labourlist--2020-09-21--“Moments of crisis shine a penetrating light” – Thomas-Symonds’ full speech

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds ’ at Labour ’ s online conference ‘ Connected ’ this afternoon .
Friends , it is great to be able to join you all today , though we meet in tough times .
My hope is that in the near future we can meet in person .
But today we must remember the thousands who have died in the coronavirus pandemic .
Each and every one a tragedy .
The crisis continues to impact on all aspects of our lives : it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know the effects will be felt years to come .
We must never forget those who were there when we needed them .
All those at the frontline keeping people safe : our police , our firefighters , our emergency medical services .
Shop workers , delivery drivers , child minders .
All our key workers who have kept our communities going .
They put themselves at risk to help others .
They are our inspiration .
It is a reminder – not that we in the Labour movement needed one – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society is not reflected in what they earn .
In their honour , we can not allow things to return to how they were .
Let us also recognise the vital role of our trade union movement – it was their work that ensured we had a furlough scheme and health and safety provisions for workplaces .
Their contribution to tackling this virus and standing up for workers has been nothing short of remarkable , we commend the work they are doing to fight , and protect , every single job .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a period of national sacrifice like the Second World War – a defining moment in our national story .
I ’ m honoured to be asked to reflect – today – on the 75-year anniversary of the election of that transformative post-war 1945 Labour government .
I ’ m privileged to be a biographer of Nye Bevan and Clem Attlee .
Although born in comfortable circumstances , Attlee ’ s politics were formed in the time he spent in social work in Stepney , in London ’ s East End .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his upbringing in the South Wales coalfields , and the industrial struggles of the 1920s .
Both men witnessed the appalling impacts of poverty , ill-health , and the chronic failures of a right-wing ideology , a harsh market economy that left people alone and fending for themselves .
They drew a conclusion that never left them : that the Victorian attitude were wrong .
Poverty was not the fault of people , and private charity – whilst a fine thing – was not enough on its own .
In the end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s side that would change things .
In short , the people needed power .
Attlee and Bevan , had an unshakable world view , shaped by these values .
They also realised the seemingly insurmountable post-war crisis could be overcome and that communities could achieve their full potential not in spite of our values – but because of them .
Labour ’ s vision was of a more equal society where everyone could live a fulfilled life from beginning to end – with decent pensions , support for people who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was aptly summed up in the title of the 1945 manifesto : Let Us Face The Future .
And when the country turned to Labour , with its promise of a better world , it delivered changes and institutions that to this day define our country .
It gave birth to a welfare state .
We had mass house building and most of all our most towering achievement : The National Health Service , which is loved now more than ever .
Of course , later Labour governments built on the foundations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspirations in politics , Barbara Castle .
Again , a shining example of how giant Labour figures put values into practice .
Whether it be advancing equal pay , or saving lives through public safety legislation and droving forward campaigning to tackle global poverty .
She would be horrified to see that , half a century after her landmark Equal Pay Act , we still have a gender pay gap holding our country back .
However , like her , we must have that passion and commitment to change it .
Through her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appalling misogyny – Barbara sets a high bar for so many of us to follow .
Clem , Nye and Barbara provide the inspiration I take into my role as proud MP for my home seat of Torfaen in South Wales – and now as Shadow Home Secretary .
It was on the terraced street where I grew up – in Blaenavon – in the constituency I am now proud to represent – that I learned my values .
My parents were born just after the war .
My mother , Pam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my father , Jeff , worked in the steelworks .
Others were not so lucky as to have jobs .
I was a child of the miners ’ strike .
Around me , the local jobs were disappearing , the pits were closing , and the Thatcher government did nothing to replace them .
It was economic vandalism on a grand scale .
But it also allowed communities to show their togetherness .
Steeled and organised by the union movement , we saw solidarity in action .
So , when I wrote biographies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vividly clear that the values that drove them , shape my politics and drive the way our party needs to respond to today ’ s global crisis .
So , our party has a great responsibility in moments of crisis like the one our country and planet faces in the battle against this virus and its consequences .
People rely on us ; they look to Labour to offer direction and moral leadership .
Because these moments of crisis shine a penetrating light on : how the world has been ; how we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could hold .
That is why they can be such catalysts for change .
Nye Bevan summed this up in his great book , In Place of Fear , where he said , we can never “ excuse indifference to individual suffering… There is no test for progress other than its impact on the individual ” .
The baton now passes to our generation to find a way to make timeless values real .
We went into this crisis weakened by a decade of Tory austerity : A housing crisis that left many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grand scale that left so many workers vulnerable to Labour market shocks ; a health system in England undermined and fragmented by Tory ideology ; a systematic government attack on our trade unions , that tried to diminish the very organisations that have proved so vital to saving livelihoods and getting people back to work safely .
The pandemic didn ’ t create these challenges , but it magnified them enormously .
And it doesn ’ t stop there .
Anti-Black racism – in the UK and across the world – remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd ’ s fateful words – “ I can ’ t breathe ” – haunt us .
They have been a catalyst for people across the world to stand up and demand action .
We must listen to those voices from our Black communities who have expressed how deep-rooted the systemic racism is in our society and why so much more remains to be done .
These words must be met by deeds from the government , not yet another review .
We know , too , the importance of trust in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more like the people it serves .
As Home Secretary , I would lead the change that is necessary from the top .
But , instead , we have a Tory government so determined to dehumanise people they would rather leave unaccompanied children in the burning Moria refugee camp , than live up to our promise to help them .
Or mobilise the Royal Navy against dinghies in the English Channel – in a bid to militarise a human crisis .
At the same time , they are making the factors that drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department for International Development at a time when war , persecution and poverty cause people to flee their homes is wrong and self-defeating .
We live in a country led by an incompetent – and callous – Tory Party .
And it ’ s only a Labour government – led by our values – that can rebuild .
Nye , Clem and Barbara knew that in their moment in time – and we know that now .
That ’ s the test I set myself ; I hold true to those values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to account , in parliament .
And these are the values that will guide me as we develop policies , I will aim to implement as Home Secretary .
Crime is a social justice issue .
Because be in no doubt , as crime rises – as it always does under the Tories – it is the same people that suffer most : Women ; our poorest communities ; and minorities .
So , I take our duty to tackle and prevent crime so seriously .
My role will be to convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your family and your community safe .
And I am proud that even in opposition , we have been putting those principles in to action and delivering change .
I was absolutely clear from taking this job that one of my top priorities , is addressing violent abuse against women and girls .
The rates of abuse and levels of convictions are appalling and shame our society .
And for many women the situation was even more bleak as we headed into lockdown .
All the warning signs where there , that domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to pass .
And we all know how appalling a record the Tories have on this .
So I am proud that we campaigned , and secured , along with frontline agencies addressing this problem – to force the government – to earmark £76m for addressing Domestic Abuse during the coronavirus crisis .
It took hard graft , teamwork and a threat to try and change the law to get the Tories to do it , but I ’ m proud we did it .
And if you want another example of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory government , take the way they treated our NHS and care workers .
They rammed through an immigration bill as soon as parliament reopened , telling the 180,000 health workers in this country from the EU that they are unwelcome .
It takes some first-rate hypocrisy to stand and clap for them on a Thursday night , and then tell them that they are not welcome on a Monday .
Yet we stood against the measures that were mean-spirited and dangerous to our NHS .
And again , we won a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to back down on charging our overseas NHS and care workers for the very health service they were working in .
I ’ m proud to have worked so closely with our leader , Keir Starmer on these victories .
As anyone in politics knows , we can only success with teamwork .
And I ’ ve been incredibly lucky to have a fantastic Shadow Home Affairs Team , together with Sarah Jones , Holly Lynch , Jess Phillips , Conor McGinn , Bambos Charalambous , Chris Elmore and Taiwo Owatemi in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosser and Roy Kennedy in the House of Lords .
I also want to thank our fantastic police and crime commissioners who have been doing so much to stand up for their communities , as the Tories have woefully failed on crime .
It ’ s vital that we return as many as possible in May ’ s crucial elections .
But let me be honest with you .
Great an honour as this job is , I don ’ t want to be stood at the opposition despatch box , unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk tough .
When it comes to issuing press releases and talk of mobilising the armed forces against dinghies she ’ s there .
With her words , she seeks to divide when she should seek to unite .
Yet , she fails to act when injustice stares her in the face .
Let me be clear : as Home Secretary , I would not stand by whilst the victims of the Windrush Scandal continue to suffer .
It is the least we owe to that remarkable generation of people who were so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to addressing violent crime , the Home Secretary is nowhere to be seen .
The Home Office ’ s flagship Violent Crime Taskforce hasn ’ t even met for over a year – and we ’ ve seen a decade of nationwide rising violence under the Tories .
So , it couldn ’ t be starker : with a Labour Home Secretary we could do so much more – and I would ensure that nobody is ignored , and nobody is left without help .
As Nye Bevan said , “ it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But to deliver the change our country so desperately needs , we know that Labour has to win .
In 2024 , we have to deliver that Labour government we all came into politics to make possible .
Labour Connected , let us take the inspiration of the transformative Attlee government into our quest for a future Labour government .
The people who rely on a Labour government can not afford us to falter .
And I promise you , we will not .
Labour Connected , thank you .

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds’ at Labour’s online conference ‘Connected’ this afternoon.
Friends, it is great to be able to join you all today, though we meet in tough times. My hope is that in the near future we can meet in person. But today we must remember the thousands who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Each and every one a tragedy.
The crisis continues to impact on all aspects of our lives: it has been, and is, heart-wrenching – and we know the effects will be felt years to come. We must never forget those who were there when we needed them. All those at the frontline keeping people safe: our police, our firefighters, our emergency medical services. Shop workers, delivery drivers, child minders. All our key workers who have kept our communities going.
They put themselves at risk to help others. They are our inspiration. It is a reminder – not that we in the Labour movement needed one – that the contribution people make to our society is not reflected in what they earn. In their honour, we cannot allow things to return to how they were. Let us also recognise the vital role of our trade union movement – it was their work that ensured we had a furlough scheme and health and safety provisions for workplaces.
Their contribution to tackling this virus and standing up for workers has been nothing short of remarkable, we commend the work they are doing to fight, and protect, every single job. This pandemic has been described as a crisis, a period of national sacrifice like the Second World War – a defining moment in our national story.
I’m honoured to be asked to reflect – today – on the 75-year anniversary of the election of that transformative post-war 1945 Labour government. I’m privileged to be a biographer of Nye Bevan and Clem Attlee. Although born in comfortable circumstances, Attlee’s politics were formed in the time he spent in social work in Stepney, in London’s East End. For Bevan, his politics were forged in his upbringing in the South Wales coalfields, and the industrial struggles of the 1920s.
Both men witnessed the appalling impacts of poverty, ill-health, and the chronic failures of a right-wing ideology, a harsh market economy that left people alone and fending for themselves. They drew a conclusion that never left them: that the Victorian attitude were wrong. Poverty was not the fault of people, and private charity – whilst a fine thing – was not enough on its own.
In the end, you needed a government on the people’s side that would change things. In short, the people needed power. Attlee and Bevan, had an unshakable world view, shaped by these values. They also realised the seemingly insurmountable post-war crisis could be overcome and that communities could achieve their full potential not in spite of our values – but because of them.
Labour’s vision was of a more equal society where everyone could live a fulfilled life from beginning to end – with decent pensions, support for people who were sick and keeping people in work. This was aptly summed up in the title of the 1945 manifesto: Let Us Face The Future.
And when the country turned to Labour, with its promise of a better world, it delivered changes and institutions that to this day define our country. It gave birth to a welfare state. We had mass house building and most of all our most towering achievement: The National Health Service, which is loved now more than ever. Of course, later Labour governments built on the foundations of 1945.
Take another of my inspirations in politics, Barbara Castle. Again, a shining example of how giant Labour figures put values into practice. Whether it be advancing equal pay, or saving lives through public safety legislation and droving forward campaigning to tackle global poverty. She would be horrified to see that, half a century after her landmark Equal Pay Act, we still have a gender pay gap holding our country back.
However, like her, we must have that passion and commitment to change it. Through her immense achievements – in the face of the appalling misogyny – Barbara sets a high bar for so many of us to follow. Clem, Nye and Barbara provide the inspiration I take into my role as proud MP for my home seat of Torfaen in South Wales – and now as Shadow Home Secretary.
It was on the terraced street where I grew up – in Blaenavon – in the constituency I am now proud to represent – that I learned my values. My parents were born just after the war. My mother, Pam, worked in a local factory; my father, Jeff, worked in the steelworks. Others were not so lucky as to have jobs.
I was a child of the miners’ strike. Around me, the local jobs were disappearing, the pits were closing, and the Thatcher government did nothing to replace them. It was economic vandalism on a grand scale. But it also allowed communities to show their togetherness. Steeled and organised by the union movement, we saw solidarity in action.
So, when I wrote biographies of Bevan and Attlee it was so vividly clear that the values that drove them, shape my politics and drive the way our party needs to respond to today’s global crisis. So, our party has a great responsibility in moments of crisis like the one our country and planet faces in the battle against this virus and its consequences.
People rely on us; they look to Labour to offer direction and moral leadership. Because these moments of crisis shine a penetrating light on: how the world has been; how we live today; and what our futures could hold. That is why they can be such catalysts for change.
Nye Bevan summed this up in his great book, In Place of Fear, where he said, we can never “excuse indifference to individual suffering… There is no test for progress other than its impact on the individual”. The baton now passes to our generation to find a way to make timeless values real.
We went into this crisis weakened by a decade of Tory austerity: A housing crisis that left many households financially overstretched; insecure work on a grand scale that left so many workers vulnerable to Labour market shocks; a health system in England undermined and fragmented by Tory ideology; a systematic government attack on our trade unions, that tried to diminish the very organisations that have proved so vital to saving livelihoods and getting people back to work safely.
The pandemic didn’t create these challenges, but it magnified them enormously. And it doesn’t stop there. Anti-Black racism – in the UK and across the world – remains an open wound in our societies. George Floyd’s fateful words – “I can’t breathe” – haunt us. They have been a catalyst for people across the world to stand up and demand action.
We must listen to those voices from our Black communities who have expressed how deep-rooted the systemic racism is in our society and why so much more remains to be done. These words must be met by deeds from the government, not yet another review.
We know, too, the importance of trust in policing and delivering a service that looks more like the people it serves. As Home Secretary, I would lead the change that is necessary from the top. But, instead, we have a Tory government so determined to dehumanise people they would rather leave unaccompanied children in the burning Moria refugee camp, than live up to our promise to help them. Or mobilise the Royal Navy against dinghies in the English Channel – in a bid to militarise a human crisis.
At the same time, they are making the factors that drive people from their homes worse. Abolishing the Department for International Development at a time when war, persecution and poverty cause people to flee their homes is wrong and self-defeating.
We live in a country led by an incompetent – and callous – Tory Party. And it’s only a Labour government – led by our values – that can rebuild. Nye, Clem and Barbara knew that in their moment in time – and we know that now. That’s the test I set myself; I hold true to those values. Hold true as I hold the government to account, in parliament. And these are the values that will guide me as we develop policies, I will aim to implement as Home Secretary.
Crime is a social justice issue. Because be in no doubt, as crime rises – as it always does under the Tories – it is the same people that suffer most: Women; our poorest communities; and minorities. So, I take our duty to tackle and prevent crime so seriously. My role will be to convince people that Labour will keep you, your family and your community safe.
And I am proud that even in opposition, we have been putting those principles in to action and delivering change. I was absolutely clear from taking this job that one of my top priorities, is addressing violent abuse against women and girls. The rates of abuse and levels of convictions are appalling and shame our society.
And for many women the situation was even more bleak as we headed into lockdown. All the warning signs where there, that domestic abuse would increase, and sadly that came to pass. And we all know how appalling a record the Tories have on this.
So I am proud that we campaigned, and secured, along with frontline agencies addressing this problem – to force the government – to earmark £76m for addressing Domestic Abuse during the coronavirus crisis. It took hard graft, teamwork and a threat to try and change the law to get the Tories to do it, but I’m proud we did it.
And if you want another example of what we are up against with this Tory government, take the way they treated our NHS and care workers. They rammed through an immigration bill as soon as parliament reopened, telling the 180,000 health workers in this country from the EU that they are unwelcome. It takes some first-rate hypocrisy to stand and clap for them on a Thursday night, and then tell them that they are not welcome on a Monday.
Yet we stood against the measures that were mean-spirited and dangerous to our NHS. And again, we won a major U-turn from the government, forcing them to back down on charging our overseas NHS and care workers for the very health service they were working in. I’m proud to have worked so closely with our leader, Keir Starmer on these victories.
As anyone in politics knows, we can only success with teamwork. And I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a fantastic Shadow Home Affairs Team, together with Sarah Jones, Holly Lynch, Jess Phillips, Conor McGinn, Bambos Charalambous, Chris Elmore and Taiwo Owatemi in the House of Commons; and Lords Richard Rosser and Roy Kennedy in the House of Lords.
I also want to thank our fantastic police and crime commissioners who have been doing so much to stand up for their communities, as the Tories have woefully failed on crime. It’s vital that we return as many as possible in May’s crucial elections.
But let me be honest with you. Great an honour as this job is, I don’t want to be stood at the opposition despatch box, unable to act. The Home Secretary likes to talk tough. When it comes to issuing press releases and talk of mobilising the armed forces against dinghies she’s there. With her words, she seeks to divide when she should seek to unite.
Yet, she fails to act when injustice stares her in the face. Let me be clear: as Home Secretary, I would not stand by whilst the victims of the Windrush Scandal continue to suffer. It is the least we owe to that remarkable generation of people who were so shamefully treated. And when it comes to addressing violent crime, the Home Secretary is nowhere to be seen. The Home Office’s flagship Violent Crime Taskforce hasn’t even met for over a year – and we’ve seen a decade of nationwide rising violence under the Tories.
So, it couldn’t be starker: with a Labour Home Secretary we could do so much more – and I would ensure that nobody is ignored, and nobody is left without help. As Nye Bevan said, “it’s the impact on the individual”. But to deliver the change our country so desperately needs, we know that Labour has to win. In 2024, we have to deliver that Labour government we all came into politics to make possible.
Labour Connected, let us take the inspiration of the transformative Attlee government into our quest for a future Labour government. The people who rely on a Labour government cannot afford us to falter. And I promise you, we will not. Labour Connected, thank you.


labourlist--2020-09-21--“Be bold”: Trade union leaders issue challenge to Labour leadership

Trade union leaders have issued a challenge to Labour by telling the party to “ be bold and embrace ” its 2017 and 2019 manifesto policies , advocate for a pay rise for key workers and be “ much more vocal ” on Covid support for workers .
In an online event at Labour ’ s ‘ Connected ‘ conference this afternoon , union general secretaries Len McCluskey and Dave Ward joined a panel discussion to talk about the future of work with shadow cabinet members Jonathan Reynolds and Andy McDonald .
CWU leader Ward called on Labour to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for key workers , saying : “ We ’ ve changed the mindset of the nation about who the key workers really are – now we ’ ve got to get down to the nitty-gritty… and raise their pay.
” Dave Ward urged Labour to be “ much more vocal ” on setting out what it would do to support workers when the furlough scheme comes to an end , and described this as a “ great campaigning tool ” for the party .
Concluding his comments at the meeting this afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Labour to do .
His first was to “ get behind the [ post-furlough ] scheme , set it out clearly , that ’ s going to prevent mass unemployment when the furlough scheme ends ” .
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds this morning delivered her keynote address to Labour ’ s online conference , in which she outlined a ‘ job recovery scheme ’ that would subsidise wages for part-time work for “ key sectors ” .
This would be similar to the German ‘ Kurzarbeit ‘ programme , whereby employers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off with the state providing income replacement of up to 60 % .
Ward ’ s second demand was for Labour to advocate a “ complete revaluation of pay and reward amongst key workers ” based on the needs of society rather than on the demands of the labour market .
His third call was for Labour to “ set out the vision for a new labour market ” and “ for a new democratic economy based on our principles , our values of equality , universalism and collectivism ” .
Shadow Employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take up this challenge , adding : “ It ’ s imperative that we remember who we are and why we exist , which is to speak up for working people .
That ’ s why we came into being.
” Unite ’ s McCluskey discussed the low uptake of apprenticeships during Covid .
He said : “ This year , apprenticeships are down 76 % despite the fact that there ’ s a £3bn apprenticeship levy and fund that nobody knows how to get hold of.
” He commented on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK economy , declaring : “ Is there a place ?
No , there isn ’ t .
Zero-hours are the scourge of our economy and we should do away with them.
” He added : “ This is effectively a war we ’ re in .
This Prime Minister of ours… sees himself as a bit of a Churchillian figure .
I would say this to everybody : Churchill won the war but it was Clement Attlee who won the election .
“ Because he had a vision of how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would say to all our Labour leadership , be bold and embrace all those policies that we ’ ve shown in 2017 and 2019 were popular… That ’ s the way to win our ‘ Red Wall ’ back .
“ And the quicker the election comes in three and a half years , if we follow that path , then I ’ m sure that we will have a Labour government that can deal with all of the exciting prospects that we ’ ve spoken about today and push all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of history.
” The panel discussed a transition to a green economy , with McDonald telling attendees that “ every job must be a green job ” and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary echoing Dodds ’ call yesterday for a broader view on green employment .
Also present at the meeting chaired by the New Stateman ‘ s Ailbhe Rea were GMB legal director Susan Harris , as well as director of the Women ’ s Budget Group Mary-Ann Stephenson .
Stephenson highlighted recent research by her organisation that showed investing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many jobs as construction , as well as being greener and producing 30 % less greenhouse gas emissions .
The Shadow Chancellor yesterday called for a “ broader perspective on our environment and what needs to be valued ” , and said that creating green employment is “ not just about high-technology jobs in renewable energy ” .
Dodds went on to set out a three-step economic plan for Labour in her speech to conference today , with an alternative to the Tories ’ management of the economy that she argued will “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business ” .
The meeting this afternoon formed part of Labour ’ s online conference .
The usual conference was cancelled this year due to Covid .
The virtual replacement is running events for Labour members over the next few days through to September 22nd .

Trade union leaders have issued a challenge to Labour by telling the party to “be bold and embrace” its 2017 and 2019 manifesto policies, advocate for a pay rise for key workers and be “much more vocal” on Covid support for workers.
In an online event at Labour’s ‘Connected‘ conference this afternoon, general secretaries Len McCluskey and Dave Ward joined a panel discussion on the future of work with shadow cabinet members Jonathan Reynolds and Andy McDonald.
CWU leader Ward called on Labour to “wade in behind” a pay rise for key workers, saying: “We’ve changed the mindset of the nation about who the key workers really are – now we’ve got to get down to the nitty-gritty… and raise their pay.”
Dave Ward urged Labour to be “much more vocal” on setting out what it would do to support workers when the furlough scheme comes to an end, and described this as a “great campaigning tool” for the party.
Concluding his comments at the meeting this afternoon, the general secretary set out three things for Labour to do. His first was to “get behind the [post-furlough] scheme, set it out clearly, that’s going to prevent mass unemployment when the furlough scheme ends”.
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds this morning delivered her keynote address to Labour’s online conference, in which she outlined a ‘job recovery scheme’ that would subsidise wages for part-time work for “key sectors”.
This would be similar to the German ‘Kurzarbeit‘ programme, whereby employers can reduce workers’ hours without laying them off with the state providing income replacement of up to 60%.
Ward’s second demand was for Labour to advocate a “complete revaluation of pay and reward amongst key workers” based on the needs of society rather than on the demands of the labour market.
His third call was for Labour to “set out the vision for a new labour market” and “for a new democratic economy based on our principles, our values of equality, universalism and collectivism”.
Shadow Employment Rights Secretary McDonald said he was happy to take up this challenge, adding: “It’s imperative that we remember who we are and why we exist, which is to speak up for working people. That’s why we came into being.”
Unite’s McCluskey discussed the low uptake of apprenticeships during Covid. He said: “This year, apprenticeships are down 76% despite the fact that there’s a £3bn apprenticeship levy and fund that nobody knows how to get hold of.”
He commented on the role that zero-hours contracts should play in the UK economy, declaring: “Is there a place? No, there isn’t. Zero-hours are the scourge of our economy and we should do away with them.”
He added: “This is effectively a war we’re in. This Prime Minister of ours… sees himself as a bit of a Churchillian figure. I would say this to everybody: Churchill won the war but it was Clement Attlee who won the election.
“Because he had a vision of how to give people a better life. I would say to all our Labour leadership, be bold and embrace all those policies that we’ve shown in 2017 and 2019 were popular… That’s the way to win our ‘Red Wall’ back.
“And the quicker the election comes in three and a half years, if we follow that path, then I’m sure that we will have a Labour government that can deal with all of the exciting prospects that we’ve spoken about today and push all of the evils within our economy into the dustbin of history.”
The panel discussed a transition to a green economy, with McDonald telling attendees that “every job must be a green job” and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary echoing Dodds’ call yesterday for a broader view on green employment.
Also present at the meeting chaired by The New Statesman‘s Ailbhe Rea were GMB legal director Susan Harris, as well as director of the Women’s Budget Group Mary-Ann Stephenson.
Stephenson highlighted recent research by her organisation that showed investing in the care sector could create 2.7 times as many jobs as construction, as well as being greener and producing 30% less greenhouse gas emissions.
The Shadow Chancellor yesterday called for a “broader perspective on our environment and what needs to be valued”, and said that creating green employment is “not just about high-technology jobs in renewable energy”.
Dodds went on to set out a three-step economic plan for Labour in her speech to conference today, with an alternative to the Tories’ management of the economy that she argued will “recover jobs, retrain workers and rebuild business”.
The meeting this afternoon formed part of Labour’s online conference. The usual conference was cancelled this year due to Covid. The virtual replacement is running events for Labour members over the next few days through to September 22nd.


labourlist--2020-09-21--Labour frontbenchers back Board of Deputies plan to combat online abuse

Labour frontbenchers have backed a three-point plan by the Board of Deputies to combat online hate – including pushing the government to fine social media companies who fail to remove abuse from their platforms .
At a ‘ Connected ‘ talk run by the Board of Deputies of British Jews , the first Labour conference event ever run by the group , shadow cabinet members David Lammy and Nick Thomas-Symonds backed the proposed additions to the online harms bill .
The three-point plan also called for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ( IHRA ) definition of antisemitism to be included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams to be based in the UK .
The government ’ s proposed online harms bill aims to hold companies accountable if they do not tackle harmful content online , but little progress has been made as a parliamentary debate on the white paper has been repeatedly delayed .
Commenting on the plan put forward by the Board of Deputies , Shadow Justice Secretary Lammy said : “ Let me say on those three things , it would be extraordinary not to adopt the IHRA definition frankly .
“ I think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you do not have local staff that are culturally aware .
One of the things is , very sadly because of the devastating antisemitism that crept into the Labour Party , the majority the government now have is significant.
” “ We will do what we can as an opposition , but clearly the key to this is in that online white paper , which has not yet come forward despite the urgency and seriousness of these issues.
” The government first proposed the new online harms bill in 2019 in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who took her own life after viewing graphic online posts about suicide and self-harm .
The bill aims to create a duty of care on social media companies to protect their users from harmful content or abuse but current proposals do not offer regulators the ability to fine those who fail to comply .
Thomas-Symonds suggested at the conference event that any regulator included in the bill “ has to have teeth ” and as such must have the ability to punish failing companies with fines .
Lammy agreed : “ Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have got to get serious about this , and of course we note in Australia they ’ ve gone down the road of fines and in Germany they ’ ve gone down the road of serious fines.
” Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson announced in 2018 that the party would support fines for social media companies who fail to police online abuse , arguing that self-regulation on these sites was not working .
Australia and Germany have both already implemented similar laws , with social media companies in the latter facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neglect to promptly remove problematic content .
The conference panel on combatting online hate was chaired by the chief executive of the Board of Deputies Gillian Merron , and featured former Labour MP Ruth Smeeth alongside the two shadow cabinet members .
The ex-MP for Stoke-on-Trent North vividly described her experiences with online antisemitism , including receiving 25,000 pieces of abuse in the 24 hours after the Chakrabarti report was published in 2016 .
Smeeth said : “ I haven ’ t been able to wear my Apple Watch since that weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats come through on your wrist and on something that is physical – I have not been able to wear it since because that was just too overwhelming for me.
” On coping with the torrent of antisemitic abuse , she added : “ I just couldn ’ t look at it anymore and it was how we all needed to protect our mental health .
Fundamentally , we ’ re all human beings .
This has real-life consequences.
” The Equalities and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) launched an investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May last year .
The final report is set to be published in the coming weeks .
Today ’ s event formed part of Labour ’ s virtual conference .
The in-person conference was cancelled earlier this year due to Covid .
The online replacement is running events for Labour members until September 22nd .

Labour frontbenchers have backed a three-point plan by the Board of Deputies to combat online hate – including pushing the government to fine social media companies who fail to remove abuse from their platforms.
At a ‘Connected‘ talk run by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the first Labour conference event ever run by the group, shadow cabinet members David Lammy and Nick Thomas-Symonds backed the proposed additions to the online harms bill.
The three-point plan also called for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism to be included in community guidelines and for community standards teams to be based in the UK.
The government’s proposed online harms bill aims to hold companies accountable if they do not tackle harmful content online, but little progress has been made as a parliamentary debate on the white paper has been repeatedly delayed.
Commenting on the plan put forward by the Board of Deputies, Shadow Justice Secretary Lammy said: “Let me say on those three things, it would be extraordinary not to adopt the IHRA definition frankly.
“I think it’s incredibly difficult to properly police this if you do not have local staff that are culturally aware. One of the things is, very sadly because of the devastating antisemitism that crept into the Labour Party, the majority the government now have is significant.”
“We will do what we can as an opposition, but clearly the key to this is in that online white paper, which has not yet come forward despite the urgency and seriousness of these issues.”
The government first proposed the new online harms bill in 2019 in response to the story of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who took her own life after viewing graphic online posts about suicide and self-harm.
The bill aims to create a duty of care on social media companies to protect their users from harmful content or abuse but current proposals do not offer regulators the ability to fine those who fail to comply.
Thomas-Symonds suggested at the conference event that any regulator included in the bill “has to have teeth” and as such must have the ability to punish failing companies with fines.
Lammy agreed: “Nick’s absolutely right about self-regulation. We have got to get serious about this, and of course we note in Australia they’ve gone down the road of fines and in Germany they’ve gone down the road of serious fines.”
Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson announced in 2018 that the party would support fines for social media companies who fail to police online abuse, arguing that self-regulation on these sites was not working.
Australia and Germany have both already implemented similar laws, with social media companies in the latter facing fines of up to €50m if they neglect to promptly remove problematic content.
The conference panel on combatting online hate was chaired by the chief executive of the Board of Deputies Gillian Merron, and featured former Labour MP Ruth Smeeth alongside the two shadow cabinet members.
The ex-MP for Stoke-on-Trent North vividly described her experiences with online antisemitism, including receiving 25,000 pieces of abuse in the 24 hours after the Chakrabarti report was published in 2016.
Smeeth said: “I haven’t been able to wear my Apple Watch since that weekend. Because when you start to get death threats come through on your wrist and on something that is physical – I have not been able to wear it since because that was just too overwhelming for me.”
On coping with the torrent of antisemitic abuse, she added: “I just couldn’t look at it anymore and it was how we all needed to protect our mental health. Fundamentally, we’re all human beings. This has real-life consequences.”
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) launched an investigation into institutional antisemitism in the Labour Party in May last year. The final report is set to be published in the coming weeks.
Today’s event formed part of Labour’s virtual conference. The in-person conference was cancelled earlier this year due to Covid. The online replacement is running events for Labour members until September 22nd.


labourlist--2020-09-21--Labour calls for “national effort” to prevent fresh UK-wide lockdown

Labour has called for a “ national effort ” to prevent a fresh UK-wide Covid lockdown and blamed the recent increase in the number of coronavirus cases on “ incompetence and failure ” by the government .
Commenting after a coronavirus briefing delivered by the government ’ s medical and scientific officers this morning , Jonathan Ashworth has reiterated the party ’ s call for an emergency COBRA meeting to ensure urgent action .
Chief medical officer Chris Whitty told the public today that the UK has “ turned a corner ” for the worse in its fight against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on course for up to 50,000 new daily cases by mid-October .
Responding to this latest update on coronavirus from the government , Labour ’ s Shadow Health Secretary said : “ The UK ’ s top scientists have presented a grim picture about the rise in coronavirus cases .
“ This rapid spike in infections was not inevitable , but a consequence of the government ’ s incompetence and failure to put in place an adequate testing system .
“ The Prime Minister is making a statement later this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there must be a national effort to prevent another national lockdown .
“ The government must do what it takes to prevent another lockdown , which would cause unimaginable damage to our economy and people ’ s wellbeing.
” The chief medical officer told the public this morning that they should be prepared for Covid-related restrictions across the country over the next six months as he declared that “ the seasons are against us ” .
Whitty added that the UK is now entering flu season .
He explained that this helps respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to favour the virus in a similar way to how autumn and winter see an increase in flu cases .
Ashworth added : “ We need an effective testing and tracing system with support for people to isolate .
When testing breaks down we can ’ t track this virus and it quickly gets out of control .
“ We are also calling for a COBRA of the nations and regions so that the government acts with the urgency this demands.
” Keir Starmer last week joined other political leaders and called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country on the measures the government is taking to keep the virus under control , including to fix testing ” .
The Labour leader did the rounds on the Sunday politics shows at the weekend and told viewers that the Labour Party would support “ whatever measure the government takes ” on restrictions to bring down the rate of transmission .
London mayor Sadiq Khan told LBC Radio last week that there has not been a COBRA meeting since May 10th and revealed that he had not had any contact from Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor has said that it is “ increasingly likely ” lockdown restrictions will soon be needed to slow the spread of coronavirus in London , and called an emergency meeting of council leaders in the capital .
Members of the government ’ s scientific advisory group for emergencies recently suggested a two-week national lockdown , but described it as a ‘ circuit break ’ because the measures would not be as stringent as a full lockdown .
The chief medical officer today cited data from the Office for National Statistics during the briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK are infected with Covid and that about 6,000 are getting the infection each day .

Labour has called for a “national effort” to prevent a fresh UK-wide Covid lockdown and blamed the recent increase in the number of coronavirus cases on “incompetence and failure” by the government.
Commenting after a coronavirus briefing delivered by the government’s medical and scientific officers this morning, Jonathan Ashworth has reiterated the party’s call for an emergency COBRA meeting to ensure urgent action.
Chief medical officer Chris Whitty told the public today that the UK has “turned a corner” for the worse in its fight against the pandemic, and warned that the country is on course for up to 50,000 new daily cases by mid-October.
Responding to this latest update on coronavirus from the government, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary said: “The UK’s top scientists have presented a grim picture about the rise in coronavirus cases.
“This rapid spike in infections was not inevitable, but a consequence of the government’s incompetence and failure to put in place an adequate testing system.
“The Prime Minister is making a statement later this week, but Labour’s priority is that there must be a national effort to prevent another national lockdown.
“The government must do what it takes to prevent another lockdown, which would cause unimaginable damage to our economy and people’s wellbeing.”
The chief medical officer told the public this morning that they should be prepared for Covid-related restrictions across the country over the next six months as he declared that “the seasons are against us”.
Whitty added that the UK is now entering flu season. He explained that this helps respiratory diseases to thrive, which is likely to favour the virus in a similar way to how autumn and winter see an increase in flu cases.
Ashworth added: “We need an effective testing and tracing system with support for people to isolate. When testing breaks down we can’t track this virus and it quickly gets out of control.
“We are also calling for a COBRA of the nations and regions so that the government acts with the urgency this demands.”
Keir Starmer last week joined other political leaders and called for an emergency COBRA meeting to “update the country on the measures the government is taking to keep the virus under control, including to fix testing”.
The Labour leader did the rounds on the Sunday politics shows at the weekend and told viewers that the Labour Party would support “whatever measure the government takes” on restrictions to bring down the rate of transmission.
London mayor Sadiq Khan told LBC Radio last week that there has not been a COBRA meeting since May 10th and revealed that he had not had any contact from Prime Minister Boris Johnson since then.
The mayor has said that it is “increasingly likely” lockdown restrictions will soon be needed to slow the spread of coronavirus in London, and called an emergency meeting of council leaders in the capital.
Members of the government’s scientific advisory group for emergencies recently suggested a two-week national lockdown, but described it as a ‘circuit break’ because the measures would not be as stringent as a full lockdown.
The chief medical officer today cited data from the Office for National Statistics during the briefing, declaring that around 70,000 people in the UK are infected with Covid and that about 6,000 are getting the infection each day.


labourlist--2020-09-21--Community: It’s fundamental to the UK economy. Britain, we need our steel

The past six months have been extremely difficult for our country and our economy .
We are now officially in a recession and with a 20 % GDP contraction in the second quarter the UK economy is amongst the hardest hit in the world .
There ’ s no doubt that mistakes have been made and lessons must be learnt – one of the most important being that our economy ’ s over-reliance on the service sector is dangerous and must be addressed .
Our country desperately needs a renaissance of manufacturing , with the stability and prosperity and enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring .
To release the full potential of manufacturing , this government needs to urgently develop a comprehensive industrial strategy to address decades of decline and neglect under successive governments .
The foundation of that industrial strategy must be a strong and sustainable steel industry .
If Global Britain is going to compete on the world stage in the years ahead , we must look at the evidence .
The most successful economies in the world are all built on the back of a strong steel sector supporting advanced manufacturing supply chains .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dangers of relying on fragile international supply chains for materials essential to our economic and national security .
As it has for other sectors , Covid-19 has placed our steel industry under massive pressure .
We know our industry faces major challenges but there are also huge opportunities , which can safeguard the future of steel and our industrial base with the right framework of government support .
The government has pledged to ‘ Build Build Build ’ .
This must mean building with Britain ’ s steel and extracting maximum benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities the length and breadth of the country .
The already-announced investment in infrastructure was welcome , but the programme must be hugely expanded to kick start our economy and give business the confidence it needs to move forward .
The fact is that whether we are building roads , railways , schools or hospitals , a national infrastructure programme is going to require many millions of tonnes of high-quality domestically produced steel .
Historically 50 % of the steel requirement for government projects has been met by imports – this needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU now is the time to get procurement policy right so that UK taxpayers ’ money supports UK jobs and industrial communities .
HS2 is a crucial test for this government .
We know that UK producers can make more than 90 % of the HS2 requirement for two million tonnes of steel .
Boris Johnson recently promised that UK steelmakers will be at the front of the queue for government contracts – and he must be held to his word .
A green steel industry will also be vital to delivering our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to net zero and here there are opportunities to become a world leader in the development and export of low-carbon technologies .
The government has already announced hundreds of millions to help steelmakers transition to low-carbon production , and that support must be accelerated and expanded .
Central to a green industrial strategy for steel should be an acknowledgement that Britain needs to retain its primary steelmaking capacity ( making steel from raw materials ) alongside its secondary steelmaking capacity ( making steel from recycled metals ) .
The primary blast furnace-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make certain strategic steels for the automotive industry , as well as for food packaging , so either we make those steels ourselves or we import them .
It ’ s clear that over the long term , global steel demand is increasing and so the world ’ s steel requirements are not going to be met through recycling alone .
Someone is going to have to be making steel , and that someone should be us – leading the world at the cutting edge of low-carbon steelmaking .
Delivering a transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in those businesses , and it will also require a huge R & D commitment from government to develop the technology and build the necessary infrastructure .
As a priority , government must commit to investing in hydrogen technologies , which have the potential to green not only our steel industry but our entire economy , and fully explore the potential of carbon capture and storage .
The present is tough but the future can be bright if seized .
Our steel industry has huge advantages : we have the most committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a valuable domestic market and the chance to be at the centre of efforts to rebuild our economy , and we have the opportunity to lead the world in a responsible transition to low carbon steelmaking .
The sector will play its part , but it is crucial that government steps up to support and invest in the industry and the development of new technologies .
Britain needs its steel .
Steel is everywhere and fundamental to our economy and way of life .
It is part of our proud industrial heritage but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic future .
Recent events have reinforced the need to rebalance our economy , and vibrant manufacturing supply chains supported by a strong and secure steel industry are essential to that objective .
The future is there to be taken , and I would urge everyone reading this piece to back the campaign to support a great British industry .
Britain , we need our steel .

The past six months have been extremely difficult for our country and our economy. We are now officially in a recession and with a 20% GDP contraction in the second quarter the UK economy is amongst the hardest hit in the world. There’s no doubt that mistakes have been made and lessons must be learnt – one of the most important being that our economy’s over-reliance on the service sector is dangerous and must be addressed.
Our country desperately needs a renaissance of manufacturing, with the stability and prosperity and enormous capacity for innovation that the sector can bring. To release the full potential of manufacturing, this government needs to urgently develop a comprehensive industrial strategy to address decades of decline and neglect under successive governments.
The foundation of that industrial strategy must be a strong and sustainable steel industry. If Global Britain is going to compete on the world stage in the years ahead, we must look at the evidence. The most successful economies in the world are all built on the back of a strong steel sector supporting advanced manufacturing supply chains. Moreover, the pandemic has clearly demonstrated the dangers of relying on fragile international supply chains for materials essential to our economic and national security.
As it has for other sectors, Covid-19 has placed our steel industry under massive pressure. We know our industry faces major challenges but there are also huge opportunities, which can safeguard the future of steel and our industrial base with the right framework of government support.
The government has pledged to ‘Build Build Build’. This must mean building with Britain’s steel and extracting maximum benefit from government contracts to support jobs and communities the length and breadth of the country. The already-announced investment in infrastructure was welcome, but the programme must be hugely expanded to kick start our economy and give business the confidence it needs to move forward.
The fact is that whether we are building roads, railways, schools or hospitals, a national infrastructure programme is going to require many millions of tonnes of high-quality domestically produced steel. Historically 50% of the steel requirement for government projects has been met by imports – this needs to change, and as Britain exits the EU now is the time to get procurement policy right so that UK taxpayers’ money supports UK jobs and industrial communities.
HS2 is a crucial test for this government. We know that UK producers can make more than 90% of the HS2 requirement for two million tonnes of steel. Boris Johnson recently promised that UK steelmakers will be at the front of the queue for government contracts – and he must be held to his word.
A green steel industry will also be vital to delivering our climate change objectives. Our industry is committed to net zero and here there are opportunities to become a world leader in the development and export of low-carbon technologies. The government has already announced hundreds of millions to help steelmakers transition to low-carbon production, and that support must be accelerated and expanded.
Central to a green industrial strategy for steel should be an acknowledgement that Britain needs to retain its primary steelmaking capacity (making steel from raw materials) alongside its secondary steelmaking capacity (making steel from recycled metals). The primary blast furnace-based steelmaking route is currently the only way to make certain strategic steels for the automotive industry, as well as for food packaging, so either we make those steels ourselves or we import them. It’s clear that over the long term, global steel demand is increasing and so the world’s steel requirements are not going to be met through recycling alone. Someone is going to have to be making steel, and that someone should be us – leading the world at the cutting edge of low-carbon steelmaking.
Delivering a transition to low-carbon primary steelmaking will require huge investment in those businesses, and it will also require a huge R&D commitment from government to develop the technology and build the necessary infrastructure. As a priority, government must commit to investing in hydrogen technologies, which have the potential to green not only our steel industry but our entire economy, and fully explore the potential of carbon capture and storage.
The present is tough but the future can be bright if seized. Our steel industry has huge advantages: we have the most committed highly-skilled workforce there is, we have a valuable domestic market and the chance to be at the centre of efforts to rebuild our economy, and we have the opportunity to lead the world in a responsible transition to low carbon steelmaking. The sector will play its part, but it is crucial that government steps up to support and invest in the industry and the development of new technologies.
Britain needs its steel. Steel is everywhere and fundamental to our economy and way of life. It is part of our proud industrial heritage but most importantly it is vital to our economic future. Recent events have reinforced the need to rebalance our economy, and vibrant manufacturing supply chains supported by a strong and secure steel industry are essential to that objective. The future is there to be taken, and I would urge everyone reading this piece to back the campaign to support a great British industry. Britain, we need our steel.


labourlist--2020-09-22--Why 1,200 Labour councillors are backing the ‘Alliance for Full Employment’

Our country is facing an unprecedented jobs crisis .
The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts that , by the end of this year , nearly one in eight of the UK ’ s workforce will be unemployed .
Yet Boris Johnson – a man who is struggling to get by on £150,000 a year – is determined to remove the furlough scheme in its entirety , a typically over-simplistic decision that will leave millions of jobs on a cliff edge .
Earlier this month , Gordon Brown , alongside Labour metro mayors and leaders in Scotland and Wales , launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a campaign that looks to deal with the current jobs emergency and meet the need for good employment that is well-paid and fulfilling .
It is a campaign that encompasses every region and nation of the United Kingdom , but one that needs to be rooted in our local communities .
That is why we , and 1,200 of our Labour councillor colleagues , wrote to the Prime Minister last week , urging him to change course and help avert the worst effects of an economic crisis that could eclipse the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives , we have seen council budgets slashed , public services eroded and our communities forced to bear the burden of the Conservatives ’ austerity agenda for a decade .
Over 1,000 children ’ s centres closed .
Public transport slashed .
Special educational needs provision starved of funding .
Adult social care forgotten about .
The pain our communities have endured for ten years must not be extended and deepened further through austerity 2.0 .
Without targeted support for sectors and local lockdown areas that have been badly affected by the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fail and employment will be lost .
This will extinguish any hopes of a quick economic recovery from the deep recession we are facing .
The economic impact of Boris Johnson ’ s decision to make a blanket withdrawal of furlough is not the only concern .
If support is not provided for areas under local lockdown and incomes are not protected for people who are self-isolating , the government will help create the conditions in which the virus will spread .
It is welcome that some people on low-incomes will now receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they are forced to self-isolate .
But many people on the breadline will not be eligible for this payment and simply can not afford to go two weeks without pay .
The £95-a-week statutory sick pay currently offered to those self-isolating is woefully inadequate – if it is not possible for people to work from home , the British public will be left with the impossible choice of not earning or breaking the isolation rules .
Regardless of the government ’ s threat of a £10,000 fine , risks will be taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or put food on the table for their children .
In short , Boris Johnson is risking the health of workers and their families if he refuses to secure their livelihoods .
The situation is now critical .
Not only will the current furlough scheme end in a month ’ s time , but a second wave now looks inevitable .
At the time of writing , Michael Gove has been charged with communicating the latest government U-turn and is touring the TV studios urging people to work from home , if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson will announce a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants later this evening .
With these new restrictions , and with more surely on the way , Boris Johnson must now reconsider and give workers , businesses and sectors the certainty and protection they so desperately require .
We need a financial support system that targets industries worst hit by the pandemic ; supports any areas under local lockdown restrictions ; and ensures incomes for people who are forced to self-isolate , including for those who are self-employed .
Boris Johnson must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to save lives .

Our country is facing an unprecedented jobs crisis. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts that, by the end of this year, nearly one in eight of the UK’s workforce will be unemployed. Yet Boris Johnson – a man who is struggling to get by on £150,000 a year – is determined to remove the furlough scheme in its entirety, a typically over-simplistic decision that will leave millions of jobs on a cliff edge.
Earlier this month, Gordon Brown, alongside Labour metro mayors and leaders in Scotland and Wales, launched the ‘Alliance for Full Employment‘, a campaign that looks to deal with the current jobs emergency and meet the need for good employment that is well-paid and fulfilling. It is a campaign that encompasses every region and nation of the United Kingdom, but one that needs to be rooted in our local communities.
That is why we, and 1,200 of our Labour councillor colleagues, wrote to the Prime Minister last week, urging him to change course and help avert the worst effects of an economic crisis that could eclipse the global financial crash of 2007-2008. As local representatives, we have seen council budgets slashed, public services eroded and our communities forced to bear the burden of the Conservatives’ austerity agenda for a decade.
Over 1,000 children’s centres closed. Public transport slashed. Special educational needs provision starved of funding. Adult social care forgotten about. The pain our communities have endured for ten years must not be extended and deepened further through austerity 2.0. Without targeted support for sectors and local lockdown areas that have been badly affected by the pandemic, we know that viable businesses will fail and employment will be lost. This will extinguish any hopes of a quick economic recovery from the deep recession we are facing.
The economic impact of Boris Johnson’s decision to make a blanket withdrawal of furlough is not the only concern. If support is not provided for areas under local lockdown and incomes are not protected for people who are self-isolating, the government will help create the conditions in which the virus will spread. It is welcome that some people on low-incomes will now receive a one-off payment of up to £500 if they are forced to self-isolate. But many people on the breadline will not be eligible for this payment and simply cannot afford to go two weeks without pay.
The £95-a-week statutory sick pay currently offered to those self-isolating is woefully inadequate – if it is not possible for people to work from home, the British public will be left with the impossible choice of not earning or breaking the isolation rules. Regardless of the government’s threat of a £10,000 fine, risks will be taken if people cannot pay the bills or put food on the table for their children. In short, Boris Johnson is risking the health of workers and their families if he refuses to secure their livelihoods.
The situation is now critical. Not only will the current furlough scheme end in a month’s time, but a second wave now looks inevitable. At the time of writing, Michael Gove has been charged with communicating the latest government U-turn and is touring the TV studios urging people to work from home, if they can. It is also expected that Boris Johnson will announce a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants later this evening.
With these new restrictions, and with more surely on the way, Boris Johnson must now reconsider and give workers, businesses and sectors the certainty and protection they so desperately require. We need a financial support system that targets industries worst hit by the pandemic; supports any areas under local lockdown restrictions; and ensures incomes for people who are forced to self-isolate, including for those who are self-employed. Boris Johnson must act now in order to save jobs and to save lives.


labourlist--2020-09-22--Lisa Nandy: Labour will “stand up for British interests and always put that first”

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has told the BBC that Labour wants voters to know “ we stand up for Britain , we stand up for British people , we stand up for British interests and we will always put that first ” .
In an interview with BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme this morning , the shadow cabinet member said : “ I think it is progressive and deeply ambitious to say that you love this country , that you love the people in it , and that ’ s why you want to lead the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a real change in tone and approach from the Labour Party .
I think you ’ ve already seen it , that we ’ ve set out in a number of areas , including in my area of foreign policy , that we stand up for Britain , we stand up for British people , we stand up for British interests and we will always put that first.
” Starmer put forward Labour ’ s patriotic pitch to the country at a speech to Labour ’ s ‘ Connected ’ conference today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country as you do .
This is the country I grew up in and this is the country I will grow old in.
” Nandy was later asked on BBC Politics Live about Starmer ’ s ten pledges during the Labour leadership election earlier this year , and specifically the pledge to raise income tax for top 5 % of earners and reverse Tory cuts to corporation tax .
Asked whether the first pledge had now been scrapped in light of the Labour frontbench recently expressing its opposition to any tax increases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based on what you just said .
“ In the middle of a global pandemic… the idea of raising taxes and squeezing people who are in work and trying to make ends meet is just completely the wrong priority for the country.
” Asked about Starmer ’ s fifth pledge on common ownership of rail , mail , energy and water , Nandy said : “ I think giving the public much more control over how those things work , so that they work in the public interest , is right.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see those public utilities work much better .
There are different ways to do that .
Bringing them back into public hands is one way of doing it ; giving the public much more control is another.
” On Labour ’ s support for new Covid rules , Nandy told BBC Radio 4 : “ We want to see the evidence and we have challenged the government where they ’ re getting it wrong especially on test , trace and isolate… “ But what we ’ re not going to do is try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is based on scientific evidence , which the government hasn ’ t shared with us and hasn ’ t shared with the country .
“ We want them to share that evidence so people understand why they ’ re being asked to follow the rules that they are , because if people understand it they will follow the rules.
” Starmer told The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that Labour would be supportive of the government ’ s new Covid restrictions , set to be announced today , saying : “ Whatever measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ” .

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has told the BBC that Labour wants voters to know “we stand up for Britain, we stand up for British people, we stand up for British interests and we will always put that first”.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, the shadow cabinet member said: “I think it is progressive and deeply ambitious to say that you love this country, that you love the people in it, and that’s why you want to lead the party.
“I think you’ll see a real change in tone and approach from the Labour Party. I think you’ve already seen it, that we’ve set out in a number of areas, including in my area of foreign policy, that we stand up for Britain, we stand up for British people, we stand up for British interests and we will always put that first.”
Starmer put forward Labour’s patriotic pitch to the country at a speech to Labour’s ‘Connected’ conference today, saying: “We love this country as you do. This is the country I grew up in and this is the country I will grow old in.”
Nandy was later asked on BBC Politics Live about Starmer’s ten pledges during the Labour leadership election earlier this year, and specifically the pledge to raise income tax for top 5% of earners and reverse Tory cuts to corporation tax.
Asked whether the first pledge had now been scrapped in light of the Labour frontbench recently expressing its opposition to any tax increases, Nandy replied: “I expect so, based on what you just said.
“In the middle of a global pandemic… the idea of raising taxes and squeezing people who are in work and trying to make ends meet is just completely the wrong priority for the country.”
Asked about Starmer’s fifth pledge on common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water, Nandy said: “I think giving the public much more control over how those things work, so that they work in the public interest, is right.”
She added: “We want to see those public utilities work much better. There are different ways to do that. Bringing them back into public hands is one way of doing it; giving the public much more control is another.”
On Labour’s support for new Covid rules, Nandy told BBC Radio 4: “We want to see the evidence and we have challenged the government where they’re getting it wrong especially on test, trace and isolate…
“But what we’re not going to do is try and undermine the public health advice that is based on scientific evidence, which the government hasn’t shared with us and hasn’t shared with the country.
“We want them to share that evidence so people understand why they’re being asked to follow the rules that they are, because if people understand it they will follow the rules.”
Starmer told The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that Labour would be supportive of the government’s new Covid restrictions, set to be announced today, saying: “Whatever measure the government takes, we will support it”.


labourlist--2020-09-22--WATCH: Lisa Nandy apologises for Kate Green comments on Covid crisis

Lisa Nandy has apologised on behalf of fellow shadow cabinet member Kate Green who suggested that Labour should not “ let a good crisis go to waste ” while talking about coronavirus during Labour ’ s online conference .
The Shadow Education Secretary had told a ‘ Connected ’ event : “ I think there is obviously a real , immediate pressure to address these funding needs for the crisis , for the coronavirus crisis .
But I think we should use the opportunity , don ’ t let a good crisis go to waste.
” Asked about the comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow Foreign Secretary said : “ It was really badly expressed , and Kate would be the first person to accept that .
On behalf of the Labour Party , I am sorry that we ’ ve given the impression that somehow this is a good thing .
“ This is a terrible thing for the country .
The point she was trying to make , though , is that after ten years of cuts to public funding including schools , there are a lot of children who are already very far behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nandy added : “ I ’ m sorry that it came across so badly , that wasn ’ t the intention at all… I think it is exactly a reminder of the care you have to take and why Keir set out today that we are a responsible opposition .
”

Lisa Nandy has apologised on behalf of fellow shadow cabinet member Kate Green who suggested that Labour should not “let a good crisis go to waste” while talking about coronavirus during Labour’s online conference.
The Shadow Education Secretary had told a ‘Connected’ event: “I think there is obviously a real, immediate pressure to address these funding needs for the crisis, for the coronavirus crisis. But I think we should use the opportunity, don’t let a good crisis go to waste.”
Asked about the comments on the BBC this morning, the Shadow Foreign Secretary said: “It was really badly expressed, and Kate would be the first person to accept that. On behalf of the Labour Party, I am sorry that we’ve given the impression that somehow this is a good thing.
“This is a terrible thing for the country. The point she was trying to make, though, is that after ten years of cuts to public funding including schools, there are a lot of children who are already very far behind other kids whose life chances were limited.
Nandy added: “I’m sorry that it came across so badly, that wasn’t the intention at all… I think it is exactly a reminder of the care you have to take and why Keir set out today that we are a responsible opposition.”