labourlist--2020-12-20--Starmer: Blaming late U-turn on new variant “doesn’t stand up to scrutiny”

Keir Starmer has declared in a press conference responding to the new Christmas restrictions that blaming last-minute rule changes on a newly discovered Covid-19 variant “ just doesn ’ t stand up to scrutiny ” .
Boris Johnson announced on Saturday afternoon that the government was abandoning attempts to significantly relax restrictions over five days during the festive period due to a highly infectious new strain of coronavirus .
Although the Prime Minister had accused Starmer of wanting to “ cancel Christmas ” just three days prior , Johnson confirmed that London and parts of the South East and East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
Tier 4 residents can not mix at all with other households .
Those living in lower tiers will only be able to mix with two other households on Christmas Day , rather than between 23rd and 27th as previously planned .
Reacting to the measures , the Labour leader described the last-minute U-turn as an “ act of gross negligence ” by Johnson , who did not listen to concerns but “ dismissed the challenge , ruffled his hair and made a flippant comment ” .
In a speech setting out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ The Prime Minister ’ s claim that this is all down to a new form of the virus that has only just emerged just doesn ’ t stand up to scrutiny.
” Ministers have attributed the late U-turn to a new Covid strain that may be up to 70 % more transmissible than previous variants and that resulted in 60 % of infections in London where cases have been rising quickly .
Starmer made the case that this could not be blamed for the U-turn as the new strain was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The World Health Organisation made this point today , but it was denied by Matt Hancock .
The Health Secretary said it was spotted in October “ from a sample that had been taken in September ” , and claimed he was only told about the new variant on December 11th and about the “ causality ” on Friday afternoon .
The Labour leader said : “ My message to the Prime Minister is simple : we can not go on like this .
We can ’ t start next year as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs you to show political leadership .
“ There can be no more dither .
No more delay .
No more fearing bad headlines .
No more wishful thinking .
No more empty promises .
Prime Minister , you need to get the virus back under control.
” Starmer also reiterated Labour ’ s opposition to school closures during the pandemic , saying : “ I don ’ t think the Prime Minister should be delaying schools coming back more than they ’ re already delayed.
” Labour ’ s Lisa Nandy has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Union that the reopening of secondary schools next year should be delayed until January 18th with remote learning in place until then .
“ Schools should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open , ” Nandy told Sky News today .
“ We shouldn ’ t be debating whether we should be closing schools .
We should we debating how we safely keep them open.
” Below is the full text of Keir Starmer ’ s statement on the new coronavirus restrictions over Christmas .
Yesterday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart-breaking .
This has been such a difficult year for everyone .
The British public have been asked to make so many sacrifices .
And now – with just days to go – millions of families are having to tell children and loved ones , that their plans for Christmas can not go ahead .
I know just how devastating that is .
I know the hurt people are feeling – and the anger – because Christmas is more than just a holiday .
It is a part of who we are as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government announced yesterday are necessary – and we support them .
But there is no getting away from the fact – and what angers people the most and frustrates me the most is that – yet again – the Prime Minister waited until the eleventh hour to take this decision .
It was blatantly obvious last week that the Prime Minister ’ s plan for a free-for-all over Christmas was a risk too far .
And yet , rather listening to concerns and taking them seriously the Prime Minister did what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruffled his hair and made a flippant comment .
The Prime Minister ’ s claim that this is all down to a new form of the virus that has only just emerged just doesn ’ t stand up to scrutiny .
On Monday last week , the Health Secretary told the House of Commons about a new strain of the virus .
On Tuesday , medical professionals warned the lifting of restrictions over Christmas would be a ‘ major error ’ and I called for a review .
On Wednesday , I challenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
We have known about rising infections and the NHS reaching capacity in many parts of the country for weeks .
The new strain was actually first spotted in September .
The alarms bells have been ringing for weeks , but the Prime Minister chose to ignore them .
A virus of this sort demands early action .
Decisive action .
A clear plan and a clear message .
Yet we have had none of that .
The Prime Minister delayed .
He told the country to go ahead and have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London and the South East to carry on shopping .
And to make plans to see families .
And yet , three days later he tells millions of families to rip up those plans .
And introduces further restrictions .
What I want to know this morning , and what everyone across the country wants to know this morning is this : How on earth did this happen ?
How could the government allow people to go on as they were , when they knew they had lost control of the virus ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a Prime Minister who once again has been caught behind the curve .
Who once again offered confusion , not clarity .
Who undermined public confidence .
Who always over promises and under delivers .
And who is now asking the British people to pay the price for his incompetence .
No one expects the government to get it right all of the time .
But a government that fails to learn from its mistakes ends up making the same mistakes over and over again .
Month after month , week after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is so scared of being unpopular that he is incapable of taking tough decisions until it is too late .
Whether that was going into lockdown in the first place extending the furlough scheme , bringing in a circuit break in October to protect the economy and now Christmas .
It is this indecision and weak leadership that is costing lives and it is costing jobs .
As a result , the United Kingdom ends 2020 with one of the highest death tolls in Europe the deepest recession of any major economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of control and with Christmas cancelled for millions .
My message to the Prime Minister is simple : We can not go on like this .
We can ’ t start next year as we have ended this .
Our country needs you to show political leadership .
There can be no more dither .
No more delay .
No more fearing bad headlines .
No more wishful thinking , no more empty promises .
Prime Minister , you need to get the virus back under control ; so we can get our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into school in January .
The British people have done everything asked of them .
Our NHS and social care workers have done everything asked of them – and more .
Our key workers – police officers , fire fighters , supermarket workers and posties – have kept us going .
Our businesses have stepped up .
Our communities have pulled together .
Now all of them – the British people – expect their government to deliver .
2021 can be the year of recovery , but only if the government gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I renew my offer today to work with you and the government to get this right .
To secure our economy by supporting businesses in the toughest restrictions .
To protect our NHS by ensuring it has the staff and resources to care for people throughout the winter months .
And to rebuild our country by guaranteeing the swift and safe roll out of the vaccine .
These are the priorities of the British people .
They are Labour priorities .
And they are my priorities .
Finally , to everyone who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who have the increasingly familiar feeling that they have been let down or abandoned .
Who can ’ t see an end to the gloom and the bad news .
Or who are having to spend Christmas alone .
I am truly sorry .
But please don ’ t lose faith .
This winter will pass .
This pandemic will end .
And when it does , we will be reunited with our loved ones , and with the places and the things we miss .
And we will build a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Keir Starmer has declared in a press conference responding to the new Christmas restrictions that blaming last-minute rule changes on a newly discovered Covid-19 variant “just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny”.
Boris Johnson announced on Saturday afternoon that the government was abandoning attempts to significantly relax restrictions over five days during the festive period due to a highly infectious new strain of coronavirus.
Although the Prime Minister had accused Starmer of wanting to “cancel Christmas” just three days prior, Johnson confirmed that London and parts of the South East and East of England would enter a new Tier 4.
Tier 4 residents cannot mix at all with other households. Those living in lower tiers will only be able to mix with two other households on Christmas Day, rather than between 23rd and 27th as previously planned.
Reacting to the measures, the Labour leader described the last-minute U-turn as an “act of gross negligence” by Johnson, who did not listen to concerns but “dismissed the challenge, ruffled his hair and made a flippant comment”.
In a speech setting out strong criticisms of Johnson personally, Starmer said: “The Prime Minister’s claim that this is all down to a new form of the virus that has only just emerged just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.”
Ministers have attributed the late U-turn to a new Covid strain that may be up to 70% more transmissible than previous variants and that resulted in 60% of infections in London where cases have been rising quickly.
Starmer made the case that this could not be blamed for the U-turn as the new strain was “actually first spotted in September”. The World Health Organisation made this point today, but it was denied by Matt Hancock.
The Health Secretary said it was spotted in October “from a sample that had been taken in September”, and claimed he was only told about the new variant on December 11th and about the “causality” on Friday afternoon.
The Labour leader said: “My message to the Prime Minister is simple: we cannot go on like this. We can’t start next year as we have ended this. Our country needs you to show political leadership.
“There can be no more dither. No more delay. No more fearing bad headlines. No more wishful thinking. No more empty promises. Prime Minister, you need to get the virus back under control.”
Starmer also reiterated Labour’s opposition to school closures during the pandemic, saying: “I don’t think the Prime Minister should be delaying schools coming back more than they’re already delayed.”
Labour’s Lisa Nandy has rejected the plan proposed by the National Education Union that the reopening of secondary schools next year should be delayed until January 18th with remote learning in place until then.
“Schools should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open,” Nandy told Sky News today. “We shouldn’t be debating whether we should be closing schools. We should we debating how we safely keep them open.”
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer’s statement on the new coronavirus restrictions over Christmas.
Yesterday’s announcement about restrictions over Christmas was heart-breaking. This has been such a difficult year for everyone. The British public have been asked to make so many sacrifices. And now – with just days to go – millions of families are having to tell children and loved ones, that their plans for Christmas cannot go ahead.
I know just how devastating that is. I know the hurt people are feeling – and the anger – because Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is a part of who we are as a nation. Sadly, the measures the government announced yesterday are necessary – and we support them.
But there is no getting away from the fact – and what angers people the most and frustrates me the most is that – yet again – the Prime Minister waited until the eleventh hour to take this decision.
It was blatantly obvious last week that the Prime Minister’s plan for a free-for-all over Christmas was a risk too far. And yet, rather listening to concerns and taking them seriously the Prime Minister did what he always does: dismissed the challenge, ruffled his hair and made a flippant comment.
The Prime Minister’s claim that this is all down to a new form of the virus that has only just emerged just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. On Monday last week, the Health Secretary told the House of Commons about a new strain of the virus.
On Tuesday, medical professionals warned the lifting of restrictions over Christmas would be a ‘major error’ and I called for a review. On Wednesday, I challenged the Prime Minister to toughen up the restrictions.
We have known about rising infections and the NHS reaching capacity in many parts of the country for weeks. The new strain was actually first spotted in September. The alarms bells have been ringing for weeks, but the Prime Minister chose to ignore them.
A virus of this sort demands early action. Decisive action. A clear plan and a clear message. Yet we have had none of that.
The Prime Minister delayed. He told the country to go ahead and have a merry little Christmas. Told people in London and the South East to carry on shopping. And to make plans to see families.
And yet, three days later he tells millions of families to rip up those plans. And introduces further restrictions.
What I want to know this morning, and what everyone across the country wants to know this morning is this: How on earth did this happen?
How could the government allow people to go on as they were, when they knew they had lost control of the virus? It is an act of gross negligence by a Prime Minister who once again has been caught behind the curve.
Who once again offered confusion, not clarity. Who undermined public confidence. Who always over promises and under delivers. And who is now asking the British people to pay the price for his incompetence.
No one expects the government to get it right all of the time. But a government that fails to learn from its mistakes ends up making the same mistakes over and over again. Month after month, week after week.
We have a Prime Minister who is so scared of being unpopular that he is incapable of taking tough decisions until it is too late. Whether that was going into lockdown in the first place extending the furlough scheme, bringing in a circuit break in October to protect the economy and now Christmas.
It is this indecision and weak leadership that is costing lives and it is costing jobs. As a result, the United Kingdom ends 2020 with one of the highest death tolls in Europe the deepest recession of any major economy, with the virus once again out of control and with Christmas cancelled for millions.
My message to the Prime Minister is simple: We cannot go on like this. We can’t start next year as we have ended this. Our country needs you to show political leadership. There can be no more dither. No more delay. No more fearing bad headlines. No more wishful thinking, no more empty promises.
Prime Minister, you need to get the virus back under control; so we can get our economy going; and get our children back into school in January.
The British people have done everything asked of them. Our NHS and social care workers have done everything asked of them – and more. Our key workers – police officers, fire fighters, supermarket workers and posties – have kept us going.
Our businesses have stepped up. Our communities have pulled together. Now all of them – the British people – expect their government to deliver.
2021 can be the year of recovery, but only if the government gets it right. That’s why I renew my offer today to work with you and the government to get this right.
To secure our economy by supporting businesses in the toughest restrictions. To protect our NHS by ensuring it has the staff and resources to care for people throughout the winter months. And to rebuild our country by guaranteeing the swift and safe roll out of the vaccine.
These are the priorities of the British people. They are Labour priorities. And they are my priorities.
Finally, to everyone who has had to cancel plans. To all those who have the increasingly familiar feeling that they have been let down or abandoned. Who can’t see an end to the gloom and the bad news. Or who are having to spend Christmas alone.
I am truly sorry. But please don’t lose faith. This winter will pass. This pandemic will end. And when it does, we will be reunited with our loved ones, and with the places and the things we miss. And we will build a better country, together. Thank you.


labourlist--2020-12-20--Sunday shows: Labour rejects NEU plan for school opening delay until Jan 18

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed that Labour backs the toughening of rules over Christmas .
She also said Labour was not rethinking its opposition to school closures , and the party does not agree that the reopening of secondary schools should be delayed until January 18th as advocated by the National Education Union ( NEU ) .
• On whether Labour supports the new Christmas rules : “ Yes .
We ’ ve been asking the government all week to revise the Christmas restrictions in light of the new virulent strain of the virus .
It ’ s absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we just can not believe they ’ ve taken so long.
” • She added : “ It ’ s absolutely wrong that the Prime Minister was in the House of Commons mocking and ridiculing concerns raised by Keir Starmer on Wednesday , yet a few days later was forced to accept what everybody could see was about to happen.
” • On whether the government could have acted sooner on Christmas rules : “ Matt Hancock knew about the strain last weekend.
” • On whether Labour is rethinking its position on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the government to get mass testing into schools .
We ’ ve been asking for that for a month… Children need to be in school.
” • On the NEU ’ s Kevin Courtney backing later January returns for secondary schools : “ I think he ’ s right to say headteachers have been put in an impossible situation and that this is really difficult for them.
” • Pressed further on whether secondary schools should not reopen until January 18th , as suggested by the NEU : “ No , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be back in the classroom .
But we want to make sure that happens safely and we want the government to bring in much more support over the next couple of weeks to make sure schools can do that.
” Health Secretary Matt Hancock declared that the new variant of Covid-19 is “ out of control ” and said school staff would have to work on mass testing over the Christmas break .
• On whether his own recent assertion that ’ the virus is under control ’ is true : “ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new variant is out of control.
” • On whether travel restrictions will be enforced : “ Of course .
I ’ ve spoken to the Home Secretary and the British Transport Police ’ s responsibility is to police the transport system .
But I will hope this will be done by consent , as it has been so often.
” • Pressed on whether police will stop people from travelling : “ Yes , of course .
It ’ s the police ’ s responsibility to police the law.
” • He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home to a Tier 4 area .
• On the impact on NHS capacity : “ Of course I ’ m worried about the NHS.
” • Asked whether another national lockdown is inevitable : “ Well , not necessarily .
One of the reasons we brought in the strict travel movements on Tier 4… is to stop this new variant from spreading.
” • On the WHO saying the new variant was known from September : “ In October , they spotted the new variant from a sample that had been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , this pattern was spotted in Kent where it was growing fast .
I was told about the new variant last Friday… On Friday afternoon , the scientists said we now know there is causality.
” • On whether schools may have to close again in a fresh lockdown : “ I ’ ve learnt not to rule anything out in this pandemic , but the plan is for schools to open with the staggered start we ’ ve described.
” • On schools having to implement mass testing by January : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ ll tell you why , because it ’ s already happening in some schools where we ’ ve piloted .
There are three weeks between now and the start of term… There is going to be some work over the Christmas break , and that ’ s fine.
” • On Brexit : “ I hope the EU moves on its unreasonable demands that I don ’ t think anybody could reasonably accept .
And then we can get a trade deal.
” London mayor Sadiq Khan told viewers this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of household mixing rules over the Christmas period is right but warned that the capital faces a “ perfect storm ” next month .
• Asked whether he supports the ban on household mixing at Christmas : “ I do… We ’ ve got to recognise this virus is spreading fast .
Six out of ten Londoners who have the virus have this new strain.
” • On London hospitals : “ We have the same number of patients in our hospitals as in-patients with Covid as we had in the peak in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , which is the busiest month of the year for our NHS.
” • On Covid restrictions in London : “ Many of us were saying , look it doesn ’ t make sense for London to go from enforcement to Tier 2 , to Tier 3 – effectively to Tier 0 over Christmas – and then back to Tier 3.
” • On the impact of restrictions on the economy : “ This will not just be the worst Christmas we ’ ve had since the Second World War , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve had since the Second World War.
” • He added : “ We ’ ve been pleading with the government for a roadmap to recovery , but also for additional support .
Our sectors need to make sure these businesses that have closed temporarily haven ’ t got permanent closures.
” • On the tier system : “ The current tiering system is ineffective… The hospital numbers we have are about a two-week lag and the reality is January is the busiest month of the year , year-on-year , people catching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in two weeks ’ time.
” • On the situation in London as we head into next year : “ It is a perfect storm in relation to the virus spreading fast , six out of ten Londoners having the new strain and there being a January where the NHS could be very , very busy.
” • Asked whether schools should close : “ They should be mass testing… We ’ ve got to make sure our children are back at school but those schools are Covid safe .
Safe for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safe for our children.
” Lisa Nandy criticised Boris Johnson for the last-minute U-turn on Christmas restrictions but said toughening the rules was “ absolutely the right thing to do ” .
She reiterated Labour ’ s position that schools “ should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open ” .
• On the Covid Christmas plans U-turn : “ Every day this week , we ’ ve raised with the government the fact that the new strain of this virus surely means that Christmas plans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day that concern has been dismissed.
” • On Boris Johnson : “ Over and over again , we ’ ve seen the same pattern .
A Prime Minister who rejects the evidence , who ridicules and mocks people who raise concerns , who dithers and delays and then ends up having to change his mind.
” • On whether the policy itself is right : “ It ’ s absolutely the right thing to do , to bring in tougher restrictions around Christmas and I think most of the country could see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was going.
” • On rising Covid cases over recent weeks : “ We didn ’ t know about the new strain of the virus a few weeks ago , but we did know that case rates were rising at an alarming rate in some parts of the country .
• On the new variant : “ Matt Hancock came to the House on Monday to report that there was this new strain of virus that he said at the time was particularly virulent .
The government did know that this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Yet two days later the Prime Minister went to the Commons , mocked and ridiculed concerns that were raised about it and said that those who were concerned about… were seeking to criminalise people and cancel Christmas .
• On schools closing in Tier 4 areas : “ Schools should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open… We shouldn ’ t be debating whether we should be closing schools .
We should we debating how we safely keep them open.
” • On enforcement of and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where we run into problems is not so much about enforcement… The problem is when people are confused about what the rules are.
” • She added : “ That ’ s why it is so serious that the Prime Minister on Wednesday was saying in the House of Commons that Christmas would absolutely go ahead as planned… and then just a few days later is saying something different.
” • On Labour support for a potential Brexit deal : “ We ’ d be minded to back it.
” She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , we don ’ t trust that the Prime Minister will come back with a deal that ’ s in the national interest.
” • On unity within Labour on its Brexit position : “ The option is do we have a deal , or do we not have a deal ?
” She added : “ We ’ ve got to get a good deal and Keir and I are completely of one mind about that.
” Matt Hancock told viewers this morning that the additional restrictions announced by the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place for “ the next couple of months ” while a vaccine is rolled out .
On the new variant of coronavirus , the Health Secretary said : “ All of the different measures that we have in place , we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the whole variant .
”

The Andrew Marr Show
Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed that Labour backs the toughening of rules over Christmas. She also said Labour was not rethinking its opposition to school closures, and the party does not agree that the reopening of secondary schools should be delayed until January 18th as advocated by the National Education Union (NEU).
On whether Labour supports the new Christmas rules: “Yes. We’ve been asking the government all week to revise the Christmas restrictions in light of the new virulent strain of the virus. It’s absolutely right they’ve taken action, we just cannot believe they’ve taken so long.”
She added: “It’s absolutely wrong that the Prime Minister was in the House of Commons mocking and ridiculing concerns raised by Keir Starmer on Wednesday, yet a few days later was forced to accept what everybody could see was about to happen.”
On whether the government could have acted sooner on Christmas rules: “Matt Hancock knew about the strain last weekend.”
On whether Labour is rethinking its position on school closures: “No, we want the government to get mass testing into schools. We’ve been asking for that for a month… Children need to be in school.”
On the NEU’s Kevin Courtney backing later January returns for secondary schools: “I think he’s right to say headteachers have been put in an impossible situation and that this is really difficult for them.”
Pressed further on whether secondary schools should not reopen until January 18th, as suggested by the NEU: “No, we want schools to reopen and children to be back in the classroom. But we want to make sure that happens safely and we want the government to bring in much more support over the next couple of weeks to make sure schools can do that.”
"We want schools to reopen and have children to be back in the classroom," says Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandyhttps://t.co/R3wTsm2zO6 pic.twitter.com/GbAYU14db5 — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) December 20, 2020
Health Secretary Matt Hancock declared that the new variant of Covid-19 is “out of control” and said school staff would have to work on mass testing over the Christmas break.
On whether his own recent assertion that ’the virus is under control’ is true: “No, it’s not. The new variant is out of control.”
On whether travel restrictions will be enforced: “Of course. I’ve spoken to the Home Secretary and the British Transport Police’s responsibility is to police the transport system. But I will hope this will be done by consent, as it has been so often.”
Pressed on whether police will stop people from travelling: “Yes, of course. It’s the police’s responsibility to police the law.”
He confirmed that people are allowed to return home to a Tier 4 area.
On the impact on NHS capacity: “Of course I’m worried about the NHS.”
Asked whether another national lockdown is inevitable: “Well, not necessarily. One of the reasons we brought in the strict travel movements on Tier 4… is to stop this new variant from spreading.”
On the WHO saying the new variant was known from September: “In October, they spotted the new variant from a sample that had been taken in September. Just over a week ago, this pattern was spotted in Kent where it was growing fast. I was told about the new variant last Friday… On Friday afternoon, the scientists said we now know there is causality.”
On whether schools may have to close again in a fresh lockdown: “I’ve learnt not to rule anything out in this pandemic, but the plan is for schools to open with the staggered start we’ve described.”
On schools having to implement mass testing by January: “It’s not impossible, and I’ll tell you why, because it’s already happening in some schools where we’ve piloted. There are three weeks between now and the start of term… There is going to be some work over the Christmas break, and that’s fine.”
On Brexit: “I hope the EU moves on its unreasonable demands that I don’t think anybody could reasonably accept. And then we can get a trade deal.”
"I’m really worried about the NHS" Health Secretary Matt Hancock tells #Marr there are currently 18,000 Covid-19 patients in NHS hospitals, which "is only just below… the first peak"https://t.co/gxUy3acCro pic.twitter.com/O2JqK9npEt — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) December 20, 2020
Sophy Ridge on Sunday
London mayor Sadiq Khan told viewers this morning that cancelling the planned five-day relaxation of household mixing rules over the Christmas period is right but warned that the capital faces a “perfect storm” next month.
Asked whether he supports the ban on household mixing at Christmas: “I do… We’ve got to recognise this virus is spreading fast. Six out of ten Londoners who have the virus have this new strain.”
On London hospitals: “We have the same number of patients in our hospitals as in-patients with Covid as we had in the peak in April and this is the month before January, which is the busiest month of the year for our NHS.”
On Covid restrictions in London: “Many of us were saying, look it doesn’t make sense for London to go from enforcement to Tier 2, to Tier 3 – effectively to Tier 0 over Christmas – and then back to Tier 3.”
On the impact of restrictions on the economy: “This will not just be the worst Christmas we’ve had since the Second World War, it’s the worst year we’ve had since the Second World War.”
He added: “We’ve been pleading with the government for a roadmap to recovery, but also for additional support. Our sectors need to make sure these businesses that have closed temporarily haven’t got permanent closures.”
On the tier system: “The current tiering system is ineffective… The hospital numbers we have are about a two-week lag and the reality is January is the busiest month of the year, year-on-year, people catching the virus now could well be going to hospital in two weeks’ time.”
On the situation in London as we head into next year: “It is a perfect storm in relation to the virus spreading fast, six out of ten Londoners having the new strain and there being a January where the NHS could be very, very busy.”
Asked whether schools should close: “They should be mass testing… We’ve got to make sure our children are back at school but those schools are Covid safe. Safe for our teachers, safe for our staff and safe for our children.”
London and the country are paying the price for Govt’s failure to get a grip on the pandemic. This continued chaos could have all been avoided had the Govt not made irresponsible promises & raised expectations ahead of Christmas. @SophyRidgeSky #Ridgepic.twitter.com/knBBdGupQ3 — Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 20, 2020
Lisa Nandy criticised Boris Johnson for the last-minute U-turn on Christmas restrictions but said toughening the rules was “absolutely the right thing to do”. She reiterated Labour’s position that schools “should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open”.
On the Covid Christmas plans U-turn: “Every day this week, we’ve raised with the government the fact that the new strain of this virus surely means that Christmas plans have to be revised, and yet every day that concern has been dismissed.”
On Boris Johnson: “Over and over again, we’ve seen the same pattern. A Prime Minister who rejects the evidence, who ridicules and mocks people who raise concerns, who dithers and delays and then ends up having to change his mind.”
On whether the policy itself is right: “It’s absolutely the right thing to do, to bring in tougher restrictions around Christmas and I think most of the country could see for several weeks that this is where it was going.”
On rising Covid cases over recent weeks: “We didn’t know about the new strain of the virus a few weeks ago, but we did know that case rates were rising at an alarming rate in some parts of the country.
On the new variant: “Matt Hancock came to the House on Monday to report that there was this new strain of virus that he said at the time was particularly virulent. The government did know that this was an emerging problem.”
She added: “Yet two days later the Prime Minister went to the Commons, mocked and ridiculed concerns that were raised about it and said that those who were concerned about… were seeking to criminalise people and cancel Christmas.
On schools closing in Tier 4 areas: “Schools should be the last thing to close and the first thing to open… We shouldn’t be debating whether we should be closing schools. We should we debating how we safely keep them open.”
On enforcement of and compliance with the Covid restrictions: “Where we run into problems is not so much about enforcement… The problem is when people are confused about what the rules are.”
She added: “That’s why it is so serious that the Prime Minister on Wednesday was saying in the House of Commons that Christmas would absolutely go ahead as planned… and then just a few days later is saying something different.”
On Labour support for a potential Brexit deal: “We’d be minded to back it.” She added: “We want to see that deal first, we don’t trust that the Prime Minister will come back with a deal that’s in the national interest.”
On unity within Labour on its Brexit position: “The option is do we have a deal, or do we not have a deal?” She added: “We’ve got to get a good deal and Keir and I are completely of one mind about that.”
Matt Hancock told viewers this morning that the additional restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Saturday may have to remain in place for “the next couple of months” while a vaccine is rolled out.
On the new variant of coronavirus, the Health Secretary said: “All of the different measures that we have in place, we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the whole variant.”


labourlist--2020-12-20--Starmer announces Labour launch of UK-wide constitutional commission

Keir Starmer is expected to promise a “ path to a socially just and secure , modern UK ” as he launches a constitutional commission to spread “ power , wealth and opportunity ” out of Westminster .
In a key speech aimed at Scottish voters on Monday , the Labour leader will set out how Labour aims to deliver “ real and lasting economic and political devolution across our towns , communities and to people across the country ” .
Gordon Brown will advise the commission .
The former Labour Prime Minister earlier this year made the case for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the form of a “ constitutional revolution ” to rescue the union .
The commission has been billed as the “ boldest project Labour has embarked on for a generation ” , and its launch is intended to set the tone for Labour ’ s campaign in the run-up to 2021 Scottish parliamentary elections .
Using the JP Mackintosh Memorial Lecture to unveil the plans , Starmer is expected to say : “ The case for the next phase of devolution was urgent before Covid , but the pandemic has put rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council leaders , mayors and metro mayors have stood up for their communities against a centralised ‘ Westminster-knows-best ’ response .
“ A national crisis on this scale should have been the time for central government to work with and empower local communities to bring the country together .
“ But too often the UK government ’ s approach has been to pit council against council , town against town , city against city , mayor against mayor .
“ It ’ s no surprise that the many local leaders I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on decisions that have had huge consequences on people ’ s jobs , lives and their communities .
This has got to change .
“ That ’ s why I ’ m announcing today that in the new year , Labour will launch a UK-wide constitutional commission to consider how power , wealth and opportunity can be devolved to the most local level.
” Starmer recently revealed that the pandemic had changed his view of directly-elected mayors as he was “ a bit wary about ” them at first but thought they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities ” during Covid .
On the details of the commission , Starmer will tell the public on Monday : “ This won ’ t be an exercise in shifting power from one parliament to another , of moving a few jobs out of London or to ‘ devolve and to forget ’ .
“ This will be the boldest project Labour has embarked on for a generation and every bit as bold and radical as the programme of devolution that Labour delivered in the 1990s and 2000s .
“ It will consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will focus on delivering real – and lasting – economic and political devolution across our towns , our communities and to people across the country.
” Starmer will tomorrow promise to make a “ fresh and tangible offer ” to the Scottish people on devolution , in a bid to improve Labour ’ s standing ahead of the Holyrood elections being held on May 6th , 2021 .
“ It is Labour ’ s duty to offer a positive alternative to the Scottish people .
To show that you don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the uncertainty and divisiveness of separatism , ” he will say .
With the SNP set for a majority and polls showing a majority for Scottish independence , Starmer will declare : “ It is our duty – my duty – to make the alternative case for a devolved and a socially just Scotland in a modern UK.
” In 2014 , Scotland voted 55 % to 45 % to remain a part of the UK .
But the Labour leader ’ s speech on Monday follows a series of opinion polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland are now in favour of independence .
“ Boris Johnson isn ’ t Britain , just as Nicola Sturgeon isn ’ t Scotland , ” Starmer will add on Monday , saying he wants to “ preserve and renew ” the union .
“ The United Kingdom is much more than that , more than any individual .
“ It has been before – and can be again – a great force for social justice , for security and for solidarity .
And under my leadership , we will do everything we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour , but equally importantly , in the UK.
” Polling conducted by Survation earlier this month on voting intention at the next Holyrood election showed a lead for the SNP on 53 % , with both Labour and the Conservatives trailing behind on 20 % .
Scottish Labour ’ s general secretary Michael Sharpe announced last week that he was quitting his post ahead of Scottish elections .
He has been replaced by ex-MSP and GMB official Drew Smith on an interim basis .

Keir Starmer is expected to promise a “path to a socially just and secure, modern UK” as he launches a constitutional commission to spread “power, wealth and opportunity” out of Westminster.
In a key speech aimed at Scottish voters on Monday, the Labour leader will set out how Labour aims to deliver “real and lasting economic and political devolution across our towns, communities and to people across the country”.
Gordon Brown will advise the commission. The former Labour Prime Minister earlier this year made the case for a “radical alternative to nationalism” in the form of a “constitutional revolution” to rescue the union.
The commission has been billed as the “boldest project Labour has embarked on for a generation”, and its launch is intended to set the tone for Labour’s campaign in the run-up to 2021 Scottish parliamentary elections.
Using the JP Mackintosh Memorial Lecture to unveil the plans, Starmer is expected to say: “The case for the next phase of devolution was urgent before Covid, but the pandemic has put rocket boosters under it.
“Our Labour council leaders, mayors and metro mayors have stood up for their communities against a centralised ‘Westminster-knows-best’ response.
“A national crisis on this scale should have been the time for central government to work with and empower local communities to bring the country together.
“But too often the UK government’s approach has been to pit council against council, town against town, city against city, mayor against mayor.
“It’s no surprise that the many local leaders I’ve spoken to have felt distanced and ignored on decisions that have had huge consequences on people’s jobs, lives and their communities. This has got to change.
“That’s why I’m announcing today that in the new year, Labour will launch a UK-wide constitutional commission to consider how power, wealth and opportunity can be devolved to the most local level.”
Starmer recently revealed that the pandemic had changed his view of directly-elected mayors as he was “a bit wary about” them at first but thought they had been “the powerful voice of their communities” during Covid.
On the details of the commission, Starmer will tell the public on Monday: “This won’t be an exercise in shifting power from one parliament to another, of moving a few jobs out of London or to ‘devolve and to forget’.
“This will be the boldest project Labour has embarked on for a generation and every bit as bold and radical as the programme of devolution that Labour delivered in the 1990s and 2000s.
“It will consider all parts of the UK and it will focus on delivering real – and lasting – economic and political devolution across our towns, our communities and to people across the country.”
Starmer will tomorrow promise to make a “fresh and tangible offer” to the Scottish people on devolution, in a bid to improve Labour’s standing ahead of the Holyrood elections being held on May 6th, 2021.
“It is Labour’s duty to offer a positive alternative to the Scottish people. To show that you don’t have to choose between a broken status quo and the uncertainty and divisiveness of separatism,” he will say.
With the SNP set for a majority and polls showing a majority for Scottish independence, Starmer will declare: “It is our duty – my duty – to make the alternative case for a devolved and a socially just Scotland in a modern UK.”
In 2014, Scotland voted 55% to 45% to remain a part of the UK. But the Labour leader’s speech on Monday follows a series of opinion polls that indicate a majority of voters in Scotland are now in favour of independence.
“Boris Johnson isn’t Britain, just as Nicola Sturgeon isn’t Scotland,” Starmer will add on Monday, saying he wants to “preserve and renew” the union. “The United Kingdom is much more than that, more than any individual.
“It has been before – and can be again – a great force for social justice, for security and for solidarity. And under my leadership, we will do everything we can to win back your trust in Labour, but equally importantly, in the UK.”
Polling conducted by Survation earlier this month on voting intention at the next Holyrood election showed a lead for the SNP on 53%, with both Labour and the Conservatives trailing behind on 20%.
Scottish Labour’s general secretary Michael Sharpe announced last week that he was quitting his post ahead of Scottish elections. He has been replaced by ex-MSP and GMB official Drew Smith on an interim basis.


labourlist--2020-12-21--Starmer rejects calls for Brexit transition period extension

Keir Starmer has rejected calls for an extension to the Brexit transition period , demanding that the Prime Minister agrees a trade deal with the European Union this week and arguing that “ delaying it further isn ’ t going to help ” .
Discussing Brexit after a key speech aimed at Scottish voters this morning , the Labour leader criticised the government for the uncertainty it has left businesses in as they face the end of the transition period on December 31st .
But asked whether he would support an extension , Starmer told those watching : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want the deal .
The Prime Minister promised a deal .
He said he had an “ oven-ready deal ” .
He needs to get on and deliver that .
“ And just delaying it further isn ’ t going to help with the great uncertainty there already is for businesses .
So , I say to the Prime Minister , get on and deliver the deal that you promised .
Get on and deliver it this week , today , tomorrow , and then we can recall parliament and deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve spoken to in Scotland and actually across the UK are tearing their hair out on that uncertainty because the government is saying to them ‘ prepare for this , prepare for that ’ .
But they don ’ t know what they ’ re preparing for .
“ Their strong message to me is get the deal done .
That ’ s what you promised .
End the uncertainty and let us get on with the preparation .
They ’ re equally clear that no deal would be a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government.
” Demands to extend the Brexit period have grown amid increasing numbers of Covid cases , countries imposing travel bans on the UK and the fast-approaching end of the transition period , which comes to a close at the end of this year .
London mayor Sadiq Khan released a statement this morning urging Boris Johnson to seek an extension and arguing that “ securing our key supply chains and fighting the coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of ministers ” .
Asked why Khan ’ s call is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It would be far better for the government to get the deal over the line today , tomorrow or certainly this week .
That is what businesses are crying out for , it ’ s what the country is crying out for .
“ And it ’ s what we were promised .
Simply delaying and dithering further I don ’ t think gets us anywhere .
So , I say to the Prime Minister , get that deal over the line , get the deal you promised .
“ That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what businesses want .
It ’ s what communities want and it ’ s what we absolutely need for our economy .
So , that ’ s my priority.
” The Labour leader used his speech , given remotely this morning , to launch a constitutional commission to deliver “ real and lasting economic and political devolution across our towns , communities and to people across the country ” .
Outlining his commitment to devolution and setting the tone ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections next year , Starmer slammed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to Brexit and argued it has “ frayed the bonds of the UK ” .
Referring to the internal markets bill , on trade within the UK after Brexit , he said it “ could have been a huge opportunity to push power outwards , but instead the Prime Minister showed his instinct is to hoard power , not to devolve it ” .
The Labour leader stressed the importance of securing a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU this week , saying that this is “ not a game of brinkmanship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livelihoods and businesses are at stake .
Reacting to the Labour leader rejecting demands for an extension to the Brexit transition period this morning , former New Labour strategist and anti-Brexit campaigner Alistair Campbell tweeted : “ Not serious.
” Several Conservative MPs , as well as the Labour London mayor , have called on the Prime Minister to seek an extension to the transition period after more than £33bn was wiped off the FTSE 100 this morning .
Negotiations continued today after the UK government and the EU failed to reach an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament had previously said that talks needed to be concluded by Sunday to have time to ratify any agreement .
The UK parliament is currently in recess for the Christmas and New Year period , but Johnson has said he is willing to recall MPs if a post-Brexit trade deal is reached with the EU .
48 hours ’ notice is needed to recall parliament .
Starmer also told those watching this morning that “ no responsible Prime Minister would grant ” a fresh Scottish independence referendum in the early part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling SNP .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in November that the independence referendum should “ be in the earlier part of the next parliament ” , and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has said it must take place in 2021 .

Keir Starmer has rejected calls for an extension to the Brexit transition period, demanding that the Prime Minister agrees a trade deal with the European Union this week and arguing that “delaying it further isn’t going to help”.
Discussing Brexit after a key speech aimed at Scottish voters this morning, the Labour leader criticised the government for the uncertainty it has left businesses in as they face the end of the transition period on December 31st.
But asked whether he would support an extension, Starmer told those watching: “I don’t want an extension – I want the deal. The Prime Minister promised a deal. He said he had an “oven-ready deal”. He needs to get on and deliver that.
“And just delaying it further isn’t going to help with the great uncertainty there already is for businesses. So, I say to the Prime Minister, get on and deliver the deal that you promised. Get on and deliver it this week, today, tomorrow, and then we can recall parliament and deal with it.”
He added: “Businesses I’ve spoken to in Scotland and actually across the UK are tearing their hair out on that uncertainty because the government is saying to them ‘prepare for this, prepare for that’. But they don’t know what they’re preparing for.
“Their strong message to me is get the deal done. That’s what you promised. End the uncertainty and let us get on with the preparation. They’re equally clear that no deal would be a very bad outcome and a complete failure of the government.”
Demands to extend the Brexit period have grown amid increasing numbers of Covid cases, countries imposing travel bans on the UK and the fast-approaching end of the transition period, which comes to a close at the end of this year.
London mayor Sadiq Khan released a statement this morning urging Boris Johnson to seek an extension and arguing that “securing our key supply chains and fighting the coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of ministers”.
Asked why Khan’s call is “wrong”, Starmer said: “It would be far better for the government to get the deal over the line today, tomorrow or certainly this week. That is what businesses are crying out for, it’s what the country is crying out for.
“And it’s what we were promised. Simply delaying and dithering further I don’t think gets us anywhere. So, I say to the Prime Minister, get that deal over the line, get the deal you promised.
“That’s in the national interest. It’s what businesses want. It’s what communities want and it’s what we absolutely need for our economy. So, that’s my priority.”
The Labour leader used his speech, given remotely this morning, to launch a constitutional commission to deliver “real and lasting economic and political devolution across our towns, communities and to people across the country”.
Outlining his commitment to devolution and setting the tone ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections next year, Starmer slammed the Tories’ “cavalier and chaotic approach” to Brexit and argued it has “frayed the bonds of the UK”.
Referring to the internal markets bill, on trade within the UK after Brexit, he said it “could have been a huge opportunity to push power outwards, but instead the Prime Minister showed his instinct is to hoard power, not to devolve it”.
The Labour leader stressed the importance of securing a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU this week, saying that this is “not a game of brinkmanship” and emphasising to Boris Johnson that livelihoods and businesses are at stake.
Reacting to the Labour leader rejecting demands for an extension to the Brexit transition period this morning, former New Labour strategist and anti-Brexit campaigner Alistair Campbell tweeted: “Not serious.”
Several Conservative MPs, as well as the Labour London mayor, have called on the Prime Minister to seek an extension to the transition period after more than £33bn was wiped off the FTSE 100 this morning.
Negotiations continued today after the UK government and the EU failed to reach an agreement over the weekend. The European parliament had previously said that talks needed to be concluded by Sunday to have time to ratify any agreement.
The UK parliament is currently in recess for the Christmas and New Year period, but Johnson has said he is willing to recall MPs if a post-Brexit trade deal is reached with the EU. 48 hours’ notice is needed to recall parliament.
Starmer also told those watching this morning that “no responsible Prime Minister would grant” a fresh Scottish independence referendum in the early part of the next Holyrood term as favoured by the ruling SNP.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in November that the independence referendum should “be in the earlier part of the next parliament”, and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has said it must take place in 2021.


labourlist--2020-12-21--Starmer says “no responsible PM would grant” Scottish independence vote soon

Keir Starmer has declared that “ no responsible Prime Minister would grant ” a fresh Scottish independence referendum in the early part of the next Holyrood term as favoured by the ruling SNP .
Delivering a speech on the launch of Labour ’ s new constitutional commission , Starmer appeared to abandon his previous position that an SNP majority in 2021 would be a mandate for another independence vote .
The Westminster opposition leader said : “ The last thing Scotland needs now is more years of division .
So Labour will argue passionately against another independence referendum .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argue that tomorrow .
“ It would be entirely the wrong priority to hold another Scottish independence referendum in the teeth of the deepest recession for 300 years .
While still fighting this pandemic , when there is such uncertainty about how Brexit and coronavirus will affect us .
“ And when the costs and consequences of independence are still so uncertain .
That ’ s why Nicola Sturgeon ’ s call for an independence referendum in the ‘ early part ’ of the next Scottish parliament – perhaps even next year – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister said in November that the independence referendum should “ be in the earlier part of the next parliament ” , and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has said it must take place in 2021 .
Starmer told Scottish voters in his JP Mackintosh Memorial Lecture this morning : “ Given the damage and division this would cause , no responsible First Minister should contemplate it – and no responsible Prime Minister would grant it .
“ There should not be another independence referendum while our economic and health outlook is so precarious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper assessment of the costs , consequences and uncertainties of separation.
” In an interview in September , the UK Labour leader described another vote as “ about the last thing that we need ” , but when pressed further on the issue stood by previous comments that the matter was up to Scotland .
“ These issues are questions for Scotland , I do stand by that .
I ’ m setting out the argument that the Labour Party and Scottish Labour will be making between now and next May , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Starmer has now suggested that Covid , as well as other causes of uncertainty in the country , means a Scottish independence vote should not be held soon – even if the SNP win a majority in May 2021 on such a platform .
Asked today whether he would personally lead the next campaign for the union , Starmer reiterated his position , saying : “ Look , I don ’ t think there should be another referendum .
That is the thrust of what I ’ m saying .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom , I ’ m absolutely prepared to be a champion and an advocate for the United Kingdom .
But that case needs to be made without regard to a referendum.
” The Labour leader used the speech today to unveil plans for a UK-wide constitutional commission , which will be “ radical ” and “ consider how power , wealth and opportunity can be devolved to the most local level ” .
The “ boldest project Labour has embarked on for a generation ” will be advised by former Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prominent role in the ‘ No ’ campaign during the 2014 Scottish referendum .
“ The commission will make the positive case for the UK and it will champion devolution , but beyond that it will rule nothing out and I will look at the conclusions without preconceptions , ” Starmer promised this morning .
“ It will have one overriding priority : to push power closer to people .
And to deliver a more democratic and socially just United Kingdom .
It will put our nations and regions at its centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local leaders and councillors .
“ It will involve all parts of the labour movement : our members , trade unions and supporters .
And it will welcome community organisations , grassroots groups , and movements for change .
Above all , it will hear direct from the British people.
” Starmer also sent a direct message to Scottish voters who have “ given up on Labour ” and “ given up on the United Kingdom ” , telling them : “ I hear what you ’ re saying .
I understand why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I ’ m not surprised .
For a decade , there ’ s been a Conservative government in Westminster with priorities you don ’ t share .
And there ’ s been a Labour opposition that keeps losing .
“ When those are the alternatives , I can see why you ’ ve reached the conclusion you have .
But Boris Johnson isn ’ t Britain .
Just as Nicola Sturgeon isn ’ t Scotland .
The United Kingdom is much more than that , more than any individual.
” He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climb , nowhere more than in Scotland .
And nowhere matters more to me than Scotland .
The first step on that journey is to reaffirm Labour ’ s commitment to a UK based on social justice and solidarity.
” The Labour leader told journalists today that there was “ a case ” for recalling the UK parliament amid the latest Covid news but said it was more important that the Prime Minister address the public today after COBRA .
He rejected demands – made by figures including London mayor Sadiq Khan – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Brexit transition period .
“ I don ’ t want an extension , I want the deal , ” Starmer said .
“ I think it would be far better for the government to get the deal over the line today , tomorrow or certainly this week , ” the opposition leader added .
“ Simply delaying and dithering further I don ’ t think gets us anywhere.
” Starmer ’ s speech follows a series of opinion polls that indicate a majority of voters in Scotland are now in favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the SNP will overwhelmingly win the Holyrood elections in May .

Keir Starmer has declared that “no responsible Prime Minister would grant” a fresh Scottish independence referendum in the early part of the next Holyrood term as favoured by the ruling SNP.
Delivering a speech on the launch of Labour’s new constitutional commission, Starmer appeared to abandon his previous position that an SNP majority in 2021 would be a mandate for another independence vote.
The Westminster opposition leader said: “The last thing Scotland needs now is more years of division. So Labour will argue passionately against another independence referendum. We will argue that today, we will argue that tomorrow.
“It would be entirely the wrong priority to hold another Scottish independence referendum in the teeth of the deepest recession for 300 years. While still fighting this pandemic, when there is such uncertainty about how Brexit and coronavirus will affect us.
“And when the costs and consequences of independence are still so uncertain. That’s why Nicola Sturgeon’s call for an independence referendum in the ‘early part’ of the next Scottish parliament – perhaps even next year – is so misguided.”
The Scottish First Minister said in November that the independence referendum should “be in the earlier part of the next parliament”, and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has said it must take place in 2021.
Starmer told Scottish voters in his JP Mackintosh Memorial Lecture this morning: “Given the damage and division this would cause, no responsible First Minister should contemplate it – and no responsible Prime Minister would grant it.
“There should not be another independence referendum while our economic and health outlook is so precarious – nor until there has been a proper assessment of the costs, consequences and uncertainties of separation.”
In an interview in September, the UK Labour leader described another vote as “about the last thing that we need”, but when pressed further on the issue stood by previous comments that the matter was up to Scotland.
“These issues are questions for Scotland, I do stand by that. I’m setting out the argument that the Labour Party and Scottish Labour will be making between now and next May,” Starmer told Sky News at the time.
But Starmer has now suggested that Covid, as well as other causes of uncertainty in the country, means a Scottish independence vote should not be held soon – even if the SNP win a majority in May 2021 on such a platform.
Asked today whether he would personally lead the next campaign for the union, Starmer reiterated his position, saying: “Look, I don’t think there should be another referendum. That is the thrust of what I’m saying.
“But in making the passionate case for the United Kingdom, I’m absolutely prepared to be a champion and an advocate for the United Kingdom. But that case needs to be made without regard to a referendum.”
The Labour leader used the speech today to unveil plans for a UK-wide constitutional commission, which will be “radical” and “consider how power, wealth and opportunity can be devolved to the most local level”.
The “boldest project Labour has embarked on for a generation” will be advised by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who played a prominent role in the ‘No’ campaign during the 2014 Scottish referendum.
“The commission will make the positive case for the UK and it will champion devolution, but beyond that it will rule nothing out and I will look at the conclusions without preconceptions,” Starmer promised this morning.
“It will have one overriding priority: to push power closer to people. And to deliver a more democratic and socially just United Kingdom. It will put our nations and regions at its centre: our metro mayors, mayors, local leaders and councillors.
“It will involve all parts of the labour movement: our members, trade unions and supporters. And it will welcome community organisations, grassroots groups, and movements for change. Above all, it will hear direct from the British people.”
Starmer also sent a direct message to Scottish voters who have “given up on Labour” and “given up on the United Kingdom”, telling them: “I hear what you’re saying. I understand why you feel as you do.
“And I’m not surprised. For a decade, there’s been a Conservative government in Westminster with priorities you don’t share. And there’s been a Labour opposition that keeps losing.
“When those are the alternatives, I can see why you’ve reached the conclusion you have. But Boris Johnson isn’t Britain. Just as Nicola Sturgeon isn’t Scotland. The United Kingdom is much more than that, more than any individual.”
He added: “Labour has a mountain to climb, nowhere more than in Scotland. And nowhere matters more to me than Scotland. The first step on that journey is to reaffirm Labour’s commitment to a UK based on social justice and solidarity.”
The Labour leader told journalists today that there was “a case” for recalling the UK parliament amid the latest Covid news but said it was more important that the Prime Minister address the public today after COBRA.
He rejected demands – made by figures including London mayor Sadiq Khan – for the UK to request an extension to the Brexit transition period. “I don’t want an extension, I want the deal,” Starmer said.
“I think it would be far better for the government to get the deal over the line today, tomorrow or certainly this week,” the opposition leader added. “Simply delaying and dithering further I don’t think gets us anywhere.”
Starmer’s speech follows a series of opinion polls that indicate a majority of voters in Scotland are now in favour of independence, and polls consistently predict that the SNP will overwhelmingly win the Holyrood elections in May.