labourlist--2020-09-11--UK trade unions sign joint statement against Israeli annexation plans

Several UK trade unions have joined over 20 charities , religious groups and civil society organisations to sign a joint statement against Israel ’ s annexation plans as they go “ against the very foundations of international law ” .
Unite , UNISON , GMB , ASLEF and the NEU have come together with groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and War on Want to demand accountability and responsibility from the Israeli government .
Their statement mirrors a recent report by UN special rapporteur professor Michael Lynk , which called on the international community to “ take all measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its duty under international law ” .
Commenting on the joint statement released this morning , UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said : “ The annexation of Palestinian land is a gross violation of international law .
“ Governments , businesses and public bodies all have a responsibility to ensure that none of their purchasing , procurement or investment decisions contribute to the violation of Palestinian human rights.
” The Israeli government this year announced plans to formally annex up to 30 % of Palestinian land in the West Bank , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1967 Arab-Israeli war .
The recent normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel led many to believe Benjamin Netanyahu had abandoned his annexation policy , but immediately after the deal was struck he said there would be “ no change ” to his plans .
Mick Whelan , ASLEF general secretary , added : “ Israel ’ s illegal settlement expansion and de facto annexation of Palestinian territory is an affront to international law that must not go unchallenged .
“ We all have a duty to preserve international law , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using all means available to us .
It is our ethical duty to stand in solidarity with Palestinians , and ensure our public investments are not contributing to Israel ’ s violation of their rights.
” Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that the UK Labour Party would support a ban on importing West Bank goods if Israel pursued its controversial annexation plans in the region .
Below is the full text of the statement along with a full list of signatories As charities , trade unions , religious groups , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on public bodies to uphold their ethical and legal responsibilities to ensure human rights and international law are respected .
As the Israeli government moves towards illegally annexing additional Palestinian land , the necessity for accountability and collective responsibility in maintaining an international rules-based system of law becomes paramount .
The actions of the Israeli government are not only an attack on the rights and futures of Palestinians but also against the very foundations of international law .
Official annexation would culminate years of gradual de facto annexation – which has been taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcible displacement of Palestinians , and the transfer of an Israeli settler population to the Occupied Palestinian Territory .
We echo UN Special Rapporteur , Professor Michael Lynk , in calling on the international community to ensure there is a cost to defying international law in the context of settlement expansion .
This mirrors Palestinian civil society ’ s calls for effective measures to stop annexation and Israel ’ s ongoing infringements on their human rights .
Local authorities , churches , local government pensions schemes , universities , and businesses all have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not aiding or sustaining violations of international law .
We call on all such bodies and organisations to guarantee they are not complicit in further entrenching Israel ’ s occupation of the Palestinian people , and that their practices of investment and procurement reflect their ethical and legal responsibilities to uphold an international system of law .
Archbishop of Wales , The Most Rev ’ d John D E Davies Amos Trust Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen Bakers , Food and Allied Workers ’ Union Bishop of Bangor , The Right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St Davids , The Right Rev ’ d Dr Joanna Penberthy Campaign Against the Arms Trade Communication Workers Union Fire Brigades Union GMB Union Iona Community Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions UK Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights Muslim Association of Britain National Education Union Palestine Solidarity Campaign UK Public and Commercial Services Union National Union of Rail , Maritime and Transport Workers Sabeel-Kairos Scottish Palestinian Forum Transport Salaried Staffs ’ Association University and College Union UNISON Unite the Union War on Want

Several UK trade unions have joined over 20 charities, religious groups and civil society organisations to sign a joint statement against Israel’s annexation plans as they go “against the very foundations of international law”.
Unite, UNISON, GMB, ASLEF and the NEU have come together with groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and War on Want to demand accountability and responsibility from the Israeli government.
Their statement mirrors a recent report by UN special rapporteur professor Michael Lynk, which called on the international community to “take all measures necessary to ensure the respect by Israel of its duty under international law”.
Commenting on the joint statement released this morning, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The annexation of Palestinian land is a gross violation of international law.
“Governments, businesses and public bodies all have a responsibility to ensure that none of their purchasing, procurement or investment decisions contribute to the violation of Palestinian human rights.”
The Israeli government this year announced plans to formally annex up to 30% of Palestinian land in the West Bank, which has been under military occupation since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
The recent normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel led many to believe Benjamin Netanyahu had abandoned his annexation policy, but immediately after the deal was struck he said there would be “no change” to his plans.
Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, added: “Israel’s illegal settlement expansion and de facto annexation of Palestinian territory is an affront to international law that must not go unchallenged.
“We all have a duty to preserve international law, and hold Israel accountable for its blatant violations using all means available to us. It is our ethical duty to stand in solidarity with Palestinians, and ensure our public investments are not contributing to Israel’s violation of their rights.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that the UK Labour Party would support a ban on importing West Bank goods if Israel pursued its controversial annexation plans in the region.
Below is the full text of the statement along with a full list of signatories
As charities, trade unions, religious groups, and civil society organisations, we urgently call on public bodies to uphold their ethical and legal responsibilities to ensure human rights and international law are respected. As the Israeli government moves towards illegally annexing additional Palestinian land, the necessity for accountability and collective responsibility in maintaining an international rules-based system of law becomes paramount. The actions of the Israeli government are not only an attack on the rights and futures of Palestinians but also against the very foundations of international law.
Official annexation would culminate years of gradual de facto annexation – which has been taking place through the appropriation of land, forcible displacement of Palestinians, and the transfer of an Israeli settler population to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
We echo UN Special Rapporteur, Professor Michael Lynk, in calling on the international community to ensure there is a cost to defying international law in the context of settlement expansion. This mirrors Palestinian civil society’s calls for effective measures to stop annexation and Israel’s ongoing infringements on their human rights.
Local authorities, churches, local government pensions schemes, universities, and businesses all have a clear responsibility to ensure they are not aiding or sustaining violations of international law. We call on all such bodies and organisations to guarantee they are not complicit in further entrenching Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian people, and that their practices of investment and procurement reflect their ethical and legal responsibilities to uphold an international system of law.
Signed:
Archbishop of Wales, The Most Rev’d John D E Davies
Amos Trust
Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen
Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union
Bishop of Bangor, The Right Rev’d Andy John
Bishop of St Davids, The Right Rev’d Dr Joanna Penberthy
Campaign Against the Arms Trade
Communication Workers Union
Fire Brigades Union
GMB Union
Iona Community
Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
UK Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights
Muslim Association of Britain
National Education Union
Palestine Solidarity Campaign UK
Public and Commercial Services Union
National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
Sabeel-Kairos
Scottish Palestinian Forum
Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association
University and College Union
UNISON
Unite the Union
War on Want


labourlist--2020-09-12--Motion of no confidence in Leonard withdrawn at Labour SEC meeting

The motion of no confidence in leader Richard Leonard was withdrawn at the special meeting of Labour ’ s Scottish executive committee this morning .
A LabourList source said : “ What a waste of everyone ’ s time .
Even with the Labour Students rep they didn ’ t have the numbers , so not quite sure why they went through with it all.
” Another well-placed source said “ it looked like it was heading for a draw ” but trade unions decided to “ give [ Leonard ] more time ” as the motion was not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started , socialist society representative Jane Prinsley – who had signed the no-confidence motion – was told that her place on the SEC was no longer valid as Labour Students had been disaffiliated .
Prinsley , who had been nominated for the post by Scottish Labour Students , was not allowed to join or vote at the meeting today based on guidance provided by Labour ’ s governance and legal unit .
UK Labour ’ s ruling body controversially passed a motion proposed by Jon Lansman in September 2019 that said the student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it had not paid affiliation fees .
GMB Scotland ’ s secretary Gary Smith announced on Friday that the union would not help Leonard in the confidence vote , despite having funded his leadership campaign in 2017 and Leonard being a former GMB organiser of 20 years .
Large party-affiliated trade unions Unite and UNISON , which also both donated to Leonard ’ s 2017 campaign , did vow to support the Scottish Labour leader , however , with Unite ’ s Scottish secretary criticising the “ disgraceful coup ” .

The proposed motion of no confidence in leader Richard Leonard was withdrawn at the special meeting of Labour’s Scottish executive committee (SEC) this morning.
A LabourList source said: “What a waste of everyone’s time. Even with the Labour Students rep they didn’t have the numbers, so not quite sure why they went through with it all.”
Another well-placed source said “it looked like it was heading for a draw” but trade unions decided to “give [Leonard] more time” as the motion was not going to pass decisively.
Leonard said: “It’s time for Scottish Labour to stand together and to stand with the Scottish people at a time when risks caused by pandemic are rising again and when the economy is on the edge of a deep recession with jobs and livelihoods in peril.
“There must be an end to the internal plotting and we must unite to hold the Scottish government to account and to offer a real alternative.
“I firmly believe that I am the best person to lead us into next year’s elections with a plan for jobs and real economic and social transformation, which I know is shared by Keir Starmer.
“I have listened to the concerns expressed about me, I will treat those with respect and humility, and I will fight with every ounce of my being to improve the fortunes of the party in the run up to next years election. We need unity, not division.”
Before the meeting started, socialist society representative Jane Prinsley – who had signed the no-confidence motion – was told that her place on the SEC was no longer valid as Labour Students had been disaffiliated.
Prinsley, who had been nominated for the post by Scottish Labour Students, was not allowed to join or vote at the meeting today based on guidance provided by Labour’s governance and legal unit.
UK Labour’s ruling body controversially passed a motion proposed by Jon Lansman in September 2019 that said the student organisation was not affiliated to the party because it had not paid affiliation fees.
GMB Scotland’s secretary Gary Smith announced on Friday that the union would not help Leonard in the confidence vote, despite having funded his leadership campaign in 2017 and Leonard being a former GMB organiser of 20 years.
Large party-affiliated trade unions Unite and UNISON, which also both donated to Leonard’s 2017 campaign, did vow to support the Scottish Labour leader, however, with Unite’s Scottish secretary criticising the “disgraceful coup”.
The withdrawn motion read: “The SEC expresses that it has no confidence in the leader of the Scottish Labour Party.” It was signed by ten members of the SEC, as required.
As well as Prinsley, James Adams, Monique McAdams, Suzan King, Baroness Meta Ramsay, Jackie Martin, Scott Arthur, Mark Griffin, Jenny Marra, Maureen Devlin all signed it.
Update, 5pm: The Scottish Labour leadership scored another victory as the SEC passed its proposal for each of the party’s regional lists to be topped by women – a move that many Leonard critics have opposed.
The approved paper on regional list selections also included “proactive mechanisms to secure representation for protected characteristics and key workers”, LabourList has been told.
But one Scottish Labour activist and LGBT party member said: “Richard promised that LGBT and other groups that are underrepresented in the Labour Holyrood group would be ‘prioritised’. That was three years ago and today’s proposals don’t come close to doing that.
“If Scottish Labour wants to represent Scotland it has to represent all our diverse communities. In over 20 years of devolution, the Scottish Labour Party has only elected one openly LGBT parliamentarian. It’s not a record to be proud of.”


labourlist--2020-09-12--Jimmy Sergi: Why I’m standing to be Young Labour under 18s officer

I joined the Labour Party just over two years ago , on my 14th birthday , because I know how important a Labour government could be for the young people of our country .
What made last December ’ s crushing defeat so painful was knowing that it is our generation that will suffer most because of it .
With the impending threat of climate change and the long-lasting effect of coronavirus , young people will be at the forefront of political discourse in the coming years .
Our movement must be at their side , recruiting and organising with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-stop for the Labour government our generation so desperately needs .
I have served on my local campaign forum , canvassed in local and European elections , and am currently chair of my Young Labour group on the Wirral .
Even lockdown didn ’ t stop me organising for Young Labour , creating online events such as a quiz and monthly Q & A sessions with MPs from across the country .
Young Labour must use more digital technology to engage young activists , particularly members under the age of 18 who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When physical meetings return , every young member must feel safe , welcomed and included in all parts of the party .
I ’ ve experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to have your voice heard in meetings .
Young Labour must be taken more seriously , not least in terms of the party ’ s safeguarding duties .
Complaints from young members must be dealt with swiftly , so we feel comfortable at every party event we attend .
If elected , I will send a survey to all under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what issues they face in their local parties , so I could then fight for improvements that under 18s like me need to see .
Our opinions must matter , too – young people are fed up with platitudes .
Yes , we are the future , but we ’ re also the present .
We should be fully engaged in all aspects of policy formation , which is why I would work to establish a direct line between Young Labour and members of the shadow cabinet .
Lack of finance should also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but right now there is a disparity .
Some Young Labour groups are well-funded by CLPs and affiliates , while others are held back .
I would push the party to offer a small one-year start-up grant to help CLP Youth Officers establish local groups .
Where groups already exist , I will support them in getting more funding from their CLP , MP , campaign forum or regional office .
When I first joined the party , my Young Labour group was vital as a safe space where I felt supported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support network around them in the form of thriving Young Labour groups .
While I enjoy being a Young Labour member , I often feel that more can be done to make the party more accessible for the next generation of activists .
If elected , I will use this mixture of frustration and enthusiasm for our party to work with young and experienced members alike .
With your help , I hope to make our party the natural place for all under 18s engaged in politics to find new friends , learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you are under 18 , please nominate me for Young Labour under 18s officer here .
My membership number is L1747548 .
Ballots for this election will be emailed to all under 18 members next month , and I would really appreciate your support in the vote !
If you have any questions , or just want to say hi , you can find me on Facebook , Twitter or email me .

I joined the Labour Party just over two years ago, on my 14th birthday, because I know how important a Labour government could be for the young people of our country. What made last December’s crushing defeat so painful was knowing that it is our generation that will suffer most because of it. With the impending threat of climate change and the long-lasting effect of coronavirus, young people will be at the forefront of political discourse in the coming years. Our movement must be at their side, recruiting and organising with them.
I’ve been campaigning non-stop for the Labour government our generation so desperately needs. I have served on my local campaign forum, canvassed in local and European elections, and am currently chair of my Young Labour group on the Wirral. Even lockdown didn’t stop me organising for Young Labour, creating online events such as a quiz and monthly Q&A sessions with MPs from across the country. Young Labour must use more digital technology to engage young activists, particularly members under the age of 18 who are less able to travel to physical events.
When physical meetings return, every young member must feel safe, welcomed and included in all parts of the party. I’ve experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to have your voice heard in meetings. Young Labour must be taken more seriously, not least in terms of the party’s safeguarding duties. Complaints from young members must be dealt with swiftly, so we feel comfortable at every party event we attend. If elected, I will send a survey to all under 18s in the party to find out what issues they face in their local parties, so I could then fight for improvements that under 18s like me need to see.
Our opinions must matter, too – young people are fed up with platitudes. Yes, we are the future, but we’re also the present. We should be fully engaged in all aspects of policy formation, which is why I would work to establish a direct line between Young Labour and members of the shadow cabinet.
Lack of finance should also never be a barrier to involvement, but right now there is a disparity. Some Young Labour groups are well-funded by CLPs and affiliates, while others are held back. I would push the party to offer a small one-year start-up grant to help CLP Youth Officers establish local groups. Where groups already exist, I will support them in getting more funding from their CLP, MP, campaign forum or regional office. When I first joined the party, my Young Labour group was vital as a safe space where I felt supported. All young members should have this same support network around them in the form of thriving Young Labour groups.
While I enjoy being a Young Labour member, I often feel that more can be done to make the party more accessible for the next generation of activists. If elected, I will use this mixture of frustration and enthusiasm for our party to work with young and experienced members alike. With your help, I hope to make our party the natural place for all under 18s engaged in politics to find new friends, learn new things, and make their mark.
If you are under 18, please nominate me for Young Labour under 18s officer here. My membership number is L1747548. Ballots for this election will be emailed to all under 18 members next month, and I would really appreciate your support in the vote! If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, you can find me on Facebook, Twitter or email me.


labourlist--2020-09-13--Bridget Phillipson sets out Labour strategy for creating “social democracy of hope”

Labour frontbencher Bridget Phillipson has set out the party ’ s challenges and strategy on the path to creating a “ social democracy of hope ” in a conference organised by member organisation ‘ Labour to Win ’ .
Addressing the online event by the new grouping – a joint project of ‘ old right ’ Labour First and Blairite network Progress – the new Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury shared her views on the party ’ s recent failures and new aims .
Phillipson told the Zoom call : “ Our party can not ever just become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must be a party of working people in every corner of our country , and we must learn to win power again .
“ I ’ m proud that our membership today stands at well over half a million people .
But that still means that 99 people in every 100 of our country aren ’ t members , and I ’ m worried that we ’ ve got out of the habit of talking to them .
Arguing that “ making our own echo chamber larger is no substitute for knocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I know that the people who need to hear from Labour frontbenchers most aren ’ t you .
“ Nor are they the hundreds of thousands of people who follow Labour MPs on Twitter or like them on Facebook .
Nor are they GC [ general committee ] delegates at CLP [ Constituency Labour Party ] meetings.
” Phillipson described the voters that Labour must speak to as such : “ They don ’ t follow the news much , they don ’ t follow Labour politicians on Twitter and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the detail of policies that don ’ t affect them.
” The shadow cabinet member explained how Labour intends to approach appealing to such voters , saying : “ To go forwards , we don ’ t need to reenact the past .
But we do need to understand the priorities of the people who haven ’ t been giving us a hearing .
“ We need to listen , learn and use their language .
When people told us they thought we were going to spend money on things our country didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t just tell them that they were wrong .
“ When people complain about local services being terrible , and we nod and talk over them about the impact of austerity , we can not be surprised that they don ’ t think we see things as they do .
“ Our language and our framing must reflect the world as our electors see it , not as how we might discuss it at a GC .
When people told us they didn ’ t trust us with their security , telling them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us nowhere .
We have to ask why and we have to fix it.
” She said one of the principle challenges facing Labour was reaching those voters who do not watch Prime Minister ’ s Questions and “ ensuring that they see the contrast that we all see between Keir [ Starmer ] and [ Boris ] Johnson ” .
On Labour ’ s 2019 general election performance , Phillipson said : “ We didn ’ t just fail to win the election .
The issue we need to face up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we also failed to win the argument .
Making the same arguments again isn ’ t going to see us win next time.
” This was a reference to Jeremy Corbyn ’ s post-election Guardian article , which read : “ I am proud that on austerity , on corporate power , on inequality and on the climate emergency we have won the arguments and rewritten the terms of political debate .
But I regret that we did not succeed in converting that into a parliamentary majority for change.
” The opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to be alive to the concerns people have about tax and the economy… It ’ s no good having the correct view on everything if no-one trusts you to put it into practice .
“ That means we need to be disciplined about the spending promises we make now – both about the response to the pandemic and about the next Labour government .
The government spends huge amounts of money , but it doesn ’ t spend it all wisely and it doesn ’ t spend it all well.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different approach to the government ’ s “ irresponsible ” one , she said “ every pound spent should be spent to achieve most ” and made clear that the party would “ not prejudge now ” what its spending plans should be at the next general election .
Confirming that Labour will be “ careful ” about its commitments between now and 2024 , Phillipson said : “ We can not be thought of as a party whose reaction to every problem is that the answer is more spending .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s a habit we need to break.
” She set three challenges for all Labour supporters : • to spend more time “ reaching people who don ’ t already vote for us than discussing our politics with people who do ” • to draw a contrast with the Tories by using “ our framing and language of the voters ” • to change Labour ’ s culture and make it outward-facing The Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury stressed the importance of communicating how Labour would “ give people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own lives ” by using the “ language the Tories have captured over freedom and choice ” .
On ‘ culture wars ’ , she said : “ The Tories want us to be drawn into seeking to divide people , rather than bringing people together in common cause .
As a party , we ’ ll only win when we unite people right across our country with a sense of social justice , fairness and giving everybody opportunity to get on in life .
”

Labour frontbencher Bridget Phillipson has set out the party’s challenges and strategy on the path to creating a “social democracy of hope” in a conference organised by member organisation ‘Labour to Win’.
Addressing the online event by the new grouping – a joint project of ‘old right’ Labour First and Blairite network Progress – the new Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury shared her views on the party’s recent failures and new aims.
Phillipson told the Zoom call: “Our party cannot ever just become a parliamentary pressure group. We can and we must be a party of working people in every corner of our country, and we must learn to win power again.
“I’m proud that our membership today stands at well over half a million people. But that still means that 99 people in every 100 of our country aren’t members, and I’m worried that we’ve got out of the habit of talking to them.”
Arguing that “making our own echo chamber larger is no substitute for knocking its walls down”, she said: “I know that the people who need to hear from Labour frontbenchers most aren’t you.
“Nor are they the hundreds of thousands of people who follow Labour MPs on Twitter or like them on Facebook. Nor are they GC [general committee] delegates at CLP [Constituency Labour Party] meetings.”
Phillipson described the voters that Labour must speak to as such: “They don’t follow the news much, they don’t follow Labour politicians on Twitter and they don’t have time to follow the detail of policies that don’t affect them.”
The shadow cabinet member explained how Labour intends to approach appealing to such voters, saying: “To go forwards, we don’t need to reenact the past. But we do need to understand the priorities of the people who haven’t been giving us a hearing.
“We need to listen, learn and use their language. When people told us they thought we were going to spend money on things our country didn’t need, we can’t just tell them that they were wrong.
“When people complain about local services being terrible, and we nod and talk over them about the impact of austerity, we cannot be surprised that they don’t think we see things as they do.
“Our language and our framing must reflect the world as our electors see it, not as how we might discuss it at a GC. When people told us they didn’t trust us with their security, telling them that they’re wrong just gets us nowhere. We have to ask why and we have to fix it.”
She said one of the principle challenges facing Labour was reaching those voters who do not watch Prime Minister’s Questions and “ensuring that they see the contrast that we all see between Keir [Starmer] and [Boris] Johnson”.
On Labour’s 2019 general election performance, Phillipson said: “We didn’t just fail to win the election. The issue we need to face up to is that, whatever some people say, we also failed to win the argument. Making the same arguments again isn’t going to see us win next time.”
This was a reference to Jeremy Corbyn’s post-election Observer article, which read: “I am proud that on austerity, on corporate power, on inequality and on the climate emergency we have won the arguments and rewritten the terms of political debate. But I regret that we did not succeed in converting that into a parliamentary majority for change.”
The opposition frontbencher told Labour to Win: “We need to be alive to the concerns people have about tax and the economy… It’s no good having the correct view on everything if no-one trusts you to put it into practice.
“That means we need to be disciplined about the spending promises we make now – both about the response to the pandemic and about the next Labour government. The government spends huge amounts of money, but it doesn’t spend it all wisely and it doesn’t spend it all well.”
Setting out how Labour would take a different approach to the government’s “irresponsible” one, she said “every pound spent should be spent to achieve most” and made clear that the party would “not prejudge now” what its spending plans should be at the next general election.
Confirming that Labour will be “careful” about its commitments between now and 2024, Phillipson said: “We cannot be thought of as a party whose reaction to every problem is that the answer is more spending. It’s a habit we got into, and it’s a habit we need to break.”
She set three challenges for all Labour supporters:
to spend more time “reaching people who don’t already vote for us than discussing our politics with people who do”
to draw a contrast with the Tories by using “our framing and language of the voters”
to change Labour’s culture and make it outward-facing
The Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury stressed the importance of communicating how Labour would “give people more control and more freedom over their own lives” by using the “language the Tories have captured over freedom and choice”.
On ‘culture wars’, she said: “The Tories want us to be drawn into seeking to divide people, rather than bringing people together in common cause. As a party, we’ll only win when we unite people right across our country with a sense of social justice, fairness and giving everybody opportunity to get on in life.”


labourlist--2020-09-13--Fix internal market bill and “let’s get Brexit done”, says Starmer

Keir Starmer has told the Prime Minister to “ get Brexit done ” and said Labour would support the internal market bill if the government addresses “ substantial cross-party concerns ” .
In an article for The Telegraph , the Labour leader wrote : “ The Leave-Remain divide is over .
The country needs – and wants – to move on .
That is why it is in the best interests of the British people to negotiate a trade deal with Europe.
” Starmer told readers that the government must fix the concerns raised about the internal market bill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the talks collapse , then it is their failure and incompetence that will have let the British people down.
” He described the move by the government earlier this week to propose a bill that would break international law as “ wrong ” , and highlighted that “ many former leaders of the Conservative Party ” have said so .
Starmer stressed that “ public trust has been broken ” as a result of the proposal .
He also said Boris Johnson “ risks holding Global Britain back ” if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep our word ” .
On Brexit in the context of the pandemic , the Labour leader wrote : “ We should be getting on with defeating this virus , not banging on about Europe .
Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus .
That should be the government ’ s mantra .
“ Labour is prepared to play its part in making that happen .
If the government fixes the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised about the internal market bill , then we are prepared to back it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrangements across the UK after the transition period .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitted on Tuesday that it would break international law in relation to the Northern Ireland protocol .
Welsh Labour First Minister Mark Drakeford slammed the proposed bill last week as a “ smash and grab ” on devolution , arguing that it would take back powers that have been devolved to Wales , Northern Ireland and Scotland for 20 years .
Appearing on The Andrew Marr Show this morning , Labour ’ s Rachel Reeves urged the government : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal , and concentrate please on getting control of this virus.
” The Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster confirmed that Labour would vote against the internal market bill unless the controversial clauses that break internal law were taken out .
Reeves said UK Labour had “ concerns ” over the proposals to take devolved powers back to Westminster , but added : “ The crucial thing in this bill is the breaking of international law.
” Starmer ’ s emphasis on tackling Covid comes as leaked figures reveal that despite government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day , the actual number of people tested daily is equivalent to just 62,000 .
The data also shows that three-quarters of all tests miss government targets by taking longer than 24 hours from booking to result , and a quarter of test results take longer than 48 hours .

Keir Starmer has told the Prime Minister to “get Brexit done” and said Labour would support the internal market bill if the government addresses “substantial cross-party concerns”.
In an article for The Sunday Telegraph, the Labour leader wrote: “The Leave-Remain divide is over. The country needs – and wants – to move on. That is why it is in the best interests of the British people to negotiate a trade deal with Europe.”
Starmer told readers that the government must fix the concerns raised about the internal market bill, adding: “If they do not, and the talks collapse, then it is their failure and incompetence that will have let the British people down.”
He described the move by the government earlier this week to propose a bill that would break international law as “wrong”, and highlighted that “many former leaders of the Conservative Party” have said so.
Starmer stressed that “public trust has been broken” as a result of the proposal. He also said Boris Johnson “risks holding Global Britain back” if the UK “cannot be trusted to keep our word”.
On Brexit in the context of the pandemic, the Labour leader wrote: “We should be getting on with defeating this virus, not banging on about Europe. Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus. That should be the government’s mantra.
“Labour is prepared to play its part in making that happen. If the government fixes the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised about the internal market bill, then we are prepared to back it.”
The internal market bill sets out trading arrangements across the UK after the transition period. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitted on Tuesday that it would break international law in relation to the Northern Ireland protocol.
Welsh Labour First Minister Mark Drakeford slammed the proposed bill last week as a “smash and grab” on devolution, arguing that it would take back powers that have been devolved to Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland for 20 years.
Appearing on The Andrew Marr Show this morning, Labour’s Rachel Reeves urged the government: “Get Brexit done, get a deal, and concentrate please on getting control of this virus.”
The Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster confirmed that Labour would vote against the internal market bill unless the controversial clauses that break internal law were taken out.
Reeves said UK Labour had “concerns” over the proposals to take devolved powers back to Westminster, but added: “The crucial thing in this bill is the breaking of international law.”
Starmer’s emphasis on tackling Covid comes as leaked figures reveal that despite government claims of reaching capacity for 375,000 tests a day, the actual number of people tested daily is equivalent to just 62,000.
The data also shows that three-quarters of all tests miss government targets by taking longer than 24 hours from booking to result, and a quarter of test results take longer than 48 hours.


labourlist--2020-09-13--Sunday shows: Get Brexit done and get control of virus, Labour tells PM

Rachel Reeves , Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , set out Labour ’ s position on Brexit and the controversial internal market bill .
She concluded by telling the government : “ Get Brexit done , get a deal , and concentrate please on getting control of this virus.
” • Asked whether Labour will vote against the internal market bill unless the controversial clauses that break internal law are taken out , as suggested in Keir Starmer ’ s Telegraph article : “ That is indeed correct.
” • She added : “ Tomorrow the bill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and it looks like a large number of Conservative MPs – will not be able to support it .
Because I can not go through , Keir Starmer can not go through , the division lobbies knowing that we are deliberately and consciously breaking international law .
It ’ s the wrong thing to do for our moral standing in the world , but it ’ s also absolutely counter-productive in achieving what we want to achieve.
” • On tensions between UK and EU : “ I think there is posturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government seeking to renege on an international treaty , but also from the EU .
I would urge both sides to stop the posturing and get back to the negotiating table – and take this seriously.
” • On the bill taking devolved powers back to Westminster : “ We do have concerns about those things… Also the race to bottom on standards .
But the crucial thing in this bill is the breaking of international law.
” • Asked what there would be left for Labour to vote for if the devolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts were taken out of the bill : “ We want to have a thriving and functioning internal market .
There will be changes after we end the transition period , so legislation is needed .
But we ’ d like to see a greater level of collaboration and deliberation between the nations of the UK rather than a power grab by Westminster.
” • On Tory MP Bob Neill ’ s amendment , which would put parliament a veto on overriding the withdrawal agreement : “ We ’ d need to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The shadow cabinet will meet on Tuesday… We ’ ll be tabling amendments of our own.
” • On control of state aid rules : “ We do need to have control over state aid .
But… being in the EU isn ’ t what has stopped us from using state aid .
It is the British government ’ s intransigence and failure to support British industry that has stopped us spending more on state aid.
” • On Labour council leaders saying they don ’ t have the money to put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has got to provide support to enable these things to happen… The rules seem to chop and change all the time .
It doesn ’ t help when you ’ ve got the government who wants to disobey international law who then tell the citizens of this country that all got to obey the laws they set.
” • On the new rules coming in tomorrow : “ I think the simplicity of the rule of six is useful , but I think the government needs to keep under review whether children need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re saying get Brexit done , get a deal , and concentrate please on getting control of this virus.
” Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said he would resign if he sees “ the rule of law being broken in a way I find unacceptable ” , but added : “ We are not at that stage… I don ’ t believe we ’ re going to get to that stage.
” Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh discussed the government ’ s “ baffling ” approach to the Brexit negotiations .
She also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ inevitable when the government was encouraging people to go out ” .
• On rising Covid cases : “ That was relatively inevitable when the government was encouraging people to go out , back into restaurants and pubs , to eat out and to get back socialising.
” • She added : “ It beggars belief that when the government had asked people to get out of the house… they hadn ’ t put in place that testing capacity in order to underpin it and make it safe.
” • On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keeping the economy moving is not at odds with protecting people ’ s health , because we need the economy to be functioning to fund the health service.
” • Asked if Labour supports the latest Covid restrictions : “ We will support the government on restrictions… as long as they are based on evidence and sound medical advice.
” • Asked about the outstanding issues of fishing and state aid in the Brexit negotiations : “ These issues are not insignificant… but they ’ re certainly not insurmountable.
” • On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s baffling about the government ’ s approach is that there was every prospect that those issues were going to reach agreement on the joint committee this week.
” • On state aid and the Northern Ireland protocol : “ The protocol states that state aid will apply to Northern Ireland… That is what was already written down and ratified in an international treaty by Boris Johnson.
” • On Johnson ’ s approach : “ What his actions are now doing is undermining the protocol and unnecessarily pushing the conversation back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland .
That is seriously risky.
” • On Brexit and Covid : “ As we ’ re attempting to respond to Covid… what we need is a deal with the EU that protects our trading relationship , protects businesses , protects jobs and protects peace in Northern Ireland.
” • On breaking international law and relationships after Brexit : “ Why on earth would we be stepping into that next chapter of history as the UK , undermining our reputation as a country that… upholds the international rule of law ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitable , when the government were encouraging people to go out '' says Shadow NI Secretary @ LouHaigh .
She says it `` beggars belief '' the government did not have a testing regime amid the reopening of businesses.
# Ridge https : //t.co/HwxhaaWQWo pic.twitter.com/8iwn1JAAr3 TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady discussed childcare and employment , in particular for working mums .
She called for a “ right to flexible work ” and action on ensuring women get “ equal pay for work of equal value ” .
• On the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough for working parents , but especially working mums who are bearing the brunt of it and especially people with kids under ten.
” • On working women with children : “ Some of the choices that women are being forced to make include cutting their hours at work , or going in really early , or ending up doing effectively an evening shift to try and keep on top of their jobs.
” • On research showing that women are taking on the majority of childcaring responsibilities in the pandemic : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attitudes and behaviours setting women back decades.
” • On flexible working : “ The government needs to understand that we need working patterns that work for parents , and especially working mums… We ’ d like to see a right to flexible working ” .
• On support the sector in Covid : “ The childcare sector deserves a bailout because it is crucial for the economy .
It allows working parents to do their jobs.
” • On the gender pay gap : “ We ’ ve got to make progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to go before women get equal pay for work of equal value.
” • On pay disparity in crises like Covid : “ Women are always going to end up picking up the pieces when there ’ s a childcare problem because they ’ re not often , on average , earning as much as their partner .
”

The Andrew Marr Show
Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, set out Labour’s position on Brexit and the controversial internal market bill. She concluded by telling the government: “Get Brexit done, get a deal, and concentrate please on getting control of this virus.”
On Brexit…
Asked whether Labour will vote against the internal market bill unless the controversial clauses that break internal law are taken out, as suggested in Keir Starmer’s Telegraph article: “That is indeed correct.”
She added: “Tomorrow the bill, as it stands, the Labour Party – and it looks like a large number of Conservative MPs – will not be able to support it. Because I cannot go through, Keir Starmer cannot go through, the division lobbies knowing that we are deliberately and consciously breaking international law. It’s the wrong thing to do for our moral standing in the world, but it’s also absolutely counter-productive in achieving what we want to achieve.”
On tensions between UK and EU: “I think there is posturing on both sides. From the British government seeking to renege on an international treaty, but also from the EU. I would urge both sides to stop the posturing and get back to the negotiating table – and take this seriously.”
On the bill taking devolved powers back to Westminster: “We do have concerns about those things… Also the race to bottom on standards. But the crucial thing in this bill is the breaking of international law.”
Asked what there would be left for Labour to vote for if the devolved powers parts and the Northern Ireland Protocol parts were taken out of the bill: “We want to have a thriving and functioning internal market. There will be changes after we end the transition period, so legislation is needed. But we’d like to see a greater level of collaboration and deliberation between the nations of the UK rather than a power grab by Westminster.”
On Tory MP Bob Neill’s amendment, which would give parliament a veto on overriding the withdrawal agreement: “We’d need to look at the detail of that amendment. The shadow cabinet will meet on Tuesday… We’ll be tabling amendments of our own.”
On control of state aid rules: “We do need to have control over state aid. But… being in the EU isn’t what has stopped us from using state aid. It is the British government’s intransigence and failure to support British industry that has stopped us spending more on state aid.”
On Covid…
On Labour council leaders saying they don’t have the money to put in place Covid marshals: “The government has got to provide support to enable these things to happen… The rules seem to chop and change all the time. It doesn’t help when you’ve got the government who wants to disobey international law who then tell the citizens of this country that all got to obey the laws they set.”
On the new rules coming in tomorrow: “I think the simplicity of the rule of six is useful, but I think the government needs to keep under review whether children need to be included in that… We’re saying get Brexit done, get a deal, and concentrate please on getting control of this virus.”
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said he would resign if he sees “the rule of law being broken in a way I find unacceptable”, but added: “We are not at that stage… I don’t believe we’re going to get to that stage.”
"If I see the rule of law being broken in a way that I find unacceptable then of course I will go," says Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, about the government’s internal market bill which could breach international law#Marr https://t.co/Qoevttrfze pic.twitter.com/9vawyPqPmG — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 13, 2020
Ridge on Sunday
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh discussed the government’s “baffling” approach to the Brexit negotiations. She also declared that a rise in Covid cases was “inevitable when the government was encouraging people to go out”.
On rising Covid cases: “That was relatively inevitable when the government was encouraging people to go out, back into restaurants and pubs, to eat out and to get back socialising.”
She added: “It beggars belief that when the government had asked people to get out of the house… they hadn’t put in place that testing capacity in order to underpin it and make it safe.”
On getting people back to work: “Keeping the economy moving is not at odds with protecting people’s health, because we need the economy to be functioning to fund the health service.”
Asked if Labour supports the latest Covid restrictions: “We will support the government on restrictions… as long as they are based on evidence and sound medical advice.”
Asked about the outstanding issues of fishing and state aid in the Brexit negotiations: “These issues are not insignificant… but they’re certainly not insurmountable.”
On the government’s approach: “What’s baffling about the government’s approach is that there was every prospect that those issues were going to reach agreement on the joint committee this week.”
On state aid and the Northern Ireland protocol: “The protocol states that state aid will apply to Northern Ireland… That is what was already written down and ratified in an international treaty by Boris Johnson.”
On Johnson’s approach: “What his actions are now doing is undermining the protocol and unnecessarily pushing the conversation back to the border on the island of Ireland. That is seriously risky.”
On Brexit and Covid: “As we’re attempting to respond to Covid… what we need is a deal with the EU that protects our trading relationship, protects businesses, protects jobs and protects peace in Northern Ireland.”
On breaking international law and relationships after Brexit: “Why on earth would we be stepping into that next chapter of history as the UK, undermining our reputation as a country that… upholds the international rule of law?
The R rate going above one was "inevitable, when the government were encouraging people to go out" says Shadow NI Secretary @LouHaigh. She says it "beggars belief" the government did not have a testing regime amid the reopening of businesses.#Ridge https://t.co/HwxhaaWQWo pic.twitter.com/8iwn1JAAr3 — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) September 13, 2020
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady discussed childcare and employment, in particular for working mums. She called for a “right to flexible work” and action on ensuring women get “equal pay for work of equal value”.


labourlist--2020-09-13--Margaret Hodge: Starmer should call out PM for breaking international law

Margaret Hodge has declared that Labour must call out the government over its intention to break international law on Brexit and said she regrets that “ we haven ’ t heard the voice of the leadership more strongly in the debate ” .
The Barking MP and parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movement appeared at an online Zoom event held by Labour to Win this afternoon , alongside ruling body member Gurinder Singh Josan and councillor Marianna Masters .
Hodge highlighted that the Sunday papers this week have been dominated by criticism of Boris Johnson ’ s government by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Major , adding that Labour should be “ taking the front pages on that issue ” .
On how Labour can win at the next general election , Hodge said this afternoon : “ Leadership of course matters , and we do now have a leader who is credible and who looks as if he is a Prime Minister in waiting .
“ But we can ’ t win because the Tories lose .
We also have to be bold and clear in what we say .
And I regret the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignore international law , we haven ’ t heard the voice of the leadership more strongly in the debate.
” The government this week published proposed legislation for internal market arrangements after the Brexit transition period ends .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitted to MPs that the plans would break international law .
Asked during a Sky News interview about the controversial move from the government , the Labour leader emphasised the importance of the Tories delivering on the promise made during the general election to get a deal with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Starmer told the Prime Minister to “ get Brexit done ” and said Labour would support the internal market bill if the government addresses “ substantial cross-party concerns ” .
Hodge also discussed antisemitism in the Labour Party and the investigation by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission at today ’ s online conference , as well as the electoral strategy for the party .
She commended Starmer for apologising to the Panorama whistleblowers , sacking Rebecca Long-Bailey , talking to Jewish groups and promising to implement the recommendations of the EHRC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attendees at the event that the challenge for Labour is not “ regaining the moral high ground ” but to “ reconnect ” with voters who deserted the party at the general election last year .
She argued : “ Getting our own house in order by eradicating antisemitism is only the first step .
It allows us to enter the conversation of politics in a clean way again .
“ But the task of building the trust of the people whose confidence we need to secure their votes and win power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more challenging and much more uncertain.
” On voters who feel neglected by Labour , Hodge said “ our concerns don ’ t reflect their lives ” .
In comments likely to attract criticism , she added : “ We focus on issues like feminism , transsexuals , neo-capitalism , and that doesn ’ t touch the lives and the experience of ordinary people.
” The MP told viewers that she was optimistic about Labour ’ s chances for three reasons : a vacuum in the centre ground is a “ massive opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volatile ; and the party has a “ credible ” leader .
The online meeting was the second session of a three-part convention held by Labour to Win , the collaborative project launched by Corbynsceptic groups Progress and ‘ old-right ’ Labour First earlier this year .

Margaret Hodge has declared that Labour must call out the government over its intention to break international law on Brexit and said she regrets that “we haven’t heard the voice of the leadership more strongly in the debate”.
The Barking MP and parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movement appeared at an online Zoom event held by Labour to Win this afternoon, alongside ruling body member Gurinder Singh Josan and councillor Marianna Masters.
Hodge highlighted that the Sunday papers this week have been dominated by criticism of Boris Johnson’s government by former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major, adding that Labour should be “taking the front pages on that issue”.
On how Labour can win at the next general election, Hodge said this afternoon: “Leadership of course matters, and we do now have a leader who is credible and who looks as if he is a Prime Minister in waiting.
“But we can’t win because the Tories lose. We also have to be bold and clear in what we say. And I regret the fact that, particularly around this dastardly move to ignore international law, we haven’t heard the voice of the leadership more strongly in the debate.”
The government this week published proposed legislation for internal market arrangements after the Brexit transition period ends. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitted to MPs that the plans would break international law.
Asked during a Sky News interview about the controversial move from the government, the Labour leader emphasised the importance of the Tories delivering on the promise made during the general election to get a deal with the EU.
Writing for The Telegraph on Saturday, Starmer told the Prime Minister to “get Brexit done” and said Labour would support the internal market bill if the government addresses “substantial cross-party concerns”.
Hodge also discussed antisemitism in the Labour Party and the investigation by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission at today’s online conference, as well as the electoral strategy for the party.
She commended Starmer for apologising to the Panorama whistleblowers, sacking Rebecca Long-Bailey, talking to Jewish groups and promising to implement the recommendations of the EHRC report when published.
But Hodge stressed to attendees at the event that the challenge for Labour is not “regaining the moral high ground” but to “reconnect” with voters who deserted the party at the general election last year.
She argued: “Getting our own house in order by eradicating antisemitism is only the first step. It allows us to enter the conversation of politics in a clean way again.
“But the task of building the trust of the people whose confidence we need to secure their votes and win power will be much more difficult, much more challenging and much more uncertain.”
On voters who feel neglected by Labour, Hodge said “our concerns don’t reflect their lives”. In comments likely to attract criticism, she added: “We focus on issues like feminism, transsexuals, neo-capitalism, and that doesn’t touch the lives and the experience of ordinary people.”
The MP told viewers that she was optimistic about Labour’s chances for three reasons: a vacuum in the centre ground is a “massive opportunity”; voting patterns are now very volatile; and the party has a “credible” leader.
The online meeting was the second session of a three-part convention held by Labour to Win, the collaborative project launched by Corbynsceptic groups Progress and ‘old-right’ Labour First earlier this year.


labourlist--2020-09-14--Education unions reject “divisive and inadequate” government teaching pay rise

Four of the UK ’ s education trade unions have issued a joint statement criticising the government ’ s new pay proposals for teachers as “ divisive and inadequate ” after it was revealed that experienced staff would lose out .
Responding to the government ’ s new planned pay rise for teachers , the group of unions said giving lower pay rises to experienced teachers compared to new ones would “ not address the current problems ” but create fresh difficulties .
The National Education Union ( NEU ) , National Association of Head Teachers ( NAHT ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ASCL ) and Voice have highlighted that years of stagnant pay and inadequate funding has caused a shortage of teachers .
The government announced plans to give teachers a 3.1 % pay rise in July , but the policy favours new starters who receive a 5.5 % increase compared to 2.7 % for long-term staff , leading the unions to warn against losing experienced workers .
The statement reads : “ Teachers and school leaders agree that these proposals are divisive and inadequate .
Giving lower pay increases to experienced teachers than to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems but will instead create new ones .
“ The government must improve teacher pay levels and pay prospects , and drop damaging and unfair performance-related pay ( PRP ) if we are to tackle the serious and entrenched teacher recruitment and retention problems .
“ Since 2010 the value of teacher pay against inflation has been cut , PRP and funding cuts have restricted teacher pay progression , and the national teacher pay structure has been dismantled .
“ It is no surprise that after a decade of attacks on teacher pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teachers and school leaders we need.
” Schools have suffered from a lack of staff for several years , with one 2018 report suggesting the government had missed teacher recruitment targets for five years running .
The failure has caused the average pupil-to-teacher ratio to rise from 15.5 in 2010 to 18 in 2018 .
The union heads added : “ Even the higher increases for early career teachers are not enough to make a significant restoration in the value of teacher pay that is the essential first step to repairing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government needs to show it values teachers and school leaders by urgently restoring the value of their pay .
That means a significantly higher pay increase applied equally to all teachers and school leaders.
” The government chose to increase teacher ’ s wages in response to a report from the Schools Teacher ’ s Review Body ( STRB ) , an education advisory body , that suggested a pay rise was needed to stop a “ severe and persistent ” lack of staff .

Four of the UK’s education trade unions have issued a joint statement criticising the government’s new pay proposals for teachers as “divisive and inadequate” after it was revealed that experienced staff would lose out.
Responding to the government’s new planned pay rise for teachers, the group of unions said giving lower pay rises to experienced teachers compared to new ones would “not address the current problems” but create fresh difficulties.
The National Education Union (NEU), National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), Association of School and College Lecturers (ASCL) and Voice have highlighted that years of stagnant pay and inadequate funding has caused a shortage of teachers.
The government announced plans to give teachers a 3.1% pay rise in July, but the policy favours new starters who receive a 5.5% increase compared to 2.7% for long-term staff, leading the unions to warn against losing experienced workers.
The statement reads: “Teachers and school leaders agree that these proposals are divisive and inadequate. Giving lower pay increases to experienced teachers than to new teachers will not address the current problems but will instead create new ones.
“The government must improve teacher pay levels and pay prospects, and drop damaging and unfair performance-related pay (PRP) if we are to tackle the serious and entrenched teacher recruitment and retention problems.
“Since 2010 the value of teacher pay against inflation has been cut, PRP and funding cuts have restricted teacher pay progression, and the national teacher pay structure has been dismantled.
“It is no surprise that after a decade of attacks on teacher pay, we struggle to recruit and keep the teachers and school leaders we need.”
Schools have suffered from a lack of staff for several years, with one 2018 report suggesting the government had missed teacher recruitment targets for five years running. The failure has caused the average pupil-to-teacher ratio to rise from 15.5 in 2010 to 18 in 2018.
The union heads added: “Even the higher increases for early career teachers are not enough to make a significant restoration in the value of teacher pay that is the essential first step to repairing the damage caused by pay cuts.
“The government needs to show it values teachers and school leaders by urgently restoring the value of their pay. That means a significantly higher pay increase applied equally to all teachers and school leaders.”
The government chose to increase teacher’s wages in response to a report from the Schools Teacher’s Review Body (STRB), an education advisory body, that suggested a pay rise was needed to stop a “severe and persistent” lack of staff.


labourlist--2020-09-14--Starmer self-isolates after household member shows possible Covid symptoms

Keir Starmer is set to enter coronavirus self-isolation and start working from home after being told that a member of his household has showed possible symptoms of Covid-19 .
A spokesperson for the Labour leader said : “ This morning Keir Starmer was advised to self isolate after a member of his household showed possible symptoms of the coronavirus .
“ The member of his household has now had a test .
In line with NHS guidelines , Keir will self-isolate while awaiting the results of the test and further advice from medical professionals.
” It is understood that Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus himself and will now be working from home .
He was alerted to the need to self-isolate shortly after LBC ’ s latest Call Keir session this morning .
LabourList understands that the Labour leader will not contribute to the House of Commons debate on the controversial internal market bill today but will still address the TUC Congress 2020 tomorrow from home .
Starmer ’ s wife is an NHS key worker and their children have attended school throughout the pandemic .
The family were able to secure a Covid test quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Everyone is advised by the NHS guidance to get a coronavirus test if they develop a high temperature , a new , continuous cough , or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste .

Keir Starmer is set to enter coronavirus self-isolation and start working from home after being told that a member of his household has showed possible symptoms of Covid-19.
A spokesperson for the Labour leader said: “This morning Keir Starmer was advised to self isolate after a member of his household showed possible symptoms of the coronavirus.
“The member of his household has now had a test. In line with NHS guidelines, Keir will self-isolate while awaiting the results of the test and further advice from medical professionals.”
It is understood that Starmer has not shown any symptoms of the virus himself and will now be working from home. He was alerted to the need to self-isolate shortly after LBC’s latest Call Keir session this morning.
LabourList understands that the Labour leader will not contribute to the House of Commons debate on the controversial internal market bill today but will still address the TUC Congress 2020 tomorrow from home.
Starmer’s wife is an NHS key worker and their children have attended school throughout the pandemic. The family were able to secure a Covid test quickly because she works at an NHS hospital.
Everyone is advised by the NHS guidance to get a coronavirus test if they develop a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.


labourlist--2020-09-14--“Stand by working families – don’t walk away,” TUC’s O’Grady tells Rishi Sunak

General secretary Frances O ’ Grady has issued a personal challenge to Rishi Sunak at the opening of the TUC Congress 2020 this morning by telling the Conservative Chancellor to “ stand by working families – don ’ t walk away ” .
Addressing the trade union federation ’ s 152nd Congress in London , O ’ Grady warned ministers of mass unemployment amid the coronavirus pandemic and said the UK faces a “ tsunami of job losses ” as the furlough scheme ends .
She said : “ Unions pushed for the jobs retention scheme .
Millions of livelihoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-employed .
From this Thursday , it will be just 45 days before the JRS ends .
“ That ’ s the notice period that companies have to give if they intend to make mass redundancies .
If the government doesn ’ t act , we face a tsunami of job losses .
So my message to the Chancellor is this : “ We worked together once before .
We are ready to work with you again – if you are serious about stopping the catastrophe of mass unemployment .
Rishi Sunak : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t walk away.
” The coronavirus job retention scheme is set to end next month , despite the Tory-dominated Treasury select committee , think tanks , opposition parties and industry leaders warning that many businesses will still be struggling .
The TUC has revealed its own blueprint for saving jobs and retraining workers affected by coronavirus , whereby the government would offer subsidies of up to 70 % to participating companies ’ pay and overhead costs .
Under the plan , if employees were brought back from furlough for less than 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would fund retraining so that workers could transition into industries less affected by the pandemic .
The ‘ job protection and upskilling deal ’ put forward by the trade union body would provide more “ targeted ” support than the furlough scheme by adding conditions to the financial assistance offered by the government .
O ’ Grady told TUC Congress today : “ When the crisis began , the Chancellor said he would do ‘ whatever it takes ’ .
He must keep that promise .
Some will ask can the country afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – we can ’ t afford not to.
” Amid fears that the national minimum wage will not be increased next year due to the damage done by coronavirus , the general secretary stressed the importance of this rise taking place , telling ministers : “ don ’ t punch down ” .
10 Downing Street last week said the government still intended to introduce the wage boost , but added that it had been originally planned “ provided that economic conditions allow ” – and the UK ’ s economy is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also touched on the Black Lives Matter movement in her speech , saying : “ When Black workers rise , we all rise .
We don ’ t need another review to know what needs to change .
The government needs to act now.
” The union leader advised the Tory government to introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting , address any pay gaps revealed and ban zero-hour contracts , which disproportionately affect Black workers in the UK .
She concluded : “ To all key workers : thank you for your sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must make a promise to you and to all working people : there must be no return to business as usual.
” The TUC is today launching its campaign for key workers to receive decent pay , as well as fair terms and conditions in their contracts , to give “ dignity at work ” to those who risked their lives during the coronavirus crisis .
Below is the full text of Frances O ’ Grady ’ s speech at TUC Congress 2020 .
Thanks to our President for his kindness , humour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remind us , yet again , that we ’ re on mute .
Thanks to the General Council for their wisdom and camaraderie .
And thanks to all our brilliant workplace reps and organisers .
Trade union membership grew again this year – that ’ s three years in a row .
More women and men .
Standing together for a fair deal for working people .
Sometimes this movement falls short of its ideals .
There are battles that I thought my generation had won ; and wouldn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment .
But let there be no doubt .
This is a # MeToo moment for our unions Women demand dignity and justice .
And our movement must pass the test .
Because true trade unionism is about common purpose between all working people , here in Britain , and around the world .
Treating each other with respect .
Looking after each other .
Winning better working lives .
And , if there is one lesson we have learned from this terrible pandemic : It ’ s that there is such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopped for our neighbours .
Kept each other safe .
Saved jobs and livelihoods .
It takes a whole community to beat a pandemic .
It can ’ t just be done from Westminster corridors or company boardrooms .
We all have to play our part .
Yet some in the Establishment behave as if there ’ s one rule for them , and another for everybody else .
And , too often , ministers struggle to imagine lives that are unlike their own .
Like when the Prime Minister ordered a return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for public transport .
And precious little thought about working mums and dads , and childcare .
Instead , a useless App .
A mutant algorithm .
And a half-baked test and trace system .
Less ‘ moonshot ’ , more moonshine .
This crisis couldn ’ t make plainer how much we need diversity in decision making .
Practical life experience , competence and challenge .
And that ’ s why I argue for trade unions to have a seat at the table .
Unions have always stepped up in national emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first called for a national recovery council in March .
To plan for the good green jobs we need with unions and business , on equal terms .
Maybe if government had listened then .
We ’ d be in a better place now .
It ’ s no coincidence that the Scheme that paid the wages of over nine million workers was the one that unions had pushed for : The job retention scheme .
Not perfect , but millions of livelihoods were saved – employees and the self-employed .
From Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 days before the job retention scheme ends .
That ’ s the 45 day notice period that companies have to give , If they intend to make mass redundancies .
And if government doesn ’ t act , we face a tsunami of job losses .
This isn ’ t about obsolete jobs or zombie firms .
These jobs are on the line for one reason only .
The global pandemic .
And they do have a future .
Once this pandemic is under control : people will still want to fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shows ; and , if we are to earn our way in the world , Britain will still need steel and manufacturing .
The pandemic isn ’ t scheduled to end in October .
So neither should state support for jobs .
So much better to keep people working .
Paying their taxes .
Spending their wages .
Helping to rebuild the economy .
Perhaps this government needs reminding about what mass unemployment does to a country .
The despair of a young generation ’ s dreams crushed .
Or joining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid that you ’ ll never work again .
And what happens to local pride and identity , when , overnight , a town ’ s biggest employer goes bust .
I lived through the mass unemployment of the ‘ 80s .
( I was a fan of the Coventry band , the Specials ) So , yes , let ’ s talk about ghost towns .
And let me tell you .
Flexible working won ’ t destroy our town centres .
But you can bet your life that widespread poverty will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work could rise to two and a half , three or even four million .
The price of unemployment is always too high .
And it ’ s always paid by ordinary working families .
That ’ s why this movement will always stand for the right of everyone to a decent job .
Full employment .
The chance to work and get on in life ; for everyone .
Here ’ s what the TUC proposes : In return for state support , firms must come up with credible plans to rebuild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection and skills deal .
A three-way bargain : The employer brings people back , at least on short hours .
During downtime , workers retrain and up-skill .
And the state subsidises wages , on condition that employers pay at least 80 % of the normal rate .
But there ’ ll be no blank cheque for business .
No handouts for boardroom bonanzas .
Shareholders must tighten their belts .
And to qualify , every company must pay their fair share of taxes – here , in the UK .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would do ‘ whatever it takes ’ .
He must keep that promise .
Some will ask can the country afford to do it ?
The answer is – we can ’ t afford not to .
The Chancellor must learn the lessons of the job retention scheme .
And keep on supporting jobs .
So my message to the Chancellor is this : We worked together once before .
We are ready to work with you again .
If you are serious about stopping the catastrophe of mass unemployment , Rishi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t walk away .
Whatever happens , we won ’ t give up .
Unions will fight for every job .
Even more so with the clock ticking down on Brexit .
The government must buckle down .
Stop the bluster .
We need a good deal .
Putting more jobs at risk , as unemployment rises , is plain irresponsible .
And we know who gets targeted first for lay-offs .
Young people on insecure contracts ; disabled people and those shielding ; pregnant workers ; and Black workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the pandemic , working on the frontline .
But , too often , when it came to proper PPE , stuck at the back of the queue .
This summer has seen a reckoning .
Long overdue .
For the injustice that Black people face .
In the UK , as in the US ; And around the world .
Trade unions must play our part .
With open minds and open hearts .
This movement is drawn from the society we live in .
Our history – like this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s right to acknowledge it .
But we also have a proud history of fighting racism .
And we know that when Black workers rise , we all rise .
We don ’ t need another review to know what needs to change .
The government must act now .
They could start by making employers publish their race pay gaps – and then fix them .
And ban zero hours contracts , that keep too many Black workers poor .
Coronavirus is no leveller .
On the contrary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain .
The new working class .
Heading out to hard work , for low wages .
If you get ill , statutory sick pay is just £96 a week .
Matt Hancock even admitted – he couldn ’ t live on that .
So how can he expect workers to stay home and self-isolate if it means they can ’ t afford to feed their family .
And too many workplaces still aren ’ t safe .
When we asked low-paid workers what the boss has done to reduce risk : one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That tells us a lot about the pursuit of profit over safety .
So , thank you Prime Minister , but we don ’ t need a pep talk about returning to work .
From the start , whether on the shop floor or from the kitchen table , millions have worked hard through this crisis .
Instead , we need this government to get tough on workplace safety .
And deliver decent sick pay .
Hard work should pay for everyone , no matter who you are or what kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of those who kept this country going through the crisis don ’ t get the respect they deserve .
They do valuable work .
Skilled work .
But they are short changed .
So I have a message for this government .
And the red wall Tories .
About the minimum wage .
That ’ s the wage of two million key workers .
It must rise as planned .
Don ’ t punch down on the working poor Key workers have shown courage .
Dedication .
That ’ s real civic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for government and employers to repay that debt : Fix their contracts .
Raise their pay .
Give people dignity at work .
Congress , I will end with this : On behalf of our trade union movement , I say to all key workers : Staff in shops , energy , utilities , Fire fighters and prison staff , Bus drivers and railway workers , Delivery drivers and posties , Refuse collectors and civil servants , Teachers and support staff , Our wonderful members in the NHS and social care : Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
This country must make a promise , to you and to all working people : There must be no return to business as usual .
We demand a new deal for working people .
And we will not rest until we win .
Thank you Congress .

General secretary Frances O’Grady has issued a personal challenge to Rishi Sunak at the opening of the TUC Congress 2020 this morning by telling the Conservative Chancellor to “stand by working families – don’t walk away”.
Addressing the trade union federation’s 152nd Congress in London, O’Grady warned ministers of mass unemployment amid the coronavirus pandemic and said the UK faces a “tsunami of job losses” as the furlough scheme ends.
She said: “Unions pushed for the jobs retention scheme. Millions of livelihoods were saved – both employees and the self-employed. From this Thursday, it will be just 45 days before the JRS ends.
“That’s the notice period that companies have to give if they intend to make mass redundancies. If the government doesn’t act, we face a tsunami of job losses. So my message to the Chancellor is this:
“We worked together once before. We are ready to work with you again – if you are serious about stopping the catastrophe of mass unemployment. Rishi Sunak: stand by working families – don’t walk away.”
The coronavirus job retention scheme is set to end next month, despite the Tory-dominated Treasury select committee, think tanks, opposition parties and industry leaders warning that many businesses will still be struggling.
The TUC has revealed its own blueprint for saving jobs and retraining workers affected by coronavirus, whereby the government would offer subsidies of up to 70% to participating companies’ pay and overhead costs.
Under the plan, if employees were brought back from furlough for less than 50% of their normal hours, the government would fund retraining so that workers could transition into industries less affected by the pandemic.
The ‘job protection and upskilling deal’ put forward by the trade union body would provide more “targeted” support than the furlough scheme by adding conditions to the financial assistance offered by the government.
O’Grady told TUC Congress today: “When the crisis began, the Chancellor said he would do ‘whatever it takes’. He must keep that promise. Some will ask can the country afford to do it? The answer is – we can’t afford not to.”
Amid fears that the national minimum wage will not be increased next year due to the damage done by coronavirus, the general secretary stressed the importance of this rise taking place, telling ministers: “don’t punch down”.
10 Downing Street last week said the government still intended to introduce the wage boost, but added that it had been originally planned “provided that economic conditions allow” – and the UK’s economy is being hard-hit by Covid-19.
O’Grady also touched on the Black Lives Matter movement in her speech, saying: “When Black workers rise, we all rise. We don’t need another review to know what needs to change. The government needs to act now.”
The union leader advised the Tory government to introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting, address any pay gaps revealed and ban zero-hour contracts, which disproportionately affect Black workers in the UK.
She concluded: “To all key workers: thank you for your sacrifice and for your service. This country must make a promise to you and to all working people: there must be no return to business as usual.”
The TUC is today launching its campaign for key workers to receive decent pay, as well as fair terms and conditions in their contracts, to give “dignity at work” to those who risked their lives during the coronavirus crisis.
Below is the full text of Frances O’Grady’s speech at TUC Congress 2020.
Thanks to our President for his kindness, humour and patience: especially when he has to remind us, yet again, that we’re on mute. Thanks to the General Council for their wisdom and camaraderie. And thanks to all our brilliant workplace reps and organisers.
Trade union membership grew again this year – that’s three years in a row. More women and men.
Standing together for a fair deal for working people.
Sometimes this movement falls short of its ideals. There are battles that I thought my generation had won; and wouldn’t have to keep fighting. Including on sexual harassment. But let there be no doubt. This is a #MeToo moment for our unions Women demand dignity and justice. And our movement must pass the test.
Because true trade unionism is about common purpose between all working people, here in Britain, and around the world. Treating each other with respect. Looking after each other. Winning better working lives.
And, if there is one lesson we have learned from this terrible pandemic: It’s that there is such a thing as society. We’ve shopped for our neighbours. Kept each other safe. Saved jobs and livelihoods.
It takes a whole community to beat a pandemic. It can’t just be done from Westminster corridors or company boardrooms. We all have to play our part.
Yet some in the Establishment behave as if there’s one rule for them, and another for everybody else. And, too often, ministers struggle to imagine lives that are unlike their own.
Like when the Prime Minister ordered a return to work, without a proper plan for public transport. And precious little thought about working mums and dads, and childcare. Instead, a useless App. A mutant algorithm. And a half-baked test and trace system. Less ‘moonshot’, more moonshine.
This crisis couldn’t make plainer how much we need diversity in decision making. Practical life experience, competence and challenge. And that’s why I argue for trade unions to have a seat at the table.
Unions have always stepped up in national emergencies. And we always will. We first called for a national recovery council in March. To plan for the good green jobs we need with unions and business, on equal terms. Maybe if government had listened then. We’d be in a better place now.
It’s no coincidence that the Scheme that paid the wages of over nine million workers was the one that unions had pushed for: The job retention scheme. Not perfect, but millions of livelihoods were saved – employees and the self-employed.
From Thursday this week, it will be just 45 days before the job retention scheme ends. That’s the 45 day notice period that companies have to give, If they intend to make mass redundancies. And if government doesn’t act, we face a tsunami of job losses.
This isn’t about obsolete jobs or zombie firms. These jobs are on the line for one reason only. The global pandemic. And they do have a future.
Once this pandemic is under control: people will still want to fly on holiday; and go to gigs and shows; and, if we are to earn our way in the world, Britain will still need steel and manufacturing.
The pandemic isn’t scheduled to end in October. So neither should state support for jobs. So much better to keep people working. Paying their taxes. Spending their wages. Helping to rebuild the economy.
Perhaps this government needs reminding about what mass unemployment does to a country. The despair of a young generation’s dreams crushed. Or joining the dole queue in your ‘fifties, afraid that you’ll never work again. And what happens to local pride and identity, when, overnight, a town’s biggest employer goes bust.
I lived through the mass unemployment of the ‘80s. (I was a fan of the Coventry band, the Specials) So, yes, let’s talk about ghost towns. And let me tell you. Flexible working won’t destroy our town centres. But you can bet your life that widespread poverty will.
Some say the numbers out of work could rise to two and a half, three or even four million. The price of unemployment is always too high. And it’s always paid by ordinary working families.
That’s why this movement will always stand for the right of everyone to a decent job. Full employment. The chance to work and get on in life; for everyone.
Here’s what the TUC proposes: In return for state support, firms must come up with credible plans to rebuild hours and productivity.
A new job protection and skills deal. A three-way bargain: The employer brings people back, at least on short hours. During downtime, workers retrain and up-skill. And the state subsidises wages, on condition that employers pay at least 80% of the normal rate.
But there’ll be no blank cheque for business. No handouts for boardroom bonanzas. Shareholders must tighten their belts. And to qualify, every company must pay their fair share of taxes – here, in the UK.
When the crisis began, the Chancellor said he would do ‘whatever it takes’. He must keep that promise. Some will ask can the country afford to do it? The answer is – we can’t afford not to.
The Chancellor must learn the lessons of the job retention scheme. And keep on supporting jobs. So my message to the Chancellor is this: We worked together once before. We are ready to work with you again. If you are serious about stopping the catastrophe of mass unemployment, Rishi Sunak: stand by working families – don’t walk away.
Whatever happens, we won’t give up. Unions will fight for every job. Even more so with the clock ticking down on Brexit. The government must buckle down. Stop the bluster. We need a good deal.
Putting more jobs at risk, as unemployment rises, is plain irresponsible. And we know who gets targeted first for lay-offs. Young people on insecure contracts; disabled people and those shielding; pregnant workers; and Black workers.
Much more likely to be at risk, in the pandemic, working on the frontline. But, too often, when it came to proper PPE, stuck at the back of the queue.
This summer has seen a reckoning. Long overdue. For the injustice that Black people face. In the UK, as in the US; And around the world.
Trade unions must play our part. With open minds and open hearts. This movement is drawn from the society we live in. Our history – like this country’s – is scarred with racism. It’s right to acknowledge it. But we also have a proud history of fighting racism. And we know that when Black workers rise, we all rise.
We don’t need another review to know what needs to change. The government must act now. They could start by making employers publish their race pay gaps – and then fix them. And ban zero hours contracts, that keep too many Black workers poor.
Coronavirus is no leveller. On the contrary. It has exposed huge inequality in modern Britain.
The new working class. Heading out to hard work, for low wages. If you get ill, statutory sick pay is just £96 a week. Matt Hancock even admitted – he couldn’t live on that. So how can he expect workers to stay home and self-isolate if it means they can’t afford to feed their family.
And too many workplaces still aren’t safe. When we asked low-paid workers what the boss has done to reduce risk: one in four said – nothing. Zero. That tells us a lot about the pursuit of profit over safety.
So, thank you Prime Minister, but we don’t need a pep talk about returning to work. From the start, whether on the shop floor or from the kitchen table, millions have worked hard through this crisis. Instead, we need this government to get tough on workplace safety. And deliver decent sick pay.
Hard work should pay for everyone, no matter who you are or what kind of job you do. Yet, too many of those who kept this country going through the crisis don’t get the respect they deserve. They do valuable work. Skilled work. But they are short changed.
So I have a message for this government. And the red wall Tories. About the minimum wage. That’s the wage of two million key workers. It must rise as planned. Don’t punch down on the working poor
Key workers have shown courage. Dedication. That’s real civic duty. Now it’s time for government and employers to repay that debt: Fix their contracts. Raise their pay. Give people dignity at work.
Congress, I will end with this: On behalf of our trade union movement, I say to all key workers: Staff in shops, energy, utilities, Fire fighters and prison staff, Bus drivers and railway workers, Delivery drivers and posties, Refuse collectors and civil servants, Teachers and support staff, Our wonderful members in the NHS and social care: Thank you for your sacrifice and for your service.
This country must make a promise, to you and to all working people: There must be no return to business as usual. We demand a new deal for working people. And we will not rest until we win. Thank you Congress.


labourlist--2020-09-14--Opposition to law-breaking internal market bill grows among Tory MPs

Over the weekend , outrage grew in response to the government ’ s internal market bill that proposes breaking international law .
All five living former Prime Ministers have now expressed concern , to varying degrees , about Boris Johnson ’ s plan , with Tony Blair and John Major teaming up to describe the UK ’ s negotiating style as “ irresponsible , wrong in principle and dangerous in practice ” .
More importantly , current Tory MPs have become increasingly vocal about their opposition to the bill .
Geoffrey Cox , Attorney General at the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ’ s reputation and announced that he will be abstaining from the vote .
ConservativeHome has advised all Conservative MPs to vote against the bill .
On his media round this morning , Ed Miliband said : “ We ’ ve got to stand up for the rule of law.
” Yet Labour ’ s messaging has otherwise continued to focus not on the law-breaking aspect of the bill , but instead on the need to be sensible , secure a Brexit deal and move on – particularly amid a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal criticism , for example from Margaret Hodge . )
To get this across in the strongest way possible , Keir Starmer has simply nicked the Tories ’ 2019 “ get Brexit done ” slogan and sought to use it against Johnson .
He has suggested that Labour could back the bill – though only if “ substantial cross-party concerns ” are addressed .
The Labour leader ’ s framing obscures the fact that , as Andrew Marr pointed out , there wouldn ’ t be much of a bill to vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland Protocol parts were taken out .
The “ get Brexit done ” stuff might annoy some Remainers , but ultimately the party will vote against the internal market bill at its second reading in the House of Commons today .
It is set to pass this stage .
Labour is not yet saying whether it will support amendments such as that tabled by Bob Neill , which would give parliament a veto on overriding the withdrawal agreement .
There are concerns that it is not robust enough , and the opposition will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land , in terms of Tory rebels , by the time MPs are faced with it next week .
The other big news item of the day is that the ‘ rule of six ’ has been implemented .
The details of these fresh restrictions were published late last night – less than half an hour before they came into force .
It is no surprise that they can ’ t get a huge and complex test and trace system to work .
Home Office minister Kit Malthouse has advised people to contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking the new rules , so clearly we should all have been reading up on the complicated and often vague exceptions at midnight .
Or this thread by barrister Adam Wagner gives a useful overview .
TUC Congress 2020 begins today .
Addressing the conference , general secretary Frances O ’ Grady will warn that “ we face a tsunami of job losses ” without further government intervention and will challenge the Chancellor personally to “ stand by working families – don ’ t walk away ” .
Her keynote speech will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer will speak at the same time tomorrow .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Over the weekend, outrage grew in response to the government’s internal market bill that proposes breaking international law. All five living former Prime Ministers have now expressed concern, to varying degrees, about Boris Johnson’s plan, with Tony Blair and John Major teaming up to describe the UK’s negotiating style as “irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice”. More importantly, current Tory MPs have become increasingly vocal about their opposition to the bill. Geoffrey Cox, Attorney General at the start of the year, has accused Johnson of damaging the UK’s reputation and announced that he will be abstaining from the vote. ConservativeHome has advised all Conservative MPs to vote against the bill.
On his media round this morning, Ed Miliband said: “We’ve got to stand up for the rule of law.” Yet Labour’s messaging has otherwise continued to focus not on the law-breaking aspect of the bill, but instead on the need to be sensible, secure a Brexit deal and move on – particularly amid a pandemic. (An approach that has attracted internal criticism, for example from Margaret Hodge.) To get this across in the strongest way possible, Keir Starmer has simply nicked the Tories’ 2019 “get Brexit done” slogan and sought to use it against Johnson. He has suggested that Labour could back the bill – though only if “substantial cross-party concerns” are addressed.
The Labour leader’s framing obscures the fact that, as Andrew Marr pointed out, there wouldn’t be much of a bill to vote for if the devolved powers parts and Northern Ireland Protocol parts were taken out. The “get Brexit done” stuff might annoy some Remainers, but ultimately the party will vote against the internal market bill at its second reading in the House of Commons today. It is set to pass this stage. Labour is not yet saying whether it will support amendments such as that tabled by Bob Neill, which would give parliament a veto on overriding the withdrawal agreement. There are concerns that it is not robust enough, and the opposition will want to see the lay of the land, in terms of Tory rebels, by the time MPs are faced with it next week.
The other big news item of the day is that the ‘rule of six’ has been implemented. The details of these fresh restrictions were published late last night – less than half an hour before they came into force. It is no surprise that they can’t get a huge and complex test and trace system to work. Home Office minister Kit Malthouse has advised people to contact the police if they think neighbours are breaking the new rules, so clearly we should all have been reading up on the complicated and often vague exceptions at midnight. Or this thread by barrister Adam Wagner gives a useful overview.
TUC Congress 2020 begins today. Addressing the conference, general secretary Frances O’Grady will warn that “we face a tsunami of job losses” without further government intervention and will challenge the Chancellor personally to “stand by working families – don’t walk away”. Her keynote speech will be delivered at 11am this morning, and Starmer will speak at the same time tomorrow. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.