was to act in the national interest .
We accepted first of all that there should be restrictions .
That ’ s why we didn ’ t oppose them .
But at the same time there were still issues.
” • On Labour ’ s approach to Covid : “ We accept the need for restrictions but we still are pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward by the government simply doesn ’ t match the ambition of the moment.
” • On whether Labour will support a Brexit trade deal : “ We absolutely need to get a deal… In terms of our position on any deal , clearly we need to see what has been agreed.
” • On a potential vote : “ We don ’ t know at the moment what ’ s actually going to be presented to parliament .
Will it be the deal as agreed ?
Will it be a piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that deal ?
” • Pressed on whether Labour could abstain : “ The responsible thing for this is first of all emphasising the need to get a deal , but then to consider what has been agreed – but also to consider what ’ s actually going to be put before parliament.
” • He added : “ It may not be a straight vote on the deal .
It may actually be that time is running out so much now that actually all we ’ ll get is an actual piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • Asked whether it is right that convicted criminals born overseas should be deported : “ If there are people who are convicted of very serious crimes who ’ ve lost their right to remain , then yes they should be deported.
” • On the controversial deportation flight to Jamaica : “ The point that we were raising with regard to that particular flight was deep concern around the Windrush scandal and continuing injustice.
” Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown accused the SNP of being “ out of touch with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in demanding a referendum within the next year .
• On whether Scottish people would vote for independence : “ If there was a referendum , we ’ d win it and Scotland would stay in the UK .
But it ’ s going to be a hard battle because people are frustrated , they ’ re fed up.
” • On devolution : “ All the different parts of the UK , they need far more powers of economic initiative and the centre will have to admit that it can not do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working.
” • On Boris Johnson saying devolution was a “ disaster ” : “ He ’ s completely out of touch and that ’ s why he ’ s not popular in Scotland .
But neither would he be popular in Wales where people want devolution to work.
” • On devolved nations and regions : “ We have a multi-national state , we have regions with a great deal of different needs… But this government has not found a way of cooperating with them , of consulting them , of working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There seems to be no formal mechanisms in place by which the mayors or the first ministers can actually talk to the Prime Minister or talk to the leading cabinet ministers.
” • Asked whether the SNP will have a mandate for another referendum if they win a majority in Holyrood next year : “ You could of course have a referendum… But should you have a referendum ?
And the answer is no.
” • On other priorities : “ We ’ ve got to deal with the recession .
Unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vaccinate people in Scotland.
” • On the SNP pushing for a referendum : “ The idea you can have a referendum during the first 12 months of the next year seems to me quite unrealistic… The nationalists are really out of touch with the priorities of the Scottish people.
” • Asked whether Labour should back a Brexit trade deal negotiated by the government : “ I don ’ t think you can say what you do about the deal until you know what the deal is.
” • Pressed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over no deal : “ That ’ s up to Keir Starmer to make his decision .
But I would make my decision , and I don ’ t think he ’ s going to make his decision , until he sees what the deal is.
” • On Rishi Sunak : “ Having given out all this money , his problems are really now beginning and I think he ’ s going to be tested… He has not provided for the recovery in the way that should be done and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the Chancellor needs to do : “ He must plan recovery and not rest on his laurels because we ’ ve had a rescue operation , we need a recovery operation now and I don ’ t think that is forthcoming yet from the government.
” George Eustice said the Brexit negotiations are “ in a very difficult position ” this morning , and argued that there was hope for a deal last week before the EU “ added a whole load of additional demands ” .
Asked whether the government will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , with MPs set to consider the internal market bill and the finance bill , the Environment Secretary confirmed : “ Yes , we will.
” He declared that Covid vaccinations will begin “ in earnest from this week ” but could not say how many doses would be arriving in the UK .
He said he “ doesn ’ t have the precise number ” .
On Covid and the UK leaving the EU , the government minister argued : “ We ’ ve got many contingency plans in place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the deployment of this vaccine from a no-deal Brexit.
” Pundit and former footballer Gary Neville criticised Labour for abstaining on Covid rules earlier this week and highlighted that the “ economic support isn ’ t in place aligned with those restrictions ” .
Asked whether Labour should have voted against the rules , he said : “ When you ’ re elected and you ’ re in that seat in Westminster , you ’ ve to take a position , you don ’ t abstain , you take part in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Labour frontbencher Sarah Jones told Gloria de Piero and Tom Newton Dunn that there is “ theatrics and macho posturing ” in the final days of Brexit negotiations but would not say whether her party is encouraging the government to take what ’ s on offer .
On the deportation flight to Jamaica , the shadow policing and fire minister said Labour is “ not convinced ” that the Home Office has systems in place to ensure that the Windrush scandal can not reoccur .
“ We wanted to make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve seen people who have the right to stay in the country removed – we want to make sure that doesn ’ t happen , ” Jones said .
Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey urged Keir Starmer to vote for a Brexit deal and to resolve the situation with Jeremy Corbyn ’ s whip as quickly as possible .
• • On Labour and Brexit : “ Labour ’ s position is obviously slightly awkward and difficult for Keir , in as much as on the one hand he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Wall seats and those who voted Leave… But he needs to be in a position in six months ’ time to be able to attack the government without being regarded as a hypocrite.
” • On Labour ’ s Brexit deal vote : “ Labour need to be seen not to be sitting on the fence… The idea of an abstention is completely wrong.
” • On Labour ’ s position under the last leadership : “ I never opposed Theresa May ’ s deal .
I wanted Brexit done .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was coming for Labour if we didn ’ t get Brexit out of the way.
” He said he shared these views “ privately with the Labour leadership ” .
• He added : “ Unfortunately people didn ’ t listen and we know the consequences.
” Who did not listen ?
“ Jeremy , Keir , John Mac , Emily , the leadership of our party.
” • On Starmer ’ s campaign pledges : “ I ’ ve told Keir I ’ m going to frame those ten points and send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ under new management ’ slogan : “ I think it ’ s a pretty bland statement… The platform he ran on was a radical , some said Corbynite , platform.
” • He added : “ Sooner or later Labour needs to identify itself.
” • On withholding the whip from Corbyn : “ We need a united party .
What he ’ s doing with Jeremy Corbyn and the withdrawal of the whip is extraordinary.
” • On why Corbyn will not say ‘ I ’ m sorry ’ : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say sorry or has to do this when a process has been gone through is ridiculous… It looks like people have been seeking to humiliate Jeremy Corbyn.
” • He added : “ I ’ m hoping that Keir will resolve this as quickly as possible.
” • On reports that Unite is not paying its affiliation fees to Labour , McCluskey explained that he put a stop on all affiliation fees back in July/August as he wanted to “ examine the impact of Covid ” on the union , but “ for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our affiliation fees next week , there ’ s no issues with that ” .
• On talks behind the scenes to readmit Corbyn : “ I think there has been bad faith on the side of Keir and his team.
” • On whether local parties should be able to discuss such issues : “ Without a shadow of a doubt… We are a democratic party.
” • On his retirement : “ There will be an election for the new general secretary next year .
We haven ’ t quite worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new general secretary will be elected next year .
”

The Andrew Marr Show
Labour’s Rachel Reeves would not give the government a “blank cheque” by revealing now whether Labour would vote in favour of a post-Brexit trade deal, but emphasised that the government should get one.
On whether Labour wants a Brexit deal at any cost: “We want a deal, the British people want a deal, that is what they were promised less than a year ago in the general election… I just say to the Prime Minister, this is not a game of snakes and ladders.”
On whether Labour would support UK concessions on fishing: “The differences are clearly not insignificant, but I don’t think they’re insurmountable either. On fishing, we do want access to the fish in our waters, but we also want to be able to sell the fish to the EU.”
On the level playing field: “The British government wants to be able to water down rules on workers’ rights and environmental standards. That would not be Labour’s priorities and I don’t think it would be the priorities of the British people either.”
On getting a deal: “There is a deal there to be done. If the government can’t sign a deal because they want to water down rules on workers’ rights and environmental standards, that is absolutely wrong.”
She added: “My message to Boris Johnson is that you made a promise to the British people to get Brexit done. You said you had an oven-ready deal. Well, get on and deliver it.”
On whether Labour will vote for the deal: “Let’s see… We’ll have to look at the content of a deal, but also any legislation that comes to parliament. We’re not going to give them a blank cheque but I think I have been very clear that the most important thing is that the government get a deal.”
Pressed further: “We can’t say how we’re going to vote in a hypothetical vote without seeing the legislation… Keir Starmer and myself will make sure we understand the implications of any legislation before voting on it.”
#Marr: If the Government gets a trade deal with the EU, will Labour back it? Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Rachel Reeves: "We’ll have to look at the deal… we’re not going to give them a blank cheque"#Brexit https://t.co/XJOGgZil5C pic.twitter.com/3GRsCOMT1b — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) December 6, 2020
The government was represented by George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, who said: “There is still a deal to be done but there is no denying that the end of last week was quite a setback.”
On the real deadline for a deal, he added: “You could always extend, but unless you can resolve these quite fundamental divergences at the moment we are going to have to take a position in the next few days.”
On the impact of no deal on farming, amid warnings by the National Farmers’ Union, Eustice admitted the sheep sector would be exposed but said in “many other sectors” of British agriculture no deal would “create opportunities”.
#Marr: Can you keep your promises to farmers and fishermen? Environment Secretary George Eustice: “We will see… we cannot be the only country in the world that doesn’t control its own waters”#Brexit https://t.co/XJOGgZil5C pic.twitter.com/siS6eh7w0W — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) December 6, 2020
Sophy Ridge on Sunday
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds defended Labour’s abstention on the Covid tier system vote earlier this week and refused to rule out the possibility of the party abstaining on a Brexit trade deal.
On Labour’s Covid abstention: “What we did was to act in the national interest. We accepted first of all that there should be restrictions. That’s why we didn’t oppose them. But at the same time there were still issues.”
On Labour’s approach to Covid: “We accept the need for restrictions but we still are pushing for improvement because… the economic package put forward by the government simply doesn’t match the ambition of the moment.”
On whether Labour will support a Brexit trade deal: “We absolutely need to get a deal… In terms of our position on any deal, clearly we need to see what has been agreed.”
On a potential vote: “We don’t know at the moment what’s actually going to be presented to parliament. Will it be the deal as agreed? Will it be a piece of legislation that is actually giving effect to that deal?”
Pressed on whether Labour could abstain: “The responsible thing for this is first of all emphasising the need to get a deal, but then to consider what has been agreed – but also to consider what’s actually going to be put before parliament.”
He added: “It may not be a straight vote on the deal. It may actually be that time is running out so much now that actually all we’ll get is an actual piece of legislation putting that deal into effect.”
Asked whether it is right that convicted criminals born overseas should be deported: “If there are people who are convicted of very serious crimes who’ve lost their right to remain, then yes they should be deported.”
On the controversial deportation flight to Jamaica: “The point that we were raising with regard to that particular flight was deep concern around the Windrush scandal and continuing injustice.”
Labour abstained on voting for coronavirus restrictions. Will it do the same on Brexit? "We absolutely need to get a deal" and a no deal outcome would be "catastrophic" says @NickTorfaen – but Labour "need to see what has been agreed"#Ridge https://t.co/Y7JlOUGQ4W pic.twitter.com/tJQ7QjGiUO — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) December 6, 2020
Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown accused the SNP of being “out of touch with the priorities of the Scottish people” in demanding a referendum within the next year.
On whether Scottish people would vote for independence: “If there was a referendum, we’d win it and Scotland would stay in the UK. But it’s going to be a hard battle because people are frustrated, they’re fed up.”
On devolution: “All the different parts of the UK, they need far more powers of economic initiative and the centre will have to admit that it cannot do everything itself and that centralisation is not working.”
On Boris Johnson saying devolution was a “disaster”: “He’s completely out of touch and that’s why he’s not popular in Scotland. But neither would he be popular in Wales where people want devolution to work.”
On devolved nations and regions: “We have a multi-national state, we have regions with a great deal of different needs… But this government has not found a way of cooperating with them, of consulting them, of working with them.”
He added: “There seems to be no formal mechanisms in place by which the mayors or the first ministers can actually talk to the Prime Minister or talk to the leading cabinet ministers.”
Asked whether the SNP will have a mandate for another referendum if they win a majority in Holyrood next year: “You could of course have a referendum… But should you have a referendum? And the answer is no.”
On other priorities: “We’ve got to deal with the recession. Unemployment is rising. We’ve got to vaccinate people in Scotland.”
On the SNP pushing for a referendum: “The idea you can have a referendum during the first 12 months of the next year seems to me quite unrealistic… The nationalists are really out of touch with the priorities of the Scottish people.”
Asked whether Labour should back a Brexit trade deal negotiated by the government: “I don’t think you can say what you do about the deal until you know what the deal is.”
Pressed on whether Labour should vote for the deal over no deal: “That’s up to Keir Starmer to make his decision. But I would make my decision, and I don’t think he’s going to make his decision, until he sees what the deal is.”
On Rishi Sunak: “Having given out all this money, his problems are really now beginning and I think he’s going to be tested… He has not provided for the recovery in the way that should be done and I think he faces huge problems.”
On what the Chancellor needs to do: “He must plan recovery and not rest on his laurels because we’ve had a rescue operation, we need a recovery operation now and I don’t think that is forthcoming yet from the government.”
"I think if there was a referendum we'd win it and Scotland would stay in the UK" says former PM Gordon Brown on Scottish Independence and adds 'there's a growing sense that people in all regions feel they're not being listened to'.#Ridge https://t.co/7d85kNDhUM pic.twitter.com/EU59rVlrQG — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) December 6, 2020
George Eustice said the Brexit negotiations are “in a very difficult position” this morning, and argued that there was hope for a deal last week before the EU “added a whole load of additional demands”.
Asked whether the government will nonetheless hold votes on legislation breaking international law, with MPs set to consider the internal market bill and the finance bill, the Environment Secretary confirmed: “Yes, we will.”
He declared that Covid vaccinations will begin “in earnest from this week” but could not say how many doses would be arriving in the UK. He said he “doesn’t have the precise number”.
On Covid and the UK leaving the EU, the government minister argued: “We’ve got many contingency plans in place. There won’t be any effect on the deployment of this vaccine from a no-deal Brexit.”
"Yes, we will" says George Eustice, confirming clauses breaking international law will be reintroduced to Parliament if a deal isn't agreed by tomorrow. He says the "clauses are very important in the event we leave without an agreement" and give clarity for business.#Ridge pic.twitter.com/xMOUFLCkLc — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) December 6, 2020
Pundit and former footballer Gary Neville criticised Labour for abstaining on Covid rules earlier this week and highlighted that the “economic support isn’t in place aligned with those restrictions”.
Asked whether Labour should have voted against the rules, he said: “When you’re elected and you’re in that seat in Westminster, you’ve to take a position, you don’t abstain, you take part in the match, you’re the opposition.”
Times Radio
Labour frontbencher Sarah Jones told Gloria de Piero and Tom Newton Dunn that there is “theatrics and macho posturing” in the final days of Brexit negotiations but would not say whether her party is encouraging the government to take what’s on offer.
On the deportation flight to Jamaica, the shadow policing and fire minister said Labour is “not convinced” that the Home Office has systems in place to ensure that the Windrush scandal cannot reoccur.
“We wanted to make sure that what has happened in the past – we’ve seen people who have the right to stay in the country removed – we want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Jones said.
Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey urged Keir Starmer to vote for a Brexit deal and to resolve the situation with Jeremy Corbyn’s whip as quickly as possible.


labourlist--2020-12-07--Lammy slams government review into Human Rights Act as “bonkers”

David Lammy has described as “ bonkers ” the decision by the government to launch a review of the Human Rights Act while the UK is currently still dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Shadow Justice Secretary slammed the unveiling of the review by Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland this morning , who declared that “ now is the right time to take a fresh look ” at the legislation introduced in 1998 .
The government has argued it is committed to the European Convention on Human Rights ( ECHR ) , incorporated into domestic law by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ limited to looking at the structural framework rather than the rights themselves ” .
Commenting on the timing of the announcement from the government today , Lammy said : “ It is bonkers that the government is prioritising launching an attack on human rights in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Unlike the Conservatives , Labour is proud of this country ’ s leading role in developing human rights following the second world war .
There is no need for a review into the rights and freedoms that underpin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The ECHR is an international convention to protect human rights and political freedoms in Europe drafted in the 1950s , and includes articles on fair trials , freedom of expression , free elections and privacy .
The HRA , which received royal assent in November 1998 and came into force in 2000 , provides a remedy for the breach of the convention rights available in UK courts and removes the need to go to the European Court of Human Rights ( ECtHR ) .
The Conservatives promised in their 2019 manifesto to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government this morning revealed that the review will consider the performance of the legislation in three areas : • The relationship between the domestic courts and the ECtHR , including the duty to ‘ take into account ’ ECtHR case law ; • The impact of the human rights legislation on the relationship between the judiciary , the executive and parliament ; and • The way in which the HRA applies outside the UK and whether there is a “ case for change ” .
Former court of appeal judge Sir Peter Gross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undertake the review .
It will include members of Policy Exchange , a think tank strongly supportive of the government ’ s constitutional reform policies .
Civil rights groups and campaigners have voiced concerns that the government intends to limit the scope of legal protections under the HRA for asylum seekers , victims and other vulnerable groups .
Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen said : “ Tearing up the Human Rights Act would be a giant leap backwards .
It would be the single biggest reduction in rights in the history @ @ @ @ @

David Lammy has described as “bonkers” the decision by the government to launch a review of the Human Rights Act while the UK is currently still dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Shadow Justice Secretary slammed the unveiling of the review by Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland this morning, who declared that “now is the right time to take a fresh look” at the legislation introduced in 1998.
The government has argued it is committed to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), incorporated into domestic law by the HRA, and that the review is “limited to looking at the structural framework rather than the rights themselves”.
Commenting on the timing of the announcement from the government today, Lammy said: “It is bonkers that the government is prioritising launching an attack on human rights in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Unlike the Conservatives, Labour is proud of this country’s leading role in developing human rights following the second world war. There is no need for a review into the rights and freedoms that underpin our democracy and all of us enjoy.”
The ECHR is an international convention to protect human rights and political freedoms in Europe drafted in the 1950s, and includes articles on fair trials, freedom of expression, free elections and privacy.
The HRA, which received royal assent in November 1998 and came into force in 2000, provides a remedy for the breach of the convention rights available in UK courts and removes the need to go to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
The Conservatives promised in their 2019 manifesto to “update the HRA” and the government this morning revealed that the review will consider the performance of the legislation in three areas:
The relationship between the domestic courts and the ECtHR, including the duty to ‘take into account’ ECtHR case law; The impact of the human rights legislation on the relationship between the judiciary, the executive and parliament; and The way in which the HRA applies outside the UK and whether there is a “case for change”.
Former court of appeal judge Sir Peter Gross will chair a panel of legal experts to undertake the review. It will include members of Policy Exchange, a think tank strongly supportive of the government’s constitutional reform policies.
Civil rights groups and campaigners have voiced concerns that the government intends to limit the scope of legal protections under the HRA for asylum seekers, victims and other vulnerable groups.
Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen said: “Tearing up the Human Rights Act would be a giant leap backwards. It would be the single biggest reduction in rights in the history of the UK.”


labourlist--2020-12-07--New ‘Labour Society of Campaigners’ relaunches ‘Labour Organiser’

A group of ten Labour activists from across the movement have jointly launched the ‘ Labour Society of Campaigners ’ today with the aim of turning the party into a “ world-class campaigning organisation ” .
The initiative is kicking off with the relaunch of Labour Organiser , the party newsletter that first started 100 years ago this month and allowed members to share campaigning techniques with each other .
LabourList understands that the new Labour Society of Campaigners hopes in time to become a socialist society , which would involve formal affiliation to the Labour Party , but will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ’ group .
The project is led by campaign coordinator Nathan Oswin , Labour Together ’ s Hannah O ’ Rourke , Labour Party Graphic Designers ’ Kevin Kennedy Ryan , tech officer Peyman Owladi and Campaign Lab co-founder James Moulding .
Co-founders also include Broxtowe Labour activist Jane Marshall , Labour ’ s former community organising head Sotez Chowdhury , Oliver Coppard of Campaign Plus , FutureGov ’ s Claire Hazelgrove and David Littlefair of Labour Beyond Cities .
It is a non-factional umbrella group comprising a number of already existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party who will share insights and best practices .
The freshly launched organisation intends to promote “ member-led ” campaigning in the party that “ starts with each member taking responsibility for more effectively communicating , persuading , organising and campaigning ” .
A selection of Labour Organiser articles will be published online this week , before being included in the first print edition next year .
Writers include Bernie Sanders ’ head of design and the head of digital for US Senator Ed Markey .
The first event being held by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be practical and action-led ” , will be a ‘ hack weekend ’ run by Campaign Lab to address the challenges of campaigning during the Covid crisis .
Without door-knocking , Labour activists will need to make the most of phone canvassing and digital campaigning in get-out-the-vote ( GOTV ) operations .
This event will take place on Saturday , December 12th .
Party members can join the Labour Society of Campaigners for £1 or £5 a year .
Those signing up now will become founding members and have their names published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Below is the full text of the launch statement .
Through the strength of our common endeavour , we achieve more than we achieve alone .
The struggle for a better society is one that we can only win together .
We can only achieve this by getting Labour back into government .
Yet our collective efforts to campaign effectively can often be undermined by the poor organisation and communication across CLPs , poor data management and factional fights on all sides holding us back .
The recent Labour Together election review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , techniques and practices are outdated .
We continue to do what we ’ ve always done , with predictable results , regardless of our leadership .
Our lack of innovation means we are failing to compete in a changing political environment where voter loyalty is in decline and digital spaces are more and more important , but increasingly contested .
At a time when the electoral coalition we rely on is shifting beneath our feet , our understanding of persuasion techniques and strategies remains mired in a mindset that sees political identities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOTV ) as the sole purpose of campaigns .
Despite the evident problems we face , there are examples of Labour campaigners working together across different groups and geographies to trial and share great practice that overcomes those challenges .
• Campaign Lab ’ s Hack Days , bringing campaign organisers and technologists together to co-create 21st-century solutions to our organising challenges .
• Labour Party Graphic Designers pioneering innovative and professional approaches , providing Labour activists with the tools to communicate and promote important messages .
• The Del Singh Memorial Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour Unions ‘ twinning ’ the seats we need to get Keir Starmer into Downing Street .
• The massive mobilisation efforts of Labour Beyond Cities that takes activists out of the cities and into towns across the country , to ensure we have resources in the places we need to win .
• Broxtowe Labour ’ s innovative hub , bringing community organising in as a key platform across the whole of the constituency and embedding the party at the heart of the communities it seeks to serve .
But these isolated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
We urgently need more support , information and insight to be made available to branches , CLPs and campaigners across the country .
That ’ s why we , the campaigners behind these initiatives , have come together to form the “ Labour Society of Campaigners ” .
We ’ re a group drawn from across the breadth of our party , with decades of experience across the various disciplines that make up modern campaigns .
But we can ’ t do this alone .
It will take all of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endeavour , to make sure every branch and CLP in the country has access to the tools , skills and knowledge to maximise their campaigns and overcome their specific local challenges .
The Labour Society of Campaigners will be a space to bring together the skills , energy and experience of campaigners across our movement .
The campaigning efforts of Labour members have always been one of the greatest strengths of our movement , so our mission to make Labour a world-class campaigning organisation must be member-led .
It starts with each member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuading , organising and campaigning .
That ’ s why we are asking you to join us , share with us your experiences , and help us identify and spread examples of good practice .
To support members , this week we ’ re relaunching Labour Organiser , the original party newsletter that explored campaigning techniques and was launched exactly 100 years ago this month .
This week , you ’ ll be able to hear from : Tyler Evans , Bernie Sanders ’ head of design on branding a candidate ; Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Markey on digital organising during a pandemic ; and Claire Hazelgrove , former US organiser and deputy director of field operations for the Remain campaign , on the digital changes to the ground war in the recent Presidential election .
Our society is designed to be practical and action-led .
So our first event will be a hack weekend , run by Campaign Lab , focusing on creating solutions to Covid campaigning challenges we ’ re likely to face in the local elections .
You can find out how to get involved here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things we have started to plan and achieve by working together .
Imagine what we could do with more members .
For Labour to succeed in its mission to rid the country of Boris Johnson and his populist , pathetic government , we need to maximise our movement ’ s campaigning potential and achieve more than we ever could alone .
You can help make this happen by : • Joining the Labour Society of Campaigners from as little as £1 by visiting labourcampaigners.co.uk/join-us • Checking out our websites labourcampaigners.co.uk and labourorganiser.co.uk – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Following us on Twitter @ labcampaigners Together , we can put our Labour values into action – by coming together , learning together , and campaigning together .

A group of ten Labour activists from across the movement have jointly launched the ‘Labour Society of Campaigners’ today with the aim of turning the party into a “world-class campaigning organisation”.
The initiative is kicking off with the relaunch of Labour Organiser, the party newsletter that first started 100 years ago this month and allowed members to share campaigning techniques with each other.
LabourList understands that the new Labour Society of Campaigners hopes in time to become a socialist society, which would involve formal affiliation to the Labour Party, but will first apply to be a ‘Friends of’ group.
The project is led by campaign coordinator Nathan Oswin, Labour Together’s Hannah O’Rourke, Labour Party Graphic Designers’ Kevin Kennedy Ryan, tech officer Peyman Owladi and Campaign Lab co-founder James Moulding.
Co-founders also include Broxtowe Labour activist Jane Marshall, Labour’s former community organising head Sotez Chowdhury, Oliver Coppard of Campaign Plus, FutureGov’s Claire Hazelgrove and David Littlefair of Labour Beyond Cities.
It is a non-factional umbrella group comprising a number of already existing grassroots campaigning organisations and experienced campaigners within the party who will share insights and best practices.
The freshly launched organisation intends to promote “member-led” campaigning in the party that “starts with each member taking responsibility for more effectively communicating, persuading, organising and campaigning”.
A selection of Labour Organiser articles will be published online this week, before being included in the first print edition next year. Writers include Bernie Sanders’ head of design and the head of digital for US Senator Ed Markey.
The first event being held by the society, which is “designed to be practical and action-led”, will be a ‘hack weekend’ run by Campaign Lab to address the challenges of campaigning during the Covid crisis.
Without door-knocking, Labour activists will need to make the most of phone canvassing and digital campaigning in get-out-the-vote (GOTV) operations. This event will take place on Saturday, December 12th.
Party members can join the Labour Society of Campaigners for £1 or £5 a year. Those signing up now will become founding members and have their names published in the first issue of Labour Organiser.
Below is the full text of the launch statement.
Through the strength of our common endeavour, we achieve more than we achieve alone. The struggle for a better society is one that we can only win together. We can only achieve this by getting Labour back into government.
Yet our collective efforts to campaign effectively can often be undermined by the poor organisation and communication across CLPs, poor data management and factional fights on all sides holding us back.
The recent Labour Together election review found that many of our campaigning methodologies, techniques and practices are outdated. We continue to do what we’ve always done, with predictable results, regardless of our leadership.
Our lack of innovation means we are failing to compete in a changing political environment where voter loyalty is in decline and digital spaces are more and more important, but increasingly contested.
At a time when the electoral coalition we rely on is shifting beneath our feet, our understanding of persuasion techniques and strategies remains mired in a mindset that sees political identities as largely fixed, and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) as the sole purpose of campaigns.
Despite the evident problems we face, there are examples of Labour campaigners working together across different groups and geographies to trial and share great practice that overcomes those challenges.
Campaign Lab’s Hack Days, bringing campaign organisers and technologists together to co-create 21st-century solutions to our organising challenges.
Labour Party Graphic Designers pioneering innovative and professional approaches, providing Labour activists with the tools to communicate and promote important messages.
The Del Singh Memorial Award winning work that has seen East Midlands Labour Unions ‘twinning’ the seats we need to get Keir Starmer into Downing Street.
The massive mobilisation efforts of Labour Beyond Cities that takes activists out of the cities and into towns across the country, to ensure we have resources in the places we need to win.
Broxtowe Labour’s innovative hub, bringing community organising in as a key platform across the whole of the constituency and embedding the party at the heart of the communities it seeks to serve.
But these isolated examples of good practice aren’t enough. We urgently need more support, information and insight to be made available to branches, CLPs and campaigners across the country.
That’s why we, the campaigners behind these initiatives, have come together to form the “Labour Society of Campaigners”. We’re a group drawn from across the breadth of our party, with decades of experience across the various disciplines that make up modern campaigns.
But we can’t do this alone. It will take all of us, with the strength of our common endeavour, to make sure every branch and CLP in the country has access to the tools, skills and knowledge to maximise their campaigns and overcome their specific local challenges.
The Labour Society of Campaigners will be a space to bring together the skills, energy and experience of campaigners across our movement.
The campaigning efforts of Labour members have always been one of the greatest strengths of our movement, so our mission to make Labour a world-class campaigning organisation must be member-led. It starts with each member taking responsibility for more effectively communicating, persuading, organising and campaigning.
That’s why we are asking you to join us, share with us your experiences, and help us identify and spread examples of good practice.
To support members, this week we’re relaunching Labour Organiser, the original party newsletter that explored campaigning techniques and was launched exactly 100 years ago this month.
This week, you’ll be able to hear from: Tyler Evans, Bernie Sanders’ head of design on branding a candidate; Paul Bologna, head of digital for Ed Markey on digital organising during a pandemic; and Claire Hazelgrove, former US organiser and deputy director of field operations for the Remain campaign, on the digital changes to the ground war in the recent Presidential election.
Our society is designed to be practical and action-led. So our first event will be a hack weekend, run by Campaign Lab, focusing on creating solutions to Covid campaigning challenges we’re likely to face in the local elections. You can find out how to get involved here.
These are just some of the things we have started to plan and achieve by working together. Imagine what we could do with more members.
For Labour to succeed in its mission to rid the country of Boris Johnson and his populist, pathetic government, we need to maximise our movement’s campaigning potential and achieve more than we ever could alone.
You can help make this happen by:
Joining the Labour Society of Campaigners from as little as £1 by visiting labourcampaigners.co.uk/join-us Checking out our websites labourcampaigners.co.uk and labourorganiser.co.uk – and sharing them across your social media Following us on Twitter @labcampaigners
Together, we can put our Labour values into action – by coming together, learning together, and campaigning together.
Nathan Oswin
Hannah O’Rourke
James Moulding
Peyman Owladi
Kevin Kennedy Ryan
Oliver Coppard
Claire Hazelgrove
David Littlefair
Jane Marshall
Sotez Chowdhury


labourlist--2020-12-07--Online harms bill a “once in a generation opportunity”, says Labour

Labour has declared that the upcoming online harms bill represents a “ once in a generation opportunity to tackle the dangerous elements of the internet ” that must not be wasted by the government .
Commenting today , with the government due to publish its response to the online harms white paper 18 months after it was first promised , Labour ’ s Jo Stevens has stressed the need for the government to take the issue seriously .
The party has argued the proposed regulator should be empowered to issue financial penalties if platforms fail to remove harmful disinformation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anti-vax conspiracies .
Labour has also said it wants to see senior company executives face criminal penalties where persistent breaches of the law take place .
Shadow Secretary of State for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Stevens said today : “ The long-awaited online harms bill is a once in a generation opportunity to tackle these dangerous elements of the internet which have real-world consequences .
“ We need the government to take this seriously whether it is hate speech , disinformation or self-harm content .
The internet should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation must be ambitious in its scope.
” The party has stressed the need for the proposed legislation to introduce measures to tackle “ currently legal but clearly harmful ” content including such as that encouraging or showing people how to self-harm or commit suicide .
Labour has been working with Ian Russell , whose daughter Molly killed herself after viewing social media posts on Instagram about self-harm and then having similar content pushed to her by the social media platform ’ s algorithm .
The intervention from the shadow minister comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend that the government ban online anonymity or make social media directors personally liable for defamatory posts .
Labour last month proposed the introduction of penalties to prevent the spread of anti-vax disinformation and called on government to work with the party on a cross-party basis on the online harms bill to “ get that legislation on the statute book ” .
The online harms bill was announced in 2019 following the death of Molly Russell but it remains in the preliminary , ‘ white paper ’ stage .
The chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ unacceptable ” in June 2020 .
The Office for National Statistics has reported that one in five British children have been bullied online and between April and October this year the NSPCC held more than 1,000 counselling sessions with young people about online bullying .

Labour has declared that the upcoming online harms bill represents a “once in a generation opportunity to tackle the dangerous elements of the internet” that must not be wasted by the government.
Commenting today, with the government due to publish its response to the online harms white paper 18 months after it was first promised, Labour’s Jo Stevens has stressed the need for the government to take the issue seriously.
The party has argued the proposed regulator should be empowered to issue financial penalties if platforms fail to remove harmful disinformation, including social media companies and the dissemination of anti-vax conspiracies.
Labour has also said it wants to see senior company executives face criminal penalties where persistent breaches of the law take place.
Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Stevens said today: “The long-awaited online harms bill is a once in a generation opportunity to tackle these dangerous elements of the internet which have real-world consequences.
“We need the government to take this seriously whether it is hate speech, disinformation or self-harm content. The internet should be a safe place for everyone and this legislation must be ambitious in its scope.”
The party has stressed the need for the proposed legislation to introduce measures to tackle “currently legal but clearly harmful” content including such as that encouraging or showing people how to self-harm or commit suicide.
Labour has been working with Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly killed herself after viewing social media posts on Instagram about self-harm and then having similar content pushed to her by the social media platform’s algorithm.
The intervention from the shadow minister comes as Labour backbencher Margaret Hodge has demanded this weekend that the government ban online anonymity or make social media directors personally liable for defamatory posts.
Labour last month proposed the introduction of penalties to prevent the spread of anti-vax disinformation and called on government to work with the party on a cross-party basis on the online harms bill to “get that legislation on the statute book”.
The online harms bill was announced in 2019 following the death of Molly Russell but it remains in the preliminary, ‘white paper’ stage. The chair of the Lords democracy digital committee branded the delay “unacceptable” in June 2020.
The Office for National Statistics has reported that one in five British children have been bullied online and between April and October this year the NSPCC held more than 1,000 counselling sessions with young people about online bullying.


labourlist--2020-12-07--Liverpool: will Robert Jenrick stage an intervention?

We were told the real deadline for a post-Brexit trade deal was Sunday night , or possibly Monday morning .
Both because the whole thing is well overdue now and because the UK government is pressing ahead with legislation that breaks international law – the internal market bill and the taxation bill – in the House of Commons this week .
But reports of a major breakthrough on fish were strongly denied by the UK last night , with a government source saying : “ Nothing new has been achieved on this today.
” The European Council ’ s final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Is that the real deadline , or can this be kicked even further down the road ?
Jonathan Reynolds did the media round this morning and said it was a “ disgrace ” that a deal is not in place .
The delay means people and businesses simply can not prepare for the new year .
On top of Covid ’ s economic impact , that uncertainty is devastating – but Boris Johnson doesn ’ t seem bothered .
Labour will vote against the government on the internal market bill today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith , ” Reynolds pointed out .
And the opposition party has been clear that any thin deal agreed now should be treated as a platform to build on , which requires good relations .
“ It has never been clear why the government thought this was the right way forward.
” The PM will talk to Ursula von der Leyen this evening .
How Labour will vote on the law-breaking legislation is clear , but the leadership faces a tough call if a deal is struck as hoped .
Labour sources have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whipping MPs in favour of a deal , believing that this will not stop the party from criticising the government later but will stop accusations that he avoids difficult decisions .
On the Sunday shows , Rachel Reeves would only say the party is not giving the government a “ blank cheque ” , while Nick Thomas-Symonds did not rule out abstaining .
He rightly highlighted that we don ’ t yet know whether there will be a straight vote on a deal or votes on implementing legislation .
Unite ’ s Len @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Starmer is in a “ slightly awkward and difficult ” position but abstention would be “ completely wrong ” .
The leadership has another pressing problem : events in Liverpool .
The directly-elected executive city mayor Joe Anderson was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation on Friday , along with four other men .
It is understood that this year-long police investigation into building and development contracts is just one of three major probes linked to planning and regeneration issues in the city .
This is only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , with one remarking that there will be “ a lot of squealing going on ” now .
Anderson released a statement on Saturday saying he was interviewed for six hours and has been bailed to return in one month .
Anderson has been suspended from the party , but many questions remain .
What does Labour , the city council and the government make of this development ?
After all , Anderson has a direct mandate .
There are rumours that Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick will announce an intervention tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been pointed out , however , that Tory Lancashire council leader Geoff Driver was arrested in relation to the BT One Connect scandal in 2017 , as part of the long-running ‘ Operation Sheridan ’ that has since been widened to include Liverpool .
He was not suspended by his party or subject to such an intervention .
Driver is currently suing the Crown Prosecution Service .
Efforts will be made by Labour representatives today , including threats of council cabinet resignations , to persuade Anderson to allow his deputy to step up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Operation Aloft ’ .
There was first talk of rescinding the directly-elected mayoral model , but this idea is now out of favour according to LabourList sources , as Labour ’ s ruling body could manage the selection process if it is retained ( and not swapped for the more localised leader/cabinet model ) .
We ’ ll be keeping a close eye on how this situation unfolds .

We were told the real deadline for a post-Brexit trade deal was Sunday night, or possibly Monday morning. Both because the whole thing is well overdue now and because the UK government is pressing ahead with legislation that breaks international law – the internal market bill and the taxation bill – in the House of Commons this week. But reports of a major breakthrough on fish were strongly denied by the UK last night, with a government source saying: “Nothing new has been achieved on this today.” The European Council’s final summit of the year takes place on Thursday. Is that the real deadline, or can this be kicked even further down the road?
Jonathan Reynolds did the media round this morning and said it was a “disgrace” that a deal is not in place. The delay means people and businesses simply cannot prepare for the new year. On top of Covid’s economic impact, that uncertainty is devastating – but Boris Johnson doesn’t seem bothered. Labour will vote against the government on the internal market bill today. “Any deal rests on good faith,” Reynolds pointed out. And the opposition party has been clear that any thin deal agreed now should be treated as a platform to build on, which requires good relations. “It has never been clear why the government thought this was the right way forward.” The PM will talk to Ursula von der Leyen this evening.
How Labour will vote on the law-breaking legislation is clear, but the leadership faces a tough call if a deal is struck as hoped. Labour sources have briefed that Keir Starmer is inclined towards whipping MPs in favour of a deal, believing that this will not stop the party from criticising the government later but will stop accusations that he avoids difficult decisions. On the Sunday shows, Rachel Reeves would only say the party is not giving the government a “blank cheque”, while Nick Thomas-Symonds did not rule out abstaining. He rightly highlighted that we don’t yet know whether there will be a straight vote on a deal or votes on implementing legislation. Unite’s Len McCluskey, meanwhile, told Times Radio that Starmer is in a “slightly awkward and difficult” position but abstention would be “completely wrong”.
The leadership has another pressing problem: events in Liverpool. The directly-elected executive city mayor Joe Anderson was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation on Friday, along with four other men. It is understood that this year-long police investigation into building and development contracts is just one of three major probes linked to planning and regeneration issues in the city. This is only the beginning of the matter, sources say, with one remarking that there will be “a lot of squealing going on” now. Anderson released a statement on Saturday saying he was interviewed for six hours and has been bailed to return in one month.
Anderson has been suspended from the party, but many questions remain. What does Labour, the city council and the government make of this development? After all, Anderson has a direct mandate. There are rumours that Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick will announce an intervention tomorrow and send in commissioners. It has been pointed out, however, that Tory Lancashire council leader Geoff Driver was arrested in relation to the BT One Connect scandal in 2017, as part of the long-running ‘Operation Sheridan’ that has since been widened to include Liverpool. He was not suspended by his party or subject to such an intervention. Driver is currently suing the Crown Prosecution Service.
Efforts will be made by Labour representatives today, including threats of council cabinet resignations, to persuade Anderson to allow his deputy to step up and take his place in light of ‘Operation Aloft’. There was first talk of rescinding the directly-elected mayoral model, but this idea is now out of favour according to LabourList sources, as Labour’s ruling body could manage the selection process if it is retained (and not swapped for the more localised leader/cabinet model). We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this situation unfolds.


labourlist--2020-12-07--Labour: Tories “risk failing a generation” with poor Covid lost learning plans

Labour has warned that the government “ risks failing a generation of children ” as just one in six pupils on free school meals will benefit from programmes to help them catch up on lost learning during Covid .
The party criticised the government today after a recent parliamentary question revealed that its funding of the National Tutoring Programme , for approved bodies offering subsidised tuition , will support just 17 % of those on free school meals .
The opposition has highlighted that this means over 1.1 million children on free school meals , who are the most disadvantaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peers in the pandemic , will miss out on this catch-up programme .
Commenting on the shortfall , Wes Streeting said : “ It is completely unacceptable that the government ’ s plans will see the vast majority of pupils in most need of help unable to get additional tuition to make up for the learning they have lost.
” The party also pointed out another recent ministerial answer , which showed that fewer than one in five of the mentors promised under the scheme are in place and the rest are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Labour ’ s shadow minister for schools added : “ The government is failing to support the children who need it the most , and breaking promises to parents and schools about the funding that will be available .
“ Ministers must urgently get a grip , bring this additional funding forward , and ensure that no pupil misses out on the support they need.
” Downing Street announced a £1bn Covid catch-up plan for schools in June , with £350m earmarked for the NTP .
Labour has said its analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that only £191m of that £350m has been allocated .
Ministers confirmed at the end of last month that the £350m pledged to deliver on extra tuition as part of the pandemic response will cover two years of tutoring instead of one , as initially announced by Boris Johnson earlier this year .
The government said in June that the remaining £650m in the £1bn catch-up plan would be handed to schools as a one-off premium for 2020-21 to “ ensure that schools have the support they need to help all pupils make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour has also raised concerns that this money allocated to schools to help children catch up on lost learning is being used to fund a shortfall in funding provided by central government for schools to pay for coronavirus safety precautions .
Reports emerged last month of schools across the country being forced to use existing budgets to deal with the financial challenges of the pandemic after the government ended its scheme reimbursing schools for Covid-related expenses .

Labour has warned that the government “risks failing a generation of children” as just one in six pupils on free school meals will benefit from programmes to help them catch up on lost learning during Covid.
The party criticised the government today after a recent parliamentary question revealed that its funding of the National Tutoring Programme, for approved bodies offering subsidised tuition, will support just 17% of those on free school meals.
The opposition has highlighted that this means over 1.1 million children on free school meals, who are the most disadvantaged and most likely to fall behind their peers in the pandemic, will miss out on this catch-up programme.
Commenting on the shortfall, Wes Streeting said: “It is completely unacceptable that the government’s plans will see the vast majority of pupils in most need of help unable to get additional tuition to make up for the learning they have lost.”
The party also pointed out another recent ministerial answer, which showed that fewer than one in five of the mentors promised under the scheme are in place and the rest are not expected to be working until spring next year.
Labour’s shadow minister for schools added: “The government is failing to support the children who need it the most, and breaking promises to parents and schools about the funding that will be available.
“Ministers must urgently get a grip, bring this additional funding forward, and ensure that no pupil misses out on the support they need.”
Downing Street announced a £1bn Covid catch-up plan for schools in June, with £350m earmarked for the NTP. Labour has said its analysis of the responses from the government show that only £191m of that £350m has been allocated.
Ministers confirmed at the end of last month that the £350m pledged to deliver on extra tuition as part of the pandemic response will cover two years of tutoring instead of one, as initially announced by Boris Johnson earlier this year.
The government said in June that the remaining £650m in the £1bn catch-up plan would be handed to schools as a one-off premium for 2020-21 to “ensure that schools have the support they need to help all pupils make up for lost teaching time”.
Labour has also raised concerns that this money allocated to schools to help children catch up on lost learning is being used to fund a shortfall in funding provided by central government for schools to pay for coronavirus safety precautions.
Reports emerged last month of schools across the country being forced to use existing budgets to deal with the financial challenges of the pandemic after the government ended its scheme reimbursing schools for Covid-related expenses.


labourlist--2020-12-07--MPs vote to reinstate controversial sections of internal market bill

Ed Miliband has described the row over the internal market bill clauses as “ calamitous , embarrassing and toxic ” as MPs this evening voted to reinstate the controversial sections of the legislation .
The Shadow Business Secretary this evening slammed the government ’ s insistence on reinserting the clauses , which seek to allow the government to override parts of the withdrawal agreement signed with the EU and break international law .
The internal market bill passed its third reading in the Commons in September .
The government then suffered a large defeat in the House of Lords last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reject the controversial clauses .
But following a Commons debate tonight , clauses 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 and 46 were reinstated without a vote .
These relate to the ability of ministers to override parts of the departure agreement agreed between Westminster and Brussels .
357 MPs voted to reinsert into the legislation clause 47 , which provides for the UK government to deviate from international law .
268 voted against .
The Shadow Business Secretary explained to MPs that the legislation had been “ absolutely savaged ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise the “ beginnings of the climbdown ” were now happening .
The votes this evening took place after Boris Johnson earlier today offered to drop the controversial clauses from the bill , at a later date , in an effort to break the deadlock in the ongoing trade negotiations with the EU .
Miliband told the Commons this evening : “ Three months of posturing , undermining our reputation in the world and today , an hour before the debate begins , we see some preparations maybe for the brakes being applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If there is one thing this whole sorry saga has shown the world beyond any doubt , is that with this government their word is not their bond .
“ They can not be trusted because they are willing to rip up international agreements they made less than a year ago.
” He highlighted that the measures within the bill had been opposed by figures across the political spectrum , from Tory grandees such as Michael Howard and William Hague to the archbishop of Canterbury and US President-elect Joe Biden .
The comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations , with the European Council set to hold its final summit of the year on Thursday at which it hopes to sign off a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU .
Labour slammed the government over its failure to secure a post-Brexit trade deal during an urgent parliamentary question earlier today , reminding the minister that the whole country is waiting for the deal promised during the general election .
The Prime Minister spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the phone this afternoon .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As agreed on Saturday , we took stock today of the ongoing negotiations .
“ We agreed that the conditions for finalising an agreement are not there due to the remaining significant differences on three critical issues : level playing field , governance and fisheries .
“ We asked our chief negotiators and their teams to prepare an overview of the remaining differences to be discussed in a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days.
” Responding to the statement this evening , shadow minister for the Cabinet Office Rachel Reeves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see this government failing to deliver their promises to the British people and failing to get the deal they promised done .
“ Securing a deal is critical to the British national interest for jobs and security .
Even at this 11th hour , we urge both sides to get on with reaching an agreement .
We can then focus on the job at hand , which is securing the economy and rebuilding our country from the pandemic.
” As MPs tonight voted to reject the changes made by the peers to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation will now proceed back to the upper chamber for the Lords to consider whether to reinstate the amendments .

Ed Miliband has described the row over the internal market bill clauses as “calamitous, embarrassing and toxic” as MPs this evening voted to reinstate the controversial sections of the legislation.
The Shadow Business Secretary this evening slammed the government’s insistence on reinserting the clauses, which seek to allow the government to override parts of the withdrawal agreement signed with the EU and break international law.
The internal market bill passed its third reading in the Commons in September. The government then suffered a large defeat in the House of Lords last month as peers amended the bill to reject the controversial clauses.
But following a Commons debate tonight, clauses 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 were reinstated without a vote. These relate to the ability of ministers to override parts of the departure agreement agreed between Westminster and Brussels.
357 MPs voted to reinsert into the legislation clause 47, which provides for the UK government to deviate from international law. 268 voted against, including the three Tory MPs Roger Gale, Simon Hoare and Stephen McPartland.
Conservative MPs Karen Bradley, Richard Holden, Julian Smith, Tom Tugendhat, Graham Brady, Theresa May, John Stevenson, Charles Walker, Geoffrey Cox, Caroline Nokes, Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Wright had no vote recorded on the division.
The Shadow Business Secretary explained to MPs that the legislation had been “absolutely savaged” in the House of Lords and it was no surprise the “beginnings of the climbdown” were now happening.
The votes this evening took place after Boris Johnson earlier today offered to drop the controversial clauses from the bill, at a later date, in an effort to break the deadlock in the ongoing trade negotiations with the EU.
Miliband told the Commons this evening: “Three months of posturing, undermining our reputation in the world and today, an hour before the debate begins, we see some preparations maybe for the brakes being applied before we go over the cliff…
“If there is one thing this whole sorry saga has shown the world beyond any doubt, is that with this government their word is not their bond.
“They cannot be trusted because they are willing to rip up international agreements they made less than a year ago.”
He highlighted that the measures within the bill had been opposed by figures across the political spectrum, from Tory grandees such as Michael Howard and William Hague to the archbishop of Canterbury and US President-elect Joe Biden.
The comments from Miliband came amid the stalling Brexit negotiations, with the European Council set to hold its final summit of the year on Thursday at which it hopes to sign off a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU.
Labour slammed the government over its failure to secure a post-Brexit trade deal during an urgent parliamentary question earlier today, reminding the minister that the whole country is waiting for the deal promised during the general election.
The Prime Minister spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the phone this afternoon. The pair issued the following joint statement: “As agreed on Saturday, we took stock today of the ongoing negotiations.
“We agreed that the conditions for finalising an agreement are not there due to the remaining significant differences on three critical issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries.
“We asked our chief negotiators and their teams to prepare an overview of the remaining differences to be discussed in a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days.”
Responding to the statement this evening, shadow minister for the Cabinet Office Rachel Reeves said: “Day after day we see this government failing to deliver their promises to the British people and failing to get the deal they promised done.
“Securing a deal is critical to the British national interest for jobs and security. Even at this 11th hour, we urge both sides to get on with reaching an agreement. We can then focus on the job at hand, which is securing the economy and rebuilding our country from the pandemic.”
As MPs tonight voted to reject the changes made by the peers to the internal market bill last month, the legislation will now proceed back to the upper chamber for the Lords to consider whether to reinstate the amendments.


labourlist--2020-12-07--Janet Daby quits as shadow faith minister over same-sex marriage comment

Janet Daby resigned this morning as Labour ’ s shadow faith minister after making “ misjudged ” comments about registrars having the right to refuse to certify same-sex partnerships .
Announcing her decision , Daby tweeted : “ I ’ m proud to support same-sex marriages .
On Saturday Labour celebrated 15 years of civil partnerships , and all the progress we ’ ve made since.
” In a post that was not widely noticed at the time , she added : “ I sincerely apologise for my misjudged comments on Friday , and have decided to resign as shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Janet Daby has today stood down from her role as a shadow minister .
We will appoint a replacement in due course.
” The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Daby had argued there should be a conscience clause to protect people of faith being penalised for objecting to performing certain tasks for religious reasons .
The Labour MP for Lewisham East and former opposition frontbencher said : “ There needs to be something in place that protects people of faith as well as those who think the other way .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is like people having a choice who for reasons of conscience can not participate in conducting an abortion.
” Asked about the issue during a Zoom briefing for the Religion Media Centre , Daby replied : “ This is to do with a person ’ s own conscience really around this .
It ’ s similar , probably , to a vote of conscience in parliament .
“ My own view around this would be that I ’ d like to have some more information on it , obviously , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people.
” According to Sky News , she added : “ It ’ s almost similar , as well , to whether someone wishes to partake in the medical process of an abortion – I think nurses have a choice .
This is highly complex and controversial .
“ What I think is there needs to be something in place that respects people ’ s conscience and views of faith , as well as that protects people ’ s rights that want to ensure they can also be treated equally within their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally refuse to perform same-sex weddings due to their faith , according to equalities law , which has been confirmed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission .
The EHRC has said that “ when someone is providing a public service , they can not , because of their religion or belief , discriminate unlawfully against customers or service users ” .
Daby ’ s office said : “ Janet ’ s comments were made in consideration of a person of faith asking the question , but do not reflect her views – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and believes registrars should not be in the role if they do not want to conduct same-sex weddings .
”

Janet Daby resigned this morning as Labour’s shadow faith minister after making “misjudged” comments about registrars having the right to refuse to certify same-sex partnerships.
Announcing her decision, Daby tweeted: “I’m proud to support same-sex marriages. On Saturday Labour celebrated 15 years of civil partnerships, and all the progress we’ve made since.”
In a post that was not widely noticed at the time, she added: “I sincerely apologise for my misjudged comments on Friday, and have decided to resign as shadow faith minister.”
A Labour spokesperson said: “Janet Daby has today stood down from her role as a shadow minister. We will appoint a replacement in due course.”
The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Daby had argued there should be a conscience clause to protect people of faith being penalised for objecting to performing certain tasks for religious reasons.
The Labour MP for Lewisham East and former opposition frontbencher said: “There needs to be something in place that protects people of faith as well as those who think the other way.
“It is an issue of conscience. It is like people having a choice who for reasons of conscience cannot participate in conducting an abortion.”
Asked about the issue during a Zoom briefing for the Religion Media Centre, Daby replied: “This is to do with a person’s own conscience really around this. It’s similar, probably, to a vote of conscience in parliament.
“My own view around this would be that I’d like to have some more information on it, obviously, I’d like to have those conversations with people.”
According to Sky News, she added: “It’s almost similar, as well, to whether someone wishes to partake in the medical process of an abortion – I think nurses have a choice. This is highly complex and controversial.
“What I think is there needs to be something in place that respects people’s conscience and views of faith, as well as that protects people’s rights that want to ensure they can also be treated equally within their own rights as well.”
Registrars cannot legally refuse to perform same-sex weddings due to their faith, according to equalities law, which has been confirmed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The EHRC has said that “when someone is providing a public service, they cannot, because of their religion or belief, discriminate unlawfully against customers or service users”.
Daby’s office said: “Janet’s comments were made in consideration of a person of faith asking the question, but do not reflect her views – she is fully supportive of equal marriage, and believes registrars should not be in the role if they do not want to conduct same-sex weddings.”