labourlist--2020-06-03--Labour urges action to tackle coronavirus fake news on social media

Labour has urged global tech companies and the UK government to take action to tackle disinformation that is spreading on social media platforms during the coronavirus crisis .
Jo Stevens , Labour ’ s culture and media spokesperson , said : “ Combatting the impact of the global Covid-19 crisis is difficult enough , without the uncontrolled spread of extremely harmful content on social media platforms.
” New research by non-profit Center for Countering Digital Hate ( CCDH ) and youth-led development agency Restless Development has found that 90 % of posts containing misinformation are not acted upon after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posts that they deemed to have contravened the platforms ’ terms of service or publicly-claimed criteria for removing coronavirus-related misinformation .
Of the 9.4 % of reported posts that saw action taken , 6.3 % were removed from the platform , 2 % belonged to accounts that were removed from the platform , and 1.1 % were labelled as false but not removed .
Analysis determined that while Facebook removed 10.2 % of the posts reported , Instagram removed just 4.4 % of reported posts and Twitter only removed one tweet among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was despite Twitter claiming to have adopted policies regarding coronavirus misinformation that appear to be stricter than either Facebook or Instagram , ” reads the report .
It says the misinformation that remains available on the platforms includes false claims that viruses can not be transmitted by air , Covid-19 is caused by vaccines , the virus is a hoax and wearing a face mask causes cancer .
Commenting on the findings , Stevens said : “ This report exposes yet again the reality of what the global tech companies promise on removing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually take in practice.
” CCDH chief executive Imran Ahmed concluded : “ Social media companies have profited lavishly from this crisis and yet , when the time came for them to do their bit , they issued PR-driven claims yet failed to act .
“ Whether hubris , greed or indifference motivated them is something we can not know ; but we are judged as people on our deeds , not our words .
As the stark results of this report show , their deeds have just not been good enough.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of action by the UK government , highlighting that the online white paper has not led to concrete action amid reports that US tech executives have met with British officials to lobby against the proposals .
Stevens added : “ More than a year after publication of their online harms white paper , the government has still not taken any action to put proper protection from online harms in place for the UK public , including for children .
“ All we ’ ve had are delays , opportunities for the tech giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent noises from the Secretary of State about watering down the proposed sanctions in the white paper .
It ’ s not good enough .
”

Labour has urged global tech companies and the UK government to take action to tackle disinformation that is spreading on social media platforms during the coronavirus crisis.
Jo Stevens, Labour’s culture and media spokesperson, said: “Combatting the impact of the global Covid-19 crisis is difficult enough, without the uncontrolled spread of extremely harmful content on social media platforms.”
New research by non-profit Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) and youth-led development agency Restless Development has found that 90% of posts containing misinformation are not acted upon after being reported.
Their study involved reporting 649 posts that they deemed to have contravened the platforms’ terms of service or publicly-claimed criteria for removing coronavirus-related misinformation.
Of the 9.4% of reported posts that saw action taken, 6.3% were removed from the platform, 2% belonged to accounts that were removed from the platform, and 1.1% were labelled as false but not removed.
Analysis determined that while Facebook removed 10.2% of the posts reported, Instagram removed just 4.4% of reported posts and Twitter only removed one tweet among the total of 179 reported.
“This was despite Twitter claiming to have adopted policies regarding coronavirus misinformation that appear to be stricter than either Facebook or Instagram,” reads the report.
It says the misinformation that remains available on the platforms includes false claims that viruses cannot be transmitted by air, Covid-19 is caused by vaccines, the virus is a hoax and wearing a face mask causes cancer.
Commenting on the findings, Stevens said: “This report exposes yet again the reality of what the global tech companies promise on removing harmful content and the pitiful steps they actually take in practice.”
CCDH chief executive Imran Ahmed concluded: “Social media companies have profited lavishly from this crisis and yet, when the time came for them to do their bit, they issued PR-driven claims yet failed to act.
“Whether hubris, greed or indifference motivated them is something we cannot know; but we are judged as people on our deeds, not our words. As the stark results of this report show, their deeds have just not been good enough.”
Labour also drew attention to the lack of action by the UK government, highlighting that the online harms white paper has not led to action amid reports that US tech executives have met with British officials to lobby against the proposals.
Stevens added: “More than a year after publication of their online harms white paper, the government has still not taken any action to put proper protection from online harms in place for the UK public, including for children.
“All we’ve had are delays, opportunities for the tech giants to continue their intensive lobbying, and recent noises from the Secretary of State about watering down the proposed sanctions in the white paper. It’s not good enough.”


labourlist--2020-06-03--“We are shocked and angered”: Starmer and Rayner react to George Floyd killing in party staff email

Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner have said they are “ shocked and angered ” about the police killing of George Floyd in an email sent to all Labour Party staff tonight .
In the correspondence , the new leader and deputy leader describe how they ” watched in horror as protestors peacefully exercising their right to protest have been met with force by police ” .
The duo condemn the responses of both President Trump and the UK government to the police brutality seen in cities across the US .
They express “ complete solidarity with those standing up against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the US and UK .
Starmer and Rayner also specifically address BAME members of staff who are “ sadly acutely aware of some of the issues raised by the George Floyd killing ” .
The email reads : “ We have been in touch with the BAME staff network and our doors are always open to staff who may need support or simply want to share their own experiences and views.
“ The team vow to “ continue and redouble ” efforts to ensure that a Labour government can “ stand shoulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all people of colour ” .
Below is the full text of the message from the Labour leadership team to party staff tonight .
We wanted to write to you to directly address the death of George Floyd and the protests that have taken place across the United States and the rest of the world following his death .
We are shocked and angered by George Floyd ’ s death in police custody and we have watched in horror as protestors peacefully exercising their right to protest have been met with force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the response of President Trump and the failure of our own government to condemn his actions in the wake of George Floyd ’ s killing .
The death of George Floyd has yet again shone a light on the racism and hatred experienced by many across the world , including in our own country – but particularly the racism experienced by Black people across the world .
Now is not the time to treat racism and its consequences in the United States as a unique phenomenon .
Now more than ever , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face up to , understand and address the systemic racial discrimination that exists in our own communities , and especially to address the reality and impact of anti-Black racism raised by the Black Lives Matter movement across the world .
As socialists and anti-racists we stand in complete solidarity with those standing up against police brutality towards Black people and systemic racism and oppression across the United States , here in the United Kingdom and across the world .
We also want to take this opportunity to express our solidarity with BAME members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect us all , we appreciate that they are particularly difficult and distressing for our Black colleagues , who are sadly acutely aware of some of the issues raised by the George Floyd killing through their own lived experience here in the UK .
We have been in touch with the BAME staff network and our doors are always open to staff who may need support or simply want to share their own experiences and views .
We are your allies in this fight .
We all know what a difference Labour in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the response of our Labour government in Wales .
We must continue and redouble our efforts to ensure a Labour government across the UK can stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with Black people and all people of colour across the UK .
George Floyd must not become just another name .
His shocking death and the protests of recent days must become the catalyst for change .
As we stand together with those protesting against racism and injustice in the United States , as the Labour Party we also recommit ourselves to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism and injustice that exists here in the United Kingdom .

Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner have said they are “shocked and angered” about the police killing of George Floyd in an email sent to all Labour Party staff tonight.
In the correspondence, the new leader and deputy leader describe how they ”watched in horror as protestors peacefully exercising their right to protest have been met with force by police”.
The duo condemn the responses of both President Trump and the UK government to the police brutality seen in cities across the US.
They express “complete solidarity with those standing up against police brutality towards Black people” in both the US and UK.
Starmer and Rayner also specifically address BAME members of staff who are “sadly acutely aware of some of the issues raised by the George Floyd killing”.
The email reads: “We have been in touch with the BAME staff network and our doors are always open to staff who may need support or simply want to share their own experiences and views.“
The team vow to “continue and redouble” efforts to ensure that a Labour government can “stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with Black people and all people of colour”.
Below is the full text of the message from the Labour leadership team to party staff tonight.
Dear all
We wanted to write to you to directly address the death of George Floyd and the protests that have taken place across the United States and the rest of the world following his death.
We are shocked and angered by George Floyd’s death in police custody and we have watched in horror as protestors peacefully exercising their right to protest have been met with force by police. We are appalled by the response of President Trump and the failure of our own government to condemn his actions in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.
The death of George Floyd has yet again shone a light on the racism and hatred experienced by many across the world, including in our own country – but particularly the racism experienced by Black people across the world. Now is not the time to treat racism and its consequences in the United States as a unique phenomenon. Now more than ever, it is incumbent on all of us to face up to, understand and address the systemic racial discrimination that exists in our own communities, and especially to address the reality and impact of anti-Black racism raised by the Black Lives Matter movement across the world.
As socialists and anti-racists we stand in complete solidarity with those standing up against police brutality towards Black people and systemic racism and oppression across the United States, here in the United Kingdom and across the world.
We also want to take this opportunity to express our solidarity with BAME members of staff, and while these events affect us all, we appreciate that they are particularly difficult and distressing for our Black colleagues, who are sadly acutely aware of some of the issues raised by the George Floyd killing through their own lived experience here in the UK. We have been in touch with the BAME staff network and our doors are always open to staff who may need support or simply want to share their own experiences and views. We are your allies in this fight.
We all know what a difference Labour in government can make, as demonstrated by the response of our Labour government in Wales. We must continue and redouble our efforts to ensure a Labour government across the UK can stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with Black people and all people of colour across the UK.
George Floyd must not become just another name. His shocking death and the protests of recent days must become the catalyst for change. As we stand together with those protesting against racism and injustice in the United States, as the Labour Party we also recommit ourselves to building a better society and tackling the racism and injustice that exists here in the United Kingdom.
In solidarity,
Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner


labourlist--2020-06-03--In the spirit of Attlee, Labour should embrace aviation

Entering office in the summer of 1945 , Clement Attlee ’ s Labour government took charge of a war-ravaged economy .
Despite this , in just a few short years , his Labour government had transformed Britain , through the creation of the NHS and welfare state , whilst also building over a million new homes .
As our country emerges from lockdown , we face the biggest recession in living memory .
To recover from the economic effects of Covid-19 , Britain will need all parts to be functioning at full tilt – and Labour , as it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show the country it has the right plan to get us back on our feet .
It should start by embracing aviation , an industry that is perfectly placed to play its part in our national renaissance .
Airports are critical for our economic health but the aviation industry has not received one penny from the Chancellor .
The government has also fallen short on its proposals for safe travel , with the new 14-day quarantine period being almost impossible to police and inflicting real damage on the industry .
Many local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the huge rates generated by airports – Heathrow pays £118m , Gatwick £30m , Stansted £13m and Manchester £12m .
This is money for social care , street cleaning , and many other vital public services .
Councils like Luton and Newcastle hold shares in their regional airports , but are now feeling the pain with the loss of dividends as the industry shrinks to almost nothing .
Windsor and Maidenhead , where tourism is a crucial part of the local economy , are talking about potential bankruptcy and , sadly , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send out similar warnings .
The government seems to be looking the other way on aviation and , undoubtedly , there will be some in the Labour Party who are comfortable with that .
Labour must do better and can take inspiration from the courage and perception of Clement Attlee and his radical government by advancing rapid proposals to intervene to save jobs and airlines .
As it did in response to the 2008 financial crisis , Labour can use the moment to demand reform , ensuring the industry delivers on commitments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and uses super clean fuels .
This bold approach will help revitalise an essential industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people , and can help map a path to a renewed economy , post Covid-19 .
Just like 1945 , the British people want a clear way forward from a time of national crisis .
A supportive stance on aviation will go a long way to showing that Labour understands what needs to be done and is up to the task of building a better Britain .

Entering office in the summer of 1945, Clement Attlee’s Labour government took charge of a war-ravaged economy. Despite this, in just a few short years, his Labour government had transformed Britain, through the creation of the NHS and welfare state, whilst also building over a million new homes.
As our country emerges from lockdown, we face the biggest recession in living memory. To recover from the economic effects of Covid-19, Britain will need all parts to be functioning at full tilt – and Labour, as it did 75 years ago, has the chance to show the country it has the right plan to get us back on our feet. It should start by embracing aviation, an industry that is perfectly placed to play its part in our national renaissance.
Airports are critical for our economic health but the aviation industry has not received one penny from the Chancellor. The government has also fallen short on its proposals for safe travel, with the new 14-day quarantine period being almost impossible to police and inflicting real damage on the industry.
Many local councils and communities are heavily dependent on the huge rates generated by airports – Heathrow pays £118m, Gatwick £30m, Stansted £13m and Manchester £12m. This is money for social care, street cleaning, and many other vital public services.
Councils like Luton and Newcastle hold shares in their regional airports, but are now feeling the pain with the loss of dividends as the industry shrinks to almost nothing. Windsor and Maidenhead, where tourism is a crucial part of the local economy, are talking about potential bankruptcy and, sadly, it will not be long before other councils send out similar warnings.
The government seems to be looking the other way on aviation and, undoubtedly, there will be some in the Labour Party who are comfortable with that. Labour must do better and can take inspiration from the courage and perception of Clement Attlee and his radical government by advancing rapid proposals to intervene to save jobs and airlines.
As it did in response to the 2008 financial crisis, Labour can use the moment to demand reform, ensuring the industry delivers on commitments to decarbonise, moves faster towards electric engines and uses super clean fuels. This bold approach will help revitalise an essential industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people, and can help map a path to a renewed economy, post Covid-19.
Just like 1945, the British people want a clear way forward from a time of national crisis. A supportive stance on aviation will go a long way to showing that Labour understands what needs to be done and is up to the task of building a better Britain.


labourlist--2020-06-03--The ‘new normal’ must be anti-racist and tackle the roots of inequality

Unite stands in solidarity with all those protesting in response to the senseless murder of George Floyd , and the appalling racism both here and across the world .
The labour movement must be clear in its opposition to racism at all levels .
Those of us who have a platform must speak out against yet another killing of a black man by the police .
This abuse of power must end now .
Anyone who has seen the video of George Floyd pleading for his life will be horrified at the lack of basic humanity in the police responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and discrimination in all its forms as well as condemning it .
Unite members stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in America , who feel anger , frustration and hurt over the events of recent days .
We in the UK must ensure we are alert to racism that exists in this country .
Black people are much more likely to experience state aggression , such as police violence , discriminatory targeting , and recently a greater likelihood of being fined by the police for breaching lockdown rules .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discrimination and appalling treatment many black people face .
Since the Covid-19 crisis began , we have seen that BAEM people , who are over-represented in the low-paid and undervalued occupations that our society is now recognising as essential , face unequal exposure to the virus , and have died in vastly disproportionate numbers .
Unite BAEM members have been alerting us to the terrible situation unfolding .
The term ‘ disproportionate ’ must mean people , not just numbers .
We must find out why this is happening and take every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be forgotten as we emerge from the crisis .
The ‘ new normal ’ must be anti-racist and must tackle the roots of inequality .
Trade unions , including Unite , must be at the forefront of this fight .
We are therefore looking at what further steps we can take to ensure the voices of BAEM members in Unite are heard and acted on , and to build on anti-racism within Unite and the wider movement .
Unite will continue to stand up for all workers , and to speak out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oppression , wherever it occurs .

Unite stands in solidarity with all those protesting in response to the senseless murder of George Floyd, and the appalling racism both here and across the world.
The labour movement must be clear in its opposition to racism at all levels. Those of us who have a platform must speak out against yet another killing of a black man by the police. This abuse of power must end now.
Anyone who has seen the video of George Floyd pleading for his life will be horrified at the lack of basic humanity in the police responsible. But we must act against racism and discrimination in all its forms as well as condemning it.
Unite members stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in America, who feel anger, frustration and hurt over the events of recent days.
We in the UK must ensure we are alert to racism that exists in this country. Black people are much more likely to experience state aggression, such as police violence, discriminatory targeting, and recently a greater likelihood of being fined by the police for breaching lockdown rules. The Windrush scandal was a stark example of the discrimination and appalling treatment many black people face.
Since the Covid-19 crisis began, we have seen that BAEM people, who are over-represented in the low-paid and undervalued occupations that our society is now recognising as essential, face unequal exposure to the virus, and have died in vastly disproportionate numbers. Unite BAEM members have been alerting us to the terrible situation unfolding.
The term ‘disproportionate’ must mean people, not just numbers. We must find out why this is happening and take every action possible. These harsh facts must not be forgotten as we emerge from the crisis. The ‘new normal’ must be anti-racist and must tackle the roots of inequality. Trade unions, including Unite, must be at the forefront of this fight.
We are therefore looking at what further steps we can take to ensure the voices of BAEM members in Unite are heard and acted on, and to build on anti-racism within Unite and the wider movement.
Unite will continue to stand up for all workers, and to speak out against all discrimination, injustice, and oppression, wherever it occurs.
#TakeTheKnee at 6pm tonight.


labourlist--2020-06-03--Freeze rents and write off arrears, 4 Labour MPs tell Robert Jenrick

Four Labour MPs have joined forces to demand that the UK government helps to prevent a future rent debt and eviction crisis by freezing rents and writing off arrears .
Apsana Begum , Bell Ribeiro-Addy , Zarah Sultana and Claudia Webbe – all 2019 intake MPs on the party ’ s left – made the call in a letter to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick .
They are urging the government to take action to prevent “ mass homelessness ” and to protect renters from evictions and increased debt in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
Commenting on the demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific measures targeted at renters to ensure nobody is left facing poverty or homelessness as a result of the current crisis.
” Ribeiro-Addy added : “ We can ’ t leave tenants to rely on the charity and good will of their landlords .
We need binding legislation and stronger financial support to make sure people aren ’ t left facing homelessness or bankruptcy.
” Sultana argued that the crisis had made it even clearer that “ Britain ’ s housing system is broken ” , while Webbe stressed that a refusal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a “ political choice ” .
Their requests echo the demands of tenants ’ organisations such as ACORN , Generation Rent and the London Renters ’ Union , which are name-checked in the letter to Jenrick .
Under Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership , Labour advocated rent deferrals in a letter to the Prime Minister on March 14th , but Corbyn later called for a suspension and John McDonnell said the “ government should cover rent ” .
Since then , Labour has made clear that it supports rent deferrals , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cover any arrears accrued during the crisis .
Some party activists have pushed for rent cancellations that would forgo the need to pay back arrears – several thousand Labour members signed an open letter to Keir Starmer to this effect .
But the party has told the government to improve Universal Credit and increase the Local Housing Allowance instead of writing off debts , which it says would be legally complicated .
Below is the full text of the letter from the Labour MPs to Robert Jenrick .
We write to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current lack of support for renters .
Research from the New Economics Foundation ( NEF ) found that 1.2 million private renters in the UK are currently falling through the gaps in government ’ s Covid-19 income support schemes .
If the government allows the eviction ban to lapse at the end of June , these same people could find themselves with insurmountable debts , or evicted from their homes .
We note the government ’ s recent announcement to extend its mortgage relief scheme .
It does not make economic sense for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to landlords while refusing comparable support to renters .
Policy decisions in recent years have left renters in a precarious position .
The average private renter spends over a third of their income on rent .
One 2019 Shelter poll found almost half of all working renters were just one pay cheque away from losing their home , whilst two-thirds of renters had no savings whatsoever .
Tenants ’ organisations such as ACORN the Union , Generation Rent and the London Renters Union have worked tirelessly to raise these issues .
The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We therefore call on you to consider the following measures to help renters weather this financial storm : 1 .
Extend the eviction ban and push ahead with the abolition of Section 21 evictions to ensure nobody is left homeless during or after the pandemic .
2 .
Freeze rents and write off rental arrears accrued during the pandemic for those who can not afford to pay to prevent a future rent debt and eviction crisis for millions .
We look forward to your response .
Apsana Begum , MP for Poplar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Claudia Webbe , MP for Leicester East Bell Ribeiro-Addy , MP for Streatham

Four Labour MPs have joined forces to demand that the UK government helps to prevent a future rent debt and eviction crisis by freezing rents and writing off arrears.
Apsana Begum, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Zarah Sultana and Claudia Webbe – all 2019 intake MPs on the party’s left – made the call in a letter to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
They are urging the government to take action to prevent “mass homelessness” and to protect renters from evictions and increased debt in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Commenting on the demands, Begum said: “We need specific measures targeted at renters to ensure nobody is left facing poverty or homelessness as a result of the current crisis.”
Ribeiro-Addy added: “We can’t leave tenants to rely on the charity and good will of their landlords. We need binding legislation and stronger financial support to make sure people aren’t left facing homelessness or bankruptcy.” Sultana argued that the crisis had made it even clearer that “Britain’s housing system is broken”, while Webbe stressed that a refusal to extend the evictions ban beyond this month is a “political choice”. Their requests echo the demands of tenants’ organisations such as ACORN, Generation Rent and the London Renters’ Union, which are name-checked in the letter to Jenrick. Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Labour advocated rent deferrals in a letter to the Prime Minister on March 14th, but Corbyn later called for a suspension and John McDonnell said the “government should cover rent”. Since then, Labour has made clear that it supports rent deferrals, which would require renters to make additional payments to cover any arrears accrued during the crisis. Some party activists have pushed for rent cancellations that would forgo the need to pay back arrears – several thousand Labour members signed an open letter to Keir Starmer to this effect. But the party has told the government to improve Universal Credit and increase the Local Housing Allowance instead of writing off debts, which it says would be legally complicated.
Below is the full text of the letter from the Labour MPs to Robert Jenrick.
Dear Robert,
We write to you to express our deep concern over the current lack of support for renters. Research from the New Economics Foundation (NEF) found that 1.2 million private renters in the UK are currently falling through the gaps in government’s Covid-19 income support schemes. If the government allows the eviction ban to lapse at the end of June, these same people could find themselves with insurmountable debts, or evicted from their homes.
We note the government’s recent announcement to extend its mortgage relief scheme. It does not make economic sense for the Treasury to provide additional financial support to landlords while refusing comparable support to renters. Policy decisions in recent years have left renters in a precarious position. The average private renter spends over a third of their income on rent. One 2019 Shelter poll found almost half of all working renters were just one pay cheque away from losing their home, whilst two-thirds of renters had no savings whatsoever. Tenants’ organisations such as ACORN the Union, Generation Rent and the London Renters Union have worked tirelessly to raise these issues.
The government must act urgently to prevent mass homelessness. We therefore call on you to consider the following measures to help renters weather this financial storm:
1. Extend the eviction ban and push ahead with the abolition of Section 21 evictions to ensure nobody is left homeless during or after the pandemic.
2. Freeze rents and write off rental arrears accrued during the pandemic for those who cannot afford to pay to prevent a future rent debt and eviction crisis for millions.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar & Limehouse
Zarah Sultana MP for Coventry South
Claudia Webbe, MP for Leicester East
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham


labourlist--2020-06-03--The hostile environment for migrants is unjust – and doesn’t work anyway

Since 2010 , the Conservatives have promised again and again across four general elections that they would slash immigration .
A key part of this promise to voters was a “ hostile environment ” policy , launched by then Home Secretary Theresa May , designed to expose and remove those residing unlawfully while hardening border controls .
Much is written about why this policy is unfair and unjust .
It ’ s easy to see why .
Migrants are subject to scapegoating and the painful Windrush scandal continues .
Meanwhile , the government presses on seemingly unaware or unconcerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malik remarks : “ The ignorance is as shocking as the rules are cruel ” .
This is about more than ethics .
There will be differences of opinion about whether the means can justify the ends .
And this is why it ’ s important to be clear that not only is the hostile environment the wrong means – it ’ s not achieving its ends either .
Even if someone thought this unjust policy was a price worth paying , it doesn ’ t do what it says on the tin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory government to make the UK a more unwelcome place for immigrant , they have failed .
The highest net migration levels ever seen at or above three hundred thousand were all under Tory governments .
Their pledge to cut this by over two-thirds is one campaign promise we hear less and less about for good reason .
When we drill further down , we can see why .
In 2014 , identity checks were introduced for anyone renting private accommodation , opening a bank account or obtaining a driver ’ s licence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live here .
The reason for these checks was to expose people unlawfully resident and create a deterrent .
But these checks have proved a total con .
Not a single individual has been newly exposed for living in the UK unlawfully from these checks , though many have encountered discrimination as a result of them .
The checks are impotent because they look to confirm whether anyone known residing unlawfully is still around .
Nobody unknown is ever discovered .
Deportations aren ’ t working out either .
The latest findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week revealed that deportations are actually at the lowest levels “ since records began ” .
It seems many of the individuals singled out for removal – like the Windrush generation – are those with a legal and moral right to stay .
Recently , the government U-turned on an element of the immigration health surcharge policy following significant pressure from Keir Starmer at PMQs .
It ’ s wrong that NHS and care workers who are risking their lives at this time of crisis must pay hundreds of pounds on top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they keep running for our benefit .
As a former shadow immigration minister , Starmer understands this principle .
But the surcharge is even worse than that .
It was originally promoted as a means to stop so-called ‘ health tourism ’ and make migrants ‘ pay their fair share ’ .
However , two facts about the charge are almost never raised .
The first is that the health surcharge is not determined in light of actual use of the NHS or care services by migrants .
It is a guesstimate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care – despite the fact that most migrants have no recourse to public funds anyway , a point recently lost on the Prime Minister .
The second is that money raised by the health surcharge is neither earmarked for the NHS and care services , nor does it go to the localities where migrants live .
If the whole point is to make migrants pay – above and beyond their taxes – for their impact on the health service , it makes no sense that not one penny is earmarked to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surcharge is an extra tax on migrants but not for any services rendered or received .
Perhaps the most shameful of the policies rarely reported is the Home Office ’ s form for reporting ex-lovers .
This is a printable Word document for telling the government that a relationship is over – presumably with the intention that the former partner might now be deported .
The possibility of this being used by abusers is significant , and yet no risk assessment was conducted before launching it in 2016 .
At last count , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving a single form .
It ’ s probably little wonder since the website doesn ’ t say where they can be sent .
The sheer incompetence is staggering .
It is a mistake to see the hostile environment as only morally wrong .
On virtually every count , it has made things worse – and often with results that break every promise .
The government now seeks to push through new laws launching a points-based immigration system – forgetting that Labour already did this in 2008 .
Even the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to remind the Home Secretary that the system exists and already does much of what she wants it to achieve .
Instead of announcing more gimmicks , what we need is an evidence-led and spin-free plan .
Speaking in jargon where down means up and “ fair ” creates more inequality will only damage public confidence even further .
The Home Secretary needs to start a honest , national conversation to better understand public expectations as a first step towards a system more fit for purpose .

Since 2010, the Conservatives have promised again and again across four general elections that they would slash immigration. A key part of this promise to voters was a “hostile environment” policy, launched by then Home Secretary Theresa May, designed to expose and remove those residing unlawfully while hardening border controls.
Much is written about why this policy is unfair and unjust. It’s easy to see why. Migrants are subject to scapegoating and the painful Windrush scandal continues. Meanwhile, the government presses on seemingly unaware or unconcerned about the injustices adding up. As Kenan Malik remarks: “The ignorance is as shocking as the rules are cruel”.
This is about more than ethics. There will be differences of opinion about whether the means can justify the ends. And this is why it’s important to be clear that not only is the hostile environment the wrong means – it’s not achieving its ends either. Even if someone thought this unjust policy was a price worth paying, it doesn’t do what it says on the tin.
Despite the many efforts of successive Tory government to make the UK a more unwelcome place for immigrant, they have failed. The highest net migration levels ever seen at or above three hundred thousand were all under Tory governments. Their pledge to cut this by over two-thirds is one campaign promise we hear less and less about for good reason.
When we drill further down, we can see why. In 2014, identity checks were introduced for anyone renting private accommodation, opening a bank account or obtaining a driver’s licence to ensure that they had a right to live here. The reason for these checks was to expose people unlawfully resident and create a deterrent.
But these checks have proved a total con. Not a single individual has been newly exposed for living in the UK unlawfully from these checks, though many have encountered discrimination as a result of them. The checks are impotent because they look to confirm whether anyone known residing unlawfully is still around. Nobody unknown is ever discovered.
Deportations aren’t working out either. The latest findings from the Office for National Statistics last week revealed that deportations are actually at the lowest levels “since records began”. It seems many of the individuals singled out for removal – like the Windrush generation – are those with a legal and moral right to stay.
Recently, the government U-turned on an element of the immigration health surcharge policy following significant pressure from Keir Starmer at PMQs. It’s wrong that NHS and care workers who are risking their lives at this time of crisis must pay hundreds of pounds on top of their taxes to access a system that they keep running for our benefit. As a former shadow immigration minister, Starmer understands this principle.
But the surcharge is even worse than that. It was originally promoted as a means to stop so-called ‘health tourism’ and make migrants ‘pay their fair share’. However, two facts about the charge are almost never raised.
The first is that the health surcharge is not determined in light of actual use of the NHS or care services by migrants. It is a guesstimate of any use of public service far beyond health care – despite the fact that most migrants have no recourse to public funds anyway, a point recently lost on the Prime Minister.
The second is that money raised by the health surcharge is neither earmarked for the NHS and care services, nor does it go to the localities where migrants live. If the whole point is to make migrants pay – above and beyond their taxes – for their impact on the health service, it makes no sense that not one penny is earmarked to do any such thing. The migrant health surcharge is an extra tax on migrants but not for any services rendered or received.
Perhaps the most shameful of the policies rarely reported is the Home Office’s form for reporting ex-lovers. This is a printable Word document for telling the government that a relationship is over – presumably with the intention that the former partner might now be deported.
The possibility of this being used by abusers is significant, and yet no risk assessment was conducted before launching it in 2016. At last count, the Home Office has no record of receiving a single form. It’s probably little wonder since the website doesn’t say where they can be sent.
The sheer incompetence is staggering. It is a mistake to see the hostile environment as only morally wrong. On virtually every count, it has made things worse – and often with results that break every promise.
The government now seeks to push through new laws launching a points-based immigration system – forgetting that Labour already did this in 2008. Even the government’s own independent migration advisory committee felt it needed to remind the Home Secretary that the system exists and already does much of what she wants it to achieve.
Instead of announcing more gimmicks, what we need is an evidence-led and spin-free plan. Speaking in jargon where down means up and “fair” creates more inequality will only damage public confidence even further. The Home Secretary needs to start a honest, national conversation to better understand public expectations as a first step towards a system more fit for purpose.


labourlist--2020-06-03--WATCH: PM gets angry at PMQs when grilled on public trust

The Prime Minister became visibly angry when questioned by Keir Starmer at PMQs this afternoon about public trust and confidence during the coronavirus crisis .
“ Another critical on trust and confidence is transparency about decision-making .
On 10th May , the Prime Minister said on the question of lifting restrictions : ‘ If the alert level won ’ t allow it , we will simply wait and go on until we ’ ve got it right ’ .
“ At the time when he said that , the alert level was four and the R rate was between 0.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks on .
Some restrictions have been lifted .
So can the PM tell us what is the alert level now and what is the R rate now ?
” In response , Boris Johnson exclaimed : “ He knows perfectly well that the alert level does allow it !
And that ’ s… and indeed… he didn ’ t raise that issue with me when he had a conversation on the telephone.
” Labour has said that the call was with all opposition leaders , not a one-on-one conversation , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intended to do .
The alert level remains at four , despite the Prime Minister suggesting it would move down to three before restrictions were lifted , and the UK ’ s R rate is now between 0.7 and 0.9 .

The Prime Minister became visibly angry when questioned by Keir Starmer at PMQs this afternoon about public trust and confidence during the coronavirus crisis.
“Another critical on trust and confidence is transparency about decision-making. On 10th May, the Prime Minister said on the question of lifting restrictions: ‘If the alert level won’t allow it, we will simply wait and go on until we’ve got it right’.
“At the time when he said that, the alert level was four and the R rate was between 0.5 and 0.9. We’re now three weeks on. Some restrictions have been lifted. So can the PM tell us what is the alert level now and what is the R rate now?”
In response, Boris Johnson exclaimed: “He knows perfectly well that the alert level does allow it! And that’s… and indeed… he didn’t raise that issue with me when he had a conversation on the telephone.”
Labour has said that the call was with all opposition leaders, not a one-on-one conversation, and that briefing setting out what the government intended to do.
The alert level remains at four, despite the Prime Minister suggesting it would move down to three before restrictions were lifted, and the UK’s R rate is now between 0.7 and 0.9.


labourlist--2020-06-03--PMQs: “Boy, he makes it difficult to support this government”

We can safely say that Keir Starmer is thoroughly irritating the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party .
Before the latest session of Prime Minister ’ s Questions began , Andrea Leadsom complained that Boris Johnson keeps trying to work constructively with Starmer but “ has it thrown back in his face ” .
This tension came to a head at PMQs , in which the Labour leader took a tougher stance as promised in his Guardian interview last night .
Starmer started with a barbed comment about the Prime Minister ’ s silence on the police killing of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anger ” , the opposition leader noted : “ I am surprised the Prime Minister hasn ’ t said anything about this yet.
” He then picked up on the Telegraph story that had Tory sources proudly declaring the Prime Minister was going to take control of the crisis – as if such a development would be reassuring .
The main point of contention then came as Starmer revealed that he had privately written to Johnson about schools but received no reply .
In response to the PM accusing him of not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer pointed out that two weeks ago he offered to help build consensus on the reopening of schools – which is a significant move , considering the firm views of education unions on the matter – yet had not received a response to date .
Although Johnson hit back with the claim that Starmer had “ endorsed ” the government approach during a phone call , Labour believes this referred not to a one-on-one call but to a conversation with all opposition leaders .
Starmer replied that he would be publishing the private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately .
Over the course of PMQs , Johnson appeared to become genuinely angry .
He couldn ’ t face his opposite number , and instead somewhat pitifully turned to his backbenchers , who are still few in number due to distancing requirements .
When he protested Starmer ’ s “ endless attacks ” , the Labour leader replied that the PM had “ confused scrutiny for attacks ” and said : “ I have tried to be constructive but boy he makes it difficult to support this government.
” This just about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : from detailed probing to disappointment at the results , and now exasperation .
It is designed to chime with public opinion , and the polls suggest that views are indeed moving in the same direction .
Unfortunately for the government , Boris Johnson looks as if he has lost control .
He is unable to appear in public without performing a U-turn or making a big fresh commitment that looks as if it was announced under pressure .
In recent weeks , these have included the NHS bereavement scheme , the immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public funds , as well as new testing targets that they have subsequently struggled to meet .
Today it was proxy voting for shielding MPs and a new pledge to turn around tests in 24 hours by the end of June .
No wonder there is now net disapproval of the government ’ s handling of the crisis – it all seems a mess , and a lot of good will among voters has been wasted .

We can safely say that Keir Starmer is thoroughly irritating the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party. Before the latest session of Prime Minister’s Questions began, Andrea Leadsom complained that Boris Johnson keeps trying to work constructively with Starmer but “has it thrown back in his face”. This tension came to a head at PMQs, in which the Labour leader took a tougher stance as promised in his Guardian interview last night.
Starmer started with a barbed comment about the Prime Minister’s silence on the police killing of George Floyd. Saying he felt “shock and anger”, the opposition leader noted: “I am surprised the Prime Minister hasn’t said anything about this yet.” He then picked up on the Telegraph story that had Tory sources proudly declaring the Prime Minister was going to take control of the crisis – as if such a development would be reassuring. The main point of contention then came as Starmer revealed that he had privately written to Johnson about schools but received no reply.
In response to the PM accusing him of not showing enough cooperation with the government, Starmer pointed out that two weeks ago he offered to help build consensus on the reopening of schools – which is a significant move, considering the firm views of education unions on the matter – yet had not received a response to date. Although Johnson hit back with the claim that Starmer had “endorsed” the government approach during a phone call, Labour believes this referred not to a one-on-one call but to a conversation with all opposition leaders. Starmer replied that he would be publishing the private correspondence, and his office did so immediately.
Over the course of PMQs, Johnson appeared to become genuinely angry. He couldn’t face his opposite number, and instead somewhat pitifully turned to his backbenchers, who are still few in number due to distancing requirements. When he protested Starmer’s “endless attacks”, the Labour leader replied that the PM had “confused scrutiny for attacks” and said: “I have tried to be constructive but boy he makes it difficult to support this government.” This just about sums up Starmer’s evolving approach: from detailed probing to disappointment at the results, and now exasperation. It is designed to chime with public opinion, and the polls suggest that views are indeed moving in the same direction.
Unfortunately for the government, Boris Johnson looks as if he has lost control. He is unable to appear in public without performing a U-turn or making a big fresh commitment that looks as if it was announced under pressure. In recent weeks, these have included the NHS bereavement scheme, the immigration health surcharge exemption, no recourse to public funds, as well as new testing targets that they have subsequently struggled to meet. Today it was proxy voting for shielding MPs and a new pledge to turn around tests in 24 hours by the end of June. No wonder there is now net disapproval of the government’s handling of the crisis – it all seems a mess, and a lot of good will among voters has been wasted.


labourlist--2020-06-04--Labour calls on race disparity unit to publish Covid-19 recommendations

Labour has called on the government ’ s race disparity unit to immediately publish Covid-19 recommendations after the Public Health England review promised to include proposals but failed to deliver any .
The original terms of reference released in early May committed the review to putting forward “ recommendations for further action that should be taken to reduce disparities in risk and outcomes from Covid-19 ” .
But the review published earlier this week offered no recommendations .
Labour ’ s Marsha de Cordova at the time expressed frustration , saying that that on “ the question of how we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silent ” .
The Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary said : “ This review confirms what we already knew – that racial and health inequalities amplify the risks of Covid-19 .
Those in the poorest households and people of colour are disproportionately impacted.
” The data review confirmed that age is the biggest risk factor in relation to Covid-19 , but also that people from black and Asian ethnic groups are twice as likely to die from the novel coronavirus than those from a white British background .
It also stated that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher diagnosis rates and death rates than those living in less deprived areas ” and that this is “ greater than the inequality in mortality rates seen in recent years ” .
After the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday included a pledge that the race disparity unit would carry out further work in its response to the PHE review , Labour has urged those findings to be made public now .
De Cordova said the lack of proposals left us “ with more questions than answers ” , adding : “ The government must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial and socioeconomic injustices , so that no more lives are lost.
” When the Covid-19 review was released , there was no forewarning for journalists or a press release .
Many speculated that the publication was rushed after Sky News reported that there would be a further delay due to fear of a backlash amid Black Lives Matter protests .
The Health Service Journal afterwards reported that sections relating to recommendations based on analysis of BAME disparities “ did not survive contact with Matt Hancock ’ s office ” .

Labour has called on the government’s race disparity unit to immediately publish Covid-19 recommendations after the Public Health England review promised to include proposals but failed to deliver any.
The original terms of reference released in early May committed the review to putting forward “recommendations for further action that should be taken to reduce disparities in risk and outcomes from Covid-19”.
But the review published earlier this week offered no recommendations. Labour’s Marsha de Cordova at the time expressed frustration, saying that that on “the question of how we reduce these disparities, it is notably silent”.
The Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary said: “This review confirms what we already knew – that racial and health inequalities amplify the risks of Covid-19. Those in the poorest households and people of colour are disproportionately impacted.”
The data review confirmed that age is the biggest risk factor in relation to Covid-19, but also that people from black and Asian ethnic groups are twice as likely to die from the novel coronavirus than those from a white British background.
It also stated that “people who live in deprived areas have higher diagnosis rates and death rates than those living in less deprived areas” and that this is “greater than the inequality in mortality rates seen in recent years”.
After the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday included a pledge that the race disparity unit would carry out further work in its response to the PHE review, Labour has urged those findings to be made public now.
De Cordova said the lack of proposals left us “with more questions than answers”, adding: “The government must not wait any longer to address underlying racial and socioeconomic injustices, so that no more lives are lost.”
When the Covid-19 review was released, there was no forewarning for journalists or a press release. Many speculated that the publication was rushed after Sky News reported that there would be a further delay due to fear of a backlash amid Black Lives Matter protests.
The Health Service Journal afterwards reported that sections relating to recommendations based on analysis of BAME disparities “did not survive contact with Matt Hancock’s office”.


labourlist--2020-06-04--Renewal campaign vows to move Momentum HQ to the North of England

Momentum Renewal , a campaign set up ahead of internal Momentum elections , intends to move the organisation ’ s headquarters from London to the North of England , LabourList can reveal .
If its candidates are successful in the upcoming national coordinating group ( NCG ) contests , the group has vowed to fulfil the pledge to quash the perception that Momentum is “ London-centric ” .
The slate , which is backed by Labour MPs including Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett , says it has based the idea on “ the success of groups in the North ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the groups have received from a centralised London office ” .
The group says it has “ drawn upon the experiences of activists and campaigners based outside of the capital ” in the development of its plans for Momentum HQ , currently based in north London .
Momentum Renewal activists are calling on Forward Momentum – a group putting forward candidates such as Nadia Whittome MP and metro-mayor Jamie Driscoll – to back its call for an HQ relocation .
In a statement , the MR initiative said : “ In a show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will work with Forward Momentum candidates to push these proposals to realisation.
” Update : Forward Momentum has published details of its own plans for Momentum offices , which involves setting up a number of bases across the UK , “ scaling down the London office and allocating resources to the regions and nations ” .
The campaign said : “ The first of these new offices should be located in the North of England , and they should spearhead the establishment of new groups in areas where Momentum has no foothold.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week when Manchester Momentum said it had been asked by the London office to take down its endorsement of Momentum Renewal .
The posts have now been taken down because according to the Manchester group others that had openly supported rival campaign Forward Momentum have now also removed their endorsements .
Forward Momentum sources , however , say that local groups needed to hold digital all-member meetings before making endorsements and that FM-supporting groups such as Liverpool Momentum had already taken down their posts in anticipation of the new guidance .

Momentum Renewal, a campaign set up ahead of internal Momentum elections, intends to move the organisation’s headquarters from London to the North of England, LabourList can reveal.
If its candidates are successful in the upcoming national coordinating group (NCG) contests, the group has vowed to fulfil the pledge to quash the perception that Momentum is “London-centric”.
The slate, which is backed by Labour MPs including Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett, says it has based the idea on “the success of groups in the North” and the “perceived lack of support the groups have received from a centralised London office”.
The group says it has “drawn upon the experiences of activists and campaigners based outside of the capital” in the development of its plans for Momentum HQ, currently based in north London.
Momentum Renewal activists are calling on Forward Momentum – a group putting forward candidates such as Nadia Whittome MP and metro-mayor Jamie Driscoll – to back its call for an HQ relocation.
In a statement, the MR initiative said: “In a show of goodwill Renewal has said that it will work with Forward Momentum candidates to push these proposals to realisation.”
Update: Forward Momentum has its own plans for Momentum offices, which involves setting up a number of bases across the UK, “scaling down the London office and allocating resources to the regions and nations”.
The campaign said: “Forward Momentum is committed to developing plans to open offices across the country, starting in the North of England but also in the many regions and nations of the UK that have also suffered from Momentum’s over-centralisation.
“But ensuring ‘a fair distribution of material’ can’t be achieved just by relocating an office; it can only be done by also giving local groups and members a real say in how Momentum runs and control over resources.
“Forward Momentum is the only campaign to put forward serious proposals to achieve this, including giving local groups and members control over campaign funding and key decisions, such as parliamentary selections and what campaigns Momentum runs.”
There was controversy among activists earlier in the week when Manchester Momentum said it had been asked by the London office to take down its endorsement of Momentum Renewal.
The posts have now been taken down because according to the Manchester group others that had openly supported rival campaign Forward Momentum have now also removed their endorsements.
Forward Momentum sources, however, say that local groups needed to hold digital all-member meetings before making endorsements and that FM-supporting groups such as Liverpool Momentum had already taken down their posts in anticipation of the new guidance.


labourlist--2020-06-04--WATCH: Nandy on why Labour is calling for a ‘vaccine tsar’

Labour ’ s Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has set out why the party is calling for the installation of a ‘ vaccine tsar ’ amid warnings against vaccine ‘ nationalism ’ that could harm the fight against Covid-19 .
Explaining the demand , Nandy said : “ What we ’ re engaged in at the moment is a scramble amongst nations to try to appropriate any potential vaccine for themselves .
And Britain will lose out from that .
“ The whole world will lose out , but Britain hasn ’ t got the manufacturing capacity we need .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that is a risky gamble to take to hope that they become the eventual winner .
“ We think we need a vaccine tsar , just like we ’ ve got one for PPE and for testing , to actually go out and make sure there is coordination around this to take this issue seriously .
This is the next crisis that the government is going to face.
” Nandy was asked about Labour MP and former shadow cabinet member Barry Gardiner breaking social distancing rules in order to join a Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ He ’ s not on the frontbench anymore , so I think the best thing to do would for him to acknowledge that he got that wrong and correct it .
I do think that ’ s important .
It ’ s important that we project the right message.
” The opposition frontbencher also raised concerns about the possibility that Alok Sharma has Covid-19 and the end of remote voting for MPs , saying : “ There is no reason for this , this is a complete mess of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has set out why the party is calling for the installation of a ‘vaccine tsar’ amid warnings against vaccine ‘nationalism’ that could harm the fight against Covid-19.
Explaining the demand, Nandy said: “What we’re engaged in at the moment is a scramble amongst nations to try to appropriate any potential vaccine for themselves. And Britain will lose out from that.
“The whole world will lose out, but Britain hasn’t got the manufacturing capacity we need. We have a couple of candidate vaccines but that is a risky gamble to take to hope that they become the eventual winner.
“We think we need a vaccine tsar, just like we’ve got one for PPE and for testing, to actually go out and make sure there is coordination around this to take this issue seriously. This is the next crisis that the government is going to face.”
“This is the next crisis the government is going to face.”@lisanandy tells @KayBurley why Labour is calling for a vaccine tsar to lead coordination for ‘the next challenge’ in the #coronavirus crisis. Today’s top stories: https://t.co/4eb20VVtRl #KayBurley pic.twitter.com/UYZzeux1ZM — SkyNews (@SkyNews) June 4, 2020
Nandy was asked about Labour MP and former shadow cabinet member Barry Gardiner breaking social distancing rules in order to join a Black Lives Matter protest on Wednesday.
She said: “He’s not on the frontbench anymore, so I think the best thing to do would for him to acknowledge that he got that wrong and correct it. I do think that’s important. It’s important that we project the right message.”
The opposition frontbencher also raised concerns about the possibility that Alok Sharma has Covid-19 and the end of remote voting for MPs, saying: “There is no reason for this, this is a complete mess of the government’s own making.”


labourlist--2020-06-04--Don’t do the conga

Don’t do the conga

The entirely foreseeable has happened .
Alok Sharma felt unwell while giving a statement at the despatch box yesterday , which was evident in the clip widely shared on social media all afternoon .
News soon followed that the area had to be ‘ deep cleaned ’ and the Commons suspended for 15 minutes .
The minister is now self-isolating at home and has been tested for Covid-19 .
Labour MPs are of course wishing Sharma all the best , but it does raise further questions about the government decision to end remote voting for MPs .
Such questions include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
!
There is the exclusion of disabled MPs , those with health conditions , those needing to shield and those with caring responsibilities .
The risk involves a discriminatory impact on MPs more likely to become seriously ill or die from coronavirus .
There is also the supremely obvious likelihood of an MP becoming ill while being in close proximity to lots and lots of colleagues .
We know from photos such as this one that distancing in the ‘ Mogg conga ’ queue was not always possible .
There is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not highly paid and didn ’ t get a say .
And it was all completely unnecessary .
Many MPs will be returning home to their constituencies today – let ’ s hope Jacob Rees-Mogg did not turn them into superspreaders .
On LabourList today , we have the email on anti-racism following the police killing of George Floyd that Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner sent to all party staff last night .
And we have news of our upcoming online event : I will be in conversation with Luke Pollard MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs Secretary , on Tuesday at 6pm .
We will talk about the subjects raised in his recent LabourList piece .
If there is anything about his brief that you would like me to ask , please feel free to email suggestions .

The entirely foreseeable has happened. Alok Sharma felt unwell while giving a statement at the despatch box yesterday, which was evident in the clip widely shared on social media all afternoon. News soon followed that the area had to be ‘deep cleaned’ and the Commons suspended for 15 minutes. The minister is now self-isolating at home and has been tested for Covid-19. Labour MPs are of course wishing Sharma all the best, but it does raise further questions about the government decision to end remote voting for MPs.
Such questions include: WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU THINKING?! There is the exclusion of disabled MPs, those with health conditions, those needing to shield and those with caring responsibilities. The risk involves a discriminatory impact on MPs more likely to become seriously ill or die from coronavirus. There is also the supremely obvious likelihood of an MP becoming ill while being in close proximity to lots and lots of colleagues.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma wiped his face several times with a handkerchief and appeared to struggle as he spoke about the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill in the Commons pic.twitter.com/ysQ5RPF9lR — George Ryan 🏳🌈 (@GeorgeMRyan) June 3, 2020
We know from photos such as this one that distancing in the ‘Mogg conga’ queue was not always possible. There is also the risk to parliamentary staff, who are not highly paid and didn’t get a say. And it was all completely unnecessary. Many MPs will be returning home to their constituencies today – let’s hope Jacob Rees-Mogg did not turn them into superspreaders.
On LabourList today, we have the email on anti-racism following the police killing of George Floyd that Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner sent to all party staff last night. And we have news of our upcoming online event: I will be in conversation with Luke Pollard MP, Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, on Tuesday at 6pm. We will talk about the subjects raised in his recent LabourList piece. If there is anything about his brief that you would like me to ask, please feel free to email suggestions.


labourlist--2020-06-04--In conversation with… Luke Pollard MP

In conversation with… Luke Pollard MP

Join us at 6pm on Tuesday 8th June for our first “ In conversation with… ” online event .
Our @ @ @ @ @ speaking to Labour ’ s Shadow Environment , Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Luke Pollard @ @ @ @ @ on the subjects raised in the Plymouth MP ’ s recent LabourList article about his @ @ @ @ @ role .
If readers have suggestions for questions , please feel free to email them @ @ @ @ @ will refresh automatically to show the livestream below when the event starts .
You will @ @ @ @ @ it directly on Facebook by clicking here .

Join us at 6pm on Tuesday 9th June for our first “In conversation with…” online event. Our editor Sienna Rodgers will be speaking to Labour’s Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Luke Pollard.
The conversation will touch on the subjects raised in the Plymouth MP’s recent LabourList article about his priorities in the shadow cabinet role. If readers have suggestions for questions, please feel free to email them to us.
The page will refresh automatically to show the livestream below when the event starts. You will also be able to view it directly on YouTube by clicking here.


labourlist--2020-06-04--Labour welcomes new EHRC inquiry into coronavirus impact on ethnic minorities

The Labour Party and the TUC have welcomed the launch of a new investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into the impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities .
The statutory inquiry will see the equalities watchdog use its legal powers to identify actions that will seek to address structural racial inequalities highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic .
The EHRC has said that the “ in-depth analysis ” will serve to “ develop clear , evidence-based recommendations for urgent action to tackle entrenched racial inequalities in a specific area ” .
The inquiry proposals will first be discussed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the commission , and then it will “ focus on a specific area ” for investigation and recommendations .
Commenting on the launch , EHRC chair David Isaac said : “ This inquiry is part of our long-term strategic approach to tackle the structural inequalities that the coronavirus pandemic has laid bare .
“ This is an important step towards ensuring that the deep-rooted inequality faced by ethnic minorities is meaningfully addressed as we rebuild.
” Welcoming the move , Labour ’ s Marsha de Cordova said : “ The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequalities , but the government has consistently failed to take action to save BAME people ’ s lives during this pandemic .
“ Now is the time to take steps to tackle systemic racism , discrimination and injustice in Britain .
The government must take action based on the findings and recommendations of the EHRC ’ s inquiry.
” The Shadow Equalities Secretary this week criticised the Public Health England report , ‘ disparities in the risks and outcomes of Covid-19 ’ , for failing to present recommendations despite having promising to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from black and Asian ethnic groups are twice as likely to die from Covid-19 than those from a white British background .
It also said those living in deprived areas have higher diagnosis and death rates .
London mayor Sadiq Khan has repeatedly called for a public inquiry into the disproportionate impact on BAME communities , on Tuesday saying : “ We need to know now why the virus disproportionately impacts these communities and crucially , what is being done to stop it.
” The TUC also welcomed the inquiry , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Unions will engage fully with EHRC to ensure that the voices of Black workers are at the heart of their investigation .
“ We should all be appalled by the disproportionate impact this pandemic has had on BME people , and by the unacceptable loss of lives and livelihoods… Government must commit to fully implementing the letter and spirit of those recommendations.
” The terms of the EHRC inquiry is set to be published in the coming weeks .

The Labour Party and the TUC have welcomed the launch of a new investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into the impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities.
The statutory inquiry will see the equalities watchdog use its legal powers to identify actions that will seek to address structural racial inequalities highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The EHRC has said that the “in-depth analysis” will serve to “develop clear, evidence-based recommendations for urgent action to tackle entrenched racial inequalities in a specific area”.
The inquiry proposals will first be discussed with race equality leaders in a meeting, according to the commission, and then it will “focus on a specific area” for investigation and recommendations.
Commenting on the launch, EHRC chair David Isaac said: “This inquiry is part of our long-term strategic approach to tackle the structural inequalities that the coronavirus pandemic has laid bare.
“This is an important step towards ensuring that the deep-rooted inequality faced by ethnic minorities is meaningfully addressed as we rebuild.”
Welcoming the move, Labour’s Marsha de Cordova said: “The coronavirus crisis has shone a light on these inequalities, but the government has consistently failed to take action to save BAME people’s lives during this pandemic.
“Now is the time to take steps to tackle systemic racism, discrimination and injustice in Britain. The government must take action based on the findings and recommendations of the EHRC’s inquiry.”
The Shadow Equalities Secretary this week criticised the Public Health England report, ‘disparities in the risks and outcomes of Covid-19’, for failing to present recommendations despite having promising to do so.
The PHE review confirmed that people from black and Asian ethnic groups are twice as likely to die from Covid-19 than those from a white British background. It also said those living in deprived areas have higher diagnosis and death rates.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has repeatedly called for a public inquiry into the disproportionate impact on BAME communities, on Tuesday saying: “We need to know now why the virus disproportionately impacts these communities and crucially, what is being done to stop it.”
The TUC has also welcomed the EHRC inquiry, with general secretary Frances O’Grady saying: “Unions will engage fully with EHRC to ensure that the voices of Black workers are at the heart of their investigation.
“We should all be appalled by the disproportionate impact this pandemic has had on BME people, and by the unacceptable loss of lives and livelihoods… Government must commit to fully implementing the letter and spirit of those recommendations.”
The terms of the EHRC inquiry is set to be published in the coming weeks.


labourlist--2020-06-04--Minister’s ignorance of Marmot Review is “shameful”, says Ashworth

Labour ’ s Jonathan Ashworth has said it is “ shameful ” that the government minister for equalities did not appear to know of the Marmot Review – a landmark report on health inequalities .
When new Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy asked about the 2010 and 2020 reviews by Professor Marmot in the chamber today , Kemi Badenoch appeared not to have heard of the reports despite holding the equalities brief .
The minister said : “ I ’ m afraid I haven ’ t seen this specific report .
I ’ m not sure I ’ ve seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but if she writes to me I can give her a much more comprehensive response than at the despatch box .
“ Without seeing the recommendations she ’ s referring to , I ’ m not sure that I can fully comment , but I will look forward to seeing that letter and hopefully it will have things that we can include in there.
” Commenting on the exchange , Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth told LabourList : “ Michael Marmot ’ s landmark research shows how ten years if austerity have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stall for some of the very poorest .
“ Covid 19 thrives on these inequalities and sees people from BAME communities more likely to die from this horrific disease .
For an equalities minister to be clueless about the Marmot Review is both shameful and tells you everything you need to know about this Tory government.
” In February , following the release of Marmot ’ s decade-later update , Ashworth wrote a piece for LabourList in which he noted that it showed life expectancy was stalling for the first time in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member pointed out that life expectancy is declining for the poorest 10 % of women , adding : “ That is a disgrace .
The truth is that poverty means you become ill quicker and die sooner.
” Coming ten years after Sir Michael Marmot first published data on the growing wealth and regional gaps in England , the author concluded : “ England has lost a decade .
”

Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth has said it is “shameful” that the government minister for equalities did not appear to know of the Marmot Review – a landmark report on health inequalities.
When new Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy asked about the 2010 and 2020 reviews by Professor Marmot in the chamber today, Kemi Badenoch appeared not to have heard of the reports despite holding the equalities brief.
The minister said: “I’m afraid I haven’t seen this specific report. I’m not sure I’ve seen the report she is referring to, but if she writes to me I can give her a much more comprehensive response than at the despatch box.
“Without seeing the recommendations she’s referring to, I’m not sure that I can fully comment, but I will look forward to seeing that letter and hopefully it will have things that we can include in there.”
Commenting on the exchange, Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth told LabourList: “Michael Marmot’s landmark research shows how ten years if austerity have seen health inequalities widens and life expectancy advances stall for some of the very poorest.
“Covid 19 thrives on these inequalities and sees people from BAME communities more likely to die from this horrific disease. For an equalities minister to be clueless about the Marmot Review is both shameful and tells you everything you need to know about this Tory government.”
In February, following the release of Marmot’s decade-later update, Ashworth wrote a piece for LabourList in which he noted that it showed life expectancy was stalling for the first time in more than 100 years.
The shadow cabinet member pointed out that life expectancy is declining for the poorest 10% of women, adding: “That is a disgrace. The truth is that poverty means you become ill quicker and die sooner.”
Coming ten years after Sir Michael Marmot first published data on the growing wealth and regional gaps in England, the author concluded: “England has lost a decade.”


labourlist--2020-06-04--Sadiq Khan raises concerns over lack of social distancing at protests

Labour ’ s London mayor Sadiq Khan has raised concerns over the lack of social distancing – called for by coronavirus rules – at the Black Lives Matter protest held on Wednesday .
Speaking to LBC ’ s Shelagh Fogarty on Thursday afternoon , Khan said that the “ vast majority ” of demonstrators joined the protest “ lawfully , peacefully and safely ” .
But he added that “ unfortunately a small minority were aggressive , violent and abusive towards our police ” , which he described as “ unacceptable ” .
The mayor also complained that “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep their distance ” and “ could inadvertently be passing the virus on or catching it ” .
“ The virus is still there .
The virus is deadly .
Let ’ s not give it the opportunity to spread even faster , ” he said , adding that that he would say the same to those celebrating VE Day or going to the beach in an unsafe way .
Khan said : “ I understand how angry people are , and it ’ s rightly ignited fury .
But in the context @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got to be very careful .
“ Personally , for example , I would not go on a protest in the middle of a global pandemic… Ask yourself : is this the safest thing you can do for you and your family , by going on a protest ?
” The London mayor added that it was important , however , not to be “ unfair ” on thousands of young people who did follow the two-metre distancing rule at the demonstration .
He told LBC that no police officers were seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was some spitting and throwing objects , and that 13 arrests were made .
As a message to those behaving unlawfully at protests , he said : “ You are detracting from us talking about the issue of George Floyd ’ s brutal death .
”

Labour’s London mayor Sadiq Khan has raised concerns over the lack of social distancing – called for by coronavirus rules – at the Black Lives Matter protest held on Wednesday.
Speaking to LBC’s Shelagh Fogarty on Thursday afternoon, Khan said that the “vast majority” of demonstrators joined the protest “lawfully, peacefully and safely”.
But he added that “unfortunately a small minority were aggressive, violent and abusive towards our police”, which he described as “unacceptable”.
The mayor also complained that “a small minority did socially interact, not keep their distance” and “could inadvertently be passing the virus on or catching it”.
“The virus is still there. The virus is deadly. Let’s not give it the opportunity to spread even faster,” he said, adding that that he would say the same to those celebrating VE Day or going to the beach in an unsafe way.
Khan said: “I understand how angry people are, and it’s rightly ignited fury. But in the context of a global pandemic, we’ve got to be very careful.
“Personally, for example, I would not go on a protest in the middle of a global pandemic… Ask yourself: is this the safest thing you can do for you and your family, by going on a protest?”
The London mayor added that it was important, however, not to be “unfair” on thousands of young people who did follow the two-metre distancing rule at the demonstration.
He told LBC that no police officers were seriously injured at the protest, though there was some spitting and throwing objects, and that 13 arrests were made.
As a message to those behaving unlawfully at protests, he said: “You are detracting from us talking about the issue of George Floyd’s brutal death.”


labourlist--2020-06-04--Tell Trump to “respect human rights” amid George Floyd protests, Starmer urges PM

Keir Starmer has encouraged the Prime Minister to urge the United States and President Trump to “ respect human rights and the fundamental democratic right to peaceful protest ” amid Black Lives Matter protests .
In a letter to Boris Johnson today , the Labour leader says the police killing of George Floyd and the law enforcement response to subsequent protests have “ shone a spotlight ” on racism experienced by black communities .
Making the case that the UK has a “ moral obligation to speak out ” , Starmer has asked whether the government has yet raised its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of further police brutality .
He also makes reference to Labour ’ s earlier demand that the government looks into whether UK exports of riot control equipment are being used by US police “ in the suppression of democratic rights ” .
Finally , the letter reads : “ Many of our own black citizens seeing these images also feel palpable anger and anxiety .
What steps is the government taking to reassure black communities in the UK ?
” Johnson was criticised by Starmer at Prime Minister ’ s Questions for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The opposition leader said : “ I am surprised the Prime Minister hasn ’ t said anything about this yet.
” Asked for comment on the subject at the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday , Johnson said : “ My message to President Trump , to everybody in the United States from the UK is that… racism , racist violence has no place in our society.
” Thousands gathered in Hyde Park and later Parliament Square to join a Black Lives Matter protest in London on Wednesday .
Demonstrators chanted “ say his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not innocent ” .
The protests were sparked by the police killing of George Floyd , a black man in Minneapolis .
Police officer Derek Chauvin was recorded kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck for almost nine minutes while he said “ I can ’ t breathe ” .
The charge against Chauvin has now been upped to second-degree murder , and the three other previously uncharged officers that were present at the killing are facing counts of aiding and abetting murder .
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Commons yesterday , I raised my shock and anger at the killing of George Floyd and the response of US authorities to the peaceful protests .
This has shone a spotlight on the racism , discrimination and injustice experienced by those from black and minority ethnic communities in the US and across the world .
I welcome that you shared some of the concerns I raised with you and want to use this opportunity to explore what the British government is doing to urge the United States and President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democratic right to peaceful protest .
I am sure that you share my strongly held belief that the UK has a moral obligation to speak out in defence of these values , no matter where in the world they are challenged .
With that in mind I would like to ask you the following questions : • Has the government raised its concerns through official channels about the reaction so far from US authorities to peaceful protest ?
• What additional steps is the government planning to reiterate the importance of a peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US ?
• What review is the government conducting to ensure UK exports are not being used in the suppression of democratic rights ?
• Many of our own black citizens seeing these images also feel palpable anger and anxiety .
What steps is the government taking to reassure black communities in the UK ?
The death of George Floyd has justifiably prompted anger and a burning desire for fundamental change .
The UK must be clear in showing that we understand this frustration and that we are ready to stand together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injustice and inequality that remains within all our societies .
I look forward to your response ,

Keir Starmer has encouraged the Prime Minister to urge the United States and President Trump to “respect human rights and the fundamental democratic right to peaceful protest” amid Black Lives Matter protests.
In a letter to Boris Johnson today, the Labour leader says the police killing of George Floyd and the law enforcement response to subsequent protests have “shone a spotlight” on racism experienced by Black communities.
Making the case that the UK has a “moral obligation to speak out”, Starmer has asked whether the government has yet raised its own concerns through official channels following evidence of further police brutality.
He also makes reference to Labour’s earlier demand that the government looks into whether UK exports of riot control equipment are being used by US police “in the suppression of democratic rights”.
Finally, the letter reads: “Many of our own black citizens seeing these images also feel palpable anger and anxiety. What steps is the government taking to reassure black communities in the UK?”
Johnson was criticised by Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions for not having so far spoken about the death. The opposition leader said: “I am surprised the Prime Minister hasn’t said anything about this yet.”
Asked for comment on the subject at the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, Johnson said: “My message to President Trump, to everybody in the United States from the UK is that… racism, racist violence has no place in our society.”
Thousands gathered in Hyde Park and later Parliament Square to join a Black Lives Matter protest in London on Wednesday. Demonstrators chanted “say his name” and “the UK is not innocent”.
The protests were sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis. Police officer Derek Chauvin was recorded kneeling on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while he said “I can’t breathe”.
The charge against Chauvin has now been upped to second-degree murder, and the three other previously uncharged officers that were present at the killing are facing counts of aiding and abetting murder.
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer’s letter to the Prime Minister.
Dear Prime Minister,
In the House of Commons yesterday, I raised my shock and anger at the killing of George Floyd and the response of US authorities to the peaceful protests. This has shone a spotlight on the racism, discrimination and injustice experienced by those from black and minority ethnic communities in the US and across the world.
I welcome that you shared some of the concerns I raised with you and want to use this opportunity to explore what the British government is doing to urge the United States and President Trump to respect human rights and the fundamental democratic right to peaceful protest. I am sure that you share my strongly held belief that the UK has a moral obligation to speak out in defence of these values, no matter where in the world they are challenged.
With that in mind I would like to ask you the following questions:
Has the government raised its concerns through official channels about the reaction so far from US authorities to peaceful protest?
What additional steps is the government planning to reiterate the importance of a peaceful and proportionate response to the protests in the US?
What review is the government conducting to ensure UK exports are not being used in the suppression of democratic rights?
Many of our own black citizens seeing these images also feel palpable anger and anxiety. What steps is the government taking to reassure black communities in the UK?
The death of George Floyd has justifiably prompted anger and a burning desire for fundamental change. The UK must be clear in showing that we understand this frustration and that we are ready to stand together with those who seek to tackle the injustice and inequality that remains within all our societies.
I look forward to your response,
Keir Starmer


labourlist--2020-06-04--Over 2,000 members send open letter on leaked report to inquiry chair

An open letter setting out demands of the independent inquiry on the leaked report concerning Labour ’ s handling of antisemitism has been sent to its chair Martin Forde QC today .
Signed by almost 2,300 party members so far according to its organisers , the letter seeks assurances from the barrister chosen by Labour ’ s national executive committee ( NEC ) to lead the investigation .
It notes that activists felt “ disappointment and anger ” about the contents of the report , which alleged that party staff opposed to Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership had undermined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The correspondence also welcomes the commitment made by Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner at the start of the process to commission an urgent independent investigation looking at the “ wider culture and practices ” .
But it goes on to say that “ serious concerns have been raised around the true independence of the inquiry ” .
Some members have claimed that the terms of reference could allow the panel to be “ selective ” in the scope of its investigation .
The letter asks Forde to ensure that the probe covers all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent of racist , sexist or otherwise discriminatory cultures in party workplaces , and assess whether the conclusions of the report were accurate .
Co-author Nick Fitzpatrick said : “ The people who signed this letter in their thousands include deeply committed loyal activists from across the whole country – branch and CLP officials , councillors , senior academics , rank and file members .
“ These are the people who make Labour tick , and they are demanding with one voice a rigorous and transparent investigation into these damning allegations and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s NEC appointed a four-person panel in early May , comprising Martin Forde QC plus three Labour peers – Baroness Debbie Wilcox , Lord Larry Whitty and Baroness Ruth Lister .
The party-affiliated Jewish Labour Movement welcomed the appointments , and added that it still believes “ the leadership and governance of the party is not fit for purpose in dealing with antisemitism ” .
Commenting on the launch of the inquiry , a Momentum spokesperson described those who compiled the leaked report as “ brave whistleblowers ” who “ must not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the scope of the inquiry would cover the allegations in the report , its commissioning and how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data .
The terms of reference specifically include “ the extent of racist , sexist and other discriminatory culture within Labour Party workplaces , the attitudes and conduct of the senior staff of the Labour Party , and their relationships with the elected leadership of the Labour Party ” .
The Labour Party has been contacted for comment .

An open letter setting out demands of the independent inquiry on the leaked report concerning Labour’s handling of antisemitism has been sent to its chair Martin Forde QC today.
Signed by almost 2,300 party members so far according to its organisers, the letter seeks assurances from the barrister chosen by Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) to lead the investigation.
It notes that activists felt “disappointment and anger” about the contents of the report, which alleged that party staff opposed to Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership had undermined the response to antisemitism by mishandling complaints.
The correspondence also welcomes the commitment made by Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner at the start of the process to commission an urgent independent investigation looking at the “wider culture and practices”.
But it goes on to say that “serious concerns have been raised around the true independence of the inquiry”. Some members have claimed that the terms of reference could allow the panel to be “selective” in the scope of its investigation.
The letter asks Forde to ensure that the probe covers all allegations made in the report, the extent of racist, sexist or otherwise discriminatory cultures in party workplaces, and assess whether the conclusions of the report were accurate.
Co-author Nick Fitzpatrick said: “The people who signed this letter in their thousands include deeply committed loyal activists from across the whole country – branch and CLP officials, councillors, senior academics, rank and file members.
“These are the people who make Labour tick, and they are demanding with one voice a rigorous and transparent investigation into these damning allegations and what they mean for the party.”
Labour’s NEC appointed a four-person panel in early May, comprising Martin Forde QC plus three Labour peers – Baroness Debbie Wilcox, Lord Larry Whitty and Baroness Ruth Lister.
The party-affiliated Jewish Labour Movement welcomed the appointments, and added that it still believes “the leadership and governance of the party is not fit for purpose in dealing with antisemitism”.
Commenting on the launch of the inquiry, a Momentum spokesperson described those who compiled the leaked report as “brave whistleblowers” who “must not be persecuted”.
The NEC decided that the scope of the inquiry would cover the allegations in the report, its commissioning and how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data.
The terms of reference specifically include “the extent of racist, sexist and other discriminatory culture within Labour Party workplaces, the attitudes and conduct of the senior staff of the Labour Party, and their relationships with the elected leadership of the Labour Party”.
The Labour Party has been contacted for comment.