labourlist--2020-07-24--Basic income must become part of a new settlement, for a new post-Covid age

I read with real interest Anna Coote ’ s article earlier this week , which questioned the arguments and assumptions behind the policy of basic income .
It was a well written and reasoned article , but it presented an overly simplistic idea of basic income , what it is , what it is for and who pays for it .
At its heart , a basic income is a liberation project .
It has the potential to free citizens from three evils : want , drudgery and insecurity .
If this crisis has showed anything , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives are – living pay day to pay day , maybe in an insecure gig economy job .
Basic income addresses these issues in a way that provision of basic services can not begin to .
The most important basic services for anyone are food and clothes .
And yet these are the basic services most obviously missing from Anna ’ s argument .
It ’ s all well and good providing legal aid – and it is important – but an income to pay for food for your kids ’ stomachs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viscerally important .
Automation will soon be – and in many sectors already is – cheaper and more effective than human labour .
Providing basic services to people does not help people cope with that .
Only a basic income can mitigate the worst excesses of coming – and current – changes in the labour market .
Just look at the job losses and iconic high street stores closing .
For people who are losing their jobs due to these changes , providing them with free adult social care and access to green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They need money in their pockets .
And this is the fundamental point – money in your pocket is a basic human right .
For all the right wing likes to masquerade as libertarian , you can ’ t be truly free without money in your pocket .
And when traditional work can not generate that disposable income , other policies will have to step in .
Only a basic income puts trust in the working classes that they know how better to spend their money than the state .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let me now address the cost issue .
Anna ’ s argument is that it would be hugely expensive .
But this is a right-wing fallacious critique that the Labour frontbench should not share .
It has been argued by every opponent of Labour governments for every policy proposal ever .
From the NHS to the national minimum wage , from the Open University to building schools for the future – every Labour government has shown that the most cost-effective option in the long term is to invest in our people and reap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others propose a basic income that is part of a new settlement for a new age : successful large businesses expected to pay it forward to the next generation , in a way that will benefit themselves in the long-term too ; citizens trusted to make the right choices for themselves and their communities ; public servants rewarded for their hard work in a way that they haven ’ t been done for years .
Post Covid , we are going to need to stimulate demand , and a basic income would help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ideas greatest champions are business people .
In America this idea has been championed by such political titans as former President Barack Obama , and the aim has been to set the basic income at $ 1,000 a month .
It has support across the political spectrum , which is a virtue not a vice .
Universal basic services would protect the current , failing , welfare system that the Tories introduced .
It would protect Universal Credit , means testing , job centres .
It would protect a safety net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characterised as Iain Duncan Smith did a free broadband connection , and it would easily fall victim to the next inevitable round of Tory cuts if and when they finally replace a Keir Starmer government .
In contrast , we can make basic income an NHS for our times , loved and valued by all , and this would stop the Tories getting rid of it .
They wouldn ’ t dare .
Basic income has been trialled and has been shown to work .
The most recent trial in Finland found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to : • An improved level of mental health and wellbeing ; and • No noticeable effect on days at work in those who received basic income .
In fact , the trial found that those receiving the basic income spent slightly more days at work than the control group .
Basic income has been tested and has been found to work .
It is also popular .
A YouGov poll in April found that 51 % of the public support a universal basic income “ where the government makes sure everyone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or requirement to work ” .
Just 24 % were unsupportive of the idea , while 9 % said they did not know how they feel .
It is an idea that takes the public with it – it even had a positive majority with Conservative voters , heresy I know for some but just the type of people we need to win the next election .
So why basic income and not basic services ?
I think it ’ s a false choice .
Basic income stimulates demand and economic growth that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it comes down to it , I am on the side of the idea that liberates and empowers , that trusts the British people with their own spending , that is tried and tested , that is mainstream and is popular with the public .
Basic income should be part a new settlement with the British people that focuses plainly on dealing with our modern-day concerns , and fair and square puts more money in people ’ s pockets .

I read with real interest Anna Coote’s article earlier this week, which questioned the arguments and assumptions behind the policy of basic income. It was a well written and reasoned article, but it presented an overly simplistic idea of basic income, what it is, what it is for and who pays for it. At its heart, a basic income is a liberation project. It has the potential to free citizens from three evils: want, drudgery and insecurity. If this crisis has showed anything, it’s how precarious many people’s financial lives are – living pay day to pay day, maybe in an insecure gig economy job.
Basic income addresses these issues in a way that provision of basic services cannot begin to do. The most important basic services for anyone are food and clothes. And yet these are the basic services most obviously missing from Anna’s argument. It’s all well and good providing legal aid – and it is important – but an income to pay for food for your kids’ stomachs and shoes for their feet is much more viscerally important.
Automation will soon be – and in many sectors already is – cheaper and more effective than human labour. Providing basic services to people does not help people cope with that. Only a basic income can mitigate the worst excesses of coming – and current – changes in the labour market. Just look at the job losses and iconic high street stores closing. For people who are losing their jobs due to these changes, providing them with free adult social care and access to green spaces does far too little for them. They need money in their pockets.
And this is the fundamental point: money in your pocket is a basic human right. For all the right wing likes to masquerade as libertarian, you can’t be truly free without money in your pocket. And when traditional work cannot generate that disposable income, other policies will have to step in. Only a basic income puts trust in the working classes that they know how better to spend their money than the state. It is not paternalism – it is empowerment.
Let me now address the cost issue. Anna’s argument is that it would be hugely expensive. But this is a right-wing fallacious critique that the Labour frontbench should not share. It has been argued by every opponent of Labour governments for every policy proposal ever. From the NHS to the national minimum wage, from the Open University to building schools for the future, every Labour government has shown that the most cost-effective option in the long term is to invest in our people and reap the dividend across decades.
I and others propose a basic income that is part of a new settlement for a new age: successful large businesses expected to pay it forward to the next generation, in a way that will benefit themselves in the long-term too; citizens trusted to make the right choices for themselves and their communities; public servants rewarded for their hard work in a way that they haven’t been done for years.
Post-Covid, we are going to need to stimulate demand, and a basic income would help. That is why some of the proposal’s greatest champions are business people. In America, this idea has been championed by such political titans as former President Barack Obama, and the aim has been to set the basic income at $1,000 a month. It has support across the political spectrum, which is a virtue rather than a vice.
Universal basic services would protect the current, failing, welfare system that the Tories introduced. It would protect Universal Credit, means testing, job centres. It would protect a safety net with huge holes. It would be characterised as Iain Duncan Smith did a free broadband connection, and it would easily fall victim to the next inevitable round of Tory cuts if and when they finally replace a Keir Starmer government. In contrast, we can make basic income an NHS for our times, loved and valued by all, and this would stop the Tories getting rid of it. They wouldn’t dare.
Basic income has been trialled and shown to work. The most recent trial in Finland found that basic income over a two-year period led to:
A greater feeling of economic security;
An improved level of mental health and wellbeing; and
No noticeable effect on days at work in those who received basic income.
In fact, the trial found that those receiving the basic income spent slightly more days at work than the control group.
It is also popular. A YouGov poll in April found that 51% of the public support a universal basic income “where the government makes sure everyone has an income, without a means test or requirement to work”. Just 24% were unsupportive of the idea, while 9% said they did not know how they feel. It is an idea that takes the public with it – it even had a positive majority with Conservative voters, heresy I know for some but just the type of people we need to win the next election.
Why basic income and not basic services? It’s a false choice. Basic income stimulates demand and economic growth that pays for basic services. However, if it comes down to it, I am on the side of the idea that liberates and empowers, that trusts the British people with their own spending, that is tried and tested, that is mainstream and is popular with the public. Basic income should be part a new settlement with the British people that focuses plainly on dealing with our modern-day concerns, and fair and square puts more money in people’s pockets.


labourlist--2020-07-24--Let’s draw a line under the traumas of recent years

As parliament rises for the summer recess , there can be little doubt that the political challenges for the second half of 2020 are immense : worrying national security concerns over the actions of China and Russia ; the continued presence of Covid-19 , which is still taking the lives of hundreds of people in England every week ; the threat of an overstretched NHS in the winter months if there is a second wave ; rising unemployment as the furlough scheme draws to an end and the economy remains slow ; and , deal or no deal , businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the year when the transition period with the EU comes to an end .
Every week , at Prime Minister ’ s Questions , Keir Starmer exposes how ill-equipped Boris Johnson is to lead us through these challenges .
But , as they say , we are where we are .
While it may be a few years before the country is “ under new management ” , Keir made it explicit on Wednesday that the Labour Party most certainly is .
And it is vital that the primary role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to account – is carried out effectively in the coming months .
Political decisions taken during the next session of parliament will determine the direction of our country for the coming decade .
Millions of lives , jobs and businesses are at stake .
However , if Labour is to play its part effectively – as it must – it has to get its own house in order , present a competent and united face , and demonstrate that it is indeed a government in waiting .
This involves drawing a line under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that voters who could not support us at the last general election will be confident to do so at the next .
Keir has made solid progress in his first three months as leader , building a credible shadow cabinet team and making good , with deeds as well as words , on his promises during the leadership campaign .
He has shown an unequivocal zero tolerance of antisemitism .
He has publicly committed to cooperating fully with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission investigation , and to implementing its recommendations .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good on the promise that all leadership candidates made , to apologise to the former staff members and BBC journalist John Ware , over the party ’ s initial response to last year ’ s Panorama documentary on antisemitism in the party .
I don ’ t know about all of you , bur Keir has made me proud to be Labour member again .
Whilst I and many others welcome such strong and principled leadership , not all party members have been as positive in their reactions .
Now , robust disagreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics .
I bear the scars of many battles over the decades , not least on the national executive committee ( NEC ) .
But at such a critical time for our country , we simply can not afford to have a bitter , litigious and painfully public civil war if we are to curb the worst excesses of Johnson and Dominic Cummings ’ dangerous Tory government .
Members of the Labour Party need to accept this political reality , or risk being seen as blinkered and self-indulgent at a time of national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillors need to be amplified on the issues that matter to the public – jobs , the economy , the Covid response , national security .
Members need to unite around the issues and values that are at the heart of democratic socialism – protecting those at risk , supporting those who work hard and aspire to improve their lives , creating a more fair and equal society – essential Labour values .
And in the coming weeks , members will have a practical chance to do just that , as the processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections get underway .
If we are to support Keir in rebuilding public trust in Labour as a party of government , we need an NEC that understands and reflects the public ’ s concerns .
My time on the NEC showed me that we need a team around that table who can help and advise the leader and make sure that we can rise to the enormous challenges ahead .
Most Constituency Labour Parties will not have met in person since February or March ( some may see this as a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since then , not least the leadership of the party .
It ’ s time to roll up our sleeves and get working .
We need party members to organise locally to support the best candidates – those who can enable the party leadership to deliver nationally .
To my mind these people are the candidates proposed by Labour To Win – Luke Akehurst , Johanna Baxter , Gurinder Singh Josan , Terry Paul , Michael Payne and Shama Tatler – people from a wide variety of backgrounds , from across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the very best of Labour values .
If you share my desire for Labour to rebuild under Keir Starmer and take the fight to the Tories , join us in Labour to Win – and help us put Labour back on the path to power .

As parliament rises for the summer recess, there can be little doubt that the political challenges for the second half of 2020 are immense: worrying national security concerns over the actions of China and Russia; the continued presence of Covid-19, which is still taking the lives of hundreds of people in England every week; the threat of an overstretched NHS in the winter months if there is a second wave; rising unemployment as the furlough scheme draws to an end and the economy remains slow; and, deal or no deal, businesses and citizens face further uncertainty at the end of the year when the transition period with the EU comes to an end.
Every week at Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer exposes how ill-equipped Boris Johnson is to lead us through these challenges. But, as they say, we are where we are. While it may be a few years before the country is “under new management”, Keir made it explicit on Wednesday that the Labour Party most certainly is. And it is vital that the primary role of the official opposition – holding government ministers to account – is carried out effectively in the coming months. Political decisions taken during the next session of parliament will determine the direction of our country for the coming decade. Millions of lives, jobs and businesses are at stake.
However, if Labour is to play its part effectively – as it must – it has to get its own house in order, present a competent and united face, and demonstrate that it is indeed a government in waiting. This involves drawing a line under the traumas of recent years, so that voters who could not support us at the last general election will be confident to do so at the next. Keir has made solid progress in his first three months as leader, building a credible shadow cabinet team and making good, with deeds as well as words, on his promises during the leadership campaign. He has shown an unequivocal zero tolerance of antisemitism. He has publicly committed to cooperating fully with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission investigation, and to implementing its recommendations.
And just this week, he has made good on the promise that all leadership candidates made: to apologise to the former staff members and BBC journalist John Ware over the party’s initial response to last year’s Panorama documentary on antisemitism in the party. I don’t know about all of you, but Keir has made me proud to be a Labour member again. Whilst I and many others welcome such strong and principled leadership, not all party members have been as positive in their reactions. Now, robust disagreement is all very much part of party politics. I bear the scars of many battles over the decades, not least on the national executive committee (NEC). But at such a critical time for our country, we simply cannot afford to have a bitter, litigious and painfully public civil war if we are to curb the worst excesses of Johnson and Dominic Cummings’ dangerous Tory government.
Members of the Labour Party need to accept this political reality, or risk being seen as blinkered and self-indulgent at a time of national crisis. The voices of MPs and councillors need to be amplified on the issues that matter to the public – jobs, the economy, the Covid response, national security. Members need to unite around the issues and values that are at the heart of democratic socialism – protecting those at risk, supporting those who work hard and aspire to improve their lives, creating a more fair and equal society – essential Labour values. And in the coming weeks, members will have a practical chance to do just that, as the processes for nomination and voting in the NEC elections get underway. If we are to support Keir in rebuilding public trust in Labour as a party of government, we need an NEC that understands and reflects the public’s concerns. My time on the NEC showed me that we need a team around that table who can help and advise the leader and make sure that we can rise to the enormous challenges ahead.
Most Constituency Labour Parties will not have met in person since February or March (some may see this as a small blessing!) but much has changed since then, not least the leadership of the party. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get working. We need party members to organise locally to support the best candidates – those who can enable the party leadership to deliver nationally. To my mind, these people are the candidates proposed by Labour To Win – Luke Akehurst, Johanna Baxter, Gurinder Singh Josan, Terry Paul, Michael Payne and Shama Tatler. People from a wide variety of backgrounds, from across the country, who have enormous experience of fighting for the very best of Labour values. If you share my desire for Labour to rebuild under Keir Starmer and take the fight to the Tories, join us in Labour to Win, and help us put Labour back on the path to power.


labourlist--2020-07-24--A call for Labour to be “honest and transparent” over the Panorama case

In the latest in the Panorama libel case row , Momentum ’ s national coordinating group has issued a statement saying that members deserve to know “ whether or not these settlements were in line with the legal advice the party received ” .
Calling for the party to be “ honest and transparent ” , the left group ’ s governing body has demanded that Labour publish this advice .
The comments from the NCG follows remarks from both the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Unite general secretary Len McCluskey , who ’ ve said that the advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is controversial since critics of the decision to settle have said it represents a waste of members ’ money .
At the same time , reports in this morning ’ s papers suggest that the potential payouts for further legal action being taken against the party , many related to the leaked antisemitism report such as that involving former general secretary Ian McNicol , could amount to £8m .
Meanwhile , Labour ’ s Jo Stevens has called on Ofcom to review Russia Today ’ s licence to operate in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report by the intelligence and security committee .
Keir Starmer raised the issue in this week ’ s PMQs , challenging Boris Johnson to “ stop the spread of Kremlin-backed disinformation ” and adding that a 2018 High Court ruling had found that RT broadcasts “ pose actual and potential harm ” .
Shadow Culture Secretary Stevens did the media rounds this morning to discuss the letter she penned to the communications regulator , highlighting that RT has committed “ over 20 breaches ” of broadcasting code .
RT hit back to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law ” , and suggested ominously that if its license is taken away , “ something would happen to the BBC ” in Russia .
The Labour Party has continued its focus on education , with Kate Green giving her first interview since taking up the post as Shadow Education Secretary .
She slammed the government for its approach to schools and for a “ wasted summer ” , with poor holiday catch up provision and no “ plan B ” for what will happen if the UK sees a surge in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour also launched a campaign on higher education yesterday , setting out seven tests to make sure that students and universities are “ safeguarded from the economic impact of this crisis ” – including a demand that no university should be allowed to go bust .
In other news , allegations of gerrymandering by a Tory council leader and Conservative group of councillors are to be investigated following a letter sent to the PM by local Labour MP Jon Cruddas – the accusations follow the release of a 32-minute recording of a Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the council is heard discussing how he had influenced the local boundary review to make it “ politically advantageous ” for the Conservatives .
And as the rules on mandatory face coverings in all shops comes into force in England today , lots of businesses have said that they won ’ t be enforcing it .
Unions have warned that retail workers should not be made responsible for enforcing the law , with Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis saying that this could be a “ flashpoint ” for abuse of staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

In the latest in the Panorama libel case row, Momentum’s national coordinating group has issued a statement saying that members deserve to know “whether or not these settlements were in line with the legal advice the party received”. Calling for the party to be “honest and transparent”, the left group’s governing body has demanded that Labour publish this advice. The comments from the NCG follows remarks from both the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, who’ve said the advice suggested that Labour had a strong defence. This is controversial as critics of the decision to settle have said it represents a waste of members’ money. At the same time, reports in this morning’s papers suggest that the potential payouts for further legal action being taken against the party, many related to the leaked antisemitism report such as that involving former general secretary Ian McNicol, could amount to £8m.
Meanwhile, Labour’s Jo Stevens has called on Ofcom to review Russia Today’s licence to operate in the UK, following the publication of the report by the intelligence and security committee. Keir Starmer raised the issue in this week’s PMQs, challenging Boris Johnson to “stop the spread of Kremlin-backed disinformation” and adding that a 2018 High Court ruling had found that RT broadcasts “pose actual and potential harm”. Shadow Culture Secretary Stevens did the media rounds this morning to discuss the letter she penned to the communications regulator, highlighting that RT has committed “over 20 breaches” of broadcasting code. RT hit back to say that Stevens “knows nothing about the law”, and suggested ominously that “something would happen to the BBC” in Russia if its license were taken away.
The Labour Party has continued its focus on education, with Kate Green giving her first interview since taking up the post as Shadow Education Secretary. She slammed the government for its approach to schools and for a “wasted summer”, with poor holiday catch up provision and no “plan B” for what will happen if the UK sees a surge in coronavirus cases later in the year. And Labour also launched a campaign on higher education yesterday, setting out seven tests to make sure that students and universities are “safeguarded from the economic impact of this crisis” – including a demand that no university should be allowed to go bust.
In other news, allegations of gerrymandering by a Tory council leader and Conservative group of councillors are to be investigated following a letter sent to the PM by local Labour MP Jon Cruddas. The accusations follow the release of a 32-minute recording of a Tory Party meeting, in which the leader of the council is heard discussing how he had influenced the local boundary review to make it “politically advantageous” for the Conservatives. And as the rules on mandatory face coverings in all shops comes into force in England today, lots of businesses have said that they won’t be enforcing it. Unions have warned that retail workers should not be made responsible for enforcing the law, with Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis saying this could be a “flashpoint” for abuse of staff. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-07-24--Labour was warned leaked report gave intentionally “misleading picture”

Leaked documents appear to show that Labour was warned that the leaked report on antisemitism gave an intentionally “ misleading picture ” , and had accessed messages through a “ clear and unacceptable breach of confidence ” .
The Guardian reports that documents seen by the paper show an email from Labour ’ s former head of the governance and legal unit Thomas Gardiner , registering his concerns with former general secretary Jenny Formby on April 11th .
According to the newspaper , Gardiner wrote that he objected to the internal report because its authors were trying to “ lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the party ’ s complaints process .
He added : “ I also object further on the grounds that large sections of the report have been compiled using email searches which were not authorised for the authors to undertake including improper searches of my email account .
“ The report also includes confidential private WhatsApp and other messages – a clear and unacceptable breach of confidence .
Further , these messages are presented selectively and without their true context in order to give a misleading picture .
“ I realise it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report , given that it has apparently been leaked in a previous version , but I must register this formal objection.
” Formby told The Guardian : “ I authorised the searches which were legitimately carried out .
The information used in the internal report into the handling of antisemitism complaints came to light when searches were undertaken in response to Equalities and Human Rights Commission requests.
” She added : “ The EHRC asked the Labour Party to search all its internal systems , including WhatsApp groups where possible , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that staff communications on internal party systems can be searched in this way.
” The 851-page document was leaked in April this year , and includes allegations that antisemitism complaints has been deliberately mishandled between by staffers in order to undermine the Labour leader .
The dossier is subject to an inquiry , which the national executive committee has agreed will look into how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data .
LabourList published the agreed terms of reference in full .
The investigation , chaired by Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is expected to be completed at the end of the year .
Its call for evidence has just been extended by two weeks as well , with the deadline on August 7th at 5pm .
Lawyer Mark Lewis – who acted against Labour in the Panorama case – revealed in an interview with BBC Newsnight that former general secretary Iain McNicol is suing the Labour Party over the content of the report .
He told viewers that “ there are 32 people who have instructed me to take action .
Their actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misuse of private information… McNicol is named in the report and is blamed for things that simply didn ’ t happen.
” According to The Telegraph , potential financial settlements for further legal action being taken against the Labour Party , many related to the leaked antisemitism report , could amount to £8m .
Thomas Gardiner has been approached for comment .

Leaked documents appear to show that Labour was warned that the internal report on antisemitism gave an intentionally “misleading picture” and had accessed messages through a “clear and unacceptable breach of confidence”.
The Guardian reports that an email from Labour’s former head of the governance and legal unit Thomas Gardiner registered his concerns with former general secretary Jenny Formby on April 11th.
According to the newspaper, Gardiner told Formby that he objected to the internal report because its authors were trying to “lay false blame” on him for problems in the party’s complaints process.
He added: “I also object further on the grounds that large sections of the report have been compiled using email searches which were not authorised for the authors to undertake including improper searches of my email account.
“The report also includes confidential private WhatsApp and other messages – a clear and unacceptable breach of confidence. Further, these messages are presented selectively and without their true context in order to give a misleading picture.
“I realise it will not be helpful not to further use the report, given that it has apparently been leaked in a previous version, but I must register this formal objection.”
Formby told The Guardian: “I authorised the searches which were legitimately carried out. The information used in the internal report into the handling of antisemitism complaints came to light when searches were undertaken in response to Equalities and Human Rights Commission requests.”
She added: “The EHRC asked the Labour Party to search all its internal systems, including WhatsApp groups where possible, and the party’s staff handbook makes clear that staff communications on internal party systems can be searched in this way.”
The 851-page document was leaked in April this year. It alleges that antisemitism complaints were deliberately mishandled by party staffers in order to undermine Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The dossier is subject to an inquiry, which the national executive committee has agreed will look into how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data. LabourList published the terms of reference in full.
The investigation, chaired by Martin Forde QC, has now been delayed and is expected to be completed at the end of the year. Its call for evidence has now been extended by two weeks, with a new deadline of August 7th at 5pm.
Lawyer Mark Lewis, who acted against Labour in the Panorama case, revealed in an interview with BBC Newsnight that former general secretary Iain McNicol is suing the Labour Party over the content of the report.
He told viewers that “there are 32 people who have instructed me to take action. Their actions are in respect to data breaches, misuse of private information… McNicol is named in the report and is blamed for things that simply didn’t happen.”
According to The Telegraph, potential financial settlements for further legal action being taken against the Labour Party, many related to the leaked antisemitism report, could amount to £8m.
Thomas Gardiner has been approached for comment.


labourlist--2020-07-24--Legal fund for Jeremy Corbyn following Panorama settlement reaches £160,000

A fund created in response to reports that BBC journalist John Ware is taking legal action against former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has reached over £160,000 .
The gofundme page was established following the settlement reached and apology issued by Labour to the journalist and several former party staffers , in relation to a libel case about a 2019 Panorama documentary .
The page , which has been donated to by 8,548 people , had an initial target of raising £20,000 .
Organiser Carole Morgan has written that “ Jeremy ’ s office has been in touch and he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support ” .
The organiser also explained that the money will remain with gofundme until “ the details for distribution have been established with Jeremy ’ s office ” .
In a statement earlier this week , Labour said it “ apologises unreservedly ” to the former employees and Ware and agreed to pay “ substantial damages ” .
The settlement is believed to have cost the party between £600,000 and £750,000 .
A Labour spokesperson at the time the documentary was aired had said that Ware had made “ deliberate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
However , in its apology to the journalist this week the party said that those statements had included “ invented quotes ” , “ flouted journalistic ethics ” and were “ defamatory ” .
The former leader criticised the Labour Party ’ s decision to apologise and settle the case , calling it a “ political decision , not a legal one ” .
He also said the legal advice given to Labour had been that “ the party had a strong defence ” .
The Islington MP said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way is disappointing , and risks giving credibility to misleading and inaccurate allegations about action taken to tackle antisemitism in the Labour Party in recent years .
”

A fund created in response to reports that BBC journalist John Ware is taking legal action against former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has reached over £160,000 in donations.
The GoFundMe page was set up after Labour reached a settlement apologised to the BBC journalist and several former party staffers in relation to a libel case concerning a 2019 Panorama documentary.
The page, which has attracted 8,548 donors, had an initial target of raising £20,000. Organiser Carole Morgan has written that “Jeremy’s office has been in touch and he is deeply touched by this outpouring of love and support”.
The organiser also explained that the money will remain with GoFundMe until “the details for distribution have been established with Jeremy’s office”.
In a statement earlier this week, Labour said it “apologises unreservedly” to the former employees and Ware and agreed to pay “substantial damages”. The settlement is believed to have cost the party between £600,000 and £750,000.
A Labour spokesperson at the time the documentary was aired had said that Ware had made “deliberate and malicious misrepresentations designed to mislead the public”.
However, in its apology to the journalist this week the party said that those statements had included “invented quotes”, “flouted journalistic ethics” and were “defamatory”.
Corbyn criticised the Labour Party’s decision to apologise and settle the case, calling it a “political decision, not a legal one”. He also said the legal advice given to Labour had been that “the party had a strong defence”.
The Islington MP said: “The decision to settle these claims in this way is disappointing, and risks giving credibility to misleading and inaccurate allegations about action taken to tackle antisemitism in the Labour Party in recent years.”


labourlist--2020-07-24--Rayner: Public deserve to know identity of “Russian tycoon” behind £1.2bn project

Labour ’ s Angela Rayner has said that the public “ have a right to know the identity of the Russian tycoon ” behind a £1.2bn infrastructure project to build an electric power link tunnel under the Channel .
Responding to reports that a Russian individual behind company Aquind , which has donated more than £240,000 to the Conservatives since 2018 , the deputy leader today joined a number of senior Tories in calling for their identity to be made public .
Citing the findings of the Russia report published earlier this week , Rayner said the Prime Minister must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory Party ” does not buy influence with the government .
Commenting on information found in the intelligence and security committee , she said : “ The Russia report laid bare the influence that super-rich Russian oligarchs have sought to exert over our politics .
“ Given we already know that over a dozen Tory Ministers are being bankrolled by individuals and businesses with links to Russia , the public have a right to know the identity of the Russian tycoon behind this major UK infrastructure project.
” Electoral Commission records show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the intelligence watchdog committee and 14 government ministers had accepted tens of thousands in donations from individuals or businesses linked to Russia .
She added : “ The government has questions to answer about the links between party donors and planning applications if we are to believe that money does not buy influence over our politics .
“ Labour is sure that the Prime Minister will be keen to reassure the public that bank-rolling the Tory Party does not buy Russian tycoons influence over planning applications and decisions relating to major infrastructure projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Earlier in the week , cbinet minister Brandon Lewis defended the right of the party to accept donations , saying that the donors are entitled to “ play their full part in our democracy ” .
Lewis was recorded as having received a £25,000 donation from Lubov Chernukhin , the wife of a former minister to Vladamir Putin , and £23,000 from Alexander Temerko – a former chief of a Russian arms company .
Boris Johnson told MPs in the Commons during Prime Minister ’ s Questions on Wednesday that “ no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more vigilant ” than the UK in protecting against Russian interference .
This is despite the Prime Minister famously accepting a £160,000 donation from Chernukhin in 2014 in exchange for game of tennis .
Johnson was the mayor of London at the time .
Aquind is one of 150 companies – out of around four million in the UK – to have been granted an exemption to the anti-corruption rules that mean that companies must normally disclose “ persons of significant control ” , according to The Times .
The government is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving a donor and minister Robert Jenrick , following his decision overturn his own planning approval of an application after admitting “ apparent bias ” .
Jenrick sat next to the donor at a fundraising dinner before overruling a council and the government planning inspectorate , who recommended he refuse the scheme , to grant permission for the billionaire ’ s £1bn development .
The Conservative minister also admitted that he published his decision in time for the developer to avoid a new charge – known as a community infrastructure levy – which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £30m to £50m .

Labour’s Angela Rayner has said that the public “have a right to know the identity of the Russian tycoon” behind a £1.2bn infrastructure project to build an electric power link tunnel under the Channel.
Responding to reports that a Russian individual behind company Aquind, which has donated more than £240,000 to the Conservatives since 2018, the deputy leader today joined a number of senior Tories in calling for their identity to be made public.
Citing the findings of the Russia report published earlier this week, Rayner said the Prime Minister must reassure the public that “bankrolling the Tory Party” does not buy influence with the government.
Commenting on information found in the intelligence and security committee, she said: “The Russia report laid bare the influence that super-rich Russian oligarchs have sought to exert over our politics.
“Given we already know that over a dozen Tory Ministers are being bankrolled by individuals and businesses with links to Russia, the public have a right to know the identity of the Russian tycoon behind this major UK infrastructure project.”
Electoral Commission records show that two of the Conservatives’ MPs on the intelligence watchdog committee and 14 government ministers had accepted tens of thousands in donations from individuals or businesses linked to Russia.
She added: “The government has questions to answer about the links between party donors and planning applications if we are to believe that money does not buy influence over our politics.
“Labour is sure that the Prime Minister will be keen to reassure the public that bank-rolling the Tory Party does not buy Russian tycoons influence over planning applications and decisions relating to major infrastructure projects supplying our country’s energy needs.”
Earlier in the week, cbinet minister Brandon Lewis defended the right of the party to accept donations, saying that the donors are entitled to “play their full part in our democracy”.
Lewis was recorded as having received a £25,000 donation from Lubov Chernukhin, the wife of a former minister to Vladamir Putin, and £23,000 from Alexander Temerko – a former chief of a Russian arms company.
Boris Johnson told MPs in the Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday that “no country in the Western world that is more vigilant” than the UK in protecting against Russian interference.
This is despite the Prime Minister famously accepting a £160,000 donation from Chernukhin in 2014 in exchange for game of tennis. Johnson was the mayor of London at the time.
Aquind is one of 150 companies – out of around four million in the UK – to have been granted an exemption to the anti-corruption rules that mean that companies must normally disclose “persons of significant control”, according to The Times.
The government is already under pressure in relation to another case involving a donor and minister Robert Jenrick, following his decision overturn his own planning approval of an application after admitting “apparent bias”.
Jenrick sat next to the donor at a fundraising dinner before overruling a council and the government planning inspectorate, who recommended he refuse the scheme, to grant permission for the billionaire’s £1bn development.
The Conservative minister also admitted that he published his decision in time for the developer to avoid a new charge – known as a community infrastructure levy – which would have cost the developer an additional £30m to £50m.


labourlist--2020-07-24--Labour councils are leading the way on housing – the government must follow

Southampton ’ s Labour council plans to build its way out of the pandemic crisis .
In July , the council approved £144m worth of investment to deliver on our 1,000 council home commitment ; with over a quarter already delivered or under construction , we accelerated the rest of the programme as part of our pandemic recovery plans .
This programme will help address the social and economic needs of our city .
We all know that there are too many people within our communities that just can not afford to rent , buy or even heat their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cramped unfit conditions ; too many still becoming homeless ; and too many of our elderly loved ones or those with learning disabilities struggling to find a home that meets their needs .
While at the same time , in places like Southampton , we are losing up to 150 council homes a year through Right to Buy .
The private market just isn ’ t providing for local people in relation to price , tenure , and suitability .
Private developers are building and converting old office accommodation but failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why , as a Labour council we are stepping up and filling in the gaps , by delivering good quality , energy efficient and affordable council homes .
We will be offering a range of affordability from social rented , to affordable and shared ownership options for those wanting to get onto the housing ladder .
Housing for too long has been viewed as a commodity rather than a home under the Conservatives , whereas in reality , Labour knows it is linked to our life outcomes ; affecting our education , employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , lockdown has really highlighted the importance of the ‘ home ’ – when our homes suddenly became our place of work , a classroom or where most of our leisure activity is spent .
As part of our new council home programme , we plan to deliver homes that are fit for purpose because we know a quality home leads to a better quality of life .
With a real focus on design , it is also important our homes match our green aspirations as a party , which is why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficient ; reducing energy bills by up to £35 a month for our residents , as well as their carbon footprint .
At a time when it is needed most , this home building programme will help stimulate the economy by creating over 1,000 much-needed jobs and apprenticeships and generating an additional £78m into the wider economy .
Local contractors will be sourced through our ethical procurement policy .
They are expected pay a decent wage , offer meaningful apprenticeships and , through the use of modern methods of construction , diversify the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ethnicity .
As a country we have only ever met housing need when local government has led the way and built homes that people need .
While the lifting of the borrowing cap was welcome in late 2018 , councils need more than the ability to get into deeper debt to provide for their communities .
We need a solution to Right to Buy and an acceptance that subsidised housing requires government subsidy .
Local councils can fix the housing crisis , but we need a Labour government to break the shackles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the meantime , Labour is delivering locally in spite of a Conservative government rather than because of it .

Southampton’s Labour council plans to build its way out of the pandemic crisis. In July, the council approved £144m worth of investment to deliver on our 1,000 council home commitment. With over a quarter already delivered or under construction, we accelerated the rest of the programme as part of our pandemic recovery plans. This programme will help to address the social and economic needs of our city.
We all know that there are too many people within our communities who cannot afford to rent, buy or even heat their homes. There are too many families living in cramped, unfit conditions; too many still becoming homeless; and too many of our elderly loved ones or those with learning disabilities struggling to find a home that meets their needs. While at the same time, in places like Southampton, we are losing up to 150 council homes a year through Right to Buy.
The private market just isn’t providing for local people in relation to price, tenure and suitability. Private developers are building and converting old office accommodation but failing to address local housing need. This is why, as a Labour council, we are stepping up and filling in the gaps by delivering good quality, energy efficient and affordable council homes. We will be offering a range of affordability, from social rented to affordable and shared ownership options, for those wanting to get onto the housing ladder.
Housing for too long has been viewed as a commodity rather than a home under the Conservatives. Labour knows that in reality it is linked to our life outcomes, affecting our education, employment, health and wellbeing. In recent months, lockdown has really highlighted the importance of the ‘home’ – when our homes suddenly became our place of work, a classroom or where most of our leisure activity is spent. As part of our new council home programme, we plan to deliver homes that are fit for purpose because we know a quality home leads to a better quality of life. With a real focus on design, it is also important our homes match our green aspirations as a party, which is why our new homes will be more energy efficient; reducing energy bills by up to £35 a month for our residents, as well as their carbon footprint.
At a time when it is needed most, this home building programme will help stimulate the economy by creating over 1,000 much-needed jobs and apprenticeships and generating an additional £78m into the wider economy. Local contractors will be sourced through our ethical procurement policy. They are expected pay a decent wage, offer meaningful apprenticeships and, through the use of modern methods of construction, diversify the workforce in terms of age, sex and ethnicity.
As a country we have only ever met housing need when local government has led the way and built homes that people need. While the lifting of the borrowing cap was welcome in late 2018, councils need more than the ability to get into deeper debt to provide for their communities. We need a solution to Right to Buy and an acceptance that subsidised housing requires government subsidy. Local councils can fix the housing crisis, but we need a Labour government to break the shackles that the Conservatives have imposed on us. In the meantime, Labour is delivering locally in spite of a Conservative government rather than because of it.


labourlist--2020-07-27--Government must protect travel jobs under new quarantine rules, says Labour

Labour has warned that the government must abandon its “ one-size-fits-all ” approach and protect travel jobs after the introduction of a two-week quarantine period for travellers coming from Spain .
Reacting to warnings from the aviation and tourism industries on the impact of the new 14-day quarantine arrangements introduced on Saturday , Labour reiterated its call for the government to take a sector-specific approach to business support .
Warning that both sectors are struggling , the party highlighted the “ 17,500 redundancy notices issued in the aviation sector since the beginning of lockdown ” and the recent collapse of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commenting on the introduction of the new arrangements for Spain , Labour ’ s Jim McMahon said : “ The government ’ s handling of this issue has been nothing short of chaotic .
The airline industry and passengers need clarity.
” The government has been widely criticised for publishing its decision to remove Spain from the list of countries exempted from quarantine requirements on Saturday without any prior warning .
The Shadow Transport Secretary added : “ The past few days have been symptomatic of the government who were too slow to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get vital protective equipment to NHS , social care and other key workers , and too slow on testing and tracing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus .
“ It will take a long time to recover from the impact of the virus .
The government must focus support on the sectors that desperately need it , like aviation , aerospace and its supply chain , which supports almost a quarter of a million jobs , with strict climate conditions and ensuring the gains are shared with the public.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holidaymakers in the country by surprise , including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps .
Jon Ashworth called the decision-making process behind the development as “ shambolic ” on Sunday .
Commenting on the way in which the announcement emerged , he explained that “ it broke on Twitter , because a very good Sunday journalist got hold of the story and then the government had to scramble to confirm it – that is no way to treat people ” .
Earlier today , Labour ’ s Nick Thomas-Symonds highlighted that the party had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aviation for some considerable time ” , and said such targeted intervention is now “ absolutely vital ” .
Labour outlined in May its plan to support the aviation industry .
The party urged the government to look to at the example of other European countries and provide support conditional on environmental commitments and the protection of jobs .

Labour has told the government to abandon its “one-size-fits-all” approach to Covid support and protect travel jobs after the introduction of a two-week quarantine period for travellers coming from Spain.
Reacting to warnings from the aviation and tourism industries over the impact of the arrangements introduced on Saturday, the opposition party reiterated its call for the government to take a sector-specific approach to business support.
Warning that both sectors are struggling, Labour highlighted the “17,500 redundancy notices issued in the aviation sector since the beginning of lockdown” and the recent collapse of Monarch, Thomas Cook and Flybe.
Commenting on the introduction of the new arrangements for Spain, Jim McMahon said: “The government’s handling of this issue has been nothing short of chaotic. The airline industry and passengers need clarity.”
The government has been widely criticised for publishing its decision to remove Spain from the list of countries exempted from quarantine requirements on Saturday suddenly and without prior warning.
The Shadow Transport Secretary added: “The past few days have been symptomatic of the government who were too slow to enter the lockdown, too slow to get vital protective equipment to NHS, social care and other key workers, and too slow on testing and tracing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“It will take a long time to recover from the impact of the virus. The government must focus support on the sectors that desperately need it, like aviation, aerospace and its supply chain, which supports almost a quarter of a million jobs, with strict climate conditions and ensuring the gains are shared with the public.”
The announcement over the weekend caught lots of holidaymakers in the country by surprise. Labour’s Jon Ashworth described the decision-making process behind the development as “shambolic” on Sunday.
Commenting on the way in which the announcement emerged, Ashworth said “it broke on Twitter, because a very good Sunday journalist got hold of the story and then the government had to scramble to confirm it – that is no way to treat people”.
Earlier today, Labour’s Nick Thomas-Symonds highlighted that the party had been calling for a “sector-specific deal for aviation for some considerable time”, and said such targeted intervention is now “absolutely vital”.
Labour outlined in May its plan to support the aviation industry. The party urged the government to look at the example of other European countries and provide support conditional on environmental commitments and the protection of jobs.


labourlist--2020-07-27--No 10 denies plans to make over-40s pay more tax amid social care crisis

10 Downing Street has rejected reports that the government is considering a move to make the over-40s pay more in taxes to contribute towards the cost of social care amid an escalating crisis in the sector .
Follow a report in The Guardian this morning that the government is working on a proposal that would see people aged over 40 pay more in National Insurance contributions or tax , the Prime Minister ’ s spokesperson dismissed the idea .
The paper had reported that “ the principle of over-40s meeting the cost of a reformed system of care for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s preferred option ” to fix the crisis in social care .
But Johnson ’ s spokesperson said this afternoon : “ No , it ’ s not true that we are considering this policy .
This is one of the most complex issues which we face and we need to take the time to ensure that we come forward with a solution that is fair , which is also sustainable.
” In his first speech as PM in July 2019 , Boris Johnson pledged to “ fix the crisis in social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and according to the The Guardian sources in government have said that there is a “ renewed urgency ” to find a solution .
However , the spokesperson today could not give a date as to when the government might put forward its proposals for the funding , resourcing and delivery of a new system for the care sector in the UK .
This latest in the discussion on social care comes after chief executive of NHS England Simon Stevens told The Andrew Marr Show , on the 72nd anniversary of the creation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country will find a solution by next year .
He said : “ I would hope that by the time we are sitting down this time next year , on the 73rd birthday of the NHS , we have actually , as a country , been able to decisively answer the question of how we are going to fund and provide high-quality social care for my parents ’ generation.
” Reacting to the reports from The Guardian earlier today , general secretary of the Fabian Society and former Age UK policy director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea – citing its ability to raise “ a lot of money ” .
He said that he had been sceptical of an age-based tax but wrote : “ Reasons I ’ ve changed my mind and would support this now : anything is better than another ten years of inaction ; U-40s worst hit by two mega recessions in a row ; raises a lot of money.
” Age-based solutions for social care can be seen in other countries around the world .
In Japan , people contribute once they reach the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pays towards the cost of social care from the time they start work .

10 Downing Street has rejected reports that the government is considering a move to make the over-40s pay more in taxes to contribute towards the cost of social care amid an escalating crisis in the sector.
Follow a report in The Guardian this morning that the government is working on a proposal that would see people aged over 40 pay more in National Insurance contributions or tax, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson dismissed the idea.
The paper had reported that “the principle of over-40s meeting the cost of a reformed system of care for the ageing population is emerging as the government’s preferred option” to fix the crisis in social care.
But Johnson’s spokesperson said this afternoon: “No, it’s not true that we are considering this policy. This is one of the most complex issues which we face and we need to take the time to ensure that we come forward with a solution that is fair, which is also sustainable.”
In his first speech as PM in July 2019, Boris Johnson pledged to “fix the crisis in social care once and for all”, and according to the The Guardian sources in government have said that there is a “renewed urgency” to find a solution.
However, the spokesperson today could not give a date as to when the government might put forward its proposals for the funding, resourcing and delivery of a new system for the care sector in the UK.
This latest in the discussion on social care comes after chief executive of NHS England Simon Stevens told The Andrew Marr Show, on the 72nd anniversary of the creation of the NHS, that he hopes the country will find a solution by next year.
He said: “I would hope that by the time we are sitting down this time next year, on the 73rd birthday of the NHS, we have actually, as a country, been able to decisively answer the question of how we are going to fund and provide high-quality social care for my parents’ generation.”
Reacting to the reports from The Guardian earlier today, general secretary of the Fabian Society and former Age UK policy director Andrew Harrop tweeted his support for the idea – citing its ability to raise “a lot of money”.
He said that he had been sceptical of an age-based tax but wrote: “Reasons I’ve changed my mind and would support this now: anything is better than another ten years of inaction; U-40s worst hit by two mega recessions in a row; raises a lot of money.”
Age-based solutions for social care can be seen in other countries around the world. In Japan, people contribute once they reach the age of 40 while in Germany everyone pays towards the cost of social care from the time they start work.


labourlist--2020-07-27--“Criminally let down” NHS workers to march on Downing Street over pay

NHS workers who say they have been “ criminally let down ” by the government will march on Downing Street to protest the decision to put off a pay rise for health service employees until after April 2021 .
The protest is set to take place on Wednesday at 5pm following the announcement of a pay bump of up to 3.1 % that will only apply to certain public sector employees and not all Covid frontline workers .
The Chancellor said that the government was recognising the “ vital contribution ” of the workers in the pandemic – but failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ junior doctors , hospital porters , cleaners and others .
Trade union Unite ’ s branch at Guy ’ s and St Thomas Hospital in London has partnered with the Keep Our NHS Public campaign and Nurses United , as part of a nationwide demand for an immediate pay rise .
Unite branch secretary and nurse Mark Boothroyd said : “ NHS workers have been criminally let down by this government .
Despite all our sacrifices , the government has not included nurses in the pay deal for public sector workers .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated from our families , and lost over 540 of our colleagues to Covid-19 .
We are not valued .
NHS workers deserve a pay rise after a decade of austerity for the 20 % pay cut since 2010 , and to address the 40,000 vacancies across the NHS that puts our patients at risk.
” A recent survey by the Royal College of Nursing reported that 36 % of its respondents are considering leaving the profession , with 61 % describing pay as the primary factor .
There are currently around 40,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the march , nurse and member of Keep Our NHS Public Iain Wilson said : “ I ’ m tired of this government letting us down .
They lie about privatising our jobs , about recruiting 50,000 more nurses and about personal protective equipment during the pandemic.
” NHS workers have experienced around a 20 % real-terms pay cut since 2010 , with a band five nurse now £6,000 worse off than a decade ago , due to a failure to keep pace with the rate of inflation .
Wilson added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS without more staff to care for our aging population , and we won ’ t have more staff until existing staff are trusted and valued , so that more people want to join us .
After everything we ’ ve done , we deserve better , and a pay rise should be the start.
” The pay increase announced last week effects some doctors , police , teachers and others .
Labour has welcomed the boost to pay as “ good news ” , but warned that it will not make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts imposed under austerity .

NHS workers who say they have been “criminally let down” by the government will march on Downing Street to protest the decision to put off a pay rise for health service employees until after April 2021.
The protest is set to take place on Wednesday at 5pm following the announcement of a pay bump of up to 3.1% that will only apply to certain public sector employees and not all Covid frontline workers.
The Chancellor said that the government was recognising the “vital contribution” of the workers in the pandemic – but failed to include nurses, care workers, junior doctors, hospital porters, cleaners and others.
Trade union Unite’s branch at Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital in London has partnered with the Keep Our NHS Public campaign and Nurses United, as part of a nationwide demand for an immediate pay rise.
Unite branch secretary and nurse Mark Boothroyd said: “NHS workers have been criminally let down by this government. Despite all our sacrifices, the government has not included nurses in the pay deal for public sector workers.
“We have worked masses of overtime, isolated from our families, and lost over 540 of our colleagues to Covid-19. We are not valued. NHS workers deserve a pay rise after a decade of austerity for the 20% pay cut since 2010, and to address the 40,000 vacancies across the NHS that puts our patients at risk.”
A recent survey by the Royal College of Nursing reported that 36% of its respondents are considering leaving the profession, with 61% describing pay as the primary factor. There are currently around 40,000 nurse vacancies in England.
Commenting on the march, nurse and member of Keep Our NHS Public Iain Wilson said: “I’m tired of this government letting us down. They lie about privatising our jobs, about recruiting 50,000 more nurses and about personal protective equipment during the pandemic.”
NHS workers have experienced around a 20% real-terms pay cut since 2010, with a band five nurse now £6,000 worse off than a decade ago, due to a failure to keep pace with the rate of inflation.
Wilson added: “Things can’t improve in the NHS without more staff to care for our aging population, and we won’t have more staff until existing staff are trusted and valued, so that more people want to join us. After everything we’ve done, we deserve better, and a pay rise should be the start.”
The pay increase announced last week effects some doctors, police, teachers and others. Labour has welcomed the boost to pay as “good news”, but warned that it will not make up for a decade of pay freezes and cuts imposed under austerity.


labourlist--2020-07-27--Latest Covid-related mess overshadows the PM’s plan to curb obesity

Cue the Rocky montage .
The PM wants us all to get super fit and healthy .
Today sees the unveiling of the government ’ s plan to curb obesity in the UK , with evidence suggesting that those who are overweight are at greater risk if they contract Covid-19 .
The proposed plan includes GPs being encouraged to prescribe exercise and a new consultation on banning junk food adverts on TV before 9pm .
Labour has slammed the government for kicking the ad ban into the long grass again with a consultation – pointing out that the Tories first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday , Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for a “ wider approach ” to combat obesity , urging the government to “ tackle the circumstances in which people live ” and focus on the link between poverty and health inequalities .
However , this announcement has been largely overshadowed by the government ’ s latest Covid-related mess .
With no notice , the government announced on Saturday the introduction of a 14-day quarantine period for all travellers coming from Spain – blindsiding those in the country , including Transport Secretary Grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon .
Lots of questions remain unanswered , especially as it seems the government is simply relying on the goodwill of employers to support those workers forced to quarantine .
Dominic Raab has claimed that “ you can not be penalised in this country lawfully for following the rules ” , but this is a patently naive statement – ignoring the many workers in casual employment ; that employees don ’ t generally have unfair dismissal rights with less than two years in a job ; and the fact that the government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay – meaning those facing two weeks of house arrest will officially be entitled to nothing .
Elsewhere , a host of Labour MPs have joined a 48-hour boycott of Twitter over its failure to take action following a string of antisemitic tweets from Grime artist Wiley .
Although the party as a whole won ’ t be joining , figures including shadow cabinet members Kate Green , Jonathan Reynolds , Luke Pollard , Lisa Nandy and lots of others have – and many others will be .
The protest follows a suspension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social media giant after a series of tweets on Friday and Saturday .
Some of the posts have been removed , but Twitter has been widely criticised for leaving others visible and for not removing his account altogether .
Using the hashtag # NoSafeSpaceforJewHate , Labour MPs have joined the two-day action taking place on Monday and Tuesday this week .
In other labour movement news , the race is underway to replace outgoing UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis after his two decades in the top job .
The trade union boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retire at the end of 2020 .
Assistant general secretary Christina McAnea is expected to formally launch her campaign today – pledging to listen to members , back a “ new deal for workers ” and a national care service .
Her fellow assistant general secretary Roger McKenzie launched his campaign last week , while UNISON national executive council member Hugo Pierre has also joined the contest , saying that he is “ looking to be the candidate of the left ” .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything @ @ @ @ @ @

Cue the Rocky montage. The PM wants us all to get super fit and healthy. Today sees the unveiling of the government’s plan to curb obesity in the UK, with evidence suggesting that those who are overweight are at greater risk if they contract Covid-19. The proposed plan includes GPs being encouraged to prescribe exercise and a new consultation on banning junk food adverts on TV before 9pm. Labour has slammed the government for kicking the ad ban into the long grass again with a consultation – pointing out that the Tories first announced restrictions on advertising in 2018. On Sunday, Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for a “wider approach” to combat obesity, urging the government to “tackle the circumstances in which people live” and focus on the link between poverty and health inequalities.
However, this announcement has been largely overshadowed by the government’s latest Covid-related mess. With no notice, the government announced on Saturday the introduction of a 14-day quarantine period for all travellers coming from Spain – blindsiding those in the country, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, or those booked to go soon. Lots of questions remain unanswered, especially as it seems the government is simply relying on the goodwill of employers to support those workers forced to quarantine. Dominic Raab has claimed that “you cannot be penalised in this country lawfully for following the rules”, but this is a patently naive statement – ignoring the many workers in casual employment; that employees don’t generally have unfair dismissal rights with less than two years in a job; and the fact that the government has not made any changes to statutory sick pay – meaning those facing two weeks of house arrest will officially be entitled to nothing.
Elsewhere, a host of Labour MPs have joined a 48-hour boycott of Twitter over its failure to take action following a string of antisemitic tweets from Grime artist Wiley. Although the party as a whole won’t be joining, figures including shadow cabinet members Kate Green, Jonathan Reynolds, Luke Pollard, Lisa Nandy and lots of others have – and many others will be. The protest follows a suspension of the artist’s account by the social media giant after a series of tweets on Friday and Saturday. Some of the posts have been removed, but Twitter has been widely criticised for leaving others visible and for not removing his account altogether. Using the hashtag #NoSafeSpaceforJewHate, Labour MPs have joined the two-day action taking place on Monday and Tuesday this week.
In other labour movement news, the race is underway to replace outgoing UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis after his two decades in the top job. The trade union boss announced earlier this month his intention to retire at the end of 2020. Assistant general secretary Christina McAnea is expected to formally launch her campaign today – pledging to listen to members, back a “new deal for workers” and a national care service. Her fellow assistant general secretary Roger McKenzie launched his campaign last week, while UNISON national executive council member Hugo Pierre has also joined the contest, saying that he is “looking to be the candidate of the left”. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-07-27--Labour slams government for delay to online harms bill

Labour has slammed the government for the delay in introducing an online harms bill and said the failure by Twitter to remove Grime artist Wiley ’ s account “ demonstrates exactly why legislation is needed ” .
After a weekend that saw Grime star Wiley post a series of antisemitic tweets , Labour has highlighted that the Tory government initially proposed online regulation in 2017 – but may not introduce a bill until 2023/24 .
The opposition party has called attention to repeated failures by online platforms to self-regulate , citing racist abuse faced by Wilfried Zaha and David McGoldrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed at women in parliament .
Labour has also highlighted the role of social media during Covid-19 .
The digital , culture , media and sport select committee recently found that misinformation has spread “ virulently ” because the UK still lacks social media regulation legislation .
Commenting on the abuse , Labour ’ s Jo Stevens said : “ The failure to tackle these high-profile examples of hate speech shows why we so desperately need proper legislation to force the social media companies to keep people safe online .
“ Social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can police their sites effectively .
But when high profile individuals are allowed to keep their platforms after spreading vile antisemitic abuse – and then doubling down when challenged – it ’ s clear that self-regulation isn ’ t working .
“ The government promised this bill more than a year ago – it ’ s high time they showed they take the safety of those who use the internet as seriously as the needs and influence of the big tech firms.
” The online harms bill was announced in 2019 following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14-year-old girl who killed herself after viewing online images of self-harm .
But it remains in the preliminary , ‘ white paper ’ , stage .
Last month , the chair of the Lords democracy digital committee called the delay “ unacceptable ” .
Lord Putnam said : “ Here ’ s a bill that the government paraded as being very important – and it is – which they ’ ve managed to lose somehow.
” Following the failure of Twitter to take action in relation to the Wiley ’ s posts this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have joined a boycott of the platform .
The party as a whole has not joined but says it supports the aims of the boycott .
The party tweeted this morning that it would not be participating , explaining : “ As the official opposition , our duty is to hold the government to account .
We can not afford to be absent from social media platforms.
” Labour said it “ supports the aims of the # NoSpaceForJewHate boycott and stands in full solidarity with all those taking part ” and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the delay to the online harms bill .
The party added : “ Online spaces have for too long been a wild west , where people abuse others and spread disinformation with impunity .
This can not continue.
” Using the hashtag # NoSpaceForJewHate , figures from across the labour movement have joined the 48-hour boycott .
The action is taking place over the course of Monday and Tuesday this week .

Labour has slammed the government for the delay in introducing an online harms bill and said the failure by Twitter to remove Grime artist Wiley’s account “demonstrates exactly why legislation is needed”.
After a weekend that saw Grime star Wiley post a series of antisemitic tweets, Labour has highlighted that the Tory government initially proposed online regulation in 2017 – but may not introduce a bill until 2023/24.
The opposition party has called attention to repeated failures by online platforms to self-regulate, citing racist abuse faced by Wilfried Zaha and David McGoldrick, and the high level of abuse directed at women in parliament.
Labour has also highlighted the role of social media during Covid-19. The digital, culture, media and sport select committee recently found that misinformation has spread “virulently” because the UK still lacks social media regulation legislation.
Commenting on the abuse, Labour’s Jo Stevens said: “The failure to tackle these high-profile examples of hate speech shows why we so desperately need proper legislation to force the social media companies to keep people safe online.
“Social media companies have had repeated opportunities to show they can police their sites effectively. But when high profile individuals are allowed to keep their platforms after spreading vile antisemitic abuse – and then doubling down when challenged – it’s clear that self-regulation isn’t working.
“The government promised this bill more than a year ago – it’s high time they showed they take the safety of those who use the internet as seriously as the needs and influence of the big tech firms.”
The online harms bill was announced in 2019 following the story of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old girl who killed herself after viewing online images of self-harm. But it remains in the preliminary, ‘white paper’, stage.
Last month, the chair of the Lords democracy digital committee called the delay “unacceptable”. Lord Putnam said: “Here’s a bill that the government paraded as being very important – and it is – which they’ve managed to lose somehow.”
Following the failure of Twitter to take action in relation to the Wiley’s posts this weekend, a number of Labour politicians have joined a boycott of the platform. The party as a whole has not joined but says it supports the aims of the boycott.
The party tweeted this morning that it would not be participating, explaining: “As the official opposition, our duty is to hold the government to account. We cannot afford to be absent from social media platforms.”
Labour said it “supports the aims of the #NoSpaceForJewHate boycott and stands in full solidarity with all those taking part” and would be holding the government to account on the delay to the online harms bill.
The party added: “Online spaces have for too long been a wild west, where people abuse others and spread disinformation with impunity. This cannot continue.”
Using the hashtag #NoSpaceForJewHate, figures from across the labour movement have joined the 48-hour boycott. The action is taking place over the course of Monday and Tuesday this week.


labourlist--2020-07-27--WATCH: Labour accuses government of making Covid decisions in “chaotic way”

Nick Thomas-Symonds has criticised the government for making decisions in a “ chaotic way that doesn ’ t breed confidence ” and called for a more strategic and planned approach .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the Shadow Home Secretary discussed the hasty introduction of a 14-day quarantine period for all travellers coming to the UK from Spain .
The Labour MP set out his concerns for the aviation and tourism industries , and reiterated the party ’ s call for a “ sector-specific ” approach to government support for the economy in the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s enormously challenging for tourism , for the aviation and wider travel sectors – and that ’ s why now we ’ ve been calling for a sector-specific deal for aviation for some considerable time.
” Thomas-Symonds went on to say that this would “ need to be subject to conditions in terms of climate targets , in terms of consumer rights , in terms of jobs , and also in terms of protection of supply chains ” , but called it “ absolutely vital ” .
He added : “ The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quite chaotic way that doesn ’ t breed confidence and these decisions must be taken in a planned and strategic manner.
” The comments from Thomas-Symonds follow the announcement on Saturday that the government is imposing a two-week quarantine period .
This blindsided many holidaymakers , including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps .
The government has been widely criticised for the lack of warning provided .
Labour ’ s Jon Ashworth said on Sunday that “ the way in which the decision has been made in the last 24 hours is frankly shambolic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the announcement emerged , he explained that “ it broke on Twitter , because a very good Sunday journalist got hold of the story and then the government had to scramble to confirm it – that is no way to treat people ” .
Labour has highlighted that many workers will be left with no support after they return to the UK and are unable to work , as the government has not introduced any changes to statutory sick pay .

Nick Thomas-Symonds has criticised the government for making decisions in a “chaotic way that doesn’t breed confidence” and called for a more strategic and planned approach.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the Shadow Home Secretary discussed the hasty introduction of a 14-day quarantine period for all travellers coming to the UK from Spain.
The Labour MP set out his concerns for the aviation and tourism industries, and reiterated the party’s call for a “sector-specific” approach to government support for the economy in the pandemic.
He said: “Clearly it’s enormously challenging for tourism, for the aviation and wider travel sectors – and that’s why now we’ve been calling for a sector-specific deal for aviation for some considerable time.”
Thomas-Symonds went on to say that this would “need to be subject to conditions in terms of climate targets, in terms of consumer rights, in terms of jobs, and also in terms of protection of supply chains”, but called it “absolutely vital”.
He added: “The government just seems to be making decisions in a quite chaotic way that doesn’t breed confidence and these decisions must be taken in a planned and strategic manner.”
'Govt seems to be making decisions in a chaotic way.'@NickTorfaen says the govt needs to make "planned and strategic" decisions concerning the aviation and travel industry, adding that the current approach "doesn't breed confidence."#KayBurley: https://t.co/BRnBVzd4TR pic.twitter.com/UfnXpxvzWE — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 27, 2020
The comments from Thomas-Symonds follow the announcement on Saturday that the government is imposing a two-week quarantine period. This blindsided many holidaymakers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
The government has been widely criticised for the lack of warning provided. Labour’s Jon Ashworth said on Sunday that “the way in which the decision has been made in the last 24 hours is frankly shambolic”.
Commenting on the way in which the announcement emerged, he explained that “it broke on Twitter, because a very good Sunday journalist got hold of the story and then the government had to scramble to confirm it – that is no way to treat people”.
Labour has highlighted that many workers will be left with no support after they return to the UK and are unable to work, as the government has not introduced any changes to statutory sick pay.


labourlist--2020-07-26--UNISON race to succeed retiring general secretary Dave Prentis gets underway

The race is now underway to succeed Dave Prentis as general secretary of the party-affiliated trade union UNISON when he retires at the end of 2020 after two decades in the top role .
Christina McAnea , currently assistant general secretary at UNISON , is expected to formally announce her intention to stand for the job today and launch a campaign .
The Glasgow-born trade unionist is currently responsible for UNISON ’ s collective bargaining , negotiations and equalities strategy , and has had a focus on health and social care workers .
McAnea has written for LabourList about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , working with Labour councils to fight austerity , respect for NHS staff , and privatisation .
Her general secretary campaign will promise leadership of a “ modern organising union ” , pledging to listen to members , back a “ new deal for workers ” , a national care service and anti-discrimination .
Commenting on the launch of her bid , McAnea said : “ I ’ ve spent my working life fighting to get a better deal for union members , fighting bad employers and fighting discrimination and racism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , I ’ ve won important victories for our members on equal pay , on pensions and working conditions .
I ’ ve supported and represented members .
“ I ’ ve made sure their voice is heard .
I put UNISON members ’ interests at the heart of all the work I do and I will use our collective strength to secure our members ’ futures.
” Roger McKenzie , also an assistant general secretary at UNISON , launched his own campaign last week .
He is considered to be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McKenzie has said he intends to run a “ positive and optimistic ” campaign and highlighted the need for change in the face of new challenges presented by Covid and the government ’ s response to it .
“ We need a much higher public and media profile than we have ever had .
We must never be overshadowed by other unions , ” he declared , adding : “ Campaigning will be a priority.
” He has pledged to increase the number of UNISON activists to 100,000 , up the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bring the union “ close to its members and work harder for them ” .
Hugo Pierre , a member of UNISON ’ s national executive council – as a representative of Black members – and of the Socialist Party , has said he is “ looking to be the candidate of the left ” .
The former TUSC candidate for Poplar and Limehouse , who stood against Labour incumbent Jim Fitzpatrick for the London seat in 2015 , is an activist in the borough of Camden .
All those candidates who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if successful by becoming either UNISON ’ s first female or first Black general secretary .
Prentis announced earlier this month that he would retire when his term of office ends in December 2020 .
Labour leader Keir Starmer thanked him for “ many years of outstanding leadership ” .
Other large affiliated unions Unite and GMB will also be seeing changes of leadership in the near future .
Steve Turner was recently confirmed as United Left ’ s pick to succeed Len McCluskey .

The race is now underway to succeed Dave Prentis as general secretary of the party-affiliated trade union UNISON when he retires at the end of 2020 after two decades in the top role.
Christina McAnea, currently assistant general secretary at UNISON, is expected to formally announce her intention to stand for the job today and launch a campaign.
The Glasgow-born trade unionist is currently responsible for UNISON’s collective bargaining, negotiations and equalities strategy, and has had a focus on health and social care workers.
McAnea has written for LabourList about the impact of Tory immigration policy on social care, working with Labour councils to fight austerity, respect for NHS staff, and privatisation.
Her general secretary campaign will promise leadership of a “modern organising union”, pledging to listen to members, back a “new deal for workers”, a national care service and anti-discrimination.
Commenting on the launch of her bid, McAnea said: “I’ve spent my working life fighting to get a better deal for union members, fighting bad employers and fighting discrimination and racism in all its forms.
“Along the way, I’ve won important victories for our members on equal pay, on pensions and working conditions. I’ve supported and represented members.
“I’ve made sure their voice is heard. I put UNISON members’ interests at the heart of all the work I do and I will use our collective strength to secure our members’ futures.”
Roger McKenzie, also an assistant general secretary at UNISON, launched his own campaign last week. He is considered to be on the left of the Labour-affiliated trade union.
McKenzie has said he intends to run a “positive and optimistic” campaign and highlighted the need for change in the face of new challenges presented by Covid and the government’s response to it.
“We need a much higher public and media profile than we have ever had. We must never be overshadowed by other unions,” he declared, adding: “Campaigning will be a priority.”
He has pledged to increase the number of UNISON activists to 100,000, up the number of union learning reps to 5,000, and bring the union “close to its members and work harder for them”.
Hugo Pierre, a member of UNISON’s national executive council – as a representative of Black members – and of the Socialist Party, has said he is “looking to be the candidate of the left”.
The former TUSC candidate for Poplar and Limehouse, who stood against Labour incumbent Jim Fitzpatrick for the London seat in 2015, is an activist in the borough of Camden.
All those candidates who have declared so far would make history if successful by becoming either UNISON’s first female or first Black general secretary.
Prentis announced earlier this month that he would retire when his term of office ends in December 2020. Labour leader Keir Starmer thanked him for “many years of outstanding leadership”.
Other large affiliated unions Unite and GMB will also be seeing changes of leadership in the near future. Steve Turner was recently confirmed as United Left’s pick to succeed Len McCluskey.