labourlist--2020-03-24--Many have been left confused as the PM fails to define “essential work”

We are in lockdown .
Boris Johnson finally appeared on our TV screens last night to tell us to “ stay at home ” or face a fine .
You can go outside to buy basic necessities , to exercise once a day and for medical need , but that ’ s it .
Non-essential shops and public spaces are shut .
Gatherings of more than two people have been banned , and police have been empowered to enforce the new measures with fines .
And yet despite a pre-recorded statement from Johnson , we didn ’ t manage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : who can go to work ?
Johnson said people should only do so “ where this absolutely can not be done from home ” , and some took this to mean key workers only .
But he didn ’ t actually mention “ key workers ” at any point during his special address .
Nor does the guidance issued online .
A government tweet at 9.04pm specified key workers only , while one at 10.30pm revised this to reflect the words of the PM .
The result ?
Widespread confusion about whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in today .
Sports Direct told its staff that it would be remaining open just 30 minutes after the special broadcast last night , requiring Michael Gove to clarify on BBC Breakfast this morning that the stores should close .
Chief executive Mike Ashley has apparently now agreed .
Similary , London mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that those in the construction sector should not be going to work , while Tory ministers have said that they should .
Many , including Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey on the BBC ’ s Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to clearly define “ essential work ” .
But the confusion in the aftermath of the announcement is not simply an oversight – it is symptomatic of the general approach taken throughout the health crisis .
Whether it ’ s income support or deciding what work people should be doing , the government seems to determined to implement its measures through , and at the discretion of , employers .
The Coronavirus Bill passed through the Commons last night and will enter the House of Lords today .
Labour didn ’ t force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government offered the concession to review it every six months , rather than the two years originally proposed .
The Bill includes the measures on sick pay and income compensation discussed over the past weeks , as well as more severe elements such as powers for the police to detain people suspected of the virus .
Bitterly disappointing is the provision for renters : after promising a “ complete ban on evictions ” , the Bill instead only states that private tenants will now have three months ’ notice instead of two on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police have been told to prepare to enforce the lockdown for six months , this gives little reassurance for renters .
It ’ s a far cry from what was promised , and shows where the government ’ s priorities lie .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

We are in lockdown. Boris Johnson finally appeared on our TV screens last night to tell us to “stay at home” or face a fine. You can go outside to buy basic necessities, to exercise once a day and for medical need, but that’s it. Non-essential shops and public spaces are shut. Gatherings of more than two people have been banned, and police have been empowered to enforce the new measures with fines. And yet despite a pre-recorded statement from Johnson, we didn’t manage to escape the usual confusion. This time: who can go to work? Johnson said people should only do so “where this absolutely cannot be done from home”, and some took this to mean key workers only. But he didn’t actually mention “key workers” at any point during his special address. Nor does the guidance issued online. A government tweet at 9.04pm specified key workers only, while one at 10.30pm revised this to reflect the words of the PM. The result? Widespread confusion about whether your work can ask you to head in today.
Sports Direct told its staff that it would be remaining open just 30 minutes after the special broadcast last night, requiring Michael Gove to clarify on BBC Breakfast this morning that the stores should close. Chief executive Mike Ashley has apparently now agreed. Similary, London mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that those in the construction sector should not be going to work, while Tory ministers have said that they should. Many, including Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey on the BBC’s Today programme, have therefore urged the government to clearly define “essential work”. But the confusion in the aftermath of the announcement is not simply an oversight – it is symptomatic of the general approach taken throughout the health crisis. Whether it’s income support or deciding what work people should be doing, the government seems to determined to implement its measures through, and at the discretion of, employers.
The Coronavirus Bill passed through the Commons last night and will enter the House of Lords today. Labour didn’t force any votes on the legislation after the government offered the concession to review it every six months, rather than the two years originally proposed. The Bill includes the measures on sick pay and income compensation discussed over the past weeks, as well as more severe elements such as powers for the police to detain people suspected of the virus. Bitterly disappointing is the provision for renters: after promising a “complete ban on evictions”, the Bill instead only states that private tenants will now have three months’ notice instead of two on possession claims from landlords. Given that the police have been told to prepare to enforce the lockdown for six months, this gives little reassurance for renters. It’s a far cry from what was promised, and shows where the government’s priorities lie. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-03-24--We must grasp the benefits of Brexit to rebuild our nation after Covid-19

The Centre for Brexit Policy was conceived just over a year ago .
A number of campaigners , academics , politicians and businessmen recognised that – assuming Brexit is delivered – there would no longer be a need for a campaign group .
Memories of the months immediately after the 2016 EU referendum acted as a warning for the consequences of not having a pro-Brexit presence .
Too many organisations shut up shop after the EU referendum and , as a result , the media were totally dominated by anti-Brexit voices .
I am delighted to be part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is launching this week .
The CBP is a brand new think-tank backed by cross-party politicians and veterans of the national Brexit debate .
The Covid-19 crisis in the UK is causing much distress to people right across the country .
It is inevitable that when life does return to some form of normality , as a nation we will be faced with serious economic challenges .
The UK is leaving the EU and therefore it is absolutely essential that policies adopted by the government in post-Brexit Britain boost national prosperity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as ensure that the UK ‘ takes back control ’ now that it has left the EU .
The importance of the cross-party nature of the think tank should not be underestimated , particularly at this difficult time .
The directors – Rt Hon .
Owen Paterson , Rt Hon .
Sammy Wilson MP , John Longworth , Matthew Patten , Edgar Miller and myself – vary widely on our political positions .
However – we are united in wanting our country to achieve great things after Brexit .
The three core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Identify the benefits and opportunities of Brexit across the full spectrum of economic , trade , social , foreign , defence and security policy areas and propose new policies for the government ’ s agenda ; • Continue to make the intellectual , evidence-based case for a ‘ real ’ Brexit and provide the government with clear and constructive advice on how to deal with ongoing negotiation and implementation issues .
A real Brexit means regaining full control over our laws , borders , seas , trade , and courts , regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and • Check any attempts to dilute a real Brexit , as well as serving as a catalyst and rallying point for positive news stories that , over time , will be able to persuade and demonstrate the many substantial advantages of Brexit .
The CBP has the support of accomplished individuals from multiple disciplines , including Professor Robert Tombs , Martin Howe QC and professor Angus Dalgleish .
They will provide additional expertise and experience in the development of an agenda for policy change that will ensure the British people benefit from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a CBP business forum that will bring senior business leaders together to provide input to shape CBP ’ s agenda and policy proposals , as well as to deliver a pro-Brexit business voice .
Rebuilding our nation ’ s economy after this challenging time is going to focus the minds of people across the country .
Ensuring that Britain takes full advantage of all of the benefits of leaving the EU is absolutely critical to this recovery .
The CBP will be working hard over the months ahead to produce thoughtful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government as part of the effort to rebuild our nation .

The Centre for Brexit Policy was conceived just over a year ago. A number of campaigners, academics, politicians and businessmen recognised that – assuming Brexit is delivered – there would no longer be a need for a campaign group.
Memories of the months immediately after the 2016 EU referendum acted as a warning for the consequences of not having a pro-Brexit presence. Too many organisations shut up shop after the EU referendum and, as a result, the media were totally dominated by anti-Brexit voices.
I am delighted to be part of the Centre for Brexit Policy (CBP) which is launching this week. The CBP is a brand new think-tank backed by cross-party politicians and veterans of the national Brexit debate.
The Covid-19 crisis in the UK is causing much distress to people right across the country. It is inevitable that when life does return to some form of normality, as a nation we will be faced with serious economic challenges.
The UK is leaving the EU and therefore it is absolutely essential that policies adopted by the government in post-Brexit Britain boost national prosperity and well-being in years to come, as well as ensure that the UK ‘takes back control’ now that it has left the EU.
The importance of the cross-party nature of the think tank should not be underestimated, particularly at this difficult time. The directors – Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, Rt Hon. Sammy Wilson MP, John Longworth, Matthew Patten, Edgar Miller and myself – vary widely on our political positions. However, we are united in wanting our country to achieve great things after Brexit. The three core objectives of the CBP are to:
Identify the benefits and opportunities of Brexit across the full spectrum of economic, trade, social, foreign, defence and security policy areas and propose new policies for the government’s agenda; Continue to make the intellectual, evidence-based case for a ‘real’ Brexit and provide the government with clear and constructive advice on how to deal with ongoing negotiation and implementation issues. A real Brexit means regaining full control over our laws, borders, seas, trade, and courts, regardless of the route taken to achieve these; and Check any attempts to dilute a real Brexit, as well as serving as a catalyst and rallying point for positive news stories that, over time, will be able to persuade and demonstrate the many substantial advantages of Brexit.
The CBP has the support of accomplished individuals from multiple disciplines, including Professor Robert Tombs, Martin Howe QC and Professor Angus Dalgleish. They will provide additional expertise and experience in the development of an agenda for policy change that will ensure the British people benefit from Brexit.
Additional support will be provided by a CBP business forum that will bring senior business leaders together to provide input to shape CBP’s agenda and policy proposals, as well as to deliver a pro-Brexit business voice.
Rebuilding our nation’s economy after this challenging time is going to focus the minds of people across the country. Ensuring that Britain takes full advantage of all of the benefits of leaving the EU is absolutely critical to this recovery. The CBP will be working hard over the months ahead to produce thoughtful, detailed, effective policies to present to the government as part of the effort to rebuild our nation.


labourlist--2020-03-25--Delays, inaction and U-turn risks health of NHS staff, self-employed and women

Matt Hancock has called for 250,000 people to volunteer to join a new ‘ responders ’ group , which will be responsible for ‘ shielding ’ the most vulnerable at home .
Meanwhile , nearly 12,000 retired NHS staff have heroically agreed to return amid the coronavirus crisis .
MPs such as Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and former full-time care worker Nadia Whittome are also taking on extra health work , in addition to their parliamentary duties .
And yet NHS workers are continuing to raise urgent concerns over a lack of personal protective equipment .
There are reports of NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a UK patient has now died after contracting the virus in hospital .
A huge effort is underway to resource the workforce with adequate PPE , but we must not shy away from asking why this endeavour was not undertaken earlier .
Women ’ s health is also being put at risk .
As highlighted by Stella Creasy , Diana Johnson , Ruth Cadbury and many other Labour MPs , the government decided on Monday to temporarily allow abortions at home .
Two pills could be taken without going to a clinic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and letters were sent to abortion care providers .
But Hancock has now led a shocking U-turn .
Although the coronavirus bill will reduce the number of doctors necessary for sectioning under the Mental Health Act from two to one , two doctors will still be needed for women seeking abortions – despite many clinics having closed .
Creasy wants to introduce teleconsultation , with doctors being able to prescribe pills over the phone during this period in which nobody should be leaving the house unnecessarily .
This would not require legislative change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply for Hancock to reinstate the now-withdrawn guidance .
There is still nothing for freelancers and the self-employed , many of whom have seen their incomes drop because their businesses rely on physical contact – events , for example .
Many others are having to endanger themselves during this crisis .
Hancock has tried to blame Sadiq Khan for overcrowded tubes , as there is now a reduced service .
But the London mayor has pointed out that growing numbers of TfL staff are off sick or self-isolating .
The government does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers to travel , nor does it want construction sites to close .
Help for the self-employed is now expected to be announced tomorrow .
It better be good – at the moment Universal Credit applications are proving impossible to complete .
With the coronavirus bill being passed into law , parliament will close a week early for Easter recess – adjourning from this evening until April 21st .
This will make MPs ’ scrutiny of further coronavirus measures difficult .
It also means that this afternoon will be Jeremy Corbyn ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national executive committee ( NEC ) meeting as Labour leader took place this week .
How will the leadership contest results be unveiled on April 4th ?
No exact format has been agreed , LabourList understands , only that it will be online-only , with Jennie Formby delivering opening remarks and Andi Fox announcing the results .
Remember to vote if you haven ’ t already cast that all-important ballot .

Matt Hancock has called for 250,000 people to volunteer to join a new ‘responders’ group, which will be responsible for ‘shielding’ the most vulnerable at home. Meanwhile, nearly 12,000 retired NHS staff have heroically agreed to return amid the coronavirus crisis. MPs such as Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and former full-time care worker Nadia Whittome are also taking on extra health work, in addition to their parliamentary duties.
And yet NHS workers are continuing to raise urgent concerns over a lack of personal protective equipment. There are reports of NHS staff ending up in intensive care, and a UK patient has now died after contracting the virus in hospital. A huge effort is underway to resource the workforce with adequate PPE, but we must not shy away from asking why this endeavour was not undertaken earlier.
Women’s health is also being put at risk. As highlighted by Stella Creasy, Diana Johnson, Ruth Cadbury and many other Labour MPs, the government decided on Monday to temporarily allow abortions at home. Two pills could be taken without going to a clinic during the lockdown. Guidelines were published and letters were sent to abortion care providers. But Hancock has now led a shocking U-turn.
Although the coronavirus bill will reduce the number of doctors necessary for sectioning under the Mental Health Act from two to one, two doctors will still be needed for women seeking abortions – despite many clinics having closed. Creasy wants to introduce teleconsultation, with doctors being able to prescribe pills over the phone during this period in which nobody should be leaving the house unnecessarily. This would not require legislative change, the Walthamstow MP says, but simply for Hancock to reinstate the now-withdrawn guidance.
There is still nothing for freelancers and the self-employed, many of whom have seen their incomes drop because their businesses rely on physical contact – events, for example. Many others are having to endanger themselves during this crisis. Hancock has tried to blame Sadiq Khan for overcrowded tubes, as there is now a reduced service. But the London mayor has pointed out that growing numbers of TfL staff are off sick or self-isolating. The government does not want to tackle employers who are forcing workers to travel, nor does it want construction sites to close. Help for the self-employed is now expected to be announced tomorrow. It better be good – at the moment Universal Credit applications are proving impossible to complete.
With the coronavirus bill being passed into law, parliament will close a week early for Easter recess – adjourning from this evening until April 21st. This will make MPs’ scrutiny of further coronavirus measures difficult. It also means that this afternoon will be Jeremy Corbyn’s final PMQs, just as his last national executive committee (NEC) meeting as Labour leader took place this week. How will the leadership contest results be unveiled on April 4th? No exact format has been agreed, LabourList understands, only that it will be online-only, with Jennie Formby delivering opening remarks and Andi Fox announcing the results. Remember to vote if you haven’t already cast that all-important ballot.


labourlist--2020-03-25--Care system in danger of coronavirus collapse, says GMB

GMB has warned that the care system is in danger of “ total collapse ” due to the coronavirus health crisis and has issued five demands to the government to support care workers .
In a call made today , the trade union told the government that thousands of key workers supporting the most vulnerable people in society are working with “ little or no personal protective equipment ” .
The organisation also highlighted that , if they become ill , the care workers face a choice between continuing to go to work or having to survive on statutory sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five demands made by GMB to prevent the collapse of the care system are : • Full pay for all social care workers in self-isolation or sick due Covid-19 and for the Government to underwrite any employers who can ’ t afford it ; • Paid time off to care for children when there is no other option available ; • Priority PPE , gloves , masks , and sanitiser making sure that our members are protected while they protect our loved ones ; • Priority testing for all social care workers ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all staff to provide safe care and to have adequate breaks to avoid burnout .
Care lead at GMB Kelly Andrews said : “ Our care system is in danger of total collapse during the coronavirus crisis .
Our carers are distraught that they have to work with little or no PPE and , horrifyingly , are being told that if a resident tests positive then they can not return home .
“ Despite being on the frontline , and utterly vital to stop our society from crumbling , they are on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unable to rely on schools for childcare .
“ And to rub salt in the wound , if they become ill they either have to try and support their families on poverty sick pay – or turn up to work ill which could be a death sentence for residents .
“ GMB is demanding all care providers pay full pay for all staff during this outbreak to allow peace of mind to those vital staff that care for everyone else before themselves.
” The NHS has also been experiencing shortages of PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen calls from NHS trusts , as well as from organisations such as the Royal College of Nurses and the Doctors ’ Association UK among others .
The Guardian has reported that a number of workers in the health service have threatened to quit if the government fails to provide them with the required equipment .
Speaking in the coronavirus press briefing on Tuesday , the Health Secretary Matt Hancock told reporters that he would “ strain every sinew ” to ensure that NHS staff have the equipment that they need .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded cases of the virus in the UK and 422 deaths .
The highest number of cases has been found in London where there are 2,872 recorded instances of Covid-19 .

GMB has warned that the care system is in danger of “total collapse” due to the coronavirus health crisis and has issued five demands to the government to support care workers.
In a call made today, the trade union told the government that thousands of key workers supporting the most vulnerable people in society are working with “little or no personal protective equipment”.
The organisation also highlighted that, if they become ill, the care workers face a choice between continuing to go to work or having to survive on statutory sick pay of £94.25 per week.
The five demands made by GMB to prevent the collapse of the care system are:
Full pay for all social care workers in self-isolation or sick due Covid-19 and for the Government to underwrite any employers who can’t afford it; Paid time off to care for children when there is no other option available; Priority PPE, gloves, masks, and sanitiser making sure that our members are protected while they protect our loved ones; Priority testing for all social care workers; and Safe staffing levels to allow for all staff to provide safe care and to have adequate breaks to avoid burnout.
Care lead at GMB Kelly Andrews said: “Our care system is in danger of total collapse during the coronavirus crisis. Our carers are distraught that they have to work with little or no PPE and, horrifyingly, are being told that if a resident tests positive then they cannot return home.
“Despite being on the frontline, and utterly vital to stop our society from crumbling, they are on minimum wage, with unpaid breaks and are unable to rely on schools for childcare.
“And to rub salt in the wound, if they become ill they either have to try and support their families on poverty sick pay – or turn up to work ill which could be a death sentence for residents.
“GMB is demanding all care providers pay full pay for all staff during this outbreak to allow peace of mind to those vital staff that care for everyone else before themselves.”
The NHS has also been experiencing shortages of PPE for its staff, and the government has seen calls from NHS trusts, as well as from organisations such as the Royal College of Nurses and the Doctors’ Association UK among others.
The Guardian has reported that a number of workers in the health service have threatened to quit if the government fails to provide them with the required equipment.
Speaking in the coronavirus press briefing on Tuesday, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock told reporters that he would “strain every sinew” to ensure that NHS staff have the equipment that they need.
There are currently a total of 8,077 recorded cases of the virus in the UK and 422 deaths. The highest number of cases has been found in London where there are 2,872 recorded instances of Covid-19.


labourlist--2020-03-24--The BBC is performing a vital service during this crisis – we must defend it

It feels like years ago – although it ’ s actually been less than six weeks – that Nicky Morgan , in one of her final acts as Culture Secretary , announced a consultation on decriminalising non-payment of the TV Licence Fee .
This was framed as part of a broader government ambition to “ reform ” the BBC and review its funding arrangements so it could “ remain relevant ” in the Netflix era .
This came after briefing wars during the general election , unnamed No .
10 advisors promising to “ smash the BBC ” and Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mysteriously , there was no mentioned a consultation of this nature in the Tory manifesto – and the backlash against it has been enormous .
I made clear that Labour would oppose any plans to undermine our public service broadcaster or to strip it of vital funding .
Understandably , given the Covid-19 crisis , the public are focusing on the safety of their loved ones or the security of their income during the lockdown .
During this unprecedented time , with the public preoccupied and civil society organisations stripped of capacity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s why I wrote to Oliver Dowden – Morgan ’ s successor as Secretary of State – last week calling for the consultation to be postponed .
Those calls have sadly fallen on deaf ears , and the future of the BBC ’ s funding remains in peril .
The case against the government ’ s proposals is overwhelming .
As recently as 2015 , a government-appointed QC reviewed the licence fee , concluding it was the fairest and most equitable way to fund our public service broadcaster .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main source of income , accounting for £3.69bn in the last financial year or approximately 75 % of the broadcaster ’ s revenues .
Decriminalising non-payment would cost the BBC an estimated £200m a year in increased evasion .
That ’ s would severely impact on the BBC ’ s ability to create the brilliant news , drama , documentaries and entertainment that 91 % of the population enjoy every week .
This pandemic has made the need for high-quality , independent public service broadcasting clearer than ever .
Two weeks ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC News website received 70 million unique UK visitors – the most ever in the single week .
Audiences have increased considerably for BBC Breakfast and BBC News as the public seeks for practical information and advice .
The corporation ’ s announcement of a specially-tailored programme of content to bring vital information to the public throughout this emergency was widely praised .
Decriminalising the licence fee would make producing this sort of content much more difficult – and mean the end of the BBC as we know it .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that means making our views heard by responding to the consultation before it closes in a week ’ s time .
The good news is that I ’ ve made it easy for you to help , and it only takes five minutes .
So please , stick the kettle on , visit ourbbc.co.uk and download our suggested consultation response to send to the government .
The BBC has supported the British people so much over the years – now is the time for us to show our support .

It feels like years ago – although it’s actually been less than six weeks – that Nicky Morgan, in one of her final acts as Culture Secretary, announced a consultation on decriminalising non-payment of the TV Licence Fee. This was framed as part of a broader government ambition to “reform” the BBC and review its funding arrangements so it could “remain relevant” in the Netflix era.
This came after briefing wars during the general election, unnamed No. 10 advisors promising to “smash the BBC” and Tory MPs signalling their outrage on Twitter. Mysteriously, there was no mentioned a consultation of this nature in the Tory manifesto – and the backlash against it has been enormous. I made clear that Labour would oppose any plans to undermine our public service broadcaster or to strip it of vital funding.
Understandably, given the Covid-19 crisis, the public are focusing on the safety of their loved ones or the security of their income during the lockdown. During this unprecedented time, with the public preoccupied and civil society organisations stripped of capacity, the government should have paused this consultation.
That’s why I wrote to Oliver Dowden – Morgan’s successor as Secretary of State – last week calling for the consultation to be postponed. Those calls have sadly fallen on deaf ears, and the future of the BBC’s funding remains in peril. The case against the government’s proposals is overwhelming. As recently as 2015, a government-appointed QC reviewed the licence fee, concluding it was the fairest and most equitable way to fund our public service broadcaster.
The licence fee is the BBC’s main source of income, accounting for £3.69bn in the last financial year or approximately 75% of the broadcaster’s revenues. Decriminalising non-payment would cost the BBC an estimated £200m a year in increased evasion. That’s would severely impact on the BBC’s ability to create the brilliant news, drama, documentaries and entertainment that 91% of the population enjoy every week.
This pandemic has made the need for high-quality, independent public service broadcasting clearer than ever. Two weeks ago, as the Covid-19 crisis gathered pace, the BBC News website received 70 million unique UK visitors – the most ever in the single week. Audiences have increased considerably for BBC Breakfast and BBC News as the public seeks for practical information and advice. The corporation’s announcement of a specially-tailored programme of content to bring vital information to the public throughout this emergency was widely praised.
Decriminalising the licence fee would make producing this sort of content much more difficult – and mean the end of the BBC as we know it. I’m asking for your help, and that means making our views heard by responding to the consultation before it closes in a week’s time.
The good news is that I’ve made it easy for you to help, and it only takes five minutes. So please, stick the kettle on, visit ourbbc.co.uk and download our suggested consultation response to send to the government. The BBC has supported the British people so much over the years – now is the time for us to show our support.


labourlist--2020-03-24--“A town built on iron and steel does not elect shrinking violets” – Alex Davies-Jones’ maiden speech

Below is the full text of the maiden speech delivered in parliament on January 15th by MP for Pontypridd Alex Davies-Jones .
Rising to give my maiden speech , I am reminded of the quip that there is never a more dangerous moment to speak than before the audience has had their dinner ; but whoever first wrote that line clearly never had my teenage experience — of singing in a local workman ’ s club for an audience who were waiting for the bingo to start .
I thank my nan for giving me that particular opportunity , again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means I have absolutely nothing to fear from those on the benches opposite .
They may deplore and decry my socialism , but they are armed with neither heavy-duty black marker pens nor the impatience of a valleys grandmother .
There can be no greater honour in life than to represent the place closest to your heart .
I am Ponty born and bred .
I went to my local comprehensive school in Tonyrefail .
My dad and both granddads were miners .
Pontypridd runs through my veins as strongly and truly as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our valley .
Pontypridd , my home , is also the home of local legends — not just my mam , but the legends of Tom Jones and Wales ’ s most feared and capped prop-forward , Gethin Jenkins .
Whilst I was tempted to construct this speech around the lyrics of Sir Tom , I did not have the same temptation when it came to Geth ’ s on-field banter .
That would generally consist of a look so menacing that it could make the very scoreboard twitch .
To add to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor , Owen Smith .
Owen is a tough act to follow in every sense .
I know that his wit and wisdom , his rhetoric and his radicalism will be missed in this place , just as they will be welcomed back at home .
His work here , particularly campaigning on surgical mesh implants , will change the lives of women not just in this country , but around the world , as the full scale of that scandal is still being uncovered .
That tenacious , groundbreaking campaign work gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have achieved in government .
Owen blazed a trail — as he always does .
In his nine years in parliament he lived a political life worthy of three decades .
No wonder his first career ambition was to be zipping around the green pitch at Ponty ’ s Sardis Road , not warming these green benches .
I know that colleagues here will wish him luck with his return to the green , green grass of home .
As with Owen and his predecessor , Kim Howells , music , rugby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing up in Pontypridd .
It is difficult to imagine it any other way in a constituency that gave the world the Welsh national anthem and “ Cwm Rhondda ” .
The Pontypridd front row were not just three rugby players ; they were , for us , the eighth wonder of the world .
With iron and coal and industry comes the politics — politics rooted in people , fairness and radicalism .
And whilst the iron and the coal may have gone , the people have not , and nor have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and equality .
I have no doubts whatsoever that it is my duty to hold the red banner high in this place , on behalf of my constituents ; to tell their stories , and to tell the difficult truths to those on my own frontbench as well as the one opposite .
A town built on iron and steel does not elect shrinking violets , and I will use my voice to elevate the lived experiences of my constituents so that they can never , ever be ignored .
I also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of all my Labour colleagues , has become more difficult following the election result in December .
One of the jewels in the Ponty crown is the Royal Mint in Llantrisant , which is a fantastic employer of nearly 1,000 people .
But it is an irony not lost on me , or my constituents , that despite the fact that we physically make all the country ’ s money , we see precious little of it in return in the shape of government investment .
The High Speed 2 maps proudly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounds worth of red and blue streaks across the map of England , but not so much as a slither in Wales .
There is no investment in rail electrification , or in the transformational tidal lagoon technology being developed in south Wales .
Wales can , and will , lead the way on ingenuity , the economy and the environment , but the government must stop holding us back .
One very small word has a huge world of meaning in south Wales , and that is the sort of economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a tidy economy , and a tidy environment .
To achieve means a commitment to the kind of green industrial revolution being promoted by the Labour party , not the wishy-washy promises of the UK government .
It means investment in future technologies , and it means working with the Welsh Labour government on their groundbreaking environmental legislation , and the Wellbeing of Future Generations ( Wales ) Act 2015 .
From Pontypridd to Perth the climate crisis that we are facing impacts on us all , and I will use my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate emergency at the forefront .
I come from a seat that helped power the last industrial revolution , and for the sake of my generation , and the one to follow , I want Pontypridd to be at the forefront of the next one .
I will close by saying that the bridge that symbolises the town of Pontypridd will be my inspiration for my work in parliament .
It was the longest single span bridge in Britain when it was opened in 1756 , and it is not just the architectural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that it represented William Edwards ’ s fourth attempt at a bridge to cross the Taff .
He did not let the floods , collapses and miscalculations deter him ; he kept thinking , he kept on trying , and he kept building .
That is how I intend to carry forward this job of representing the people of Pontypridd , which is the greatest honour of my life .
I will make mistakes , I will learn from them , and I will keep going .
With the support of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the bridge from Pontypridd to Westminster .

Below is the full text of the maiden speech delivered in parliament on January 15th by MP for Pontypridd Alex Davies-Jones.
Rising to give my maiden speech, I am reminded of the quip that there is never a more dangerous moment to speak than before the audience has had their dinner; but whoever first wrote that line clearly never had my teenage experience — of singing in a local workman’s club for an audience who were waiting for the bingo to start. I thank my nan for giving me that particular opportunity, again and again, but at least it means I have absolutely nothing to fear from those on the benches opposite. They may deplore and decry my socialism, but they are armed with neither heavy-duty black marker pens nor the impatience of a valleys grandmother.
There can be no greater honour in life than to represent the place closest to your heart. I am Ponty born and bred. I went to my local comprehensive school in Tonyrefail. My dad and both granddads were miners. Pontypridd runs through my veins as strongly and truly as the Rivers Taff and Rhondda run through our valley. Pontypridd, my home, is also the home of local legends — not just my mam, but the legends of Tom Jones and Wales’s most feared and capped prop-forward, Gethin Jenkins. Whilst I was tempted to construct this speech around the lyrics of Sir Tom, I did not have the same temptation when it came to Geth’s on-field banter. That would generally consist of a look so menacing that it could make the very scoreboard twitch.
To add to that list of local legends is my predecessor, Owen Smith. Owen is a tough act to follow in every sense. I know that his wit and wisdom, his rhetoric and his radicalism will be missed in this place, just as they will be welcomed back at home. His work here, particularly campaigning on surgical mesh implants, will change the lives of women not just in this country, but around the world, as the full scale of that scandal is still being uncovered. That tenacious, groundbreaking campaign work gave a glimpse of what Owen could and should have achieved in government. Owen blazed a trail — as he always does. In his nine years in parliament he lived a political life worthy of three decades. No wonder his first career ambition was to be zipping around the green pitch at Ponty’s Sardis Road, not warming these green benches. I know that colleagues here will wish him luck with his return to the green, green grass of home.
As with Owen and his predecessor, Kim Howells, music, rugby and politics represented the fundamentals of life growing up in Pontypridd. It is difficult to imagine it any other way in a constituency that gave the world the Welsh national anthem and “Cwm Rhondda”. The Pontypridd front row were not just three rugby players; they were, for us, the eighth wonder of the world. With iron and coal and industry comes the politics — politics rooted in people, fairness and radicalism. And whilst the iron and the coal may have gone, the people have not, and nor have the radicalism and the ambition for fairness and equality. I have no doubts whatsoever that it is my duty to hold the red banner high in this place, on behalf of my constituents; to tell their stories, and to tell the difficult truths to those on my own frontbench as well as the one opposite. A town built on iron and steel does not elect shrinking violets, and I will use my voice to elevate the lived experiences of my constituents so that they can never, ever be ignored.
I also have no doubt that my task, and that of all my Labour colleagues, has become more difficult following the election result in December. One of the jewels in the Ponty crown is the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, which is a fantastic employer of nearly 1,000 people. But it is an irony not lost on me, or my constituents, that despite the fact that we physically make all the country’s money, we see precious little of it in return in the shape of government investment. The High Speed 2 maps proudly produced by this Government show billions of pounds worth of red and blue streaks across the map of England, but not so much as a slither in Wales. There is no investment in rail electrification, or in the transformational tidal lagoon technology being developed in south Wales. Wales can, and will, lead the way on ingenuity, the economy and the environment, but the government must stop holding us back.
One very small word has a huge world of meaning in south Wales, and that is the sort of economy and environment we want and deserve: tidy — a tidy economy, and a tidy environment. To achieve means a commitment to the kind of green industrial revolution being promoted by the Labour party, not the wishy-washy promises of the UK government. It means investment in future technologies, and it means working with the Welsh Labour government on their groundbreaking environmental legislation, and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. From Pontypridd to Perth the climate crisis that we are facing impacts on us all, and I will use my voice in this place to keep the climate emergency at the forefront. I come from a seat that helped power the last industrial revolution, and for the sake of my generation, and the one to follow, I want Pontypridd to be at the forefront of the next one.
I will close by saying that the bridge that symbolises the town of Pontypridd will be my inspiration for my work in parliament. It was the longest single span bridge in Britain when it was opened in 1756, and it is not just the architectural ingenuity that inspires me, but the fact that it represented William Edwards’s fourth attempt at a bridge to cross the Taff. He did not let the floods, collapses and miscalculations deter him; he kept thinking, he kept on trying, and he kept building. That is how I intend to carry forward this job of representing the people of Pontypridd, which is the greatest honour of my life. I will make mistakes, I will learn from them, and I will keep going. With the support of my family and my constituents, I will be the bridge from Pontypridd to Westminster.


labourlist--2020-03-25--The coronavirus crisis calls for internationalism, not isolationism

The coronavirus pandemic is a critical moment for the world – when we choose to pull together , or break apart .
This test of communities and our leaders will have serious immediate and devastating long-term consequences should we fail it .
A rise in support for nationalism has propelled strongman leaders to power across the world .
Against a drumbeat of isolationism , nativism and weakening global cooperation , far-right populists have sought to capitalise on the pandemic – scapegoating migrants and foreigners .
This has been most overt in the US where President Trump labels Covid-19 the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are closing .
The EU resettlement programme of Syrian refugees is halted .
Even though health experts disagree closing borders is the right solution : the World Health Organisation argues not only will it not work – it could interrupt badly needed aid and technical supplies .
If this crisis has taught us anything , it is that we are only as strong as our most vulnerable .
And abandoning the vulnerable now is not only a moral failure but a global crisis .
That means a plan to tackle the virus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privilege , like the 70 million people in refugee camps worldwide with limited access to running water , cramped conditions and no testing .
Aid organisations face a dilemma – to step in and risk bringing coronavirus to the camps .
Food distribution is under threat .
State funding is in decline .
There is increased competition for emergency resources : organisations like doctors without borders have had to divert professionals to Italy .
And what about when the crisis hits in the Middle East and Africa ?
What are the prospects for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly in Gaza where health services and medical supplies are virtually non-existent ?
Instead , the world has taken an isolationist turn .
There was little sign of a coordinated international response until last week ’ s G7 call , in stark contrast to the 2008 global financial crash .
Many countries have opted for unilateral action on the economy and on health .
Sometimes bringing us into competition with each other , most starkly in the suggestion that the USA is trying to monopolise access to a potential vaccine .
China is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , publicly committing to aiding other countries and broadcasting its success in fighting the virus – but there is little sign its actions have aided global security or co-operation .
The control of information in the country slowed down its response and the ability of the world to react .
The lack of a common approach to testing , containment and economic measures has an impact on public trust when measures vary so widely between countries .
In 2008 , the two big superpowers worked together to reduce the impact .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and as a supplier of global public goods .
It had the ability but also the will to muster and coordinate a global response to crises .
Under Trump , and a more aggressive Chinese stance , this has disappeared .
The axis has broken down .
The old world order where the UK knew its place is disappearing fast .
International cooperation has become harder and the world is more fragile as a result .
Now is the time to take the opposite approach .
To restate our commitment to global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to win the argument for ethical intervention .
We must never be a country that is prepared to ignore the problems on our doorstep , and as coronavirus has shown , the world is now on our doorstep .

The coronavirus pandemic is a critical moment for the world – when we choose to pull together, or break apart. This test of communities and our leaders will have serious immediate and devastating long-term consequences should we fail it. A rise in support for nationalism has propelled strongman leaders to power across the world. Against a drumbeat of isolationism, nativism and weakening global cooperation, far-right populists have sought to capitalise on the pandemic – scapegoating migrants and foreigners.
This has been most overt in the US where President Trump labels Covid-19 the “Chinese virus”. And so borders are closing. The EU resettlement programme of Syrian refugees is halted. Even though health experts disagree closing borders is the right solution: the World Health Organisation argues not only will it not work – it could interrupt badly needed aid and technical supplies.
If this crisis has taught us anything, it is that we are only as strong as our most vulnerable. And abandoning the vulnerable now is not only a moral failure but a global crisis. That means a plan to tackle the virus in the places where social distancing is a privilege, like the 70 million people in refugee camps worldwide with limited access to running water, cramped conditions and no testing.
Aid organisations face a dilemma – to step in and risk bringing coronavirus to the camps. Food distribution is under threat. State funding is in decline. There is increased competition for emergency resources: organisations like doctors without borders have had to divert professionals to Italy. And what about when the crisis hits in the Middle East and Africa? What are the prospects for people living in the West Bank and particularly in Gaza where health services and medical supplies are virtually non-existent?
Instead, the world has taken an isolationist turn. There was little sign of a coordinated international response until last week’s G7 call, in stark contrast to the 2008 global financial crash. Many countries have opted for unilateral action on the economy and on health. Sometimes bringing us into competition with each other, most starkly in the suggestion that the USA is trying to monopolise access to a potential vaccine.
China is keen to be seen as a world leader, publicly committing to aiding other countries and broadcasting its success in fighting the virus – but there is little sign its actions have aided global security or co-operation. The control of information in the country slowed down its response and the ability of the world to react. The lack of a common approach to testing, containment and economic measures has an impact on public trust when measures vary so widely between countries.
In 2008, the two big superpowers worked together to reduce the impact. The USA drew legitimacy from its domestic governance, and as a supplier of global public goods. It had the ability but also the will to muster and coordinate a global response to crises. Under Trump, and a more aggressive Chinese stance, this has disappeared. The axis has broken down. The old world order where the UK knew its place is disappearing fast. International cooperation has become harder and the world is more fragile as a result.
Now is the time to take the opposite approach. To restate our commitment to global alliances, to care for the vulnerable, and to win the argument for ethical intervention. We must never be a country that is prepared to ignore the problems on our doorstep, and as coronavirus has shown, the world is now on our doorstep.


labourlist--2020-03-25--How Young Labour is fighting back during the Covid-19 crisis

Over the coming days and weeks , Young Labour will be encouraging the mobilisation of our thousands of members to support people in need during this pandemic , and encouraging the growth of local responses , where young people are often best-placed to help .
It is important that our movement both fights for working-class young people and is rooted in the organisation of working-class young people .
For this reason , our work will take two main approaches : building the political pressure on the government to implement policies to support those most affected ; and equipping our members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t meet in person , but we can ’ t afford for solidarity to stop .
We have published a statement calling on the government to implement a Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment , to protect the hundreds of thousands of young people in insecure work and zero-hours contracts who will lose jobs and much-needed hours as a result of necessary self-isolation .
We followed this with a petition to suspend rent payments , which is a political issue lots of our members are acutely concerned about .
Working with the Membership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first advice Zoom call with hundreds of young members discussing housing with John McDonnell and several housing experts .
We talked about Labour ’ s response in parliament to the government ’ s plans and answered members ’ concerns around evictions , homelessness and the uncertain situations many young people are facing .
We want these calls to be a resource for members crying out for ways to help in their free time , and for those who are worried about their own situation and those of loved ones .
Our North West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and vice-chair Jessica Barnard , who is a youth worker , will be leading on producing a accessible guide on how to get involved with supporting local initiatives to reach out to those in need of support during this pandemic , including assisting food banks with food parcel delivery and being a street contact for people isolated .
At this time , we are re-emphasising join a trade union and encourage their friends and colleagues to do so as well .
Our next virtual advice session is tonight at 7pm , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with trade union representatives , a Universal Credit expert , Navendu Mishra MP and former Labour MP Laura Smith .
If you or a friend are worried about stopping work , having your hours cut , what income support you are entitled to , or want to be equipped to advise others , join us tonight on the call .
Insecure employment and the gig economy workforce means young people are in the lowest unionised group and the most at risk from this pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout .
We must fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks may cause many people to feel significant distress .
MIND has some advice and resources on how to seek support and safeguard your mental health during Covid-19 .
A big part of Young Labour is making political activism enjoyable , and embedding a socialist understanding into the everyday of our lives .
We want to encourage people to take some time out in this stressful period and we will be hosting a virtual pub quiz on Friday with some all-star quiz masters to take our mind off the issues at hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young Labour over the last two years and setting up local groups to make our activism relevant and rooted in communities .
Local groups such as Lewisham Deptford Young Labour have compiled a reading and film list , and they are making regular contact with members during this time .
Please contact your Young Labour representatives if you want to organise events on a local level for young members or have any questions .
We will as always continue to push for more staff and resources to expand our mobilisation and community organising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , socialists of any age must above all use this time to organise work colleagues , renters , the self-employed and the unemployed to demand the urgent and necessary measures to save lives now and to prepare to build a more equal society in the aftermath .

Over the coming days and weeks, Young Labour will be encouraging the mobilisation of our thousands of members to support people in need during this pandemic, and encouraging the growth of local responses, where young people are often best-placed to help.
It is important that our movement both fights for working-class young people and is rooted in the organisation of working-class young people. For this reason, our work will take two main approaches: building the political pressure on the government to implement policies to support those most affected; and equipping our members to aid their local communities.
We can’t meet in person, but we can’t afford for solidarity to stop. We have published a statement calling on the government to implement a Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, to protect the hundreds of thousands of young people in insecure work and zero-hours contracts who will lose jobs and much-needed hours as a result of necessary self-isolation. We followed this with a petition to suspend rent payments, which is a political issue lots of our members are acutely concerned about.
Working with the Membership Mobilisation Team, Young Labour held our first advice Zoom call with hundreds of young members discussing housing with John McDonnell and several housing experts. We talked about Labour’s response in parliament to the government’s plans and answered members’ concerns around evictions, homelessness and the uncertain situations many young people are facing. We want these calls to be a resource for members crying out for ways to help in their free time, and for those who are worried about their own situation and those of loved ones.
Our North West representative Sarah Doyle, a local councillor, and vice-chair Jessica Barnard, who is a youth worker, will be leading on producing a accessible guide on how to get involved with supporting local initiatives to reach out to those in need of support during this pandemic, including assisting food banks with food parcel delivery and being a street contact for people isolated.
At this time, we are re-emphasising join a trade union and encourage their friends and colleagues to do so as well. Our next virtual advice session is tonight at 7pm, which will be covering the world of work with trade union representatives, a Universal Credit expert, Navendu Mishra MP and former Labour MP Laura Smith. If you or a friend are worried about stopping work, having your hours cut, what income support you are entitled to, or want to be equipped to advise others, join us tonight on the call.
Insecure employment and the gig economy workforce means young people are in the lowest unionised group and the most at risk from this pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout. We must fight back.
We also understand that the coming weeks may cause many people to feel significant distress. MIND has some advice and resources on how to seek support and safeguard your mental health during Covid-19.
A big part of Young Labour is making political activism enjoyable, and embedding a socialist understanding into the everyday of our lives. We want to encourage people to take some time out in this stressful period and we will be hosting a virtual pub quiz on Friday with some all-star quiz masters to take our mind off the issues at hand.
We have been focussing on regionalising Young Labour over the last two years and setting up local groups to make our activism relevant and rooted in communities. Local groups such as Lewisham Deptford Young Labour have compiled a reading and film list, and they are making regular contact with members during this time.
Please contact your Young Labour representatives if you want to organise events on a local level for young members or have any questions. We will as always continue to push for more staff and resources to expand our mobilisation and community organising at this crucial time.
Above all, socialists of any age must above all use this time to organise work colleagues, renters, the self-employed and the unemployed to demand the urgent and necessary measures to save lives now and to prepare to build a more equal society in the aftermath.


labourlist--2020-03-25--READ: John McDonnell’s last Commons speech as Shadow Chancellor

Below is the full text of John McDonnell ’ s final speech in the House of Commons as Shadow Chancellor , which he delivered in the ‘ financial and social emergency support ’ coronavirus debate .
On Monday , the Prime Minister ordered a 21-day lockdown and asked non-essential retail and leisure facilities to close .
We supported that measure , all of us .
Indeed , we called for it and we welcomed it .
But today we need clarity and security for all .
The spike in deaths that had been predicted hit us yesterday , with 87 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in a single day .
The numbers have reached 435 who ’ ve lost their lives and all of us send our condolences to their family and friends .
Sadly , we all know that there is every likelihood that even worse is to come .
People understand the health risks , they fear for their loved ones and their neighbours .
The human response has in many ways been tremendous , and I pay tribute to the response of the British people .
The community-based mutual aid groups that have sprung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed up as volunteers to offer support to those who need it .
The 11,000 recently retired NHS staff who , despite all the risks , have returned to the profession .
People and businesses were reassured initially by the Chancellor ’ s financial package but we have to be honest , in recent days , the gaps have emerged and people are worried .
Alarm bells are ringing right the way across our constituencies .
We , in this House , are behaving responsibly .
We are socially distancing ourselves .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other .
But politically we have come together , working across party lines to try to get this right .
And it is in that spirit that today , I will ask the government to act , and to act urgently , to plug the gaps that have come to light .
This is not a blame game but genuine constructive engagement on all sides .
Our constituents are raising issues with all of us the self-employed workers on insecure contracts , health and social care workers , and many others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : they are worried about their security , their income , their job , their home , the wellbeing of their families , children and elderly relative .
And it is the job of government to provide that reassurance , especially at the most worrying times .
While people are , by and large , behaving responsibly , some employers are not .
We ’ ve heard about them today .
And lives are being unnecessarily put at risk .
I know the whole House will condemn those employers who act with callous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are the Tim Martins and the Mike Ashleys , but we ’ ve heard today there are too many employers acting in this way .
We also condemn those banks who see this crisis as an opportunity to hike interest rates on overdrafts , knowing that so many people are going to see their incomes fall .
We condemn those retailers that are hiking prices as people anxiously shop less frequently , profiteering in a crisis .
The whole country needs clarity about what should be happening in this lockdown – both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described this as a war against this virus .
I agree with him .
In the Second World War , there was an initial period described as the phoney war .
Because of the inconsistencies of the interpretation of the lockdown , we seem to be in a phoney lockdown .
If we are to be serious in defeating this enemy , we have to go all the way .
People and businesses need certainty .
All businesses should close down unless they have an essential role to play in the fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to operate with staff working from home .
Construction sites should be closed down unless they are building health facilities .
They should close now .
They are putting lives at risk by operating still .
The Scottish First Minister has said they should , the Mayor of London says they should , but the government is allowing them to continue .
I have spoken to construction workers and their unions in recent days .
They have told me that social distancing on a building site is just not possible .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe to do .
Yesterday the Health Secretary tried to blame the Mayor of London for reduced services on the London Underground .
Earlier in the day , the Mayor had explained that some 20 % of staff are either off sick or self-isolating as a precaution and that the tube was running at the maximum capacity it could given those constraints .
The construction company Taylor Wimpey has taken the responsible decision to shut down all its sites , and I commend them .
The government must back workers and their unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government must order workplaces to close if they are not essential in the fight against coronavirus .
Businesses and workers need the clarity that they deserve .
The government needs to assure those businesses that they can furlough their workers and 80 % of wages will be paid , backdated and that interest-free loans are available and readily accessible now to meet any short-term shortfall .
Can I ask for a small further demand ; can apprentices , many of whom are paid just £3.90 an hour , be furloughed too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % , but 100 % , because they earn so little ?
As I asked the Chancellor yesterday , can the scheme be flexible ?
Workers put on reduced hours must be eligible so that the shortfall in wages can be made up .
Some businesses will lose part of their operation and will need to carry on in reduced form .
That would be the right solution for them .
It can not be beyond the wit of the great minds in the Treasury – the civil servants – to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was reiterated by the Resolution Foundation this morning .
Another YouGov poll found that one in 10 people surveyed are in still work with reduced pay or hours .
Those people are not currently protected by the government ’ s scheme .
For businesses to stay afloat , they need part-time workers , and these part-time workers need support .
I give an example to the minister – a real world example – forwarded to me by an Hon member from a worker , where 17 out of 160 staff are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest are getting no pay or a redundancy payment of around £500 .
Zero-hours contract workers and agency workers not on PAYE must be made eligible for the Job Retention Scheme .
These are some of the workers most at risk of losing work and being unable to put food on the table during this downturn .
Can I ask for an assurance that non-UK nationals are eligible for the scheme ?
And can I appeal to the government to ensure support is provided for non-UK nationals in the coming weeks , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspension of ‘ no recourse to public funds ’ ?
Staff who can no longer work because of childcare responsibilities must be protected – why on earth would they not be eligible under this scheme ?
Think of the single parent who can not work because they need to stay at home with their child .
Surely they should be covered ?
Briefly on the subject of childcare , can the minister be clear that childcare providers should not be charging parents for services that are no longer being delivered or can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern I have is , because of the gaps in the Scheme , and because it will not be operational until April , it will not be taken up at the rate that we would hope for .
Lay-offs are happening now at scale .
The DWP Secretary has said that 477,000 people have applied for Universal Credit in the last nine days , a sign of job losses at scale .
So there is a real need to close the gaps and bring forward the scheme with some urgency .
The five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tax they deserve the same protections .
They are losing out .
Let them claim 80 % of their income lost – self-declared – and if necessary it can be clawed back on their 2019/20 tax return in January 2021 .
If people claim fraudulently while still working , they will rightly be prosecuted .
But right now millions of cabbies , childminders , plumbers , electricians , painters and decorators and actors have all lost work or closed down their businesses .
As have builders , designated as the self-employed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no income .
They need a solution , now .
Can I just point out that for all those saying it ’ s complicated , I know that .
But other countries are managing it .
I give just one example : Ireland , their national Covid-19 support scheme will be up and running on Friday .
It covers both PAYE and self-employed at 70 % of their net wage .
Many other countries have comprehensive schemes and some more generous schemes .
On Statutory Sick Pay – both the Health Secretary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can not survive on £94 per week .
So will the minister increase this rate ?
A rate that is less than half the level of many other European countries ’ sick pay schemes .
Again , I give the House another real world example sent to me by an Hon member whose constituent has been told their terms and conditions are being changed ; so instead of sick pay of three weeks on full pay , they will merely get SSP .
And while he is at it , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with £73 per week , £57 if they ’ re under 25 .
Thousands of workers have been laid off in recent weeks through no fault of their own .
Many are struggling online to make a claim for Universal Credit .
We need to know urgently what the government is doing to expand capacity .
I urge the government to heed the call of the Resolution Foundation today to raise Jobseeker ’ s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance .
We have suggested the urgent need to increase Carer ’ s Allowance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to grips with reducing the five-week wait for Universal Credit and to follow the calls of groups like CPAG to turn the advance loan into a grant .
I spoke to the PCS union which represents staff in the DWP .
As a point of fact during the last spike in demand after the global financial crash it had around 130,000 staff .
Today , it has just 78,000 staff .
Many of the government ’ s own workers have not received personal protective equipment and clothing , with nurses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bags .
I pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of NHS and social care workers who have ploughed on regardless , but they deserve better too .
On medical advice can the minister be clear ; should pregnant workers be self-isolating if they can ’ t work from home ?
Because the advice has appeared contradictory to many workers and employers .
Again I have been forwarded a case where a pregnant worker was told to take three months unpaid leave if she will not continue to do face to face working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage holders and to ensure that payment holidays are in place .
We need the same security for renters .
And to understand the differences .
A rent holiday is not the same as a mortgage holiday .
Rent is paid continuously while in tenancy , while mortgages are fixed term meaning that repayment terms can simply be extended .
It is therefore important that Government acts to ensure that people ’ s rents are covered , not merely payments suspended for this period .
We were extremely disappointed by the legislation published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has broken his promise to the country ’ s 20 million renters … in 8.5 million households .
It was not an evictions ban as promised .
This legislation would not stop people losing their homes as a result of coronavirus – it just gives them some extra time to pack their bags .
This morning , the Housing Secretary said the Government could extend the three-month delay on evictions .
He has said it is “ extremely unlikely ” that any possession proceedings will continue .
That ’ s not clear enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look again .
But there are wider problems .
Over recent years , austerity cuts have lessened the value of support available via housing benefit .
The government must immediately suspend the benefit cap and the bedroom tax .
We welcome the moves announced last week on Local Housing Allowance but the Government must go further and restore the Local Housing Allowance from the 30th percentile back to the 50th percentile of market rates , as it was before 2010 .
People will have made rental decisions based on their incomes , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unforeseeable impact of the coronavirus .
Now is not a time for families to be downsizing or sofa-surfing with parents , grandparents or friends in cramped conditions .
We can not have a situation in which – at the end of this – tenants have either depleted all their savings or , worse , have amassed large and unpayable debts .
The suspension of evictions for private and social tenants should be extended from three months to six months .
Shelter estimates that as many as 20,000 eviction proceedings are already in progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months unless the government takes action to stop them .
They must be stopped .
And when the Minister rises to his feet , he must be clear : no evictions .
Of any kind .
Also we need to ensure that undergraduates are not charged rent for student accommodation they are no longer using as their institutions closed .
What scheme is in place for them to claw back rent or escape tenancy agreements rendered defunct by this crisis .
Likewise , will their student debt interest be suspended at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor proposing for suspending payments of household utility bills ?
We can not have bailiffs and we can not have disconnections of water , energy or internet at this time .
And what is the Government doing about those without internet access ?
Many people in our community rely on libraries to access the internet .
Now that these are closing , what measures will the government bring in to ensure people can get online , whether for benefit services or to maintain some form of social contact ?
At this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we have been told that charities , voluntary organisations , and social enterprises are running out of money .
With predicted losses of over £4bn in the next 12 weeks , what is being done to provide support to these groups , and can the Government clarify whether they will be eligible for the Job Retention Scheme ?
Lessons must be learnt from this crisis .
The first is that we must ensure in future that we build in all our public services the resilience they need to deal with future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eradicate the low pay and insecure work that prevents people having the personal economic resilience to cope when hardship threatens .
So let ’ s start planning now for the economy and society we want to shape after we have won the war against this virus .
This is my last speech in this Chamber as Shadow Chancellor .
You may recall that when I address party meetings , I usually end with a single word .
It ’ s a word upon which the Labour and trade union movement was founded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we learnt in the fields and workshops of the early industrial revolution .
It taught us that unity is strength and an injury to one is an injury to all .
That word is solidarity .
It will be solidarity that will see us through this crisis to protect our community .
And upon which we should build our society in the future .
So , Madam Deputy Speaker , I end with : solidarity .

Below is the full text of John McDonnell’s final speech in the House of Commons as Shadow Chancellor, which he delivered in the ‘financial and social emergency support’ coronavirus debate.
On Monday, the Prime Minister ordered a 21-day lockdown and asked non-essential retail and leisure facilities to close. We supported that measure, all of us. Indeed, we called for it and we welcomed it. But today we need clarity and security for all.
The spike in deaths that had been predicted hit us yesterday, with 87 of our fellow citizens killed by the coronavirus in a single day. The numbers have reached 435 who’ve lost their lives and all of us send our condolences to their family and friends. Sadly, we all know that there is every likelihood that even worse is to come.
People understand the health risks, they fear for their loved ones and their neighbours. The human response has in many ways been tremendous, and I pay tribute to the response of the British people. The community-based mutual aid groups that have sprung up. The 170,000 people who have signed up as volunteers to offer support to those who need it. The 11,000 recently retired NHS staff who, despite all the risks, have returned to the profession.
People and businesses were reassured initially by the Chancellor’s financial package but we have to be honest, in recent days, the gaps have emerged and people are worried. Alarm bells are ringing right the way across our constituencies.
We, in this House, are behaving responsibly. We are socially distancing ourselves. Some have longed to put greater distance between each other. But politically we have come together, working across party lines to try to get this right. And it is in that spirit that today, I will ask the government to act, and to act urgently, to plug the gaps that have come to light.
This is not a blame game but genuine constructive engagement on all sides. Our constituents are raising issues with all of us the self-employed workers on insecure contracts, health and social care workers, and many others. They all have one thing in common: they are worried about their security, their income, their job, their home, the wellbeing of their families, children and elderly relative. And it is the job of government to provide that reassurance, especially at the most worrying times.
While people are, by and large, behaving responsibly, some employers are not. We’ve heard about them today. And lives are being unnecessarily put at risk. I know the whole House will condemn those employers who act with callous disregard towards their staff. Yes, there are the Tim Martins and the Mike Ashleys, but we’ve heard today there are too many employers acting in this way.
We also condemn those banks who see this crisis as an opportunity to hike interest rates on overdrafts, knowing that so many people are going to see their incomes fall. We condemn those retailers that are hiking prices as people anxiously shop less frequently, profiteering in a crisis.
The whole country needs clarity about what should be happening in this lockdown – both businesses and workers. The Prime Minister described this as a war against this virus. I agree with him. In the Second World War, there was an initial period described as the phoney war. Because of the inconsistencies of the interpretation of the lockdown, we seem to be in a phoney lockdown.
If we are to be serious in defeating this enemy, we have to go all the way. People and businesses need certainty. All businesses should close down unless they have an essential role to play in the fight against the coronavirus or unless the business can continue to operate with staff working from home.
Construction sites should be closed down unless they are building health facilities. They should close now. They are putting lives at risk by operating still. The Scottish First Minister has said they should, the Mayor of London says they should, but the government is allowing them to continue.
I have spoken to construction workers and their unions in recent days. They have told me that social distancing on a building site is just not possible. For some roles, it would not be safe to do.
Yesterday the Health Secretary tried to blame the Mayor of London for reduced services on the London Underground. Earlier in the day, the Mayor had explained that some 20% of staff are either off sick or self-isolating as a precaution and that the tube was running at the maximum capacity it could given those constraints.
The construction company Taylor Wimpey has taken the responsible decision to shut down all its sites, and I commend them. The government must back workers and their unions who refuse to work in unsafe workplaces. The government must order workplaces to close if they are not essential in the fight against coronavirus.
Businesses and workers need the clarity that they deserve. The government needs to assure those businesses that they can furlough their workers and 80% of wages will be paid, backdated and that interest-free loans are available and readily accessible now to meet any short-term shortfall.
Can I ask for a small further demand; can apprentices, many of whom are paid just £3.90 an hour, be furloughed too? And can they please get not 80%, but 100%, because they earn so little?
As I asked the Chancellor yesterday, can the scheme be flexible? Workers put on reduced hours must be eligible so that the shortfall in wages can be made up. Some businesses will lose part of their operation and will need to carry on in reduced form. That would be the right solution for them. It cannot be beyond the wit of the great minds in the Treasury – the civil servants – to find a way. This is a call that was reiterated by the Resolution Foundation this morning.
Another YouGov poll found that one in 10 people surveyed are in still work with reduced pay or hours. Those people are not currently protected by the government’s scheme. For businesses to stay afloat, they need part-time workers, and these part-time workers need support.
I give an example to the minister – a real world example – forwarded to me by an Hon member from a worker, where 17 out of 160 staff are being kept on 40% pay while the rest are getting no pay or a redundancy payment of around £500.
Zero-hours contract workers and agency workers not on PAYE must be made eligible for the Job Retention Scheme. These are some of the workers most at risk of losing work and being unable to put food on the table during this downturn.
Can I ask for an assurance that non-UK nationals are eligible for the scheme? And can I appeal to the government to ensure support is provided for non-UK nationals in the coming weeks, when travel is so restricted, including through the suspension of ‘no recourse to public funds’?
Staff who can no longer work because of childcare responsibilities must be protected – why on earth would they not be eligible under this scheme? Think of the single parent who cannot work because they need to stay at home with their child. Surely they should be covered?
Briefly on the subject of childcare, can the minister be clear that childcare providers should not be charging parents for services that are no longer being delivered or can’t now be delivered? The concern I have is, because of the gaps in the Scheme, and because it will not be operational until April, it will not be taken up at the rate that we would hope for.
Lay-offs are happening now at scale. The DWP Secretary has said that 477,000 people have applied for Universal Credit in the last nine days, a sign of job losses at scale. So there is a real need to close the gaps and bring forward the scheme with some urgency.
The five million self-employed workers pay the same rates of tax they deserve the same protections. They are losing out. Let them claim 80% of their income lost – self-declared – and if necessary it can be clawed back on their 2019/20 tax return in January 2021.
If people claim fraudulently while still working, they will rightly be prosecuted. But right now millions of cabbies, childminders, plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators and actors have all lost work or closed down their businesses. As have builders, designated as the self-employed under the Construction Industry Scheme and they have no income. They need a solution, now.
Can I just point out that for all those saying it’s complicated, I know that. But other countries are managing it. I give just one example: Ireland, their national Covid-19 support scheme will be up and running on Friday. It covers both PAYE and self-employed at 70% of their net wage. Many other countries have comprehensive schemes and some more generous schemes.
On Statutory Sick Pay – both the Health Secretary and his predecessor have said honestly and candidly they cannot survive on £94 per week. So will the minister increase this rate?
A rate that is less than half the level of many other European countries’ sick pay schemes. Again, I give the House another real world example sent to me by an Hon member whose constituent has been told their terms and conditions are being changed; so instead of sick pay of three weeks on full pay, they will merely get SSP.
And while he is at it, let’s stop insulting unemployed and disabled people with £73 per week, £57 if they’re under 25.
Thousands of workers have been laid off in recent weeks through no fault of their own. Many are struggling online to make a claim for Universal Credit. We need to know urgently what the government is doing to expand capacity.
I urge the government to heed the call of the Resolution Foundation today to raise Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. We have suggested the urgent need to increase Carer’s Allowance as well. And the government has to get to grips with reducing the five-week wait for Universal Credit and to follow the calls of groups like CPAG to turn the advance loan into a grant.
I spoke to the PCS union which represents staff in the DWP. As a point of fact during the last spike in demand after the global financial crash it had around 130,000 staff. Today, it has just 78,000 staff.
Many of the government’s own workers have not received personal protective equipment and clothing, with nurses and doctors relying on makeshift masks and plastic bags. I pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of NHS and social care workers who have ploughed on regardless, but they deserve better too.
On medical advice can the minister be clear; should pregnant workers be self-isolating if they can’t work from home? Because the advice has appeared contradictory to many workers and employers. Again I have been forwarded a case where a pregnant worker was told to take three months unpaid leave if she will not continue to do face to face working.
We welcomed the moves to protect mortgage holders and to ensure that payment holidays are in place. We need the same security for renters. And to understand the differences.
A rent holiday is not the same as a mortgage holiday. Rent is paid continuously while in tenancy, while mortgages are fixed term meaning that repayment terms can simply be extended. It is therefore important that Government acts to ensure that people’s rents are covered, not merely payments suspended for this period.
We were extremely disappointed by the legislation published yesterday. Frankly, the Prime Minister has broken his promise to the country’s 20 million renters … in 8.5 million households.
It was not an evictions ban as promised. This legislation would not stop people losing their homes as a result of coronavirus – it just gives them some extra time to pack their bags.
This morning, the Housing Secretary said the Government could extend the three-month delay on evictions. He has said it is “extremely unlikely” that any possession proceedings will continue. That’s not clear enough or strong enough and the Government must look again.
But there are wider problems. Over recent years, austerity cuts have lessened the value of support available via housing benefit. The government must immediately suspend the benefit cap and the bedroom tax.
We welcome the moves announced last week on Local Housing Allowance but the Government must go further and restore the Local Housing Allowance from the 30th percentile back to the 50th percentile of market rates, as it was before 2010.
People will have made rental decisions based on their incomes, and they should not be penalised by the unforeseeable impact of the coronavirus. Now is not a time for families to be downsizing or sofa-surfing with parents, grandparents or friends in cramped conditions.
We cannot have a situation in which – at the end of this – tenants have either depleted all their savings or, worse, have amassed large and unpayable debts.
The suspension of evictions for private and social tenants should be extended from three months to six months. Shelter estimates that as many as 20,000 eviction proceedings are already in progress and will go ahead over the next three months unless the government takes action to stop them. They must be stopped. And when the Minister rises to his feet, he must be clear: no evictions. Of any kind.
Also we need to ensure that undergraduates are not charged rent for student accommodation they are no longer using as their institutions closed. What scheme is in place for them to claw back rent or escape tenancy agreements rendered defunct by this crisis. Likewise, will their student debt interest be suspended at the very least?
So what measures is the Chancellor proposing for suspending payments of household utility bills? We cannot have bailiffs and we cannot have disconnections of water, energy or internet at this time.
And what is the Government doing about those without internet access? Many people in our community rely on libraries to access the internet. Now that these are closing, what measures will the government bring in to ensure people can get online, whether for benefit services or to maintain some form of social contact?
At this time many people are falling back on charities. But we have been told that charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises are running out of money. With predicted losses of over £4bn in the next 12 weeks, what is being done to provide support to these groups, and can the Government clarify whether they will be eligible for the Job Retention Scheme?
Lessons must be learnt from this crisis. The first is that we must ensure in future that we build in all our public services the resilience they need to deal with future crises. That in our economy we eradicate the low pay and insecure work that prevents people having the personal economic resilience to cope when hardship threatens.
So let’s start planning now for the economy and society we want to shape after we have won the war against this virus.
This is my last speech in this Chamber as Shadow Chancellor. You may recall that when I address party meetings, I usually end with a single word. It’s a word upon which the Labour and trade union movement was founded.
It’s based upon a secret that we learnt in the fields and workshops of the early industrial revolution. It taught us that unity is strength and an injury to one is an injury to all.
That word is solidarity. It will be solidarity that will see us through this crisis to protect our community. And upon which we should build our society in the future. So, Madam Deputy Speaker, I end with: solidarity.


labourlist--2020-03-25--76 Labour MPs urge pause on ‘no recourse to public funds’ migrant status

76 Labour MPs have urged the government to temporarily remove the ‘ no recourse to public funds ’ status held by some migrants for the duration of the coronavirus crisis .
In a letter coordinated by new Labour representative Taiwo Owatemi , a cross-party group of 98 MPs express concern that those with the ‘ NRPF ’ immigration condition will not be able to follow government health advice .
Anyone with leave to remain in the UK with the NPRF condition can not currently claim Universal Credit , which the self-employed have been told to apply for if their income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MPs note in their letter to the Prime Minister sent today , it is “ unclear whether funds provided from the Job Retention Scheme will extend to those without recourse to public funds ” .
The list of signatories include shadow immigration minister Bell Ribeiro-Addy , shadow public health minister Sharon Hodgson , shadow cabinet members Diane Abbott , Dawn Butler and Barry Gardiner .
Below is the full text of the letter on ‘ no recourse to public funds ’ .
I am writing to you regarding the effect of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds .
We welcome the government ’ s measures to ensure that those who are unemployed or whose businesses have been affected by the impact of coronavirus will be able to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table during this difficult time .
However , we are concerned about the large number of people in the UK living here with no recourse to public funds .
The government has not yet announced how vulnerable people with NRPF status will be helped through this crisis .
We are writing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarity .
Our constituents across the country have written to us concerned about how they will get through this crisis without government help .
While we understand that their welfare typically falls within local government remit , it is quite clear that during this unprecedented health crisis we need national government direction and guidance on the issue .
Those with leave to remain with NRPF condition can not currently access all of the government ’ s measures to protect families .
For example , a person who is self-employed is not currently able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave to remain with NRPF .
It is also unclear whether funds provided from the Job Retention Scheme will extend to those without recourse to public funds .
This could not only leave people at risk of destitution but also in a situation where following NHS guidance on self-isolation presents serious challenges and potentially far reaching , fatal consequences .
We are calling on the government to temporarily waive the NRPF status so that this group of people can access the provisions to help those facing an adverse economic impact due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide more help and guidance to local government so that they are able to effectively help this portion of our communities .
It is clear from the government ’ s strategy that we must all work together to end this crisis .
No group should face increased suffering , especially because of their immigration status .
This crisis will not come to an end unless we are all protected in this challenging and unprecedented time .
We look forward to your response .

76 Labour MPs have urged the government to temporarily remove the ‘no recourse to public funds’ status held by some migrants for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.
In a letter coordinated by new Labour representative Taiwo Owatemi, a cross-party group of 98 MPs express concern that those with the ‘NRPF’ immigration condition will not be able to follow government health advice.
Anyone with leave to remain in the UK with the NPRF condition cannot currently claim Universal Credit, which the self-employed have been told to apply for if their income has been affected by coronavirus.
As the MPs note in their letter to the Prime Minister sent today, it is “unclear whether funds provided from the Job Retention Scheme will extend to those without recourse to public funds”.
The list of signatories include shadow immigration minister Bell Ribeiro-Addy, shadow public health minister Sharon Hodgson, shadow cabinet members Diane Abbott, Dawn Butler and Barry Gardiner.
Below is the full text of the letter on ‘no recourse to public funds’.
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to you regarding the effect of coronavirus on those with no recourse to public funds.
We welcome the government’s measures to ensure that those who are unemployed or whose businesses have been affected by the impact of coronavirus will be able to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table during this difficult time.
However, we are concerned about the large number of people in the UK living here with no recourse to public funds. The government has not yet announced how vulnerable people with NRPF status will be helped through this crisis. We are writing to urge you to act immediately and provide clarity.
Our constituents across the country have written to us concerned about how they will get through this crisis without government help. While we understand that their welfare typically falls within local government remit, it is quite clear that during this unprecedented health crisis we need national government direction and guidance on the issue.
Those with leave to remain with NRPF condition cannot currently access all of the government’s measures to protect families. For example, a person who is self-employed is not currently able to claim Universal Credit if they have leave to remain with NRPF. It is also unclear whether funds provided from the Job Retention Scheme will extend to those without recourse to public funds. This could not only leave people at risk of destitution but also in a situation where following NHS guidance on self-isolation presents serious challenges and potentially far reaching, fatal consequences.
We are calling on the government to temporarily waive the NRPF status so that this group of people can access the provisions to help those facing an adverse economic impact due to the outbreak of Covid-19. The government must provide more help and guidance to local government so that they are able to effectively help this portion of our communities.
It is clear from the government’s strategy that we must all work together to end this crisis. No group should face increased suffering, especially because of their immigration status. This crisis will not come to an end unless we are all protected in this challenging and unprecedented time.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Taiwo Owatemi MP
Florence Eshalomi MP
Lilian Greenwood MP
Ruth Cadbury MP
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Stephen Morgan MP
Rachel Hopkins MP
James Murray MP
Mohammad Yasin MP
Paula Barker MP
Mary Foy MP
Wera Hobhouse MP
Feryal Clark MP
Kate Osborne MP
Catherine West MP
Abena Oppong-Asare MP
Olivia Blake MP
Philippa Whitford MP
Ian Byrne MP
Claudia Webbe MP
Martyn Day MP
Sam Tarry MP
Tahir Ali MP
Alex Cunningham MP
Nadia Whittome MP
Steve Reed MP
Rosie Duffield MP
Dawn Butler MP
Tommy Sheppard MP
Jon Cruddas MP
Tan Dhesi MP
Christina Rees MP
Wendy Chamberlain MP
Janet Daby MP
Virendra Sharma MP
Geraint Davies MP
Tulip Siddiq MP
Rushanara Ali MP
Sarah Champion MP
Diane Abbott MP
Diana Johnson MP
Allan Dorans MP
Alex Davies-Jones MP
Vicky Foxcroft MP
Harriet Harman MP
Paul Blomfield MP
Wes Streeting MP
Neil Coyle MP
Beth Winter MP
Stella Creasy MP
Stephen Doughty MP
Owen Thompson MP
Debbie Abrahams MP
Daisy Cooper MP
Matthew Pennycook MP
Apsana Begum MP
Marion Fellows MP
Alex Sobel MP
Karen Buck MP
Kim Johnson MP
Yasmin Qureshi MP
Stephen Flynn MP
Jack Dromey MP
Christopher Stephens MP
Tim Farron MP
Caroline Lucas MP
Barry Gardiner MP
Lyn Brown MP
Anneliese Dodds MP
Stephen Farry MP
Kate Osamor MP
Emma Lewell-Buck MP
Rupa Huq MP
Anne Mclaughlin MP
Siobhain McDonagh MP
Alison Thewliss MP
Sarah Owen MP
Clive Lewis MP
Munira Wilson MP
Kenny Macaskill MP
Kerry McCarthy MP
Tonia Antoniazzi MP
Catherine McKinnell MP
Gerald Jones MP
Hilary Benn MP
Neale Hanvey MP
Angus MacNeil MP
Jo Stevens MP
Emma Hardy MP
Margaret Hodge MP
Jamie Stone MP
Afzal Khan MP
Sharon Hodgson MP
Claire Hanna MP
David Lammy MP
Zarah Sultana MP
Bambos Charalambous MP
Sharon Hodgson MP