labourlist--2020-04-28--How the Israeli Labor Party joined Netanyahu and Gantz in government

Israel finally has an agreement to form a permanent government again , after a year with three inconclusive general elections .
Coronavirus broke the logjam by persuading the centrist opposition Blue and White party leader , former Israel Defence Forces chief of staff Benny Gantz , that he had to put country before party and join an emergency unity coalition with incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his conservative Likud party to tackle the pandemic and its economic impact .
The move has split Blue and White , with one wing of the party going into government with Gantz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by former TV news anchor Yair Lapid , enraged by betrayal of the anti-Netanyahu platform , denouncing Gantz for “ the worst act of fraud ” and staying in opposition .
The new government has a solid majority of 72 seats in Israel ’ s parliament , the 120-seat Knesset .
As well as Likud ’ s 36 MKs ( Members of the Knesset ) , this includes 16 MKs from the two ultra-Orthodox religious parties , but then extends beyond the previous right-wing coalition that had sustained Netanyahu until now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; two from Derech Eretz , a splinter from Blue and White ; the leader and sole MK from the centrist Gesher party ; and two Labor MKs .
For the moment , the right-wing Yamina party , which represents settlers in the West Bank , is not in government , so this new government is tilted significantly away from the right compared to its predecessor .
The coalition agreement gives equal numbers of ministers in an inflated cabinet of 32 to Netanyahu ’ s right-wing block and his new centrist partners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the term , with Gantz taking over from Netanyahu , though it is possible this part of the deal will be reneged on by the triggering of an early election .
Blue and White has secured some important cabinet portfolios : defence , foreign affairs , justice and economy .
It is not unprecedented in Israel ’ s proportional representation system to have this kind of national unity government , but the context has made it very controversial .
Gantz campaigned on a very straightforward message that Netanyahu was corrupt and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping him stay in power .
And one of the few key policies agreed to is an attempt to pre-empt a Joe Biden victory in this November ’ s US Presidential election by pushing ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank earmarked for Israeli control in the Trump plan .
This is hugely divisive inside Israel and among diaspora Jewish communities , and risks angering the European countries and Arab states , as well as enraging the Palestinians , all of whom see it as delivering a potentially fatal blow to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank needed for a two-state solution .
How did MKs from Labor , the champions of two states , end up in a government with this policy ?
It reflects the disastrous decline in the party ’ s electoral fortunes as it was squeezed by tactical voting for Gantz , from the main opposition party with 19 MKs in 2015 to six , then five , then three , in the three elections in the last year .
The party that dominated Israeli political life in the pre-state years and until 1977 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant .
Of Labor ’ s three remaining MKs , two have opted to go into government .
They both secured portfolios where it will be possible to advance the party ’ s socio-economic agenda .
Party leader Amir Peretz will be economy and industry minister .
Morocco-born Peretz was the militant leader of the Histadrut , Israel ’ s TUC , who had a penchant for calling successful general strikes .
His colleague Itzik Shmuli will be welfare and social services minister .
Shmuli is a former leader of the Israeli National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 social justice protests about housing and living costs .
Their remaining Knesset colleague , Merav Michaeli , opposes the decision to take office , denouncing it as the “ worst act of political theft , stealing the votes of the Israelis who elected them.
” She called the coalition agreement “ an embarrassing collection of lies and distortions ” .
Also staying firmly in opposition is the British Labour Party ’ s other historic sister party in Israel , the more left-wing Meretz , which has three MKs itself , and fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Labor .
In a digital vote on Sunday , Labor leader Amir Peretz won 64.2 % support ( 2,248 to 1,219 ) for joining the government among Labor ’ s key activists on its central committee .
Peretz has stated that despite he and Shmuli being government ministers , they won ’ t vote for annexation of West Bank settlements and will try from inside the coalition to stop this policy from being pursued .
He justified joining the coalition after winning the vote by saying : “ We won sweeping backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s agenda and economic policy to a democratic socialist one… we are not joining a right-wing government .
We are joining an egalitarian unity government with a rotating premiership .
Our strategic cooperation with Benny Gantz will return Labour to its place as a leading and influential political movement.
” Many critics will see this as Labor finally committing electoral suicide after a long decline from the glory days of David Ben Gurion and Golda Meir .
Meretz will seize the opportunity to try to recruit former Labor members and voters who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in a Netanyahu-led government .
Peretz will argue that he has saved the party from extinction in a fourth election , and , despite its Knesset weakness , made it relevant and a party of government again .
Luke Akehurst is writing in his capacity as director of We Believe in Israel .

Israel finally has an agreement to form a permanent government again, after a year with three inconclusive general elections. Coronavirus broke the logjam by persuading the centrist opposition Blue and White party leader, former Israel Defence Forces chief of staff Benny Gantz, that he had to put country before party and join an emergency unity coalition with incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his conservative Likud party to tackle the pandemic and its economic impact.
The move has split Blue and White, with one wing of the party going into government with Gantz, and the other, Yesh Atid, led by former TV news anchor Yair Lapid, enraged by betrayal of the anti-Netanyahu platform, denouncing Gantz for “the worst act of fraud” and staying in opposition.
The new government has a solid majority of 72 seats in Israel’s parliament, the 120-seat Knesset. As well as Likud’s 36 MKs (Members of the Knesset), this includes 16 MKs from the two ultra-Orthodox religious parties, but then extends beyond the previous right-wing coalition that had sustained Netanyahu until now, by including 15 Blue and White MKs; two from Derech Eretz, a splinter from Blue and White; the leader and sole MK from the centrist Gesher party; and two Labor MKs. For the moment, the right-wing Yamina party, which represents settlers in the West Bank, is not in government, so this new government is tilted significantly away from the right compared to its predecessor.
The coalition agreement gives equal numbers of ministers in an inflated cabinet of 32 to Netanyahu’s right-wing block and his new centrist partners. The Prime Minister is to rotate midway through the term, with Gantz taking over from Netanyahu, though it is possible this part of the deal will be reneged on by the triggering of an early election. Blue and White has secured some important cabinet portfolios: defence, foreign affairs, justice and economy.
It is not unprecedented in Israel’s proportional representation system to have this kind of national unity government, but the context has made it very controversial. Gantz campaigned on a very straightforward message that Netanyahu was corrupt and had to be ousted. Now he is helping him stay in power. And one of the few key policies agreed to is an attempt to pre-empt a Joe Biden victory in this November’s US Presidential election by pushing ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank earmarked for Israeli control in the Trump plan. This is hugely divisive inside Israel and among diaspora Jewish communities, and risks angering the European countries and Arab states, as well as enraging the Palestinians, all of whom see it as delivering a potentially fatal blow to the contiguous Palestinian territory in the West Bank needed for a two-state solution.
How did MKs from Labor, the champions of two states, end up in a government with this policy? It reflects the disastrous decline in the party’s electoral fortunes as it was squeezed by tactical voting for Gantz, from the main opposition party with 19 MKs in 2015 to six, then five, then three, in the three elections in the last year. The party that dominated Israeli political life in the pre-state years and until 1977 is now searching for a way to stay relevant.
Of Labor’s three remaining MKs, two have opted to go into government. They both secured portfolios where it will be possible to advance the party’s socio-economic agenda. Party leader Amir Peretz will be economy and industry minister. Morocco-born Peretz was the militant leader of the Histadrut, Israel’s TUC, who had a penchant for calling successful general strikes. His colleague Itzik Shmuli will be welfare and social services minister. Shmuli is a former leader of the Israeli National Union of Students and of the huge 2011 social justice protests about housing and living costs.
Their remaining Knesset colleague, Merav Michaeli, opposes the decision to take office, denouncing it as the “worst act of political theft, stealing the votes of the Israelis who elected them.” She called the coalition agreement “an embarrassing collection of lies and distortions”. Also staying firmly in opposition is the British Labour Party’s other historic sister party in Israel, the more left-wing Meretz, which has three MKs itself, and fought the March election in a joint list with Labor.
In a digital vote on Sunday, Labor leader Amir Peretz won 64.2% support (2,248 to 1,219) for joining the government among Labor’s key activists on its central committee. Peretz has stated that despite he and Shmuli being government ministers, they won’t vote for annexation of West Bank settlements and will try from inside the coalition to stop this policy from being pursued.
He justified joining the coalition after winning the vote by saying: “We won sweeping backing from party members to… change the government’s agenda and economic policy to a democratic socialist one… we are not joining a right-wing government. We are joining an egalitarian unity government with a rotating premiership. Our strategic cooperation with Benny Gantz will return Labour to its place as a leading and influential political movement.”
Many critics will see this as Labor finally committing electoral suicide after a long decline from the glory days of David Ben Gurion and Golda Meir. Meretz will seize the opportunity to try to recruit former Labor members and voters who can’t stand the idea of involvement in a Netanyahu-led government. Peretz will argue that he has saved the party from extinction in a fourth election, and, despite its Knesset weakness, made it relevant and a party of government again.
Luke Akehurst is writing in his capacity as director of We Believe in Israel.


labourlist--2020-04-28--Labour BAME Network: It’s time for effective organisation and representation

Being a Black , Asian or minority ethnic ( BAME ) member of the Labour Party has been a constantly frustrating experience .
For many years , there has been failure to engage properly with BAME communities and to take BAME voters seriously .
We believe that the lack of effective structures and the utilisation of BAME people and issues as ammunition in factional battles is largely responsible for this situation .
In particular , we have been badly let down by BAME Labour .
Though it has implemented some successful initiatives and organised several useful events over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on major internal issues there has been a deafening silence .
The ineffectiveness of BAME Labour has been demonstrated by its feeble response to the recently leaked report intended as an annex to the Equality and Human Rights Commission investigation into the party .
The report has understandably caused much consternation and distress amongst BAME members .
The revelations underscore what many of us have experienced as Labour activists : a culture in which we are privately demeaned by those at the heart of the party .
For too long , the legitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism , antisemitism or Islamophobia – have been used to further certain agendas in a political game of football .
To add insult to injury , we have seen a party machinery betraying the confidence of those who seek to call out racism and challenge it .
The publishing of complainants ’ personal details online has undermined what faith BAME members can have when trying to seek justice in the future .
And crucially , we should not lose sight of the fact that the EHRC inquiry is focused on the issue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be seen as an opportunity to deflect from the attempts to eradicate this prejudice that has infected our party .
As BAME members , we have decided to no longer waste our energy on frustration and hoping for BAME Labour to step up .
We can not risk losing another generation of activists because BAME Labour has prevented its members from any form of engagement .
That ’ s why we are launching the Labour BAME Network .
Our motivation is simple : we want to move away from the toxicity and animosity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s history and undermined BAME activism .
LBN will be pluralistic , respectful and represent a cross-section of views within the party and the BAME community .
Beyond providing a much-needed forum to air grievances and propose solutions , we have ambitions to establish training schemes , mentoring and networking opportunities .
We seek to provide a multimedia platform for members to get involved in – from blogs to discussion forums and much more as we grow .
We welcome the various BAME groups that have been formed in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who share our commitment to implementing much-needed internal culture change and strong advocacy on issues that affect ethnic minorities .
Fundamentally , BAME members require an organisation that is fit for purpose , communicates effectively and builds positive relationships with all parts of the party .
LBN will be proactive and react quickly to issues that impact BAME members and communities .
We hope you will join us in our mission to bring about a more positive culture within Labour and advance anti-racist politics .
Please sign up here if you ’ @ @ @

Being a Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) member of the Labour Party has been a constantly frustrating experience. For many years, there has been failure to engage properly with BAME communities and to take BAME voters seriously. We believe that the lack of effective structures and the utilisation of BAME people and issues as ammunition in factional battles is largely responsible for this situation. In particular, we have been badly let down by BAME Labour. Though it has implemented some successful initiatives and organised several useful events over the years, it has been largely invisible and on major internal issues there has been a deafening silence.
The ineffectiveness of BAME Labour has been demonstrated by its feeble response to the recently leaked report intended as an annex to the Equality and Human Rights Commission investigation into the party. The report has understandably caused much consternation and distress amongst BAME members. The revelations underscore what many of us have experienced as Labour activists: a culture in which we are privately demeaned by those at the heart of the party. For too long, the legitimate concerns of BAME members – whether on racism, antisemitism or Islamophobia – have been used to further certain agendas in a political game of football.
To add insult to injury, we have seen a party machinery betraying the confidence of those who seek to call out racism and challenge it. The publishing of complainants’ personal details online has undermined what faith BAME members can have when trying to seek justice in the future. And crucially, we should not lose sight of the fact that the EHRC inquiry is focused on the issue of antisemitism. The leaked report should not be seen as an opportunity to deflect from the attempts to eradicate this prejudice that has infected our party.
As BAME members, we have decided to no longer waste our energy on frustration and hoping for BAME Labour to step up. We cannot risk losing another generation of activists because BAME Labour has prevented its members from any form of engagement. That’s why we are launching the Labour BAME Network.
Our motivation is simple: we want to move away from the toxicity and animosity that has characterised so much of our party’s history and undermined BAME activism. LBN will be pluralistic, respectful and represent a cross-section of views within the party and the BAME community. Beyond providing a much-needed forum to air grievances and propose solutions, we have ambitions to establish training schemes, mentoring and networking opportunities. We seek to provide a multimedia platform for members to get involved in – from blogs to discussion forums and much more as we grow.
We welcome the various BAME groups that have been formed in recent weeks, and look forward to working with those who share our commitment to implementing much-needed internal culture change and strong advocacy on issues that affect ethnic minorities. Fundamentally, BAME members require an organisation that is fit for purpose, communicates effectively and builds positive relationships with all parts of the party. LBN will be proactive and react quickly to issues that impact BAME members and communities.
We hope you will join us in our mission to bring about a more positive culture within Labour and advance anti-racist politics. Please sign up here if you’re interested.
@LabBAMENetwork | facebook.com/labourbamenetwork


labourlist--2020-04-28--Why everyone needs to stop talking about BAME Labour reform

Recent weeks have seen confusion and misinformation spread across social media about current BAME reforms in the Labour Party .
Strength of feeling , however , has never been more resolute – things have to change .
A clear mandate for this change was given in 2017-18 , when thousands of BAME members contributed to Labour ’ s democracy review to lambast the party ’ s structural neglect of ethnic minority members .
But the new shadow cabinet team appears still to be mixing up key terms , revealing that the party has failed to communicate clearly or effectively with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Let ’ s try to bring some clarity to this discussion .
The reform that is taking place involves the creation of a brand new BAME structure ( name to be confirmed ! )
that is entirely separate from the old socialist society called ‘ BAME Labour ’ .
BAME Labour is not being reformed , and will presumably continue with all of the same deficiencies .
In practice , this means that the party ’ s substantial BAME membership has no democratic oversight in the internal governance of BAME Labour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional authority to force socialist societies to do anything – otherwise Labour ’ s national executive committee would have intervened eight years ago when BAME Labour was taken to court .
BAME Labour , as with all socialist societies , is accountable only to itself .
Carol Sewell , the newly-elected BAME representative on the NEC , does not represent BAME Labour .
The NEC place belongs to the new BAME structure .
And now – with the changes BAME members won through the democracy review – the BAME NEC representative is directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party , for the first time in its history .
To make matters even more confusing , little beyond automatic membership of the structure to all self-identifying BAME members and representation on the NEC has been agreed so far .
The structure itself has not been ratified by annual conference , and so does not exist .
This leaves us in a type of purgatory , with one foot on the NEC and the other in the yet-to-be-agreed democracy review papers .
What will the new BAME structure look like ?
July ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
BAME members of the NEC have met to create parameters to be discussed at this crucial meeting , with the following demands : • A set funding formula to ensure the structure is well resourced to run campaigns • A dedicated member of staff to service the committee • A gender-balanced committee comprised of : • International officer ( elected via OMOV to build links with global solidarity movements ) With the change in leadership and the balance of the NEC , the above demands – and the possibility of a radical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat .
It is now all too easy to imagine that this new structure be ratified with little member representation or power .
It seems almost certain that cost will be used to argue that neither a stand alone policy-making conference nor OMOV elections are possible .
In practice , this will be a cynical ploy to lessen the potential of a radical BAME self-organisation force in our party .
This structure needs to be a continuation of the incredible legacy of the Labour Party ’ s Black sections , which tore down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This potential explains much of why these reforms are being hidden , distorted or purposely miscommunicated .
It is much easier to pull the teeth from this structure behind closed doors .
My advice ?
Leave the socialist society BAME Labour alone .
The fight for BAME representation within our party has moved on .
Our time is better spent writing to NEC representatives and your unions to ensure that the new BAME structure agreed in July reflects the demands put forward by BAME members .
And if it doesn ’ t ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual conference and vote on the proposals yourself .

Recent weeks have seen confusion and misinformation spread across social media about current BAME reforms in the Labour Party. Strength of feeling, however, has never been more resolute – things have to change.
A clear mandate for this change was given in 2017-18, when thousands of BAME members contributed to Labour’s democracy review to lambast the party’s structural neglect of ethnic minority members. But the new shadow cabinet team appears still to be mixing up key terms, revealing that the party has failed to communicate clearly or effectively with members and key stakeholders about these reforms.
Let’s try to bring some clarity to this discussion. The reform that is taking place involves the creation of a brand new BAME structure (name to be confirmed!) that is entirely separate from the old socialist society called ‘BAME Labour’. BAME Labour is not being reformed, and will presumably continue with all of the same deficiencies.
In practice, this means that the party’s substantial BAME membership has no democratic oversight in the internal governance of BAME Labour. This is because the party has no constitutional authority to force socialist societies to do anything – otherwise Labour’s national executive committee would have intervened eight years ago when BAME Labour was taken to court. BAME Labour, as with all socialist societies, is accountable only to itself.
Carol Sewell, the newly-elected BAME representative on the NEC, does not represent BAME Labour. The NEC place belongs to the new BAME structure. And now – with the changes BAME members won through the democracy review – the BAME NEC representative is directly accountable to BAME members of the Labour Party, for the first time in its history.
To make matters even more confusing, little beyond automatic membership of the structure to all self-identifying BAME members and representation on the NEC has been agreed so far. The structure itself has not been ratified by annual conference, and so does not exist. This leaves us in a type of purgatory, with one foot on the NEC and the other in the yet-to-be-agreed democracy review papers.
What will the new BAME structure look like? July’s NEC is set to determine this. BAME members of the NEC have met to create parameters to be discussed at this crucial meeting, with the following demands:
A stand alone, policy-making annual conference
A set funding formula to ensure the structure is well resourced to run campaigns
A dedicated member of staff to service the committee
A gender-balanced committee comprised of: Chair (elected via one-member-one-vote) Regional reps (elected via OMOV) Trade union reps (appointed via their trade unions) Equality reps (election method to be determined) International officer (elected via OMOV to build links with global solidarity movements) NEC rep (already elected via electoral college)
With the change in leadership and the balance of the NEC, the above demands – and the possibility of a radical and democratic BAME structure – are under threat. It is now all too easy to imagine that this new structure be ratified with little member representation or power. It seems almost certain that cost will be used to argue that neither a stand alone policy-making conference nor OMOV elections are possible. In practice, this will be a cynical ploy to lessen the potential of a radical BAME self-organisation force in our party.
This structure needs to be a continuation of the incredible legacy of the Labour Party’s Black sections, which tore down great institutional barriers to meaningful representation. This potential explains much of why these reforms are being hidden, distorted or purposely miscommunicated. It is much easier to pull the teeth from this structure behind closed doors.
My advice? Leave the socialist society BAME Labour alone. The fight for BAME representation within our party has moved on. Our time is better spent writing to NEC representatives and your unions to ensure that the new BAME structure agreed in July reflects the demands put forward by BAME members. And if it doesn’t? Stand to be a delegate to this annual conference and vote on the proposals yourself.


labourlist--2020-04-28--Covid-19 is set to deepen the crisis at the heart of our higher education system

From an outside observer , the higher education system in the UK looks like a profitable and well-oiled , money-making machine .
The most recent report into university finances by the Higher Education Statistics Agency ( HESA ) revealed that in 2017 , universities had an eye-wateringly high annual surplus of £2.3bn , and £44.3bn in reserves .
The average debt among students who had finished their courses in 2018 was £36,000 and – although most students themselves will only pay off a fraction of that figure – universities are assured all of these loans by the government , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be concerned about in our universities , their funding looks to be pretty secure .
However , a crisis lies in wait below the surface – and Covid-19 is its trigger .
Universities have become goliath money machines in their own right , and each year spend billions on new land , projects , facilities and accommodation .
Since June 2014 , the construction company Glenigan , a particular favourite among Russell Group universities , has begun work on nearly £8.8bn of higher education projects .
The University of Manchester alone has spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Accommodation developments in particular account for large proportions of university budgets .
The University of Manchester spent £90m on their Fallowfield halls of residents , which opened last year , for example .
More accommodation means more students , and more students mean more money .
Universities have created a model in which tens or even hundreds of millions of pounds are being thrown back into the higher education machine to keep it running each year .
Years of policy change have slowly transformed our universities into businesses .
With the trebling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintenance grants for maintenance loans and the removal of the cap on student numbers , universities were suddenly the proud recipients of unprecedented funds .
Theoretically , this should have made student experiences better .
But in practice our higher education has become a marketplace in which everyone competes relentlessly to fund more projects , to attract more students , and so on .
This proves disastrous when anything interferes with the machine ’ s cogs .
Three universities nearly went bankrupt in 2018 due to a slight decline in student numbers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 now poses a huge threat to universities .
A report by London Economics for the UCU estimated that 111,000 fewer UK first-year students will start university this year .
There are also international students .
This group makes up nearly 20 % of the student population , and brought in nearly £7bn to universities in student fees last year , according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies .
Universities are now looking at a £2.6bn shortfall in the next academic year because of the projected drop in international and home student intake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge problem for universities , who have based years of spending decisions on an income that will now not come .
University borrowing has also sky-rocketed .
Over the past decade , university debt to private loan companies has trebled to over £12bn , according to the International Financing Review .
Imperial College London , the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol are some of the biggest debtors – but they are certainly not alone .
With an economic crisis ahead , universities are going to face huge difficulties in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hugely powerful machines .
They are driving new development and infrastructure at unprecedented speed across the UK .
But they are also on course for a terrifying and devastating collision .
If small changes in student intake can bring near bankruptcies , the sharp drop that we are expecting next year looks certain to bring many to their knees .
Covid-19 has been the trigger – make no mistake , though , this crisis has been a long time in the making .
Students are saddled with great swathes of debt , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpaid loans , and universities are in a self-destructive and disastrous cycle .
Our higher education is now a system that benefits no one , and is about to face the biggest crisis in its history .
It is difficult to say how our universities will get through the coming year , but what is certain is that we must stop treating them as businesses if they are to survive .

From an outside observer, the higher education system in the UK looks like a profitable and well-oiled, money-making machine. The most recent report into university finances by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) revealed that in 2017, universities had an eye-wateringly high annual surplus of £2.3bn, and £44.3bn in reserves.
The average debt among students who had finished their courses in 2018 was £36,000 and – although most students themselves will only pay off a fraction of that figure – universities are assured all of these loans by the government, every year. Of all the things to be concerned about in our universities, their funding looks to be pretty secure. However, a crisis lies in wait below the surface – and Covid-19 is its trigger.
Universities have become goliath money machines in their own right, and each year spend billions on new land, projects, facilities and accommodation. Since June 2014, the construction company Glenigan, a particular favourite among Russell Group universities, has begun work on nearly £8.8bn of higher education projects. The University of Manchester alone has spent £625m over 47 projects with the company.
Accommodation developments in particular account for large proportions of university budgets. The University of Manchester spent £90m on their Fallowfield halls of residents, which opened last year, for example. More accommodation means more students, and more students mean more money. Universities have created a model in which tens or even hundreds of millions of pounds are being thrown back into the higher education machine to keep it running each year.
Years of policy change have slowly transformed our universities into businesses. With the trebling of university fees, the replacement of maintenance grants for maintenance loans and the removal of the cap on student numbers, universities were suddenly the proud recipients of unprecedented funds. Theoretically, this should have made student experiences better. But in practice our higher education has become a marketplace in which everyone competes relentlessly to fund more projects, to attract more students, and so on.
This proves disastrous when anything interferes with the machine’s cogs. Three universities nearly went bankrupt in 2018 due to a slight decline in student numbers in a lower birth-rate year group. And Covid-19 now poses a huge threat to universities. A report by London Economics for the UCU estimated that 111,000 fewer UK first-year students will start university this year.
There are also international students. This group makes up nearly 20% of the student population, and brought in nearly £7bn to universities in student fees last year, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Universities are now looking at a £2.6bn shortfall in the next academic year because of the projected drop in international and home student intake caused by the pandemic. This is a huge problem for universities, who have based years of spending decisions on an income that will now not come.
University borrowing has also sky-rocketed. Over the past decade, university debt to private loan companies has trebled to over £12bn, according to the International Financing Review. Imperial College London, the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol are some of the biggest debtors – but they are certainly not alone. With an economic crisis ahead, universities are going to face huge difficulties in repaying these loans.
Universities have become hugely powerful machines. They are driving new development and infrastructure at unprecedented speed across the UK. But they are also on course for a terrifying and devastating collision. If small changes in student intake can bring near bankruptcies, the sharp drop that we are expecting next year looks certain to bring many to their knees.
Covid-19 has been the trigger – make no mistake, though, this crisis has been a long time in the making. Students are saddled with great swathes of debt, the government is burdened with paying billions in unpaid loans, and universities are in a self-destructive and disastrous cycle. Our higher education is now a system that benefits no one, and is about to face the biggest crisis in its history. It is difficult to say how our universities will get through the coming year, but what is certain is that we must stop treating them as businesses if they are to survive.


labourlist--2020-04-28--Tony Lloyd steps down from Labour frontbench

Tony Lloyd has now officially stepped down from the shadow cabinet to focus on his personal recovery from coronavirus .
The MP for Rochdale had been appointed Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary by Jeremy Corbyn in March 2018 after Owen Smith was sacked .
Lloyd will be replaced by Louise Haigh , who was already filling in for him on an interim basis while he was in hospital with Covid-19 .
Commenting on the move , Keir Starmer said : “ I want to thank Tony for his service during his time in the shadow cabinet and on the front bench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party wishes him and his family the very best as he continues with his recovery.
” Lloyd previously served as Labour MP for Stretford from 1983 to 1997 , and then for Manchester Central until 2012 .
The 70-year-old was discharged last week from intensive care at the Manchester Royal Infirmary .
In a message released when he left hospital last week , Lloyd said of his illness : “ It certainly is a tough condition and it has no doubt left me literally gasping for air .
“ But I am happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to be , on the mend , ” he added .
Haigh , MP for Sheffield Heeley , served as shadow minister for policing when Corbyn was leader .
She chaired Lisa Nandy ’ s 2020 leadership campaign .

Tony Lloyd has now officially stepped down from the shadow cabinet to focus on his personal recovery from coronavirus.
The MP for Rochdale had been appointed Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary by Jeremy Corbyn in March 2018 after Owen Smith was sacked.
Lloyd will be replaced by Louise Haigh, who was already filling in for him on an interim basis while he was in hospital with Covid-19.
Commenting on the move, Keir Starmer said: “I want to thank Tony for his service during his time in the shadow cabinet and on the front bench.
“The whole of the Labour Party wishes him and his family the very best as he continues with his recovery.”
Lloyd previously served as Labour MP for Stretford from 1983 to 1997, and then for Manchester Central until 2012.


labourlist--2020-04-29--Labour cannot afford to be outflanked on universal basic income

The Financial Times published a letter last week , signed by 110 MPs and peers , calling for a ‘ recovery basic income ’ .
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer was then asked about Labour ’ s attitude towards the idea .
The reply , in effect , was : not now but perhaps later .
Many in the basic income camp , which has grown astonishingly quickly in the past few months , were disappointed – and some were angry .
They shouldn ’ t be .
This week marked a turning point for those that want to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the party can not afford to kick the issue too far into the long grass .
The game is changing for Labour on basic income for two reasons .
The first is the economics of the crisis .
Almost everyone is now a precarious worker , and it is little wonder that an Opinium poll at the end of March showed an incredible 84 % favourability for basic income .
The machines and the algorithms may or may not be coming – but right here , right now , jobs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With all the uncertainty of further spikes in Covid-19 , other viruses , the near-certain impending financial , economic and housing crashes and the climate crisis , people crave income security .
The emergency job retention measures are fine for a short while , but still leave huge holes .
What comes next ?
A recovery basic income – as set out in a report by economist Stewart Lansley and published by Compass – outlines clearly why and how such a scheme could and should work .
For the first time ever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneath their feet .
The challenge facing Labour is not just economic , however – it is now political .
The big shift last week was not just the numbers of the new Labour backers for basic income , but the fact that the SNP are now firmly behind the idea as well as – more tellingly – the two frontrunners for the leadership of the Lib Dems , Ed Davey and Layla Moran .
And of course , the Greens have long been there .
And this is not just about other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic income movement across the country .
‘ UBI Labs ‘ have been initiated in seven cities including Leeds , Sheffield and Liverpool .
And the Basic Income Conversation , which was behind last week ’ s recovery letter , is helping to orchestrate a powerful national debate .
Can Labour afford politically to be outflanked and left behind ?
No .
The party won ’ t yet make policy for 2024 , but it must be part of this radical debate for change .
Even if it does not lead , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radical and progressive instincts behind basic income .
Of course , the policy has to be right .
Some in Labour still worry about the impact on work .
Work is central to our identity and sense of meaning as human beings .
But the kind of basic income that is being looked at is exactly what it says on the tin : a basic income floor , not a wage replacement .
And it is pitched at a level that would mean some other benefits such as housing and disability would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it makes more secure workers stronger in the labour market , enabling them to hold out for higher wages and better jobs .
And for everyone , without exception , it marks a strong return to universalism and a new form of social security fit for the 21st century – an era defined by crises .
The go-to reference point for the crisis is , of course , the Second World War and the new social settlement that arose from the conflict .
Some of the comparisons are valid .
Back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the new role of the state and a rediscovered sense of social solidarity to construct a new universal health provision .
A floor that gave every citizen strength and security .
Today , that ambition and determination proves the worth of Labour more than anything else that the party has ever done .
Our challenge now is to be equally bold , and to establish for the economy and our society what Bevan established for public health : an income floor under which nobody falls .
No gaps , no holes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of security for all .
In a post-Covid-19 era , Labour has everything to gain from being part of the biggest transformative idea on the political agenda – a basic income floor for all .
You can co-sign the demand from Labour MPs and peers , and others , that the Chancellor establishes a recovery basic income here .

The Financial Times published a letter last week, signed by 110 MPs and peers, calling for a ‘recovery basic income’. A spokesperson for Keir Starmer was then asked about Labour’s attitude towards the idea. The reply, in effect, was: not now but perhaps later. Many in the basic income camp, which has grown astonishingly quickly in the past few months, were disappointed – and some were angry. They shouldn’t be. This week marked a turning point for those that want to put an income floor under everyone in Britain, but the party cannot afford to kick the issue too far into the long grass.
The game is changing for Labour on basic income for two reasons. The first is the economics of the crisis. Almost everyone is now a precarious worker, and it is little wonder that an Opinium poll at the end of March showed an incredible 84% favourability for basic income. The machines and the algorithms may or may not be coming – but right here, right now, jobs are being lost at an alarming rate.
With all the uncertainty of further spikes in Covid-19, other viruses, the near-certain impending financial, economic and housing crashes and the climate crisis, people crave income security. The emergency job retention measures are fine for a short while, but still leave huge holes. What comes next? A recovery basic income – as set out in a report by economist Stewart Lansley and published by Compass – outlines clearly why and how such a scheme could and should work. For the first time ever, everyone would have a solid income floor beneath their feet.
The challenge facing Labour is not just economic, however – it is now political. The big shift last week was not just the numbers of the new Labour backers for basic income, but the fact that the SNP are now firmly behind the idea as well as – more tellingly – the two frontrunners for the leadership of the Lib Dems, Ed Davey and Layla Moran. And of course, the Greens have long been there.
And this is not just about other political parties. There is a burgeoning basic income movement across the country. ‘UBI Labs‘ have been initiated in seven cities including Leeds, Sheffield and Liverpool. And the Basic Income Conversation, which was behind last week’s recovery letter, is helping to orchestrate a powerful national debate.
Can Labour afford politically to be outflanked and left behind? No. The party won’t yet make policy for 2024, but it must be part of this radical debate for change. Even if it does not lead, it must engage and give air to the radical and progressive instincts behind basic income.
Of course, the policy has to be right. Some in Labour still worry about the impact on work. Work is central to our identity and sense of meaning as human beings. But the kind of basic income that is being looked at is exactly what it says on the tin: a basic income floor, not a wage replacement.
And it is pitched at a level that would mean some other benefits such as housing and disability would be continued – they would have to be. But it makes more secure workers stronger in the labour market, enabling them to hold out for higher wages and better jobs. And for everyone, without exception, it marks a strong return to universalism and a new form of social security fit for the 21st century – an era defined by crises.
The go-to reference point for the crisis is, of course, the Second World War and the new social settlement that arose from the conflict. Some of the comparisons are valid. Back then, Aneurin Bevan used the war, the new role of the state and a rediscovered sense of social solidarity to construct a new universal health provision. A floor that gave every citizen strength and security.
Today, that ambition and determination proves the worth of Labour more than anything else that the party has ever done. Our challenge now is to be equally bold, and to establish for the economy and our society what Bevan established for public health: an income floor under which nobody falls. No gaps, no holes, no humiliating means testing – a universal level of security for all.
In a post-Covid-19 era, Labour has everything to gain from being part of the biggest transformative idea on the political agenda – a basic income floor for all. You can co-sign the demand from Labour MPs and peers, and others, that the Chancellor establishes a recovery basic income here.


labourlist--2020-04-29--How do you solve a problem like Momentum?

We ’ ve seen plenty of coronavirus news in the last 24 hours .
The government has committed to publishing care home deaths daily .
Testing should now be available to millions more .
British Airways decided to make 12,000 staff redundant in a decision described by Unite the Union as “ heartless ” .
And Priti Patel will finally face the home affairs committee this morning .
But across the labour movement , there is much focus on the unexpected resignation of GMB general secretary Tim Roache .
He was only re-elected in November , making this an abrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the appointment of an acting leader , will be covered on LabourList in due course .
In other Labour news , Momentum has set a timetable for its overdue internal elections .
Contests for new national coordinating group ( NCG ) members should be held annually , but in 2019 they were delayed by local elections , then the general election and Labour leadership race got in the way .
They will now be held entirely online , and conclude on June 30th .
The intra-factional divisions within Momentum , already evident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Labour left or paying attention , are increasingly being played out in the open .
We ’ ve had the recent launch of Forward Momentum , since backed by John McDonnell .
The campaign wants to “ refound ” and “ democratise ” Jon Lansman ’ s organisation , bringing a greater focus on political education , organiser training and member-led campaigns .
They are preparing to put together a slate of candidates for the NCG .
There is now also Momentum Internationalists , who launched yesterday .
The difference between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latter to work with and within the former .
MI do not intend to run a different slate for NCG , but instead promote candidates within FM .
MI activists also reckon they have more specific demands , going beyond the democratisation of Momentum to include transforming trade unions , for example .
The group has more links to Labour for a Socialist Europe and Another Europe is Possible , and there are members of Trotskyist group Alliance for Workers ’ Liberty involved as acknowledged by Michael Chessum .
Reflecting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reasoning behind the reorientation of the organisation , Sabrina Huck argues that Labour left activists need to wrestle with some existential questions .
She also makes the point that Momentum might want to focus on organising to improve the conditions that a left-wing Labour leadership would step into , rather than working to maintain a left leadership that will then be heavily constrained as seen in the Jeremy Corbyn era .
Also worth reading : a piece by Huda Elmi , member of Labour ’ s national executive committee , who explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour reforms – or rather BAME reforms in Labour .
There is a lot of confusion around this issue , and her contribution offers a much-needed clarification .
Once you ’ ve read that , take a look at the launch of the Labour BAME Network .
Keep up with LabourList today as we bring you essential news from the labour movement and the party .
We will be reviewing PMQs this afternoon , though Keir Starmer will not yet face Boris Johnson .
There were reports that the Prime Minister was too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son has also just been announced .
The two leaders were scheduled to catch up over the phone at 1.30pm – we don ’ t know whether that is still on , but we have a good idea of what Starmer would say .
Matt Hancock told the press conference yesterday that the NHS contact-tracing app should be up and running in three weeks , and 18,000 people working as tracers should also be ready by then .
Starmer will likely urge the government to set out more of its thinking on a @ @ @ @ @

We’ve seen plenty of coronavirus news in the last 24 hours. The government has committed to publishing care home deaths daily. Testing should now be available to millions more. British Airways decided to make 12,000 staff redundant in a decision described by Unite the Union as “heartless”. And Priti Patel will finally face the home affairs committee this morning.
But across the labour movement, there is much focus on the unexpected resignation of GMB general secretary Tim Roache. He was only re-elected in November, making this an abrupt change. Further details when confirmed, and the appointment of an acting leader, will be covered on LabourList in due course.
In other Labour news, Momentum has set a timetable for its overdue internal elections. Contests for new national coordinating group (NCG) members should be held annually, but in 2019 they were delayed by local elections, then the general election and Labour leadership race got in the way. They will now be held entirely online, and conclude on June 30th. The intra-factional divisions within Momentum, already evident for a long time to anyone involved with the Labour left or paying attention, are increasingly being played out in the open.
We’ve had the recent launch of Forward Momentum, since backed by John McDonnell. The campaign wants to “refound” and “democratise” Jon Lansman’s organisation, bringing a greater focus on political education, organiser training and member-led campaigns. They are preparing to put together a slate of candidates for the NCG. There is now also Momentum Internationalists, who launched yesterday.
The difference between the two? The idea is for the latter to work with and within the former. MI do not intend to run a different slate for NCG, but instead promote candidates within FM. MI activists also reckon they have more specific demands, going beyond the democratisation of Momentum to include transforming trade unions, for example. The group has more links to Labour for a Socialist Europe and Another Europe is Possible, and there are members of Trotskyist group Alliance for Workers’ Liberty involved as acknowledged by Michael Chessum.
Reflecting on the different paths that Momentum could take and the reasoning behind the reorientation of the organisation, Sabrina Huck argues that Labour left activists need to wrestle with some existential questions. She also makes the point that Momentum might want to focus on organising to improve the conditions that a left-wing Labour leadership would step into, rather than working to maintain a left leadership that will then be heavily constrained as seen in the Jeremy Corbyn era.
Also worth reading: a piece by Huda Elmi, member of Labour’s national executive committee, who explains what exactly is going on with BAME Labour reforms – or rather BAME reforms in Labour. There is a lot of confusion around this issue, and her contribution offers a much-needed clarification. Once you’ve read that, take a look at the launch of the Labour BAME Network.
Keep up with LabourList today as we bring you essential news from the labour movement and the party. We will be reviewing PMQs this afternoon, though Keir Starmer will not yet face Boris Johnson. There were reports that the Prime Minister was too ill, but the birth of his son has also just been announced.
The two leaders were scheduled to catch up over the phone at 1.30pm – we don’t know whether that is still on, but we have a good idea of what Starmer would say. Matt Hancock told the press conference yesterday that the NHS contact-tracing app should be up and running in three weeks, and 18,000 people working as tracers should also be ready by then. Starmer will likely urge the government to set out more of its thinking on a lockdown exit strategy today.


labourlist--2020-04-29--WATCH: CWU calls for “new normal” after Covid-19 on Postal Workers’ Day

The Communication Workers Union ( CWU ) has called for the creation of a “ new normal ” after the Covid-19 pandemic where “ working people get the pay and respect that they deserve ” on National Postal Workers ’ Day .
In a video released for the ninth annual celebration of postal workers across the UK , the trade union depicted key workers continuing to work throughout the coronavirus health crisis .
The CWU said that “ when this crisis is over , this country has to be different ” and declared that “ we can ’ t keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running ” .
The union urged solidarity , so that “ working people won ’ t pay the price for this crisis ” and called for a new settlement after the virus passes where “ we know exactly who keeps the country running ” .
Postal staff have continued to work as designated key workers during the pandemic , and the CWU has called on the public , media and politicians to show a “ greater level of recognition to postal workers than ever before ” this year .
The trade union has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management for a lack of communication with the CWU throughout the crisis , and for requiring members to deliver advertising mail .
Commenting on National Postal Workers ’ Day , a spokesperson for the CWU said : “ Postal workers across the country are doing a fantastic job .
It is sad that senior management have not recognised the efforts of our members , but the public have .
“ The sight of posters in windows , drinks left on doorsteps or even a simple ‘ thank you ’ mean the world to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Day please let your postie know how appreciated they are by thanking them or posting on social media using # PostalWorkersDay – thank you for your support.
” There have been a total of 161,145 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK , but with low levels of testing the true figure is thought to be much higher .
21,678 hospital deaths have been recorded .

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has called for the creation of a “new normal” after the Covid-19 pandemic where “working people get the pay and respect that they deserve” on National Postal Workers’ Day.
In a video released for the ninth annual celebration of postal workers across the UK, the trade union depicted key workers continuing to work throughout the coronavirus health crisis.
The CWU said that “when this crisis is over, this country has to be different” and declared that “we can’t keep pretending that profit alone keeps this country running”.
The union urged solidarity, so that “working people won’t pay the price for this crisis” and called for a new settlement after the virus passes where “we know exactly who keeps the country running”.
Tomorrow is National #PostalWorkersDay – let's create a new normal pic.twitter.com/bVpa1Z6bXI — The CWU (@CWUnews) April 28, 2020
Postal staff have continued to work as designated key workers during the pandemic, and the CWU has called on the public, media and politicians to show a “greater level of recognition to postal workers than ever before” this year.
The trade union has also criticised Royal Mail’s senior management for a lack of communication with the CWU throughout the crisis, and for requiring members to deliver advertising mail.
Commenting on National Postal Workers’ Day, a spokesperson for the CWU said: “Postal workers across the country are doing a fantastic job. It is sad that senior management have not recognised the efforts of our members, but the public have.
“The sight of posters in windows, drinks left on doorsteps or even a simple ‘thank you’ mean the world to our members. On National Postal Workers’ Day please let your postie know how appreciated they are by thanking them or posting on social media using #PostalWorkersDay – thank you for your support.”
There have been a total of 161,145 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, but with low levels of testing the true figure is thought to be much higher. 21,678 hospital deaths have been recorded.


labourlist--2020-04-29--Where next for the Labour left? The reorientation of Momentum

Earlier this year , I wrote for LabourList about the existential questions faced by Momentum now that Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership has come to an end .
Although Momentum was conceived as an organisation that aimed to bridge the gap between social movements and the Labour Party , it quickly became absorbed in internal battles to hang on to institutional control of the party .
Political education , democratic discussions around policy priorities and extra-parliamentary activism dropped off the agenda .
Constitutional reforms within the organisation meant that leadership was heavily centralised with office staff and the national coordinating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led from the grassroots via a vibrant network of local groups .
Now that Keir Starmer has taken the helm of the party , the Labour left seems remarkably keener to reform its own structures again .
Forward Momentum , a campaign group demanding that Momentum turns its democratic structures “ back on ” , was launched to organise members around this goal and to form a slate for the upcoming NCG elections on this basis .
Attempts to address structural problems within Momentum are welcome , of course .
But a focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely not be sufficient to secure Momentum ’ s future .
Beneath the surface , there are political and strategic tensions that require a much broader discussion than what is currently offered .
In the wake of Rebecca Long-Bailey ’ s failed leadership bid , different parts of the Labour left have set out their own diagnosis of what went wrong for the movement .
Coded assumptions around what “ real leadership ” ( read : white , male , wearing a nice suit ) looks like , after a heavy general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate like Starmer .
But the Long-Bailey campaign also brought into sharp focus a key political failure of the Labour left – it never cohered its collective politics .
This void was filled with a focus on a vague set of values ( such as “ fairness ” or “ kindness ” ) , which can easily be attributed to a wide range of Labour politicians .
Members who have supported Corbyn for these reasons will not see the contradictions in now backing Starmer .
As the Labour left regroups , it must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political failure .
On the surface , for most Labour left activists , there is overlap on two strategic issues : firstly , that socialists should stay in Labour despite the left losing the leadership ; secondly , that Momentum should be recaptured and transformed into a more effective tool to promote socialist politics within Labour and eventually in wider society .
Tribune ( whose line , if we are borrowing Jeremy Gilbert ’ s terms , falls into the “ orthodox left ” camp ) recently used an editorial to rightly point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus of defending Corbyn ’ s leadership meant that it developed into a mighty factional tool .
But it fell short of building a more effective socialist organisation for the working class .
Although the work of Momentum and aligned organisations such as The World Transformed are acknowledged positively , a perceived reliance on young people and students – able to volunteer countless hours for these projects – is considered a weakness .
The solution hinted at by the Tribune editors is a reorientation towards organising working-class Northern communities and Leave-voting former Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a focus on metropolitan areas like London and university towns .
In a piece for Novara Media , Forward Momentum supporter Keir Milburn strikes a similarly complimentary tone when speaking about TWT and Momentum ’ s political education effort , whilst acknowledging it did not reach far enough .
Building on these successes , Forward Momentum suggests that Momentum should focus on offering training and support to activists so that they can “ build power in communities ” , set up new socialist campaigns and link up with existing ones .
Generally speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an expression of the newly emerged “ radical left ” that Gilbert describes as more interested in democratic grassroots campaigns than “ traditional Labourism ” .
These approaches look similar on the surface , but how they will be interpreted and translated into action could differ significantly .
The whole Labour left believes in empowering communities and building a consensus for socialist politics .
But what do we mean by “ socialist politics ” ?
Who are these communities we aim to speak to and organise ?
And who is leading this organising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early stages of the debate over Momentum ’ s future , there is not yet a substantial body of work from different camps to draw upon to answer these questions .
The clustering of some well-known activists around the campaigns gives a hint as to how these questions could be addressed in the future .
But as the end of Corbynism erodes the basis for former unity , new alliances across the Labour left will emerge .
One thing there appears to be agreement on is that Momentum was not fit for purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these concerns were raised over the last couple of years , there was little appetite to alter the course ?
This shows that most people from across the Labour left who had influence over the direction of the movement concluded that a united front to protect the Labour leadership was strategically the most important goal .
If one identifies the maintenance of power within Labour as the main objective , this informs how an organisation such as Momentum acts and where it sets its priorities .
Similarly , whether we believe Momentum ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to regain power in Labour , or whether we should focus on building power outside the party political realm , will set the foundations for the future .
The question that needs working through is whether both of these things can be done by the same organisation at the same time .
The experience of the Corbyn leadership shows that the responsibility that comes with leading the Labour Party – a broad electoral coalition made up of multiple political stakeholders – lends itself to triangulation .
Even politicians like Corbyn , John McDonnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on decades of activism , fell victim of the impulse to compromise on their politics to satisfy the demands of the institutions of the party .
Should Momentum focus its efforts on organising a political space in society for a future Labour leadership to step into ?
Throwing everything at maintaining a left leadership that is constrained by the contradictions of the party risks trapping us in a vicious circle of defeat .
If a shift in the political narrative in society has already started to take place , the electoral pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would give the left more room for manoeuvre and allow a left leadership to emerge again .

Earlier this year, I wrote for LabourList about the existential questions faced by Momentum now that Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership has come to an end. Although Momentum was conceived as an organisation that aimed to bridge the gap between social movements and the Labour Party, it quickly became absorbed in internal battles to hang on to institutional control of the party.
Political education, democratic discussions around policy priorities and extra-parliamentary activism dropped off the agenda. Constitutional reforms within the organisation meant that leadership was heavily centralised with office staff and the national coordinating group (NCG), rather than led from the grassroots via a vibrant network of local groups.
Now that Keir Starmer has taken the helm of the party, the Labour left seems remarkably keener to reform its own structures again. Forward Momentum, a campaign group demanding that Momentum turns its democratic structures “back on”, was launched to organise members around this goal and to form a slate for the upcoming NCG elections on this basis.
Attempts to address structural problems within Momentum are welcome, of course. But a focus on “operational” questions alone will most likely not be sufficient to secure Momentum’s future. Beneath the surface, there are political and strategic tensions that require a much broader discussion than what is currently offered.
In the wake of Rebecca Long-Bailey’s failed leadership bid, different parts of the Labour left have set out their own diagnosis of what went wrong for the movement. Coded assumptions around what “real leadership” (read: white, male, wearing a nice suit) looks like, after a heavy general election defeat, will have benefitted a candidate like Starmer.
But the Long-Bailey campaign also brought into sharp focus a key political failure of the Labour left – it never cohered its collective politics. This void was filled with a focus on a vague set of values (such as “fairness” or “kindness”), which can easily be attributed to a wide range of Labour politicians. Members who have supported Corbyn for these reasons will not see the contradictions in now backing Starmer.
As the Labour left regroups, it must strive to identify the root of this political failure. On the surface, for most Labour left activists, there is overlap on two strategic issues: firstly, that socialists should stay in Labour despite the left losing the leadership; secondly, that Momentum should be recaptured and transformed into a more effective tool to promote socialist politics within Labour and eventually in wider society.
Tribune (whose line, if we are borrowing Jeremy Gilbert’s terms, falls into the “orthodox left” camp) recently used an editorial to rightly point out that Momentum’s short-term strategic focus of defending Corbyn’s leadership meant that it developed into a mighty factional tool. But it fell short of building a more effective socialist organisation for the working class. Although the work of Momentum and aligned organisations such as The World Transformed are acknowledged positively, a perceived reliance on young people and students – able to volunteer countless hours for these projects – is considered a weakness.
The solution hinted at by the Tribune editors is a reorientation towards organising working-class Northern communities and Leave-voting former Labour seats, rather than too much of a focus on metropolitan areas like London and university towns.
In a piece for Novara Media, Forward Momentum supporter Keir Milburn strikes a similarly complimentary tone when speaking about TWT and Momentum’s political education effort, whilst acknowledging it did not reach far enough. Building on these successes, Forward Momentum suggests that Momentum should focus on offering training and support to activists so that they can “build power in communities”, set up new socialist campaigns and link up with existing ones. Generally speaking, Forward Momentum can be considered as an expression of the newly emerged “radical left” that Gilbert describes as more interested in democratic grassroots campaigns than “traditional Labourism”.
These approaches look similar on the surface, but how they will be interpreted and translated into action could differ significantly. The whole Labour left believes in empowering communities and building a consensus for socialist politics. But what do we mean by “socialist politics”? Who are these communities we aim to speak to and organise? And who is leading this organising?
As we are still in the early stages of the debate over Momentum’s future, there is not yet a substantial body of work from different camps to draw upon to answer these questions. The clustering of some well-known activists around the campaigns gives a hint as to how these questions could be addressed in the future. But as the end of Corbynism erodes the basis for former unity, new alliances across the Labour left will emerge.
One thing there appears to be agreement on is that Momentum was not fit for purpose. But why is it that when these concerns were raised over the last couple of years, there was little appetite to alter the course? This shows that most people from across the Labour left who had influence over the direction of the movement concluded that a united front to protect the Labour leadership was strategically the most important goal. If one identifies the maintenance of power within Labour as the main objective, this informs how an organisation such as Momentum acts and where it sets its priorities.
Similarly, whether we believe Momentum’s key task going forward should be to regain power in Labour, or whether we should focus on building power outside the party political realm, will set the foundations for the future. The question that needs working through is whether both of these things can be done by the same organisation at the same time.
The experience of the Corbyn leadership shows that the responsibility that comes with leading the Labour Party – a broad electoral coalition made up of multiple political stakeholders – lends itself to triangulation. Even politicians like Corbyn, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott, who can look back on decades of activism, fell victim of the impulse to compromise on their politics to satisfy the demands of the institutions of the party.
Should Momentum focus its efforts on organising a political space in society for a future Labour leadership to step into? Throwing everything at maintaining a left leadership that is constrained by the contradictions of the party risks trapping us in a vicious circle of defeat. If a shift in the political narrative in society has already started to take place, the electoral pressure might not be as severe. This would give the left more room for manoeuvre and allow a left leadership to emerge again.


labourlist--2020-04-29--GMB launches investigation into allegations against Tim Roache

The Labour Party-affiliated GMB trade union has launched an investigation into allegations made against Tim Roache who resigned as general secretary on Tuesday .
According to the updated statement , Roache has suffered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis for a number of years , which formed the basis of his decision to stand down .
But the union has also confirmed that it “ received an anonymous letter , last Wednesday ” that made allegations about the conduct of Roache while in office .
The statement reads : “ An investigation has been launched and it is not appropriate to comment further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Complaints which are brought to our attention will be dealt with appropriately in line with our policies and procedures and with appropriate regard to fairness and sensitivity.
” GMB has announced that John Phillips , its regional secretary for Wales and the South West , has been appointed as acting general secretary until a replacement for Roache is elected .
Below is the full text of the GMB statement updated tonight .
The Finance and General Purposes Committee has today accepted the resignation of Tim Roache as General Secretary of GMB .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ M.E . )
some years ago , which has previously resulted in two years ’ sickness absence from work .
Having been signed off by medical professionals earlier this week , Tim was advised to refrain completely from work – and has now taken the difficult decision to stand down from the role permanently , indicating that he does not feel mentally or physically able to continue to lead our union .
John Phillips , GMB Regional Secretary for Wales and South West will now become Acting General Secretary of GMB with immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is elected .
The union is considering a process and timetable for that election , which will be held as soon as practically possible .
GMB received an anonymous letter , last Wednesday , in which a number of allegations have been made about Tim ’ s conduct whilst he held the office of General Secretary .
An investigation has been launched and it is not appropriate to comment further pending the outcome of that investigation .
Complaints which are brought to our attention will be dealt with appropriately in line with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fairness and sensitivity .

The Labour Party-affiliated GMB trade union has launched an investigation into allegations made against Tim Roache who resigned as general secretary on Tuesday.
According to the updated statement, Roache has suffered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis for a number of years, which formed the basis of his decision to stand down.
But the union has also confirmed that it “received an anonymous letter, last Wednesday” that made allegations about the conduct of Roache while in office.
The statement reads: “An investigation has been launched and it is not appropriate to comment further pending the outcome of that investigation.
“Complaints which are brought to our attention will be dealt with appropriately in line with our policies and procedures and with appropriate regard to fairness and sensitivity.”
GMB has announced that John Phillips, its regional secretary for Wales and the South West, has been appointed as acting general secretary until a replacement for Roache is elected.
Below is the full text of the GMB statement updated tonight.
The Finance and General Purposes Committee has today accepted the resignation of Tim Roache as General Secretary of GMB.
Tim was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) some years ago, which has previously resulted in two years’ sickness absence from work. Having been signed off by medical professionals earlier this week, Tim was advised to refrain completely from work – and has now taken the difficult decision to stand down from the role permanently, indicating that he does not feel mentally or physically able to continue to lead our union.
John Phillips, GMB Regional Secretary for Wales and South West will now become Acting General Secretary of GMB with immediate effect and until a new General Secretary is elected. The union is considering a process and timetable for that election, which will be held as soon as practically possible.
GMB received an anonymous letter, last Wednesday, in which a number of allegations have been made about Tim’s conduct whilst he held the office of General Secretary.
An investigation has been launched and it is not appropriate to comment further pending the outcome of that investigation. Complaints which are brought to our attention will be dealt with appropriately in line with our policies and procedures and with appropriate regard to fairness and sensitivity.


labourlist--2020-04-29--The armed forces are delivering for us. The government must deliver for them

After a well-known private company failed to deliver on a promise of 13,000 security staff for the 2012 London Olympics , without hesitation or question , it was the armed forces who picked up the pieces .
By the end of the Olympic operation , there were over 18,000 army , navy and royal air force staff involved .
Many were sleeping in multi-story car parks between arduous shifts .
As we find ourselves in a very different emergency , one thing remains the same : the indisputable value of our armed forces .
It is important to both recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further government support is needed .
A 23,000-strong Covid-19 support force is already delivering for the nation .
These highly trained women and men possess a varied set of specialist skills , from engineers and accountants to medics and logistical experts .
But just how are they helping ?
Alongside our equally cherished frontline health and social care staff , the armed forces are working tirelessly to support local authorities and an NHS under strain .
The numbers paint an unquestionable picture of just how important they are in fighting this crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the ambulance service .
450 service people have helped deliver over 930 million items of personal protective equipment .
Troops are setting up over 90 much-needed mobile testing sites , while 100 have been trained to drive oxygen tankers .
And just over the Solent from my own constituency , the Scots Guards have built 200 extra hospital beds on the Isle of Wight .
And the hugely valuable supporting role of the armed forces is not limited to the NHS .
As theatres of war migrate online , so too does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surfacing on the web pose a serious and real threat to life .
BBC News has reported one such rumour leading to patients , with confirmed cases , discharging themselves and re-entering households .
With internet and smart phone use skyrocketing amid the pandemic , the importance of winning the online information war could not be more pressing .
To help fight this online battle , a taskforce of military experts has been drafted in to tackle fake news and nip in the bud an increasing number of online fraudsters seeking to profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also thrown their weight behind helping local authorities and devolved administrations .
As the defence committee heard last week , through military aid to civil authorities , personnel are playing a crucial supportive role in offering flexibility to our public services , which are already bursting at the seams from the strain .
From defence scientists helping Public Health England in understanding the spread of the virus to specialist military planners working as part of Local Resilience Forums , our versatile troops are making a difference at the local government level .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skill set has not diminished its more traditional forms of crisis assistance .
Alongside cyber security support and helping our NHS , a major repatriation and transportation effort is being undertaken .
Already flights bringing Brits back from nightmare holiday situations have taken place and Merlin Mk2 helicopters , complete with crews , are helping transport both supplies and personnel .
While the RAF has been working on evacuations from remote and isolated communities .
But as the armed forces pull through for Britain , is the government doing enough to properly protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work due to the virus and the Defence Secretary admitting last week that just 131 had been tested , it is evident that more must be done .
While we welcome the minister ’ s announcements that they are backing Labour ’ s calls to ramp up testing , it is the delivery of this promise that they will be judged on .
It is not just government ’ s performance on testing troops under scrutiny .
Questions remain over the provision of personal protective equipment .
Labour are continuing to keep a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intrinsic role in the supply of the equipment are being provided with adequate levels of it themselves .
It falls on the government to protect frontline troops , but on the opposition to act as the checks and balances ensuring that the highest standards are met .
Continuously throughout the last decade and beyond , our armed forces have worked outside their traditional spheres and delivered to the highest degree .
Their adaptability , unrelenting approach and proactive spirit acts as an inspiration to us all .
I know that I speak for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the new shadow armed forces minister .
While recognition is one element of showing support , without efforts to protect troops in their role it does not account for much .
That is why the shadow defence team remains committed to speaking up for our armed forces amid this crisis .

After a well-known private company failed to deliver on a promise of 13,000 security staff for the 2012 London Olympics, without hesitation or question, it was the armed forces who picked up the pieces. By the end of the Olympic operation, there were over 18,000 army, navy and royal air force staff involved. Many were sleeping in multi-story car parks between arduous shifts. As we find ourselves in a very different emergency, one thing remains the same: the indisputable value of our armed forces. It is important to both recognise their crucial work and highlight areas where further government support is needed.
A 23,000-strong Covid-19 support force is already delivering for the nation. These highly trained women and men possess a varied set of specialist skills, from engineers and accountants to medics and logistical experts. But just how are they helping? Alongside our equally cherished frontline health and social care staff, the armed forces are working tirelessly to support local authorities and an NHS under strain. The numbers paint an unquestionable picture of just how important they are in fighting this crisis.
Already, 200 personnel are mobilising to support the ambulance service. 450 service people have helped deliver over 930 million items of personal protective equipment. Troops are setting up over 90 much-needed mobile testing sites, while 100 have been trained to drive oxygen tankers. And just over the Solent from my own constituency, the Scots Guards have built 200 extra hospital beds on the Isle of Wight. And the hugely valuable supporting role of the armed forces is not limited to the NHS.
As theatres of war migrate online, so too does the battle against Covid-19. Conspiracy theories surfacing on the web pose a serious and real threat to life. BBC News has reported one such rumour leading to patients, with confirmed cases, discharging themselves and re-entering households. With internet and smart phone use skyrocketing amid the pandemic, the importance of winning the online information war could not be more pressing. To help fight this online battle, a taskforce of military experts has been drafted in to tackle fake news and nip in the bud an increasing number of online fraudsters seeking to profit from the uncertainty.
Military personnel have also thrown their weight behind helping local authorities and devolved administrations. As the defence committee heard last week, through military aid to civil authorities, personnel are playing a crucial supportive role in offering flexibility to our public services, which are already bursting at the seams from the strain. From defence scientists helping Public Health England in understanding the spread of the virus to specialist military planners working as part of Local Resilience Forums, our versatile troops are making a difference at the local government level.
The utilisation of the military’s diverse skill set has not diminished its more traditional forms of crisis assistance. Alongside cyber security support and helping our NHS, a major repatriation and transportation effort is being undertaken. Already flights bringing Brits back from nightmare holiday situations have taken place and Merlin Mk2 helicopters, complete with crews, are helping transport both supplies and personnel. While the RAF has been working on evacuations from remote and isolated communities.
But as the armed forces pull through for Britain, is the government doing enough to properly protect them? With 13,000 personnel absent from work due to the virus and the Defence Secretary admitting last week that just 131 had been tested, it is evident that more must be done. While we welcome the minister’s announcements that they are backing Labour’s calls to ramp up testing, it is the delivery of this promise that they will be judged on.
It is not just government’s performance on testing troops under scrutiny. Questions remain over the provision of personal protective equipment. Labour are continuing to keep a watchful eye on whether personnel playing an intrinsic role in the supply of the equipment are being provided with adequate levels of it themselves. It falls on the government to protect frontline troops, but on the opposition to act as the checks and balances ensuring that the highest standards are met.
Continuously throughout the last decade and beyond, our armed forces have worked outside their traditional spheres and delivered to the highest degree. Their adaptability, unrelenting approach and proactive spirit acts as an inspiration to us all. I know that I speak for many when I convey thanks to them as the new shadow armed forces minister. While recognition is one element of showing support, without efforts to protect troops in their role it does not account for much. That is why the shadow defence team remains committed to speaking up for our armed forces amid this crisis.


labourlist--2020-04-29--Labour urges government to engage with concerns over Trevor Phillips post in BAME Covid inquiry

Keir Starmer has encouraged the government to “ engage ” with those who have expressed concern over the appointment of Trevor Phillips to the BAME coronavirus inquiry .
Labour welcomed the government announcement earlier this month that there would be a review looking into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities .
The investigation launch followed news that 70 % of the 54 frontline health and social care workers who died due to coronavirus in England and Wales were from an ethnic minority .
But groups including the Muslim Council of Britain , and activists such as Sayeeda Warsi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement of broadcaster Trevor Phillips in the inquiry .
The broadcaster and former head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission was recently suspended from the Labour Party pending investigation of Islamophobia claims .
At a 2019 event , he reportedly asked : “ To what extent is the argument around Islamophobia already having an effect in silencing those who report our world ?
” .
Phillips also reportedly suggested that Muslims “ see the world differently to the rest of us ” , and allegedly referred to UK Muslims as being “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked about the calls for Phillips to be removed from the BAME coronavirus inquiry , Keir Starmer ’ s spokesperson today said : “ We ’ re aware of the representations that have been made .
“ What we ’ d ask is that the Health Secretary engages with those who are concerned and discusses an appropriate way forward.
” Reacting to the government launching its review in mid-April , Labour ’ s new Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Marsha de Cordova welcomed the move .
“ The devastating effect of Covid-19 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ This review must be the first step in ensuring that all communities are equally protected from this virus.
” Labour then launched its own review into the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on BAME communities , and appointed Baroness Doreen Lawrence to the post of race relations adviser .
Starmer said : “ In the face of this national emergency , Labour will continue to work constructively with the government .
That includes shining a light on issues where it is clear more detailed understanding is needed .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionate toll coronavirus is taking on our BAME communities .
We can not afford to treat this as an issue to investigate once the crisis is over .
We must address it now .
”

Keir Starmer has encouraged the government to “engage” with those who have expressed concern over the appointment of Trevor Phillips to the BAME coronavirus inquiry.
Labour welcomed the government announcement earlier this month that there would be a review looking into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities.
The investigation launch followed news that 70% of the 54 frontline health and social care workers who died due to coronavirus in England and Wales were from an ethnic minority.
But groups including the Muslim Council of Britain, and activists such as Sayeeda Warsi and Simon Woolley, have criticised the involvement of broadcaster Trevor Phillips in the inquiry.
The broadcaster and former head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission was recently suspended from the Labour Party pending investigation of Islamophobia claims.
At a 2019 event, he reportedly asked: “To what extent is the argument around Islamophobia already having an effect in silencing those who report our world?”.
Phillips also reportedly suggested that Muslims “see the world differently to the rest of us”, and allegedly referred to UK Muslims as being “a nation within a nation”.
Asked about the calls for Phillips to be removed from the BAME coronavirus inquiry, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson today said: “We’re aware of the representations that have been made.
“What we’d ask is that the Health Secretary engages with those who are concerned and discusses an appropriate way forward.”
Reacting to the government launching its review in mid-April, Labour’s new Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Marsha de Cordova welcomed the move.
“The devastating effect of Covid-19 on BAME communities cannot be overstated,” she said. “This review must be the first step in ensuring that all communities are equally protected from this virus.”
Labour then launched its own review into the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on BAME communities, and appointed Baroness Doreen Lawrence to the post of race relations adviser.
Starmer said: “In the face of this national emergency, Labour will continue to work constructively with the government. That includes shining a light on issues where it is clear more detailed understanding is needed.
“It is extremely concerning to see the disproportionate toll coronavirus is taking on our BAME communities. We cannot afford to treat this as an issue to investigate once the crisis is over. We must address it now.”


labourlist--2020-04-29--Unite Labour staff branch sends letter of solidarity to MPs after leaked report

Unite Labour staff branch has sent a “ letter of solidarity ” to Diane Abbott , Clive Lewis and Dawn Butler , and committed to “ changing the working environment that led to the need for this report and its contents ” .
In the letter sent to the black Labour MPs , the staffers condemned the “ appalling alleged racism and discrimination ” contained in the recently leaked report on Labour ’ s complaints process .
The group told the MPs it was demanding the speedy introduction of a programme of compulsory diversity and bias training for all members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full text of the letter to from the branch to the MPs .
As the Labour Party Staff Unite Branch , we send you our full solidarity following the appalling alleged racism and discrimination revealed in the recent leaked Labour Party report .
We condemn in the strongest possible terms , the use of pejorative language to talk about our prominent black MPs used in the report , and we stand by those that have been victimised and affected as a result .
It is clear there is an unacceptable culture within some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are utterly appalled by this .
This branch will work tirelessly on behalf of our members to rectify this culture , so that it never happens again .
You are our colleagues , our friends , and the champions of our causes .
We do not accept that there is any excuse for the comments and behaviours alleged in the report .
This branch will fight to ensure that the investigation announced last week is both focused on the very serious allegations revealed in the report , and informed by meaningful engagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Labour Party staff Unite branch is committed to changing the working environment that led to the need for this report and its contents .
As such , we are demanding that a programme of compulsory diversity and bias training for all members of Labour Party staff is implemented at the earliest opportunity .
In addition , this branch has passed motions at an emergency branch meeting last week , which set out some proactive steps for the Party to take – these are copied below .
Please be assured that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party management and leadership .
This branch stands with you against all forms of racism , discrimination and attack .
The members of the Unite Branch .

Unite Labour staff branch has sent a “letter of solidarity” to Diane Abbott, Clive Lewis and Dawn Butler, and committed to “changing the working environment that led to the need for this report and its contents”.
In the letter sent to the black Labour MPs, the staffers condemned the “appalling alleged racism and discrimination” contained in the recently leaked report on Labour’s complaints process.
The group told the MPs it was demanding the speedy introduction of a programme of compulsory diversity and bias training for all members of Labour staff.
Below is the full text of the letter to from the branch to the MPs.
As the Labour Party Staff Unite Branch, we send you our full solidarity following the appalling alleged racism and discrimination revealed in the recent leaked Labour Party report. We condemn in the strongest possible terms, the use of pejorative language to talk about our prominent black MPs used in the report, and we stand by those that have been victimised and affected as a result.
It is clear there is an unacceptable culture within some parts of the Labour Party, and we are utterly appalled by this. This branch will work tirelessly on behalf of our members to rectify this culture, so that it never happens again.
You are our colleagues, our friends, and the champions of our causes. We do not accept that there is any excuse for the comments and behaviours alleged in the report. This branch will fight to ensure that the investigation announced last week is both focused on the very serious allegations revealed in the report, and informed by meaningful engagement with BAME staff members through their unions.
The Labour Party staff Unite branch is committed to changing the working environment that led to the need for this report and its contents. As such, we are demanding that a programme of compulsory diversity and bias training for all members of Labour Party staff is implemented at the earliest opportunity.
In addition, this branch has passed motions at an emergency branch meeting last week, which set out some proactive steps for the Party to take – these are copied below. Please be assured that we will be pursuing these demands with the Party management and leadership.
This branch stands with you against all forms of racism, discrimination and attack.
In solidarity,
The members of the Unite Branch.