labourlist--2020-09-22--Brown: Sunak must deliver new post-furlough recovery plan “within days”

Gordon Brown has told the Chancellor that he must deliver a new economic recovery plan “ within days ” for when the furlough scheme comes to an end and called on businesses and trade unions to join his Alliance for Full Employment .
Giving his first keynote speech to a Labour Party conference in a decade , the former Labour Prime Minister told virtual attendees that people in the UK now face “ the worst odds against finding a job for 50 years ” .
Brown called for “ co-operation and solidarity ” as he warned that youth unemployment could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Covid crisis .
He added that among 18-19 year olds , this figure could reach as high as 50 % .
He made a direct call to SNP ministers in Edinburgh and argued that Scotland should be leading in a UK-wide campaign for full employment with the AFFE , already backed by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and all Labour English metro mayors .
The former Labour Prime Minister said : “ Let us show people our vision of a united Britain is built not on the shifting sands of warring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solidarity and a willingness to share .
“ United around the same guarantee everywhere to every family of a rising living wage , improved child benefits , decent pensions and free NHS and education the costs and the benefits shared by all – the real same universal basic income for all the citizens in all of the UK.
” Brown also told Labour members and the public watching this afternoon that “ Black jobs don ’ t seem to matter to this government , as BAME unemployment heads up to 20 % ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drakeford , the AFFE also includes Greater Manchester ’ s Andy Burnham , Liverpool City Region ’ s Steve Rotheram , North of Tyne ’ s Jamie Driscoll , South Yorkshire ’ s Dan Jarvis and Bristol ’ s Marvin Rees .
1,200 council leaders , mayors and councillors have given their support to the Alliance earlier this month , signing a letter calling on the Prime Minister to rethink the plan to scrap the furlough scheme and introduce targeted financial support instead .
Brown used his address today to call on ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including extending the furlough beyond October 31st now that new health restrictions have come into place amid fears of a second wave of the virus .
Figures from across the labour movement have welcomed the comments made by the former Labour Prime Minister this afternoon , with Unite general secretary Len McCluskey agreeing that “ the time to act is now ” .
He added : “ We are staring the danger of mass unemployment in the face and only urgent government action can prevent a jobs catastrophe .
I urge ministers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said : “ After a very brief flirtation with using the power of our state to protect livelihoods , the Tories have sadly returned to form and a jobs massacre is on its way unless they rapidly change course .
“ It can ’ t be lost on the British people that as France , Germany and Spain extend their job retention schemes to protect workers , Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson are about to cut the legs off millions of our citizens by allowing an unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country urgently needs a “ policy rethink ” along the lines advocated by the AFFE , adding : “ Time for Sunak and Johnson to recalibrate their response to an impending jobless calamity.
” Recent research shows it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a job as more people compete for fewer vacancies .
One survey revealed that a trainee paralegal role received 4,228 applications , while a warehouse worker job received 2,932 .
Commenting on the numbers , Richard Leonard said : “ These alarming figures , coming as we face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment rocketing , show just how vital it is that the goal of full employment is placed at the heart of policy making .
“ In Scotland , almost 350,000 workers are facing a furlough cliff-edge next month – and this could lead to long-term unemployment on a scale the people of Scotland have not seen in their lifetimes.
” The Scottish Labour leader added : “ The real priority is about whether people are going to have jobs or not and as Scottish Labour leader I fully support this UK-wide AFFE and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this initiative in Scotland.
” Labour representatives from across the regions and nations of the UK came together and formed the AFFE earlier this month in anticipation of a major jobs crisis once the furlough scheme is withdrawn .
Rishi Sunak announced the winding down of the furlough scheme earlier this year .
Labour has been consistently critical of a complete withdrawal of the support by the end of October , with Anneliese Dodds calling the move a “ historic mistake ” .

Gordon Brown has told the Chancellor that he must deliver a new economic recovery plan “within days” for when the furlough scheme comes to an end and called on businesses and trade unions to join his Alliance for Full Employment.
Giving his first keynote speech to a Labour Party conference in a decade, the former Labour Prime Minister told virtual attendees that people in the UK now face “the worst odds against finding a job for 50 years”.
Brown called for “co-operation and solidarity” as he warned that youth unemployment could rise to 30% as a result of the Covid crisis. He added that among 18-19 year olds, this figure could reach as high as 50%.
He made a direct call to SNP ministers in Edinburgh and argued that Scotland should be leading in a UK-wide campaign for full employment with the AFFE, already backed by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and all Labour English metro mayors.
The former Labour Prime Minister said: “Let us show people our vision of a united Britain is built not on the shifting sands of warring nationalisms but on the unbreakable rock of solidarity and a willingness to share.
“United around the same guarantee everywhere to every family of a rising living wage, improved child benefits, decent pensions and free NHS and education the costs and the benefits shared by all – the real same universal basic income for all the citizens in all of the UK.”
Brown also told Labour members and the public watching this afternoon that “Black jobs don’t seem to matter to this government, as BAME unemployment heads up to 20%”.
As well as Welsh Labour leader Drakeford, the AFFE also includes Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham, Liverpool City Region’s Steve Rotheram, North of Tyne’s Jamie Driscoll, South Yorkshire’s Dan Jarvis and Bristol’s Marvin Rees.
1,200 council leaders, mayors and councillors have given their support to the Alliance earlier this month, signing a letter calling on the Prime Minister to rethink the plan to scrap the furlough scheme and to introduce targeted financial support instead.
Brown used his address today to call on ministers to support proposals from the campaign, including extending the furlough beyond October 31st now that new health restrictions have come into place amid fears of a second wave of the virus.
Figures from across the labour movement have welcomed the comments made by the former Labour Prime Minister this afternoon, with Unite general secretary Len McCluskey agreeing that “the time to act is now”.
He added: “We are staring the danger of mass unemployment in the face and only urgent government action can prevent a jobs catastrophe. I urge ministers to act on the AFFE agenda without delay.”
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “After a very brief flirtation with using the power of our state to protect livelihoods, the Tories have sadly returned to form and a jobs massacre is on its way unless they rapidly change course.
“It can’t be lost on the British people that as France, Germany and Spain extend their job retention schemes to protect workers, Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson are about to cut the legs off millions of our citizens by allowing an unemployment bonanza to flourish.”
Cortes described how the country urgently needs a “policy rethink” along the lines advocated by the AFFE, adding: “Time for Sunak and Johnson to recalibrate their response to an impending jobless calamity.”
Recent research shows it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a job as more people compete for fewer vacancies. One survey revealed that a trainee paralegal role received 4,228 applications, while a warehouse worker job received 2,932.
Commenting on the numbers, Richard Leonard said: “These alarming figures, coming as we face the threat of the economy collapsing and unemployment rocketing, show just how vital it is that the goal of full employment is placed at the heart of policy making.
“In Scotland, almost 350,000 workers are facing a furlough cliff-edge next month – and this could lead to long-term unemployment on a scale the people of Scotland have not seen in their lifetimes.”
The Scottish Labour leader added: “The real priority is about whether people are going to have jobs or not and as Scottish Labour leader I fully support this UK-wide AFFE and welcome Gordon Brown’s launch of this initiative in Scotland.”
Labour representatives from across the regions and nations of the UK came together and formed the AFFE earlier this month in anticipation of a major jobs crisis once the furlough scheme is withdrawn.
Rishi Sunak announced the winding down of the furlough scheme earlier this year. Labour has been consistently critical of a complete withdrawal of the support by the end of October, with Anneliese Dodds calling the move a “historic mistake”.


labourlist--2020-09-22--Britain must be bold – and listen to Gordon Brown in the Covid fight for jobs

The Tories have spent decades in denial about the power and ability of our state to directly intervene in our economy as a force for good .
The catechism of the so-called ‘ invisible hand ’ of the market has been one of Covid-19 ’ s many victims – and it will be the only one that goes unmourned .
Even some dyed-in-the-wool neoliberals have suddenly discovered the virtues of state intervention to save jobs .
It won ’ t be lost on anyone that Chancellor Rishi Sunak , a former City banker , is now shouting from the rooftops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to save by pumping many billions of pounds into our economy .
Sadly , a leopard never changes its spots – so the Tories are quickly reverting to type .
In doing so , they will be condemning millions of our citizens to the growing dole queue .
But our people now know , if they ever doubted it in the first place , that an interventionist state can – and should be there to – protect them from joining the ranks of the unemployed .
It will also not be lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulling the plug on measures to save jobs , our European neighbours – France , Germany and Spain to name a few – are extending their job protection measures well into 2021 .
This is exactly what is needed and what our government should be doing .
Instead , we are facing a cliff edge as measures to protect jobs come to an end at the close of this October .
It is simply not good enough .
Thankfully , our last Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stepped into the fray .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employment could not be more timely .
Unlike the Tories , he isn ’ t wedded to their dogmatic nonsense about the free market .
He fully understands that now is the right time for bold , large-scale state intervention to protect our jobs , create new ones and through this generate the sustainable economic growth that we so badly need .
Gordon ain ’ t shying away from making the case for sustained public investment to get us out of the woods .
Marrying our economic crisis with our environmental one and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart and only way to go .
Let ’ s face it – they are completely interlinked .
We need to emerge from this crisis having created the green economy that Britain requires to thrive in the 21st century .
But we must also not forget that urgent measures are needed here and now to protect workers in many sectors from losing their livelihoods by not pulling the plug on job retention measures .
We need to be bold .
We need to be more like France , Germany and Spain rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many right-wingers in Britain want .
I don ’ t need to tell you this , but the Tories won ’ t do this freely or easily as it runs against their DNA .
Yet we can force their hand as we have already done .
The idea of creating the job retention scheme came from our movement .
Let ’ s all get behind Gordon ’ s Alliance for Full Employment and knock some sense into the Tories .
Winning the fight for our jobs and a new economic settlement will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond .

The Tories have spent decades in denial about the power and ability of our state to directly intervene in our economy as a force for good. The catechism of the so-called ‘invisible hand’ of the market has been one of Covid-19’s many victims – and it will be the only one that goes unmourned.
Even some dyed-in-the-wool neoliberals have suddenly discovered the virtues of state intervention to save jobs. It won’t be lost on anyone that Chancellor Rishi Sunak, a former City banker, is now shouting from the rooftops about how many livelihoods he has been able to save by pumping many billions of pounds into our economy.
Sadly, a leopard never changes its spots – so the Tories are quickly reverting to type. In doing so, they will be condemning millions of our citizens to the growing dole queue. But our people now know, if they ever doubted it in the first place, that an interventionist state can – and should be there to – protect them from joining the ranks of the unemployed.
It will also not be lost on our British public that rather than pulling the plug on measures to save jobs, our European neighbours – France, Germany and Spain to name a few – are extending their job protection measures well into 2021. This is exactly what is needed and what our government should be doing. Instead, we are facing a cliff edge as measures to protect jobs come to an end at the close of this October. It is simply not good enough.
Thankfully, our last Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stepped into the fray. The launch of his Alliance for Full Employment could not be more timely. Unlike the Tories, he isn’t wedded to their dogmatic nonsense about the free market. He fully understands that now is the right time for bold, large-scale state intervention to protect our jobs, create new ones and through this generate the sustainable economic growth that we so badly need.
Gordon ain’t shying away from making the case for sustained public investment to get us out of the woods. Marrying our economic crisis with our environmental one and finding ways of solving both is the smart and only way to go. Let’s face it – they are completely interlinked.
We need to emerge from this crisis having created the green economy that Britain requires to thrive in the 21st century. But we must also not forget that urgent measures are needed here and now to protect workers in many sectors from losing their livelihoods by not pulling the plug on job retention measures.
We need to be bold. We need to be more like France, Germany and Spain rather than mimic Donald Trump’s United States as many right-wingers in Britain want. I don’t need to tell you this, but the Tories won’t do this freely or easily as it runs against their DNA.
Yet we can force their hand as we have already done. The idea of creating the job retention scheme came from our movement. Let’s all get behind Gordon’s Alliance for Full Employment and knock some sense into the Tories. Winning the fight for our jobs and a new economic settlement will be the defining battle of this decade and beyond.


labourlist--2020-09-22--Neeraj Patil: Why I’m standing to represent local parties on Labour’s NEC

As an NHS A & E doctor for the last 25 years , I have been working with real people with real problems , usually at a time when they are at their most vulnerable .
The people I meet daily are mostly those who don ’ t have much to do with the inner wranglings of national politics .
They are genuine , decent people who trust us politicians to remember that we are in politics to look after their real needs and best interests .
When we lose sight of that priority and get confused in political theory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminds us at the ballot box .
We have lost the last four elections , the last one devastatingly , and for me , this is a sign that we had become confused about our priorities .
We had lost our way .
I have seen first-hand how Covid-19 is consuming its way through the most vulnerable members of our society , and I have seen how the political mishandling of Brexit has eaten its way through our national character and self-esteem .
We in the Labour Party have a responsibility to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with real British priorities if the electorate is to entrust their wellbeing to us again .
We need a united party , led by Keir , that will hold the current administration to account and start to rebuild our broken ‘ Red Wall ’ if we want to get elected in 2024 .
We must engage with real issues as a priority , issues that affect our British electorate first .
At a time of unprecedented economic threats to our nation and the health of our fellow citizens , we have to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young adults , first .
When we are strong nationally , we become relevant internationally , not otherwise .
Our foreign policy is vitally important , our determination to seek peace for the peoples of Kashmir and Palestine hugely valuable , but the single mother in Oldham who has just contracted Covid must , in my humble opinion , come first .
I feel for her and her wellbeing , above all other broader policies .
I am standing for election to the national executive committee ( NEC ) with two aims .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our efforts to support British citizens in what I fear will be the most difficult post-war decade in our history .
Secondly , we are a broad church in which diversity of opinion should be an asset to us as we cooperate in the service of our citizens .
We need to relearn how to communicate skilfully and without toxicity and above all we must strive for unity of purpose , across the whole of our party .
We must get both right if we are to win the next general election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prioritising and acting effectively , often under the greatest pressure .
I am a man who is raising a family and dealing with our new normal and the pressures it places upon all of us , and I am deeply concerned about the serial failures , poor character and simple incompetence of this Tory government .
We have seen the impact of Tory policies , with deep savage cuts and almost Victorian austerity tearing into the fabric of our lives .
The NEC must formulate our own policies to challenge and reverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of NHS experience , at all levels , to help face Covid-19 and its long-term effects , as well as contributing real-world ideas and improvements that will safeguard and improve our unique and most valuable NHS .
With an ageing population and increasing demands on our health resources , our party ’ s health policies will be critical .
As a British Asian from a BAME background , I have seen first-hand how the Tories divided our Asian communities on almost every issue .
During my tenure as mayor of Lambeth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities for harmony and peace , as full members of the British public .
Such division will further pull apart our BAME communities to the advantage of the Tories , undermining the great progress of our successive Labour governments in promoting racial equality and mutual respect .
We so desperately need a Labour government in 2024 and this is only possible by finding clarity , strength and unity and this must come from the NEC .
If entrusted with your support , as your NEC representative , I will work to rebuild our @ @ @ @ @ @

As an NHS A&E doctor for the last 25 years, I have been working with real people with real problems, usually at a time when they are at their most vulnerable. The people I meet daily are mostly those who don’t have much to do with the inner wranglings of national politics. They are genuine, decent people who trust us politicians to remember that we are in politics to look after their real needs and best interests. When we lose sight of that priority and get confused in political theory and schemes, our Great British public reminds us at the ballot box. We have lost the last four elections, the last one devastatingly, and for me, this is a sign that we had become confused about our priorities. We had lost our way.
I have seen first-hand how Covid-19 is consuming its way through the most vulnerable members of our society, and I have seen how the political mishandling of Brexit has eaten its way through our national character and self-esteem. We in the Labour Party have a responsibility to put our own house in order and reconnect with real British priorities if the electorate is to entrust their wellbeing to us again. We need a united party, led by Keir, that will hold the current administration to account and start to rebuild our broken ‘Red Wall’ if we want to get elected in 2024.
We must engage with real issues as a priority, issues that affect our British electorate first. At a time of unprecedented economic threats to our nation and the health of our fellow citizens, we have to put our citizens, our elderly and our young adults, first. When we are strong nationally, we become relevant internationally, not otherwise. Our foreign policy is vitally important, our determination to seek peace for the peoples of Kashmir and Palestine hugely valuable, but the single mother in Oldham who has just contracted Covid must, in my humble opinion, come first. I feel for her and her wellbeing, above all other broader policies.
I am standing for election to the national executive committee (NEC) with two aims. Firstly, to help refocus and reprioritise our efforts to support British citizens in what I fear will be the most difficult post-war decade in our history. Secondly, we are a broad church in which diversity of opinion should be an asset to us as we cooperate in the service of our citizens. We need to relearn how to communicate skilfully and without toxicity and above all we must strive for unity of purpose, across the whole of our party. We must get both right if we are to win the next general election. Divided parties lose.
I am accustomed to prioritising and acting effectively, often under the greatest pressure. I am a man who is raising a family and dealing with our new normal and the pressures it places upon all of us, and I am deeply concerned about the serial failures, poor character and simple incompetence of this Tory government. We have seen the impact of Tory policies, with deep savage cuts and almost Victorian austerity tearing into the fabric of our lives. The NEC must formulate our own policies to challenge and reverse this harm. I can bring 25 years of NHS experience, at all levels, to help face Covid-19 and its long-term effects, as well as contributing real-world ideas and improvements that will safeguard and improve our unique and most valuable NHS. With an ageing population and increasing demands on our health resources, our party’s health policies will be critical.
As a British Asian from a BAME background, I have seen first-hand how the Tories divided our Asian communities on almost every issue. During my tenure as mayor of Lambeth, I engaged and worked with all BAME communities for harmony and peace, as full members of the British public. Such division will further pull apart our BAME communities to the advantage of the Tories, undermining the great progress of our successive Labour governments in promoting racial equality and mutual respect. We so desperately need a Labour government in 2024 and this is only possible by finding clarity, strength and unity and this must come from the NEC. If entrusted with your support, as your NEC representative, I will work to rebuild our party to win in 2024.


labourlist--2020-09-22--How the labour movement reacted to Keir Starmer’s conference speech

Labour leader Keir Starmer delivered his keynote address to Labour ’ s online ‘ Connected ’ conference this morning .
Here is how trade unions , figures and groups from across the labour movement reacted… The Scottish Labour leader welcomed Starmer ’ s speech , saying he had spoken “ passionately about the country he wants us all to live in ” and “ exposed the failures of the UK government to effectively deal with the health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic ” .
Leonard said : “ He showed clearly the priorities of the Labour Party – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class education , investment in skills , working with business and trade unions to generate high-quality jobs , and a greener economy , and our enduring commitment to build a more equal society.
” Highlighting that the UK Labour leader talked about a “ greener , cleaner and fairer society ” in his speech , Leonard concluded : “ These are priorities we agree on and are the priorities of the people.
” UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said : “ Today Keir Starmer showed Labour ’ s new leadership is focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country faces at this unprecedented time and , crucially , on winning the next election .
“ Public service workers have faced a decade of austerity and pay cuts – they need a Labour Party that can , and will , win the next election .
In Keir Starmer , Labour has a leader who can do just that .
“ Keir understands public service workers – including some of the lowest paid in our country such as cleaners , catering staff and care workers – have kept the country going through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re under-appreciated , undervalued and underpaid .
He was right to talk about the broken social care system .
The Tories have mismanaged care for years – failing to fix it , despite many promises .
“ It will be up to Labour to fix the mess this government has created .
Now , more than ever , we need a Labour government .
The future of our country relies on electing one , led by Keir Starmer .
“ Keir has made a big step in winning back the trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s now the responsibility of everyone in the party and in unions to join him in that fight.
” Momentum co-chair Andrew Scattergood welcomed the Labour leader ’ s attack on the Prime Minister ’ s handling of the pandemic but criticised what he called a “ missed opportunity to show substance ” .
Scattergood said : “ Keir Starmer taking the fight to Boris Johnson today is welcome , but after months of the leadership not commenting on policies , Keir Starmer ’ s speech was a missed opportunity to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal to working class voters , his pitch should be based on solidarity with the working class and defending their interests , not just slogans and platitudes .
“ 74 % of people want test and trace taken away from private firms yet Starmer was silent on the catastrophic failure caused by the outsourcing of test and trace , including to companies with links to the Conservative Party , or of Labour ’ s opposition to privatisation.
” The co-chair criticised Starmer for not mentioning Black Lives Matter , a green new deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eviction ban on Sunday , saying the government had unleashed a “ tsunami of evictions across our communities ” .
The suspension meant that court proceedings for eviction notices could not be progressed , but the courts restarted the process on Monday .
Generation Rent estimated that 55,000 private renters have already been handed notice since March .
Scattergood added : “ Even as Starmer pledged to win back trust , his Shadow Foreign Secretary suggested that he is rowing back on key promises from his leadership campaign to tax the super rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into public ownership .
“ Breaking your promises to your electorate is no way to win back trust .
If Keir Starmer wants to win this country ’ s confidence , he must show he ’ s a man of his word , not another careerist politician who will say what is needed to win power and then abandon his promises once he gets there.
” Responding to the keynote address this morning , GMB acting general secretary John Phillips said : “ Keir set out today how true Labour values can and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Fairness , equality , helping every child to reach their potential and valuing our public services , carers , key workers and communities is so important .
“ Things can be different , our country will face huge choices in the weeks , months and years to come – these are the values that should be at the heart of we heal our country post-Brexit and heal our economy post covid-19.
” TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes declared that the party “ must be bold ” .
He said the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that Labour government ’ s since 1945 have been “ transformative ” .
He continued : “ And so will the next one be .
He was right to recognise the challenges of climate change and need to decarbonise our economy and pledge Labour ’ s future economic policies must support this .
“ There is no doubt that ten years of austerity have left all of our communities badly scarred and now the economic fallout from the coronavirus health emergency will further deepen the vast inequalities within Britain .
There can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the status quo wasn ’ t working for millions of our citizens.
” Usdaw ’ s Paddy Lillis said Starmer “ rightly talked about government incompetence holding Britain back ” and welcomed his ‘ new leadership ’ based on “ decency , fairness , opportunity and security ” .
The leader of the affiliated union remarked this morning : “ He is delivering a competent and credible opposition that knows Labour needs to win in order to change people ’ s lives , and our country , for the better .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity at work , recognising that many have not had a real terms pay rise for a decade , and working with trade unions to create quality jobs .
This is at the heart of Usdaw ’ s ‘ New Deal for Workers ’ campaign and we look forward to working with Keir to achieve those aims.
” Starmer told the public today that the trust of the British people would only be won by a party that can “ provide security and opportunity at work ” , and talked about “ structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay and the housing crisis .
Lillis declared that “ we can not go back to the way we were ” and said that there must be “ lasting and fundamental changes to the way society views our lowest paid workers ” .
He called for a “ new deal for the workers ” including demands a minimum wage of at least £10 per hour , an end to insecure employment , respect for shopworkers and action to ensure that retail jobs are no longer underpaid and undervalued .
The general secretary finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues the government is not listening and we need the new leadership that Keir Starmer is offering the country , because only Labour will deliver for our members and all working people.
” The National Education Union welcomed Starmer ’ s commitment today to closing the “ education gap at every stage in a child ’ s development ” and pledged to set up his own taskforce on the issue if the Prime Minister failed to act .
Joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said : “ We need to end the debilitating poverty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be made to the help and support families can access , the benefits system that penalises so many , and housing .
“ In 2018-19 some 4.2 million people in the UK were trapped in poverty .
Shockingly , this means nine children in every class of 30 .
By Christmas , 200,000 more children will be pushed below the poverty line .
“ Every day schools see the impact this has on their students .
It is obvious that children and young people who are cold , hungry and worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively.
” Courtney went on to call for the government to expand the eligibility for free school meals to every child on Universal Credit , for the scheme to expanded year-round and to make sure school uniforms are affordable .
He added : “ 700,000 young people live in homes without internet access .
To make sure no young person is left behind , the government must step up its scheme to provide free wi-fi access and laptops for disadvantaged children who don ’ t have this access and give schools a dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ All of this is readily achievable .
The NEU looks forward to working with all political parties to ensure no child is left behind .
”

Labour leader Keir Starmer delivered his keynote address to Labour’s online ‘Connected’ conference this morning. Here is how trade unions, figures and groups from across the labour movement reacted…
Richard Leonard
The Scottish Labour leader welcomed Starmer’s speech, saying he had spoken “passionately about the country he wants us all to live in” and “exposed the failures of the UK government to effectively deal with the health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic”.
Leonard said: “He showed clearly the priorities of the Labour Party – properly funded universal public services, world class education, investment in skills, working with business and trade unions to generate high-quality jobs, and a greener economy, and our enduring commitment to build a more equal society.”
Highlighting that the UK Labour leader talked about a “greener, cleaner and fairer society” in his speech, Leonard concluded: “These are priorities we agree on and are the priorities of the people.”
UNISON
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Today Keir Starmer showed Labour’s new leadership is focused on the future, on the challenges our country faces at this unprecedented time and, crucially, on winning the next election.
“Public service workers have faced a decade of austerity and pay cuts – they need a Labour Party that can, and will, win the next election. In Keir Starmer, Labour has a leader who can do just that.
“Keir understands public service workers – including some of the lowest paid in our country such as cleaners, catering staff and care workers – have kept the country going through the darkest of hours.
“Too often they’re under-appreciated, undervalued and underpaid. He was right to talk about the broken social care system. The Tories have mismanaged care for years – failing to fix it, despite many promises.
“It will be up to Labour to fix the mess this government has created. Now, more than ever, we need a Labour government. The future of our country relies on electing one, led by Keir Starmer.
“Keir has made a big step in winning back the trust of the British people today. It’s now the responsibility of everyone in the party and in unions to join him in that fight.”
Momentum
Momentum co-chair Andrew Scattergood welcomed the Labour leader’s attack on the Prime Minister’s handling of the pandemic but criticised what he called a “missed opportunity to show substance”.
Scattergood said: “Keir Starmer taking the fight to Boris Johnson today is welcome, but after months of the leadership not commenting on policies, Keir Starmer’s speech was a missed opportunity to show substance.
“If Starmer wants to appeal to working class voters, his pitch should be based on solidarity with the working class and defending their interests, not just slogans and platitudes.
“74% of people want test and trace taken away from private firms yet Starmer was silent on the catastrophic failure caused by the outsourcing of test and trace, including to companies with links to the Conservative Party, or of Labour’s opposition to privatisation.”
The co-chair criticised Starmer for not mentioning Black Lives Matter, a green new deal or the Tories’ lifting of the eviction ban on Sunday, saying the government had unleashed a “tsunami of evictions across our communities”.
The suspension meant that court proceedings for eviction notices could not be progressed, but the courts restarted the process on Monday. Generation Rent estimated that 55,000 private renters have already been handed notice since March.
Scattergood added: “Even as Starmer pledged to win back trust, his Shadow Foreign Secretary suggested that he is rowing back on key promises from his leadership campaign to tax the super rich and corporations and to bring key services into public ownership.
“Breaking your promises to your electorate is no way to win back trust. If Keir Starmer wants to win this country’s confidence, he must show he’s a man of his word, not another careerist politician who will say what is needed to win power and then abandon his promises once he gets there.”
GMB
Responding to the keynote address this morning, GMB acting general secretary John Phillips said: “Keir set out today how true Labour values can and will make our country a better place.
“Fairness, equality, helping every child to reach their potential and valuing our public services, carers, key workers and communities is so important.
“Things can be different, our country will face huge choices in the weeks, months and years to come – these are the values that should be at the heart of we heal our country post-Brexit and heal our economy post covid-19.”
TSSA
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes declared that the party “must be bold”. He said the Labour leader was right to remind the public of that Labour government’s since 1945 have been “transformative”.
He continued: “And so will the next one be. He was right to recognise the challenges of climate change and need to decarbonise our economy and pledge Labour’s future economic policies must support this.
“There is no doubt that ten years of austerity have left all of our communities badly scarred and now the economic fallout from the coronavirus health emergency will further deepen the vast inequalities within Britain. There can be no return to business as usual as the status quo wasn’t working for millions of our citizens.”
Usdaw
Usdaw’s Paddy Lillis said Starmer “rightly talked about government incompetence holding Britain back” and welcomed his ‘new leadership’ based on “decency, fairness, opportunity and security”.
The leader of the affiliated union remarked this morning: “He is delivering a competent and credible opposition that knows Labour needs to win in order to change people’s lives, and our country, for the better.
“We welcome his commitments to security and opportunity at work, recognising that many have not had a real terms pay rise for a decade, and working with trade unions to create quality jobs. This is at the heart of Usdaw’s ‘New Deal for Workers’ campaign and we look forward to working with Keir to achieve those aims.”
Starmer told the public today that the trust of the British people would only be won by a party that can “provide security and opportunity at work”, and talked about “structural flaws” in the economy including low pay and the housing crisis.
Lillis declared that “we cannot go back to the way we were” and said that there must be “lasting and fundamental changes to the way society views our lowest paid workers”.
He called for a “new deal for the workers” including demands a minimum wage of at least £10 per hour, an end to insecure employment, respect for shopworkers and action to ensure that retail jobs are no longer underpaid and undervalued.
The general secretary finished by saying: “On all those issues the government is not listening and we need the new leadership that Keir Starmer is offering the country, because only Labour will deliver for our members and all working people.”
NEU
The National Education Union welcomed Starmer’s commitment today to closing the “education gap at every stage in a child’s development” and pledged to set up his own taskforce on the issue if the Prime Minister failed to act.
Joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: “We need to end the debilitating poverty that so many families endure. Changes need to be made to the help and support families can access, the benefits system that penalises so many, and housing.
“In 2018-19 some 4.2 million people in the UK were trapped in poverty. Shockingly, this means nine children in every class of 30. By Christmas, 200,000 more children will be pushed below the poverty line.
“Every day schools see the impact this has on their students. It is obvious that children and young people who are cold, hungry and worried, cannot concentrate or learn as effectively.”
Courtney went on to call for the government to expand the eligibility for free school meals to every child on Universal Credit, for the scheme to expanded year-round and to make sure school uniforms are affordable.
He added: “700,000 young people live in homes without internet access. To make sure no young person is left behind, the government must step up its scheme to provide free wi-fi access and laptops for disadvantaged children who don’t have this access and give schools a dedicated tech budget to combat the digital divide.
“All of this is readily achievable. The NEU looks forward to working with all political parties to ensure no child is left behind.”


labourlist--2020-09-22--‘Necessary but not inevitable’: Starmer backs new Covid measures

Keir Starmer has backed the new coronavirus measures unveiled by the government as “ necessary ” but criticised the Prime Minister for ignoring warnings and described the restrictions as “ not inevitable ” .
Responding to a parliamentary statement by Boris Johnson this afternoon , the Labour leader said both his party and experts had warned the government that the testing regime would need to be prepared for increased autumn demand .
Starmer told the Commons : “ Given the rise in restrictions we ’ re seeing , these measures are necessary .
But they were not inevitable .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing needed to be fixed by the autumn .
“ The Academy of Medical Sciences told him the same in July .
They said : ‘ Testing and tracing capacity will need to be significantly expanded to cope with the increased demand over the winter ’ .
But the government didn ’ t listen.
” The Labour leader argued that there is still time to prevent a second national lockdown being introduced , but said that stopping one would need a “ national effort ” .
He committed his party to supporting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will do whatever is reasonable and necessary to support that , to save lives and protect the NHS , but the government must lead .
And it must do so fast.
” The measures outlined by the Prime Minister this afternoon include a 10pm curfew for hospitality venues and an extension of the ‘ rule of six ’ to encompass indoor sports teams , alongside an encouragement for people to work from home .
Johnson also told the public today that , if the ‘ R-rate ’ does not fall back below one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be introduced and people should expect the current ones to remain in place for the next six months .
Starmer highlighted the absence of any announcement of financial support for people or businesses alongside the new restrictions .
He reiterated his call for the government to work with Labour to save jobs in the pandemic .
The Labour leader said : “ These restrictions will put further pressures on the hospitality sector , on high streets and town centres , on people ’ s jobs and businesses .
“ So , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those that need it ?
There was nothing in the Prime Minister ’ s statement about that – there ’ s a big gap here.
” He repeated Labour ’ s call for the government to end its ‘ one-size-fits-all ’ approach to withdrawing furlough support at the end of October , asking the Prime Minister to now accept that to do so would be a “ disaster ” and at odds his the measures .
The full list of measures announced by Johnson this afternoon include : • Office workers should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • From Thursday , all pubs , bars and restaurants must be table service only and close at 10pm – but delivery services can remain open ; • The requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to staff in retail , people in taxis and everyone using hospitality services ; • Fines for not wearing a face covering will now double to £200 for a first offence ; • Only 15 people can now attend weddings but 30 can go to a funeral ; • The rule of six has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Phased reopening of stadiums for sports clubs has been cancelled .
Commenting on the new restrictions this afternoon , TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady said : “ With infections rising , the government must get a grip on test and trace and safety at work .
“ Workers are still telling us that employers are not enforcing social distancing or providing personal protective equipment to keep them safe .
“ Ministers must make it a legal requirement for companies to publish their risk assessments .
If we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we won ’ t be able to deal with the economic one.
” O ’ Grady argued that it is clear the pandemic will not be over by Christmas , and added that “ neither should state support for jobs ” .
She declared : “ The Prime Minister says he will put his arms around the workforce .
Let ’ s see him prove it .
“ Warm words will not pay the bills or save livelihoods .
The government must come forward with a new jobs protection and training deal that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mass unemployment.
” Labour on Monday attributed the recent increase in the number of cases to government “ incompetence and failure ” after a televised Covid briefing suggested that the country is on course for up to 50,000 new daily cases by mid-October .

Keir Starmer has backed the new coronavirus measures unveiled by the government as “necessary” but criticised the Prime Minister for ignoring warnings and described the restrictions as “not inevitable”.
Responding to a parliamentary statement by Boris Johnson this afternoon, the Labour leader said both his party and experts had warned the government that the testing regime would need to be prepared for increased autumn demand.
Starmer told the Commons: “Given the rise in restrictions we’re seeing, these measures are necessary. But they were not inevitable. We warned the Prime Minister months ago that testing needed to be fixed by the autumn.
“The Academy of Medical Sciences told him the same in July. They said: ‘Testing and tracing capacity will need to be significantly expanded to cope with the increased demand over the winter’. But the government didn’t listen.”
The Labour leader argued that there is still time to prevent a second national lockdown being introduced, but said that stopping one would need a “national effort”. He committed his party to supporting that effort.
Starmer added: “Labour will do whatever is reasonable and necessary to support that, to save lives and protect the NHS, but the government must lead. And it must do so fast.”
The measures outlined by the Prime Minister this afternoon include a 10pm curfew for hospitality venues and an extension of the ‘rule of six’ to encompass indoor sports teams, alongside an encouragement for people to work from home.
Johnson also told the public today that, if the ‘R-rate’ does not fall back below one, then “significant” additional restrictions could be introduced and people should expect the current ones to remain in place for the next six months.
Starmer highlighted the absence of any announcement of financial support for people or businesses alongside the new restrictions. He reiterated his call for the government to work with Labour to save jobs in the pandemic.
The Labour leader said: “These restrictions will put further pressures on the hospitality sector, on high streets and town centres, on people’s jobs and businesses.
“So, what emergency financial support will be made available to those that need it? There was nothing in the Prime Minister’s statement about that – there’s a big gap here.”
He repeated Labour’s call for the government to end its ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to withdrawing furlough support at the end of October, asking the Prime Minister to now accept that to do so would be a “disaster” and at odds his the measures.
The full list of measures announced by Johnson this afternoon include:
Office workers should work from home again where possible;
From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must be table service only and close at 10pm – but delivery services can remain open;
The requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to staff in retail, people in taxis and everyone using hospitality services;
Fines for not wearing a face covering will now double to £200 for a first offence;
Only 15 people can now attend weddings but 30 can go to a funeral;
The rule of six has been extended to indoor sports teams; and
Phased reopening of stadiums for sports clubs has been cancelled.
Commenting on the new restrictions this afternoon, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “With infections rising, the government must get a grip on test and trace and safety at work.
“Workers are still telling us that employers are not enforcing social distancing or providing personal protective equipment to keep them safe.
“Ministers must make it a legal requirement for companies to publish their risk assessments. If we don’t deal with the public health crisis, we won’t be able to deal with the economic one.”
O’Grady argued that it is clear the pandemic will not be over by Christmas, and added that “neither should state support for jobs”. She declared: “The Prime Minister says he will put his arms around the workforce. Let’s see him prove it.
“Warm words will not pay the bills or save livelihoods. The government must come forward with a new jobs protection and training deal that support short-time working to stop the disaster of mass unemployment.”
Labour on Monday attributed the recent increase in the number of cases to government “incompetence and failure” after a televised Covid briefing suggested that the country is on course for up to 50,000 new daily cases by mid-October.


labourlist--2020-09-23--WATCH: Starmer slams PM over claim Covid spike unrelated to testing failures

Keir Starmer has criticised Boris Johnson for suggesting that the recent increase in coronavirus cases had “ very little or nothing to do ” with the government ’ s failures on the test and trace programme .
Appearing in front of the House of Commons in this afternoon ’ s session of Prime Minister ’ s Questions , the Labour leader exposed the internal contradictions on the government ’ s handling of the pandemic .
Using the debate to highlight Boris Johnson ’ s previous enthusiasm for the regime , Starmer told parliament : “ Three months ago today the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a real game-changer for us .
“ He was backed up by the Health Secretary who said finding where people who test positive are is the single most important thing that we can do to stop the spread of the virus .
“ Yesterday the Prime Minister said the complete opposite .
Standing there he said testing and tracing has very little or nothing to do with the spread or transmission of the disease .
Both positions can not be right , which one is it Prime Minister ?
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is an epidemiological fact that transmission of the virus occurs from human contact , from person to person .
What test and trace enables us to do is isolate the cases of the virus in ever greater detail.
” Johnson made the controversial comments as he outlined the new Covid restrictions being introduced this week to help fight the increasing rate of transmission of the virus in parliament on Tuesday .
The Prime Minister added : “ I increasingly think it ’ s disgraceful that the Labour opposition continue to blame NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease.
” The measures outlined by the Prime Minister earlier this week include a 10pm closing time for hospitality venues and an extension of the ‘ rule of six ’ to encompass indoor sports teams , alongside advising people to work from home .
The new restrictions were announced after a rapid rise in the number of Covid infections in the UK , with experts estimating this month that the reproduction ‘ R ’ rate of the virus could be as high as 1.7 .

Keir Starmer has criticised Boris Johnson for suggesting that the recent increase in coronavirus cases had “very little or nothing to do” with the government’s failures on the test and trace programme.
Appearing in front of the House of Commons in this afternoon’s session of Prime Minister’s Questions, the Labour leader exposed the internal contradictions on the government’s handling of the pandemic.
Using the debate to highlight Boris Johnson’s previous enthusiasm for the regime, Starmer told parliament: “Three months ago today the Prime Minister said that test and trace will be a real game-changer for us.
“He was backed up by the Health Secretary who said finding where people who test positive are is the single most important thing that we can do to stop the spread of the virus.
“Yesterday the Prime Minister said the complete opposite. Standing there he said testing and tracing has very little or nothing to do with the spread or transmission of the disease. Both positions cannot be right, which one is it Prime Minister?”
The PM responded after being pressed: “It is an epidemiological fact that transmission of the virus occurs from human contact, from person to person. What test and trace enables us to do is isolate the cases of the virus in ever greater detail.”
“Why yesterday did the PM say testing and tracing had very little or nothing to do with the transmission of the disease?” asks Labour's Keir Starmer Boris Johnson says “great advantage” of Test and Trace is UK can take steps to drive the virus down#PMQs https://t.co/87TiW8yOEa pic.twitter.com/QicNtj0t5Y — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 23, 2020
Johnson made the controversial comments as he outlined the new Covid restrictions being introduced this week to help fight the increasing rate of transmission of the virus in parliament on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister added: “I increasingly think it’s disgraceful that the Labour opposition continue to blame NHS test and trace for the resurgence of the disease.”
The measures outlined by the Prime Minister earlier this week include a 10pm closing time for hospitality venues and an extension of the ‘rule of six’ to encompass indoor sports teams, alongside advising people to work from home.
The new restrictions were announced after a rapid rise in the number of Covid infections in the UK, with experts estimating this month that the reproduction ‘R’ rate of the virus could be as high as 1.7.


labourlist--2020-09-23--PMQs: Not just competence. Starmer knows he can and must fight on values

Keir Starmer took the public on a tour of the government ’ s internal contradictions on coronavirus today .
The Prime Minister described test and trace three months ago as a “ game changer ” , the Labour leader reminded the House – and yet yesterday Boris Johnson said it had “ very little or nothing ” to do with the spread of the virus .
And , Starmer asked , what exactly is the problem with testing in the UK ?
Is it , as Dido Harding has suggested , a lack of capacity ?
Or is it the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t need it , as Health Secretary Matt Hancock has argued ?
Between his Covid briefings and his appearance before the Commons liaison committee , the Prime Minister has suggested both .
The Labour leader this afternoon reflected public confusion after several weeks of garbled messaging from the government .
“ Get a test if in doubt , ” Hancock told us several times in July .
Two months later , people are apparently wasting our finite testing capacity doing exactly that .
30 children can not go feed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men can meet to shoot those same ducks .
And while the chief medical officer warns the UK is on track for 50,000 new daily cases by October if we don ’ t change course , the only real response from the PM has been to order bars , pubs and restaurants to close at 10pm .
Hammering home this head-scratching torrent of contradictions and reiterating a point he made yesterday , Starmer highlighted that although new restrictions are to be imposed , there is a complete absence of any financial support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intention of engaging on any of these issues .
Johnson has shown repeatedly that he can not win on the detail , and he now simply won ’ t try to .
Instead , as he has done repeatedly in the crisis , he tried to invoke the strong support and gratitude he knows the public feel for our health workers .
Calling for a “ spirit of togetherness ” , Johnson presented a question from the Labour leader about the director of the test and trace programme as an attack on NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready today : “ My complaint is not with the NHS , it ’ s with the government .
My wife works in the NHS .
My mother worked for the NHS .
My sister works for the NHS .
So , I ’ m not going to take lectures on supporting the NHS.
” An interesting and important development in his strategy , and reinforcing the tone of his first speech to conference as leader – in which he explained just how much he loves his country .
Starmer wants people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he also shares key British values .
He knows that Labour must , and can , fight Johnson on the sentimental as well as the technical .

Keir Starmer took the public on a tour of the government’s internal contradictions on coronavirus today. The Prime Minister described test and trace three months ago as a “game changer”, the Labour leader reminded the House – and yet yesterday Boris Johnson said it had “very little or nothing” to do with the spread of the virus. And, Starmer asked, what exactly is the problem with testing in the UK? Is it, as Dido Harding has suggested, a lack of capacity? Or is it the fault of the public seeking tests when they don’t need it, as Health Secretary Matt Hancock has argued? Between his Covid briefings and his appearance before the Commons liaison committee, the Prime Minister has suggested both.
The Labour leader this afternoon reflected public confusion after several weeks of garbled messaging from the government. “Get a test if in doubt,” Hancock told us several times in July. Two months later, people are apparently wasting our finite testing capacity doing exactly that. 30 children cannot go feed the ducks in the park, but 30 men can meet to shoot those same ducks. And while the chief medical officer warns the UK is on track for 50,000 new daily cases by October if we don’t change course, the only real response from the PM has been to order bars, pubs and restaurants to close at 10pm. Hammering home this head-scratching torrent of contradictions and reiterating a point he made yesterday, Starmer highlighted that although new restrictions are to be imposed, there is a complete absence of any financial support for those affected.
The PM had no intention of engaging on any of these issues. Johnson has shown repeatedly that he cannot win on the detail, and he now simply won’t try to. Instead, as he has done repeatedly in the crisis, he tried to invoke the strong support and gratitude he knows the public feel for our health workers. Calling for a “spirit of togetherness”, Johnson presented a question from the Labour leader about the director of the test and trace programme as an attack on NHS staff. But the Labour leader was ready today: “My complaint is not with the NHS, it’s with the government. My wife works in the NHS. My mother worked for the NHS. My sister works for the NHS. So, I’m not going to take lectures on supporting the NHS.” An interesting and important development in his strategy, and reinforcing the tone of his first speech to conference as leader – in which he explained just how much he loves his country. Starmer wants people to know that not only is he competent, he also shares key British values. He knows that Labour must, and can, fight Johnson on the sentimental as well as the technical.


labourlist--2020-09-23--The iron laws of geometrical progression, aka big Covid trouble

“ The iron laws of geometrical progression are shouting at us from the graphs , ” the Prime Minister announced in his address to the nation last night .
In English , big Covid trouble has arrived .
There is much debate over how strict the new rules should be at this point , with Professor John Edmunds of the government ’ s scientific advisory group warning today that there should be tough national restrictions now – or “ it will be too late again ” .
If we don ’ t act immediately , “ we ’ ll have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the line , he told BBC Radio 4 .
“ We haven ’ t learnt from our mistakes.
” But Boris Johnson wants to emphasise that this is a “ great and freedom-loving country ” and the fresh set of rules he has settled on are far from a national lockdown : 10pm closing time for hospitality , table service only , use of face coverings for workers , plus the rule of six .
Keir Starmer had a busy schedule yesterday .
He first had the tough job of delivering his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an empty room , which saw him put across distinctly different messaging from that seen in his leadership campaign ( more ‘ progressive patriotism ’ than the ten pledges – did RLB win the argument ? )
.
It was broadly well-received , though Momentum did criticise the lack of policy detail and the party ’ s online left spent the rest of the day debating whether there is such a thing as left-wing patriotism .
They can never get enough George Orwell chat .
Ultimately , the speech showed an absolute focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years and on winning the next general election , and that ’ s why members elected Starmer earlier this year .
The Labour leader then responded to the new coronavirus restrictions , which he described as “ necessary ” but “ not inevitable ” .
He argued that there is still time to prevent a second national lockdown being imposed , and that Labour would support the “ national effort ” required in the coming weeks and months .
Starmer also highlighted the desperate need for more financial support .
Applying additional pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver a new economic recovery plan “ within days ” .
The former Prime Minister later remarked to John McDonnell : “ I actually think this government has had so many U-turns that we can force U-turns on these issues.
” Indeed it looks impossible , particularly now that more rules have come in , for the government to resist calls for extra support .
This was all incredibly predictable , but they always need to be dragged kicking and screaming .
The Financial Times has reported that Sunak is drawing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll hear more in the coming days , rather than at the very last minute , but let nobody hold their breath .
In the meantime , we can watch Keir Starmer ’ s own ‘ right of reply ’ address to the nation tonight on the BBC , responding to Johnson ’ s Tuesday evening statement .
With his Connected speech being mostly eclipsed by the Covid-dominated news agenda , this will help to introduce the new Labour leader to the country – and it won ’ t be difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Prime Minister .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

“The iron laws of geometrical progression are shouting at us from the graphs,” the Prime Minister announced in his address to the nation last night. In English, big Covid trouble has arrived. There is much debate over how strict the new rules should be at this point, with Professor John Edmunds of the government’s scientific advisory group warning today that there should be tough national restrictions now – or “it will be too late again”. If we don’t act immediately, “we’ll have the worst of both worlds” further down the line, he told BBC Radio 4. “We haven’t learnt from our mistakes.” But Boris Johnson wants to emphasise that this is a “great and freedom-loving country” and the fresh set of rules he has settled on are far from a national lockdown: 10pm closing time for hospitality, table service only, use of face coverings for workers, plus the rule of six.
Keir Starmer had a busy schedule yesterday. He first had the tough job of delivering his first conference(ish) speech to an empty room, which saw him put across distinctly different messaging from that seen in his leadership campaign (more ‘progressive patriotism’ than the ten pledges – did RLB win the argument?). It was broadly well-received, though Momentum did criticise the lack of policy detail and the party’s online left spent the rest of the day debating whether there is such a thing as left-wing patriotism. They can never get enough George Orwell chat. Ultimately, the speech showed an absolute focus on appealing to voters lost in recent years and on winning the next general election, and that’s why members elected Starmer earlier this year.
The Labour leader then responded to the new coronavirus restrictions, which he described as “necessary” but “not inevitable”. He argued that there is still time to prevent a second national lockdown being imposed, and that Labour would support the “national effort” required in the coming weeks and months. Starmer also highlighted the desperate need for more financial support. Applying additional pressure, Gordon Brown told Chancellor Rishi Sunak to deliver a new economic recovery plan “within days”. The former Prime Minister later remarked to John McDonnell: “I actually think this government has had so many U-turns that we can force U-turns on these issues.”
Indeed it looks impossible, particularly now that more rules have come in, for the government to resist calls for extra support. This was all incredibly predictable, but they always need to be dragged kicking and screaming. The Financial Times has reported that Sunak is drawing up post-furlough plans to subsidise wages. Hopefully we’ll hear more in the coming days, rather than at the very last minute, but let nobody hold their breath. In the meantime, we can watch Keir Starmer’s own ‘right of reply’ address to the nation tonight on the BBC, responding to Johnson’s Tuesday evening statement. With his Connected speech being mostly eclipsed by the Covid-dominated news agenda, this will help to introduce the new Labour leader to the country – and it won’t be difficult to deliver a clearer message than that of the Prime Minister. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-09-23--Labour: Calling in army shows “extent to which police have been cut”

Labour has criticised the government for suggesting the army could be used to enforce Covid restrictions , pointing out that the move lays bare “ the extent to which the police have been cut over the last ten years ” .
Opposition frontbencher Rachel Reeves told Sky News this morning that Labour supports the new coronavirus restrictions but believes the police have handled enforcement of Covid rules “ really well ” so far .
Reeves told Sky : “ We all want the new rules to be obeyed and for people to stick by those and I think what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months is that despite very tough measures the vast majority of people have stuck with those because they know it is the right thing to do .
“ I think it does tell us something about the extent to which the police have been cut over the last ten years that the government are even talking about having to use the army to support them .
“ We have policing by consent in this country and the police , I think , have handled these restrictions in the last few months really well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I think that ’ s really important .
“ The best way to get people to stick by these rules is for them to understand them to understand their significance and then , as I say , as we ’ ve seen so far , the vast vast majority of people want to do what is right.
” Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a set of new Covid restrictions on Tuesday , including a 10pm curfew for bars and restaurants and an extension of the ‘ rule of six ’ to encompass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tougher restrictions on those who flout the regulations , telling the Commons that in enforcing the rules the government had “ the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police ” .
Nick Thomas-Symonds wrote a letter to his Home Office counterpart Priti Patel last night saying Labour was “ happy to work together ” with the government on the policy “ if military support is now necessary ” .
But the Shadow Home Secretary called for clarification on a variety of unanswered questions : • “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives from senior policing , frontline officers , police and crime commissioners , local authorities and others about the use of the military to support policing ; • “ What are the duties that have been recommended by policing representatives that military support could help fulfill ?
• “ Have any discussions been held about the military fulfilling any public-facing roles ?
• “ How long is the initial period of support offer available and what is the estimated cost to the military ?
• “ If this is a longer-term commitment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel ?
” Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott responded to the letter from her successor by tweeting : “ But bringing in the military is also wrong in principle.
” The new restrictions have been announced after a rapid rise in the number of Covid infections in the UK with academics estimating this month that the reproduction ‘ R ’ rate of the virus could be as high as 1.7 .
Labour on Monday attributed the recent increase in the number of cases to government “ incompetence and failure ” after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on course for up to 50,000 new daily cases by mid-October .
Below is the full text of last night ’ s letter sent by Nick Thomas-Symonds to Priti Patel .
I write in relation to the announcement made by the Prime Minister to the House of Commons about the police having ‘ the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police ’ .
The fact that the military may be needed to support policing functions shows the extraordinary pressure that policing has been put under , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers lost under this government .
As you know , the Labour Party is committed to working constructively and if military support is now necessary we would be happy to work together on this matter .
However , it is yet another striking example of how depleted resources have become following a decade of a Conservative government .
I have raised on numerous occasions the failings of this government on crime , particularly in areas such as domestic abuse and knife crime .
As a result , it is deeply concerning to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretched police resources now are , at a time when crime has been steeply rising , especially violent crime .
These latest sets of Covid measures should not have come as a surprise , so it is vital that assurances are provided that proper planning has been undertaken .
As a result , I would be grateful if you could answer the following questions : • What preparatory discussions have been held with representatives from senior policing , frontline officers , police and crime commissioners , local authorities and others about the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • What are the duties that have been recommended by policing representatives that military support could help fulfill ?
• Have any discussions been held about the military fulfilling any public-facing roles ?
• How long is the initial period of support offer available and what is the estimated cost to the military ?
• If this is a longer-term commitment , will additional training be required for military personnel ?
In my discussions with senior figures in policing , I have been concerned to hear that there has been insufficient consultation on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your answer .

Labour has criticised the government for suggesting the army could be used to enforce Covid restrictions, pointing out that the move lays bare “the extent to which the police have been cut over the last ten years”.
Opposition frontbencher Rachel Reeves told Sky News this morning that Labour supports the new coronavirus restrictions but believes the police have handled enforcement of Covid rules “really well” so far.
Reeves told Sky: “We all want the new rules to be obeyed and for people to stick by those and I think what we’ve seen over the past few months is that despite very tough measures the vast majority of people have stuck with those because they know it is the right thing to do.
“I think it does tell us something about the extent to which the police have been cut over the last ten years that the government are even talking about having to use the army to support them.
“We have policing by consent in this country and the police, I think, have handled these restrictions in the last few months really well and have taken people with us, and I think that’s really important.
“The best way to get people to stick by these rules is for them to understand them to understand their significance and then, as I say, as we’ve seen so far, the vast vast majority of people want to do what is right.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a set of new Covid restrictions on Tuesday, including a 10pm curfew for bars and restaurants and an extension of the ‘rule of six’ to encompass indoor sports teams.
He also warned of tougher restrictions on those who flout the regulations, telling the Commons that in enforcing the rules the government had “the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police”.
"I think it tells us something about the extent to which the police have been cut over the last ten years." Shadow Cabinet Minister @RachelReevesMP criticises the Government's plans to use the Army to help the police enforce new COVID-19 restrictions. DC#KayBurley pic.twitter.com/EvVijkCJxP — Kay Burley (@KayBurley) September 23, 2020
Nick Thomas-Symonds wrote a letter to his Home Office counterpart Priti Patel last night saying Labour was “happy to work together” with the government on the policy “if military support is now necessary”.
But the Shadow Home Secretary called for clarification on a variety of unanswered questions:
“What preparatory discussions have been held with representatives from senior policing, frontline officers, police and crime commissioners, local authorities and others about the use of the military to support policing;
“What are the duties that have been recommended by policing representatives that military support could help fulfill?
“Have any discussions been held about the military fulfilling any public-facing roles?
“How long is the initial period of support offer available and what is the estimated cost to the military?
“If this is a longer-term commitment, will additional training be required for military personnel?”
Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott responded to the letter from her successor by tweeting: “But bringing in the military is also wrong in principle.”
The new restrictions have been announced after a rapid rise in the number of Covid infections in the UK with academics estimating this month that the reproduction ‘R’ rate of the virus could be as high as 1.7.
Labour on Monday attributed the recent increase in the number of cases to government “incompetence and failure” after a televised Covid briefing suggested that the country is on course for up to 50,000 new daily cases by mid-October.
Below is the full text of last night’s letter sent by Nick Thomas-Symonds to Priti Patel.
Dear Priti,
I write in relation to the announcement made by the Prime Minister to the House of Commons about the police having ‘the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police’.
The fact that the military may be needed to support policing functions shows the extraordinary pressure that policing has been put under, as a result of the thousands of officers lost under this government.
As you know, the Labour Party is committed to working constructively and if military support is now necessary we would be happy to work together on this matter. However, it is yet another striking example of how depleted resources have become following a decade of a Conservative government.
I have raised on numerous occasions the failings of this government on crime, particularly in areas such as domestic abuse and knife crime. As a result, it is deeply concerning to hear the Prime Minister make clear just how stretched police resources now are, at a time when crime has been steeply rising, especially violent crime.
These latest sets of Covid measures should not have come as a surprise, so it is vital that assurances are provided that proper planning has been undertaken. As a result, I would be grateful if you could answer the following questions:
What preparatory discussions have been held with representatives from senior policing, frontline officers, police and crime commissioners, local authorities and others about the use of the military to support policing;
What are the duties that have been recommended by policing representatives that military support could help fulfill?
Have any discussions been held about the military fulfilling any public-facing roles?
How long is the initial period of support offer available and what is the estimated cost to the military?
If this is a longer-term commitment, will additional training be required for military personnel?
In my discussions with senior figures in policing, I have been concerned to hear that there has been insufficient consultation on this significant announcement.
I look forward to your answer.
Yours sincerely,
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP
Shadow Home Secretary


labourlist--2020-09-22--Campaign group urges Labour to adopt seven policies on drug reform

The Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform has renewed its efforts to force a change in party policy by unveiling seven specific recommendations for a public health-based approach to drugs use .
The campaign group , run by party members and backed by 15 Labour MPs and four MSPs , has today released a report that argues the “ war on drugs has failed ” .
LCDPR has called for a “ new progressive approach to drugs ” as research shows that drug-related deaths are at an all-time high in the UK with 5,546 people losing their lives in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 2013 .
The group has recommended that Labour adopt the following seven policies : • “ Support an explicitly public health-based approach to drug use , moving away from a punishment-based model ; • “ Support the introduction of drug consumption rooms , life-saving facilities that prevent overdose deaths ; • “ Support the expansion of drug checking services , which informs users of what is in the drugs they are taking ; • “ Prioritise investment in treatment and recovery services that help people overcome addiction ; • “ Back police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possession of drugs out of the criminal justice system , crucially avoiding a criminal record ; • “ Engage seriously with worldwide discussions around the regulation of currently illegal drug markets ; and • “ Draw upon the evidence base from North and Latin American countries to explore the potential of regulating the cannabis market in the UK.
” Commenting on the new report , LCDPR co-founder and Manchester Withington Labour MP Jeff Smith said : “ I ’ d like to thank the experts and everyone who took part in the consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ At this campaign ’ s heart is an acknowledgement that the war on drugs has failed , and that Labour in government should take a new approach , implementing drug policies which prioritise public health and harm reduction , and are rooted in evidence .
“ Now that the recommendations have been released , we ’ re really keen to engage further with parliamentarians and the public on this and start a serious discussion about how Labour policy can better serve our communities.
” Research from LSE and drugs campaign group Release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to be stop and searched for drugs , despite using drugs at a lower rate than white people .
The Labour campaign group has been supported by 15 MPs and four MSPs , including shadow ministers Alex Sobel , Rachael Maskell , Jess Phillips , Stephen Kinnock and Kerry McCarthy .
Commenting on the report , backbench MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy said : “ I welcome this latest set of policy proposals .
With the UK now standing as the drug overdose capital of Europe , it ’ s clear that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long overdue .
“ We should take a public health approach towards drugs which is evidence-based and outcomes-focused , diverting resources away from prosecution and enforcement and towards prevention to keep everyone safer.
” The new recommendations were drafted by an expert working group of leaders in the fields of addiction , health and policing , and is based on consultations with over 700 members of the public from across the country .
Co-author of the report and Warwickshire police and crime commissioner candidate Ben Twomey said : “ For decades the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be groomed and exploited , while the real criminals make millions .
“ No-one defends the war on drugs anymore , yet in their silence , it continues to destroy communities and wreck lives .
It is time for a public health approach that will protect children , save lives and reduce crime.
” The report also criticised the policy of random drug tests for employees , which was suggested by London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey and backed recently by current Home Secretary Priti Patel .
Labour pledged in its 2019 general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission to develop a public health approach to substance misuse , focusing on harm reduction rather than criminalisation ” .
Polling in July showed that 53 % of people are in favour of a public-health based approach to drugs as opposed to criminal punishment .
In a separate poll , the same number backed the legalisation and regulation of the cannabis market .
Keir Starmer argued during the Labour leadership contest earlier this year that he “ wouldn ’ t immediately ” decriminalise cannabis but said he had supported schemes where people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform has renewed its efforts to force a change in party policy by unveiling seven specific recommendations for a public health-based approach to drugs use.
The campaign group, run by party members and backed by 15 Labour MPs and four MSPs, has today released a report that argues the “war on drugs has failed”.
LCDPR has called for a “new progressive approach to drugs” as research shows that drug-related deaths are at an all-time high in the UK with 5,546 people losing their lives in 2018 alone, representing a 47% increase on 2013.
The group has recommended that Labour adopt the following seven policies:
“Support an explicitly public health-based approach to drug use, moving away from a punishment-based model;
“Support the introduction of drug consumption rooms, life-saving facilities that prevent overdose deaths;
“Support the expansion of drug checking services, which informs users of what is in the drugs they are taking;
“Prioritise investment in treatment and recovery services that help people overcome addiction;
“Back police schemes that divert people found in personal possession of drugs out of the criminal justice system, crucially avoiding a criminal record;
“Engage seriously with worldwide discussions around the regulation of currently illegal drug markets; and
“Draw upon the evidence base from North and Latin American countries to explore the potential of regulating the cannabis market in the UK.”
Commenting on the new report, LCDPR co-founder and Manchester Withington Labour MP Jeff Smith said: “I’d like to thank the experts and everyone who took part in the consultation for a forward-thinking and constructive report.
“At this campaign’s heart is an acknowledgement that the war on drugs has failed, and that Labour in government should take a new approach, implementing drug policies which prioritise public health and harm reduction, and are rooted in evidence.
“Now that the recommendations have been released, we’re really keen to engage further with parliamentarians and the public on this and start a serious discussion about how Labour policy can better serve our communities.”
Research from LSE and drugs campaign group Release found that Black people are nine times more likely to be stop and searched for drugs, despite using drugs at a lower rate than white people.
The Labour campaign group has been supported by 15 MPs and four MSPs, including shadow ministers Alex Sobel, Rachael Maskell, Jess Phillips, Stephen Kinnock and Kerry McCarthy.
Commenting on the report, backbench MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy said: “I welcome this latest set of policy proposals. With the UK now standing as the drug overdose capital of Europe, it’s clear that a grown-up conversation about our drugs policy is long overdue.
“We should take a public health approach towards drugs which is evidence-based and outcomes-focused, diverting resources away from prosecution and enforcement and towards prevention to keep everyone safer.”
The new recommendations were drafted by an expert working group of leaders in the fields of addiction, health and policing, and is based on consultations with over 700 members of the public from across the country.
Co-author of the report and Warwickshire police and crime commissioner candidate Ben Twomey said: “For decades the UK’s drug policies have left children to be groomed and exploited, while the real criminals make millions.
“No-one defends the war on drugs anymore, yet in their silence, it continues to destroy communities and wreck lives. It is time for a public health approach that will protect children, save lives and reduce crime.”
The report also criticised the policy of random drug tests for employees, which was suggested by London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey and backed recently by current Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Labour pledged in its 2019 general election manifesto to “establish a royal commission to develop a public health approach to substance misuse, focusing on harm reduction rather than criminalisation”.
Polling in July showed that 53% of people are in favour of a public-health based approach to drugs as opposed to criminal punishment. In a separate poll, the same number backed the legalisation and regulation of the cannabis market.
Keir Starmer argued during the Labour leadership contest earlier this year that he “wouldn’t immediately” decriminalise cannabis but said he had supported schemes where people were not arrested or prosecuted for use.


labourlist--2020-09-23--Starmer address to the nation: “We need a ‘Plan B’ for the economy”

Keir Starmer has declared that “ we need a ‘ Plan B ’ for the economy ” alongside new Covid restrictions as “ it makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses ” .
In a pre-recorded address to the nation this evening , the Labour leader said the new measures introduced by the government this week to suppress transmission of the virus were “ now necessary ” but “ not inevitable ” .
He described the Covid briefing delivered by the government ’ s chief medical officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stark and clear ” , and the opposition leader urged people to “ follow the new guidance and the rule of law ” .
Responding to Boris Johnson ’ s own coronavirus statement on Tuesday evening , Starmer told viewers tonight : “ The return of this virus , and the return of restrictions , are not an act of God .
They ’ re a failure of government .
“ The British people have done everything asked of them .
But I ’ m afraid the government has not .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have one of the highest death rates in the world , or one of the worst recessions .
“ It ’ s a national scandal that we still don ’ t have a testing system that works .
Or a plan to protect our care homes .
It shouldn ’ t be like this.
” Starmer ’ s intervention this evening followed his contribution in parliament on Tuesday and Prime Minister ’ s Questions earlier today , in which he criticised a “ complete absence ” of economic support unveiled alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today announced that there will be no autumn Budget , but he will instead give an update on Thursday about the government ’ s “ plans to continue protecting jobs through the winter ” .
Below is the text of the statement delivered by the Labour leader this evening .
Good evening .
When I was elected Leader of the Labour Party I said I would always act in the national interest .
That ’ s why , as the nation continues to fight against this dreadful virus , my priority will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives and protect our NHS .
Sadly , despite all the sacrifices and heroism of the British people , it ’ s clear we are not through this yet .
The picture presented by the government ’ s medical advisers this week was stark and clear .
Infections are rising .
Hospital admissions are increasing .
And we know from bitter experience where that could lead .
That ’ s why the government had to introduce further restrictions last night .
We support this .
And I urge everyone to follow the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While these restrictions are now necessary .
They were not inevitable .
The return of this virus , and the return of restrictions , are not an act of God .
They ’ re a failure of government .
The British people have done everything asked of them .
But I ’ m afraid the government has not .
We ’ re a great country .
We shouldn ’ t have one of the highest death rates in the world , or one of the worst recessions .
It ’ s a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a testing system that works .
Or a plan to protect our care homes .
It shouldn ’ t be like this .
People shouldn ’ t have to travel hundreds of miles to get a test for their child for themselves or for their relatives .
And we should be able to give our older people the dignity , security and respect they deserve .
The government needs to fix testing .
Fast .
Because that ’ s the only we can get control of the virus .
And prevent further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Plan B ’ for the economy too .
Because it makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses .
There was nothing in the Prime Minister ’ s statement last night to protect people ’ s jobs , businesses or our town centres and high streets .
No clarity about what happens when the furlough scheme ends .
That ’ s a huge gap .
It ’ s a huge mistake .
And it could lead to a wave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national effort to protect jobs and prevent a second lockdown .
So I ’ ve offered to work with Prime Minister to do whatever we can to save lives and livelihoods .
That offer remains open .
My door is always open .
The weeks and months ahead will be difficult .
And I know there is real frustration and anger at the mistakes that the government has made in the last few months .
But , we will get through this .
The darkness will lift .
A better future is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built on the values that have held us together during this pandemic .
Decency , fairness , opportunity , compassion and security .
A future where Britain is everything it can be .
The best place to grow up in and the best place to grow old in .
That ’ s the future I want for my children and for my country .
That ’ s why I do this .
Together , we can build it .

Keir Starmer has declared that “we need a ‘Plan B’ for the economy” alongside new Covid restrictions as “it makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses”.
In a pre-recorded address to the nation this evening, the Labour leader said the new measures introduced by the government this week to suppress transmission of the virus were “now necessary” but “not inevitable”.
He described the Covid briefing delivered by the government’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty earlier this week as “stark and clear”, and the opposition leader urged people to “follow the new guidance and the rule of law”.
Responding to Boris Johnson’s own coronavirus statement on Tuesday evening, Starmer told viewers tonight: “The return of this virus, and the return of restrictions, are not an act of God. They’re a failure of government.
“The British people have done everything asked of them. But I’m afraid the government has not. We’re a great country. We shouldn’t have one of the highest death rates in the world, or one of the worst recessions.
“It’s a national scandal that we still don’t have a testing system that works. Or a plan to protect our care homes. It shouldn’t be like this.”
Starmer’s intervention this evening followed his contribution in parliament on Tuesday and Prime Minister’s Questions earlier today, in which he criticised a “complete absence” of economic support unveiled alongside the rules.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today announced that there will be no autumn Budget, but he will instead give an update on Thursday about the government’s “plans to continue protecting jobs through the winter”.
Below is the text of the statement delivered by the Labour leader this evening.
Good evening. When I was elected Leader of the Labour Party I said I would always act in the national interest. That’s why, as the nation continues to fight against this dreadful virus, my priority will always be the same as yours to save lives and protect our NHS. Sadly, despite all the sacrifices and heroism of the British people, it’s clear we are not through this yet.
The picture presented by the government’s medical advisers this week was stark and clear. Infections are rising. Hospital admissions are increasing. And we know from bitter experience where that could lead. That’s why the government had to introduce further restrictions last night. We support this. And I urge everyone to follow the new guidance and the rule of law.
While these restrictions are now necessary. They were not inevitable. The return of this virus, and the return of restrictions, are not an act of God. They’re a failure of government. The British people have done everything asked of them. But I’m afraid the government has not. We’re a great country. We shouldn’t have one of the highest death rates in the world, or one of the worst recessions. It’s a national scandal that we still don’t have a testing system that works. Or a plan to protect our care homes.
It shouldn’t be like this. People shouldn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to get a test for their child for themselves or for their relatives. And we should be able to give our older people the dignity, security and respect they deserve. The government needs to fix testing. Fast. Because that’s the only we can get control of the virus. And prevent further restrictions.
And we also need a ‘Plan B’ for the economy too. Because it makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses. There was nothing in the Prime Minister’s statement last night to protect people’s jobs, businesses or our town centres and high streets. No clarity about what happens when the furlough scheme ends. That’s a huge gap. It’s a huge mistake. And it could lead to a wave of job losses this winter.
We need a national effort to protect jobs and prevent a second lockdown. So I’ve offered to work with Prime Minister to do whatever we can to save lives and livelihoods. That offer remains open. My door is always open. The weeks and months ahead will be difficult. And I know there is real frustration and anger at the mistakes that the government has made in the last few months. But, we will get through this.
The darkness will lift. A better future is possible for our country. A country built on the values that have held us together during this pandemic. Decency, fairness, opportunity, compassion and security. A future where Britain is everything it can be. The best place to grow up in and the best place to grow old in. That’s the future I want for my children and for my country. That’s why I do this. Together, we can build it.