labourlist--2020-03-16--Momentum begins “emergency mobilisation” in response to Covid-19

Momentum has said that it is beginning an “ emergency mobilisation ” of its support base to help the vulnerable and pressure the government to provide more support in response to the spread of the coronavirus .
In a statement released today , the group said it will repurpose its 100,000 supporters to join and create community aid groups to help make sure that people get the prescriptions , food and other essentials that they need .
It also labelled the pandemic a “ political crisis ” and highlighted that millions of people are currently at risk of losing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of paying their rent , mortgage or bills .
The statement said : “ While the super rich jet off to their disaster bunkers , it ’ s clear the pandemic will hit NHS workers , the elderly , those in precarious employment , migrants and other marginalised groups the hardest.
” The group has called for a range of measures – from suspending mortgage , rent and bill payments , to ending the “ immoral practice ” of NHS charges for migrants .
It also said it wants to push the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be “ fully transparent ” with the public about their approach to tackling the virus .
The group warned that the right will “ exploit the pandemic to stoke racism and division ” and cited Trump ’ s reference to Covid-19 as a “ foreign virus ” .
The call from the group follows a letter from Jeremy Corbyn to the Prime Minister over the weekend , in which he argues for rent deferrals and mortgage holidays , increased statutory sick pay and further protections for workers .
The full text of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From the 2008 financial crash to climate breakdown , the story is always the same .
Poor and working class people bear the brunt of the crisis while the banks , energy companies and super rich get bailed out .
We ’ ve had more than a decade of politically motivated cuts to our NHS .
Millions have been forced into insecure , precarious work .
While the super rich jet off to their disaster bunkers , it ’ s clear the coronavirus pandemic will hit NHS workers , the elderly , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marginalised groups the hardest .
The government response so far has been completely inadequate .
They have no plan to support workers who get sick or laid off .
They refuse to take private hospitals into public ownership while the NHS remains understaffed and ill-equipped .
They ignore the advice of the World Health Organisation and leave the public in the dark .
In times of national crisis , the establishment asks us to leave our politics at the door .
We must be clear : this crisis is political and there must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks huge numbers of people will be laid off , get their hours cut and have no way to pay their rent , mortgage or bills .
Even for those in work , many will end up on statutory sick pay which is just £94.25 – one of the lowest rates of any developed nation .
And those on benefits are still being made to wait nearly five weeks for payments and threatened with sanctions if they don ’ t attend job centre appointments .
Millions more people could join those fourteen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government must act .
We call on the government to suspend to mortgage , rent and bill payments , guarantee full sick pay for all workers , including those on zero hours contracts , and an end all benefit sanctions , delays and requirements to attend job centre appointments .
For our NHS , the government says it will spend ‘ whatever it takes ’ .
But no amount of money can solve a shortage of 100,000 NHS staff in a matter of weeks .
This pandemic lays bare what a decade of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our health service .
And with the NHS increasingly reliant on private providers , health companies and big pharma will see this pandemic through the lens of profit .
The NHS needs more than money .
We need the government to put our health before profit .
The government must bring all private hospitals and health facilities into emergency public ownership and force pharmaceutical companies to research and produce whatever the NHS needs at cost price .
Paying £2.4 million a day to private hospitals to use their beds isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them into public ownership – and so should we .
NHS workers will be heroes of this crisis , and the government must provide masks and protective equipment for all hospitals and GP practices .
And we must make sure the NHS knows no borders and is truly universal by ending the immoral practise of charging migrants to access the NHS .
Finally , we want the truth .
So far the government has ignored the advice of the World Health Organisation .
If the government is going to follow a different approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we join healthcare professionals in calling for full transparency with the public at all times .
As well as demanding the government meet the scale of the crisis – we also need community response .
Already almost 600 community support groups have been set up across the country where people are working together in a safe and responsible way to make sure the vulnerable can get their prescriptions , food and other essentials .
We encourage every Momentum member to join their local group or if it doesn ’ t yet exist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks and months Momentum will dedicate significant resources and staff time to campaign for these demands and strengthen community support initiatives across the country .
In the short term Momentum will repurpose My Campaign Map for community support groups , promote the best grassroots initiatives and work across the movement to build a set of demands we can win .
With the local elections postponed , we call on the Labour Party and other trade unions to make fighting Covid-19 their top priority .
This means dedicating resources and infrastructure to supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big , political demands of the government .
This crisis is our biggest priority .
Already the right are exploiting the pandemic to stoke racism and division , with Trump calling Covid-19 a ‘ foreign virus ’ and attempting to buy up vaccine research for US-use only .
Other governments may well be tempted to make restrictive containment measures permanent and erode democracy over the long term .
Crises have the potential to change the way we live .
We must face this fact with our eyes open , lead from the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape things for the better .
The next few months will test our strength and resolve like nothing else .
But together , we can show our communities will not be divided , no matter how bad the crisis gets .

Momentum has said that it is beginning an “emergency mobilisation” of its support base to help the vulnerable and pressure the government to provide more support in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
In a statement released today, the group said it would repurpose its 100,000 supporters to join and create community aid groups to help make sure that people get the prescriptions, food and other essentials that they need.
It also labelled the pandemic a “political crisis”, and highlighted that millions of people are currently at risk of losing their jobs and being off sick with no way of paying their rent, mortgage or bills.
Momentum said: “While the super rich jet off to their disaster bunkers, it’s clear the pandemic will hit NHS workers, the elderly, those in precarious employment, migrants and other marginalised groups the hardest.”
The group has called for a range of measures – from suspending mortgage, rent and bill payments, to ending the “immoral practice” of NHS charges for migrants.
It also said it wants to push the government to “tell the truth” and be “fully transparent” with the public about their approach to tackling the virus.
The group warned that the right will “exploit the pandemic to stoke racism and division” and cited President Trump’s reference to Covid-19 as a “foreign virus”.
The call from the group follows a letter from Jeremy Corbyn to the Prime Minister over the weekend, in which he argues for rent deferrals and mortgage holidays, increased statutory sick pay and further protections for workers.
The full text of the statement from Momentum is below.
From the 2008 financial crash to climate breakdown, the story is always the same. Poor and working class people bear the brunt of the crisis while the banks, energy companies and super rich get bailed out.
We’ve had more than a decade of politically motivated cuts to our NHS. Millions have been forced into insecure, precarious work. While the super rich jet off to their disaster bunkers, it’s clear the coronavirus pandemic will hit NHS workers, the elderly, those in precarious employment, migrants and other marginalised groups the hardest.
The government response so far has been completely inadequate. They have no plan to support workers who get sick or laid off. They refuse to take private hospitals into public ownership while the NHS remains understaffed and ill-equipped. They ignore the advice of the World Health Organisation and leave the public in the dark.
In times of national crisis, the establishment asks us to leave our politics at the door. We must be clear: this crisis is political and there must be a political response. In the coming weeks huge numbers of people will be laid off, get their hours cut and have no way to pay their rent, mortgage or bills. Even for those in work, many will end up on statutory sick pay which is just £94.25 – one of the lowest rates of any developed nation. And those on benefits are still being made to wait nearly five weeks for payments and threatened with sanctions if they don’t attend job centre appointments. Millions more people could join those fourteen million already in poverty, and the government must act.
We call on the government to suspend to mortgage, rent and bill payments, guarantee full sick pay for all workers, including those on zero hours contracts, and an end all benefit sanctions, delays and requirements to attend job centre appointments.
For our NHS, the government says it will spend ‘whatever it takes’. But no amount of money can solve a shortage of 100,000 NHS staff in a matter of weeks. This pandemic lays bare what a decade of unnecessary, politically motivated cuts has done to our health service. And with the NHS increasingly reliant on private providers, health companies and big pharma will see this pandemic through the lens of profit. The NHS needs more than money. We need the government to put our health before profit.
The government must bring all private hospitals and health facilities into emergency public ownership and force pharmaceutical companies to research and produce whatever the NHS needs at cost price. Paying £2.4 million a day to private hospitals to use their beds isn’t good enough. Other countries have brought them into public ownership – and so should we.
NHS workers will be heroes of this crisis, and the government must provide masks and protective equipment for all hospitals and GP practices. And we must make sure the NHS knows no borders and is truly universal by ending the immoral practise of charging migrants to access the NHS.
Finally, we want the truth. So far the government has ignored the advice of the World Health Organisation. If the government is going to follow a different approach the public deserve to know why, and we join healthcare professionals in calling for full transparency with the public at all times.
As well as demanding the government meet the scale of the crisis – we also need community response. Already almost 600 community support groups have been set up across the country where people are working together in a safe and responsible way to make sure the vulnerable can get their prescriptions, food and other essentials. We encourage every Momentum member to join their local group or if it doesn’t yet exist, set one up.
Over the coming weeks and months Momentum will dedicate significant resources and staff time to campaign for these demands and strengthen community support initiatives across the country. In the short term Momentum will repurpose My Campaign Map for community support groups, promote the best grassroots initiatives and work across the movement to build a set of demands we can win.
With the local elections postponed, we call on the Labour Party and other trade unions to make fighting Covid-19 their top priority. This means dedicating resources and infrastructure to supporting solidarity initiatives while being unafraid to make big, political demands of the government.
This crisis is our biggest priority. Already the right are exploiting the pandemic to stoke racism and division, with Trump calling Covid-19 a ‘foreign virus’ and attempting to buy up vaccine research for US-use only. Other governments may well be tempted to make restrictive containment measures permanent and erode democracy over the long term. Crises have the potential to change the way we live. We must face this fact with our eyes open, lead from the front and take every opportunity we can to shape things for the better.
The next few months will test our strength and resolve like nothing else. But together, we can show our communities will not be divided, no matter how bad the crisis gets.


labourlist--2020-03-16--Labour urges government to ban evictions for renters with coronavirus

Labour is calling on the government to ban evictions for those who fall behind on their rent payments due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has seen a total of 1,543 positive tests in the UK so far .
John Healey , Shadow Housing Secretary , has published draft legislation this afternoon that would mean any non-payment of rent due to coronavirus is not counted as legal grounds for eviction .
Labour is urging the government to immediately adopt the bill , which initially covers any rent arrears accumulating between March 1st and September 1st but provides the option of extending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this move is essential for protecting over 20 million people – including three million households with children – who rent their homes from private , council or housing association landlords .
It has pointed out that two thirds of private renters and more than eight in ten social renters have no savings , according to government data , making them particularly vulnerable to financial shocks .
Announcing the move , John Healey said : “ Our current threadbare legal safety net means renters are vulnerable to eviction if they get ill and fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being evicted may also mean workers are reluctant stay off work and self-isolate .
“ Our emergency legislation would protect renters from eviction and we urge the government to work with us to adopt it and implement it at the earliest opportunity .
“ This is an essential first step in public reassurance , giving people confidence they can follow official health advice in responding to coronavirus without putting their home at risk.
” Jeremy Corbyn called for rent deferrals and mortgage holidays , as well as increased statutory sick pay and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to the Prime Minister over the weekend .
Below is the text of the draft legislation .
( i ) a protected or statutory tenant within the meaning of the Rent Act 1977 ; ( ii ) a secure tenant within the meaning of the Housing Act 1985 ; or , ( iii ) an assured tenant within the meaning of the Housing Act 1988 .
( b ) A is under a contractual obligation to pay rent to a landlord under the aforementioned tenancy ( c ) A has failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 March 2020 and 1 September 2020 ( d ) That failure to pay rent was , in any way , related to the effects of the coronavirus disease 2 ) If the conditions in the previous clause are met , then the rent specified in sub-clause ( c ) is not to be treated as lawfully due for the purposes of : 3 ) No court proceedings for a money judgment in respect of any arrears within the meaning of clause 1 may be brought before 1 December 2021 .
4 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Order , amend clause 1 ( c ) to specify a later date than 1 September 2020 and may amend the date in subsection ( 3 ) to specify a later date than 1 December 2021 .

Labour is calling on the government to ban evictions for those who fall behind on their rent payments due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has seen a total of 1,543 positive tests in the UK so far.
John Healey, Shadow Housing Secretary, has published draft legislation this afternoon that would mean any non-payment of rent due to coronavirus is not counted as legal grounds for eviction.
Labour is urging the government to immediately adopt the bill, which initially covers any rent arrears accumulating between March 1st and September 1st but provides the option of extending this period.
The party argues that this move is essential for protecting over 20 million people – including three million households with children – who rent their homes from private, council or housing association landlords.
It has pointed out that two thirds of private renters and more than eight in ten social renters have no savings, according to government data, making them particularly vulnerable to financial shocks.
Announcing the move, John Healey said: “Our current threadbare legal safety net means renters are vulnerable to eviction if they get ill and fall behind on their rent. The fear of being evicted may also mean workers are reluctant stay off work and self-isolate.
“Our emergency legislation would protect renters from eviction and we urge the government to work with us to adopt it and implement it at the earliest opportunity.
“This is an essential first step in public reassurance, giving people confidence they can follow official health advice in responding to coronavirus without putting their home at risk.”
Jeremy Corbyn called for rent deferrals and mortgage holidays, as well as increased statutory sick pay and further protections for workers, in a letter to the Prime Minister over the weekend.
Below is the text of the draft legislation.
LANDLORD AND TENANT (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) BILL 2020
Coronavirus emergency rent relief
1) This Section applies where:
(a) a person (“A”) is:
(i) a protected or statutory tenant within the meaning of the Rent Act 1977;
(ii) a secure tenant within the meaning of the Housing Act 1985; or,
(iii) an assured tenant within the meaning of the Housing Act 1988.
And
(b) A is under a contractual obligation to pay rent to a landlord under the aforementioned tenancy
And
(c) A has failed to pay rent that was lawfully due between 1 March 2020 and 1 September 2020
And
(d) That failure to pay rent was, in any way, related to the effects of the coronavirus disease
2) If the conditions in the previous clause are met, then the rent specified in sub-clause (c) is not to be treated as lawfully due for the purposes of:
(a) Schedule 15, Case 1, Rent Act 1977;
(b) Schedule 2, Ground 1, Housing Act 1985; or,
(c) Schedule 2, Grounds 8, 10, or 11, Housing Act 1988.
3) No court proceedings for a money judgment in respect of any arrears within the meaning of clause 1 may be brought before 1 December 2021.
4) The Secretary of State may, by Order, amend clause 1(c) to specify a later date than 1 September 2020 and may amend the date in subsection (3) to specify a later date than 1 December 2021.
5) In this Act, coronavirus disease means COVID-19


labourlist--2020-03-16--Chaudhry Qamer Iqbal: Why I’m standing to be a member of Labour’s NEC

As a BAME member of Labour Party , I have always felt very strongly about the party and its values .
BAME communities are united with Labour as they look to the party to address issues of equality .
They vote Labour in elections and they remain loyal to the party .
However , the faith that BAME communities place in the Labour Party isn ’ t always reciprocated .
We are all well aware of the deficiency in BAME representation amongst our MPs , peers and councillors but there is a further deficiency that is more alarming – that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committees .
Labour has faced challenges for failing to select more than a handful of ethnic minority candidates for its target seats in the selections taken place last year .
I welcome and fully support the Democracy Review that highlights the changes that would address those concerns : “ Campaigning for a change to allow BAME candidate shortlists and shortlists from all protected characteristics will allow us to select more candidates from all backgrounds.
” Following the democracy review , this is first time that the election of a BAME rep position on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-member-one-vote basis .
That makes me very interested .
I have been Labour Party member for the last 12 years , serving as a chair of Southall Broadway Branch ( one of the largest branches with BAME members ) , a Constituency Labour Party secretary of Ealing Southall , and a proud member of Unite the Union .
I am a proud socialist who fully supported Jeremy Corbyn in both leadership contests and worked hard under his leadership in the 2017 and 2019 elections .
With a strong campaigning background , I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since I took over as CLP secretary , I have delivered to transform my local party into a fully active and functioning group .
I also delivered an excellent result for the EU election last year when Labour topped the result in Ealing , beating regional and national trend .
I will : • Work closely with party and BAME communities to improve the representation at every level as promised by the democracy review and support open selections ; • Make it my top priority to fight for the rights of every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transparent disciplinary process is in place so anyone suspended gets fair chance to get justice ; • Seek to make NEC members to be more accountable to local members and CLPs ; • Improve the communication and reporting back to members ; • Be supportive of our newly elected leader to win back the trust of communities we lost in the last election .
If you want to have a strong socialist on your side on the NEC , please vote for me .

As a BAME member of Labour Party, I have always felt very strongly about the party and its values. BAME communities are united with Labour as they look to the party to address issues of equality. They vote Labour in elections and they remain loyal to the party.
However, the faith that BAME communities place in the Labour Party isn’t always reciprocated. We are all well aware of the deficiency in BAME representation amongst our MPs, peers and councillors but there is a further deficiency that is more alarming – that among the party’s elected representative committees.
Labour has faced challenges for failing to select more than a handful of ethnic minority candidates for its target seats in the selections taken place last year. I welcome and fully support the Democracy Review that highlights the changes that would address those concerns: “Campaigning for a change to allow BAME candidate shortlists and shortlists from all protected characteristics will allow us to select more candidates from all backgrounds.”
Following the democracy review, this is first time that the election of a BAME rep position on the NEC is being contested on a one-member-one-vote basis. That makes me very interested. I have been Labour Party member for the last 12 years, serving as a chair of Southall Broadway Branch (one of the largest branches with BAME members), a Constituency Labour Party secretary of Ealing Southall, and a proud member of Unite the Union.
I am a proud socialist who fully supported Jeremy Corbyn in both leadership contests and worked hard under his leadership in the 2017 and 2019 elections. With a strong campaigning background, I have been active in every election since 2007.
Since I took over as CLP secretary, I have delivered to transform my local party into a fully active and functioning group. I also delivered an excellent result for the EU election last year when Labour topped the result in Ealing, beating regional and national trend. I will:
Work closely with party and BAME communities to improve the representation at every level as promised by the democracy review and support open selections;
Make it my top priority to fight for the rights of every grassroots member to make sure a fair and transparent disciplinary process is in place so anyone suspended gets fair chance to get justice;
Seek to make NEC members to be more accountable to local members and CLPs;
Improve the communication and reporting back to members;
Be supportive of our newly elected leader to win back the trust of communities we lost in the last election.
If you want to have a strong socialist on your side on the NEC, please vote for me.


labourlist--2020-03-16--“The East End has always been a bedrock of diversity, resilience and resistance” – Apsana Begum’s ma

“The East End has always been a bedrock of diversity, resilience and resistance” – Apsana Begum’s maiden speech

Thank you madam deputy speaker , for calling me to make my maiden speech in this important debate .
I would like to start by paying tribute to my predecessor , Jim Fitzpatrick , for his hard work and for the longevity of his public service .
Jim was a firefighter before he was elected to parliament and such is his legacy that , when I arrived at Westminster , one of the Clerks here mentioned to me that he had lent his expertise in fire safety to this House ’ s restoration and renewal plans .
I suppose you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , always a firefighter.
’ I wish him well in his retirement .
My other East End predecessors include Labour Party giants such as George Lansbury .
As we debate International Women ’ s Day , the origins of which are rooted in working-class history — it honours the 1908 garment workers ’ strike in America — I want to pay tribute to the rich history of women ’ s struggles for social justice in my constituency , Poplar and Limehouse .
Given that Lansbury resigned to stand for re-election on a ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to think he would have approved .
I hail from the great East End , where there is a proud working class tradition and history of standing up for our rights ; where low-paid women workers have so often been at the forefront of developing trade unionism ; and where Sylvia Pankhurst and the East London Federation of Suffragettes were explicit in their socialism , advocating a self-organised movement and demanding much more than just charity : they demanded political rights .
This is summed up in the first issue of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Woman ’ s Dreadnought , published on International Women ’ s Day in 1914 , which stated : “ Some people say that the lives of working women are too hard and their education too small for them to become a powerful voice in winning the vote .
Such people have forgotten their history.
”  But we are not such people in Poplar and Limehouse .
We remember women such as Minnie Lansbury , who was elected to Poplar Council in 1921 and was jailed , along with five other women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her poorest constituents .
We remember the role of women in the battle of Cable Street , where the local Jewish community , along with so many others , stood up to Oswald Mosley and his fascists .
And we honour the women who took command during the second world war air raids , sending for the fire and rescue services and seeing about people being clothed and fed .
From the late 1960s onwards , racism was so prevalent locally that Asian and black people were frequently attacked and women were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear of their safety .
Alliances between different communities and anti-racist organisations were built in resistance .
By the 1980s , there were at least two Bengali women ’ s groups in Tower Hamlets , offering women social , religious and cultural activities that were instrumental in encouraging Bangladeshi women to take an active role in the area .
After a British National Party councillor was elected on the Isle of Dogs , a coalition of women from diverse backgrounds formed a group , Women Unite Against Racism , as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BNP out of Tower Hamlets in the 1990s .
In the words of another of my predecessors , Mildred Gordon : “ Eastenders are proud people ; they are fighters .
They fought Mosley in Cable Street .
They knew how to unite — community side by side with community — against the people who were attacking them .
They stood firm during the war and they will stand firm against attacks on their way of life today.
” It is in this tradition of socialism , community solidarity and action that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the first British Bangladeshi woman elected as secretary of the Tower Hamlets Labour Party and now the first hijab-wearing member of parliament .
Like many of my colleagues in parliament , my personal journey has not been easy , but I am proud of my party ’ s record on progressing women ’ s rights and fighting for equality , and I look forward to being a part of taking this even further .
The truth is that there is so much more to be done .
Poplar and Limehouse has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backgrounds , and we know better than most that we must never again embark on illegal wars and imperialism , but should instead adopt a progressive , outward-looking global view driven by social justice , solidarity and human rights .
As someone who has first-hand experience of the rise of Islamophobia over the past decades , it is alarming that racism , Islamophobia and antisemitism in particular are growing .
While the government continues to use divisive politics , which has culminated in the hostile environment for migrants that led to the Windrush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for justice and change is not over .
I will always stand with my constituency — diverse , dynamic , multicultural , multiracial and with people of different faiths and none , and from all around the world — against intolerance , violence and division .
This includes campaigning for migrant rights , including the rights of EU citizens , in Poplar and Limehouse and beyond .
I wish my father — parent to five daughters , and a forward-thinking community organiser himself — was still here to see me today , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspiration with me in everything that I do .
Likewise , the support I have received from the people of Poplar and Limehouse , where I am proud to have been born and raised , and the trust they have put in me to be their MP , is truly humbling .
I feel the weight of responsibility and duty on my shoulders , and I will fight with all my breath and energy to carry on the legacy of those who have gone before me , opposing at every step of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have served only to enrich the few at the expense of the many , and which far too often have left so many constituents to bear the brunt of the brutality of austerity .
While Poplar and Limehouse is an amazing place to live , it is on the frontline of the Conservative austerity attack .
Local government and the vital public services they provide have been undermined by these cuts that have hit the poorest hardest , leading to the loss of key services .
I am angry that we have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country while being on the doorstep of one of the largest financial centres in the world .
It is simply unacceptable that the diverse needs of our children are not being met .
I am angry that around a fifth of the residents in my constituency are paid less than the living wage .
I am angry that we struggle with a housing crisis and the near-impossible situation of having soaring monthly rents , which all too often mean people , particularly those on low incomes , are faced with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my right hon .
friend the member for Islington North has achieved so much in shifting the debate on austerity and public ownership towards a vision of a fairer and more equal society .
It is , however , heartbreaking that we are now faced with five more years of hardship , which will be devastating for my constituents .
But so many new Labour MPs are , like me , working-class , women and from ethnic minority backgrounds , with lived experiences of the reality of people ’ s day-to-day lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bedrock of diversity , resilience and resistance .
It is in this spirit that I will seek to hold this government to account over the next five years .

Thank you madam deputy speaker, for calling me to make my maiden speech in this important debate. I would like to start by paying tribute to my predecessor, Jim Fitzpatrick, for his hard work and for the longevity of his public service. Jim was a firefighter before he was elected to parliament and such is his legacy that, when I arrived at Westminster, one of the Clerks here mentioned to me that he had lent his expertise in fire safety to this House’s restoration and renewal plans. I suppose you could say: ‘once a firefighter, always a firefighter.’ I wish him well in his retirement.
My other East End predecessors include Labour Party giants such as George Lansbury. As we debate International Women’s Day, the origins of which are rooted in working-class history — it honours the 1908 garment workers’ strike in America — I want to pay tribute to the rich history of women’s struggles for social justice in my constituency, Poplar and Limehouse. Given that Lansbury resigned to stand for re-election on a ‘Votes for Women’ platform, I like to think he would have approved.
I hail from the great East End, where there is a proud working class tradition and history of standing up for our rights; where low-paid women workers have so often been at the forefront of developing trade unionism; and where Sylvia Pankhurst and the East London Federation of Suffragettes were explicit in their socialism, advocating a self-organised movement and demanding much more than just charity: they demanded political rights. This is summed up in the first issue of the East London Federation of Suffragettes newspaper, The Woman’s Dreadnought, published on International Women’s Day in 1914, which stated: “Some people say that the lives of working women are too hard and their education too small for them to become a powerful voice in winning the vote. Such people have forgotten their history.”
But we are not such people in Poplar and Limehouse. We remember women such as Minnie Lansbury, who was elected to Poplar Council in 1921 and was jailed, along with five other women, for refusing to charge full rates for her poorest constituents. We remember the role of women in the battle of Cable Street, where the local Jewish community, along with so many others, stood up to Oswald Mosley and his fascists. And we honour the women who took command during the second world war air raids, sending for the fire and rescue services and seeing about people being clothed and fed.
From the late 1960s onwards, racism was so prevalent locally that Asian and black people were frequently attacked and women were often unable to walk the streets for fear of their safety. Alliances between different communities and anti-racist organisations were built in resistance. By the 1980s, there were at least two Bengali women’s groups in Tower Hamlets, offering women social, religious and cultural activities that were instrumental in encouraging Bangladeshi women to take an active role in the area.
After a British National Party councillor was elected on the Isle of Dogs, a coalition of women from diverse backgrounds formed a group, Women Unite Against Racism, as part of the wider anti-racist and anti-fascist campaign that drove the BNP out of Tower Hamlets in the 1990s. In the words of another of my predecessors, Mildred Gordon: “Eastenders are proud people; they are fighters. They fought Mosley in Cable Street. They knew how to unite — community side by side with community — against the people who were attacking them. They stood firm during the war and they will stand firm against attacks on their way of life today.”
It is in this tradition of socialism, community solidarity and action that I address the chamber today, having been the first British Bangladeshi woman elected as secretary of the Tower Hamlets Labour Party and now the first hijab-wearing member of parliament. Like many of my colleagues in parliament, my personal journey has not been easy, but I am proud of my party’s record on progressing women’s rights and fighting for equality, and I look forward to being a part of taking this even further. The truth is that there is so much more to be done. Poplar and Limehouse has a high percentage of people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and we know better than most that we must never again embark on illegal wars and imperialism, but should instead adopt a progressive, outward-looking global view driven by social justice, solidarity and human rights.
As someone who has first-hand experience of the rise of Islamophobia over the past decades, it is alarming that racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism in particular are growing. While the government continues to use divisive politics, which has culminated in the hostile environment for migrants that led to the Windrush scandal, we know that the fight for justice and change is not over. I will always stand with my constituency — diverse, dynamic, multicultural, multiracial and with people of different faiths and none, and from all around the world — against intolerance, violence and division. This includes campaigning for migrant rights, including the rights of EU citizens, in Poplar and Limehouse and beyond.
I wish my father — parent to five daughters, and a forward-thinking community organiser himself — was still here to see me today, but I carry his encouragement, guidance and inspiration with me in everything that I do. Likewise, the support I have received from the people of Poplar and Limehouse, where I am proud to have been born and raised, and the trust they have put in me to be their MP, is truly humbling. I feel the weight of responsibility and duty on my shoulders, and I will fight with all my breath and energy to carry on the legacy of those who have gone before me, opposing at every step of the way the broken, failed economics that have served only to enrich the few at the expense of the many, and which far too often have left so many constituents to bear the brunt of the brutality of austerity.
While Poplar and Limehouse is an amazing place to live, it is on the frontline of the Conservative austerity attack. Local government and the vital public services they provide have been undermined by these cuts that have hit the poorest hardest, leading to the loss of key services. I am angry that we have one of the highest rates of child poverty in the country while being on the doorstep of one of the largest financial centres in the world. It is simply unacceptable that the diverse needs of our children are not being met. I am angry that around a fifth of the residents in my constituency are paid less than the living wage. I am angry that we struggle with a housing crisis and the near-impossible situation of having soaring monthly rents, which all too often mean people, particularly those on low incomes, are faced with an increased risk of homelessness.
The leadership of my right hon. friend the member for Islington North has achieved so much in shifting the debate on austerity and public ownership towards a vision of a fairer and more equal society. It is, however, heartbreaking that we are now faced with five more years of hardship, which will be devastating for my constituents. But so many new Labour MPs are, like me, working-class, women and from ethnic minority backgrounds, with lived experiences of the reality of people’s day-to-day lives. The East End has always been a bedrock of diversity, resilience and resistance. It is in this spirit that I will seek to hold this government to account over the next five years.


labourlist--2020-03-16--WATCH: UK needs “quite dramatic measures” for coronavirus crisis, says Hilary Benn

Labour MP Hilary Benn has today said that the UK will need to “ quickly ” implement “ quite dramatic @ @ @ @ @ impact of the coronavirus crisis .
The MP for Leeds Central asserted that telling sacked @ @ @ @ @ that can currently incur a five-week wait is “ not up to the task ” @ @ @ @ @ did not “ buy the argument ” being put forward by the government about social @ @ @ @ @ could be dropped too early by people who become ‘ fatigued ’ .
Labour peer @ @ @ @ @ that older people were already undertaking social distancing .
She called for increased testing so @ @ @ @ @ immune can be identified .

Labour MP Hilary Benn has today said that the UK will need to “quickly” implement “quite dramatic measures” to address the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The MP for Leeds Central asserted that telling sacked workers to claim Universal Credit that can currently incur a five-week wait is “not up to the task”.
Benn also said he did not “buy the argument” being put forward by the government about social distancing, which they say could be dropped too early by people who become ‘fatigued’.
Labour peer Joan Bakewell told the BBC that older people were already undertaking social distancing. She called for increased testing so that those who have become immune can be identified.


labourlist--2020-03-16--Can Labour build its bridge on immigration?

Labour ’ s leadership candidates have found it easy to agree about immigration during this leadership contest .
That reflects the broad pro-migration consensus across the Labour Party : it is at least one issue on which so-called Corbynites , Blairites and many of those in between , tend to see the world similarly .
And it is not surprising that candidates during the 2020 leadership contest have prioritised the party audience – that ’ s where the votes are found .
Yet the challenge beyond this contest , for all strands of Labour opinion , is how to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common ground not just within the party , but with enough of the public too .
The policy consensus of the leadership contest will be overtaken by events .
The leadership candidates have all defended free movement after Brexit , as part of a future UK-EU relationship that stays as close to the single market as possible .
Yet the Commons arithmetic shows how this argument was lost on general election night last December – so Labour will need to review this central element of its immigration policy again by the middle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit Day speech declaring that the Leave versus Remain divide must end that day , Keir Starmer proposed that Labour would restore free movement once the current government abolishes it .
Those are difficult aims to reconcile : reintroducing free movement would be the single policy proposal most likely to split opinion down 2016 referendum lines .
Any workable proposal to restore free movement would have to be located in a broader policy for the UK-EU relationship .
Nobody could yet know where that may stand in four years ’ time .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between supporting the closest UK-EU links but also differentiating fairly between EU and non-EU migration .
Labour ’ s main policy commitments on migration from outside the EU are driven by ethics , rather than economics .
The new leader will face pressure to maintain commitments to end indefinite detention , let asylum seekers work and reduce the income thresholds for family migration .
Much less thought has been given to how Labour would approach migration for work from outside the EU .
The logic of current policy looks close to global free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer – but this may be more by accident than design .
Labour ’ s 2020 challenge in opposition is more about politics than policy – how it can rebuild what Lisa Nandy has called the “ red bridge ” to reunite Labour ’ s potential vote .
The party ’ s internal conversation may be too narrow to do this .
Often , when the Labour Party talks to itself about immigration , it is a conversation among people who don ’ t feel conflicted about immigration talking about how to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It risks becoming an exercise in trying to find the common ground with people who aren ’ t in the room .
This can sometimes exaggerate or misread the views of the voters that Labour is trying to reach .
Labour isn ’ t likely to reach the voters with the toughest views on immigration : its challenge is to unite pro-migration liberals with left-leaning balancers , who see the pressures and gains of immigration .
New attitudes research published today by British Future and the Policy Institute at King ’ s College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s voters are in this ‘ Balancer ’ middle , alongside a significant share of strongly pro-migration voters .
It is possible to identify many approaches to immigration , integration and citizenship that could strengthen confidence across this broad coalition .
Labour should speak up for an agenda that insists on fairness to those who come to Britain and to the communities that they join ; which encourages and promotes citizenship ; and which invests in strengthening contact and sustained solidarity across these groups .
Yet the speed and intensity of online debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amplifying the polarisation of this debate .
It has become common to observe that “ culture war ” politics can divide Labour ’ s electoral coalition .
It is less often noticed that this can be bad news for the very social groups most likely to make up the left-liberal pro-migration tribe .
Graduates , the under-40s , ethnic minorities and those who live in cities and university towns will find themselves stuck in a “ coalition of the losers ” unless Labour succeeds in broadening its appeal , electorally and geographically .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it can ’ t do any of the things its core supporters might want .
Yet this debate gets easily stuck if framed as a choice between the party ’ s core values and its pragmatic need for votes .
Could Labour find more confidence in a bridging agenda if it thinks about this as a question not just of electability , but also of the mission and purpose of a centre-left party in polarised times ?
Those who seek to govern must then show that they can bridge the divides between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majorities and minorities in a shared society .
Our new research finds that voters in towns and cities have experienced the pressures and gains of migration differently , but they do not live on different planets .
Labour ’ s next leader will need to show how responses to that bridging challenge can take practical form – if the party is to find common ground on immigration within the party , and also beyond it too .

Labour’s leadership candidates have found it easy to agree about immigration during this leadership contest. That reflects the broad pro-migration consensus across the Labour Party: it is at least one issue on which so-called Corbynites, Blairites and many of those in between, tend to see the world similarly. And it is not surprising that candidates during the 2020 leadership contest have prioritised the party audience – that’s where the votes are found. Yet the challenge beyond this contest, for all strands of Labour opinion, is how to make that case in a way that finds common ground not just within the party, but with enough of the public too.
The policy consensus of the leadership contest will be overtaken by events. The leadership candidates have all defended free movement after Brexit, as part of a future UK-EU relationship that stays as close to the single market as possible. Yet the Commons arithmetic shows how this argument was lost on general election night last December – so Labour will need to review this central element of its immigration policy again by the middle of the parliament.
In questions after his Brexit Day speech declaring that the Leave versus Remain divide must end that day, Keir Starmer proposed that Labour would restore free movement once the current government abolishes it. Those are difficult aims to reconcile: reintroducing free movement would be the single policy proposal most likely to split opinion down 2016 referendum lines. Any workable proposal to restore free movement would have to be located in a broader policy for the UK-EU relationship. Nobody could yet know where that may stand in four years’ time.
Labour’s current policy faces a tension between supporting the closest UK-EU links but also differentiating fairly between EU and non-EU migration. Labour’s main policy commitments on migration from outside the EU are driven by ethics, rather than economics. The new leader will face pressure to maintain commitments to end indefinite detention, let asylum seekers work and reduce the income thresholds for family migration. Much less thought has been given to how Labour would approach migration for work from outside the EU. The logic of current policy looks close to global free movement, for anybody with a job offer – but this may be more by accident than design.
Labour’s 2020 challenge in opposition is more about politics than policy – how it can rebuild what Lisa Nandy has called the “red bridge” to reunite Labour’s potential vote. The party’s internal conversation may be too narrow to do this. Often, when the Labour Party talks to itself about immigration, it is a conversation among people who don’t feel conflicted about immigration talking about how to secure the confidence of others who do. It risks becoming an exercise in trying to find the common ground with people who aren’t in the room. This can sometimes exaggerate or misread the views of the voters that Labour is trying to reach.
Labour isn’t likely to reach the voters with the toughest views on immigration: its challenge is to unite pro-migration liberals with left-leaning balancers, who see the pressures and gains of immigration. New attitudes research published today by British Future and the Policy Institute at King’s College London shows that most of Labour’s voters are in this ‘Balancer’ middle, alongside a significant share of strongly pro-migration voters.
It is possible to identify many approaches to immigration, integration and citizenship that could strengthen confidence across this broad coalition. Labour should speak up for an agenda that insists on fairness to those who come to Britain and to the communities that they join; which encourages and promotes citizenship; and which invests in strengthening contact and sustained solidarity across these groups.
Yet the speed and intensity of online debate can make this more difficult, artificially amplifying the polarisation of this debate. It has become common to observe that “culture war” politics can divide Labour’s electoral coalition. It is less often noticed that this can be bad news for the very social groups most likely to make up the left-liberal pro-migration tribe. Graduates, the under-40s, ethnic minorities and those who live in cities and university towns will find themselves stuck in a “coalition of the losers” unless Labour succeeds in broadening its appeal, electorally and geographically.
Without giving itself a chance of governing, it can’t do any of the things its core supporters might want. Yet this debate gets easily stuck if framed as a choice between the party’s core values and its pragmatic need for votes. Could Labour find more confidence in a bridging agenda if it thinks about this as a question not just of electability, but also of the mission and purpose of a centre-left party in polarised times? Those who seek to govern must then show that they can bridge the divides between the towns and the cities, between majorities and minorities in a shared society.
Our new research finds that voters in towns and cities have experienced the pressures and gains of migration differently, but they do not live on different planets. Labour’s next leader will need to show how responses to that bridging challenge can take practical form – if the party is to find common ground on immigration within the party, and also beyond it too.


labourlist--2020-03-16--Unite sets out four-point Covid-19 plan for aviation industry

Unite the Union has devised a four-point plan that it says the government must adopt in order to ensure that the aviation industry “ survives ” the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic .
General secretary Len McCluskey has called for the implementation of the plan , designed alongside sister aviation unions across Europe , in a letter to the Prime Minister today .
The trade union has declared that Boris Johnson should implement an urgent and comprehensive financial package to support the sector , or risk losing tens of thousands of jobs .
McCluskey also requested a meeting with the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an emergency summit and the challenges that aviation faces in light of coronavirus .
In his letter , McCluskey wrote : “ We must raise serious concerns at the highest levels of government regarding this imminent crisis .
If you do not take urgent action to support the aviation industry in the UK , there is absolute certainty that tens of thousands of jobs will be put at risk , and the industry will be unable to resume effectively once this health crisis has passed .
“ It is essential that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , airlines , airports and other key stakeholders in aviation , to ensure that we take a managed approach throughout this period of uncertainty , and provide immediate support for the whole sector , in order to help it survive this pandemic .
“ Without the government ’ s help , the aviation industry could plunge into an unprecedented crisis , with thousands of jobs under threat .
Furthermore , if left unchecked , the long-term damage to the industry and infrastructure could have enormous effects on the economy .
“ We urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so the industry , and the jobs within it , can survive what will effectively be a period of dormancy during the next difficult period.
” The four-point plan put forward by the union urges the government to take the following action : • Make contributions to cover workers ’ pay to ensure that the UK ’ s aviation infrastructure remains intact , and to consider taking a commensurate financial stake in airlines and airports to help ensure their survival ; • Make loans available to airlines and airports and other aviation companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the immediate pay back of loans and to assist in the retention of staff and the preservation of routes ; • Delay payment of taxes and duties that airlines are obliged to pay including a temporary suspension or reduction in air passenger duty ; and • Support routes through subsidies under public service obligation rules , which are tied to long-term environmental commitments as part of an integrated sustainable transport network .
McCluskey added : “ Other European countries including France , Germany , Italy and the Netherlands are already working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is only right that the UK does not get left behind .
“ There is no doubt that the aviation industry will be forced in some areas to enter a period of dormancy .
You , Prime Minister , have a choice to either support it , and all those that depend on it , through this period , or risk it facing serious problems that it may be unable to overcome.
” Travel restrictions and a slump in demand have forced airlines across the world to lay off staff and cancel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in uncertainty .
Many airlines have struggled to cope with the unprecedented challenge .
Flybe collapsed earlier this month , citing the virus as a key factor .
British Airways owner IAG is planning to cut capacity by at least 75 % in April and May .
Unite the Union represents tens of thousands of workers in the aviation sector , including staff across all major airlines , airports and those working in supply chains .

Unite the Union has devised a four-point plan that it says the government must adopt in order to ensure that the aviation industry “survives” the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic.
General secretary Len McCluskey has called for the implementation of the plan, designed alongside sister aviation unions across Europe, in a letter to the Prime Minister today.
The trade union has declared that Boris Johnson should implement an urgent and comprehensive financial package to support the sector, or risk losing tens of thousands of jobs.
McCluskey also requested a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the industry’s call for an emergency summit and the challenges that aviation faces in light of coronavirus.
In his letter, McCluskey wrote: “We must raise serious concerns at the highest levels of government regarding this imminent crisis. If you do not take urgent action to support the aviation industry in the UK, there is absolute certainty that tens of thousands of jobs will be put at risk, and the industry will be unable to resume effectively once this health crisis has passed.
“It is essential that the government listens to and works with unions, airlines, airports and other key stakeholders in aviation, to ensure that we take a managed approach throughout this period of uncertainty, and provide immediate support for the whole sector, in order to help it survive this pandemic.
“Without the government’s help, the aviation industry could plunge into an unprecedented crisis, with thousands of jobs under threat. Furthermore, if left unchecked, the long-term damage to the industry and infrastructure could have enormous effects on the economy.
“We urge you to release government funding immediately, so the industry, and the jobs within it, can survive what will effectively be a period of dormancy during the next difficult period.”
The four-point plan put forward by the union urges the government to take the following action:
Make contributions to cover workers’ pay to ensure that the UK’s aviation infrastructure remains intact, and to consider taking a commensurate financial stake in airlines and airports to help ensure their survival; Make loans available to airlines and airports and other aviation companies to enable them to ease the pressure of the immediate pay back of loans and to assist in the retention of staff and the preservation of routes; Delay payment of taxes and duties that airlines are obliged to pay including a temporary suspension or reduction in air passenger duty; and Support routes through subsidies under public service obligation rules, which are tied to long-term environmental commitments as part of an integrated sustainable transport network.
McCluskey added: “Other European countries including France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are already working on measures to support their aviation industries. It is only right that the UK does not get left behind.
“There is no doubt that the aviation industry will be forced in some areas to enter a period of dormancy. You, Prime Minister, have a choice to either support it, and all those that depend on it, through this period, or risk it facing serious problems that it may be unable to overcome.”
Travel restrictions and a slump in demand have forced airlines across the world to lay off staff and cancel flights, leaving both consumers and workers in uncertainty.
Many airlines have struggled to cope with the unprecedented challenge. Flybe collapsed earlier this month, citing the virus as a key factor. British Airways owner IAG is planning to cut capacity by at least 75% in April and May.
Unite the Union represents tens of thousands of workers in the aviation sector, including staff across all major airlines, airports and those working in supply chains.


labourlist--2020-03-16--Firefighters should stop non-essential contact with public, says FBU

The Fire Brigades Union ( FBU ) has called for fire services to temporarily halt non-essential interactions with the public to limit coronavirus , or Covid-19 , contaminations .
In a circular distributed to the union ’ s members , it called for a stop to “ non-emergency work ” – such as fire safety visits and public meetings – to protect at-risk people from infection .
A number of fire and rescue services have already taken measures to reduce the contact between personnel and the public in an effort to help contain the spread of the virus .
FBU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the FBU fully supports public engagement and preventative work as essential to improve fire safety , these are exceptional circumstances .
“ Any non-emergency work that involves interaction with the public must be ceased immediately , as some services have already done , for the protection of both firefighters and the potentially at-risk individuals they interact with .
“ As a core emergency service , firefighters and control staff need to be protected from infection as far as possible .
When an emergency does happen , we need to ensure that firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond.
” The union says that all fire services should immediately control access to emergency fire control rooms , and has urged that they temporarily suspend a number of activities , including : The government has previously said that emergency services , including fire and police , could be scaled back to only respond to major incidents if their staff are infected by the virus .
The emergency plans suggested by the government have also indicated that the army could be called in to help civilian services if they are struggling to @ @ @ @ @

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called for fire services to temporarily halt non-essential interactions with the public to limit coronavirus, or Covid-19, contaminations.
In a circular distributed to the union’s members, it called for a stop to “non-emergency work” – such as fire safety visits and public meetings – to protect at-risk people from infection.
A number of fire and rescue services have already taken measures to reduce the contact between personnel and the public in an effort to help contain the spread of the virus.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “While the FBU fully supports public engagement and preventative work as essential to improve fire safety, these are exceptional circumstances.
“Any non-emergency work that involves interaction with the public must be ceased immediately, as some services have already done, for the protection of both firefighters and the potentially at-risk individuals they interact with.
“As a core emergency service, firefighters and control staff need to be protected from infection as far as possible. When an emergency does happen, we need to ensure that firefighters are healthy and available in good number to respond.”
The union says that all fire services should immediately control access to emergency fire control rooms, and has urged that they temporarily suspend a number of activities, including:
7(2)d fire familiarisation inspections;
Community fire safety visits and inspections (including home safety visits);
Audits of fire safety risk assessments and arrangements;
Exercises;
School visits;
Public meetings held on fire and rescue service premises;
Public access to fire stations.
The government has previously said that emergency services, including fire and police, could be scaled back to only respond to major incidents if their staff are infected by the virus.
The emergency plans suggested by the government have also indicated that the army could be called in to help civilian services if they are struggling to cope with the epidemic.


labourlist--2020-03-17--The Prime Minister’s Covid-19 response has been stunningly poor

The mood has changed – just as the government strategy for dealing with coronavirus has changed , although No 10 won ’ t acknowledge that .
It is actually employing spin at this time of crisis , pushing the line that the social distancing measures newly encouraged by Boris Johnson represent a change in pace rather than approach .
But it could not be clearer from reading the report by a group of scientists advising the government that ‘ mitigation ’ – i.e .
slowing the spread – has only just been found to be unfeasible , and that ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It says explicitly that “ this conclusion has only been reached in the last few days ” .
This is not about playing the blame game : identifying where things have gone wrong is crucial , and the government ’ s handling of Covid-19 has gone badly wrong .
The editor of The Lancet says : “ We have wasted seven weeks .
This crisis was entirely preventable.
” The mood has changed as we ’ re now allowed to scrutinise government decisions – there had been suggestions previously that to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert ’ behaviour – after the Prime Minister gifted us with a press conference that was stunningly poor .
The key messages were barely discernible among the waffle .
The advice for over-70s and/or those with an underlying health condition was confusing .
Gatherings are banned , but parliament and schools remain open .
The importance of testing was stressed , but they have only just restricted it such that even NHS staff are not being tested .
The most helpful communication was the full guidance in writing , which you can find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the press conference was perhaps when Boris Johnson said he saw no reason that the economy should not come “ roaring back ” after the decline of coronavirus .
Not only was this inappropriate while talking about “ hopefully ” keeping deaths down to tens of thousands , but it was also insulting taken with the announcements he made .
The Prime Minister , who is supposed to lead ‘ the party of business ’ , advised everyone to stay away from pubs , cafes , restaurants , theatres , cinemas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close .
Labour ’ s Tracy Brabin noted in response that “ the Tories seem to be prioritising the needs of the insurance industry ” .
Without clear instructions from the government , businesses are unable to claim insurance and left to go bankrupt .
With the Budget from last week already seriously outdated , Rishi Sunak will be taking part in the press conference today .
But will the Chancellor take the bold action required ?
French President Emmanuel Macron told his country – in a remarkably clear message that Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sommes en guerre ” ( we are at war ) .
He unveiled a €300m fund for businesses and suspended their rent and utilities payments .
Sweden has guaranteed laid-off workers 90 % of their income .
Spain has nationalised private hospitals .
As John McDonnell says : “ There must be no small measures .
”

The mood has changed – just as the government strategy for dealing with coronavirus has changed, although No 10 won’t acknowledge that. It is actually employing spin at this time of crisis, pushing the line that the social distancing measures newly encouraged by Boris Johnson represent a change in pace rather than approach.
But it could not be clearer from reading the report by a group of scientists advising the government that ‘mitigation’ – i.e. slowing the spread – has only just been found to be unfeasible, and that ‘suppression’ must be pursued instead. It says explicitly that “this conclusion has only been reached in the last few days”. This is not about playing the blame game: identifying where things have gone wrong is crucial, and the government’s handling of Covid-19 has gone badly wrong. The editor of The Lancet says: “We have wasted seven weeks. This crisis was entirely preventable.”
The mood has changed as we’re now allowed to scrutinise government decisions – there had been suggestions previously that to do so would be unpatriotic, or ‘armchair expert’ behaviour – after the Prime Minister gifted us with a press conference that was stunningly poor. The key messages were barely discernible among the waffle. The advice for over-70s and/or those with an underlying health condition was confusing. Gatherings are banned, but parliament and schools remain open. The importance of testing was stressed, but they have only just restricted it such that even NHS staff are not being tested. The most helpful communication was the full guidance in writing, which you can find here.
The most tonally wrong statement during the press conference was perhaps when Boris Johnson said he saw no reason that the economy should not come “roaring back” after the decline of coronavirus. Not only was this inappropriate while talking about “hopefully” keeping deaths down to tens of thousands, but it was also insulting taken with the announcements he made.
The Prime Minister, who is supposed to lead ‘the party of business’, advised everyone to stay away from pubs, cafes, restaurants, theatres, cinemas. Yet he did not order those businesses to close. Labour’s Tracy Brabin noted in response that “the Tories seem to be prioritising the needs of the insurance industry”. Without clear instructions from the government, businesses are unable to claim insurance and left to go bankrupt.
With the Budget from last week already seriously outdated, Rishi Sunak will be taking part in the press conference today. But will the Chancellor take the bold action required? French President Emmanuel Macron told his country – in a remarkably clear message that Johnson should consider emulating – that “nous sommes en guerre” (we are at war). He unveiled a €300m fund for businesses and suspended their rent and utilities payments. Sweden has guaranteed laid-off workers 90% of their income. Spain has nationalised private hospitals. As John McDonnell says: “There must be no small measures.”


labourlist--2020-03-17--Never stop questioning what the government does with its power

Across social media networks , Covid-19 mutual aid groups have sprung up .
Many of these groups aim to bring local people together to support each other during isolation .
Shopping can be delivered to vulnerable neighbours who might be too afraid to go to the stores themselves .
Others might struggle with loneliness , and can find it helpful to have an online community to chat to .
Sheffield Transformed , a local offshoot of The World Transformed festival , has started to share online resources for a “ quarantine film club ” , collecting free to watch movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has repurposed its My Campaign Map – the app that directed volunteers to marginal seats for canvassing – to link up locals with mutual aid groups .
It is unsurprising that ordinary citizens have started to self-organise .
In times of crisis , clear guidance and leadership is needed .
And leadership is what is shamefully lacking .
The government ’ s communication strategy , with its anonymous briefings and paywalled announcements , raised eyebrows .
Anyone who has ever worked on a crisis communications brief knows how important it is to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government seems to be doing the opposite .
On the Labour Party side , the never-ending leadership contest is not helping .
Whilst Jeremy Corbyn has intervened with a list of demands to push the government into action to protect precarious workers and vulnerable people , his authority is diminished .
The leadership contenders were somewhat slow to step up to the challenge and make demands themselves .
Perhaps this was because nobody wants to step on anyone ’ s toes or appear “ politically motivated ” when a public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act .
But , of course , it is not true that the Covid-19 pandemic is an apolitical crisis .
The public ’ s concerns over what is happening to them and their loved ones goes beyond the government ’ s dodgy communication strategy .
Confidence in the ability of the NHS to cope with a sudden influx of seriously ill people has been eroded by years of cuts .
We have seen services crumble in our local communities way before the first Covid-19 patients were diagnosed .
Comparisons between availability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other countries show that it doesn ’ t have to be this way .
There is no escaping the fact that the under-investment in health infrastructure was a political choice made by subsequent British governments .
This mistake is not easily corrected in the middle of a pandemic .
Left-wing activists are right to combine mobilisation for community support with the articulation of political demands , such as higher statutory sick pay and rent relief .
We should all step up where we can to care for one another , but attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political economy .
Covid-19 has raised consciousness because more people have suddenly found themselves vulnerable .
For many others , however , the current crisis simply amplifies what has been their reality all along : workers on zero-hour contracts can not take time off sick – with any illness .
Those with pre-existing health conditions are shut out of education , workplaces and social activities because society does not accommodate them .
This is set to remain a reality when the Covid-19 crisis passes – unless we mobilise for permanent change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ resistance against a reactionary government with a firm grip on the institutions of the state is best answered by extra-parliamentary mobilisation .
This must also extend to a defence of our civil liberties .
Briefings over the weekend suggested that the government would rush through a bill enabling the police and immigration officers to detain virus victims and stop any vehicle .
These laws could be in place for up to two years , according to reports .
Although it might appear like a secondary concern right now , our movement has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves .
As it stands , powers to search and detain people disproportionally target migrants and people of colour .
There is no doubt in my mind that a government that sees it as a key goal to increase deportations and restrict migrants rights will use any opportunity to further this agenda .
If a way to deprive more migrants and people of colour of their citizens ’ rights can be pushed through the back door because of the virus , they will take that chance .
Perhaps parliament , once again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus on .
The government still has its majority .
The legislation to make way for these measures will be rushed through with limited scrutiny .
There even is a chance that parliament will shut down completely over the coming weeks .
Of course , concern for the health of staff is completely valid .
But we can not seek comfort in the belief that the government will use its emergency powers only for the good of society .
Gradually , further restrictions will be introduced to our lives .
As we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must remain vigilant .
We have to look out for each other .
And that also means to never stop questioning what those in charge will do with their power .

Across social media networks, Covid-19 mutual aid groups have sprung up. Many of these groups aim to bring local people together to support each other during isolation. Shopping can be delivered to vulnerable neighbours who might be too afraid to go to the stores themselves. Others might struggle with loneliness, and can find it helpful to have an online community to chat to. Sheffield Transformed, a local offshoot of The World Transformed festival, has started to share online resources for a “quarantine film club”, collecting free to watch movies and documentaries on political subjects. Momentum has repurposed its My Campaign Map – the app that directed volunteers to marginal seats for canvassing – to link up locals with mutual aid groups.
It is unsurprising that ordinary citizens have started to self-organise. In times of crisis, clear guidance and leadership is needed. And leadership is what is shamefully lacking. The government’s communication strategy, with its anonymous briefings and paywalled announcements, raised eyebrows. Anyone who has ever worked on a crisis communications brief knows how important it is to establish trust and clarity to control a situation. The government seems to be doing the opposite.
On the Labour Party side, the never-ending leadership contest is not helping. Whilst Jeremy Corbyn has intervened with a list of demands to push the government into action to protect precarious workers and vulnerable people, his authority is diminished. The leadership contenders were somewhat slow to step up to the challenge and make demands themselves. Perhaps this was because nobody wants to step on anyone’s toes or appear “politically motivated” when a public health emergency is supposed to bring leaders together to act.
But, of course, it is not true that the Covid-19 pandemic is an apolitical crisis. The public’s concerns over what is happening to them and their loved ones goes beyond the government’s dodgy communication strategy. Confidence in the ability of the NHS to cope with a sudden influx of seriously ill people has been eroded by years of cuts. We have seen services crumble in our local communities way before the first Covid-19 patients were diagnosed. Comparisons between availability of ICU beds and ventilators in the UK and other countries show that it doesn’t have to be this way. There is no escaping the fact that the under-investment in health infrastructure was a political choice made by subsequent British governments. This mistake is not easily corrected in the middle of a pandemic.
Left-wing activists are right to combine mobilisation for community support with the articulation of political demands, such as higher statutory sick pay and rent relief. We should all step up where we can to care for one another, but attention also should be on the conditions of the political economy. Covid-19 has raised consciousness because more people have suddenly found themselves vulnerable. For many others, however, the current crisis simply amplifies what has been their reality all along: workers on zero-hour contracts cannot take time off sick – with any illness. Those with pre-existing health conditions are shut out of education, workplaces and social activities because society does not accommodate them. This is set to remain a reality when the Covid-19 crisis passes – unless we mobilise for permanent change.
Crisis will show that the question of resistance against a reactionary government with a firm grip on the institutions of the state is best answered by extra-parliamentary mobilisation. This must also extend to a defence of our civil liberties. Briefings over the weekend suggested that the government would rush through a bill enabling the police and immigration officers to detain virus victims and stop any vehicle. These laws could be in place for up to two years, according to reports.
Although it might appear like a secondary concern right now, our movement has to hold the powerful to account on these moves. As it stands, powers to search and detain people disproportionally target migrants and people of colour. There is no doubt in my mind that a government that sees it as a key goal to increase deportations and restrict migrants rights will use any opportunity to further this agenda. If a way to deprive more migrants and people of colour of their citizens’ rights can be pushed through the back door because of the virus, they will take that chance.
Perhaps parliament, once again, is not the avenue for Labour members to focus on. The government still has its majority. The legislation to make way for these measures will be rushed through with limited scrutiny. There even is a chance that parliament will shut down completely over the coming weeks. Of course, concern for the health of staff is completely valid. But we cannot seek comfort in the belief that the government will use its emergency powers only for the good of society.
Gradually, further restrictions will be introduced to our lives. As we adjust to this new reality, we must remain vigilant. We have to look out for each other. And that also means to never stop questioning what those in charge will do with their power.


labourlist--2020-03-17--How Labour members can help during the coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus is an unprecedented public health emergency .
Our NHS is already overstretched , and those caring for our most vulnerable need much greater resources to fight this disease .
Millions of people are in insecure work and could face months unable to make ends meet .
And hundreds of thousands of people are potentially facing social isolation and will need support .
How the Labour Party responds to this crisis is critical .
We will continue to hold the government to account .
This weekend , we set out a series of urgent measures that Boris Johnson must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and healthy .
The government must pledge to provide full and decent sick pay for all workers , introduce rent and mortgage holidays for those affected , ban evictions and suspend Universal Credit sanctions .
Last week , Jeremy Corbyn wrote to all Labour Party members , saying : “ Instead of canvassing and campaigning , I would like Labour members to get involved in supporting vulnerable people in our communities – ensuring this is done safely and on the basis of public health advice .
The labour movement , rooted as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure those who need support the most are not left to cope alone.
” He is absolutely right .
Labour is at the heart of communities in every major town and city in the UK .
Our core values of solidarity and support make us perfectly placed to help organise safe and effective responses and do all we can to provide help for those who need it most .
Our expert community organising and regional teams have drawn up a list of things that members and local parties can do to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We will be circulating this to all members in the next day or so .
The most important thing we can do is keep in contact with other members , particularly those who may be elderly or less able to cope than others .
Let them know they are valued and that someone is thinking about them .
Members of North West Durham CLP are currently helping people by safely collecting and dropping off food , toiletries and baby items , as well as contacting people who are isolated to help combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from which we can all learn .
Our organising teams are working with volunteers to help with food banks , including with drivers who can deliver food parcels .
And volunteers are setting up local Facebook groups to allow sharing of plans across communities and identify how best to share resources and support existing local initiatives .
All this work needs to be done safely and with attention to the latest medical advice .
But with our communities and NHS struggling after ten years of brutal cuts , this kind of solidarity could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to desperately need it .

The coronavirus is an unprecedented public health emergency. Our NHS is already overstretched, and those caring for our most vulnerable need much greater resources to fight this disease. Millions of people are in insecure work and could face months unable to make ends meet. And hundreds of thousands of people are potentially facing social isolation and will need support.
How the Labour Party responds to this crisis is critical. We will continue to hold the government to account. This weekend, we set out a series of urgent measures that Boris Johnson must commit to now to keep people secure and healthy. The government must pledge to provide full and decent sick pay for all workers, introduce rent and mortgage holidays for those affected, ban evictions and suspend Universal Credit sanctions.
Last week, Jeremy Corbyn wrote to all Labour Party members, saying: “Instead of canvassing and campaigning, I would like Labour members to get involved in supporting vulnerable people in our communities – ensuring this is done safely and on the basis of public health advice. The labour movement, rooted as it is in our communities, can help to ensure those who need support the most are not left to cope alone.”
He is absolutely right. Labour is at the heart of communities in every major town and city in the UK. Our core values of solidarity and support make us perfectly placed to help organise safe and effective responses and do all we can to provide help for those who need it most.
Our expert community organising and regional teams have drawn up a list of things that members and local parties can do to support communities and each other during this crisis. We will be circulating this to all members in the next day or so.
The most important thing we can do is keep in contact with other members, particularly those who may be elderly or less able to cope than others. Let them know they are valued and that someone is thinking about them.
Members of North West Durham CLP are currently helping people by safely collecting and dropping off food, toiletries and baby items, as well as contacting people who are isolated to help combat loneliness. This is a brilliant example from which we can all learn.
Our organising teams are working with volunteers to help with food banks, including with drivers who can deliver food parcels. And volunteers are setting up local Facebook groups to allow sharing of plans across communities and identify how best to share resources and support existing local initiatives.
All this work needs to be done safely and with attention to the latest medical advice. But with our communities and NHS struggling after ten years of brutal cuts, this kind of solidarity could be a lifeline for many thousands who are going to desperately need it.


labourlist--2020-03-17--Latest coronavirus policies “still do not go far enough”, says Labour

The Labour Party has said that the fresh policies announced by the Chancellor today to address the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in the UK “ still do not go far enough ” .
Rishi Sunak joined the Prime Minister at the latest press conference to reveal a coronavirus rescue package – including government-backed guaranteed loans for businesses totalling £330bn .
But the Chancellor was criticised for failing to unveil policies for employees as well as employers .
He did not address the problems faced by those being laid off , the self-employed or renters – though did offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid off today and losing their incomes .
We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns , ” Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell commented in response to the new measures .
“ The further announcements laid out by the Chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety , and still do not go far enough in protecting workers , renters and those who are losing their jobs , or in fully supporting businesses at the scale necessary .
“ In particular , the Chancellor ’ s claim that new forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not appreciate the urgency and gravity of the situation .
Workers and businesses need to know now that they will be supported , not in a few days ’ time .
“ Labour will continue to engage with the government to ensure we have the proper scale of interventions required to secure proper funding of public services at the time of crisis , public control and oversight of those key services , a strong safety net , and the wellbeing of all.
” Unite the Union ’ s Len McCluskey said his union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and individuals ’ own capacity to act on the public health advice will remain seriously compromised because the direct economic support has not yet been provided by government ” .
McCluskey added : “ This must change and urgently .
Providing wage support and covering rents must be a priority .
It is welcome that those hit by the virus will have a three month mortgage holiday should they need it , but what about the vast majority of people who rent ?
” The GMB raised similar concerns , with general secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business is welcome , but we need support for workers too because bills won ’ t go away while people self isolate.
” The TUC ’ s Frances O ’ Grady added : “ The Chancellor is right to provide this emergency support for business .
But it must be conditional on employers protecting jobs and livelihoods , as is the case in countries like Sweden and Denmark .
“ This can ’ t be just a bailout for boardrooms – it has to be about putting money in workers ’ pockets too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the government to deal with this crisis .
That is why we are calling for a national task force.
” The Chancellor did promise today to work with trade unions and business groups to develop new forms of employment support .
This move was welcomed by UNISON in particular .
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said : “ Unions want to work with ministers in the interests of the country at this unprecedented time .
“ But making sure that all workers off ill with the virus or isolated at home have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills is essential .
Raising statutory sick pay to minimum wage rates could happen quickly and have an instant effect.
” In response to the announcements by Sunak , leadership race frontrunner Keir Starmer tweeted : “ There is no support for millions of renters , no new money for social care or the elderly , there is no clarity on employment support and no new money for already stretched public services .
He added : “ The government always seems several steps behind events .
Every day another announcement leaves more questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to scrutinise and push the government to act much more decisively.
” Fellow contender Lisa Nandy said : “ Where is the protection for renters & the low paid ?
No more delay : statutory sick pay must be massively increased .
Cuts to benefits must be reversed , evictions must be banned , we must use systems we already have to get money to people & give them the security they need – fast ” .
Labour left candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey released a video earlier this afternoon that set out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on debt and essential payments such as rent to a right to work from home for those with underlying health conditions .

The Labour Party has said that the fresh policies announced by the Chancellor today to address the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in the UK “still do not go far enough”.
Rishi Sunak joined the Prime Minister at the latest press conference to reveal a coronavirus rescue package – including government-backed guaranteed loans for businesses totalling £330bn.
But the Chancellor was criticised for failing to unveil policies for employees as well as employers. He did not address the problems faced by those being laid off, the self-employed or renters – though did offer mortgage holidays.
“People are being laid off today and losing their incomes. We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns,” Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell commented in response to the new measures.
“The further announcements laid out by the Chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety, and still do not go far enough in protecting workers, renters and those who are losing their jobs, or in fully supporting businesses at the scale necessary.
“In particular, the Chancellor’s claim that new forms of employment support will be developed does not appreciate the urgency and gravity of the situation. Workers and businesses need to know now that they will be supported, not in a few days’ time.
“Labour will continue to engage with the government to ensure we have the proper scale of interventions required to secure proper funding of public services at the time of crisis, public control and oversight of those key services, a strong safety net, and the wellbeing of all.”
Unite the Union’s Len McCluskey said his union was “extremely concerned that workers’ and individuals’ own capacity to act on the public health advice will remain seriously compromised because the direct economic support has not yet been provided by government”.
McCluskey added: “This must change and urgently. Providing wage support and covering rents must be a priority. It is welcome that those hit by the virus will have a three month mortgage holiday should they need it, but what about the vast majority of people who rent?”
The GMB raised similar concerns, with general secretary Tim Roache saying: “Support for business is welcome, but we need support for workers too because bills won’t go away while people self isolate.”
The TUC’s Frances O’Grady added: “The Chancellor is right to provide this emergency support for business. But it must be conditional on employers protecting jobs and livelihoods, as is the case in countries like Sweden and Denmark.
“This can’t be just a bailout for boardrooms – it has to be about putting money in workers’ pockets too. Trade unions stand ready to work with the government to deal with this crisis. That is why we are calling for a national task force.”
The Chancellor did promise today to work with trade unions and business groups to develop new forms of employment support. This move was welcomed by UNISON in particular.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Unions want to work with ministers in the interests of the country at this unprecedented time.
“But making sure that all workers off ill with the virus or isolated at home have enough money to pay their rent and bills is essential. Raising statutory sick pay to minimum wage rates could happen quickly and have an instant effect.”
In response to the announcements by Sunak, leadership race frontrunner Keir Starmer tweeted: “There is no support for millions of renters, no new money for social care or the elderly, there is no clarity on employment support and no new money for already stretched public services.
He added: “The government always seems several steps behind events. Every day another announcement leaves more questions than it answers. The opposition is right to scrutinise and push the government to act much more decisively.”
Fellow contender Lisa Nandy said: “Where is the protection for renters & the low paid? No more delay: statutory sick pay must be massively increased. Cuts to benefits must be reversed, evictions must be banned, we must use systems we already have to get money to people & give them the security they need – fast”.
Labour left candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey released a video earlier this afternoon that set out a 12-point coronavirus plan, from emergency measures on debt and essential payments such as rent to a right to work from home for those with underlying health conditions.


labourlist--2020-03-17--CWU postal workers voted to become Covid-19 emergency service

Communication Workers ’ Union ( CWU ) members in the Royal Mail have put forward a proposal to form an “ additional emergency service ” as they secured a “ massive ” vote in favour of strike action .
In a ballot initially instigated two weeks ago , 94.5 % of the 63.4 % of workers that participated voted in support of carrying out strike action .
The union says that it recognises that there has been a growing health crisis in the spread of Covid-19 since it started the process , and said it had changed the “ language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put forward a motion that could allow their workers to deliver medical aid , check on the vulnerable and support people working from home .
CWU said : “ In any national emergency in our history and in our day-to-day existence the universal postal service has played a vital role , these unprecedented events remind us all of that postal workers always come through and will stand ready to serve the nation again .
“ But Royal Mail Group must play their part by agreeing our proposal and ensuring the very best standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We will be writing to the Prime Minister to gain the governments support for this approach .
In the meantime , we will meet with the company tomorrow to move this proposal forward.
” The CWU strike ballot opened on March 2nd and was concluded today .
110,000 CWU members work within the postal organisation .
The union is striking in order to stop what is said are plans to turn Royal Mail into “ just another glorified parcels carrier ” .
This was the second time the organisation has balloted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High Court action by Royal Mail to get the last one declared void .

Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) members in the Royal Mail have put forward a proposal to form an “additional emergency service” as they secured a “massive” vote in favour of strike action.
In a ballot initially instigated two weeks ago, 94.5% of the 63.4% of workers that participated voted in support of carrying out strike action.
The union says that it recognises that there has been a growing health crisis in the spread of Covid-19 since it started the process, and said it had changed the “language of priorities”.
The organisation therefore put forward a motion that could allow their workers to deliver medical aid, check on the vulnerable and support people working from home.
CWU said: “In any national emergency in our history and in our day-to-day existence the universal postal service has played a vital role, these unprecedented events remind us all of that postal workers always come through and will stand ready to serve the nation again.
“But Royal Mail Group must play their part by agreeing our proposal and ensuring the very best standards of safety and support to its employees.
“We will be writing to the Prime Minister to gain the governments support for this approach. In the meantime, we will meet with the company tomorrow to move this proposal forward.”
The CWU strike ballot opened on March 2nd and was concluded today. 110,000 CWU members work within the postal organisation.
The union is striking in order to stop what is said are plans to turn Royal Mail into “just another glorified parcels carrier”.
This was the second time the organisation has balloted its membership in six months, following High Court action by Royal Mail to get the last one declared void.